Axel Desarden doesn’t just tell stories — he survived them. A 7-time gunshot survivor and child of "Da Bronx," Axel channels real-life pain, grit, and resilience into every frame of Distorted Perception of Innocence — the one-man film adapted from his breakout novel. He wrote the script, executive produced it, and crafted over 75% of the visuals and animations himself — turning survival into cinema.

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He’s the founder of BlueJay Phenomenal Group, a creative force dedicated to uplifting system-impacted youth through storytelling, self-expression, and healing work that hits deep. Axel’s the author of 10 books — spanning memoir, fiction, and raw-life guidance — and a speaker who doesn’t sugarcoat the truth. His workshops don’t preach — they connect, reflect, and break cycles.

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From prison yards to poetry, from near-death to purpose — Axel’s work lives at the intersection of art, truth, and transformation.

Ken McCaleb launched his creative career as a commercial cameraman with EUE ScreenGems Columbia Pictures before stepping into editorial work at MTI (Modern Talking Pictures), where he cut footage for The Purple Rose of Cairo by Woody Allen and Eddie Murphy’s iconic live HBO performances. His editorial eye led him to Pee-wee’s Playhouse (CBS) and Peter Gabriel’s surreal visual smash “Big Time” (MTV), sharpening his craft at the intersection of pop culture and visual innovation.

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In 2006, Ken joined the United Nations as a senior producer/director, using media to spotlight global challenges and human rights stories. Collaborating with visionaries like Maya Angelou, Nicole Kidman, Michael Douglas, George Clooney, and Steven Spielberg, he directed more than 100 episodes of the UN’s flagship documentary series 21st Century — helping shape the way the world sees itself.

After a distinguished 35-year career in education — including 22 years as Superintendent of Schools across three New York State districts — Philip D. D’Angelo, Jr. brings leadership, precision, and heart to independent filmmaking. Distorted Perception of Innocence marks his debut as Associate Producer, where his presence behind the scenes was steady, intentional, and deeply collaborative.

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Philip managed teleprompter operations and provided key logistical and creative support throughout production. His eye for timing, calm under pressure, and thoughtful feedback helped shape the rhythm and clarity of the final performance. Drawing on decades of experience guiding both people and systems, he brought structure, humanity, and a deep belief in the power of story to the set — making his contributions both meaningful and lasting.