make a contribution to buried series.
Even though our crowd funding has ended, you can still support Buried Series here through a secure PayPal for 945Productions!
successful grants & crowd funding
1st match grant
We were given our first match grant from local Production Company and Studio Funnelbox in collaboration with local film non-profit The Couch Film Collective in amount of $2,000!
2nd match grant
This was from a very generous private donor for $500
3rd match grant
This was given to us by local producer, writer, and performer Conor Nolan in the amount of $1,111!
Highly Anticipated on Seed&Spark!
BURIED SERIES
"Buried" is a sci-fi crime thriller that follows two con artists, Kane and Manson who become embroiled in an elaborate scheme to return stolen technology. For those who can afford to access it, the technology gives an almost superhuman capacity to learn. Seduced by power, all of the players are drawn into the intrigue to see who--or what--will--win.
In terms of Buried: “I absolutely love the concept. I absolutely love the music. I absolutely love your DP. It's slick, it's trippy, and it sets up what looks to be one of hell of a story. I want to know more. I want to see what happens. It has a feel of Inception meets Sense 8 meets Legion. It's a genre I love, and I vibe all hell with it.” -Daniel Kolen/Producer-
buried trailer
CAST
Beatriz Abella - KANE
Beatriz Abella (she/her) is a first-generation Filipino-American, born and raised in Alaska and now based in Oregon. She attended Southern Oregon University on the Diversity Scholarship and studied Music and Business Administration. She has performed classical and musical theatre repertoire in San Francisco, Seattle, Germany, Mexico, the Czech Republic, and at a variety of venues including the Oregon Cabaret Theatre and New York City’s Carnegie Hall. Beatriz received Camelot Theatre’s 2017 Best Character Actress Award and appeared onstage with multiple Oregon-based theatre companies including Brava! Opera Theater and James M. Collier Young Artist Program, Mocks Crest Opera, Portland Opera, and in Light Opera of Portland’s “Princess Ida”as “Lady Blanche.” In 2020, she made her film debut with 945 Productions proof-of-concept short film “Buried” as “Kane Jordan,” participated in TimeSpace Productions’ series “AlterEgo”as “Entropy,” and was cast as the title role “Orfeo” in Opera Cecilia’s inaugural production of Gluck’s “Orfeo ed Euridice.” Beatriz is excited to continue Kane’s story and is thrilled to be a part of the Buried and Quicksand teams.
IG: @thebeatrizabella
Monica Dailey - MANSON
Monica Dailey (she/her) is a queer PDX artist and hugger of hearts. Japanese-American and a lover of laughs, Monica writes, performs, and directs weird shit for the stage and screen. Mo is also a corporate Equity & Inclusion facilitator, offering her infectious energy and empathy to inspire personal growth and connection to greater purpose. She also bakes 'n' eats all the sugary sweets!
IG: @motikifreaki
BILLY B. - MUTE
Billy Boudavong (he/him) has been acting since he was 18 years old. He was scouted by a talent agent in Portland, Oregon and began his journey. Since then, Billy has been cast in several television shows including TNT’s “The Librarians”, Investigation Discovery’s “The Wonderland Murders”, and Hulu’s “Shrill”. He has also done commercial work for Microsoft, Sprint, HP, adidas, Nike, and many more. Billy is incredibly grateful to be a part of the incredibly talented cast and crew of Quicksand. Outside of acting, Billy enjoys training in Muay Thai, lifting weights, and exploring Portland for new eats.
IG: @billybreezie
Nathanial Owens - Indigo
Hey yall!
I'm Nathanial Owens (he/they)
I'm a 24yr old mixed gender-fluid baddie ready to slay anything that comes my way.
I'm a professional actor, model, and dancer. I’m a
10 year cancer survivor. Docs say I'm legally part Cyborg so call me a Xmen if you will hahahaha.
