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 the cult comedy classic Super Troopers, the critically acclaimed films We Own the Night and Two Lovers for James Gray, and Mike Mills’ debut feature, Thumbsucker. As a directing team, they directed Rick Younger Presents The Rick Younger Show, which won best pilot at 2023 NY Webfest, and was one of 4 pilots selected for the 2024 Harlem International Film Festival. They are currently in post-production on a documentary set in the world of British electronic music, and Lalou is directing a documentary about her great-uncle, the radical Black civil rights activist William Monroe Trotter. 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 with their families.