Inner-City Filmmakers 2015 Commencement

CARLOS CHAVEZ

MARKETING & PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR, ENTRAVISION INNER-CITY FILMMAKERS 2004 ALUMNUS

Inner-City Filmmakers | 2015 COMMENCEMENT

1993-2015 Welcome to

INNER-CITY FILMMAKERS 22nd Anniversary

Class of 2015 Summer Program

COMMENCEMENT

Tuesday, August 18th 6:30 - 8:00 pm Buffet Reception by The Nosh Sponsored by Friars Charitable Foundation 8:00 - 8:30 pm Guest Speakers 8:30 - 10:30 pm Premiere Screening | Graduation Ceremony

Commencement Host

REGINALD HUDLIN Guest Speaker Panelists

CORY HARDRICT TERRENCE “J.” JENKINS JOE LAZAROV

FRIARS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION Presents the Martin Roth Student Screenwriting Scholarships In the

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

SAMUEL GOLDWYN THEATER 8949 Wilshire Boulevard Beverly Hills, CA 90212

We are deeply grateful to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for their ongoing support and generosity of their theaters.

3000 West Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404 310.264.3992 office | 310.264.3981 fax innercityfilm@earthlink.net | www.innercityfilmmakers.com

The Ahmanson Foundation The John W. Carson Foundation

The Green Foundation S. Mark Taper Foundation The Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation The Joseph Drown Foundation The Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation

THANK YOU FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE. Diamond Sponsor The Angell Foundation

Platinum Sponsors

The Ahmanson Foundation Mike Boggio John W. Carson Foundation Creative Artists Agency Foundation Friars Charitable Foundation Hollywood Foreign Press Association S. Mark Taper Foundation

Gold Sponsors

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Anonymous Drake Family Trust Joseph Drown Foundation The Green Foundation The Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation

Silver Sponsors

Casey Family Foundation Evolution Media Capital Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation The Philip Kent Foundation Relativity Media Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.

Supporters

British Academy of Film & Television Arts, Los Angeles Forest Foundation Scott & Michelle Greenberg Motion Picture Editors Guild Participant Productions Foundation Pergo Foundation Linda & Jay Sandrich Seidman Family Foundation The Weinstein Company

In-kind Donations

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences American Cinema Editors Avid Technology Russell Carpenter, ASC designory, inc.

Ellen Knable, ekareps Foundation Content Maine Media Workshop MasterChannel Panavision the poolhouse PromaxBDA Sony Pictures Studios Universal Studios Sound Department Warner Bros. Studios Wild Mind Film Camp To make your gift to Inner-City Filmmakers visit www.innercityfilmmakers.com and use the Pay Pal feature.

100% of your donation is tax deductible and goes directly towards educating youth. Thank you for your support.

“EDUCATION IS THE MOST POWERFUL WEAPON WHICH YOU CAN USE TO CHANGE THE WORLD.” - Nelson Mandela

FRED HEINRICH | STEPHANIA LIPNER Founders

The bumpy road of production mimics the bumpy road of life, which has many twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet, our lessons come from the journey, not the destination! The road to making a film and reaching success in the film business is bumpy, too. It’s hard. It’s complicated. But it’s worth it!!

This year marks Inner-City Filmmakers 22nd anniversary. We thank all of our donors, mentors, instructors, alumni, guest speakers, field trip hosts, and job providers, as well as high school educators, actors, family members, friends and the sponsors who support the students and their films - for sharing time, knowledge and encouragement. We thank all of you for joining us this evening to celebrate the creativity, the tenacity, and the triumph of the Class of 2015. Congratulations! YOU MATTER!!

FRIARS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION will present the Martin Roth Student Screenwriting Scholarships to three students in the Class of 2015 with the highest cumulative industry judge’s scores for best screenplay.

We are deeply grateful to the FRIARS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION and Sid Gittler, Chairman, Marilyn Stambler, President and all of the Friars Charitable Foundation Trustees for their ongoing friendship and support. You encourage our students to keep reading, writing, dreaming and succeeding. YOU MATTER! Launched in 1993, in answer to the 1992 Los Angeles Riots, Inner-City Filmmakers (ICF) has become a beacon of hope for diverse underserved youth of Los Angeles County. We provide free year-round education, pre-professional training with highly qualified and award winning industry professionals as instructors and mentors. We encourage youth to attend college and successfully match the most qualified to entry-level jobs behind-the-scenes in the entertainment industry, where they aspire to build careers but have little access.

What we started in 1993 for 4 weeks with 12 students has grown to 600 alumni learning and earning year round. WE MATTER! Our alumni work in all fields - as Lawyers, Licensed Psychotherapist, College Professors, etc. They work in various crew positions on major motion pictures, indie’s, scripted and unscripted TV series, and TV commercials and for all content providers. They are business owners and managers. They are members of the Motion Picture Editors Guild, Casting, Costumers, Grip, Props and Studio Electrical Lighting Technicians Unions, Writer’s Guild, and Directors Guild of America.

GIL KENAN (ICF 1994), Director, Poltergeist 3D, was a 2007 ACADEMY AWARD Nominee for Best Animated Feature Film Director of Monster House, his first feature film, which was executive produced by Robert Zemeckis and Steven Spielberg. CHRISKO MORALES (ICF 2006), won an EMMY AWARD for the Winter-X-Games as 3D Camera Technician while at Cameron-Pace Group. He also helped build 3D rigs for James Cameron’s Mariana Trench solo sub dive. Chrisko went to Russia to film the Mariinsky Ballet in 3D. He worked with the camera crew on Southpaw starring, Jake Gyllenhaal and Concussion, starring Will Smith.

