Panelists*


Robert C. Banks
Filmmaker

  Born and raised in Cleveland , Robert C. Banks' interest in cinema began at age 6. With the help of his father he learned how to thread an 8mm movie projector and learned the art of cutting and splicing. Since then Banks has managed to create a strong body of cinematic achievments and numerous awards from around the world. Film titles include, "X, the Baby Cinema", "Outlet", "MPG: Motion Picture Genocide", and recently "A.W.O.L". He currently teaches part-time at the Cleveland Institute of Art Continuing Education program and at East Cleveland city schools. He strictly works in the medium of celluloid, 8mm, 16mm, 35mm and sometimes video. Pure and simple.
Debi Banyasz
Professional Make-Up Artist

  Over the past 24 years as a licensed, media make-up artist, I have been privileged to work with some of our nation's highest political figures and most interesting and controversial celebrities. My craft has taken me behind the scenes in movies, commercials, music videos, and print. I believe in seeing "The Big Picture" of everyone I work with. Developing the right make-up design for our talents' head shots and working closely with the photographer is instrumental in their success as their "look" denotes cues and clues to casting agents as to their character and identity. I look forward to sharing my experience with all the aspiring make-up artists and upcoming talent at this Conference!
Mark Bosko Mark Bosko
Writer, Producer, Director
The Bosko Group
Mark Steven Bosko, author of The Complete Independent Movie Marketing Handbook, has served in various capacities as writer, producer, director and distributor on six independent features, including the cult classic horror comedy Killer Nerd, which sold more than five thousand copies on video in North America and far-flung locales such as Malaysia and Sweden. The movie, made for $12,000, could be found in major video chains across the country, was featured on CNN and Entertainment Tonight and was eventually sold to Troma Pictures, where it became one of their customers' most requested re-released films of all time.
  Bosko's latest produced film, Pig, is being regionally released, and has found chain store sales success in New York, Florida and Ohio. A cable premiere is being planned as the film continues to roll out to other states across the country.
  In addition to his direct filmmaking and distributing experience, Bosko works as a public relations and marketing professional, assisting the distribution and promotional campaigns for other filmmakers' product through his company The Bosko Group. Recent work includes helming marketing activities for a new, reality-based horror feature, June 9, a documentary, One House At A Time and the dramatic feature, Bali Brothers. He welcomes correspondence, promises to answer all emails and can be reached at mark@theboskogroup.com.
Joe Cali
Professional Voice Actor

