The independent short film Finesse stars a close-knit creative team—Abdul, Chad, and Steven—who recently sat down for an insightful conversation with Roselyn Omaka, the director of the Houston Comedy Film Festival. In this engaging interview, the filmmakers discussed their journey, the collaborative spirit behind their project, and shared practical advice for aspiring filmmakers.

Turning a Feature Script into a Short Film

Abdul, the creator of Finesse, began with a feature-length script but chose to rework it into a short film as a proof of concept. This strategic approach allowed the team to showcase the story’s humor, style, and potential in a manageable format.

Abdul explained, “I wanted to write a feature film that I could direct, like a very low-budget feature that’d be easy for production companies to do… to give it like an extra step forward, we made a short film out of it.”

This enabled them to present a compelling demonstration of their project’s potential aimed at attracting production companies and investors.

The Power of Team Chemistry and Improvisation

Chad, who plays Danny, highlighted the strong chemistry among the cast, which made filming enjoyable and authentic. Many jokes emerged spontaneously on set through improvisation, creating genuine comedic moments. Chad noted, “They really allowed me just to improvise on the day… a lot of those jokes were just things we came up with like on the day.” His longtime friendship with fellow cast members, such as Kearsten, helped foster natural interactions that translated well on screen, giving the film a genuine familial feel.

Tackling Challenges with Creative Solutions

Despite a smooth production, the team faced challenges. With only two days to shoot an extensive shot list in an older house, timing and logistics were difficult. Chad described the challenge of working with a child actor within the limited schedule: “I was trying to get to know him… Just trying to be like a big brother to him to get that chemistry going.” He emphasized the importance of bonding off-camera to foster natural performances.

Another unforgettable challenge involved the fragile porcelain egg prop, guarded vigilantly by the production designer to prevent damage—a humorous reminder of the care necessary when working with precious elements on set.

Technical Adaptations and Sound Management

Though all interior scenes were shot during the day, the cinematographer created convincing nighttime aesthetics by blocking out windows. The team creatively addressed creaky floorboards and other sound challenges, exemplifying their flexibility and resourcefulness in managing production quality.

Collaborative Directing with Effective Communication

Steven, co-director, shared how working on a film he hadn’t written presented initial challenges that were eased by Abdul’s clear vision: “He was very clear as to how he wanted this film to be pulled off.” The directors relied on honest, continuous communication. Abdul recounted a key moment facilitating complex shots: “I was behind the cinematographer tapping his shoulder every time the dialogue ended… It was like an improv on the moment that really saved the film.” The collaboration fostered confidence among cast and crew alike.

Filmmaking Advice from the Team

The Finesse team offered practical and inspiring advice for filmmakers. Steven summarized: “Just make the film. A lot of people will write scripts but won’t do anything with them.” Abdul encouraged embracing imperfection: “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes… sometimes it takes a team to figure things out.” He also stressed the emotional core of filmmaking: “Have fun with it. If you’re not having fun, the quality of your movie is not going to be good.” He urged creators to

“make the movie that you want to see, that you want to go to the theater and see.”

Building a Lasting Legacy and Attracting Investors

A key goal for Abdul and his team is to earn the trust of investors to finance their feature projects. Abdul shared his ambition: “I want to make feature films playing in theaters all across the world. I’m going to make my own short films until someone sees my filmography and trusts me to make a feature.” This path highlights the importance of tangible proof of concept, like Finesse, as a strategy for attracting investment and enabling larger-scale productions.

Conclusion

Through their candid conversation with Roselyn Omaka, director of the Houston Comedy Film Festival, the creative minds behind Finesse demonstrate how strong team chemistry, clear communication, detailed preparation, and passion combine to produce a professional, heartfelt independent film. Their journey and strategic approach provide valuable inspiration for filmmakers aiming not only to create art but also to secure funding and reach wider audiences.

Los Angeles, September 2, 2025 — Rapper Cardi B is in the midst of a high-profile civil trial involving a $24 million lawsuit filed by former security guard Emani Ellis. The case stems from an incident in 2018 in the hallway of a Beverly Hills obstetrician’s office, where Cardi B was approximately four months pregnant and seeking to keep her pregnancy private.

Ellis alleges that Cardi B assaulted her by scratching her face with a long fingernail, striking her head, face, and body, and spitting on her during a confrontation that took place after Ellis allegedly tried to record the rapper on her phone without consent. The security guard claims this encounter led to physical injuries requiring medical treatment and psychological effects including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Ellis also accuses Cardi B of employing racial slurs during the altercation and retaliating to get her fired from her security job.

