Meet Our Community Makers: Lindsay-Elizabeth Hand on Filming “Not Invited” at Casa Arbre

From Times Square Billboards to Brooklyn Comedy Sets

Her arrival in NYC wasn’t exactly quiet. “I moved to NYC at 21, one week after graduating college and just a few days after getting all four of my wisdom teeth pulled. I showed up ambitious, determined, and very swollen,” she recalls. “On my third day here, I booked a billboard in Times Square.”

That booking turned out to be the start of a momentum-fueled journey that has never really paused. Lindsay-Elizabeth spent the next two years working nonstop in national commercials, indie films, and network television roles. “It was a total trial by fire, but I didn’t have time to be intimidated. Every day felt like I was in my own TV show. Some days a comedy, some days a drama. But I kept showing up.”

Since then, her career has expanded across formats, industries, and even audiences. Her resume includes everything from commercial spots to theatrical roles to content for major brands. One of her most cherished projects was a Frozen stop-motion series she produced for Mattel and Disney. “As a mom of two boys who have almost finished Disney Plus, getting to bring that world to life felt very personal to me. It was magical.”

The series blended toyetic storytelling with cinematic charm. Designers crafted miniature sets, built by hand and lit with meticulous care. It was a labor of love. That kind of hands-on creativity is something Lindsay-Elizabeth has come to seek out — and create — in every project she touches.

Introducing ‘Not Invited’ and the Power of Self-Made Creators

“It’s easy to underestimate the power of independent creators in this industry,” Lindsay-Elizabeth says. “So much of my career has been built outside the ‘traditional’ path: starting a company, creating my own opportunities, emailing networks back while lying in a hospital bed after giving birth.”

She doesn’t mince words about what it takes. It’s a patchwork of favors, gut instinct, and grit. “Sometimes it’s you and your dad in a CC rental van doing the returns because your PA got sick. Sometimes it’s pulling every favor to stay under budget. Sometimes it’s sitting with the writer to finish the script before the crew arrives. But gosh darn, I love it.”

From concept to execution, ‘Not Invited’ is a product of creative resilience. It shows that with enough determination and a willingness to ask for help, a small idea can grow into something with impact, spark, and staying power.

A Cast and Crew That Made It Happen

Writers: Lindsay-Elizabeth Hand & Cody Lindquist

Director: Seth Hagenstein

Producer: Lindsay-Elizabeth Hand

Director of Photography: Ethan Johnson

Lead Cast: Lindsay-Elizabeth Hand, Cody Lindquist, Sean Evans

Supporting Cast: Eliza Being, Alexandria Iona, Nicole James, Steph Leschek, Lindsay Milligan, Tulis McCall, Brooke Stone, Tory Stolper, Geraldine Zamora

Crew Highlights: Nicholas Burgos (AD & Editor), Anaiya Greene (Sound Mix), Jack Finlay (Gaffer & 1st AC), Will Metivier (Makeup)

Backed by Edge In Motion Productions, Bokeh Pictures, and Decade Pictures, the production unfolded as a model of professionalism with heart. Everyone came with a purpose and a collaborative spirit that made the day a joy.

Each member of the team played a critical role in elevating the final product. It was a true all-hands-on-deck moment, where makeup, lighting, editing, and acting blended together seamlessly. The atmosphere on set was one of respect and shared passion.

Why Casa Arbre Was the Perfect Fit

“Extremely beautiful space, very large and clean, decorated to perfection,” she said.

But the Casa didn’t just look good on camera. It functioned flawlessly, too. The home’s size allowed for movement between shots without overcrowding. There were dedicated spaces for wardrobe changes, makeup, equipment staging, and cast holding. For a shoot with as many moving parts as ‘Not Invited’, that kind of versatility was key.

Casa Arbre’s interior is naturally cinematic. From its staircase to its hardwood floors to the intimate yet open flow of its rooms, everything invited creativity. It supported the team without getting in the way. That, for filmmakers, is gold.

The Cocoon Difference: From Booking to Wrap

“Leo helped us receive lunch, figured out electrical hookups, explained usage of various areas, and kept actors in holding,” she adds. “He went above and beyond.”

That kind of hands-on support can make or break a shoot. When production days are tight, logistics matter. Timing matters. And support that understands what a producer needs before they have to ask? That’s rare.

At Cocoon, we aim to be your silent partner: always present, always helpful, never in the way. From the moment you explore our spaces to the second your crew wraps, we’re with you.

A Home for Creators, Not Just Crews

Lindsay-Elizabeth put it best: 

“I want other artists, especially women, parents, and fellow multi-hyphenates, to know that there isn’t just one way in. There isn’t one path to success. The most powerful thing you can do is just start.”  

We agree. And that’s why we built Cocoon.

Instagram: @thelindsayhand

Edge in Motion: https://www.edgeinmotionproductions.com/

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4224286/

Explore More

You can browse our portfolio to explore the full range of casas we manage, from bright studios to historic townhouses. You can also request for our Discovery Portfolio to unlock even more spaces or location scouting services. 

Curious about the support we offer? Learn about our SuperConcierge services and how we can assist from pre-production to wrap. Ready to take the next step? Book a call with our team to discuss your vision.

And if you love stories like this one, don’t miss our Community Makers series where we spotlight more clients and creatives who are shaping what it means to gather and create in NYC.

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