  Joe Cali is a professional performer with an extensive background in the entertainment industry as a writer, producer, publicist and actor. A full-time voice actor for over 10 years, his voice can be heard on broadcast commercials, corporate videos, station imaging, educational documentaries, promos, trailers, on-hold messages, books-on-tape and more. He has also appeared in movies, corporate videos and on the stage.
  Before becoming a full time actor, Joe spent seven years as Public Relations Director at the Richfield Coliseum, and taught in the Journalism and Mass Communications School at Kent State University. He sits on the board of the Cleveland Chapter of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the Screen Actors Guild, and volunteers for Written Communications Radio Service, a radio station for the visually handicapped in Akron.
Stephen R. Campanella Stephen R. Campanella
President & Executive Producer
BELLTOWER Productions, Inc.
Stephen R. Campanella is a dynamic award winning producer whose vision, perseverance, and integrity have made him sought-after by television and film productions alike. He has brought his unique leadership to more than 100 hours of television and motion picture entertainment, including nearly 200 episodes of nationally televised programs; four network specials, features, commercials and public service announcements.
  Stephen has distinct gifts for inspiring others and assembling dynamic teams. His solid management principles, tenacity, and ability to forge a concept into reality have brought life to countless productions, including: PSA "Dancing Wheels" with Christopher Reeves; television special "A Time to Celebrate" with Hal Holbrook; series television "Room by Room" for HGTV, on which he was Executive Producer, Disney’s "The Jersey" (episode 226 Cleveland – Line Producer). He also served as the Executive in Charge of Production on four PBS series: "American Sews," "Needle Art Studios," "Hands Crafts for Kids," and "More than Memories."
  For four years Stephen brought his skills and experience to his role as Vice President of Broadcast and Entertainment for Beachwood Studios in Cleveland, Ohio. There he established Beachwood’s series program production, taking them from zero to 65 hours of national programming per year.
  Since, 1995, he has worked as an independent producer through his company, BELLTOWER Productions, Inc., in Cleveland, Ohio, a company that prides itself on high-quality television & film production. In 2003, BELLTOWER acquired Humbert Studio of Creative Photography founded in 1954. Together Humbert Studio and BELLTOWER Productions offer a wide variety of production and photographic services. Services include: Production Management & Consulting, Producer & Directorial Services, Script to Screen Production Services for Digital Video, Motion Picture and Webcast Productions as well as Commercial and Illustrative Still Photography.
  Mr. Campanella is a member of the Producers Guild of America and serves on the guild’s membership qualifications committee.
Chris Carmody
President
Greater Cleveland Film Commission
  Chris Carmody founded the Greater Cleveland Film Commission and has served as its President since January 1998. The Greater Cleveland Film Commission has brought in over $26 million dollars to northeast Ohio’s economy through the promotion of the region as a filming location for film, television, video, and print productions.
Joanna Connors
Film Critic
The Plain Dealer
  Joanna Connors has been film critic for the Plain Dealer since 1988. She was also, briefly, the theater critic and the Arts and Entertainment editor for the paper. Before coming to Cleveland, she was the film critic for the Minneapolis Star. She earned a bachelor's degree in critical writing from the University of Minnesota, a degree that combined the disciplines of the journalism, theater, English and film programs. She has freelanced for many publications, including Redbook, Glamour, ReAct, Seventeen, the Village Voice and the Chicago Tribune.
Sheila Corrigan Sheila Corrigan
Special Events Manager
City of Cleveland
Sheila assists productions with obtaining all City permits and acts as the liaison between the production companies and City Departments. Her resources and knowledge of the City's process helps to ease the work for all productions that come into the City of Cleveland. Sheila acted in off-Broadway plays and worked in television production in New York City before returning to Cleveland.
Kiely Cronin Kiely Cronin
Camera Operator
Camera Guild (IATSE local 600)
Kiely Cronin began in the film business 15 years ago with low budget producer Rodger Corman as a mentor. Initially in the production and A.D. departments, Kiely returned to photography, and ran the Corman's camera dept. After 3 years with Rodger, Kiely left to be a freelance 1st Assistant Cameraman (focus puller) and Camera operator working in Los Angeles on high budget (Steel) and many, many low budget and art films (Carnosaur to Suicide Kings and Safe) as well as music videos (Snoop Dogg to Allison Kraus). After more than 40 features, 6 seasons of network TV series and way too many music videos Kiely escaped to Cleveland and has lived there for the last three years working, primarily as a cameraman, on local produced films including The Year That Trembled, Miracle Dogs, Sleep of Reason, Christmas at Maxwell's and Martians from Venus as well as the visiting productions including Welcome to Collinwood, Antwoine Fisher, American Splendor and Against the Ropes. Kiely is a member of the Camera Guild (IATSE local 600) and travels thought the Midwest for commercial work including national spots for Wendy's, Nike, Lockheed Martin and Toyota and regional spots for McDonald's, First Energy and Cedar Point. Kiely remains single and thinks that he is a pretty good kisser.
Kristen Erwin
Executive Director
Greater Cincinnati & N. Kentucky Film Commission
  Kristen Erwin is the Executive Director for the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Film Commission, where she began working six years ago. With a background in theater/public relations and radio. Kristen has many credits under her belt, including Seabiscuit, Mr. 3000, Traffic, In Too Deep, Unsolved Mysteries, The Disney Channel's In Concert: Featuring Hoku and 98º and two episodes for MTV, The Tom Green Show and TRL @ Your House, just to name a few. In addition to her production credits, Kristen also spearheads the Film Commission's educational endeavors and community outreach by coordinating many workshops on Screenwriting, Documentary Filmmaking, Media Streaming, Locations, Casting, and Copyright. Kristen represents the first Film Commission to cross state lines and first to be modeled as a 501 © 3 corporation. The Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky Film Commission is set up to attract, promote, and cultivate film and video production in the Greater Cincinnati area. The Film Commission enhances economic development and provides artistic, educational and creative opportunities. It is responsible for marketing the region to filmmakers of all types of production, including major motion pictures, independent films, documentaries, music videos, commercials and industrials. The Commission is supported by the State of Ohio, the State of Kentucky, the City of Cincinnati, the Ohio Arts Council, the Northern Kentucky Convention & Visitors Bureau, The Procter & Gamble Co., Zaring Family Foundation, and many other corporations, foundations, individual members and fundraising events.
Mara Evans
Producer, Production Manager, Locations Manager
Cleveland
  Mara Evans, currently producing a feature film entitled "I'm Only Bleeding," has worked in nearly every facet of the film and television industry over the last fourteen years including television commercials, pilots, specials and series as well as short, feature, industrial and documentary films. Most recently she worked as the Production Manager of the documentary "Ohio: 200 Years," which aired on PBS and as the Assistant Locations Manager on "Deep Attack," which will air on NBC. Evans is also the former Director of the Cleveland Filmmakers program. She is currently freelancing as a producer, production manager, locations manager and script consultant in Ohio.
Mary Faktor Mary Faktor
Actor
SAG/AFTRA
My most recent work is in the movie AMERICAN SPLENDOR, Winner of Cannes and Sundance, Voted one of the Top Ten movies of the Year, and Nominated for Golden Globes and Oscars. (I am in the opening scene flashback to 1953 as the housewife who answers her door on Halloween to talk to the children dressed as Super Heroes.) I am currently working on four other independent films through 2003.
  Besides possessing outstanding comedic skills and timing (I've made 50% of my living by performing my one-woman comedy show for 20 years and I am a graduate of The Second City Training) I seem to be chosen when heavy drama is required (i.e. school bus driver in prison for manslaughter, manic depressive housewife, worried mother of drinking teenager, drunken mother of deceased child, etc.)
  My looks are extremely versatile...from your friendly neighborhood "June Clever" mom, to a "trailer trash Peggy Bundy," to an attractive, sophisticated "upper class yuppie type", to a "human dregs homeless person" type, I constantly surprise people with how easily I can change my persona.
Allan Fee
Program Director/Morning Show Host
Q104
  Allan Fee is the Program Director/Morning show host on Q104. He has been with Q104 for nearly 5 years. He grew up near Seattle and has worked in St. Louis, Chicago, Grand Rapids, Michigan as a program director and air personality. Allan has worked in many genres of music including Top 40, Alternative and Rock, in a career that has spanned over 20 years.
Frank Fletcher
Location Manager

  Frank Fletcher has been doing location scouting and managing in northeast Ohio for 20+ years. He has been involved with THE BABE RUTH STORY, TELLLING LIES IN AMERICA, and HOUSE ARREST on the movie side. Commercials include NIKE, SPRITE, INDIANS, OHIO LOTTERY, FORD, PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE and McDONALDS. He also has done location work for THE DREW CAREY SHOW since its inception till now. Prior to getting into film work, Frank came from the broadcast end of the business having spent time with CBS News and Sports in NYC, and 15.5 years as WUAB's Director of Advertising and Promotion having even won some Emmys.
Thomas Fletcher, Fletcher Chicago Thomas Fletcher
Vice President of Marketing
Fletcher Chicago
Tom Fletcher, Vice-President of Marketing for Fletcher Chicago, has been instrumental in developing Fletcher Chicago as one of the nation’s leading High Definition and standard definition equipment resources. Tom has five national EMMY’s for his application of robotic cameras in Sports Broadcasting and is world renowned for his dedication to the advancement of HD acquisition having presented at the International Broadcasting Conference (IBC), National Associations of Broadcasters (NAB), Cannes Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, and National Association of Television Programming Executives (NATPE). He currently serves on the NATPE HDTV Steering Committee and is currently Vice President of Professional Equipment Rental Association (PERA). Tom also serves on the US Organizing Committee for the International Electronic Cinema Festival (IECF) and was President of International Television Association (ITVA) Chicago Chapter in 1991-92.
Jim Gelarden
Art Department