TRINH TRAN (ICF 2000), as Creative Executive at Marvel, in 2014 she was responsible for the success of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Recently, Trinh was promoted to Director of Production and Development at Marvel and is Associate Producer on Captain America: Civil War, which is in production.

The future belongs to the young. Our task is to make sure they use it wisely. We thank everyone for their support tonight, this year, and over the many years!! Team work makes the dream work. WE ALL MATTER!

“AN INVESTMENT IN KNOWLEDGE PAYS THE BEST INTEREST.” - Benjamin Franklin

RICK HESS

Board Chairman, Inner-City Filmmakers Rick Hess is a founder and Co-Managing Partner of Evolution Media Capital (EMC), a joint venture with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), focusing on media, entertainment and sports industries. EMC has raised and advised in excess of $17 billion for its clients, which include teams from the NFL, NBA, Formula 1 and Participant Media. Prior to founding EMC, Rick was Head of the Film Finance group at CAA where he led financing, packaging and distribution for over 125 feature films, including Academy Award winners Brokeback Mountain and Crash. Prior to CAA, Rick held executive and management positions at TriStar Pictures, William Morris Agency, Phoenix Pictures and Propaganda Films. Rick is a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences and Chairman of the Board of Inner-City Filmmakers.

“Inner-City Filmmakers is an education program that teaches low-income and minority youth not just about how to navigate film and television production, but how to navigate life. It is so rewarding every year to see all the students embrace their learning.”

SCOTT GREENBERG

Board Member, Inner-City Filmmakers Scott Greenberg is a Motion Picture Literary Agent at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the world’s leading entertainment and sports agency, with offices in Los Angeles, New York, London, Nashville, and Beijing. Based in the Los Angeles office, Greenberg represents many of the world’s leading writers and directors, including Bennett Miller (MONEYBALL), John Lee Hancock (THE BLIND SIDE), Mark Protosevich (I AM LEGEND), D.J. Caruso (DISTURBIA, EAGLE EYE), Antoine Fuqua (TRAINING DAY, OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN, EQUALIZER), Tarsem (IMMORTALS, MIRROR MIRROR), Jaume Collet-Serra (UNKNOWN, NON-STOP), Jody Hill (EASTBOUND AND DOWN), Louis Leterrier (NOW YOU SEE ME), and Andrew W. Marlowe (CASTLE), among others.

SCOTT GREENBERG

Orientation Host Board Member, Inner-City Filmmakers Scott

Greenberg is involved with a wide range of philanthropic causes and charitable organizations. Through the CAA Foundation, he is actively involved in Inner City Filmmakers and serves on its board. A University of Maryland graduate Greenberg is a Motion Picture Literary Agent at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the world’s with a degree in finance, Greenberg began his career in the entertainment business in the CAA mailroom trainee program in 1991.

leadi

entertainment and sports agency, with offices in Los Angeles, New York, London, Nashville, and Beijin

me to see the impact Inner-City Filmmakers has on young people’s lives. Nothing compares to the satisfaction Based“It ininspires the Los Angeles office, Greenberg represents many of the world’s leading writers and directo of seeing a student from the inner city get closer to their dreams.”

including Bennett Miller (MONEYBALL), John Lee Hancock (THE BLIND SIDE), Mark Protosevi

(I AM LEGEND), D.J. Caruso (DISTURBIA, EAGLE EYE), Antoine Fuqua (TRAINING DA

OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN, EQUALIZER), Tarsem (IMMORTALS, MIRROR MIRROR), Jaume Coll

Serra (UNKNOWN, NON-STOP), Jody Hill (EASTBOUND AND DOWN), Louis Leterrier (NOW YO

REGINALD HUDLIN

Commencement Host | Writer, Producer, Director REGINALD HUDLIN has created, written and/or directed such beloved films as HOUSE PARTY, BOOMERANG and BEBE’S KIDS, which are some of the most profitable and influential films of his generation. Hudlin received a Best Picture nomination from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for producing Quentin Tarantino’s DJANGO UNCHAINED, starring Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Christoph Waltz, Kerry Washington and Samuel L. Jackson. The film won multiple awards including two Oscars and two Golden Globe Awards, and is one of the top grossing Westerns of all time.

Hudlin is the executive producer and writer of the BLACK PANTHER animated series, which premiered following a popular five-year comic book run. He was also executive producer of THE BOONDOCKS animated series. Along with the original founding members, Hudlin recently revived the prolific and beloved comic book company, Milestone Media. The company recently partnered with DC Entertainment, proposing a new line of books, toys, and digital content, including a live action series for Milestone’s signature character Static Shock.

From 2005-2009, Hudlin was the first President of Entertainment for B.E.T. Networks, creating some of the network’s highest rated shows during his tenure. While there, he launched a profitable home entertainment division and revamped the news division, which went on to win more than a dozen awards in that period.

Recently, Hudlin directed episodes of MURDER IN THE FIRST, NEW GIRL and MARRY ME. Hudlin executive produced the last three NAACP Image Awards, and he just signed a deal to produce the next three shows.

Hudlin was also the executive producer of The AMPAS Governor’s Awards, presenting four honorary Oscars.

Last summer, he partnered with The AMPAS and The Hollywood Bowl to produce a live cinematic concert experience titled: THE BLACK MOVIE SOUNDTRACK, which was a critical and commercial success. The show plans to return with a new lineup in 2016.