All about being yourself and having a good time while doing it :)
IG: @theofficialnathanial
Ogochimere “OGO”Ezendokwere -
Obi
Ogo (she/her) is a creative and storyteller who loves entertaining, creating, and connecting with others. Born and raised in Nigeria, she spent the first half of her life in Nigeria and the other half in the United States of America. Her acting journey began through dance as she created dance videos for social media and participated in live dance performances to express and entertain her viewers. This led her to be extremely comfortable in front of the camera. It also led her to learn of her love of storytelling and expressing through different mediums. This discovery led to the creation of her production company, OG Production in 2018.
In 2019 her love of acting became clear while she was on the set of Shrill as a background actor with no lines. She realized how easy it was for her to assume the role given to her, and how much she enjoyed it. She started to seek more roles in film and commercials. This led to playing a background actor in the TBS show, Chad. She also played the lead in a student film, Through the Pages, and wrote and directed a few shorts. Seeking a kick start in her acting career she took part in a 6 weeks actor training program with Emerging Artists LA and was selected to present at the International Presentation of Performers (IPOP) after her showcase at the end of the program. This she declined due to lack of funds.
Ogo is currently on her journey to become an esteemed actor, director, and filmmaker. Her experience as an aspiring filmmaker has helped her connect the dot between what is expected of an actor on set and how to achieve it. Ogo's eagerness to learn and curiosity about humans has made her grow as an actor and director. She looks forward to her journey in the entertainment industry and the connections she will make.
IG: @yellow_pawpawww
steph ayako - dart
Steph Ayako is a Japanese-American actor, model and dancer who grew up in Sarasota, Florida, and has an extensive dance and theatre background. She started venturing into film & TV in 2018. Steph is based in the Pacific Northwest. She has trained with film professionals in Portland, Oregon, such as, Katie O'Grady, Erin Way, Brian Sutherland, Aaron Fitzgerald, and more. Steph has also worked with Portland's immersive horror theatre company, Witch Hunt Theatre.
IG: @steph.ayako
Timothy Krabill - elias
Timothy Krabill (he/him) is an American Actor from Portland, Oregon. His mother is from South Korea and father is from Detroit, Michigan. Timothy began to write and produce music in the early 90’s, and moved to California in 2002 to further explore his music career. He ultimately returned to Oregon in 2007. Timothy has five children including four daughters and a son. Once settled back in the Pacific Northwest, he opened Krobar Custom Wheels in 2008. Unfortunately, the shop closed shortly thereafter when Timothy wrecked his motorcycle while intoxicated without a helmet. He suffered multiple injuries to his face and head. After the wreck, Timothy went on a deep path of self destruction, abusing drugs and alcohol. After multiple run-ins with the law, therapy, and major lifestyle changes, Timothy finally regained his sobriety. He is now four years clean and sober. With his focus on family and fitness, he turned his career aspirations toward acting. He picked up modeling and commercial work, and began taking acting classes. He continues to build his experience with mainstream and indie films.
IG: @timothy.c.krabill
joel austin - Manny
Joel Austin has been in the Portland area since 2021 and in that time he's acted in a few shorts and features, including The Harvester, In the Summer Rain, Crystal, Vines, The Offer, Surplus Terminal, and more. Most recently, Joel starred as Ken in Vial, a short centered on a single father struggling with addiction, shot in New York City, and executive produced by Hank Azaria. Joel adores getting the chance to play eccentric, extreme roles, so Nik's depiction of Manny Miller spoke to him immediately.
Joel's very much looking forward to becoming a part of the universe that Nik Hassinger has built with the Buried series, as well as reuniting with several frequent collaborators, and meeting the many talented people who are already a part of the series.
IG: @whyisjoelaustin
Betsie heart - BB
Betsie Heart is a queer, Latina Variety Performer with a background in Theater, Dance, Circus, Fire, Flow Arts, & Burlesque, bringing vintage flair to stages of all sizes.
She ran away to the circus after graduating Orange County High School of the Arts as a Theater Major to intern with performance troupes Lucent Dossier Experience and SkyFire Arts in Los Angeles. There she learned Fire and Aerial from their performers while learning all the behind the scenes magic.
After landing in Portland she was chosen as the Resident Performing Artist for The Steep & Thorny Way To Heaven where she explored character movement, sound editing, and projections to create narrative driven acts.