  Jim Gelarden works in the unknown part of the film world, the art dept. Many people in the film business don't really know what the art dept. does. Recently, at the Cleveland Airport, one producer walked by our "movie airline counter" and wanted to know where our airline is?
  Working his way up the art dept. ladder, Gelarden has worked on films that have ended up abandoned and molding under somebody's bed, to films that have been nominated for Academy Awards (Damn those Hobbits). If you can't work well with others, don't get into the film business. Sometimes the greenest PA has the best idea; Don't be afraid to listen.
Vic Gideon
Reporter
WKYC
Vic has worked at WKYC TV3 (NBC) in Cleveland since June 1998, doing feature, entertainment, and general assignment reporting for the NBC affiliate. His stories range from features on national entertainers from the area like Macy Gray and the Black Keys to hard news. He was the morning feature reporter in 2001 and 2002 on "Channel 3 News Today," doing live remote broadcasts on location every weekday morning. He also has a regular feature, "Gideon's Guide," which previews weekend events.
  Vic has worked in the Cleveland radio and television market since graduating from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He won two Ohio Associate Press Awards and two Cleveland Press Club Awards for his reporting while at WWWE AM 1100 (while later working for WTAM AM 1100) and became a recognizable and popular part of the morning shows at WENZ 107.9 The End during his two stints at the Alternative Music station. He was done morning fill-in work recently at WCPN 90.3 (NPR) and had filled on the WDOK morning show with Trapper Jack and Robin.
  Akron viewers are familiar with Vic for his two years at WAKC TV23, where he anchored the 5:00 p.m. news/magazine "Your News" as well as filling in as the six and eleven o'clock anchor.
  An accomplished performer, Vic traveled around the country as a comedian, working with Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Coulier, Steve Harvey, Jeff Foxworthy, and Drew Carey among others. He's currently a regular participant in Cleveland Public Theater's Vaudeville.
  His writing has appeared in nearly every area publication, contributing features, reviews, and humor for, most notably The Plain Dealer, Cleveland.com, and Cleveland Magazine. He's done commercials and industrial videos and had small roles in movies including Telling Lies in America, Double Dragon, My Summer Story, and sixtysomething.
  Vic grew up in the Cleveland area and currently lives in Cleveland Heights with his wife and three young children, Louis, Dominic, and Christopher.
Jeff Gosnell
Filmmaker
"Look For The Woman" shown at the
Ohio Independent Film Festival 2003
  Jeff Gosnell is the co-founder of Murder for Hire, an interactive murder mystery troupe. Through M4H, he has written 12 mystery scripts and directed more than 45 mystery theater productions. Jeff has written three screenplays and will gladly come over to your house and act them out for you. His unhealthy obsession with researching some of the more gruesome aspects of murder and disposal of persons became the inspiration for his first feature film, the noir/black comedy Look for the Woman, which premiered in the 2003 Ohio Independent Film Festival and was nominated for best feature. Jeff is among the last to graduate of the Cleveland Second City Training center and is still in mourning over its departure, so don't bring it up. He will never be forgiven for creating the sick, twisted comic strip Wasted Space, which is based upon his cherished childhood memories. Jeff fully intends to own a pair of cats someday, and he will name them "Keyser" and "Soze".
Tony Gray
Photographer

I have been photographing people in Cleveland for 18 years. My clients include local and nationally based Fortune 500 companies, local TV stations, ad agencies and hospitals. I have been shooting actor headshots for 10 years and shoot for Cleveland's top talent agencies.
(photo taken by Matt Owen)
Gina Herhuth
Production Manager
Commercial Production
  Gina started in production as a PA in 1994 on a movie called "Crazy For A Kiss". After working 10 years in the business in various capacities, she currently works as a Production Manager for Commercial Production. Gina has done numerous "Ohio Lottery" spots as well as worked on spots for Cedar Point, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and McDonalds to name a few. Recently she has worked on "Sprite" and "Nike" spots featuring basketball star LeBron James.
Charlie Humphrey Charlie Humphrey
Executive Director
Pittsburgh Filmmakers
Charlie Humphrey has been Executive Director of Pittsburgh Filmmakers since 1992. Pittsburgh Filmmakers is one of the oldest and largest media arts centers in the United States. Prior to joining Filmmakers, Humphrey was editor and publisher of In Pittsburgh, an alternative weekly paper. From 1977 until 1984 he was a radio producer and announcer, and still does occasional voice-over work for film and other media. Humphrey currently sits on the board of Directors of the Andy Warhol Museum, and is president of the board of Quantum Theater and is on the board of the Mattress Factory. He is past co-president of the National Alliance for Media Arts and Culture and past co-chair of the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Alliance. He is founder of the rock band The Shanks, who currently have an independently released CD called Sabbatical Files.
Jay Johnson
Director, Cinematographer, Writer

  A graduate of Ohio University with a B.F.A. in Film and Art, Jay’s film was shown in several film festivals including the Cleveland International and The Ohio Independent Film Festival. Jay began in the industry doing just about every crew position possible in just about any facet of production from film to theater to network television. For the last 10 years Jay has worked in the industry as a director, cinematographer, writer, and editor of commercials, corporate videos and other independent entertainment projects, short films, television programs and pilots. He is presently in post-production on his own independent feature "Will Work For Food," which had such a low budget the crew actually worked for food.
Sue Johnson
Actor

