LIGHT. LENS. STORY.
Flicker. Frame. Feeling.
A collection of screen-based projects directed, designed, or co-created by Sean Cawelti — spanning short films, teasers, theatrical trailers, and video experiments. Through a cinematic lens, these works employ handcrafted visuals, miniature environments, puppetry, and projection.
Whether created independently or in collaboration with other artists, these projects reflect Sean’s ongoing interest in the intersection of performance, media, and visual storytelling — using hand-built elements alongside digital editing to create a signature blend of story and style. Designed to captivate, provoke, and linger long after the screen goes dark.
For full effect, crank the volume.
ALLERGIC
Co-Director, Co-Puppet Design, Sound Design, Editor
A short puppet film created from three prompts: nut, observe and midnight movie.
🎖️ 3rd place overall + Best Cinematography, 2023 48 Hour Halloween Film Project
PORTABLE
Co-Director, Co-Puppet Design, Sound Design, Editor
Created using a multi-plane shadow puppet rig.
🎖️ 1st place, LA Guild of Puppetry 48 Hour Film Festival 2021
THEATRICAL PROMOS
Creative Director
A selection of theatrical trailers I creative directed, each crafted to reflect the unique tone and visual language of the production. From concept to final cut, I led the overall vision—shaping the storytelling, mood, and audience experience.
HOLE SWEET HOLE
Co-Creator, Puppet Builder, Editor
Created for the Gothtober annual interactive Halloween calendar, 2022
ELPIS
Co-Director, Co-Puppet Design, Sound Design, Editor
Inspired by the Greek myth of Pandora and the story of her discovery of Elpis, the personification and spirit of hope.
LA Guild of Puppetry 48 Hour Film Festival 2022
Prelude to The Night Flight of Minerva’s Owl
Director, Puppet Design, Motion Graphics, Editor
Created as an experiment in opera during the pandemic as a socially distanced performance piece.
USC School of Music, Opera Program, 2021