She then competed in Portland's Fire Entertainer of the Year Competition, and has joined the rotating cast of "Booklover's Burlesque" as a reader. Now adding Burlesque and Striptease to her repertoire, Betsie is excited to combine all her training into her performances and projects. .
IG: @circuscupcake
COnor J. Nolan - Sammy
(He/they)
IG: @conorjnolan
Paul bright - harold
This year Paul Bright (he/him) was a corrupt congressman in CHESS MATCH, a seal killer in CROSSING SHAKY GROUND, and an unrepentant cult member in Documentary Now Batsh*t Valley episodes. He is the writer/director of eleven feature films. He invites his cats to watch classic movies with him but they're troglodytes and refuse to leave the goldfish tank unguarded.
IG: @paulbrightfilms
Crew
nik hassinger - writer/director
Nik Hassinger (they/them) is a polyethnic, non-binary, gender-queer Filmmaker/Producer/Director who has had a passion for film and all things creative since they were very young. While growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania, Nik’s Filipina grandmother introduced Nik to film, igniting a lifelong desire to make visual art. In 2020, Nik officially launched their own production company, 945 Productions LLC, based in Portland, Oregon.
Nik's most recent projects include serving as 1st Assistant Director on “Screams From The Tower”, a queer 90’s coming of age film Throughline Films that completed filming in 2022. In 2021, Nik was the 1st Assistant Director for two upcoming feature films, "The Class", starring Anthony Michael Hall, Debbie Gibson, Charlie Gillespie, and Hannah Kepple. Nik has been a Producer and Production Manager for shows on HBO, HBO Max, Discovery, Travel Channel, The Food Network, Netflix, and Amazon Prime. Nik also produces and directs commercials for companies and agencies like Nike, American Express, and AL Media.
With 20 years of multimedia experience, Nik Hassinger believes that cultivating a positive, inclusive, equitable team ethos is the key to success.
IG: @buriedseries
Robert Harney - producer/Writer
Robert Harney (he/him) has had a passion for screenwriting and directing ever since he can remember. He is proud to be a part of Portland’s small, yet inspired, film community. Robert loves to support the industry’s growth and new talent, and Robert’s calm, cool, and compassionate approach to directing makes him a terrific collaborator. Whether it be giving actors a bit more flexibility to make the character their own, or changing a scene to better fit the ensemble, Robert seeks to create opportunities for everyone to express their inner storyteller. He is grateful to all of his many creative partners, supporters, and muses.
IG: @robertharneypersonal & @volcanobeachproductions
nathan “N8” Miles - DP (pilot) Gaffer - (Proof only)
Nate (N8) (he/him) is an Indiana-Native and United States Navy Veteran who has spent the last six years working in Southern California. Recently relocated to the Pacific Northwest in Portland, Oregon! His passion is in cinematography and he works in other departments as a camera assistant, camera utility, grip, gaffer, or production assistant.
Nathan has been a creative professional for the last 10+ years. He has extensive experience in the music video, film production, and commercial fields. He is known for his passionate work ethic, hands-on approach, dynamic handheld movements, attention to detail, and distinctive color choices.
A well-decorated United States Navy Veteran, Nathan spent his honorable service performing search and rescue swimmer operations, working as an interior communications electrician, and creating professional video content for the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
Nathan has lensed campaigns for brands and organizations like US Navy, US Marine Corps, US Air Force, US Army, US Coast Guard, US Department of Defense, Canon USA, Panasonic Lumix USA, Radio Disney, Nike, and Vans Warp.
IG: @nathanlukemiles
jeanette li - dp (proof only)
Jeanette (they/them) was raised in rural upstate South Carolina and is the child of first generation immigrants from Hong Kong. They currently work in Portland, OR prioritizing projects that uplift women, LGBTQ+ folks, and POC. They also currently teach the POWgirls workshops as part of the Portland Women’s Film Festival (aka POWfest) helping to educate and empower the next generation of female and non-binary filmmakers.
