it's all love.

 

BIPOC originators.
voices for the voiceless.
runway to the unseen.

 

ALL. DREAMS. REAL.

 

SEE US

HEAR US

The PLD Podcast

Join writer-directors Patrick Michael and Tyler Smith as they shed light on the adventures of launching a black-owned production company. In conversation with other BIPOC creators they explore the trials & triumphs of independent filmmaking, the process of bringing movies to life, and the eternal quest to dream out loud.

MEET US

Patrick Michael

…is an award-winning, LA-based director originally hailing from Seattle, WA. A writer at an early age, Patrick discovered his love for cinema as a pre-med student at the University of Washington. Yearning to tell stories, he pivoted from medicine and honed his passion for filmmaking while earning an MFA from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts

After graduating, Patrick found himself wanting to marry his love for the precision of hard science with his profound belief in the transformative power of cinema. He founded PEACE LOVE DOPE FILMS a production company whose mission aims to champion underrepresented voices through boundless visual storytelling.

Passionately inspired by the far-ranging works of filmmakers by the likes of Charles Burnett, Lynne Ramsay, and Krzysztof Kieślowski, Patrick’s filmmaking interests include dramatic narratives and experimental documentaries. He continues to mine for inspiration in both his past & present, as his proclivity toward autofictional storytelling allows for an exploration of ‘what is’ and ‘what was’ in pursuit of unearthing ‘what can be.’

Josh Akin

…is an award-winning filmmaker having recently earned his MFA in Film & TV Production at USC's School of Cinematic Arts. He is a director, writer, producer and editor known for Jurassic Punk (2021), Yo Soy Sally, La Loca (2021) and Driven (2020). Originally from rural Georgia, Joshua received a BFA in Drama from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts.

Cristian Lopez

…is a Director, Cinematographer, and Photographer from South El Monte, CA. With a background in media and cultural studies including a Master’s degree from USC, Cristian became inspired to start making films while studying Japanese film in Tokyo, Japan. By focusing on real people and their lived experiences, Cristian’s work aims to re-shape the cultural narrative by shining light on untold stories.

An Shu

…is a Director and Cinematographer, originally from Chengdu, China who holds a Master’s degree in Film & Television Production at USC.

A backpacker at an early age, her travels around Europe are where she discovered her passion for cross-cultural communication through film. After graduating from Communication University of China she worked for Phoenix TV as a journalist /writer-director for 3 years -- a valuable experience which  broadened her understanding of the world and the people living in it.

Her hobbies include piano, archery and spicy Sichuan cuisine.