CHRIS OMAR
DIRECTOR & EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Chris Omar is the Director and Executive Producer of First & Lander: Newburgh’s Dark Side. Raised in New York’s Hudson Valley as a second-generation Palestinian-American and shaped by the intersection of art and activism, Chris brings a purpose-driven lens to every story he tells.
His creative mission centers on amplifying narratives of communal resilience, personal growth, and collective transformation — especially within underrepresented communities.
Chris’ early work, including the documentary You Found A Home, exposed institutional failures at his alma mater, Brooklyn College, earning recognition at both DOC NYC 2019 and the 37th Annual Brooklyn College Film Festival for Outstanding Achievement in Documentary.
His narrative writing and directorial debut 808s & Roommates was honored with the awards for Outstanding Achievement in Screenwriting and the Audience Choice Award at the 38th Annual Brooklyn College Film Festival in 2020.
Chris is the Co-Founder & COO of Gritty Dove, a boutique video production agency, and currently serves as Festival Producer of the All American High School Film Festival, where he works to empower and elevate the next generation of emerging filmmakers.
LLOYD LENOX
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Bronx native Logan “Lloyd” Lenox is the Creative Director of First & Lander: Newburgh’s Dark Side. He began his career working on fashion campaigns and editorial spreads for publications such as I-D, Vogue, and Paper when he was a high school student in 2016. In the following years, he directed music videos for rising artists in the NY music scene, going on to create work for acclaimed talent such as Bishop Nehru, Casey Veggies, Loren Gray, Jerkcurb, and more.
Lloyd supports highly stylized narrative and commercial films for brands, artists, and agencies looking for a multi-disciplinary approach to content creation and creative problem-solving. Currently, he works as Creative Director for the All American High School Film Festival, as well as
Gritty Dove’s in-house designer and post-production supervisor, actively working as an Editor, DIT, and Colorist on a variety of projects spanning documentaries to feature films.
ELMO KING
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY & ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Elmo King is the Director of Photography & Associate Producer of First & Lander: Newburgh’s Dark Side. Raised in the vibrant community of the East Village during its golden age, Elmo was surrounded by artists, activists, and mentors who nurtured his passion for storytelling through film.
Introduced to filmmaking at an afterschool program at the age of eight, Elmo's artistic and political passions converged during a documentary workshop in Slovenia led by Želimir Žilnik. This experience solidified his belief in the power of film to amplify diverse perspectives and foster meaningful dialogue.
His short documentary My Family Reunion, a personal and poignant exploration of familial legacy and identity, was selected as part of DOC NYC 2019.
With eight years of professional experience in various roles including Producer, Director, Cinematographer, Location Sound Mixer, Gaffer, and Editor, Elmo has worked on a diverse range of projects, including documentaries, commercials, corporate content, political campaigns, artist profiles, and music videos.
JOSHUA PEREZ
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY & ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Joshua Perez is an Associate Producer of First & Lander: Newburgh’s Dark Side. Born and raised in the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, New York, Joshua’s journey into the world of cinematography is nothing short of remarkable. At the tender age of 18, he plunged into the industry, and over the next 13 years, he honed his craft on a myriad of sets, amassing a wealth of experience.
Joshua's portfolio is as diverse as it is impressive. From the raw authenticity of documentaries to the polished aesthetics of commercials, from the structured world of corporate communications to the creative realm of narrative films and music videos, he has done it all. Yet, regardless of the medium, his passion remains constant: to tell compelling stories through the mood of the frame. Collaborating closely with the director, Joshua has a unique ability to produce images that resonate deeply with the energy of the story and its characters.
But what truly sets Joshua apart is his unconventional education. Eschewing the traditional path of film school, he cut his teeth by shooting music videos for friends in his neighborhood. This grassroots approach instilled in him a work ethic and a drive to consistently deliver value in every production he's a part of.
Today, Joshua is the Co-Founder & CEO of Gritty Dove, a boutique video production agency. He is also the co-host of the Can't Afford Therapy Podcast, which won the 2024 Webby Award for Best Indie Podcast. A testament to dedication and talent, Joshua continues to prove that one's journey is just as important as the destination.