IG: @jeanette_li
deante grinner - gaffer (proof only)
Deante Grinner(he/him) is a freelance grip in the Commercial Film Industry, stage manager at Coach Sarge Cine and a FAA 107 certified drone pilot. Deante was raised in Santa Rosa, California and moved to Forest Grove, Oregon to attend Pacific University. Upon graduation he focused his effort on the subtlety of grip and electric, learning the subtlety of light diffusion and power. Deante has worked with numerous lifestyle brands, political agencies and on feature films.
IG: @thedboy
Rob martinez - DP/gaffer/Editor/Colorist/composer
Robert Anthony's work is centered on the power of feeling. This Portland-based filmmaker harnesses the ability to create emotion and evoke catharsis through sight and sound. His work uses dramatic elements through dark, moody tones with an emphasis on the surreal. Dark his style may be, his demeanor and attitude on set is the contrary. He possesses an effortless ability to keep all stages of production light-hearted and supportive, familial, yet professional. Maintaining respect and enrichment within his crew and talent is crucial for creating honest expression through film. His career began with a small agency, requiring him to learn every aspect of filmmaking from start to finish. Being a one-man-band turned him into a multidisciplinary filmmaker, equipping him to take the reins on larger projects with a full crew for clients such as Nike, Frito-Lay, and The Texas Rangers.
IG: @robert.anthony
HALEY MCCOY - KEY GRIP
Haley McCoy (she/her) has loved film since a young age and has always wanted to try her hand at creating something bigger than herself. She used that drive to pursue her interest and is now a recent graduate of Portland State University with a Bachelors in Film. With this she was able to work on two feature films right from the start and has fallen in love with the grip and electric department. She has always loved working with lights, shadow and how they affect the mood of the scene. She gets even more excited when she is able to work color that transforms a space how they see fit. She always strives to help people make their visions come to life because she understands that filmmaking is a team effort and it is all about creating the environment that allows the viewers to be enraptured in the story.
IG: @haleymccoy98
laurence sinclair - Key grip
"Originally from Las Vegas, NV, Laurence Sinclair (He/Him) grew up surrounded by flashing lights. Growing up he discovered his love for film and saw how lights could shape what people see on screen. Working in the grip and electrical department, Laurence hopes to bring his unique perspective and can do attitude to film sets.
Now located out of Portland, OR he has worked on various sets including The Way We Speak, The Wayfarer and Morbid Curiosities."
IG: @laurencelighting
Kendyl huston - grip/Fog master
Kendyl (they/them) has had a love for the arts ever since they were young. They acted on the stage all the way through high school, but weren't sure if that was what they wanted to do with their life. After starting Film School at PSU, they found that filmmaking was something they wanted to pursue. Through school, they found a community of people that they enjoyed creating with, and are hoping to continue to meet more passionate folks through the industry. Kendyl has edited and produced many short films, and is continuing to create with their friends from school. Outside of filmmaking, Kendyl loves to play games with friends, go to the gym, hike and travel.
IG: @kendylhuston
Kara haller - 1st AD
Kara Haller (she/her) is a writer/director/producer/script reviewer/adviser based out of Chicago, IL. Kara worked as a GIS specialist/urban planner for 8 years before pursuing writing and filmmaking full time. Kara is a graduate of the Second City Training Center writing program in Chicago and has an MA in Film Production and Direction from NUIG in Ireland. She has written many scripts, made a handful of short films, 3 seasons of a comedy web series in addition to working in various positions on indie films, tv series and feature films. Kara is deeply interested in the human condition and exploring the complexities of life. She enjoys bringing stories and characters to life. Outside of filmmaking, Kara enjoys music, photography, traveling, and exploring places.
IG: @khal712
cambria tingley -
2nd AD
Cambria Tingley (she/her) is a film student at Portland State University. She says she is drawn to being on set collaborating with people and enjoys watching the story come together. A fun fact is that she has lived in California and Amsterdam prior to moving to Portland!
IG: @cambria.creates
stevie stern -
2nd AD (proof only)
Stevie (he/him) is a San Francisco native and has recently relocated here to Portland last year. He has always loved all things film and has just finished getting his degree in film. After getting the chance to start working out in Chicago only a few years ago, he has feverishly pursued everything he can get his hands on. There’s no other place Stevie would rather be than on set. It’s like a second home that he never wants to leave.