Sue Johnson, Director of the WAKE UP An LIVE's Actors' Studio, is an actor, director and coach whose professional credits include recent appearances inArthur Miller's The Ride Down Mt. Morgan, Ibsen's A Doll's House, Neil Simon's The Sunshine Boys, Langston Hughes' Simply Heavenly, Ossie Davis' Purlie, Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor as well as other roles in Cleveland area theatres. She has been a recipient of the Karamu Actors Guild, 1999-2000 (Outer Circle) Award for "Best Supporting Actress in a Musical," for her role as Idella in Beck Center for the Arts production of Purlie. Recent TV credits include A & E's 100 Centre Street, and films, Antwone Fisher directed by Denzel Washington, and The Year That Trembled, Jay Craven, Director. Her talent resume lists numerous TV commercials, industrials, and voiceovers.
  Sue combines her professional acting and motivational speaking talents to present her widely acclaimed Sue Johnson Acting Seminars for Business, Life Enrichment Programs, Personal Power Series and Guest Artist Presentations. Sue also can be seen conducting her "Tricks of the Trade,"© "Getting Your Big Break," and "Actors' Craft, Career & Professional Development" workshop series for various theatre, educational and cultural arts organizations.
  The Sue Johnson Business & Leadership Seminars use a unique concept and approach which incorporates the use of acting skills and techniques for increased professional performance. Recent Acting Seminars for Business include, "Tricks of the Trade: Effective Customer Service," "Acting Techniques to Enhance Your Public Speaking" and "Acting Techniques to Enhance Your Sales and Marketing."
  She was a producer and co-hosted "WAKE UP And LIVE with G.A.S."©, a series of three entertainment and arts talk shows heard on WELW Radio. She has also made several guest appearances on the former "Fox Unplugged" (TV - 8,Cleveland, OH) segments which discusses current events.
  Currently, Sue teaches Theatre Appreciation and Advanced Scene Study classes at Tri-C, Eastern in addition to her Actors' Studio "Tricks of the Trade . . ." craft, technical, marketing and business skills, and private coaching sessions.
  Sue, a graduate of Case Western Reserve University, holds an M.Ed degree from Cleveland State University and is the proud mom of Heidi, who is an Assistant Vice President of Fifth Third Bank and a poet who publishes and performs her works under the pen name, Nia.
Chad Kapper
Owner
StoneKap Productions Ltd.
  Chad Kapper is an award winning director with experience in feature films, digital special effects, and national television commercials. Chad owns and operates StoneKap Productions Ltd., a full service film and video production company, located in Canton, OH.
Annie Kitral
Actor

Annie Kitral has appeared in various character roles in theatre, film , and television. Some of her stage roles have been in "The Interview," "The Belle of Amherst," "The Cherry Orchard," "King Lear," "Midsummer Night's Dream," and "The Miser". Film credits include: "Welcome to Collinwood," "The Nightowls of Coventry," "My Summer Story," and "This Train". Television credits include: "Strong Medicine," "Judging Amy," "The Others," and "The Practice".
Richard Kohn
Co-Founder
Talent Group
Richard Kohn has been in the entertainment industry for more than 20 years. As an assistant voice agent at J. Michael Bloom/Ltd in New York City he worked with talent such as James Earl Jones, Kathleen Turner and Wesley Snipes. As Director of Program Development for D.L. Taffner/Ltd., in Los Angeles he was responsible for developing television pilots for the three major networks. Returning to his home town in 1992 Richard opened The Talent Group (with Stephen Black), Pittsburgh's first Aftra/Sag franchised talent agency. In February 2002, Talent Group-Cleveland opened its doors.
Mike Kraft
AFTRA Board
Cleveland
Mike Kraft, a native Clevelander, has been a full-time professional performer and AFTRA/SAG member since 1981, and serves on the Board of AFTRA. He has appeared in over 1000 industrial training films, hundreds of television and radio commercials, short films and numerous live performances. He also hosts distance learning events for General Motors and Volkswagen and moderates live interactive webcasts for Ernst & Young.
Tiffany Laufer Tiffany Laufer
Filmmaker

Tiffany is a cinematographer and director within the production company LAUFERFILM, based in Cleveland and Los Angeles. Tiffany studied Studio Art at Georgetown University, The University of New South Wales in Sydney and is a recent graduate of the American Film Institute's cinematography program.
  Tiffany has for many years taught the art of filmmaking to high school students, having received numerous grants for her teaching and photography skills. Tiffany has worked on over one hundred film projects in either the production or camera department. She just finished principal photography on the upcoming film "Christmas At Maxwell's" shot on location in Cleveland.
Sally Law
Associate Editor
Northern Ohio Live
  Sally Law has been an associate editor at Northern Ohio Live, a monthly arts and culture magazine covering the Cleveland/Akron area, since June 2002. As associate editor, she is responsible for editing the calendar of events, society coverage, travel sections and the Gourmet Guide, Live’s annual dining guide that contains reviews on more than 300 restaurants. Sally also writes features, event previews and a monthly nightlife column, Two of Clubs. In addition, she is editor-in-chief of Live’s Museums Guide, biannual guide to museum exhibitions in the tri-state area.
  Before coming to Live, Sally graduated from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University. While at Scripps, she received a William Randolph Hearst Journalism Foundation award for feature writing, and was named the 2002 Outstanding Graduating Senior for the magazine journalism sequence.
Scott Lax Scott Lax
Writer/Producer, Teacher, Lecturer
"The Year That Trembled"
Scott Lax was born Cleveland and was an industrial salesman and drummer until the age of 40 in 1992, when he began writing. Lax was awarded the 1993 nonfiction scholarship to the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference and continues to writes for a variety of publications. He has also written for Lifetime and Comedy Central TV.
  His first novel, "The Year That Trembled," a Vietnam-era coming-of-age story, won the 1998 Sewanee Writers' Conference Fellowship in Fiction. It was also named the Vermont Novel of the Year Runner-up, as well as listed by The Denver Post, which called it "powerful," as one of the best works of fiction for 1998. The Midwest Book Review called the novel, "Articulate with passion, humor and heartbreak."
  Lax and Tyler Davidson produced the feature film version of his novel. Adapted and directed by Jay Craven, "TYTT" was 100% produced and filmed in Northeast Ohio, has been shown theatrically in more than fifty markets worldwide. Lax and Davidson have received four first-place film festival awards, including the 2001 Midwest Filmmakers of the Year. The film was praised by dozens of film critics and scholars, such as Jonathan Rosenbaum of The Chicago Reader and April Greene of the Boston Herald. Lax's theatrical stage adaptation of his novel premiered at Cleveland's University School in October 2003. He lives in Bainbridge and is writing, producing, teaching and lecturing.
Debbie Lilly
Hair / Make-Up Artist
  Deborah R. Lilly has been a hairstylist for the past 30 years. She has worked in many areas of the beauty industry. Over the past 6 or 7 years she has had the opportunity to work on 14 films all shot in the Cleveland area. She saids her favorite past time is watching old movies. She currently lives in Cleveland with her photographer husband Mike.
Michelle Maloney Michelle Maloney
Radio Personality
Jim Mantel & The Morning Crew
The newest member of the WGAR Family is Michelle Maloney. You'll hear her on the air with Jim Mantel and The Morning Crew weekday mornings from 5-9a.
  I was born in Erie, PA, but lived in Pittsburgh most of my life. I have three sisters, two cute nephews (3 and 7 years old), about a thousand cousins and two dogs (Guinness and Bailey). My family is very important to me. I'm 3rd generation Irish (on my dad's side), and proud of it! (Of course, my mom is Russian, French and Italian, so I guess that makes me a mutt!!!) I went to college at St. Bonaventure University and majored in Journalism/Mass Communications. After college I went to work in Buffalo, NY. I did TV in Rochester, NY, for about, oh, five minutes, before going back to Buffalo, then Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. Now I'm in Cleveland, and VERY excited to be working for WGAR!!!! I have an aunt and uncle in North Olmsted, a cousin in Lakewood, and my best friend from high school in Broadview Heights.
David Manocchio
Director, Producer, Screenwriter

