MOCTESUMA/ESPARZA
Moctesuma Esparza, award-winning filmmaker, producer, entertainment executive and entrepreneur, is well known for his contribution to the movie industry and his commitment to providing access and opportunities for Latinos in Hollywood. A partner in the highly successful Esparza-Katz Productions, he has worked with stars such as Robert Redford, Jennifer Lopez, Jimmy Smits, Martin Sheen and Halle Berry. Most recently, he produced Walkout, an upcoming HBO film based on the true life events of the 1968 Walkouts that happened at five East Los Angeles High Schools. The films stars Alexa Vega, Michael Pena and Efren Ramirez. Additional Production credits include: Selena, Introducing Dorothy Dandridge; Gettysburg; Cisco Kid; The Price of Glory; Selma, Lord Selma; The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez; and The Milagro Beanfield War. He has won over 200 awards, including an Emmy for Cinco Vidas and an Academy Award nomination for Agueda Martinez - Our People, Our Country. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Esparza has not forgotten his humble beginnings and is dedicated to giving back to his community. Esparza’s father, Francisco, came to the United States in 1918 during the Mexican Revolution from Jalisco, Mexico. He worked as a farm worker and railroad hand from Texas to Utah to California where he settled in Los Angeles. Esparza grew up with a strong sense of social justice and remembers the education, principles and values he learned from his father, and incorporated them in his lessons for his own children and all American Latino youth.
As a UCLA student in the late 1960’s, Moctesuma Esparza played an active role in the student youth movement. He was a founder of MECHA, and leader in the famous Chicano Student Walkouts of 1968 for which he and 12 others were arrested. He was also present with a film crew at the August 1970 National Chicano Moratorium March against the Vietnam War. The footage he shot there eventually was incorporated into the film Requiem 29.
For more than thirty years, Esparza has maintained his commitment to the Latino Community from his first "Only Once in a Lifetime" (1979) to one of his best-known films, “Selena” (1997).
But there is another side to this remarkable Latino producer. As an entrepreneur he acquired the franchise for the first all Latino owned cable company, Buenavision Cable TV in East L.A., which he built and operated. Moctesuma learned early on the business of art, he explains “I learned that a movie has to be made for a market, and film is truly a marriage of Art and Commerce”. Today, in addition to producing films he has also established a chain of movie theatre complexes, called Maya Cinemas.
A life long entrepreneur and businessman, Mr. Esparza served as Chair of the Board of the New America Alliance Institute from 2000-2003, an organization of American Latino business leaders united to promote the economic advancement of the Latino Community in America from 2000. New America Alliance is organized on the principle that American Latino businesspersons have a special responsibility to lead the process of building the forms of capital most crucial to Latino progress – economic capital, political capital, human capital and the practice of philanthropy.
EVY LEDESMA/GALAN
Evy Ledesma Galán is vice-president of Galán Inc., an award-winningAustin, Texas, based tv/film production company specializing in documentary film production. Past productions include CHICANO! HISTORY OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENTT, SONGS OF THE HOMELAND, THE FORGOTTEN AMERICANS, ACCORDIAN DREAMS, and most recently the PBS six episode series VISIONES: LATINO ART & CULTURE. Currently, Galán Inc. recently completed a music documentary feature: LOS LONELY BOYS COTTONFIELDS AND CROSSROADS. Ledesma Galán also founded the twelve-year-old CineSol Latino Film Festival, a festival serving the Texas/Mexico border communities of the Rio Grande Valley, serving as its director for ten years.
ALEXIS/GARCIA
Alexis Garcia is an associate in the Entertainment & Media Group in thefirm Sheppard Mullin's Century City office.
Mr. Garcia primarily counsels entertainment industry clients, both at
the studio and independent level, in the development, production,
financing and distribution of motion picture and television content. In
this capacity, he has negotiated numerous writer, director, actor and producer agreements on various film productions, both on the institutional and talent side. He is also a member of the firm's Hispanic/Latino Business Group, representing entertainment/media clients targeting U.S. Latino audiences and/or involved in film production in Latin America, whether focusing on English or Spanish content.
Mr. Garcia earned his J.D. in 2002 from UCLA School of Law, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Entertainment Law Review, Business Editor of the UCLA Law Review, and Coordinating Editor of the Chicano-Latino Law Review. He is the author of "Finding the Unobstructed Window for Internet Film Viewing," 9 UCLA ENT. L. REV. 243 (2002), "Digital Videorecorders May Not Meet 'SONY' Fair Use Test," Focus Column, The Daily Journal Feb 19, 2002, and "The Iberia Criteria: Co-Productions between Spain and Latin American Countries," which appeared in the Hispanic/Latino Business Group's inaugural newsletter, Enfoque Latino (Feb. 2005). Mr. Garcia was also recently featured in the Univision.com article "El cine en america latina: Una buena opcion para los hispanos." (available at http://www.univision.com/content/content.jhtml?cid=515673).
Mr. Garcia is also a board member of the East L.A. Classic Theatre, a non-profit aimed at providing comprehensive literacy training and engaging, relevant theatre experiences to disadvantaged youth and minority communities in the promotion of cultural inclusion and academic excellence.
EVANGELINE/GRIEGO
Ms. Griego is an award winning independent documentary producer/director who has been working in film for the past 18 years. Her company, About Time Productions, produced the documentary, Paño Arte: Images from Inside and Border Visions/Visiones Fronterizos. Most recently she produced the feature documentary, Rosa’s Boys. Currently she’s in production on the feature documentary God Willing about a bible-based nomadic cult.As Segment Co-Producer, she completed THE NEW AMERICANS, a Kartemquin Films’ PBS multi-part series due to air in March, 2004. As Line Producer she is in post -production on The Journey Home, a PBS multi part series also due to air in the Spring 2004. Her extensive production management and line producing experience includes short and feature films, music videos, and public service announcements. She has produced for the J. Paul Getty Trust, and worked with The Walt Disney Company, Faction Films, Morgan Creek Productions and MGM Studios. She has worked with OUTFEST as the Festival Manager and is the Co-Founder of the Silver Lake Film Festival in Los Angeles. She serves on the board of directors for NALIP, The National Association of Latino Independent Producers, and OUTFEST Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian film festival.
CYNTHIA/LOPEZ
Ms. López is the communications director for P.O.V./American Documentary Inc., public television's groundbreaking showcase for independent non-fiction film that has captured virtually every coveted television and film award including fourteen Emmys, three Oscars, and eight Peabody awards, in addition to dozens of nominations. Her responsibilities include marketing and branding, strategic planning, and the development of strategic press campaigns. Ms. Lopez has worked as the Advocacy Director of Libraries for the Future, whereby she assisted in fundraising and marketing campaigns for public libraries. During her last year at LFF she raised over a half million dollar s in financial support. As a telecommunications and public interest advocate, she has presented a variety of topics including the use of satellite technology for community development, in venues such as the White House Conference on Library and Information Services Taskforce Little Rock, Arkansas; Advocacy Media, Benton Foundation; Channels for Change, Scotland; Community Media 2000, South Africa. She is a board member of the Association for Independent Video and Filmmakers (AIVF/FIVF) and has been an advisor to the Paul Robeson Fund, Ford Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation. She is currently working on a novel entitled, Where Puerto Rico meets Pakistan (working title).
PAUL A./CAMPBELL
In June 2006, Paul A. Campbell joined QD3 assuming the role of President and COO in charge of growing the Company’s organizational infrastructure, production capacity, and expansion onto new digital platforms. Paul brings a unique mix of technology understanding, entrepreneurial energy, strong business discipline, and creative sensibilities.
Paul spent the last four years at the Microsoft Corporation as the Director of Business Development responsible for the software giant’s digital media strategy and partnerships with major media companies and the creative community. Paul was Microsoft’s most senior executive based in Los Angeles where he focused on cultivating a presence for the company in Hollywood.
In 2004, Paul forged a multi-faceted strategic partnership with MTV Networks (MTVN) culminating in Bill Gates and MTVN’s Judy McGrath jointly announcing the relationship at the January 2005 Consumer Electronics Show. The deal was industry shaping, resulting in the development of the innovative “Overdrive” broadband video platform and “URGE” MTVN’s digital music service.
Paul broke new ground for Microsoft by conceiving, negotiating, and managing a multi-year partnership between Microsoft and Academy award winning director and noted technophile James Cameron. The deal spanned cutting-edge technology development, advanced research, content development and next-generation gaming initiatives.
Paul helped position Microsoft as a patron of the film community based on a strategic alliance with the highly respected American Film Institute (AFI). Paul orchestrated the provision of technology support for AFI’s Digital Content Lab and sponsored the annual Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Prior to Microsoft, Paul spent 8 years as a Silicon Valley based entrepreneur building a number of successful Internet technology companies. In 1998, Paul helped found Network24, an industry leading digital media venture. Paul drove strategy, marketing, and business development. He co-wrote the business plan setting the overall business direction; led the venture-financing effort raising $6 million in a Series A round; grew the company from 3 to 70 employees and in January 2000 negotiated the acquisition to Akamai Technologies for over $200 million. Paul remained with Akamai through May 2001 in the capacity of VP Media & Entertainment managing a product management and marketing team.
Paul is a British and Canadian citizen. He received an honors bachelors degree from the University of Toronto. Paul also sits on the board of the African Wildlife Foundation and is a volunteer with the United Nations recognized International Committee of Artists for Peace (ICAP).
NELY/GALAN
In 1994, media entrepreneur Nely Galan launched her company Galan Entertainment with the mandate of creating multi-platform content specializing in the Latino market. Her company has since successfully produced over 600 episodes of programming in both English and Spanish, bridging multiple television genres. Galan, who is the former President of Entertainment for the Spanish-language powerhouse Telemundo, has also helped launch over 10 television networks in Latin America for companies such as HBO, ESPN, Fox, MGM, Sony, and TCI. As a producer, her recent hit, Fox’s reality series “The Swan,” is a highly recognizable international brand; with merchandising, books, and DVD extensions. She is widely regarded as Hollywood’s “Latino Expert,” and now with the success of “The Swan,” Galan is also sought out for her expertise in the burgeoning health and beauty fields.
