About
Bold, compelling stories for the big screen. Made in Baltimore.

Our story
Studio 420 is a Baltimore-based film production studio dedicated to bringing bold, compelling stories to life on the big screen. Specializing in feature films across horror, thriller, science fiction, and drama, we combine creative vision, cinematic craftsmanship, and a passion for storytelling to create films that captivate audiences, challenge perspectives, and leave a lasting impression.
From the first spark of an idea to the final frame, Studio 420 is committed to making films that entertain, provoke thought, and stay with audiences long after the credits roll.
Directors & Team

Wes Shimoda
DIRECTOR
Wes is President of Charm City Filmmakers, Baltimore's largest film collective, and has led the organization for nine years. Previously, he co-founded Mobtelevision, a Baltimore-based producer of comedy short films. His involvement in these ventures has contributed to the production of over 150 short films.
Fueled by a deep passion for science and science fiction, he pursued a degree in Engineering Physics. His unique blend of technical expertise and creative vision drives his work as a director, including LO, the story of two enemy soldiers forced to rediscover themselves in the aftermath of an apocalyptic war that decimated humanity.

Ken Alston
WRITER / DIRECTOR
Ken Alston is an award-winning screenwriter. As a member of Charm City Filmmakers (the largest film collective in Baltimore, MD) he has completed multiple short films and acted as a script consultant and mentor for new filmmakers. He has had multiple films optioned and been shortlisted for several prestigious fellowships including the Academy Nicholl Fellowships and The Black List labs.
His love of science fiction helped to transport him from one of the toughest housing projects Baltimore City had to offer (the opening season of The Wire was shot in his old neighborhood) and into the NASA Space Scholar program. From there, a career in engineering at prestigious institutions such as Johns Hopkins Physics Lab and The Accreditation Bureau for Engineering and Technology only further deepened his love for the final frontier.

Andy Shankman
EP / CINEMATOGRAPHER
As Executive Producer and Cinematographer, Andy brings a combination of creative vision, technical expertise, and hands-on production experience to every project. With more than 18 years of professional multimedia production experience, Andy has developed the technical versatility, creative problem-solving skills, and attention to detail necessary to bring ambitious ideas to life.
Andy takes an active role in shaping the visual identity of each production. These projects reflect his commitment to thoughtful visual storytelling, resourceful filmmaking, and creating cinematic images that support the director's vision and enhance the audience's experience.

Aphrodite Lee
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Aphrodite Lee is a writer and filmmaker with more than 20 years of experience bringing stories to life. At Studio 420 Productions, she serves as an Executive Producer, with her primary role centered on Production Management. She helps keep each project moving from early planning through production, bringing organization, creative problem-solving and a storyteller's perspective to the process.
Aphrodite is drawn to compelling characters, emotional depth and stories with a point of view that stays with the audience. She values collaboration and the many hands it takes to bring an idea from the page to the screen.

Matthew Morris
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
[Bio coming soon]

Mark Heidenberg
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
[Bio coming soon]
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