  David is an award-winning director, producer, and screenwriter based in Cleveland, Ohio. He has written several feature-length screenplays and created two short films which have received widespread praise among audiences in Cleveland and at film festivals around the world. A graduate of New York University’s intensive filmmaking program, Manocchio specializes in writing and directing. He has taught course at the Cleveland Playhouse in Film Acting and directing for several years.
Jim Mantel Jim Mantel
Radio Personality
Jim Mantel & The Morning Crew
Jim is definitely "Funny Business" at its best! Some may think waking up at 3 am to begin his 5:00 am air shift would contribute most to Jim being deliriously slap-happy, but the truth is, he genuinely likes being around the morning crew and greeting listeners each day.
  Jim has been named one of Cleveland Magazine's "Most Interesting People." This Lyndhurst raised, Brush High School graduate was destined to be a part of one of Cleveland's Most Extraordinary morning shows.
  WGAR looks forward to many more years of laughter. Just tune in to 99.5 and let our "Morning Show" bring a smile to your day.
Amy Marshalek
Executive Producer
Levy Media Group
  Amy Marshalek is an executive producer at Levy Media Group (Cleveland, OH). Her job duties at this small multimedia production house include editing videos, writing scripts, CD/DVD mastering and VHS duplication . She graduated from Kent State University with a degree in Radio/TV Production.
Andrew May
Actor, Associate Artistic Director
Great Lakes Theater festival
  Andrew May is the Associate Artistic Director of the Great Lakes Theater festival. He made his debut with GLTF as Bottom in the celebrated 2003 production of A Midsummer Nights's Dream. Other GLTF credits include leading roles in Hamlet, Tartuffe, Christmas Carol, and Private Lives. Andrew is also the former Artistic Associate of the Cleveland Play House, where he taught, directed, and was seen in over 23 productions. He has performed in various theaters across the country, including Wisdom bridge, Studio Arena, Goodman Theater, Williamstown Theatre Festival, and Victory Gardens to name a few. As a member of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, he performed in over 22 productions. Winner of Chicago's Jefferson Award for acting for his portrayal of Will Shakespeare in A Cry Of Players, Andrew was also Artistic Director of Chicago's Free Shakespeare Company and a member of Stuart Gordon's Organic Theater Co. Some film and television credits include: Duet and 227 for Fox; Striking Distance for Columbia Pictures, Shades of Gray and The Babe Ruth Story for NBC. Andrew is in the midst of filming a locally produced feature film Christmas at Maxwell's.
Brian McIntyre
Reporter
Ohio News Network
  Brian McIntyre began his television career in November 1991 as a news desk assistant/ weekend assignment editor for WEWS-TV, the ABC affiliate in Cleveland. In March of 1993, Brian left news and became a segment producer for "The Morning Exchange," WEWS’ long-running talk show. During his stint with the program Brian, as part of the show’s staff of producers, was nominated for an Emmy award.
  After a year and a half with "The Morning Exchange," Brian left Cleveland to take his first on-air position as a reporter at WNWO-TV, the NBC affiliate in Toledo. Two years later, he joined the staff of reporters at WBNS-TV, the CBS affiliate in Columbus. He had been there seven months when he was called back to WEWS to fill a position as the station’s consumer affairs reporter. In 1999, Brian left the consumer franchise and joined team of "Good Morning Cleveland," WEWS’ early morning newscast, as a live reporter.
  In August 2001, Brian took over reporter duties in the Ohio News Network’s Cleveland bureau. He hopes to continue working in his hometown.
  Brian is a 1991 graduate of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University.
John Miller John Miller
Actor

