"Everyone holds something close to their heart. It could be a piece of memorabilia, a time in the past, or a loved one. I hold Wildwood, New Jersey close to my heart. I’ve spent every one of my summers in Wildwood and have explored every inch of that island. I’ve had some of my best moments there as well as some of my worst. Wildwood is, for better or worse, a home. And with Atlantic Avenue, I have the opportunity to tell a story that has been with me my entire life. 

I find myself growing with every movie I direct, not necessarily as an artist, although I’d like to think so as well, but as a human being. With each project I take on, I learn a little more about life and exactly how I fit into the messy and complicated tapestry of existence. I already feel that path of discovery formulating in the making of this film. The writing process alone started with a series of difficult conversations between Nathan and I, breaking down and cutting open our adolescence and uncovering thinly veiled wounds in the process. And the rest of this journey has been turning those wounds into something beautiful and cathartic. I always figured it would be difficult to tell a story as personal as this. But it’s not. It’s easy. This movie is already living and breathing inside of me. Now, I just have the beautiful privilege of putting it to screen. So, thank you so much for your support, and I hope you enjoy the ride."