CORY HARDRICT

Guest Speaker Panelist | Actor Over the last few years Cory Hardrict has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry through the poignant and diverse characters he brings to life on screen. From critically acclaimed independent features to summer blockbuster films Hardrict’s undeniable talent, passion for his craft, and unwavering dedication to his projects have positioned him as one to watch in the business. Throughout 2015-16 Hardrict has multiple high profile projects in the works. First, he can be seen opposite Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller in the highly anticipated Warner Bros. feature AMERICAN SNIPER. Directed by Clint Eastwood, the film follows Navy S.E.A.L. Chris Kyle [Cooper] as he recounts his military career, which includes over 150 confirmed kills. Hardrict is a scene stealer as D, Kyle’s right hand man who has been by his side through every tour of the Middle East. The drama is set to premiere nationwide January 16, 2015. In addition to AMERICAN SNIPER, Hardrict recently wrapped filming a lead role in Legendary Pictures and Universal Pictures SPECTRAL, a sci-fi thriller centered on a special ops team that is dispatched to fight supernatural beings that have taken over Europe [to be released summer 2016].

Additional projects currently in production for Hardrict include a handful of leads in independent features, including: DESTINED, BROTHERLY LOVE, WALK OF FAME, and CAR DOGS opposite Octavia Spencer.

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Hardrict immersed himself in the arts at a young age. Local film and television projects were on the rise throughout his teens, as productions moved from LA to Chicago, which gave Hardrict the opportunity to book regional print ads, commercials, and TV movies. He began his professional acting career when he landed a role at an open call for the Oprah Winfrey film THERE ARE NO CHILDREN HERE. Hardrict loved every moment of the experience and knew that in order to pursue a career in acting he needed to move to Los Angeles. With $75.00 in his pocket, he packed his bags and made the move out west.

Hardrict’s first break came when he landed a role in Fox 2000 Pictures’ NEVER BEEN KISSED and Touchstone Pictures & Buena Vista Pictures’ CRAZY/BEAUTIFUL. In 2008 Hardrict worked with Clint Eastwood for the first time, appearing in the Golden Globe nominated feature GRAN TORINO. Switching from drama to comedy, he next appeared in New Line Cinema’s HE’S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU, opposite Justin Long and Ginnifer Goodwin.

In 2011 Hardrict co-starred as Cpl. Jason Lockett in Columbia Pictures’ sci-fi blockbuster BATTLE: LOS ANGELES opposite Aaron Eckhart. The intense scenes between Eckhart and Hardrict solidified him as “one to watch.” Throughout 2013-14 Hardrict held supporting roles in various high profile projects including LOVELACE, opposite Amanda Seyfried and Peter Sarsgaard, Summit Entertainment’s sleeper hit WARM BODIES, opposite Nicholas Hoult, Dave Franco, and John Malkovich, and Warner Bros’ sci-fi drama TRANSCENDENCE, opposite Johnny Depp.

Although Hardrict has made his mark in film, his television credits include recurring and guest-star roles on: “Eastbound & Down” [HBO], “The Shield” [FX], “Dark Blue,” [TNT], “Saving Grace,” [TNT], “Heroes” [NBC], “CSI: NY” [CBS], “Boston Legal” [ABC], “Without A Trace” [CBS], “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” [CBS], “Law & Order” [NBC], “Cold Case” [CBS], and “ER” [NBC], to name a few. Hardrict currently lives in the Los Angeles area with his wife and son. In addition to working in film and television, he loves to play basketball in his down time, travel to exotic places, and explore new cultures while spending time with his family.

TERRENCE ‘J’ JENKINS Guest Speaker Panelist | Actor

Charismatic television and film actor, philanthropist and author Terrence ‘J’ Jenkins has quickly become one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood as the co-anchor of the international news program E! NEWS. Broadcasted on the acclaimed E! Network, the wildly successful pop culture news show dedicates itself to keeping its millions of viewers current on everything related to the entertainment industry. The three-time Emmy® nominee is no stranger to the hosting world after seven years on BET’s 106 & PARK; the longestrunning music countdown show in history.

With his signature grin and perfectly tailored suits, Jenkins consistently proves himself to be a jack-of-all-trades.

From hosting to acting in worldwide box office hit films including THINK LIKE A MAN and THINK LIKE A MAN TOO, to penning his first literary work, THE WEALTH OF MY MOTHER’S WISDOM and all the credentials in between, the New York native has shown skilled versatility among a vast number of different arenas.

Most recently, Jenkins became a Centennial Ambassador for the “Find Your Park” campaign, in celebration of the National Park Services’ 100th anniversary. Jenkins is also a model and spokesperson for several brands, including a recent initiative for Jeep as part of their Jeep Wrangler campaign alongside Kyrie Irving, and he also serves as Vice President of Crown Life branding in addition to being an Ambassador for Crown Royal Black Whiskey.

Jenkins was also featured in Sean John ad campaigns and Snapple campaigns. Jenkins has also been featured in GQ Magazine four times in the past two years.

Outside of his acting career and his hosting duties at E!, Jenkins is heavily invested in numerous philanthropic endeavors in addition to serving as an Ambassador for the “Find Your Park” campaign, he’s a spokesperson for Ronald McDonald’s House Charities Future Achievers Scholarship Campaign, a mentor with Steve Harvey’s Disney Dreamers Academy and an avid supporter of the Newark, New Jersey Boys and Girls Club. Jenkins has played a key role in helping to promote Crown Royal’s “Safe Rides Program,” in which pre-paid taxi voucher cards are distributed to patrons at select Crown Life events across the country. Continuing his work for the Obama Administration, Jenkins has also been tapped to host the White House student film festival.

Joe Lazarov is well known as the producing director of the popular GOSSIP GIRL TV series in New York and more recently a producer of POWER on the Starz Network.

