The Socialite | Feature Film
Role: Executive Producer, Co-Writer, Co-Editor
Sector: Film & Entertainment
Year: 2017
Streaming: Amazon Prime | Apple TV
Tagline
Sometimes losing it all means finding everything.
Short Logline
A spoiled Brazilian socialite must rebuild her life in America with no money, no contacts, no place to live—and no greencard.
Plot Summary
After her father, a Brazilian senator, is arrested for campaign finance fraud, Luiza—a pampered socialite—finds herself stranded in Manhattan. With her credit cards frozen and no family support, she is forced to relocate to the suburbs and start life over. From luxury hotels to dishwashing jobs, her journey takes unexpected turns as she adapts to a new reality and discovers resilience, community, and independence along the way.
Project Overview
The Socialite is an independent feature film I co-wrote, produced, and co-edited under the SAG-AFTRA Ultra Low Budget Agreement. Developed and shot within one year, the film follows a Brazilian socialite’s sudden fall from privilege after her father is arrested in a political scandal.
Filmed across New York City and Greenwich, CT, the story captures the unraveling of a curated life — with production supported by a skeleton crew and a cast of over 100 people, including background actors and featured extras.
Production Challenge
We operated with a skeleton crew while managing a large cast, including SAG-AFTRA actors and dozens of background performers. Midway through production, the restaurant where my character worked—a key shooting location—was unexpectedly sold. This forced a major restructuring of the script and significant cuts to the original storyline. On top of that, I had to navigate permits, insurance, and union compliance across both Connecticut and New York, which added major logistical complexity to the shoot.
Producer’s Scope
I co-wrote the script over six months and co-edited every scene alongside the lead editor. With no traditional production infrastructure, our team relied on resourceful, cross-functional work. I also handled casting, wardrobe, location scouting, and distribution strategy—balancing both performance and production responsibilities throughout.
Results
I completed, edited, and distributed the film within one year, premiering in the U.S. It is currently available on streaming platforms including Amazon Prime and Apple TV. Despite production setbacks, we delivered a polished, character-driven romantic comedy with multilingual appeal.
On Set: The Socialite
Featured Cast
I starred as Luiza da Silva in The Socialite, leading a diverse ensemble of U.S.-based talent across television, film, and stage. Key cast members included Sal Rendino, Rick Irwin, Valeria Avina, Rafael Beato, Zak Steiner, Kylie Delre, Wyntergrace Williams, and Marilyn Mark, with notable appearances by Dani Marco, Jean-François Poirier, and Carolyn Ordoñez.
The cast brought a dynamic mix of comedy and drama to the story, with performances spanning multiple languages and cultural backgrounds to reflect the cross-cultural narrative at the heart of the film.
Crew
Directed by Nick Brokaw · Written by Timothy Craig · Story by Gabriela Dias · Cinematography by Shawn Schaffer · Casting by Pamela Shae · Script Supervisor: Diana Shoykhet · Editor: Peter Zielyk · Colorist: Don Wyllie · Gaffer: Christopher C. Bauer · First Assistant Camera: Mika Larry Draw · Grip: Noel Ramos · Best Boy Electric: Charlie McGlinsky · Makeup: Nichole Hernandez · Sound Editor & Mixer: Eric Carbonara · Re-recording Mixer & Sound Editor: Zach McNess · Music Supervisors: Peter Zielyk & Gabriela Dias
Locations & Supporters
Filmed on location in Greenwich and New York City with support from The Old Greenwich Social Club, The Upper Crust Bagel Company & Catering, Beach House Café, and Images of Old Greenwich, Inc. Additional support provided by the Harrington, Abernethy, and Bracchitta families, the City of Greenwich, the City of Norwalk, the Greenwich and Norwalk Police Departments, Sgt. Sofía Gulino, and the Screen Actors Guild.
Reflection
Producing The Socialite was a defining experience. It demanded agility, persistence, and a collaborative mindset. Rewriting and restructuring the film mid-shoot was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make, but it taught me how to lead through uncertainty and prioritize storytelling under pressure. I’m proud of the cast, the crew, and the heart we brought to the screen.