Cinematic heart. Indie soul.
Imagine with us.
Welcome to our independent studio side formed by a community of filmmakers looking to tell our own stories.
SurrealArts Studios is an independent studio formed by a community of filmmakers to tell our own stories. Originally from Hollywood but have since spread across the United States, with a network that extends beyond our borders.
Founded by Emmy Award-winner Mark A.J. Nazal, the studio was built on a simple idea: tell the kinds of stories we'd want to watch. After years inside the machine of shows like Gotham, Westworld, and Lucifer, he set out to build a home for like-minded filmmakers chasing the stories that resonate with them personally. Projects that carry the DNA of the work and worlds we grew up loving, but have us in them.
That's where our slate comes from. Carmina is a grounded drama laced with fantastical moments, where gritty realism gives way to the transcendent and the surreal. Wishful Thinking came from the films that shaped us, Big, Life Size, the ones with a little magic in the everyday. Every project starts with a simple question: is this something we'd like to watch ourselves?
We make character-driven stories with a distinct visual voice. Grounded performances. Lived-in worlds. Stories shaped by the people inside them. Our roots are in blockbuster craft, but we're drawn to creating more intimate stories that are personal, patient, and made with intent.
For now, SurrealArts Studios is our idea engine. We develop, produce, and edit short-form content and concepts from page to post, with full creative ownership and a collaborative spirit that runs through every team.
Cinematic heart. Indie soul.
LOS ANGELES • DALLAS • ATLANTA
Featured Projects
Cinematic Short | Coming Soon
view teaser
Comedy Short | Currently in Festivals
view trailer
Vertical Short
watch now
48-Hour Short Film
watch now
Music Video
watch now
Music Video
watch now
Follow us on socials!
Come Join Us!
We're new to Dallas we’re casting and crewing up for the 48 Hour Film Project. It’s a fast-paced weekend in which teams compete to create the best short film in only 48 hours, using required elements. The films will premiere at a local cinema.
CAST & CREW CALL
DALLAS 48HF
Dates
May 1–3, 2026
Must be available to film May 2.
Flexibility on May 1 & 3.
Locations
Primary: Dallas and surrounding areas.
Secondary: Atlanta, Los Angeles, and surrounding areas.
Exact locations TBD after genre draw.
What We Know
Genre, character, prop, and line are assigned at kickoff — so we're collecting potentials, not finalizing yet.
Who we want to get to know
ACTORS
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
CAMERA OPERATOR
GRIP/ELECTRIC
PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS
Industry experience is a plus, not a requirement. We're here to make something cool, have fun, and build creative networks for future projects. Don't see your desired role listed? Select Other and tell us what you do — we'd love to hear from you.
We look forward to hearing from you. In the meantime, check out photos from our past shoots in the GALLERY below.
Featured Team Members
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Mark A.J. Nazal
DIRECTOR & VISUAL EFFECTS SUPERVISOR
An Emmy Award-winning creative - writer, director, and VFX supervisor with Hollywood blockbuster roots on projects like Gotham and Westworld. At SurrealArts, he looks to bring that same cinematic craft to stories that matter more to him.
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Erica Juliet
ACTRESS & PRODUCER
She’s an internationally recognized actress, writer, model, and producer, with experience that spans film, television, fashion, and comics. At SurrealArts, she's a creative driving force who makes sure our projects get made. -

Nicole Caliro
WRITER
Nicole is an award-winning writer who focuses on character-driven stories with emotional depth and a cinematic edge. With work spanning local and international projects, she helps shape narratives built to resonate long after the final frame.
Featured team for the Dallas 48 Hour Film Fest shown. Full team roster coming soon.