He was fortunate to begin his career in television working on Emmy award winning series A YEAR IN THE LIFE, CHINA BEACH and NORTHERN EXPOSURE. Joe continues to be a sought after producer having recently finished the spinoff ONCE UPON A TIME IN WONDERLAND for ABC, 5 seasons of GOSSIP GIRL, TOUCHING EVIL, PSYCH, INVASION, NCIS, and LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT. In 2008, Joe began a new phase of his career with his directorial debut of Gossip Girl with the emotional episode where Chuck Bass buries his father and subsequently directed 8 more episodes.

Upon Joe’s return to Los Angeles from the Gossip Girl set, he directed several episodesPanelist of the stunt series&NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING. Guest Speaker | filled Director Producer Joe followed up that effort with a fun romp in HART OF DIXIE and thriller episodes of THE LYING GAME and TWISTED.

JOE LAZAROV

Joe currently resides in Los Angeles where he lives with his wife of 20 years, 14 year old daughter, and two standard poodles.

Joe Lazarov is well known as the producing director of the popular GOSSIP GIRL TV series in New York and more recently a producer of POWER on the Starz Network. He was fortunate to begin his career in television working on Emmy award winning series A YEAR IN THE LIFE, CHINA BEACH and NORTHERN EXPOSURE. Joe continues to be a sought after producer having recently finished the spinoff ONCE UPON A TIME IN WONDERLAND for ABC, 5 seasons of GOSSIP GIRL, TOUCHING EVIL, PSYCH, INVASION, NCIS, and LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT. In 2008, Joe began a new phase of his career with his directorial debut of Gossip Girl with the emotional episode where Chuck Bass buries his father and subsequently directed 8 more episodes. Upon Joe’s return to Los Angeles from the GOSSIP GIRL set, he directed several episodes of the stunt filled series NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING. Joe followed up that effort with a fun romp in HART OF DIXIE and thriller episodes of THE LYING GAME and TWISTED. Joe currently resides in Los Angeles where he lives with his wife of 20 years, 14 year old daughter, and two standard poodles.

MARTIN ROTH

Screenwriter, Producer, Author, Teacher At age 13 Martin (Marty) Roth was having a difficult time trying to decide what to do with the rest of his life. His love of sketching and oil painting took him to the New York Academy of Fine and Applied Art, while his love and talent in composing took him across town to study at the Cane Conservatory of Music. However, it was show business that finally beckoned and where he spent the better part of his life.

Marty began his showbiz career in the Catskill Mountains “Borscht Belt” doing stand-up comedy and a little singing but soon realized to succeed he needed to be on the other side of the stage and screen as a writer and producer. He began his writing career writing jokes for standup routines for a number of rising young comedians who became his friends.

After serving in World War II, his first job out of the service was as Milton Berle’s head writer. Soon, new young comedians sought out his talent and he began writing special material for Dick Shawn, Jack Carter, Jan Murray, Alan King, Jackie Miles, Jackie Gleason and many others.

Marty’s comedy routines drew the attention of radio producers, and in the Fifties, TV producers where he did the first “live” telecasts. His list of credits began mounting and soon included The Colgate Comedy Hour, The Ed Sullivan Show, Groucho Marx, Perry Como, Jackie Gleason Shows and he was head-writer for The Paul Winchell Show for a number of years. His career in musical and variety shows culminated with The Sid Caesar Show.

It was time to move on and Roth finally got his first chance at writing for sitcoms with Car 54 Where Are You? He was soon writing for The Joey Bishop Show, McHale’s Navy, I Dream of Jeannie, My Favorite Martian, Petticoat Junction, Bridget Loves Bernie, Three’s Company and Eight is Enough.

Roth’s career took a dramatic turn with a western entitled Loredo. Among some of his dramatic television credits are Hart to Hart, The Dukes of Hazzard, Hawaii 5-0, Barnaby Jones, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Mannix, Ellery Queen, Medical Center, Night Stalker, It Takes a Thief, The Adventurer, SWAT, Ironside, Vegas and others.

Marty Roth also wrote theatrical films, an Off-Broadway musical, three books and was Head of TV Development for Gaylord Productions. In addition, he found time to teach at the American Film Institute (AFI), UCLA Continuing Education, Universities of Nevada and Hawaii, Pasadena City College, and others. He also taught a Master Screenwriting Workshop at the International Television and Film Workshop in Rockport, Maine.

Founded in 1956, the Friars Charitable Foundation serves the Greater Los Angeles area by supporting non-profit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of others through the arts and humanities, education, health care, and other programs dedicated to underserved populations. The Friars Charitable Foundation, for the eighth year in a row, is proud to present the Martin Roth Student Screenwriting Scholarships to three select Inner-City Filmmakers students from the Class of 2015.

“It gives me great pleasure to have the values of our Martin Roth Student Screenwriting Program blended so perfectly with Inner-City Filmmakers’ philosophy, which is based on a deep commitment to high quality education and building a career path to the art of filmmaking.”

– Sid Gittler, Chairman, Friars Charitable Foundation

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Sidney J. Gittler, Chairman Marilyn Stambler, President Joey Freed Marge Graf Lissa Roth Harrison Lenore Ross Linda Schwartz Roy Wallenstein Lou Zigman

MARTIN ROTH STUDENT SCREENWRITING SCHOLARSHIP - 2015 JUDGING PANEL TED GRIFFIN Writer - Solace, Tower Heist, Rumor Has It…, Matchstick Men, Ocean’s Eleven. Ravenous Executive Producer - Up In The Air. Producer - Matchstick Men. Co-Producer - Wolf of Wall Street PAUL HELLER British-American Film Producer - David and Lisa, My Left Foot, Enter The Dragon, Skin Games, Hot Potato, The Annihilation of Fish, The Promise, Black Belt Jones, First Monday In October.