In addition, Galan recently signed a landmark deal with NBC/Universal to create English language novelas across all media platforms for NBC, derived from her newly-acquired Telemundo library of formats and titles.
At the age of 22, Galan embarked on her career in entertainment as the nation’s youngest station manager for WNJU TV Channel 47 in New York. Owned by Jerry Perenchio and Norman Lear, the station became the launch-pad for what is now the Telemundo Network.
In 1992, Galan formed “Tropix,” a joint venture with HBO originating Latino content for cable. Under the “Tropix” umbrella, Nely also served as a consultant to HBO and Time Warner on its Latin strategy in the U.S. and Latin America. In this two-year venture, Galan created multiple shows and helped launch HBO Ole, their channel in Latin America.
Galan entered into an unprecedented deal with Fox Corporation and Rupert Murdoch in 1994, creating content for the Fox network and helping Fox launch numerous channels into Latin America including: Canal Fox, Fox Kids, Fox Sports, and Sky. That year, “The New York Times” magazine put Nely Galan on its cover and coined her the “Tropical Tycoon.” Her newly-formed company, Galan Entertainment, branched out launching networks for ESPN, MGM and Sony as well. In addition, Galan created an award-winning marketing division for American companies targeting Latinos in the U.S. and Latin America. While at Fox, she also produced “The Alma Awards” which honor outstanding Latino talent, and pioneered the first telenovela produced simultaneously in English and Spanish for Fox and Mexico’s television network, Televisa.
In 1998, Galan took a leave of absence from her own business when Sony named her President of Entertainment for Telemundo. After a three-year stint, Galan returned to her company with a development deal in hand from Telemundo, and proceeded to create the hit Latino sitcoms “Los Beltran,” “Viva Vegas,” and “Solo en America.” Galan also produced over 300 episodes of the popular daytime talk show, “Father Albert.”
In 2002, Galan created, produced and was the resident “life coach” on two seasons of “The Swan” for Fox. The hit reality show, transforming self-proclaimed ugly ducklings into beautiful swans, aired in 58 countries around the world and was ranked # 1 in Latin America, Israel, and Germany. The show became the company’s first property in branded entertainment, and has evolved into a worldwide brand.
To date, Galan is the only producer to have simultaneous hit shows in English and Spanish in the U.S. She is also a popular speaker and commentator on the topics of entrepreneurship, the Latino market, and health and beauty. Nely is an alumni board member of the Smithsonian Institute and currently serves on the boards for The Center for the Advancement of Women and Count Me In, a non-profit organization that advances women in entrepreneurship.
CHRISTINA/IBARRA
Based in New York City, Cristina Ibarra grew up on the U.S./Mexico border between El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. She is a Chicana filmmaker working in the realms of non-fiction, fiction and satire. For the past seven years, she has been making short films that can be seen on public television, online, and in galleries, museums, schools and film festivals across the United States. Her award-winning directorial debut, Dirty Laundry: A Homemade Telenovela was broadcast nationwide on the PBS series, ColorVision. The Last Conquistador, her first hour-long documentary with John Valadez, will be broadcast on the acclaimed PBS series, P.O.V. in 2008. She is a founding member of fulana.org, a Latina interdisciplinary collective, where makes award-winning satirical web-based interstitials such as Grandma’s Hip Hop, Lupe From the Block and Amnezac.
Creative Capital, Latino Public Broadcasting, the Paul Robeson Fund and the New York State Council for the Arts have all funded her work. She has been awarded a number of fellowships including one from the Rockefeller Foundation, New York Foundation for the Arts, Lation Producers Academy and CPB/PBS Producer’s Academy.
Cristina Ibarra is a founding member of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers.
CHRIS/LEMOS
Born and raised in the suburbs of Los Angeles, Chris discovered his love of show business at a young age by watching his Mother produce large shows for the Mexican folk dance group she founded. As a college freshman at Cal-State Fullerton University, he quickly began to implement his plan to work in the business by interning at companies such as ESPN and putting in long hours on independent films. He soon landed at Scott Rudin Productions on the Paramount lot and was promoted to Mr. Rudins (L.A. office) assistant during the productions of SHAFT and ANGELAS ASHES. Chris then segued into a job as executive assistant to Donald De Line, who also had a producing deal at Paramount Pictures. It was there that he gained his greatest exposure to all the aspects of filmmaking, becoming an integral part of the company as De Line Pictures produced such films as DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE, THE ITALIAN JOB, WITHOUT A PADDLE, and STEPFORD WIVES, not to mention being Mr. De Lines right hand man when Mr. De Line accepted the offer to become President and Vice Chairman of Paramount Pictures. Along the way, Chris joined forces with a former fellow intern from Mr. Rudins company, Luis Guerrero, to form the production company VITAL PICTURES. Vital Pictures has focused on finding and breaking out writers with fresh voices and stories that have fallen under the Hollywood radar. They currently have a dozen projects in various stages of development and plan to make their first feature this year.
QUINCY/JONES-III
For more than 20 years, QD3, a noted creative visionary, has been producing hits in music and film to celebrate, honor and magnify the hip-hop culture. His career turn into the world of business continues to reflect his forward-thinking ability to turn bling into gold.QD3 has amassed one of the largest independent libraries of Hip Hop content with over 1500 hours of programming, much of it rare, exclusive, and never before seen footage. In June 2006, he formed QD3 Digital, a division of QD3, to take advantage of the technology explosion of broadband video, user generated content, video on demand and mobile platforms. As the creative and driving force, QD3 is building the first urban oriented digital media entertainment company.
In 2002, QD3 started QD3 Entertainment, a documentary production company focused on chronicling the many dimensions of Hip Hop culture. Beginning with the multi-platinum selling DVD, Thug Angel, QD3 Entertainment emerged as the industry standard for both commercial success and critical acclaim in the urban DVD market. Following the success of Thug Angel, QD3 began working on the critically acclaimed BEEF trilogy, which provides a definitive look at Hip Hops most notorious conflicts and resolutions between artists. In addition to receiving VIBE Magazine’s Best Music DVD Award in 2003, the popular BEEF series has received rave reviews from publications such as Variety, The Los Angeles Times, and Rolling Stone. The success of the BEEF DVDs spawned the highly anticipated BEEF TV Series that premiered on the BET network in October 2006. Other titles from QD3 Entertainment include; The Freshest Kids, The MC: Why We Do It, The Art of 16 Bars, Letter To The President and Black & Blue: Legends of the Hip Hop Cop, released under the QD3 Collection, a division of QD3.
With many gold, platinum and multi-platinum albums and singles to his name, QD3 is a bonafide hitmaker in Rap, R&B and Pop. In addition to his many hits working with artists such as Tupac, Ice Cube and L.L. Cool J., QD3 has remixed singles for artists such as Prince, Ronald Isley, Queen Latifah, Coolio, Naughty By Nature, Everlast and Morcheeba, among others. QD3’s music activity in Film and Television includes scoring the powerful and influential film Menace to Society, as well as songs featured in Gang Related, Panthers and Jason’s Lyric. QD3 composed theme songs for the In The House comedy series, starring L.L. Cool J., Out All Night, featuring Patti Labelle, and most recently The PJ’s, Eddie Murphy’s weekly animated comedy series (for which QD3 received an Emmy nomination), as well as the theme for Grown Ups, starring Erkel. ASCAP honored QD3 with the 1993 ASCAP Composers Award for his work on Fresh Prince of Bel Air, starring Will Smith.
QD3 was born in London and raised in Stockholm, Sweden were he got his start in Hip Hop by touring as a break-dancer. At age 13, he got his first drum machine and started producing demo’s for local Hip Hop acts which eventually lead to producing his first gold record at 16 years old. At that point QD3 packed up and moved to New York to pursue his dream to become a rap producer in America. He spent a year and a half in New York working with old school legends such as T La Rock (1st artist signed to Def Jam) and Special K (of the group Treacherous 3 featuring Kool Moe Dee). In 1986, with Hip Hop still in its infancy, QD3 attended the noted Berklee College of Music in Boston. After one year at Berklee, QD3 grew restless and moved to Los Angeles where he immediately connected with Dr. Dre and a small record label called Ruthless. He began producing with this talented crew that would include Ice Cube, Warren G, Snoop Dogg and many others who would create West coast Hip Hop and change culture around the world.
CHRISTY/HAUBEGGER
Christy Haubegger founded Latina magazine in 1996 following her graduation from Stanford Law School. It was in a business course there that Haubegger conceived of and developed a business plan for a groundbreaking magazine that would showcase fashion, beauty, lifestyle and empowerment for Hispanic women. After receiving her law degree, she pursued her plan for the magazine. She ultimately partnered with Essence Communications and the company became a major investor in Latina. The magazine debuted as a quarterly in 1996, with rising star Jennifer Lopez on its first cover.
Latina grew to monthly publication just a year after its launch with Haubegger serving as its publisher, president and then CEO until 2001. In that post, she oversaw a staff of more than 50 and focused on the business management of the magazine, including advertising sales and corporate marketing.
Since its inception, Latina has become the leading publication for U.S. Hispanic women with a monthly circulation of 400,000. Latina has been named Best Magazine by Advertising Age and was featured on the Adweek Hot List two years in a row (2000 and 2001). Latina has also extended its brand into other media. In 2001, Christy oversaw the publication of Latina Beauty (Hyperion), a comprehensive beauty and wellness guidebook for Hispanic women. Haubegger now serves as a member of the Board of Latina Media Ventures (Latina's parent company) where she focuses on strategic initiatives for the company.