Cardi B has denied all allegations of physical assault, testifying that Ellis was the aggressor who followed her, recorded her, and verbally provoked a heated exchange. The rapper maintained that the interaction lasted about 60 to 90 seconds, involved no physical contact, and was limited to a verbal spat. Cardi B’s lawyers have highlighted inconsistencies in Ellis’s account, such as changing descriptions of the location of injuries and the lack of immediate medical or photographic evidence. Cardi also pointed to testimony from a doctor’s receptionist and obstetrician who did not witness any injuries on Ellis and who described Ellis as the instigator of the incident.

Recently, a judge issued rulings favorable to Cardi B’s defense, limiting some evidence against her. The court also allowed jurors to ask their own questions during testimony, adding an unusual dynamic to the proceedings. Closing arguments were anticipated to start by early September 2025.

The trial has attracted widespread media attention for its mix of celebrity drama and serious legal questions. Cardi B’s candid courtroom demeanor and her signature style, including her distinctive fingernails, were key elements of her testimony and the case. Both sides have presented sharply contrasting versions of events, and jurors will face the difficult task of determining the truth of allegations that could reshape both parties’ lives.

As of now, the jury has not yet rendered a verdict, and the case remains active with the final decision pending.

The SKIMS Seamless Sculpt Face Wrap—Kim Kardashian’s latest viral shapewear for the face—has exploded in popularity, stirring both fascination and skepticism. This $48–$50 “face bra” is billed as a sleep-friendly compression wrap engineered to lift, sculpt, and define the jawline overnight, stirred by TikTok beauty trends and the enduring cultural obsession with defeating aging. While it immediately sold out after launch, expert consensus and historical context suggest the effectiveness of such beauty devices remains highly questionable, repeating a long lineage of similar fads that have thrived on marketing more than meaningful results.

What Is the SKIMS Face Wrap?

The SKIMS Seamless Sculpt Face Wrap is marketed as a first-of-its-kind facial shapewear, made from a blend of polyamide and elastane, infused with “collagen yarns,” and designed to apply targeted compression to the lower face and neck. The wrap’s purpose, according to SKIMS, is to “sculpt” the jaw overnight, inspired by post-surgery facial compression wear used medically after facelifts or jaw operations. It’s part of a surge in face-toning belts and jawline sculpting accessories, many echoing Korean beauty trends centered on the coveted V-line jaw shape.

Does It Actually Work?

Despite a flurry of influencer endorsements, the scientific support for these face wraps is minimal. Expert dermatologists and cosmetic doctors note that while compression can create a mild, very temporary slimming effect (by shifting fluids or briefly compressing soft tissue), these changes disappear within hours—similar to the fleeting effects of waist trainers. There is no credible evidence that any fabric wrap, regardless of its cost or “collagen infusions,” can structurally reshape the face or lift sagging tissues overnight. Prolonged use could even cause pressure marks, acne, or jaw tension. Form-fitting plastics or elastics strong enough to permanently alter bone or tissue would likely pose significant health risks.

The Viral Trend and Its History

The SKIMS Face Wrap’s viral success is driven by social media fads like TikTok’s “morning shed,” where users dramatically unveil layers of overnight beauty gear, boosting engagement and product sales. These “face bras” are far from new; generations before turned to all manner of overnight beauty masks, from Victorian “face gloves” to electrified rubber devices, often promising dubious anti-aging miracles. Beauty routines aiming to stave off wrinkles have a long, bizarre history steeped in both hope and clever marketing rather than functional science.

Beauty, Gimmicks, and Marketing

Kim Kardashian’s marketing strategy blends shock value with Instagrammable aesthetics, mirroring tactics used by brands like Goop and leveraging scarcity to drive hype and sales. Comparable to Goop’s “vagina candle” or SKIMS’ own “nipple bra,” the face wrap toes the line between self-aware gimmick and serious wellness product—winning viral attention, but without substantive evidence of long-term benefit.

Are There Better Alternatives?

Doctors recommend evidence-backed treatments—like high intensity focused ultrasound, collagen injections, dermal fillers, and properly applied neuromodulators (e.g., Botox)—for those truly seeking noticeable facial contouring. Cheaper, lower-risk home methods such as face massage or gua sha can provide short-lived improvements in skin tone and puffiness, though these too have modest outcomes.

Conclusion

The SKIMS face wrap is the latest in a centuries-long procession of beauty gadgets promising the “ultimate face.” While it wins points for marketing impact and momentary snatching, its claims of sculpting or age-defiance are unsubstantiated and temporary at best, with notable risk of irritation or discomfort. Like many viral beauty trends before it, the primary result for most is an emptier wallet and a fleeting selfie moment—rather than the timeless jawline of advertising mythology.