TEACHERS

Adam Fratto is a seasoned creative executive and executive producer with proven track records in development & programming, production, and strategy. With a specialty in drama series, he is experienced in crafting international business models and launching creative initiatives. Adam recently ran the scripted programming division for US-based HISTORY, the flagship channel for A+E Networks. In addition to developing new ongoing series and miniseries, he oversaw creative on current series, including PROJECT BLUE BOOK, which launched as the #1 new drama on cable, and the global phenomenon VIKINGS, which just finished airing its final season. Prior to that, Adam set up a series division for international distribution and production studio Reel One Entertainment. There, he rapidly built a presence in the drama space, hiring experienced executives and assembling a buzzy slate of projects, including an anthology series based on the catalogue of the late great thriller writer Mary Higgins Clark, a multi-platform adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s SCREAMERS and a UK series based on award- winning Belgian format TEAM CHOCOLATE (now in development at Channel 4). Before that, he was SVP of Drama for Pukeko Pictures, affiliate of New Zealand's Weta (LORD OF THE RINGS, AVATAR, DISTRICT 9). The first of these, the award-winning CLEVERMAN, aired on Netflix, SundanceTV, BBC3, and Australia's ABC and is in development on season 3. As an independent producer and consultant, Adam worked with clients from tech startups to established networks. He Executive Produced YA movie SEA CHANGE (for Lifetime) and originated and was co-EP of HAVEN, the cult hit supernatural drama based on Stephen King’s “The Colorado Kid," for Syfy, NBCU Global Channels, and Canada’s Showcase. Originally from New York, Adam is a graduate of Harvard College and USC’s graduate program in Film & TV Production, where he produced Emmy-winning documentary WALKING WITH GIANTS. After starting his executive career at Michael Douglas's Furthur Films (WONDER BOYS, SWIMFAN), Adam joined Piller/Segan as V.P. in 2002, working on hit series THE DEAD ZONE, WILDFIRE, GREEK, and indie feature BICKFORD SHMECKLER’S COOL IDEAS. From 2008 to 2011, Adam helped launch Atticus Entertainment, managing sports icon Jim Lampley’s HBO-based operation. He is a member of the TV Academy, HRTS, and the PGA. He is also co-Founder and co- President of Harvardwood, a group of 10,000+ alums in arts, media and entertainment (harvardwood.org). A lifelong sinophile, he has lived in Beijing, Taipei and Hong Kong...and now currently resides in sunny South Pasadena.

Alasdair Boyd is known for S.W.A.T. (2003), Inspector Gadget (1999) and Red State (2011).

Manager at Untitled Entertainment which is based in Los Angeles and New York City.

Ana Veseli is an Albanian film director and producer. Her passion for filmmaking blossomed at a young age when she was part of the young jury at the Rozafa Film Festival 2013 when she was just 16 years old. Ana graduated from the Academy of Film and Multimedia Marubi, where she studied film directing and editing. She has worked extensively in the industry since her student days, contributing to films, animations, documentaries, commercials, and TV shows for Albania's top networks. One of Ana’s standout works is her short film "I Am Eva," which explores women's perspectives and issues they face in the modern society. She was also awarded "Best Cinematography" at the 48 Hours Film Festival Tirana in 2020 for the one-shot film "The Last Minutes." In addition to her filmmaking achievements, Veseli has gained valuable experience working with young people on various projects, bringing a unique perspective to her work.

Chris Pfaff is a leading new media and technology producer and strategist. He is renowned for his knowledge and guidance in integrating leading-edge technology into the media and entertainment community. He was the first to use IRC for an interactive corporate webcast; produced one of the first promotional DVDs, in March, 1997; produced the first HD animated logo; produced numerous multipoint broadband events in the late-1990s. In 2002-2003, he produced some of the first mobile short films, and produced the first Twitter Wall in 2011. Chris was one of the founders of the Producers Guild of America (PGA) New Media Council East, and served as chairman of the group from 2007-2013. He served as the vice chairman of the national PGA New Media Council from 2011-2013, for which he served as a delegate from 2006-2013, and also served as a delegate on the PGA Board of Directors from 2008-2013. Prior to launching Chris Pfaff Tech/Media, Chris was Marketing Director with the early-stage ventures GeoVideo Networks and MobileQ. Previously, he was a member of both the Lucent Technologies and AT&T in-house advertising/public relations teams. At Lucent, Chris helped launch more than 16 ventures with the Lucent New Ventures Group and Bell Labs, including Lucent Digital Radio (now iBiquity Digital), SyChip (sold to Murata), e-Ink, Flarion (sold to Qualcomm), and savaJe (sold to Sun Microsystems), among many others. While at AT&T Corp., he helped launch AT&T WorldNet Service and the AT&T NetWare Connect Service, and also helped launch the AT&T Personal Online Services division. Prior to this, while working with New York-based PR firms, he represented Sony Electronics, Viacom New Media, Sharp Electronics, and Kyocera, among others. He began his career in the music industry, representing clients including Yamaha Corporation and Hal Leonard Publishing, and working with a wide range of musical artists and producers, including such notable figures as Walter Becker, Chick Corea, Wynton Marsalis, and Phil Ramone. Chris earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Radio / TV / Film from the School of Communication at Northwestern University.