Christy moved into the world of entertainment in 2002, hoping to expand the presence and stories of Latinos in television and motion pictures as she had done in the magazine world. She served as Associate Producer on "Chasing Papi," a romantic comedy from 20th Century Fox with a Hispanic theme/cast, which was released in May 2003. She was Executive Producer of Oscar-winner James L. Brooks’ romantic comedy, “Spanglish” starring Paz Vega, Adam Sandler and Téa Leoni, released by Columbia Pictures in December 2004. She now works with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), providing insights on ethnic markets to CAA’s motion picture, music, marketing and television clients.
A pioneer for Latinas, Haubegger is a popular speaker and the recipient of numerous awards and media recognition for her achievements. In 2001, Newsweek named her one of the "Women of the New Century" and Advertising Age has called her a "Woman to Watch." The Ms. Foundation has chosen her as one of the Top 10 Role Models of the Year. Haubegger was also the youngest woman to be inducted into the American Advertising Federation's Advertising Hall of Achievement, in recognition of her success in raising the profile of the Hispanic market. She has been profiled and interviewed by numerous, diverse media outlets including CNN, NBC Nightly News and the Today Show.
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Haubegger is the Mexican-American daughter of adoptive parents. She received her BA in Philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin and her law degree from Stanford Law School where she was President of her class. A volunteer for various civic, social and political organizations, Haubegger is a member of the board of the New America Alliance, a Latino business leadership group and Management Leadership for Tomorrow, an organization that works to increase the number of minority MBA candidates at the nation's top business schools.
ROBERTO/GARCIA
Roberto Garcia is the Executive Director Hispanic Marketing for Cingular Wireless in charge of all marketing strategic initiatives in the areas of customer acquisitions, advertising, promotions, and lifecycle management for that market segment.Garcia has 17 years of marketing experience in different industries with several multinational companies both in the U.S. and Latin America, including Mars Incorporated, The Quaker Oats Company, Renault, Nabisco, and Warner-Lambert. He has managed household brands, including Gatorade, Life Savers, Uncle Bens Rice, and M&M’s chocolate candies.
A native of Venezuela, Garcia holds both a Masters Degree in Engineering from San Jose State University and an MBA from the University of Southern California.
FRANK/FLOWERS
A native of the Cayman Islands, Frank graduated from the USC Filmic Writing Program, Class of 2001. His short film, SWALLOW, about a high school drug smuggler, was a huge success at the Sundance Film Festival, subsequently winning the Austin, Jamerican, Riverrun and Flashpoint Film Festivals. Swallow recently concluded a two-year run on cable network HBO, who licensed the flick after it won their Best Short Film Award at the 2003 American Black Film Festival. HAVEN, based on his own experiences growing up in the islands, marks his feature debut as a writer/director and garnished him another accolade from HBO as a DIRECTOR TO WATCH at this year’s BLACK MOVIE AWARDS. The film was released theatrically on September 15th 2006, and features a prestigious ensemble cast including Orlando Bloom, Bill Paxton, Zoe Saldana, Anthony Mackee and Joy Bryant. Frank E. has also worked briefly in Music Videos, directing “ROAD TO ZION” for two-time Grammy winning reggae artist Damian “JR GONG” Marley featuring Nas. Frank E. is currently writing a film for 20th Century Fox with Traffic producer Laura Bickford, in addition to another independent project about Third World Politics in the Caribbean.
CHRISTINA/DAVIS
Christina Davis grew up in Petaluma, California and moved to Los Angeles to attend UCLA as a political science major. After a short stint as a writers’ assistant on the Warner Bros./ NBC series “Sisters”, she began working in Drama Series Development at Warner Bros. Television. Christina moved to CBS Entertainment in August 1997 and has been working her way up the ranks in Drama Series Development for 9½ years. Since joining CBS, Davis has been involved in the development of CSI, CSI: MIAMI, CSI: NY, WITHOUT A TRACE, COLD CASE, THE UNIT, GHOST WHISPERER and, most recently, JERICHO. DANILA/KOVERMAN
Danila Koverman started her career in television 25 years ago in local news in Los Angeles. While at KCBS and KHJ-TV, she worked as a researcher, reporter, planning editor and producer. The highlight of her time in local news was covering the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Danila spent six years in local news learning the value of fiscal responsibility, resourcefulness and efficiency.In the mid eighties, Danila switched beats and started producing and directing entertainment stories for Good Morning America. This was when GMA was the number one morning show and Dynasty was a hit show. While at GMA, Danila learned how to build relationships, network strategically, and master the Hollywood booking game.
Danila’s news gathering experience, coupled with her entertainment industry connections and know how, led her to E! Entertainment Television. Danila helped launch the network in 1990 as News Director, responsible for all news programming. She quickly immersed herself into the start up mode and was drawn to other launch opportunities for the rest of her career.
Danila was part of the launch team for Warner Bros.’ syndicated show, Extra, in 1994 as well as for the style network in 1998. After five years as head of programming and production for style, Danila took a break from management to co-executive produce the hit reality show, “La Cenicienta”, with Nely Galan for Telemundo. This opportunity allowed Danila to re-connect with her passion for producing and to fall in love with Latinos and Hispanics from around the world. Danila joined TV Guide Channel in 2003 as SVP of Programming and Production to help re-launch the channel with long form programming. Her proudest achievements were starting live event coverage with Joan and Melissa Rivers, and creating programming for new media platforms.
Danila is currently working with Fran Shea at HBO New Media. Last year they formed HBOlab, a small unit of young creatives who develop and produce content for new media platforms. This opportunity brings together all of Danila’s experiences and allows her to be creative, resourceful, efficient, strategic, build relationships, find new talent, and best of all, mentor young people.
Danila is fluent in Spanish, and a member of DGA and AFTRA. She lives in Hermosa Beach with her husband, Michael and they have two children, Jessie and Ryan.
CALIXTO/CHINCHILLA
As the Founder and Executive Director of the New York International Latino Film Festival, Calixto Chinchilla has made powerful and impactful progress for Latinos in the film industry. Founded in 1999, the festival realizes his dream to host an international festival that features domestic and international films by and/or about Latinos. Attracting over 25,000 attendees and garnering the attention of Hollywood and media from across the globe, the festival has quickly grown as the largest urban Latino film festival in the U.S. Calixto has been featured in the Daily News, Urban Latino Magazine, The New York Times, NBC, Good Day NY, Univision and Telemundo. As part of its 2001 “Keep Walking” campaign, Johnnie Walker Black Label honored and featured Calixto as one of New York’s young Latino professional leaders. That year he was also named “A 2001 Latino On The Move” by industry trade magazine Latino Impact, and a “One to Watch” by NBC’S Hispanics Today. Recently, Calixto was chosen as one of 25 most influential Latinos by The New York Post.Before founding the New York International Latino Film Festival, Calixto began his film career developing special interest marketing for Warner Brothers Pictures. He has consulted in a similar capacity for New Line Cinema, Dreamworks SKG, Nova Releasing and Columbia Pictures. Additionally, Calixto has worked on several film productions, including the Sundance award-winning films, HURRICANE STREETS and In Search of A Dream. Before establishing his own film festival, Calixto served as the Latino Film Curator for the Urban World Film Festival in 1999 and again in 2000. He also directed the South Bronx Film and Video Festival in October 2001. Calixto is a committee member of The National Council of La Raza’s American Latino Media Awards (ALMA). He has been a speaker at Columbia University, The City College of New York’s Graduate Center, The Center For Communications and New York University’s Tisch School of The Arts to name a few. Calixto received a photography scholarship and studied marketing at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology.
H.M./COAKLEY
Co-writer/director H. M. Coakley makes his feature directorial debut with Holla. In addition to Holla, Coakley’s production company Rockstone Pictures has developed projects for HBO and produced the acclaimed independent films Ten Benny and Restaurant both starring Academy Award winner Adrien Brody (King Kong, The Pianist). Restaurant also starred Grammy award winner, Lauryn Hill, Jesse Martin (Law and Order), and Simon Baker (The Land of the Dead, The Guardian). Ten Benny premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and both pictures opened to rave reviews. Coakley has also produced dozens of music videos and commercials, working with top recording artists, including Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliot, Kirk Franklin, and Dr Dre. He is well known for his work as an independent film educator. He served as Head of Programming for Film Independent (formerly IFP/Los Angeles), where he was responsible for overseeing the organization's screening programs, seminars and workshops. In addition, Coakley previously held duties as an adjunct professor at Columbia College Hollywood, California State University- Fullerton and as a guest lecturer at the USC School of Cinema. A native of the United States Virgin Islands, H. M. Coakley is a magna cum laude graduate from Howard University with a B.S. degree in Physics and an honors graduate from Columbia University with a Master of Fine Arts degree in Filmmaking.
MARCOS/CLINE-MARQUEZ
Marcos Cline-Marquez is co-founder and President of Darma Productions, a full service production company that specializes in commercials, web content media, and direct response. Marcos’ professional experience began at Creative Artists Agency, but he has since worked at 20th Century Fox, the WB, Univision, startup network SiTV and commercial production company Unlimited Film and Video in Guadalajara, Mexico. For SitTV, he produced and created more than 250 hours of original production, which includes music, comedy show, reality, and fashion shows. Growing up he lived in a vast array of cities, including San Francisco, Madrid, Mexico City and Guadalajara. He is a graduate of Brooks Institute of Photography and resides in Los Angeles.