Stevie has his sights set on producing and writing. Focusing on bringing stronger and more diverse stories to the screen.
IG: @itsstevie__
KERRI LYN WALSH - PRODUCTION DESIGNER/ART DIRECTOR
(she/they)
IG: @klynwalsh
Lux Jacques - PRODUCTION DESIGNER
(she/they)
With more than 15 years of experience as a creative professional providing Art Direction in the film industry, as well as working as a freelance Illustrator, Storyboard Artist, Graphic Designer, and Website Developer, I consider myself a seasoned creator. When I'm not working, I enjoy spending my free time creating sculptures, working with wood, painting, and making music. My creative drive knows no bounds, and my innovative imagination always guides me towards success in my creative pursuits. I am truly passionate about what I do!
IG: @luxjacquesart
Ellena rosenthal - art coordinator
“Ellena Rosenthal (El) is an experienced journalist, with credits in print, radio, video and photo publications. El has a drive for investigative, sensitive and collaborative storytelling with the goal of listening first and talking second.”
IG: @ellenarosenthal
greyson murray - SFX HMUA Lead
Greyson Murray (He/They) is a Portland based multi media and SFX artist who first discovered the magic of makeup through drag and performance art. He finds freedom in the transformative properties of painting on a mug. Loving how much he can change a face with a little (okay... a lot) of contour. Greyson has worked for the past 4 years in the Bay Area as a theatrical makeup artist and wig master. Some of his favorite live performances he’s worked on were “Heather’s”, and “the Wedding Singer”. He moved to Portland in 2020 to pursue an education in makeup from the Art of Makeup School where he discovered his passion for mold making, out of the kit FX and designing characters that would look good on the stage or screen. This past March he created his own character designs, prosthetics and appliances as the department head on his fist Oregon shoot, “Ellie’s Revenge”, a film based off Naughty Dog’s video games “The Last of Us” produced by Indie Black Magic. Greyson is ecstatic to be working on the SFX for “Quicksand” and looks forward to working on more film sets around Portland!
Skills: Transfers, Prosthetics, hair laying and tying, wig styling and stacking, character makeup, appliances, old age, out of the kit FX, blood work.
IG @Grey_makes_monsters
Trysta kelley - SFX HMUA
(she/her) Discovering monster movies at a young age opened a dangerous door of "HOW DID THEDiscovering monster movies at a young age opened a dangerous door of "HOW DID THEY DO THAT?! I WANNA DO THAT." Trysta starting playing with makeup in 2010, she has extensive experience in out-of-kit SFX work and beauty work. Trysta has worked on various projects including mock car crashes, various haunts, short films, stage productions. and photoshoots. Graduating in early 2021 from The Art Of Makeup School in Oregon, Trysta is a certified HMUA. Skills include: Hair laying, hair styling, sculpting, mold making, paint/application, beauty/fashion makeup, body painting, prop work and more.
IG: @trystaleekelleymua
kolten franklin - sfx HMUA assistant
Kolten (he/him) fell in love with movie monsters after seeing Hellraiser for the first time when he was 7, and the idea of beauty makeup after seeing Grace Jones on the cover of a magazine. Kolten has studied special effects and makeup for 10 years and is always excited to see how powerful a tool makeup is and how it conveys a story and can impact an audience.
IG: @bearscarebeauty
rachel saldivar - sound mixer
(she/her)
IG: @raquel_divar & @audio_mami
kai pacifico eng - SOund mixer/
boom operator
Kai (he/they) is a Filipino/Chinese-American filmmaker and Emmy-winning animator specializing in editing, sound, and motion design. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Kai found a passion for moving images at an early age, growing up surrounded and intrigued by his father's broadcast film equipment.
Kai's films have screened in festivals both domestic and abroad, including Portland Horror Film Festival and London's International Vampire Film Arts Festival. His work has also been screened as part of the critical race curriculum in the Bellevue School District.