NATALIA PROVATAS Freelance Writer | Story Consultant - Natalia has contributed to The Gloss, Dame Magazine, and The Date Report. She is the in-house story consultant and copywriter for Tatiana Von Furstenberg. Previously, Natalia worked at DreamWorks Television and DreamWorks Animation. She, co-created the web series Lazy Actress, which is currently in preproduction.

Natalia is a proud 2003 alumna of Inner-City Filmmakers.

GARY SPINELLI Writer – Mena (2017 Universal Pictures release with Ron Howard directing) and Stash House.

KANICA SUY Talent Manager at Sweeney Entertainment. Previously, she worked at 3 Arts Entertainment, Endeavor Talent Agency, Al Burton Productions, and Telepictures Productions. She has a B.A. degree in English from UCLA.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles supports, develops, and promotes the art forms of the moving image, by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting the public. The British Academy Los Angeles provides screenings, seminars and Q&A’s with filmmakers as well as hosting a series of events that recognize the highest caliber of industry talent including the illustrious Britannia Awards, which in the past have feted Steven Spielberg, Clint Eastwood, Robert De Niro, Tom Cruise and Kirk Douglas amongst others. The renowned BAFTA Los Angeles outreach programs organize film screenings and events in inner city communities as well as providing scholarships for post-graduate film students.

Our annual scholarship for an Inner-City Filmmakers student is a vital component of our community outreach efforts and we are proud to support an institution responsible for the support and encouragement of young filmmaking talent.

- Kieran Breen, Chairman BAFTA, Los Angeles Board of Directors

August 12, 2015

Dear British Academy of Film and Television Arts, Los Angeles: On behalf of all the students in Inner-City Filmmakers’ Class of 2015, I send you our deepest appreciation for all the support you have given our program. It is due to your aid, that we are able to turn what we previously thought were only film aspirations into the films you see today. The BAFTA, LA Scholarship has allowed us to delve into our imaginations and creativity and have given us a canvas to paint our art onto. Aside from providing an outlet for us young students to express ourselves, you have provided us with a film industry education and its inner mechanisms. Inner-City Filmmakers expanded our knowledge of “The Business” and introduced us to many professionals who have guided us along the way and inspired us to strive harder to break into the film industry.

Without the assistance of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, LA, I would not have attended Inner-City Filmmakers. Before being accepted into the ICF Summer Program, I was unsure of how to achieve my goals and was contemplating forgetting my ambitions completely; settling for a nine to five occupation. I was terrified of failure and others not appreciating the stories I wanted to tell. Inner-City Filmmakers taught me to embrace my idiosyncrasies and to incorporate them into my films. DON’T STOP ME NOW, my film that I have brought to life in ICF this summer, is a representation of who I am and who I want to be as an artist. I want to inspire, frighten, sadden, infuriate, and surprise others through my filmmaking. More than anything else, I want to make people feel! Each of the films created this summer tell a personal story. BAFTA, LA helped make them a reality. All of these dreams are made possible because of support provided by the 2015 BAFTA, LA grant to Inner-City Filmmakers.

Everyone we met during the ICF Summer Program were highly experienced and truly cared about who we were and who we wanted to be as artists. But more important than all of the artistic and technical aspects of this program, were the relationships. We have made bonds with students, mentors, staff, and industry representatives that never could have been possible without this program. Inner-City Filmmakers is an unforgettable, priceless, experience that we would have never been a part of without the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, LA support. I thank you and the Class of 2015 thanks you from the bottom of our hearts for this amazing summer!

Sincerely,

Jonathan Hurtado Inner-City Filmmakers, Class of 2015

ICF ORIENTATION HELD IN

CREATIVE ARTISTS AGENCY’S RAY KURTZMAN THEATER 1.

SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTED BY THE BRITISH ACADEMY OF FILM & TELEVISION ARTS, LA

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1. Fred Heinrich, ICF Founder, explains our very intense summer schedule.

6. New ICF students, Christian Griem (L) with Jonathan Hurtado (R) and his family.

2. Sarah Neal (ICF 2013) attending Regent’s University in London and interning at the BBC in LA this summer, inspired everyone with how far she has come in such a short time.

7. Mike Boggio (ICF 1993), is always available as a friend, teacher, mentor and donor.

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3. Lissa Roth Harrison, Friars Charitable Foundation Trustee, and daughter of industry legend, Martin Roth, announces the Martin Roth Student Screenwriting Scholarships, which will be presented to select students with the “best scripts”. Industry professionals read and judge the students’ scripts and the winners will be announced at ICF Summer Graduation on August 18th in AMPAS’ Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.

4. Hanson Escobar, an ICF 2015 summer student, with Ms. Kathleen Iannaconne, his Hamilton HS teacher and sponsor.

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5. Roger Cordon, an ICF 2012 alumnus and AMPAS Museum Office Manager, shares words of wisdom that encourage the new students.

8. Rosa Navarrete (ICF 2002), a UC Berkeley graduate, writer, dancer, videographer and world traveler shares her experiences.

9. Justin Floyd (ICF 2013) captures everyone’s heart. As an ICF student, his script was the 1st Place winner of the Martin Roth Student Screenwriting Scholarship. He also won 1st Place in our 48 Hr. Halloween Film Festival. In 2015, Justin (and his film) was one of 6 winners selected from thousands of short film entries, to spend a whirlwind week as AMPAS’ 2015 “TEAM OSCAR” winner and participate in the OSCAR ceremonies.

“ICF TAUGHT ME THAT WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, BE TOUGHER.” - Jonathan Hurtado, ICF Class of 2015

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1. Joe Pytka is an industry icon and our 2015 Orientation Keynote Guest Speaker. He is known for his work with celebrities and athletes, including - The Beatles, Madonna, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Tom Hanks, George C. Scott, Marlon Brandon, Wayne Gretsky, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and President Obama, among many others.