Christopher Arena is proud DGA, IATSE, and soon to be LMGI member. And is an even prouder winner of the 2024 LMGI Outstanding Locations in a Period Television Series for his work as location manager for Season 1 of the 17 Emmy Nominated Kilter Films / Amazon Prime series "Fallout." He is based in New York City, but has scouted and managed film, television and commercial projects all over the United States. Chris brings 20+ years of location experience and a lifetime of enthusiasm for travel, art, storytelling and the shared human experience to each and every project he takes on, and not a day goes by that he doesn't feel profound gratitude for every small contribution he's made to all.

Christopher Fernandes is a cinematographer and producer born and raised in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. With a business mindset as his foundation along with a passion for art and film he is able to excel as a visual storyteller. Christopher prides himself on being a leader and collaborating with his production teams to create cinematic gold. Working with a wide range of cameras, various lights, and crews encompasses what he loves to do and experience. His work crosses genres and spans corporate, commercial, documentary, narrative and science fiction. Christopher is the founder of Fractured Frames - Crash & Fern Productions, a micro media production company that is the hub for all his creative works.

Cirina Catania is the CEO/Founder of Catania Studios and Executive Director of the newly formed, High School Media Collective, and K20 Media, sharing her experience in all phases of production and post-production with students of all ages. She is known for her strong creative and technical skills as well as her ability to motivate others. Catania was one of the original co-founders and former executive director of the Sundance Film Festival. She is a writer, director, DP, and tech-oriented filmmaker/journalist with numerous film, broadcast television, and broadband credits. She served 8 years as a senior executive with MGM/UA and United Artists. She has been working in radio since her 20's and currently is the Show Runner and Host of OWC RADiO sponsored by Other World Computing. Her movie, "The Purple Heart," has been several years in the making and is almost ready for post production! When not involved in her own projects, she helps other companies maximize their production and post-production workflows, achieve success in distribution and marketing and she remains an active mentoring producer with the Producers Guild of America. Catania has post-produced several award-winning projects and is known as a workflow/operations expert in production circles, producing training workshops on behalf of her guilds and tech clients. She is an avid photographer and travels the world chasing interesting stories. Catania is grateful that she still loves her work and has never contracted malaria! Specialties: Producer / Writer / Podcast Host Production/Post Production Executive Futurist Both right & left brain oriented Writer - Director - Producer Film/TV Creative Production for TV, Film, Web Strategic & Innovative Sales & Marketing Former Sr. Marketing Exec with Fortune 100 Entertainment Co. Operations expert with a creative/technical orientation

Courtenay Miles is known for Mindhunter (2017), The Killer (2023) and Gone Girl (2014). She was David Fincher's 1st AD on "Gone Girl" and on Season 1 of "Mindhunter" when he asked her to write for Season 2 of Mindhunter. She was then Head Writer and Executive Producer of the 2nd Season.

Daniele is an experienced Assistant Costume Designer with a demonstrated history of working in the entertainment industry. Skilled in Film Production, Costume Design, and Television, with excellent shopping skills. Strong arts and design professional with a Master of Arts (M.A.) focused in Costume Design from NYU Tisch School of the Arts.

