This week on 1st on Film, we sit down with writer/director Jared Isaac and cinematographer Brandon Somerhalder to discuss their coming-of-age romance An Autumn Summer. The duo breaks down the film’s nostalgic visual style, crafting an authentic story about friendship and young love, and the collaborative process behind bringing the magical lakeside world of the film to life.

Film Description – An Autumn Summer

An Autumn Summer is a coming-of-age romantic drama set in a magical Michigan lake town, where one young couple and their close-knit group of friends spend their final summer together before college changes their lives forever. As relationships deepen and the future begins to pull them in different directions, the group chases one last unforgettable season filled with love, uncertainty, friendship, and self-discovery

Jared Isaac

Jared Isaac is an American filmmaker, writer, actor, and producer whose work focuses on emotionally grounded coming-of-age stories and character-driven drama. He wrote and directed An Autumn Summer, a romantic drama centered on friendship, love, and transition during one unforgettable lakeside summer. Before stepping behind the camera for feature filmmaking, Isaac built his career as an actor, appearing in projects such as Witch Hunt, the mystery series Solve, the thriller Dying for the Crown (also known as Homecoming Revenge), and NBC’s Chicago P.D. His transition into directing reflects his interest in intimate storytelling and nostalgic youth-centered narratives.

Branson Somerhalder

Brandon Somerhalder is a cinematographer and producer known for creating visually immersive and emotionally intimate imagery in independent film. On An Autumn Summer, Somerhalder served as both cinematographer and producer, helping craft the warm natural lighting and nostalgic visual atmosphere that define the film’s lakeside setting. In addition to his work on An Autumn Summer, he previously worked as a producer on the horror-thriller Head Count. Somerhalder’s filmmaking style emphasizes natural environments, grounded performances, and cinematic realism that supports emotionally driven storytelling.

An Autumn Summer is a coming-of-age romantic drama set in a quiet Michigan lake town, where a group of close friends spends one final transformative summer together before college and adulthood begin pulling them in different directions. At the center of the story is Kevin, played by Mark McKenna, and Cody, portrayed by Lukita Maxwell, as the two navigate love, uncertainty, and the emotional weight of growing up. The ensemble cast also includes Jun Yu as Jared, Julian Bass as Martin, Louise Barnes as Marylou, Katie Baker as Annie, Tony Horton as Steve, and Joette Waters as Baba. Through friendships, heartbreak, and self-discovery, the film captures the bittersweet feeling of holding onto one last perfect summer before life changes forever.