7. Joe talks about his early days growing up in Pennsylvania. How he studied fine arts at Carnegie Tech, then, briefly, Chemical Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. He began working evenings at a small industrial film company, and then ran a post production facility before he filmed a number of documentaries and films, which won awards. Joe has been called a ‘genius’ (by Ad Age). His industry awards include two Cannes Grand Prix, seven Palms d’Or, three Director’s Guild of America Awards, hundreds of Clio’s and Cannes Lions, a Grammy, an Emmy, and many more.

2. Kanica Suy (ICF 2001), a Talent Manager, and Luis Guitron (ICF 2012), Actor, connect for business and pleasure and to welcome the new students.

3. Milton Lazaro and his family enjoy the ICF Orientation buffet reception at CAA. 4. Rick Hess, is a Founder and Co-Managing Partner of Evolution Media Capital. He is ICF’s Board Chairman and always sharing contacts, resources, encouragement and job opportunities.

5. L-R: Joshua Holly, Eber Benitez, and Austin Holden share anecdotes. Eber (ICF 2013) was their Team “B” Captain when they were 2014 ICF students.

6. Valentina Argueta (ICF 2015) and her mom relax and enjoy the party.

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8. Joe and Rick’s Q&A with the audience.

9. Joe and Rick are long-time friends who have lots of tales to tell. It was a fun-filled evening that inspired us all. Thanks guys, you were amazing!!!

1. Group photo on following page: Joe Pytka and 10. the ICF Class of 2015 with Friars Charitable Foundation President, Marilyn Stambler, FCF Trustees, Lissa Roth Harrison, Fran & Lou Zigman, Joey Freed, plus ICF alumnus, Mike Boggio and Fred Heinrich, ICF Founder.

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“THE WORLD AS WE HAVE CREATED IT IS A PROCESS OF OUR THINKING. IT CANNOT BE CHANGED WITHOUT CHANGING OUR THINKING.” - Albert Einstein

“ICF IS THE BEGINNING OF YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER AS A FILMMAKER.” - Oscar Munoz, ICF Class of 2014

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OFFICE STAFF

5. Chris Granados (ICF 2012), a 2015 CSUN graduate, is Team “D” Captain as well as Screenwriting TA and Office Assistant. He also juggled two different internships - at Mad Chance and Verve.

1. Oscar Munoz (ICF 2014) is our 2015 Executive Assistant. He increased office, communication and time-management skills, which will give him a leg-up in college.

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2. Jennifer Nguyen (ICF 2014), our Back-to-School Coordinator, helped recruit the new students for the Class of 2015. While working as Summer Office Assistant, she was hired-away to work as a Production PA on ACCIDENTAL TRIP, a Christmas feature film for Lifetime Network written

by Jen Notas Shapiro (our Screenwriting Instructor).

3. Angel Salinas (ICF 2012) is 2015 Team “C” Assistant and Office Assistant. He worked hard this summer to reach his goals – he got his first car and can now pursue an industry internship.

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4. Eber Benitez (ICF 2012) is back in L.A. for the summer after attending University of Vermont.

He jumped into the fire as a 2015 Team “D” Assistant and helped in the Office. He then received a call that he got a summer internship at Endgame. Good job!

6. Fred Heinrich, ICF Founder, is the Big Kahuna!

7. Chris Granados is a great writer and a quick wit.

8. Kelsey Horton (ICF 2012), 2015 Office Manager and Equipment TA, was hired as a Production PA on ACCIDENTAL TRIP. 9. Oscar Munoz, Cristhian Arias and Chris Granados, clowning around at the end of the day!

1. Opposite page: Our Back-to-School team, 30 ICF 10.

Alumni, informed and recruited graduating high school seniors for our 2015 Summer Program.

Some also helped us interview the applicants. Seated L-R: Tristan Aghajanian, Lizet Lopez, Michelle Sanchez, Kelsey Horton, Brigitte Caceres, Zulema Mairena, and Angel Salinas. Standing L-R: Jenson Tran, Tony Remigio, Dennis Wu, Alex Alarcon with Fred Heinrich, ICF Founder, Amritpal Kaur, Luke Hazelton, Daniel Henriquez and Oscar Munoz. We thank all of our alumni and the Lantana Center, which is home to Inner-City Filmmakers, for their support.

2015 STUDENT FILMMAKERS JULIO AGUILAR 20 (Northridge Academy High School) Parents from USA Goal: Director Future: Cal State University of Northridge Motto: “Life has many choices; it’s up to you to choose which will most benefit you.”

Learned at ICF: How filmmaking really works; and to believe in myself.

Quote: “ICF is opportunity knocking at the door; it is your firststep doing something you love.”

PAULA AGUILAR 18 (San Gabriel High School) Parents from Ecuador Goal: Cinematographer Future: East Los Angeles College Motto: “Don’t drop the ball!”

Learned at ICF: ICF taught me that preparation is the key to absolutely everything!

Quote: “ICF is a place where one learns skills, discovers their talents, and has the opportunity to put them all to use.”

VALENTINA ARGUETA 18 (Wilson High School) Parents from El Salvador Goal: Cinematographer Future: CSULA Motto: “Art is love, so don’t kill it.”

Learned at ICF: Make yourself standout and people will want to work with you because of the quality of your work and the uniqueness you possess.

Quote: “ICF teaches you about life while you also learn about filmmaking. It’s the best experience out there; everyone is great!”