SIMON/KILMURRY
Executive Director, American Documentary | P.O.V. Simon served as chief operating officer of AmDoc for six years, before assuming the role of executive director in 2006. Since joining AmDoc in 1999, he has played a key role in helping to set strategic direction of the organization and implementing new initiatives, including the Diverse Voices Project, P.O.V.’s co-production initiative in support of emerging filmmakers; P.O.V.’s Borders, PBS’ Webby Award-winning online series; and True Lives, a second-run series for independent documentaries on public television. In addition, he worked to secure pioneering partnerships with both Netflix and Docurama to expand the distribution opportunities for P.O.V. filmmakers and enhance branding for P.O.V. Prior to joining AmDoc, Simon worked at Teachers & Writers Collaborative, a nonprofit literary arts and education organization and publisher, for nearly ten years, serving as associate director from 1992-1999. He continues to work with them as a member of the board of directors. He has also served as a board member and treasurer for Elders Share the Arts and East Harlem Block Schools, and as an informal advisor and funding panel member for other organizations including the New York City Center for Arts Education, the Association for Independent Video and Filmmakers and New York State Council on the Arts. Simon attended the University of Edinburgh, Scotland and Columbia University Business School’s Institute for Not-for-Profit Management.HELEN/HERNANDEZ
Helen is the President and Founder of The Imagen Foundation. Prior to establishing the Imagen Foundation, Ms. Hernandez was the Vice President of Public Affairs for Embassy Communications (presently Sony Pictures Entertainment). Acting as this major television production company’s local and national liaison, she was most instrumental in developing and supervising various corporate programs that enhanced the company’s reputation in the national community for socially and culturally sensitive programming. The origins of the “Imagen” Latino Media Image Awards can be traced back to a 1983 meeting between Norman Lear, Helen Hernandez and the National Conference of Christians and Jews. It was at this meeting that the Imagen Awards were born. These Awards were designed to encourage portrayals of Latinos and Latino cultures in television and film.
For the last twenty years, Ms. Hernandez has been the Executive Producer for the Imagen Awards. Over the years, the Imagen Foundation has honored such entertainment industry professionals such as Placido Domingo, George Lopez, Andy Garcia, Crisitina Saralegui, Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek Phil Roman, Edward James Olmos, Bill Melendez, Rita Moreno, Jennifer Lopez and Hector Elizondo. Under her leadership, the Imagen Awards have become one of the most prestigious awards in the entertainment industry. These awards exemplify the best of what Hollywood can produce in portraying the image of Latinos and Latino culture.
In 1995, the NCCJ turned the Awards over to Helen and a group of Latino entertainment industry executives to establish The Imagen Foundation. The mission of the organization is to provide access, education, and resources to Latinos in the industry or to Latinos looking to pursue careers in entertainment. In addition to the Awards, Imagen coordinates an annual Job Fair that is heavily supported by the industry as well as conducts national community workshops on careers in entertainment.
Ms. Hernandez is a recognized guest speaker as indicated by invitations to lecture from prominent universities such as Northwestern University, Illinois; Michigan State University, East Lansing; University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; and University of Texas at Austin. Additionally, Ms. Hernandez has given testimony before the Federal Communications Commission as a conference panelist on “Women’s Ownership of Media Outlets,” the United States Commission on Civil Rights- “The Under Class,” and for the Congressional Select Committee on Aging.
In 2004, Helen was presented a Congressional commendation which was read and approved in the Congressional Record for her work in the industry by Congresswoman Hilda Solis. The National Association of Latino Independent Producers honored her in 2006 with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Helen is currently a member of The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and Women in Film and also serves on the Board of Directors for Latino Public Broadcasting and WorkPlace Hollywood.
SERGIO/GONZALEZ
As a Cuban-American born in Chicago, Ill and raised in South FL, Sergio Gonzalez used his creative talents as well as his rich ethnic surroundings to help such companies as Disney, Fox Television and Warner Bros Pictures reach new heights. For Disney, Sergio helped ABC Radio launch Radio Disney AM 990 in Miami as it’s promotions / marketing director. Sergio then set his eyes on television and became the assignment editor of South FL’s #1 evening entertainment show “Deco Drive”. Sergio eventually moved on to film, landing under a former mentor as a publicist for Warner Bros where he helped handle publicity and promotions for the state of FL out of Miami. His love of films though along with his promoting / publicity prowess brought him to the attention of Terry Hines & Assoc, where he was immediately brought in to their newly formed Hispanic Entertainment Division out of the Los Angeles office. THA has over 15 offices nationwide and their Hispanic Division’s L.A. office handles the western region of the country. Sergio is a graduate from the University of Miami with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications / Public Relations.REYNALDO/GIL
Reynaldo Gil is the visionary CEO of Commendo with more than 25 years of technology leadership experience. He launched his career at IBM and has more than 15 years of Internet experience that started with Charles Schwab, one of the consumer service pioneers in the booming 1990's. During the Internet era Mr. Gil also led the development of web-based software platforms at Vitria and CrossWorlds. Prior to Commendo, Mr. Gil founded WorldChain, a leader in web-based supply chain software. The software saved Dell and other global companies millions in record time by streamlining global distribution networks.
Mr. Gil has authored numerous articles and shared his software innovation knowledge at entrepreneur and web conferences in Europe, China and Latin America. He is recognized as a web pioneer and won awards including Entrepreneur of the Year from www.ebig.org.
Mr. Gil holds a B.S. degree in Information Systems Management from the University of San Francisco and is a co-founder and former President of Hispanic Net, a professional networking organization in the Silicon Valley.
RICHARD/FRIAS
As a Manager of Content Acquisitions & Programming at Revver.com, it is Frias’ job to acquire and program the best short form content (both user-generated and mainstream media) on the web. As well, Frias has had a hand in choosing content for the company’s successful mobile initiatives. In his position, he has also created contest concepts for major recording artists and consulted media partners with their online strategies. A graduate of California State University Fullerton, Frias earned his degree in Journalism. His passion for news and entertainment led him to internships with the Associated Press, Craven/Maddalena Films and Music Connection Magazine. Prior to working at Revver, Frias worked in Business Affairs at New Line Cinema. He’s also worked as a music journalist, interviewing a number of major recording artists. Frias sees the Internet, online video in particular, as an exciting medium and free forum for ideas.
Frias was born and raised in the small farming community of Visalia, California.
JEFFREY/CREE
With more than 30 years in the Film and Television Industry Jeff brings to his position as a Market Development Manager for HDVS Systems, the unusual combination of a film production and electronics engineering background. This multiple Emmy Award winning Video Recordist/Cameraman completed 17 years with the ABC Television Network, as a member of the engineering unit prior to moving to Sony Electronics. Jeff worked primarily with the product marketing and management groups of Sony with his primary focus being with Acquisition Systems. Since joining Band Pro in January of 2003 Jeff has continued his activities as an Instructor and consultant to the growing High Definition market.In addition to his normal duties Jeff's credits include acting as Technical Supervisor and Camera Operator for the CBS Special, Titanic Treasures of the Deep, for Columbia Pictures Television. The Alvin DSV Group, from Woodshole Oceanographic Institution accessed Jeff’s technical skills and operating ability for television specials produced for PBS and NHK. Jeff also acted as a consultant to the very successful BBC Blue Planet Series and the HD syndicated production based on Jules Verne’s travels. Additional credits include the High Definition Production of the removal of the ship’s bell from the Edmond Fitzgerald, the Emmy Winning ABC Special on Blue Whales, and the Jim Cameron feature film “Titanic” and HD 3D projects “Ghosts of the Abyss” and “Aliens of the Deep”.
Jeff has spent much of his time as liaison to TV episodic productions and feature films assisting them in the transition to HDVS production. Projects include productions by notable directors Robert Altman, James Cameron, Francis Ford Coppola, Robert Rodriguez, Michael Mann and George Lucas.
In an attempt to remove the mysteries of the video camera Jeff has used his foundation in film and video as a basis for the teaching of Advance Video Techniques and Electronic Cinematography at various educational facilities across the country. Teaching classes and seminars at AFI, USC Film School, Sundance Institute, and the Santa Fe Workshops as well speaking to both film and television industry groups Jeff has dedicated much of the past 18 years removing the mysteries of the High Definition System.
ALBERT/ACOSTA
Albert grew up in the San Fernando Valley where he has lived most of his life. Wanting to pursue a life-long love for film, he attended California State University Northridge where he graduated with a B.A. in Cinema, Television, and Art. After testing the waters in television, Albert is currently a developmental assistant at New Line Cinema.
CARLOS/ALAZRAQUI
Carlos Alazraqui has worked hard to establish himself as one of the funniest men on television today. He is a voice we hear almost on a daily basis – we just don’t know it. And now, we get to meet the man behind the voice. Currently, Carlos can be seen playing Officer James Garcia, a cop who takes his job a bit too seriously on the all-improv Comedy Central series RENO 911, now entering its fifth season. In this all-improv show, RENO 911 is designed to parody the cop shows we see on television today, with an added soap opera edge. RENO 911 – MIAMI opens in February, 2007 on the big screen from 20th Century Fox.
Carlos is probably best known as the voice of a very famous Chihuahua, popularizing the slogan “Yo Quiero Taco Bell”. But every week, Carlos can be heard as Monroe in THE LIFE & TIMES OF JUNIPER LEE and Lazlo on CAMP LAZLO, both airing on the Cartoon Network.
Carlos can also be heard as Mr. Crocker, the schoolteacher on the Nickelodeon hit series Fairly Odd Parents, Rocko on Rocko’s Modern Life (Nickelodeon), as Rikochet on Mucha Lucha (WB) and in the PBS series Handy Mandy, Maya and Miguel. And as an actor, Carlos has made guest appearances on Even Stevens, Lizzie McGuire, The Brothers Garcia, Men Behaving Badly and That ‘70s Show. And last year, Carlos starred in his own Half Hour Comedy Special for Comedy Central.
Carlos was also just seen playing one of the wacky penguins alongside Robin Williams in George Miller’s animated film HAPPY FEET (Warner Bros.). Past film credits for Carlos include: Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, Osmosis Jones and A Bugs Life.