John Miller is a graduate of Kent State University with a BA in Theatre Arts. He has been in many films including Peace By Piece, The Other Shoe and Telling Lies in America. His commercial credits include national spots for Adelphia Cable and Rolling Rock Beer among others. John also loves the theater with credits including Romeo from Romeo and Juliet and John Hale from the Crucible.
Andrew Montlack, Filmmaker Andrew Montlack
Filmmaker, New York City
"BOHICA" shown at the Cleveland International Film Festival in 2003
Since 1994, Andrew has been working in film production in New York City and Cleveland. His directorial debut was the comic short subject Him! in 1996, winner of the Cleveland International Film Festival’s award for Best Ohio Short Film. In 2000, Andrew served as Executive Development Coordinator for Quills Executive Producer Sandra Schulberg. Andrew is currently developing his own projects and promoting the digital feature BOHICA, which he wrote, directed and co-produced.
Thomas Mulready Thomas Mulready
Creator
Cool Cleveland Newsletter
As Creator of the Cool Cleveland e-mail newsletter, Thomas Mulready has lead the development of a multi-media network dedicated to economic development and the promotion of arts, culture and technology. He organizes regular after-work Art/Tech/Dance networking events for hundreds of arts, technology and business folks throughout the region. He writes a column for the alternative weekly, The Free Times, and a monthly column for Cleveland Magazine, and appears twice weekly on WCLV-FM radio. The Cool Cleveland e-letter goes our weekly to tens of thousands around the country with news, events, commentary, letters and links to issues of vital importance to revisioning Cleveland in the 21st century. As Founding Director since its inception in 1987, Thomas Mulready directs the Performance Art Festival+Archives, known as the largest festival of performance art in the world. This multi- week Festival presented over 1000 artists from around the world. With over 6000 photographs and more than 2000 hours of video, the organization is developing exhibitions, catalogs, symposia, performance series and video programs. Mulready is also an artist who began presenting his multi-media performance work to the public with a performance at Shakespeare & Co. in Paris. He has produced a book, The Automatic Turnpike, and two full-length videos, Tom Mulready Within And Without Television, and Down In The Basement, and has presented his audio, video and performance work in art galleries, bookstores, rock clubs, theatres and junkyards throughout the U.S. He currently plays with the band Cats on Holiday.
(photo of Mulready by Jesse Kramer)
Bob Noll Bob Noll
Producer, Communications Instructor
John Carroll University
Bob Noll has won over 34 national and international awards including a Silver Medal at the International Film and Television Festival of New York, a CINE Award, a National Telly Award and nine Emmy Awards. His 25 produced plays have been performed over 4000 times in ten countries. Five have been published. Three of his plays have aired on radio and one was taped and televised by NBC. In television, he has produced and written literally hundreds of programs including the nationally syndicated NBC series "Hickory Hideout."
  Five of his screenplays have been produced as films. One of them, "Yell and Tell" is distributed internationally by Films, Inc. Two others were directed by Jason J. Tomaric for Quantus Pictures. Noll is a Communications Instructor at John Carroll University. He also teaches playwriting at the Cleveland Play House. He has been an Adjunct Professor at Ursuline College, Cleveland State and Cuyahoga Community College. He has also been the Screenwriting Instructor for the Cleveland Filmmakers and Artist-in-Residence at the Cleveland School of the Arts.
  He has been a Public Relations and Marketing Consultant for 19 Broadway shows. He has worked professionally at the Cleveland Play House, Hanna Theater, Kenley Players, Cleveland Ballet, Playhouse Square Center, Great Lakes Theater Festival and Musicarnival. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild and has written and edited publications for the Education Department of Playhouse Square Center.
  At John Carroll, he teaches Playwriting, Broadcast Writing, Screenplay Writing, Broadcast Performance, Electronic Media Sales and Marketing, American Electronic Media, Introduction to Theater, Journalism Practicum, Public Relations, and First Year Seminar.
  He also coordinates the annual Urban Journalism program with Cleveland Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists. He is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Dramatist Guild.
Cathy Nowlin
Executive Director
Cleveland AFTRA
  Cathy Nowlin graduated from BGSU with a major in Education and a minor in Speech and Theater. After three years as a teacher, she began her career as a mom (for three sons and a daughter) and was eventually lured to work for AFTRA as an office assistant. Through the years she has held the positions of freelance payment co-ordinator, Assistant Executive Director, Acting Executive Director and, in October of 1999, she became the Executive Director of Cleveland AFTRA. In June, Cathy will mark 25 years working with AFTRA and she is grateful for the opportunity to work on behalf of the fabulously talented, hard working and dedicated members that make up the Cleveland Local.
Russell O'Bryan
Producer/Editor
Ideastream, Columbus
  Russell O'Bryan currently works for Ideastream Columbus as a Producer, Videographer, and Editor for public television on projects including documentaries, educational programs, and government television. He is a graduate of Kent State University.
Laura Paglin
Writer/Director/Producer
Creative Filmmakers Association
Laura Paglin is one of Cleveland’s leading film producers. Her retro-comedy feature, NIGHTOWLS OF COVENTRY is currently making the festival circuit – having screened at such prestigious venues as the Cleveland International Film Festival and Cinequest in San Jose, California. Ms. Paglin’s projects have also been distributed in the worldwide educational market (Cinemaguild), have appeared on the Sundance Channel and have aired on PBS affiliates throughout Country. Paglin is an expert at financing film and video projects though grants and private investments -- having raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in the past ten years. She offers consulting services in the areas of proposal writing, business plans, general fund-raising strategies and packaging. She’ll be happy to talk to you about your project.
Lpaglin@en.com
Steve Parys Steve Parys
Writer, Director, Asst. Director, Locations Manager
Pittsburgh
Steve is an accomplished Writer, Director, Assistant Director, and Locations Manager, with 16 years experience in feature film-making. Steve has worked on many studio films but prefers the creativity and spirit of working on independent productions. Steve has overseen many features from their inception, through scheduling, casting, and pre-production, and then through completion of principal photography. He is also currently developing a crop of feature scripts to direct. Some of his credits include REIGN OF THE DEAD (short) [Director / Writer], A MONTH OF SUNDAYS (feature) [1st Assistant Director / 2nd Unit Director], SHUT UP AND KISS ME! (feature) [1st A.D.], DANDELION (feature) [1st A.D.], THE BREAD MY SWEET (feature) [1st A.D.], and production work on SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, STRIKING DISTANCE, KINGPIN, WONDER BOYS, and many others.
  Steve has a B.S. in Civil Engineering, a B.A. in Education, and a Master's in English and has worked exclusively in film and television for the past sixteen years. He lives in the South Side of Pittsburgh with his wife Anne.
Jim Riccardi
Cameraman

