Joey Snyder
Writer, Director, Producer
Marcos Repollé
Director of Photography, Lead Actor, Producer
Hi! My name is Joey Snyder, independent screenwriter, director, and producer born, raised, and based in York, Pennsylvania. I’ve always loved escaping into other worlds through stories - whether in books, on television, or at the movies - and I’ve been creating my own ever since I could pick up a pen. What began as comic books and short stories eventually grew into screenplays and films, as I sought to match the emotional impact that movies have had on me throughout my life.
What drew me to cinema was not just its expansive creative canvas, but its emotional power. Whether through relatability, revelation, or even just a temporary escape from reality, I believe cinema connects with us in ways no other medium can. That’s because film is the coalescence of all art forms - visual, literary, musical, and performative - all working in harmony.
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My filmmaking philosophy is proudly anti-auteur. I believe in the inherently collaborative nature of cinema, and I treat every creative force on my teams with authorial dignity. A great film is the sum of many aligned visions, not just one.
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As a director, I draw inspiration from Alfred Hitchcock for his mastery of visual storytelling (I often reference the opening of Rear Window as a perfect example of show-don’t-tell), and from Stanley Kubrick for his transformative use of genre as a means of delivering and subverting audience expectations.
My work is driven by a desire to explore the complexity of human behavior and psychology - often through genre frameworks that allow for stylized intensity grounded in emotional truth. I strive to strike a balance between style and substance in everything I create, and I’m proud to say that Venus is a clear reflection of that aim: a psychologically rich, genre-driven story that marks both a personal and artistic milestone in my filmmaking journey.
Hey, I’m Marcos Repollé - a graduating filmmaker and founder of Grip Monkey Studios.
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Together with Joey, we made this film from scratch: no financial backing, no school support, just a vision, a burning need to create, and the kind of stubbornness that keeps us going long after most people would quit.
On this project, I wore a lot of hats- Director of Photography, Producer, Actor, Editor, and VFX Artist. Yeah, I know that wouldn’t fly on a union set, but that’s fine by me. I love every part of the process. For the past seven months, this film has been my whole life. And honestly? That’s okay. I plan to win an Oscar eventually so NO life until that’s crossed off the list.
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Every frame I shoot, every story I tell, carries the weight of a journey no one saw--not even me. I plan some, but mostly I trust the process. Things tend to work out when you have faith.
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This is just the beginning.
Johanna Lefever
Actor (Rebecca)
Hi! My name is Johanna, but most people just call me Jo! I have always loved acting but didn’t get to really dive into it professionally until about two years ago. My very first film project was actually with Joey! It’s been great to see things come more full circle and work together again. Since then I’ve done a lot of different horror shorts, I’ve written/produced my own projects, am working on a feature length film, and have gotten to meet so many great new people! I hope to one day be able to act as a full time job. Nothing feels better than bringing a story and character to life. I’m at home on a set. I particularly love horror and comedy. Although for some reason my characters rarely get to be happy…..not sure what that’s about. Working on changing that asap!
Sophia McKay
Actor (V), Head of
Marketing
I’m Sophia McKay, and I played the role of V in Venus.
My love of performing began at a very young age through dance—it was my first taste of storytelling without words. Soon after, I found myself drawn to theatre, where I fully embraced the world of acting.
I began exploring film acting, and it opened up a whole new world for me. Transitioning to film has been both a challenge and a gift. It’s taught me to focus on what is real and tap into real experiences rather than entertain.
Working on Venus was a deeply personal and transformative experience. The Character V was different to any character I have played before. It was a challenge, but also extremely exciting. It was an incredible opportunity to grow as a film actor and to collaborate with a team equally passionate about pushing boundaries and exploring different ideas.