Filmmaker Roth Rind had an idea for a crime thriller. He had collaborators who believed in it. What he didn’t have was studio backing, a big crew, or anyone’s permission. So he made it anyway. The result is “MOUSE,” a 14-episode psychological crime series that captures the weight and tension of prestige television, produced for under $7,000, with a crew that most days was just two or three people, on a schedule built entirely around what was possible.
‘MOUSE’ Strips Storytelling Down To Its Core
“When you remove the excess, what you’re left with is performance, framing, and timing,” Rind said. “That’s where the story actually lives.”
The series, co-created with Shélah Larson through their company Short Snacks Entertainment, follows Detective Sam Park (played by Lanny Joon of “Baby Driver” fame), a man trying to escape his past while it keeps dragging him back. It’s the kind of character study that rewards patient, attentive viewers, exactly the audience Rind and Larson were making it for.
‘MOUSE’ Turned Budget Limitations Into Creative Fuel
What could have easily been viewed as a limitation ultimately became one of the series’ defining creative strengths. “When everyone is that close to the work, there’s no separation between intention and execution,” Rind explained. “The story becomes the only priority.”
That collaborative spirit extended well beyond performances. Lanny Joon, who stars as Detective Sam Park, also served as a producer on the project, helping shape both the narrative and larger production decisions. Co-creator Shélah Larson similarly played a major role beyond acting, contributing to the creative direction of the series alongside Rind.
The stripped-down production model also reshaped the traditional hierarchy often found on larger film sets, creating a shared sense of ownership across the entire team.
Meanwhile, cinematographer Matthew Intil, working on his first major project in the role, collaborated closely with Rind to build a visual language centered on atmosphere, intimacy, and character rather than flashy technical excess.
Ensemble Cast And Tiny Crew Helped Bring ‘MOUSE’ To Life
The cast reflects the same collaborative spirit. Syra McCarthy (“Josephine”) brings emotional honesty to the role of Rachel. Shane Yoon (“Modern Family”) and Linc Hand (“Imperium”) provide grounding and moral weight, while Danny Parker-Lopes, Jennifer Ekpunobi, PJ Schulte, Mark Shiva, Trent James, Hidekun Hah, and Kevin Kemp round out a richly layered ensemble.
Cinematographer Matthew Intil helped shape the series’ intimate visual language. Producer Kyle Cummins (“Lost”) brought industry experience to keep the production grounded. The script was co-written with Brandon Silberstein and scored by composers Ross Lara and Justin Wilmott.
‘MOUSE’ Is Bringing Prestige Crime Drama To Social Media Platforms
“MOUSE” Season 1 releases across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok this summer, a decision as deliberate as every other one made in production. “We didn’t want the audience to have to come find us,” Rind said. “We wanted to show up where they’re already watching.”
For aspiring creators, the message is clear: you don’t need a green light from Hollywood. You just need the courage to start.
Roth Rind Says Filmmaking Started During Recovery From Childhood Heart Surgery
For Roth Rind, the passion for filmmaking began long before “MOUSE” ever existed, and it started during one of the most difficult periods of his childhood. In a past interview, Rind revealed that his love for storytelling through film dates back to junior high after he underwent heart surgery in sixth grade to correct a birth defect.
Stuck at home during recovery with little to do, Rind said his father handed him a Sony Hi8mm camcorder, unknowingly setting off what would become a lifelong creative obsession. Using his mother’s daycare kids as actors, Rind began making homemade films with titles like “Kidnapper 1,” “Kidnapper 2,” and “Kidnapper 3.”
After high school and further education, Rind eventually launched his own production company, creating corporate, commercial, and branded content while using the profits to independently fund short films and passion projects.
While living in Northern California, he built a growing portfolio working alongside clients, creatives, and collaborators on hundreds of projects. But eventually, Rind realized he needed a major change creatively. “I was getting too comfortable and needed to shake things up a bit,” he said of his decision to leave Northern California behind.
That decision ultimately led him to Burbank, California, where he continues developing new projects while pushing forward with the same independent spirit that first began with a camcorder and a driveway movie set.