Carlos performs his stand-up comedy routine on a regular basis. He also is in development on several of his own series. His one-man show, I Want to be Liked and Make Money, prompted Paula Warfield from Backstage West-Drama log to say, "Carlos is anyone or anything he wants to be.... he belongs to that rare category of cameleonesque actors ...an extraordinary talent!"
In his free time, Carlos is an avid tennis player and skydiver -- he has participated in over 525 jumps. Carlos currently resides in Los Angeles with his ‘children’ – Jackie O, a Labrador retriever and Max Bear, a Shepard-Akita mix.
CHRIS/ALBRECHT
Chris Albrecht is chairman and chief executive officer for Home Box Office, responsible for the overall management of the world's largest premium television company, which operates multiple premium networks in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America, as well as HBO's many other lines of business. He was named to his current in July 2002.Albrecht previously served as president, HBO Original Programming, holding that title since 1995. He directed all day-to-day operations of both West and East Coast original programming for HBO; including sports, documentaries and films, as well as Cinemax and HBO Independent Productions.
Serving from 1990-1995 as president of HBO Independent Productions, a business unit dedicated to developing and producing comedy series for distribution on HBO and the broadcast networks, Albrecht was responsible for "Martin," as well as "Everybody Loves Raymond," the critically acclaimed series currently on CBS.
Albrecht joined HBO in June 1985 as senior vice president, original programming, West Coast. He was responsible for overseeing all HBO West Coast original programming functions for HBO and Cinemax. Before joining HBO, Albrecht worked for five years for International Creative Management (ICM), where he was instrumental in signing such talent as Jim Carrey, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg.
From l975 to l980, he was co-owner of The Improvisation nightclub in New York City. During those years, he also served as a new talent management consultant for ABC in New York City.
In June 2003 Albrecht was honored with the prestigious National Cable Television Association Vanguard Award for programming. As of April 2003, Albrecht serves on the Board of Trustees for the American Film Institute. He also serves on the Board of Governors for the Museum of Television and Radio. Albrecht holds a BA degree in dramatic literature from Hofstra University in New York.
LEN/AMATO
LEN AMATO (Executive Producer) is President of Spring Creek Productions, where he continues a longstanding relationship with Paula Weinstein. Under the Spring Creek banner, he recently produced the upcoming "The Astronaut Farmer," starring Billy Bob Thornton.Amato began his career as a story analyst for various independent producers and studios. He went on to become a story editor for Robert De Niro's then-newly formed Tribeca Productions, working with co-founder Jane Rosenthal on Michael Apted's "Thunderheart" and Irwin Winkler's "Night and the City."
Amato began his association with Spring Creek Productions in the mid-1990s as Vice President of Development, running the company's New York office for co-founders Mark Rosenberg and Paula Weinstein. In 1997, he made his producing debut with HBO's "First Time Felon," directed by Charles Dutton. The following year, he moved to Los Angeles to serve as Executive Vice President of Baltimore/Spring Creek Pictures, when Weinstein partnered with Barry Levinson to create the company.
In 1999, Amato served as co-producer on the hit comedy "Analyze This," directed by Harold Ramis and starring Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal, and, in 2002, he executive produced its sequel, "Analyze That." He then executive produced Neil LaBute's "Possession," starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Aaron Eckhart, and produced "Deliver Us from Eva." Amato more recently served as an executive producer on the award-winning HBO drama "Iron Jawed Angels," starring Hilary Swank and Anjelica Huston, and the romantic comedy feature "Rumor Has It...," directed by Rob Reiner and starring Jennifer Aniston, Shirley MacLaine, Kevin Costner and Mark Ruffalo.
MARILYN/ATLAS
An award-winning producer and personal manager, Marilyn R. Atlas is equally at home in the worlds of film, television, and live theater. Among her credits as film producer are “Real Women Have Curves” for HBO, which won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival, “A Certain Desire,” starring Sam Waterson, and “Echoes,” which won the Gold Award at the 1991 Texas International Film Festival. In addition to producing a variety of programming for the cable/ pay TV market, Marilyn has served as a production consultant on the film “Call Me.” She was also involved as a producer in the development of the MOW “Nightwalker” and “Playing for Keeps.”
In live theater, Marilyn co-produced the West Coast premiere of the musical “God Bless You Mr. Rosewater” by Ashman and Menken, writers of both “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Beauty and the Beast.” She also co-produced the award-winning play “To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday,” which was made into a film starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Peter Gallagher. Her additional credits as a producer in live theater include “Today’s special” and “As I Sing.”
Marilyn has served as Casting Director for feature films, including John Frankenheimer’s “The Equals” and “The Whiz.” She is a founding member of Women in Film’s Luminas Committee which supports the portrayal of women in non-stereotypical roles in film and television. Along with director and actress Dorothy Lyman, Marilyn founded ADT, a director’s theatre, and served on its advisory board.
Marilyn is a member of NALIP, the National Association of Latino Independent Producers. She has spoken at their Writers’ and Producers’ retreats, the DGA-sponsored LA Asian Film Festival, as well as various other symposia for the Sherman Oaks Experimental College, Skyline College, Santa Fe Screenwriters Conference, and Richard Krevolin’s USC Screenwriting Retreat covering such topics as: “Creating for the Actor: carving memorable, inhabitable characters” and “Ever-Evolving Marketplace: What’s Hot, Why and for How Long…” Marilyn has also taught several actor workshops on creating “Memorable Characters” for actors as well as “Acting and Auditioning for Producers.” She has spoken at the Texas Bar Association and was a guest lecturer at Whittier Law School. Marilyn was the professional-in-residence (in theater and film) at Ball State University and was the guest speaker on “Creating Memorable and Non-Stereotypical Characters” at the International Writer’s Conference at Hollins University.
Marilyn is working on a development slate that includes “Lola Goes to Roma,” “Suburban Turban”, “Add Me to the Party”, and “Chasing the Jaguar” a film adaptation based on the Harper Collins YA book, written by actress Michele Greene. For television, she’s in development on the pilot “MacArthur Park” first developed for Showtime, as well as “Bus No. 2” and the “Untitled Posse Project.” “Suburban Turban” and “Add Me to the Party” are set for late 2007 production.
Marilyn is committed to projects that reflect diversity and portray non-stereotypical characters.
FELICIA/BELL
Felicia Bell is currently the Manager of Multicultural Marketing at Warner Home Video where she is responsible for developing and executing targeted consumer and trade marketing campaigns for Warner Bros.’ extensive array of releases in addition to acquiring completed content specifically focused on the African American, urban and Latino markets.
A graduate of Harvard College, Ms. Bell is an avid participant in Youth Mentoring Inc. Prior to joining Warner Bros. Felicia worked as a strategy consultant at Bain & Co. as well as in new business development for Simmons Lathan Media Group in Los Angeles.
ROBERTO/BLATT
Roberto Blatt Studied Economics & Anthropology at Ben Gurion University, Israel Doctoral research scholarship on Philosophy from Stiftung zür Förderung der Philosophie, Mönchengladbach, Germany. He has collaborated with College International de Philosophie in Paris.He moved to Spain in 1987-Worked as free-lance essayist for local and international press as well as for cultural programs on public TV. Director of project development at Tesauro SA, a wellknown TV production company.
Since 1995 he is Director of Programming and Content Development for MULTICANAL, leading company in the design, production and distribution of thematic channels for cable, satellite or any other format of digital television. Directed the design and launch of Canal Odisea/Odisseia, documentary channel, for a decade continuous leader in audiences both in Spain and Portugal. In 1996 redesigned Hollywood Channel, a movie channel, and launched Sol Música, a pop music channel,. -In 1998 he led the design, negotiation and launch of Canal de Historia, an international joint-venture with A&E (USA), the autonomous Iberian version of The History Channel.
Currently MULTICANAL produces seven thematic channels. He is the head of in-house and co-productions for all the channels, particularly documentaries for Odisea & Historia and general distribution. He is a veteran Commissioning Editor, active in numerous European forums of documentaries organized by EDN and other institutions as well as lecturer for various academic master courses for docs.
ADRIANA/BOSCH
Adriana Bosch, now an independent filmmaker based in Miami, was for twenty years a producer, writer, and director at WGBH. Her two-hour special Fidel Castro aired in January 2005 and was honored with a Silver Hugo from the Chicago International Film Festival and was nominated for the Writer’s Guild Award. She was producer, writer and director of Jimmy Carter, a three-hour documentary biography for American Experience that aired on PBS in November of 2002. She was series editor and producer/writer for American Experience’s presidential biographies Reagan (1998) and Ike (1993). She has won a Christopher Award, a Peabody Award, an Erik Barnouw Award and an Emmy Award.
Bosch holds a PhD in International Affairs from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. She was born in Cuba. Adriana’s latest film The Great Fever for American Experience aired in November 2006.
VICKY/CABILDO
Vicky Cabildo recently started her own company "Mitcho Music", specializing in Music Supervision for Film and Television as well as music consulting for companies like LATV and ZonaZoom.com (a social networking site).Vicky's career in music started when she was introduced to Latin Alternative music in the early 90's. Since then Vicky has been the Director of Talent and Artist Relations at Mun2, Music Director and Producer at LATV, Label Manager at Universal Music Latino, Radio Personality at KZCU and KZSC, publicist at D.Baron Media and Aztlan Records.
JULIO/CARO
Julio Caro is an innovative independent producer possessing the unusual combination of creative management skills and a strong financial background. Mr. Caro served as Jennifer Lopez’ producing partner at Nuyorican Productions. At Nuyorican, he was responsible for the supervision of all development and production of feature film and television programming. Nuyorican Productions had first-look agreements with Columbia Pictures, Fox Television Studios and Telemundo, the Spanish Language television network.
After leaving Nuyorican, he went on to produce EL CANTANTE, starring Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony (post production). He is currently in pre-production on a film entitled CELESTINA which will be the debut film as a director for writer Jose Rivera (MOTORCYCLE DIARIES).