Jim Riccardi became intrigued with film production in the late 1960's when a friend retruned from Europe with 4000 ft of exposed 16mm film and asked him to help put together a documentary. The pair spent mandy overnighters editing at Labcraft, Cleveland's film facility at the time, locking the lab door behind them at 6:00am to go to their regular jobs. Some months later they acquired their first "paying" shoot, a recruiting film for John Carroll University. This was followed by a documentary for the City of East Cleveland, which gained Jim entry into the film production department of WVIZ television. There he spent a year producing films for National Instructional Televesion;s "Inside Out" childerens series, which won a national emmy.
  In 1972 he began shooting at the fledgling UAB Producions are of WUAB television, then owned by United Artists Broadcasting, where he "ground out 16mm retail commercials by the pound", then moving to agency bids and working in 35mm.
  In 1980 he briefly returned to WVIZ to edit and partly shoot the PBS "Odyssey" program "The First Family:, the story of the "Lucy" skeleton discovery.
  Departing UAB in 1986 Jim became an agency producer for Fox & Associates, while continuing to shoot commercials as well as corporate films. In 1988 he left Fox to become independent. Music Videos in Hollywood, resort videos, adn more documentary work became added to the mix, including jobs for cliets such as CBS/MTM, The BBC, Drew Carey, Americas Most Wanted, The FBI Files, The New Detectives and occasional freature work.
  Today after more than 30 years inthe film and video business Jim continues to shoot and edit, still having a great time with all the noise and nonsense.
Richard Rivera Richard Rivera
Founder
RJR & Associates, Inc.
RJR & Associates, Inc. was founded by Richard Rivera in 1995 with more than 32 years of experience and training in this exciting industry.
  His reputation for making the first take count has become renowned throughout the country.
  Now joined by a creative staff of professionals in a multitude of areas, they bring with them a "get down and do it" method of producing special f/x for Film, TV, Theatrical, Concerts, Trade Shows and other Special Events throught the country.
Marcy Ronen
Casting Director
Marcy Ronen Casting
  After spending 15 years working in film and television production in Los Angeles, Marcy Ronen returned to her home town of Cleveland, Ohio and started MARCY RONEN CASTING. Over the past four years she has done casting throughout the state on films including American Splendor, Proximity, and The Year That Trembled. Her television commercial casting director credits include Nike, Giant Eagle, The Cleveland Indians and the Ohio Lottery among others.
Alan Schechter Alan Schechter
Producer
"Deep Attack," "Proximity," "Double Dragon," "Rogue Force"
Alan Schechter came to Los Angeles from Cleveland, Ohio to study film and television at the California Institute of the Arts in 1983. Schechter began his professional career in 1986 as a production assistant at Cannon Films. In 1987, he worked for Vestron Pictures as director’s assistant on MIDNGHT CROSSING starring Faye Dunaway, Kim Cattrall and Ned Beatty. After a year as an assistant International Creative Management's literary department, he worked at Orion Pictures as executive secretary to President of Production Marc Platt.
  Schechter moved to the Warner Bros. based Silver Pictures where he began his longtime association with Joel Silver. His work with Joel allowed him involvement in films including PREDATOR 2, RICOCHET, THE LAST BOY SCOUT, DIE HARD 2 and LETHAL WEAPON 3. After a three year period as Vice President of Production for Imperial Entertainment, where he produced SHOWDOWN and DOUBLE DRAGON, he returned to Silver Pictures. He associated produced FAIR GAME and co-produced DOUBLE TAP. In 1995 he became Vice President of Production. He worked on films such as EXECUTIVE DECISION, ASSASSINS, and LETHAL WEAPON 4.
  In the mid-90s, Schechter explored New Media on behalf of Silver Pictures. He developed custom content for the then-brand-new Time Warner CableModem service Road Runner during its critical launch phase. He led the design team that produced the TALES FROM THE CRYPT world-wide-web site; one of the first large scale, multimedia archival web sites.
  Alan resigned from Silver Pictures in the spring of 1997. He has since produced ROGUE FORCE starring Robert Patrick, MADE MEN starring Jim Belushi, PROXIMITY, and JANE DOE starring Rob Lowe. He continues to work in New Media, computer gaming and Internet spaces as a consultant and content producer. Since 2001, he has built over 6 seasons of dynamic Flash content for the Polo Ralph Lauren Internet site RUNWAY, and for the Ralph Lauren Home Collection at Polo.com. In the summer of 2003, Alan produced DEEP ATTACK starring Billy Zane. In addition to forthcoming film and T.V. projects in 2004, Alan is currently in development of an entertainment venture, fusing the worlds of live-action cinema and online gaming.
Ted Sikora Ted Sikora
Commercial Recording Studios Inc.
& Swinging Cane Productions
Commercial Recording Studios Inc. is one of the most state-of-the-art post production facilities in the Midwest. Ted edits video on the Media 100/844x system, and uses several different applications for DVD authoring.
 With Swinging Cane Productions has been a writer, director, producer, or composer/lyricist on various projects. Currently directing the feature film entitled "Hero Tomorrow."
Rick Stern
Monstermakers
Cleveland
  "It must have started with the Ultraman clay puppet I made for show-and-tell in first grade. It had a red blinking light in the chest salvaged from a toy tin train," says Rick Stern of The Monstermakers in Cleveland, Ohio. "After I saw the Country Bear Jamboree at Disney World in 1970 and had made some stop motion films in grade school, I was hooked."
  Rick’s passion for gadgetry and entertainment eventually led him to the film production program at Fitchburg State College, Fitchburg MA. After that he served a four month internship with DreamQuest Images in Los Angeles, joined the International Camera Guild and worked the next six years with Dreamquest Images Engineering doing computer motion control, high speed photography and special effects mechanical design and fabrication. He has worked on many high profile Hollywood films such as Crimson Tide , Con Air, The Rock, Flubber, Deep Rising, and many commercials and motion simulator ride films.
  "When my father passed away in ‘97 I said, what am I going to do back in Cleveland after all those years on the road?" But he began working as a live action camera assistant and then with The MonsterMakers in Cleveland, Ohio designing and building animatronic halloween and trade show attractions. Now, Rick teaches the MonsterMakers animatronic workshop and works regularly as a live action motion picture camera assistant on commercials and films in the Ohio area. In addition, Rick competes in the F.I.R.S.T. national robotics competition locally and in Orlando, Florida, and is actively interested in radio controlled airplanes, cars, and boats, audio, music, and computer technology, and alternative energy and environmental technology.
Matthew T. Matthew T.
Filmmaker, Co-Founder
20,000 Leagues Under The Industry Film Festival
I am Matthew T.; I’ll save you the third-person. I am a filmmaker as well as a festival programmer. I had a cable-access show called THE INDEPENDENTS for a few years in the ’90s; it was essentially an hour-long film festival. At that point, I was traveling to underground film festivals across the country, broadening my horizons and scouting for work. At one of those festivals, I met Los Angeles native Marcel DeJure. In 2000, Marcel and I hosted the first 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE INDUSTRY FILM FESTIVAL at the now-defunct West Side arts collective SPEAK IN TONGUES. Marcel and I continue to bring 20K LUTIFF back to Cleveland each year, and also have presented the festival in Los Angeles and Pomona, California. We recently expanded the 20K Leagues lineup to include VIDEOKRONIK, a smaller festival of music videos. Our mission is to screen and promote work that differs in form, technique or content from what indie film has become and/or challenges commercial expectations. That said, there are no other limitations; work may have been produced during any time, in any place and any language by any person(s) or group(s) that have seen fit to do so.
Nancy Telzerow
Actor