Kai's portfolio includes work for Society Nine, Brown Bear, ACL Global Project, City of Seattle, the University of Washington, PSU tv, and TEDx.
WILL START - B CAMERA OPERATOR (pilot)
(he/him)
IG: @willstart
STEPHANIE BLENDERMAN - 1ST AC - A CAM (2nd AC/Proof)
Stephanie (she/her) has been obsessed with photography and film since she was a small child. She was given her first point and shoot film camera on her 7th birthday, where she proceeded to only take photographs of the guests' feet and butts. A true, visionary, she moved on to motion pictures, creating music videos and comedy shorts well into her teens. Nowadays, Stephanie aspires to be a DP/Director, and is passionate about creating beautiful stories and images that evoke emotion. She has worked as a freelance videographer for a number of brands and companies, and is now looking to move towards working on film and TV productions, and collaborating with other creative minds.
gregory boone - 1ST AC - B CAM (Pilot)
(he/him) Working at Pacific University as a Media Production Coordinator while simultaneously volunteering at Oregon Public Broadcasting as an Arts&Life camera operator/editor. Side projects include music videos and feature film production with Red Jackalope, as well as documentary filmmaking with Jay Ché Productions (Producer, Camera Op, Data Wrangler). Director of Photo/Video for M Realty in Portland, OR. He also acts as a producer for any senior thesis projects that are particularly challenging and require a more professional guide.
Specialties: Final Cut Studio editing and color correction, Adobe Creative Suite editing and image correction, Architectural Photography, Video production, Documentary Camera Operation, Civil Rights issues, Music Video production.
IG: @viga565
Kanon havens - 1ST AC - (proof only)
Kanon (she/her) is a Portland-based filmmaker who is driven to tell diverse stories. Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, she moved to the Pacific Northwest at the age of fifteen to pursue her passions in performance art. After receiving her BA in Theatre Arts and working as an actor, Kanon transitioned to working behind the camera in 2017, and since has been cultivating her skill sets and found her love for G&E and camera departments for films, documentaries, TV shows, music videos, commercials, and anything in between. Being bilingual in Japanese and English, she also is available as an interpreter/translator for film projects. She finds fulfillment in bridging gaps and bringing cultures closer together, and hopes to be able to continue contributing in this capacity. Kanon is currently in the process of writing and working on her own projects, as well as collaborating with her favorite filmmakers in Portland. Her background in the arts has been an immense influence on her desires for creative expression, and she is determined to continue her growth in filmmaking as she produces her own projects.
IG: @wonderkanon
CLAUDIA LA RUE - COSTUME SUPERVISOR
(she/her)
IG: @sewbunny
logan lenart - production coordinator/Graphic Designer
Logan Lenart (they/them) is a genderfluid creative, seeking to show the beauty of the world through every medium that they can get their hands on. Born in suburban Chicagoland, Logan lived an artistic life from a young age, sketching and writing whenever the inspiration struck, which was almost daily. From there, they continued to learn about everything they could, eventually creating works across 3D modeling, clay animation, short stories, and many more art forms. And now, they've found themselves playing a hand in film, one of the most monumental art forms to exist. Everything can be art, and Logan wants to prove that.
IG: @loganlenart
nick noack - key pa
Nick (he/him) is originally from the Los Angeles area where he grew up loving sports and movies. In high school, he focused on trying to become a professional athlete and when that didn’t work out, he did some soul searching to figure out what was next. He found his calling working on a new Netflix feature film called “The Class” with @945productions / Nik Hassinger in the Summer of 2021. Nick was a Production Assistant on “The Class”, and quickly rose up through the ranks thanks to his hustle and drive. Nick’s greatest passion is in screenwriting. He even wrote screenplays as a kid, but then turned his attention to baseball. Being back in the TV & film industry has reignited Nick’s desire to write and create. Nick prides himself on always giving projects 110% of his effort, asking great questions so he can continue to learn, and being kind to others.: @nicknoack7
kristen (Vie) muirhead - key PA (Proof only)
Kristen “Vie” Muirhead (she/her) is an Utah native, but has lived in Portland since 2016 and considers it home. She grew up on film sets, always begging to be taken to work with her dad who was a camera operator and DP (She had a bunk bed in the camera truck). Since being forced to become an adult, she has worked on a number of film projects in various roles, both behind and in front of the camera. She loves all aspects of production, but time on set is her favorite. Some highlights included running through snow barefoot at 2 am after 3 stunt doubles backed out and being kissed on the lips by Jeremy Renner when he mistook her for someone else. It can only be described as incredibly awkward. She loves being outside as much as humanly possible, traveling, people and their stories, and believes that kindness is the answer to everything. Oh, and donuts.