THALIA CARDONA 20 (Oscar De La Hoya High School) Parents from El Salvador Goal: Producer Future: Pasadena City College Motto: “Always do what you are afraid to do.”

Learned at ICF: I have learned not to be afraid to ask for help, the worst thing someone can say is no.

Quote: “ICF is a whirl-wind fun summer program that teaches you much more than just filmmaking!”

2015 STUDENT FILMMAKERS ASTRID CASTRO-SANTANA 18 (Bell High School) Parents from Mexico Goal: Environmental Policy Future: University of California Santa Cruz Motto: “If you can do something about it, then do it!”

Learned at ICF: If you’re on time, you’re late.

Quote: “The ICF Summer Program, which gives you the opportunity to see and experience all aspects of film from industry professionals - with NO CHARGE - is a true blessing!”

MARCO COBA 21 (Birmingham High School) Parents from Ecuador Goal: Director Future: Pierce College Motto: “Rise above Hate!”

Learned at ICF: You need to speak up in order for people to pay attention to you.

Quote: “ICF is a chance to learn and work like an industry professional. It teaches you all aspects of the industry; then you can choose if this is what you want to do, or not.”

RICHARD DE ANGELIS 18 (Chatsworth High School) Parents from USA Goal: Cinematographer Future: Pierce College Motto: “Appreciate everything, and live every day, as if it were your last.”

Learned at ICF: I learned technical skills and how to speak the language of film.

Quote: “ICF is the best emotional and life-changing experience ever!”

HANSON ESCOBAR 18 (Hamilton High School) Parents from Guatemala Goal: Writer | Director Future: Santa Monica College Motto: “Wishing doesn’t make a poor man rich!”

Learned at ICF: You can always be learning and doing something to better yourself.

Quote: “ICF is where you truly find out how far you are willing to go to pursue your passion.”

2015 STUDENT FILMMAKERS ROGELIO “RONNIE” GONZALEZ 21 (Hamilton High School) Parents from Oaxaca, Mexico Goal: Cinematographer Future: Los Angeles City College Motto: “Anything is possible; you make the impossible, possible!”

Learned at ICF: Trust yourself and your ideas.

Quote: “ICF gives you hands-on training to create a film from beginning to end.”

CHRISTIAN GRIEM 19 (Verdugo Hills High School) Parents from Mexico Goal: To make a spiritual impact through entertainment.

Future: Glendale Community College Motto: “The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence.”

Learned at ICF: Without team work, nothing can get accomplished.

Quote: “ICF is the absolute best opportunity for anyone interested in movies and filmmaking!”

JONATHAN GUTIERREZ 18 (Chatsworth High School) Parents from Nicaragua Goal: Director Future: College of the Canyons Motto: “Hard work will pay off!”

Learned at ICF: I learned valuable life skills that will be with me forever.

Quote: “ICF is full of people who become your family; it teaches you filmmaking and valuable life skills.”

JONATHAN HURTADO 17 (San Gabriel High School) Dad from Nicaragua, Mom from USA Goal: Director Future: Santa Monica College Motto: “Don’t take life too seriously; you’ll never get out of it alive.”

Learned at ICF: ICF taught me that when the going gets tough, BE tougher!

Quote: “ICF is where you learn that making movies is exactly what you would expect; it’s fun and frustrating.”

2015 STUDENT FILMMAKERS MILTON LAZARO 21 (Belmont High School) Parents from Guatemala Goal: Writer Future: Santa Monica College Motto: “Never give up, even when the world’s crashing around you; NEVER GIVE UP!” Learned at ICF: Preparation is key; so no matter what…

BE PREPARED! Quote: “ICF is a very intense hands-on learning experience; it teaches you what it means to be a filmmaker, work like a professional, and make a film.”

JAVIER LOPEZ-QUINTANA 21 (Bell High School) Parents from Mexico Goal: Writer Future: East Los Angeles Community College Motto: “Beauty is no quality in things themselves, it exists merely in the mind, which contemplates them; and each mind perceives a different beauty.”

Learned at ICF: How to work and deal with a crew you’ve never met and how to be organized and productive.

Quote: “ICF is a once in a life-time opportunity in which the amount of work you put into it adds up to how much you get out of it.”

MIGUEL OROZCO 18 (Bell High School) Parents from Mexico Goal: Editor Future: Chico State University Motto: “If one door closes today, two more will slide open tomorrow.”

Learned at ICF: ICF taught me to thank everyone I meet and to always be open to learning new things, because you can never stop learning.

Quote: “ICF is not only a great program to learn and explore filmmaking, but to gain insight on the real world.”

EDSON REYES 17 (Bell High School) Parents from Mexico Goal: Cinematographer | Producer Future: UC Merced Motto: “Never say you can’t do something, because you can.

There is no such thing as can’t.”

Learned at ICF: I learned how to work long hours with minimal sleep.

Quote: “ICF will take you in, break you down, and rebuild you up into a better person – for the film industry, college and life!”

2015 STUDENT FILMMAKERS CHRISTOPHER VILLA 18 (Taft High School) Parents from Mexico Goal: Director Future: California State University, Northridge Motto: “If you really want to do something or be someone, go out there and be it!

Learned at ICF: I learned the in’s and out’s of the entire filmmaking process from screenwriting, producing, directing and editing to post sound and title design.

Quote: “ICF is where you get to explore your dreams and where your dreams become reality; it is the life you imagined for yourself.”

BARRY YOUNG 17 (San Gabriel High School) Parents from Vietnam Goal: Producer | Editor Future: Cal State University of Long Beach Motto: “I am me, nobody else!”

Learned at ICF: Be yourself and keep everything organized; your friends and family always have your back.

Quote: “ICF is an opportunity of a lifetime; don’t think about it, DO IT!”

