Macedonia Alexis and Evan Sims were raised with stories. Growing up with access to all kinds of media, storytelling was infused into the very marrow of their existence. “We both watched the classic Pixar and DreamWorks movies growing up. Emperor’s New Groove definitely played a part in forming our sense of humor,” Sims explained, “I really enjoy how film ties a lot of art forms together.” Film, music, and literature were not only childhood hobbies but also points of inspiration for their creative lives.
Alexis and Sims are the co-creators of Shrike and Thorn, a film production company based out of Louisville, Kentucky. Both, beginning their professional careers as actors, transformed their passions into a channel for young artists and a way to engage with the local community. This new and exciting endeavor has allowed the co-creators to wear nearly every hat of filmmaking, from directing to acting to composing.
Like every great partnership, Shrike and Thorn was born in an unlikely place. The two met at a gym, and they soon discovered their shared love of acting and filmmaking. Sims recalled the early stages of he and Alexis’s connection, “I had some scripts I’d been working on, and Macie and I were sending our creative projects back and forth, and she saw the script for Some Kind of Solace and thought it would be easy/cheap enough to make with our limited budget (i.e., no budget) and crew.”
If you’re curious—just as I was—you must be wondering where the production company got its unique name. “We came up with the name Shrike and Thorn while in post-production for [Some Kind of Solace] because we wanted a name to release our films under. The name comes from the Hozier song ‘Shrike,’ a song about a relationship in which violence and love are inseparable,” Sims continues, “Very appropriate since our first film was about an abusive relationship.” Their dedication to the intersection of arts forms through their films is always evident, even in the company name.
Their most recent project, Fungus Jar, highlights the duo’s fondness for how creativity functions alongside comedy. “Emperor’s New Groove definitely played a part in forming our sense of humor,” Sims revealed. The short film follows two sisters who visit home for the holidays, and the subsequent antics that ensue.
Ironically, the behind-the-scenes was nothing short of perfect. “You know, for being such an absurd film, it was probably our most streamlined and efficient production process… we somehow gathered a really great crew in a really short amount of time. That was much thanks to our DP Corey Lucas.” But, Sims confesses, there was one mishap, “The only real hiccup is that the pizza we ordered for lunch was like two hours late.”
Placing their roots in Louisville, Shrike and Thorn support the city’s growing film scene by seeking out locals who share their same desire to tell stories. Whether they are utilizing filming locations across Louisville or sharing scripts with fellow young creatives, the heart of Alexis and Sims’s company is never lost.
“The film and acting community here in Louisville is some of the most supportive and kind people I’ve ever met,” Alexis shared her adoration. “There is so much talent and honest support for one another that it’s inspiring, and I feel lucky to have started my film career here. There is no doubt in my mind that the future of film in Louisville can only be bright with so much good energy and hard work being poured into it.”
According to Alexis and Sims, the importance of community in the indie film scene is entirely shaped by individual passion. “Look, the biggest barrier to making stuff is always going to be yourself,” Sims stated. Bringing unique stories to life through collaboration is made possible by embracing those early childhood inspirations that first sparked the unyielding love for art. Shrike and Thorn actively nurture that spark in every project they touch.
I asked Sims and Alexis to share what they would say to aspiring artists who feel as though their creativity isn’t supported, or who haven’t found the right community. Here’s what they had to say: “Do you know how many people I’ve met who say, ‘Oh, I’d love to make a short film!’ Or ‘I really want to write a novel!’ And when I ask what they’ve done so far, they tell me it’s just an idea right now. No matter where you live, that film/novel/song is never gonna get made unless you sit down and do it. Make creativity a part of your daily routine. Put in the work. The people and the opportunities are there, but unless you’re actively creating and putting yourself out there, you’ll never find them.”
Photos courtesy of Shrike and Thorn | Interviewed on January 30, 2026.
Leave a comment