a short film by Dan Lesser
WATCH THE TEASER
Evan tries to outshine his best friend and prove himself to the seniors by taking them on a high-speed joy ride in his mom’s Mini Cooper.
INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY
One Twenty-Six is a coming-of-age story, shot in an off-the-cuff documentary style
With a cast made up of first-time actors, authenticity is at the forefront of this film.
Director’s Statement
Meet the Team
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Dan Lesser is an Aria-nominated, Aussie-born, now Los Angeles–based director who loves telling stories rooted in identity, self-love, and anything that can get a cheeky giggle out of an audience. Whether narrative or commercial, he strives to create authentic and visually dynamic work.
His films have screened across the world — from the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood to massive billboards in Times Square, NYC. He has been accepted into festivals such as the Oscar-qualifying Rhode Island International Film Festival, where he won the VORTEX Directorial Discovery Grand Prize, making him Oscar-qualified.
Dan has also directed countless music videos, including an ARIA Award–nominated video for Spacey Jane, as well as commercials and branded documentaries for companies such as Fujifilm and Skechers. His branded work has been recognized on the renowned 1.4 Long List.
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Mikey is a passionate film producer with experience delivering high-quality projects. They possess a deep understanding of production and know what it takes to bring an idea from concept to fruition. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, communication and creating an encouraging atmosphere; Michael is dedicated to creating impactful images that dazzle across the silver screen.
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As the visionary founder of West Productions, Chadwick's journey began with a simple yet profound desire: to gather around a metaphorical campfire and share the stories that define us, ignite our passions, and illuminate our dreams for the future. Through West Productions, Chadwick collaborates with a dynamic team of creatives, weaving together the threads of emotion, imagination, and authenticity to bring brands and companies to life in the most compelling and human-centric ways.
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Hayley Stablow is an editor with an eye for performance. She’s worked with director Dan Lesser on four other films and can’t wait to work on One Twenty-Six. Hayley also works as an assistant editor known for her work on notable films such as "Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver" (2024), "Monkey Man" (2024), and "Ferrari" (2023). Stablow loves to find the human moments and let them shine through in the edit, building a reputation in the film industry for her keen eye and editing expertise.
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Currently a casting assistant at a major television studio, Kim previously graduated from Chapman University's Creative Producing program and has worked in talent representation, unscripted casting, and interned in independent casting and scripted development. She has cast over 10 short films, and produced over 10 short films, one feature-length film, one music video, and explored various other roles on student film, commercial, and independent film sets. Also passionate about youth, Kim minored in education, is a volunteer tutor, and recently volunteered with Young Storytellers.
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Vito Lyles is a film producer with six years of industry experience, specializing in commercials, music videos, narratives, and television productions. With multiple awards under his belt, Vito's passion for filmmaking is evident in every project he undertakes. Continuously pushing boundaries and challenging conventions, Vito's work resonates deeply with audiences worldwide.
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Sam Davis is an Oscar-winning multi-hyphenate filmmaker with a foundation in cinematography.
After graduating from USC's School of Cinematic Arts, he produced, shot, and edited the Academy Award-winning Netflix short Period. End of Sentence. Since then, his films have gone on to receive honors at Sundance, Tribeca, and SXSW, among others.
In 2023, Sam was nominated for an Emmy for his cinematography work on the SXSW-winning New York Times Op-Doc Long Line of Ladies, which he also produced under his banner Junk Drawer. He later directed and shot the Netflix short “The Singers” which won the for an Academy Award for Narrative Short in 2026.