Lalou and Joaquin each grew up in epicenters of American bohemian counterculture with single moms who raised them on artistic pursuits and health food.

They credit their mothers with introducing them to film at an early age — Joaquin to the world of independent films at the Art Cinema in Boulder and Lalou with the films of the French New Wave and Black American cinema from the Woodstock Video Store. Joaquin went on to NYU film school where he developed a knack for cinematography and shot the Oscar-nominated film The Lady in Waiting. Lalou went on to Princeton, where she studied film and photography and also 4 years of Mandarin because she secretly wanted to be a spy. After college, they each plunged into the exciting world of independent film where Lalou honed her skills as a creative producer on an array of award-winning films and Joaquin shot over 20 features, including the cult comedy classic Super Troopers and most recently James Gray’s Paper Tiger, starring Scarlet Johansson, Adam Driver and Miles Teller, which premiered at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, will open the New York Film Festival in September, and was acquired by Neon for a theatrical run in November.The pilot Lalou directed and Joaquin shot, The Rick Younger Show Starring Rick Younger won Best Comedy Pilot at 2024 NY Webfest, and was one of 4 pilots selected for the 2024 Harlem International Film Festival. In advertising, Lalou & Joaquin have garnered a much deserved reputation for their award-winning campaigns for leading global brands with accolades at Cannes, The Clios, AICP/MoMA, D&AD, Ciclope, The Andys and The One Show and a DGA Best Director Nomination. Lalou & Joaquin run the Craftwork Collaborative mentorship program for young creatives and both live in New York City.