Prior to his career as a film producer, Mr. Caro was a Senior Vice President at Manufacturers Hanover Trust (now JP Morgan Chase Bank) specializing in asset based lending and leveraged acquisitions. During his tenure at Manufacturers Hanover, Mr. Caro was a worked with such clients as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren (Polo), Converse (Footwear), and Federated Department Stores.
Mr. Caro departed Manufacturers Hanover and joined Radical Media, a leading commercial production company based in New York City with offices in Los Angeles and London. While Radical Media did not have formal titles for its positions, Mr. Caro reported to the partners and was effectively the general manager overseeing all of the company’s corporate strategy in the entertainment space. Mr. Caro also participated in the development of the company’s new media initiative in the nascent stages of the internet and its related businesses. Directors at Radical Media included Tarsem (with whom Mr. Caro later produced THE CELL, starring Jennifer Lopez for New Line), Alan White (with whom Mr. Caro produced ERSKINEVILLE KINGS as an independent film) and the successful team of Buckley & Todaro. Mr. Caro departed Radical Media in 1999 to devote his full-time to produce THE CELL.
Mr. Caro was born in the United States with heritage from the Dominican Republic and is is a graduate of Cornell University’s College of Arts & Sciences (1981).
JORGE/CARREON
For over fifteen years, JORGE CARREON has worked exclusively in the entertainment industry in the area of film publicity. He began his career in the summer of 1991 at Paramount Pictures. As a result of his tenure as an intern within the National Theatrical Publicity department, he was promoted to the position of assistant to the Director of Production Publicity in the spring of 1992. During his time at the studio, he assisted in the creation of publicity materials for several Paramount titles, including “Indecent Proposal,” “Juice” and “Sliver,” as well as writing corporate press releases before leaving the company 1994 to become a junior publicist and staff writer at The Samuel Goldwyn Company. While at Samuel Goldwyn, Carreon wrote all of the company’s corporate publicity materials, as well as the production notes for all Goldwyn films. Also serving as the principal LA media liaison for the company, he contributed to the development of the media campaigns for such films as “The Madness of King George,” Ang Lee’s “Eat Drink Man Woman,” David Mamet’s “Oleanna” and Mira Nair’s “The Perez Family.”
In 1995, Carreon left Samuel Goldwyn to join 20th Century Fox International as a senior publicist and staff writer. Carreon’s primary responsibilities were to design and implement the publicity campaigns of Fox films, focusing primarily on Latin America. Among the award-winning campaigns Carreon contributed to were “Braveheart,” “Independence Day,” “Titanic,” “There’s Something About Mary” and “X-Men.” In 1998, Carreon took over the responsibilities of producing the division’s publicity programming for such films as “Office Space,” “The Beach,” “Fight Club” and “X-Men.”
After five years with the company, Carreon left Fox in 2000 to join Phase One Productions, a boutique media company specializing in publicity programming for film and television, as well as the creation of DVD special features. Now serving as the company’s Vice President, he continues to produce television specials, talent profiles and DVD features for several Fox divisions, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Home Entertainment and several independent film companies. With over 200 credits to his name, he continues to enjoy this aspect of entertainment marketing, which has taken him around the world.
A true southern California native, Carreon is a first generation Mexican-American, born and raised in Pico Rivera, CA. He currently resides in South Pasadena.
NATALIE/CHAIDEZ
With 16 years as a professional screenwriter, Natalie Chaidez (pictured right) is currently Co-Executive Producer on NBC’s Heroes and adapting a book titled “Spy Wore Red” as a feature for Kennedy-Marshall Productions. She attended UCLA film School and completed 2 years in the Disney Fellowship program. Other credits include Judging Amy, New York Undercover, pilots for ABC, NBC, Fox, movies for TNT, HBO, and “feature scripts that haven’t gotten produced (yet).”Born and raised in L.A., Chaidez first met her husband of 17 years while cruising Whittier Boulevard. She has 2 awesome kids, ages 14 and 12.
“Yes, I’m Latina (Mom is Mexican) and yes, I know I don’t look it.”
GEORGE/CISNEROS
George Cisneros has worked in several artistic genres, all of which involve music; he is an active composer, a creator of sound-producing sculpture, as well as producer of a very impressive series of New Music Festivals, of video installations and educational materials. Cisneros presently lives in San Antonio, Texas, where he maintains his multimedia production studio and is co-owner of DCCI, an internet service provider and web creation company. LISA/CORTES
A veteran of both music and movies, Lisa Cortes has proven herself a maverick in the entertainment field. From Cortes’s early days working at premier hip-hop label Def Jam Records to her current position as a Senior Producer at the Harlem-based film company Lee Daniels Entertainment, this woman refuses to slow down. “Throughout my career I’ve been blessed to have jobs that are as challenging as they are engaging,” Cortes says. “The dynamics of working with both artists and businesspeople never gets boring.” With production credits that include such exciting projects as The Woodsman (2004) and Shadowboxer (2006), Cortes began her journey with Lee Daniels Entertainment shortly before the firm’s debut film Monster’s Ball (the movie that won Halle Berry an Academy Award in 2002) went into production. “I had met Lee after I had graduated from film school (SVA and New York Film Academy),” Lisa remembers. “Though I had only produced student films, electronic press kits and music videos, Lee was more than willing to take a chance on me.”
During the making of Monster’s Ball, Lisa assisted Lee and director, Marc Forster on location in New Orleans for three months. Like a crash course in the fine art of filmmaking, the experience proved to be a most apt training ground for the budding producer. “It all came together for me after an exhaustive night shoot when I realized the similarity of working with musicians and filmmakers to realize their voices and the intense joy it gave me to be a part of that process.”
A native of Milford, Connecticut, who also spent a far amount of her childhood on the streets of Harlem (which perhaps explains the depths of her diversity), Lisa Cortes is a graduate of Yale University. Majoring in American Studies, Cortes broke into the music industry during the 1980’s golden age of the hip-hop music. Working under label chiefs Russell Simmons, Rick Rubin and Lyor Cohn just as Def Jam was launching, Cortes worked with a roster that included Run DMC, Public Enemy, The Beastie Boys and LL Cool J. “These days hearing rap records on the radio or on television is taken for granted,” Cortes says. “But, in those early years we were breaking new ground.”
Wearing many hats, Cortes also represented music producers with Rush Producers Management, the company she founded with Russell Simmons. “At Def Jam and Rush, it didn’t matter what your title was, everybody did a little bit of everything.” Leaving Def Jam in 1990, Cortes went on to become Vice president of Artists and Repertoire at the now defunct PolyGram Records. After spearheading a number of projects that included Vanessa Williams, Black Sheep and the soundtrack for the Tony winning Jelly’s Last Jam, Lisa was soon given her own label, Loose Cannon. In addition to re-issuing classic Richard Pryor discs, Loose Cannon also released Buju Banton’s timeless reggae disc Till Shiloh.
After a creative falling-out with Island Records, Loose Cannon’s parent company, Lisa decided to take time off to travel extensively throughout India, Africa and the Caribbean. “After working over a decade in such a crazy business, I needed to reevaluate what it really was I wanted to do,” Lisa recalls. “Though I collect art, I have never been the type of person who can create a painting or sculpture. At the same time, I feel an allegiance with all artists, especially storytellers. For me, working in films was the logical next step.”
Surprisingly, the transition from music to film was not difficult for Lisa Cortes; as usual, once her eyes were on the prize, there was no stopping her. “For me, the process was the same,” Cortes explains.
Starting at the bottom of the ladder, Cortes was soon working with Urbanworld Film Festival founder Stacy Spikes, produced an EPK for then-budding rapper (and current film star) Mos Def and volunteered her services on several student productions. Laughing, she says, “I did whatever I had to do so people would take me seriously. I didn’t want people to think I was a spoiled executive who was scared of losing a night’s sleep or getting my hands dirty.”
While producing films for Lee Daniels Entertainment, whose latest film Shadowboxer has been described as “a cinematic master-mix of the Hughes Brothers and David Lynch,” is a full time job, Cortes still manages to find time to fulfill her joys. In addition to collecting folk art from around the globe, she has also lectured at various universities including N.Y.U. and Yale about cinema, hip-hop culture and Black aesthetics. She also serves on the board of two not-for-profit organizations, The Philadelphia Film Society and Trajal Harrell Dance Style. Putting her heart and soul into every moment of her life, Lisa Cortes is a producer who shines with boundless energy, generously shared.
LUCIA/COTTONE
Lucia Cottone was named vice president, series development and current programming for Lifetime Television in April 2006. Prior to Lifetime, she served as director of cable programming for NBC Universal Television Studio (NUTS). While at NUTS, Cottone oversaw the scripted development for series, movies, miniseries and pilots for sister networks USA and Sci Fi. Additionally, she was responsible for the day-to-day production activities, including casting and writing, for USA’s Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning series “Monk.”
Cottone began her career in entertainment at Rysher Entertainment as director of creative affairs. At Rysher, she was responsible for development and current programming and worked on HBO’s “Oz” and CBS’s “Nash Bridges.” Next, she served as director of drama development at UPN, working on “The Beat” from producer Tom Fontana, “The Secret Agent Man” from producers Barry Sonnenfeld and Barry Josephson and “The Strip” from producer Joel Silver.
Following UPN, Cottone’s increased interest in the U.S. Hispanic market and trends led her to Telemundo Network where she served as vice president of development. While at Telemundo, she was involved in the development and scheduling of “telenovelas” and supervised original programming slates including scripted sitcoms, game shows and reality programs.
Subsequent to Telemundo, she relocated to Spain to research the development and programming attitudes of that territory. Cottone returned to Miami, FL, where she began a new career in radio, serving as a consultant for Grupo Prisa Internacional. At Prisa, she was responsible for the creation of programming content as well as a national scheduling grid for the acquisition of a major U.S. Hispanic radio network. Cottone also produced a live Sunday magazine radio talk show that aired in Miami and parts of Latin America.