IG: @kristenvie
Roberta Cumbiancchera - PA (Proof only)
Born in República Argentina, Roberta (she/her) is a guaraní indigenous raised in Buenos Aires. She is fluent in Spanish and English. She has produced over 6 short films in her country, one of which was selected for different international film festivals, including the Portland Underground Film Festival and BARS (Buenos Aires Rojo Sangre). She’s been living in Portland since 2018, and as a director-producer is focusing on bringing a new, more realistic vision and representation of the immigrant communities in film, based on her own experience. Roberta attended the I.D.A.C (Avellaneda Film School) a popular college located in Avellaneda, Argentina. She specialized in Film Production, working in different parts onset and offset. In 2020, she won the Willamette Writers Film Lab grant, to be the director of a Pilot written by one of their members. She also won the Couch Film Collective’s 2020 Script to Screen grant and will be shooting her short film December of 2021.
IG: @misscumbianchera
leah ng - Producer/Director assistant
Leah Ng (She/Her) is a Portland native B.I.P.O.C. soul who passionately pursues goals in film and media to one day be an impactful writer and producer and empower the B.I.P.O.C. community through storytelling. She studied film at Portland State University The School of Film where she earned her B.A. film degree in 2022. Leah worked as a professional hairstylist before changing career paths, but she will always appreciate a nice fade. Her ultimate career goal is to open a film school dedicated to non-violent activism in film and media.
IG: @likesfilmmaking
Maya Volpacchio - Production assistant
Maya (she/her) discovered her love for making videos when she met her best friend Harrison in 2008 and they started filming together. Over the years, she made hundreds of videos for her YouTube channel of her various hobbies. It was always just for fun. Around the same time that she started filming, she discovered her passion for skateboarding. Originally from Massachusetts, Maya moved to Portland in September 2021 to complete an AmeriCorps term working for the non-profit Skate Like a Girl. What draws Maya to film is the visual storytelling element. She loves to edit, but she also loves to be behind the camera. She studied Media & Communications at Salem State University and graduated in December 2020. For her Honors Thesis, she made a documentary on Women’s Skateboarding called Pivotal Transition. She currently works as a production assistant in her free time, but she hopes to be able to gain more experience working in the field and on more sets in the near future. Her ultimate dream is to travel the world and make mini documentaries sharing the stories of her travels and the people she meets along the way.
IG: @maya_volpacchio
jonesy love - bts
(he/him)
IG: @true_talent_productions
Summer luu - Photographer - promo photos
(she/they)
Summer seeks to bring joy, equality and authenticity to all individuals. Inspired by the truth and obsessed with documenting real life and the human condition.
IG: @summer.luu
DJ SCHALLER - photographer
DJ Schaller (they/them) is a Portland-based freelance creative with 13 years of diverse experiences in photography, videography, and design. With a degree Graphic Design from Portland Community College and a wide range of interests across multiple disciplines, DJ enjoys contributing their myriad skills to projects with their local LGBTQIA+ community of artists, musicians, dancers, performers, non-profits, and small businesses. Their diverse skill set has attracted them to roles…printmaking, carpentry and automotive mechanical skills, superb interpersonal skills, clear direct nonviolent communicator with an exceptional ability to relate and talk to people. Incredibly observant, dependable, great at taking direction, loves to learn and be helpful. Organized, focused, friendly person with a positive disposition and fast reflexes. Gear and Technology savvy. Patient & Supportive.
IG:@handy_dandy_DJ
stephanie castillo - bts
Hello! My name is Stephanie and I'm from Portland, Oregon.
