Sloth Cinema began in a bedroom in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, with founders Dalton Turner and Ryan Staggs creating a short film for a local festival. Their surprising victory sparked an ambition that only grew. While attending MTSU’s film program, Dalton met Taylor Stoltz, Christopher Jenkins, Max Tusing, and Eavan McNabb, forming a team whose synergy was unmatched.
Their first student project, “Visage”, received high praise from their professor, who called it one of the best student films she’d ever seen. Encouraged to keep working together, the team moved on to create award-winning music videos and short films, establishing Sloth Cinema as a force in the regional festival circuit. Today, Sloth Cinema competes globally, earning awards for Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Film.
Sloth Cinema is driven by a passion for original storytelling, art, and film history, with a hauntingly beautiful style inspired by paranormal experiences and abstract horror. Their goal is to create groundbreaking films that reshape cinema and captivate generations to come.
Founder, Director, and Cinematographer at Sloth Cinema
Dalton is the visionary behind Sloth Cinema, serving as Founder, Director, and Co-Director of Photography. A lifelong multi-instrumentalist, he began his creative journey composing original scores for films before stepping into acting and directing. His directorial debut, “The Sleepy Green Door”, showcased his unique storytelling style and marked the start of a career spanning short films, feature films, music videos, commercials, and weddings.
Specializing in intense horror, paranormal themes, and psychological thrillers, Dalton’s “beautifully haunting” cinematography has earned awards worldwide. Whether behind the camera or directing, his passion and creative vision drive every project at Sloth Cinema.
Co-Director of Photography, Editor, and VFX Artist
Taylor is the Co-Director of Photography, Co-Editor, and VFX artist at Sloth Cinema. His filmmaking journey began at age 16, shooting music videos as a hobby. During the pandemic, he transferred to MTSU, changing his major from mechatronics engineering to film and video production.
Taylor met Dalton in his first film class, where their debut project, “Visage”, was praised as one of the best student films their professor had ever seen. Since 2021, Taylor has brought his versatile and dynamic filmmaking approach to Sloth Cinema, excelling in cinematography, editing, and VFX. His passion drives every project, from music videos to weddings, making him an integral part of Sloth Cinema’s creative vision.
Assistant Director and Sound Mixer
Christopher Jenkins brings versatility to Sloth Cinema as an Actor, Assistant Director, Script Supervisor, and Audio Technician. With a passion for filmmaking that began in grade school—creating films, vlogs, skits, and even starring in a musical—he has developed expertise in every stage of production.
Known for his positivity and determination, Christopher is a go-to team member who strives to elevate every project. Driven by his faith, his ultimate goal is to glorify God through the creative talents he’s been blessed with, making each production better than the last.
Producer, Cinematographer, and Assistant Camera
Ryan serves as the Producer, Cinematographer, and Assistant Camera (AC) at Sloth Cinema, combining his strong business sense with his creative passion. His filmmaking journey began in college, where he started as an actor in short films before transitioning to production.
Since then, Ryan has honed his skills in cinematography and production, becoming a dedicated team member who pours his heart into every project. Always striving to improve his craft, Ryan is an integral part of Sloth Cinema’s creative and professional success.
Assistant Director, Producer, Actress, and Makeup Artist
Eavan is a multi-talented member of Sloth Cinema, serving as an Assistant Director, Producer, Actress, Makeup Artist, and Set Designer. A skilled ballroom dancer, she discovered her passion for filmmaking after meeting Dalton in college.
Eavan played the lead role in Sloth Cinema’s early project, “Visage”, despite having no prior acting experience. Her immediate trust in the team’s vision ignited a deep love for film, making her an invaluable creative force on every set.
Pre-Production Specialist, Actor, and Gaffer
Max is a versatile member of Sloth Cinema, contributing as a Gaffer, Actor, and Shot Lister. He joined the team after working with Dalton, Taylor, Chris, and Eavan on the set of “Visage” during college.
Max discovered his passion for acting as a child, often reenacting scenes from his favorite films. His natural talent shone in his first lead role in “The Sleepy Green Door,” delivering performances with raw emotion and captivating range. When not in front of the camera, Max plays a vital role behind the scenes, assisting with lighting and production needs.