Cottone graduated from Emerson College in Boston, with a bachelor of science in public speaking and television production. She also holds a degree in professional photography from the New England School of Photography.
Cottone resides in Los Angeles.
HERNAN/DE BECKY
His successful full-time career as a Voice Performer in Los Ángeles, started quite by accident in 1985. While working as a Junior Copywriter at a local L.A. TV station, he was asked to record a Public Service Announcement pro bono. Ever since then, Hernán de Béky hasn’t stopped recording, becoming one of the Premier Spanish Voice Artists in the USA. Today, his voice is heard daily on Commercials, Promos and Movie Trailers nationwide. Hernán has received a variety of notable distinctions, including a Clio Award, two Don Belding Awards and three Emmy® Awards.
Hernán is represented worldwide by Kimberly Sklanowsky of DPN, Inc. Kimberly@dpntalent.com
WANDA/DE JESUS
Actress Wanda De Jesus brings her talent and experience in film, theatre and television to her latest projects, “Illegal Tender,” a film produced by John Singleton (“Hustle & Flow”, “Shaft”, “Four Brothers”) and written and directed by Franc Reyes (“Empire”). Playing courageous mother Millie De Leon, De Jesus creates a memorable character in this film, which shot in both her hometown of New York and as well as her beloved Puerto Rico. In her current film “The Ministers”, directed by Franc Reyes, she stars opposite Harvey Keitel and John Leguizamo.De Jesus impressed audiences in “Blood Work” as Graciela Rivers, a woman who hires an ex-FBI profiler (Clint Eastwood) to solve a crime. De Jesus turned in a strong dramatic performance in the film, directed by Eastwood. During the same time, De Jesus starred in the Peabody award winning PBS Masterpiece Theatre production of “Almost a Woman,” based on the memoirs of author Esmeralda Santiago. After starring in many television projects and co-starring in numerous films, Entertainment Weekly said of De Jesus, “With her sultry turn opposite Clint Eastwood in ‘Blood Work’ and her moving performance in this Masterpiece Theatre’s American Collection adaptation of Esmeralda Santiago’s memoir; she’s finally made a name for herself.”
Wanda has also graced the silver screen in such diverse fare as John Carpenter’s “Ghosts of Mars,” Lawrence Fishburne’s “Once in the Life,” Joel Schumacher’s “Flawless,” co-starring opposite Robert DeNiro as his sultry dancer girlfriend, Michael Mann’s “The Insider” opposite Al Pacino and Charles Burnett’s “Glass Shield,” among others.
De Jesus’s small-screen accomplishments include starring opposite David Caruso in “CSI: Miami” and again in Elmore Leonard’s “Gold Coast,” directed by Peter Weller. She also garnered attention portraying the savvy investigative field reporter Liz Vega on UPN’s “Live Shot.” Other serials include “Mariah” as well as sexy Santana Andrade on the daytime drama “Santa Barbara.” Guest Lead television credits include “NYPD Blue,” “Promised Land,” “Brooklyn South,” “Touched by an Angel,” “Nash Bridges” and “Profiler..
A native of New York and a graduate of the prestigious High School of the Performing Arts, De Jesus went on to study drama at the Leonard Davis Center for the performing Arts at City College of New York and put her training to work in a variety of Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional stage productions, including “Cuba and his Teddy Bear” at the Long acre Theatre with Robert DeNiro, the Los Angles premiere of Ariel Dorfman’s “Death and the Maiden” at the Mark Taper Forum with Jimmy Smits, “Summer & Smoke” with Christopher Reeve and Christine Lahti at the Ahmanson, “Floating Islands,” directed by Oscar Eustis at the Taper, “Women Without Men” at the New York Shakespeare, “The Guys” at Berkeley Repertory Theatre with Jimmy Smits and “Ariano,” directed by George C. Wolfe. Was the first Latina to work at the prestigious Circle Repertory Theatre during Marshall Mason years.
Recipient of Imagen Award for Best Actress. Ms. De Jesus resides in Los Angeles.
MIGUEL/DURAN
Miguel Duran is a student, activist, and filmmaker! Miguel was a former student of Marco Torres at San Fernando High School whose life was changed after learning and applying multi-media applications to his creativity. He has currently directed and edited a documentary of the first Chicano Studies Department in the nation - Cal. State Univ. Northridge under the mentorship of Marco Torres and Fabiola Torres.TARAH/FEINBERG
Tarah Feinberg is an entertainment professional in New York, with a passion for unique and revolutionary entertainment. Tarah is currently Creative Director for Savar Media, an entertainment company specializing in the creation of original content for TV, film, digital media, branded entertainment and other entertainment outlets. Most recently, he was Manager of Program Development for the NBCU Digital Studios, where he created, developed and oversaw the production of series and entertainment products for digital and traditional platforms. In the past, he worked in the Original Programming division of HBO and has produced and directed a number of short films, documentaries, music videos and other projects. In addition, Tarah has supported industry non-profit organizations. He is Director of Sales & Promotions for The J-Flicks Project, a multimedia educational project. For several years, he was the Executive Producer Stellar Online and Marketing Coordinator for Stellar Network, a prominent trans-Atlantic organization for professionals in film, television and theater. Tarah graduated from Brandeis University, where he co-founded Brandeis Television, while pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Film Studies.
RON/FERNANDEZ
Ron Fernández is a writer, director, development executive, and film professor. He is the screenwriter of GRENDEL, a SciFi Original Movie starring Ben Cross and Chris Bruno, as well as THE MONSTER, currently in post-production. He also penned PUSHER, a thriller starring Jason Statham shooting in Prague this fall.He is the Director of Development for Deviant Films, which produced DIRTY, with Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Clifton Collins. Deviant Films is currently in preproduction on THE LAST WORD, with Wes Bentley and Winona Ryder, and is also producing AMS, Ron’s feature directorial debut.
Armed with his MFA in Cinema-TV Production from USC, Ron teaches film at Pasadena City College, where he strives to instill cinephilia in emerging filmmakers.
A Chicago-born Cuban American, Ron is a member of the Writers Guild of America and serves as co-chair of the Latino Writer’s Committee.
DENISE/GABRIELA LEBRE
Denise Gabriela Lebre was born in Mexico City and moved to the United States in 1977, where she studied Theatre Arts and Broadcasting. She has worked on theatre, television, and radio programs and became a member of SAG in 1988 when she was cast as the voice of “Lucky Charms” for General Mills. Since then she has appeared in and voiced hundreds of commercials and audio projects from narrations and interactives to toys and cartoon’s characterizations. For the past eight years she has been the host of the radio program “La Hora Brasileña”, www.lahorabrasileña.org an international radio show in Spanish presenting Brazilian music, airing in several Latin American countries, produced by Sergio Mielnizcenco of Global Village at www.kpfk.org 90.7 FM
Currently, Denise is dubbing voices in Spanish of Addison Shepard as played by Kate Walsh in the ABC SAP series “Gray’s Anatomy” and of Amanda (Becki Newton) in “Ugly Betty.” She was also the host (in Spanish) of “World Hit Radio” an Internet international radio show featuring top hits worldwide with Shadow Stevens, and the morning drive news anchor for “Radio Noticias 930”.
Denise is the owner/director of an International translation and voiceover service, whose clients include the following: PowerBizBuilder.com - Crown Advertising - Metro Audio & Video –Affordable Audio – Ad Americas – Casanova – Del Rio Advertising – Ad Experts – AGM Video - Flexiguia - Script to screen – DMB – Branding group – El Buzon Productions - Al Punto Advertising – RLR Advertising - Via Hollywood Plan B - Leap Frog - Gray Advertising – Español Communications.
HECTOR/GALAN
Hector Galán is an award winning independent documentary filmmaker with over thirty films to his credit. He founded his Austin-based production company in 1984 and has been working as an indie director/producer ever since. His work has been broadcast nationally and internationally. His films include documentaries for PBS signature series FRONTLINE and THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE. Galán produced the landmark four-hour PBS series special Chicano! History of the Mexican American Civil Rights Movement and more recently the six part "Visiones: Latino Art & Culture". Galán has won awards and accolades for exploring such diverse topics as migrant farm workers, "New Harvest, Old Shame" the dynamics of race relations in the military, "The Color of Your Skin" college athletics, "Chasing the Basketball Dream", prison riots "Shakedown in Santa Fe", politics "In the Shadow of the Capitol" and issues surrounding illegal drugs "The Dallas Drug War". Galán continues to create stories that explore his Tejano roots such as "Vaquero: The Forgotten Cowboy", the acclaimed music documentaries "Songs of the Homeland" and "Accordion Dreams", and his latest film, "Los Lonely Boys Cottonfields and Crossroads". For a complete filmography go to www.galaninc.comMIKE/GOMEZ
MIKE's recent acting credits include guest starring roles on FOX-TV 's 'BONES' and ABC's 'GENERAL HOSPITAL' Among his many TV credits are 'DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES', 'LOCUSTS' with Lucy Lawless, 'THE READING ROOM' with James Earl Jones, and the series regular role of 'Capt. Gallardo' in the NBC series, 'HUNTER', among many others. His extensive credits include the Broadway and L.A. productions of 'ZOOT SUIT', co-starring roles in such films as Clint Eastwood's 'HEARTBREAK RIDGE', Robert Redford's 'MILAGRO BEANFIELD WAR', Jack Nicolson's 'THE BORDER', Gregory Nava's 'EL NORTE', ZOOT SUIT, BORN IN EAST L.A.', and the Cohen Bros' 'THE BIG LEBOWSKI, to name a few. As a director, MIKE'S credits include numerous plays, actors' showcases for the CBS Network, the ABC Network, Ricardo Montalban's NOSOTROS and 'Macho Men & the Women Who Love Them'. MIKE also recently produced the 36th Annual Nosotros Golden Eagle Awards at the Ricardo Montalban Theatre (2006) for NOSOTROS.
