Meet The Team

 Mercy is the visionary behind City of Hearts. With a passion for authentic storytelling and femme fatale aesthetics, she created the series to reflect the chaos, comedy, and beauty of modern love and friendship in Los Angeles. Mercy oversees every aspect of the production—from writing and casting to brand development and creative direction.

Jae Chanel is an LA-based director and creative producer known for her cinematic eye and commitment to showcasing diverse voices. On City of Hearts, she leads the visual storytelling, bringing the world of the show to life through bold direction and collaborative vision. Jae also plays a key role in casting, crew coordination, and post-production.

Rae is a cinematographer with experience filming across 63 countries and currently part of the ASC Vision Mentorship Program, mentored by Polly Morgan (ASC, BSC). Her work spans narrative, commercial, and docu-style projects, including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC-led films. With credits on Netflix, Disney Channel, Adidas, and Hallmark Channel, Rae brings a vibrant, emotional, and cinematic lens to City of Hearts. Her eye for dynamic lighting and character-driven storytelling will help shape the show’s signature visual style.

Cassidy supports the production team with organization, coordination, and on-set logistics. From prepping call sheets to managing behind-the-scenes tasks, she plays a key role in ensuring the City of Hearts set runs smoothly and efficiently. Her enthusiasm and professionalism help keep the production on track.

Apoorva is a visionary production designer and prop stylist with a rich background in film, fashion, and immersive set experiences. Trained at the New York Film Academy, she has led set design for dozens of short films, music videos, and feature projects across genres—many of which center BIPOC, queer, and emotionally resonant stories. Known for her strong visual storytelling and artful attention to texture, she brings the world of City of Hearts to life through bold, stylish, and cinematic environments that match the show’s vibrant tone.

Ki-Jana brings a director’s eye and a producer’s focus to the City of Hearts set. Having directed his own narrative projects and worked on multiple independent films, he knows what it takes to bring a creative vision to life. As Assistant Director, he keeps the shoot running efficiently while supporting cast, crew, and production flow with calm leadership and sharp coordination.

Royalle is the creative force behind the fashion looks in City of Hearts, blending high-style edge with real-world flair. With a strong eye for character-driven wardrobe, she styles each cast member to reflect their unique personality and emotional arc. Royalle is also in the process of launching her own fashion design company, where she creates custom pieces that merge boldness, femininity, and storytelling—just like the world of City of Hearts.

Beatrix brings reliability, focus, and a strong sense of initiative to the City of Hearts team. As second production assistant, she plays a key role in keeping production days on track—helping coordinate logistics, support the crew, and maintain a steady pace on set. Her quiet hustle and dedication make her a vital asset behind the scenes.

Sydney Cox is a certified intimacy director and coordinator trained through the Intimacy Directors and Coordinators (IDC) program, with credentials in Consent-Forward artistry and Mental Health Aid. She brings a trauma-informed, actor-focused approach to choreographing scenes of intimacy, ensuring safety, consent, and creative collaboration on set. Sydney has worked on a range of independent films and theatrical productions, and regularly leads workshops on boundaries and best practices for actors. Her presence on City of Hearts guarantees a respectful and professional environment in every intimate scene

Pedro Obando brings strong financial expertise and operational strategy to City of Hearts as Chief Financial Officer. With a background in both creative and administrative sectors, Pedro oversees all budgeting, accounting, and funding logistics for Femme Fatale Films. He is passionate about empowering independent creators to build sustainable businesses while pursuing bold, emotionally resonant storytelling. Pedro ensures the financial infrastructure behind the scenes is just as strong as what’s seen on screen.