Our Team
Jessie Weber Kass is a Brooklyn-based writer/director. She studied acting and directing at Bennington College and earned her Master’s Degree in Theatre Education at NYU. Jessie also studied the Meisner Technique with Bill Esper and scene study with Deena Levy. Jessie has written numerous plays, short stories, television treatments and screenplays. She studied writing at Gotham Writers Workshop with Jeremy Wechter, and solo show writing with Matt Hoverman at Go Solo. Jessie is part of a screenwriting collective and has studied directing at The Barrow Group with Lee Brock. Outside of filmmaking, Jessie loves being a mother to her 12-year-old tweenager and to Coco, her spirited 8-pound toy goldendoodle, who runs a highly demanding emotional support division.
Jessie Weber Kass
Writer/ Director
Noah Kass
Noah Kass’s interest in human behavior began at Emerson College, where he earned his BFA in Theater and Performing Arts. He later became a psychotherapist and hypnotherapist, continuing his exploration of human behavior through clinical practice. Noah and Jessie met while performing together in a play at New York University. Together, they founded Pesticups Films to develop and produce original work, including Jessie’s short film A Nice Lady. They continue to collaborate on new independent film projects together. Noah eats books and has been watching every movie on Sight and Sound’s Greatest Films of All Time.
Producer
Rachel Barclay is a Producer and Film Programmer from Toronto, Canada. With over 15 years experience working in the film industry, Rachel has worked for festivals like the Toronto International Film Festival and Whistler Film Festival and produced films playing festivals including Dances With Films, Tallinn Black Nights and Beirut International Women’s Film Festival. As Pesticups Films Production Manager, Rachel manages the production office and serves as Producer with a capital P on various Pesticups Projects. A storytelling enthusiast, Rachel enjoys reading and runs a monthly book club. She also loves learning about different neighbourhoods across Manhattan and Brooklyn and enjoying all their culinary delights along the way.
Production ManagerRachel Barclay
Leela Roye is a recent Boston University graduate with a degree in Film and Television. As a student, she interned at production companies like Linden Entertainment and American High, and is now beyond excited to be the Production Assistant for Pesticups Films. Leela assists Jessie and Rachel in personal and professional projects as well as manages the company’s social media accounts and production office administration. Outside of work, Leela loves all kinds of art projects, spending time outside, and hanging out with her dogs.
Production Assistant