I am known as the creative one; I love to paint, do photography, and make jewelry. I am a mother to four beautiful bunnies, Holly, Herbie, Ferns, and Rosemary. I travel with my Canon Mark IV, EOS R, Pentax Film, Nishika, and Mavic. I drink lots of chai lattes, love being around my friends and family, and plan my next travel.
I love to inspire and to be inspired. I want to travel the world and share my talents to the world.
All of my images and film are hand-crafted from start to finish and my heart and soul goes into the creation of them. I see beauty all around me. In everybody. I love to learn about people and their stories - and this is how I am inspired when I make photographs and films. Photography and cinematography teaches me to see, connect and celebrate each moment, and each person.
IG: @stephjcastillo
@Gooutandplayoutsidephotofilm
Nick escobar - graphic designer - pitch deck
(he/him)
IG: @nicescobar
Martin Vavra - Editor/Producer
Martin Vavra (he/him) has amassed a treasure trove of credits that span all areas of production including director, screenwriter, producer and editor. His films have garnered a long list of awards for “best of” at festivals from around the world including Breckenridge Film Festival, B&B Horror Film Festival, Yonkers Film Festival, Woodstock Film Festival, Tokyo Lift Off and DocVille International. Add to that his Rising Star Award from the Oregon Governor’s Office of Film and Television and you have a well rounded filmmaker who can hit the ground running on all fronts.
The horror comedy Benehooy is the most recent film to be on the festival circuit. Premiering in LA, the film has been seen in festivals all over the country and won awards for writing and creature effects. Notably, the film was featured in Times Square as part of the Shockfest Film Festival, as well as playing YoFiFest (Yonkers) and the Dumbo Film Festival (Brooklyn). Martin recently completed the film Lament, which joins Unwelcome Guests as dramas set against the backdrop of social stigmas, builds on his love of characters and setting. Voices of April, part of the Haunting of Sunshine Girl network, has been viewed by hundreds of thousands of fans and created a following world wide. From The Gutters and The Last Stand series are distributed across the world with millions of views.
As a director, Martin Vavra’s work is in high demand with no end in sight. He’s created content for global branding across multiple mediums covering sports, outdoors and technology. His commercials have won awards for direction, cinematography, editing and visual effects. Martin’s directing and producing attract brands such as Nike, Microsoft, Intel and Patagonia. Martin has also worked alongside television series directors Norberto Barba and David Grossman on multiple episodes of the NBC series Grimm.
While primarily working as a director, Martin’s skills are also sought out as a producer and editor on films. National Geographic tapped him to edit the film Lost Temple of the Inca. For PBS, he produced and edited the films Broken Places and Ready To Run. Hail to the King: 60 Years of Destruction, a documentary he produced and edited about the Godzilla legacy in Japan, has been distributed in six countries and translated into four languages.
As owner and CEO of Galaxy Sailor Productions Martin is also one of the original founders for special effects company, The Refuge VFX.
Before achieving success in filmmaking and content creation, he spent 15 seasons as an Oregon wildland firefighter with a degree in wildlife management and arid land biomes. After years of forest fires and chasing elk, taught science classes at local high schools giving purpose to his Masters in Education. Currently, he continues to share his knowledge with ongoing classes for film production, directing and editing at his website.
IG:@galaxysailor
jereme L. Guidas - Editor (Proof only)
Jereme (he/him) has been editing video for long enough that when he started there were no computers involved, just jog wheel controllers and tape decks. He has been a frequent collaborator with Nik Hassinger through the years. His first big editing job was for a "Satellites and Sirens" music video in Nashville, TN. Recently, he directed and edited the yet to be released debut music video for the female-fronted rock band "Pack". Jereme is a photographer/retoucher for an award-winning marketing agency in Pittsburgh and he plays the tenor saxophone in a rock band "The Whelming Waters". Jereme is an unapologetic Star Wars fan and collector. Jereme sometimes takes movie extra roles for fun. He has been in scenes with Russell Crowe, Krysten Ritter, Jake Gyllenhaal, Seth Rogan and more.
IG:@jeremeguidas
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