DIEGO/GUTIERREZ
Diego Gutierrez was born and raised in Mexico City. He attended Wesleyan University in Connecticut, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Film Studies before moving to Los Angeles. He got his start in the industry working for Joss Whedon at “Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” writing one episode of the show before moving on to write for “Dawson’s Creek.” Since then, he has worked on shows such as “Kingpin”, “Judging Amy”, “The Shield”, “Point Pleasant” and now “Without A Trace.” He has also worked in the feature screenwriting world, writing projects for MTV/Paramount, and Fernando Sarinana’s Corazon Films in Mexico. Diego lives in Echo Park in Los Angeles with his wife, Kim, and dog, Moxie.DAVID/HERNANDEZ
As Director of Multicultural Marketing for Warner Home Video, David A. Hernández oversees efforts to deliver and market films targeting the Latino and Urban segments. With the support of a dedicated multicultural marketing team, his responsibilities extend beyond pure marketing into content evaluation for potential acquisitions and providing support to the sales organization to insure clients (accounts) are well informed on WHV’s Multicultural Strategy and business objectives. In addition to these tasks, he works in conjunction with the ‘New Releases’ team at WHV to help develop and implement targeted in-language advertising and publicity efforts for the US Latino consumer in support of Warner Bros. Pictures’ releases.During the past 15 years, David has worked in strategic marketing and brand development both in the US and abroad. Focused primarily on the US Latino market, he has worked for companies including Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, Banco Popular North America, Capital One Financial, Disneyland Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. In 1992, he worked as Coordinator of Exhibitions for the Pavilion of Puerto Rico during Seville’s 1992 EXPO. This experience allowed him to literally get a first-hand, ‘worldwide perspective’ on the realities and challenges of doing business in a ‘multicultural universe.’ Both on a personal and professional level, the experience was ‘life-changing.’
Warm-blooded and born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, David is proud to have faced the freezing hills of Central New York for 6 years straight while earning his B.A. degree in Political Science from Cornell University and going on to complete an M.A. in Communications/Advertising from Syracuse University.
CONRAD/HOOL
Conrad has been working steadily in the film industry for over 35 years and such experience has paired him with some of the industry’s all time greats, including Howard Hawks, John Wayne, Burt Lancaster, Robert Duvall, Gene Hackman, Sam Peckinpah, Ralph Nelson, Stanley Donen and many others. Conrad has traveled extensively and has filmed in many countries of the world. Using his physical production expertise he has had the responsibility of overseeing and controlling over US$300M in film production funds and has managed to deliver every single film on or under budget, a feat not easily rivaled.
Conrad has served as producer, executive producer, co-producer and/or unit production manager on such films as: MAN ON FIRE starring Denzel Washington; CLUB DREAD starring Broken Lizards and Bill Paxton; CROCODILE DUNDEE IN LOS ANGELES, starring Paul Hogan; ONE MAN’S HERO starring Tom Berenger; THAT CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON starring Paul Sorvino and Gary Sinise; McHALE’S NAVY starring Tom Arnold; FLIPPER starring Paul Hogan and Elijah Wood; FLASHFIRE starring Billy Zane and Lou Gossett Jr.; COVER GIRL MURDERS starring Lee Majors and Jennifer O'Neil; ROAD KILLERS starring Christopher Lambert; THE AIR UP THERE starring Kevin Bacon; GUNMEN starring Christopher Lambert and Mario Van Peebles; PURE LUCK starring Martin Short and Danny Glover; DAMNED RIVER starring Stephen Shellen; OPTIONS starring Joanna Pacula and Matt Salinger; STEEL DAWN starring Patrick Swayze; MISSING IN ACTION 2 - The Beginning starring Chuck Norris; THE HONOR GUARD starring Rod Steiger; CABOBLANCO starring Charles Bronson. Conrad has teamed up with his brother, producer/director Lance Hool, in most of the above films. They both have been successfully operating Silver Lion Films since 1987.
Conrad also has wide-ranging experience in the business world. He ran and operated the largest health and fitness equipment manufacturer in Latin America and was Editor in Chief of the largest circulation Health magazine in Spanish with distribution in Mexico, Latin America and Spain. He has successfully managed and operated several corporations both in the United States and Mexico.
Conrad is a member of the Directors Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild.
ERIKA/KENNAIR
Born and raised in New Orleans, Erika graduated from Loyola University New Orleans with a B.A. in Television Production, and then obtained an M.F.A. in Screenwriting from Loyola Marymount University. Upon graduating LMU, Erika was awarded a Humanitas Prize: the David Angell Fellowship in Comedy Writing.Erika’s first experience in television was pulling ratings at 6am at Paramount in Television Research. She then moved on to Twentieth Century Fox in Television Production and then to Fox Searchlight in Post Production working with such movies as Garden State, Notes on a Scandal and Margaret.
Erika is currently the NBC Entertainment Diversity Representative, identifying new writing talent for the Diversity Initiative for Writers, and working on other diversity initiatives such as Comedy Shortcuts, the Diversity Scene Showcase and Writers on the Verge.
MARGARET/KIM
Margaret Kim is Director, Historical Programming for The History Channel. She also serves as Executive Producer for many of the network’s series and specials. Since joining the Programming Department in 2000, Ms. Kim has developed and supervised top-performing series and specials, and has been instrumental in the strategic positioning and programming of the network. She is the creator and executive producer of the network’s hit series Digging for the Truth.
Her other successful series include: Decoding the Past, UFO Files, Decisive Battles, and History Now. Her program Beyond the Da Vinci Code not only received two Prime Time Emmy nominations, but was one of the network’s highest rated programs of 2005.
Ms. Kim’s work has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. Most recently, she received the 2004 Peabody Award for Rwanda – Do Scars Ever Fade?, which also garnered two Emmy nominations and won the 2005 IDA Award, the United Nations Dept. of Information’s Bronze Award for excellence, and the Cine Golden Eagle Award, among others. In 2004, she was honored with a News & Documentary Emmy Award for LBJ vs. The Kennedys: Chasing Demons, and an IDA award for Inside Pol Pot’s Secret Prison, which also received two Emmy nominations in 2003. In 2005, she was named to CableFAX 100’s Also Influential list (‘Nobody embodies the youth movement at The History Channel more than Kim….’), and Cablevision Magazine (2001) called her a ‘Woman to Watch.’ Ms. Kim is an active member of the Diversity Business Council for AETN, The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, NYWIFT, WICT and NAMIC.
Prior to joining The History Channel, Ms. Kim served as Producer for MSNBC’s one-hour biography series, Headliners & Legends with Matt Lauer. Working with with CBS News Productions and ABC News Productions, Ms. Kim wrote and produced documentaries and series for The History Channel, A&E, Court TV, CBS, and ABC Sports; and she covered the 1996 U.S. National Gymnastics competition and Olympic trials for NBC Sports. She began her career at ABC News, working on the news desk and numerous live broadcasts, including World News Tonight with Peter Jennings, Nightline and Primetime Live.
Ms. Kim earned a master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in Soviet and East European Studies from Williams College. She also worked in Poland as a staff editor for the English language edition of the Polish Solidarity newspaper, Gazeta International, and was a Center for Foreign Journalists Arthur F. Burns Fellow, working in for ZDF in Germany. She speaks Spanish, Korean, Polish, Russian and German.
KAREN/KIRKLAND
Karen Kirkland currently serves as Director of Nickelodeon’s Writing Fellowship Program as well as Awards and Festivals.Karen Kirkland comes from an independent producing background with over 100 commercials and music videos to her credit. Not a complete stranger to Nick, she produced the T-Boz video for Rugrats in Paris: The Movie (2000). She has been nominated for multiple music video awards, and won an NAACP Image Award for Video of the Year for her work on R. Kelly’s “I Wish”. For the last 14 years, Karen has been involved in various areas of the film and production industry: as a freelance producer at FM Rocks, RSA and DNA.
She was the producer of the Los Angeles Film Festival from 1995 to 2001. Her loves include sushi and chocolate, in addition to family and friends.
LUISA/LESCHIN
Luisa Leschin has participated in almost every aspect of the entertainment industry. As a young actress, she was in over 150 English and Spanish language commercials. She has appeared in numerous films and guest starred in such series as Beverly Hills 90210, er and was a regular cast member for seven seasons on the Emmy Award winning PBS series Square One TV. Luisa is also one of the busiest voice-over artists in Hollywood, providing voices for such shows as King of the Hill.
As a writer, Luisa has co-written the highly successful play Latins Anonymous, which has received over thirty-five national productions. As a feature writer, she wrote Tropico, for Universal and co-wrote The National Guard, which deals with Latinos in the National Guard, for Showtime. In television, she served as Co-Executive Producer on the acclaimed Nickelodeon show, Brothers Garcia. Luisa just finished her fifth season as a Co-Executive Producer on the George Lopez show, having worked on all 120 episodes.
MATTHEW/LESSALL
Matthew Lessall is a freelance Casting Director based in Los Angeles. He is a member of the Casting Union (local 399), the Casting Society of America & BAFTA-LA. His work includes several award winning independent feature films including: “Rocket Science” (Picturehouse) & “Mean Creek” (Paramount Vantage).
In addition to Independent film, Matthew has cast film & television projects for Warner Brothers/Legendary Pictures, The Hallmark Channel, WB Television/John Wells & NBC. Matthew has been nominated for three ARTIOS awards for Best Casting – Mini-Series (“Frankenstein”) & two short films: “The Act” & “Starcrossed.” His was Director of Feature Film Casting at 20th Century Fox from 2005-2006. Matthew graduated from DePauw University with a B.A in Communications (1993) & has a post-graduate degree in acting from LAMDA.
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