Elaine counsels clients in all aspects of the entertainment, sports and new media industries including publishing, branded entertainment, licensing, promotion, advertising, interactive media, theater, motion pictures and television. She represents authors, publishers, actors, writers, production, media and sports companies, directors, financiers as well as NFL and MLB professional athletes and broadcasters. She regularly represents professional sports figures in endorsement, licensing, media and entertainment transactions. Elaine has served as counsel on numerous studio based and independent films. She regularly advises clients in all aspects of the film and television process from acquisition of rights to production and distribution. Elaine is a filmmaker herself having produced film and television movies. She was an affiliated agent with the New York and Boston full service literary agency, Kneerim & Williams, LLC now Calligraph. Before joining Sennott, Williams & Rogers, LLP, Elaine was a partner and co-chair of the Entertainment and Sports Group at the New York based firm, Meister Seelig & Fein LLP. Prior to that, Elaine was a principal in the Media and Entertainment Group at Fish & Richardson PC and an agent at Kneerim & Williams, LLC where she was involved in many television and feature films. Before practicing law, Elaine worked as an advertising and public relations executive for several of the world’s largest firms including Burson-Marsteller, Saatchi & Saatchi (The Rowland Group) and WPP. Elaine has been listed in The National Registry of America’s Who’s Who and has graced the cover as one of Boston Magazine’s “The Best Lawyers” in entertainment law. She was also in Boston Magazine’s issues as one of Massachusetts’ “Super Lawyers” and featured in ABA Women in Communications Law “Women to Watch.” Elaine has co-chaired Entertainment Law symposiums for the ITV Festival (now Catalyst) – the independent television festival and participated in panels at various film festivals and universities over the years. She has authored a chapter on “Recent Trends and Hot Topics in Advertising Law” for Aspatore Books: Managing Advertising & Marketing Legal Issues: Leading Lawyers on Preventing Claims, Handling Disputes, and Understanding Recent Trends and Developments. Elaine has served as a clinical field supervisor in entertainment law for the internship program at Suffolk University Law School. She is a member of the Boston Women in Media and Entertainment group and Board of Directors for No Limits Media and Fast Friends Greyhound Adoption. She enjoys spending time with her family including six rescued horses and three retired greyhounds dogs.

EMMY Award Winning Composer, Elvin Ross is a native of Hahnville, Louisiana where he discovered his love for music as his mother, a middle school music teacher, nurtured his musical interests. Ross evolved his skills throughout his years in school and eventually moved to Atlanta in search of more. In his quest, he connected with an old New Orleans friend, Tyler Perry, a budding playwright, who was looking for a composer and musical director for his play, I Know I’ve Been Changed. This single encounter would shift Ross’ career trajectory forever. After the success of several plays, Ross shifted his sights to television and film. He began creating music and themes in his basement he would one day use for films such as Diary of a Mad Black Woman, his first composer opportunity with Tyler Perry Studios and Lionsgate. From there, Ross relocated to Los Angeles to be engaged intimately with the film industry and to network with and learn from other composers. He made his mark on the industry as the creator and executive producer of the reality show Gospel Dream that appeared on both BET and the Gospel Music Channel for six seasons. He went on to launch his production company, e. ross studios, creating award-winning scores for film and television shows created at Tyler Perry Studios for nearly a decade and making his directorial debut with the documentary film Kunta Kinteh Island, which he also wrote, directed, and produced. A wildly successful composer, Ross is more importantly, a passionate father to his sons, EJ and London. He prioritizes showing his sons they too can dream big and accomplish anything by continuously seeking new opportunities to grow his brand.

Ethan Anderson first got into the film industry as a stand-in and photo double on Mighty Ducks 2, in Minneapolis, MN where he went to school at the University of Minnesota. He went from there to work on Sugar and Spice in 1999. And right after that he moved to New York City where he got in the locations department on Men in Black 2. He joined the Screen Actors Guild and the Director’s Guild of America. He has worked consistently for the last twenty five years and became bi costal working both in Los Angeles and the New York tri state area. Working on Law and Order: SVU, Gotham, and Blues Clues Movie. He is also a field producer and supervisor for various independent projects. He has also line produced multi million industrial projects. He currently resides in Los Angeles and works both coasts

Geiv is a passionate software developer, AI enthusiast, technology trainer, interested in Technology & Innovation. Highly experienced in different fields of Computer Sciences, Electronics, Technology, Digital Marketing, Branding, Innovation. Good multi-tasking abilities. Highly adaptive in new challenging fields and technologies. Self-motivated and very auto-didactic. Good deduction skills and spoken English.