  Nancy Telzerow has been a full time freelance actress for the past 11 years. As a voice over artist, she can be heard on broadcast commercials, websites, on-hold messages and even at your local automated car wash. She has also appeared on camera for film, TV commercials and industrial videos. Some of her stage roles have been in "A view from the Bridge," "Tom Walker," "Troilus and Cressida," and "School House Rock."
  Nancy has been a member of both AFTRA and SAG for years and was on the AFTRA board and is a former AFTRA guide editor. She continues to be very involved with her union by participating on several committees.In addition to acting she does a lot of live corporate presenting, hosting, facilitating for various companies including Toyota, Medical Mutual of Ohio, and AGA Gas to name just a few.
Dave Thomas, Filmmaker Dave Thomas
Filmmaker
"Peace By Piece" screened at the Cinematheque
David P.Thomas has directed an independent, feature film entitled Peace by Piece. Peace by Piece has screened in Berlin, Germany, Alexandria, Egypt and locally at the Cleveland Cinemateque. Additionally, Mr. Thomas is working on a second feature film entitled Life is Spacing. Mr. Thomas is also entertainment attorney.
Gretchen Thompson
Docherty Agency

  Gretchen has worked as a film, television, and radio agent for Docherty for the past three years. Prior to that she was with Ford as the children's broadcast and print agent. She also teaches workshops at Tri-C and is a free-lance educator specializing in auditioning techniques. Being a professional actress herself, Gretchen has performed in over 40 shows.
Roque Trem
Account Manager Clear Channel Radio
WMVX-FM & The Cleveland Browns Radio Network
  Over 10 years of sales and marketing for top radio stations in Northeast Ohio.
Anna Vedouras
Treasurer of the Board
Cleveland Film Society
  Anna Vedouras is the Treasurer of the Board of the Cleveland Film Society. She serves in many capacities on the board of the Film Society including being on the shorts selection committee and also on the program advisory committee. Anna has an extensive history of volunteering for the arts in Cleveland which include serving on the boards of SPACES, MOCA, The Cleveland Play House and Near West Theatre. For her day job she is an attorney for the U.S. Department of Defense. She practices in the areas of Employment and Labor Law specializing in issues of discrimination.
Jennifer Vinson
Director of Publicity/Promotions
Allied Advertising & Public Relations
  Jennifer has been managing the Cleveland office of Allied Advertising since its inception in 1995, and has supervised their Cincinnati office since it opened in 2002. She oversees motion picture promotions and publicity activities in a three-state area, on behalf of the company which has offices in 23 cities in North America.
 She has been promoting films in Cleveland since 1992, and has handled a variety of clients, including Disney, Miramax, Paramount, Sony, ThinkFilm, Universal, and Loews Theatres. Some of her responsibilities include organizing advance movie screenings, arranging trade relationships with local media, scheduling interview opportunities for press critics, and traveling to the Coasts for new client presentations and brainstorming meetings.
 Jennifer graduated from The Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with a degree in Journalism and Communications, and has been working in the Publicity/Promotions field for 15 years. Before entering the Motion Picture business, she worked in Radio Marketing for several years, and the Special Events and Research skills developed there are still beneficial today!
 Jennifer is thrilled to both live and work in "artistically enriched" Cleveland Heights.
Lesley Ward Lesley Ward
Vice-President of Production Services
Greater Cleveland Film Commission
Lesley Ward is Vice President of Film Commission Services for the Greater Cleveland Film Commission. She handles marketing and business development activities for the commission. Lesley has worked at the commission since its inception in 1998. She has coordinated and scouted for feature films, television, and commercial productions in the region for Warner Bros. (Welcome To Collinwood), Lakeshore Entertainment, Propaganda Films, and New Line Cinema.
Helene Weinberg Helene Weinberg
Writer, Producer, Director, Actress
Business Theatre Company
Helene Weinberg has been putting the "show" in "business" for over 10 years. She is a much sought after emcee/stand-up comic for major entertainment and corporate events. Her impersonations of Barbara Streisand, Carol Channing and Joan Rivers have delighted corporate and cabaret audiences alike. The workplace revue that Helene wrote, directed, produced and performed in, "OUT TO LUNCH" continues to wow her corporate clients. Helen's business theater company specializes in custom written comedy performances for conventions, trade shows, meetings and special events. Find out what AT&T, American Greetings, BF Goodrich, Kinkos, the American Heart Association and many other major corporations already know. When it comes to corporate entertainment, Helene is "OUT TO LUNCH"!
Pamela Zoslov
Arts Editor
Cleveland Free Times
  Pamela Zoslov has been a writer and editor for 20 years for Cleveland-area newspapers and magazines, including Cleveland Magazine, Northern Ohio Live and Sun Newspapers. A graduate of Case Western Reserve University and CWRU School of Law, she is currently Arts Editor of the Cleveland Free Times, where she manages coverage of visual arts, theater, books, classical music, film and other cultural subjects, and writes features and reviews.
* All panelists subject to change without notice
    based on scheduling and availability.
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