These are days of radical reinvention … and I’m no stranger to that. With MFAs in Acting, Poetry, and Nonfiction, plus successful stints as an On- and Off-Broadway Actress, a top-selling Business Development Executive, a Branded Content + Experiential Creative Director, and an Indie Filmmaker, my eclectic background has forged a career steeped in Transmedia Storytelling: I’ve created short- and long-form narratives across multiple genres and platforms to tech-forward immersive experiences for the world’s biggest brands, including IBM, SC Johnson, and SONY, to name a few. I’m committed to telling diverse, singular stories that captivate and catalyze transformation in individual lives and shared cultures. My first film, HAPPY HOUR — narrated by Julianne Moore — screened at 18 festivals, winning awards and garnering praise from Oscar-winning Writer/Director Robert Benton: “Happy Hour is a lush, elegiac film about an extremely difficult subject and Ms. Claggett handles it masterfully.” My second film/proof-of-concept TV pilot, STORMCHASER, is a female-forward, nuanced satire that allegorizes this era in “Merica”: Global Warming, Disaster Capitalism, Bullying, Morality, a Shrinking Middle Class, and Country Divided. STORMCHASER screened at 65 festivals worldwide — winning AMC Network’s Inaugural “Best Female Creator” Award at Stareable Fest, “Best Writer and Director” Awards at the New York Women in Film & Television Festival, and “Outstanding Writing” at the Catalyst Content Festival. Other awards included multiple wins for Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Film, Best Pilot, Best Cinematography, Best Actress and Actor, Best Ensemble Cast, Best Original Score/Soundtrack, and Best VFX. STORMCHASER is now available to stream on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu/Fandango. FLIP THE SWITCH — a restructured 15-minute version of the film — was a finalist in the international Stage 32 Short Film Contest, and also screened at multiple festivals around the world, winning awards. Other narrative work includes directing several episodes of the comedic CHRONICLES OF A BLEEP YEAR OLD, co-creating and producing the horror short BOY, ALONE IN WOODS, and script doctoring the feature BEYOND THE RUSH. Another passion of mine is pioneering the use of innovative technologies to shape inspiring brand stories. Clients have included AstraZeneca, AT&T, Avis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Canon, Chase, Genentech, IBM, Marriott, McDonald’s, Merck, Pfizer, SHRM, SONY, and SC Johnson, among others. My specialty is merging live performance with multiscreen multimedia and VFX for audiences up to 20,000 with global livestreams to thousands more. In this realm, my work has been honored with Cannes Corporate Award nominations, Telly Awards, and a JP Morgan Chase Luminary Fellowship for Entrepreneurship.

The founder of Jacob Krueger Studio and host of the popular Write Your Screenplay podcast, Jacob has worked with thousands of writers, from Academy and Tony Award Winners, to beginning writers picking up the pen for the first time. Jacob is a WGA Paul Selvin Award Winning screenwriter, playwright, producer and director. Jacob’s Emmy Award Winning movie “The Matthew Shepard Story” (2002) also won him the Writers Guild of America Paul Selvin Award and a Gemini Nomination for Best Screenplay. He has collaborated on original film musicals with Tony Award winning composers Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg (Les Miserables, Miss Saigon) and with four-time Academy Award Composer Michel Legrand (Yentl, The Thomas Crown Affair), as well as a full slate of solo projects ranging from Feature Films to TV and Limited Series. Prior to embarking on his writing and directing career, Jacob Krueger worked as an executive at Alliance Atlantis Entertainment. During his four year tenure, he became the youngest person to hold the title of Story Editor, writing over thirty original treatments and working one-on-one with other writers to develop an entire slate of TV Movies and Miniseries. His projects have sold to many major networks. Notable projects include CBS telepic Crossed Over (starring Diane Keaton), miniseries The Salem Witch Trials and Joan of Arc (nominated for eleven Emmy awards). Jacob’s stage work includes the critically acclaimed off-Broadway production of What To Do When You Hate All Your Friends (Theatre Row, 2008), A Guy Adrift in the Universe, (Payan Theatre, April 2007)and The Sound of a Voice by David Henry Hwang (Whitmore Theatre, May 2005). Jacob is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Four Chairs Theatre Company and a member of the Lincoln Center Directors Lab. Jacob graduated Summa Cum Laude from Dartmouth College in 1997. A Presidential Scholar in Creative Writing, he was mentored by such notables as Peter Parnell (The Cider House Rules, QED, The West Wing), and Bill Philips (Christine, Seduction in a Small Town), and acclaimed set designer Georgi Alexi-Meskhishvili.

Jeffrey Kurz is a producer, writer, educator and former film studio executive. During his eight-year tenure at Miramax Films, he was involved in Neil Jordan’s Academy Award-winning The Crying Game, Wes Craven’s Scream, Alex Proyas’s The Crow, Guillermo del Toro’s Mimic, Chris Eyre’s Smoke Signals, and John Carpenter’s Halloween series. Recently produced feature films include: The Vivian Maier Mystery for the BBC; and Deep Woods, written and directed by Steve Laughlin and released by 1091 Pictures. Film projects in development include: An Ocean Apart starring Charlotte Gainsbourg as Simone de Beauvoir and Matt Dillon as Nelson Algren; Blackdeer, with director Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers; and Dead Girl Walking, with directors Jeff Fitzsimmons and Stuart Davis. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Kurz also teaches professional practice courses in screenwriting and film producing at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts. He has lectured on entertainment industry practices at Northwestern University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Writers Institute and the Chicago Writers Institute, and is a member of the board of Milwaukee Film and the Catalyst Story Institute.