2015 STUDENT FILMS | CREDITS JULIO AGUILAR – Home

Writer / Director / Editor Jonathan Gutierrez - Producer Christopher Villa - Director of Photography Marco Coba - Gaffer / Script Supervisor Richard De Angelis - Art Director Cast: Kaitlyn Alcazar, Eugenio Diaz, and Karina Fredrico Special Thanks: Mom, Team A, Fred and Steph, Inner-City Filmmakers, Instructors, Staff, Guest Speakers, and Field Trip Hosts. Thank you everyone for a great summer!!

PAULA AGUILAR – Shifting Gears

Writer / Director / Editor Christian Griem - Producer Barry Young - Director of Photography Jonathan Hurtado - Gaffer / Script Supervisor / Art Director Cast: Allyssa Bainbridge, Jarod Bainbridge, Jim Bainbridge and Bonnie Diaz Special Thanks: Fred Heinrich, Stephania Lipner, Laura Hurtado, Lordes Tenen, Javier Marron, Bainbridge Family, and Ryan Fox.

VALENTINA ARGUETA – Beautiful Game

Writer / Director / Editor Rogelio Gonzalez - Producer Thalia Cardona - Director of Photography Milton Lazaro- Script Supervisor / Art Director Hanson Escobar - Gaffer Cast: Mary Adams, Vanessa Born, Julian Fletcher, Samantha Barrios, Enrique Garcia, Milton Lazaro and Rogelio Gonzalez.

Special Thanks: The Tribusy Family, Mario’s Italian Deli, Zaina, and Andrew Johnson, Lee Davis, all of My TEAM “D”, and Inner-City Filmmakers.

THALIA CARDONA – Anxiety

Writer / Director / Editor Hanson Escobar - Producer Valentina Argueta - Director of Photography Milton Lazaro - Gaffer Rogelio Gonzalez - Art Director / Script Supervisor Cast: Elizabeth Excalibur, Kimberly Sadouich, Iliana Sanchez and Raymond Ashiell.

Special Thanks: Sari, Gladys’s Fe Leon and Edwin Rodriguez, Fred, Steph, Lee Davis, Chris Granados, Enriquez Garcia and all of the ICF staff, instructors, and supporters.

ASTRID CASTRO-SANTANA – Cognizance

Writer / Director / Editor Edson Reyes - Producer / Art Director Javier Lopez - Director of Photography Miguel Orozco - Gaffer / Script Supervisor Cast: Julienne Green and Melissa Lbarra-Perlafa Special Thanks: Gabrela Santara, Sundays Thrift Store, Team “C”, Fred Heinrich, Stephania Lipner, ICF Staff, Robert Gutierrez, Moises Lopez, and Angel Salinas.

MARCO COBA – Brothers

Writer / Director / Editor Christopher Villa - Producer Julio Aguilar - Director of Photography Jonathan Gutierrez - Gaffer / Script Supervisor Richard De Angelis - Art Director Cast: Luke Crosby, Layden Jackson, Spice Crosby, Mercedes Jennings and Keira Dahm.

Special Thanks: Fred Heinrich, Stephania Lipner, Robert and his family, My Mom, Dad and everyone who provided learning opportunities for us this summer.

2015 STUDENT FILMS | CREDITS RICHARD DE ANGELIS – Bully

Writer / Director / Editor Julio Aguilar - Producer Jonathan Gutierrez - Director of Photography Marco Coba - Gaffer / Script Supervisor Christopher Villa - Art Director Cast: William Careas, Chase Page, Brent Baker, Marco Coba and Christopher Villa.

Special Thanks: William Careas, Chatsworth High School, Sandie Sexton, Andrew Avery and David Massey. Thank you Inner-City Filmmakers.

HANSON ESCOBAR – Resilience

Writer / Director / Editor Milton Lazaro - Producer Rogelio Gonzalez - Director of Photography Thalia Cardona - Gaffer / Script Supervisor Valentina Argueta - Art Director Cast: Samantha Barrios, Johan Stein, Bainbridge, Alan Sotelo and Enrique Garcia.

Special Thanks: Kathleen Iannaconne, Fred Heinrich, Stephania Lipner, ICF Staff, My Mother and Marlen Gramajo.

ROGELIO “RONNIE” GONZALEZ – Two Sticks

Writer / Director / Editor Valentina Argueta - Producer Milton Lazaro - Director of Photography Thalia Cardona - Gaffer / Script Supervisor Hanson Escobar - Art Director Cast: Chris Giron, Melanic Steinmann, Jessica Lens, Janet Lopez and Edwin Torres.

Special Thanks: Fred Heinrich, Stephania Lipner, ICF Staff, My Parents, Enrique Garcia, Chris Granados, Lee Davis, Jen Notas, Sherri James, Jay New, Raul Davalos, Rick Hinson, Bruce Green, Dan Perri, Bruce Logan, Brain Dannelly and Russell Carpenter.

CHRISTIAN GRIEM – Running Thoughts

Writer / Director / Editor Paula Aguilar – Producer / Script Supervisor Jonathan Hurtado - Director of Photography Barry Young - Gaffer / Art Director Cast: Johan Stein, Sissi Neumayr, Sophie Blondin and Andrew Ream.

Special Thanks: Darius Brown, Anthony Valdez, Wayne and Sue Brown.

JONATHAN GUTIERREZ – Father Time

Writer / Director / Editor Marco Coba - Producer Richard De Angelis - Director of Photography Christopher Villa - Gaffer / Script Supervisor Julio Aguilar - Art Director Cast: Brent Baker, Layden Jackson and Christian Tremor.

Special Thanks: My Family, Cristian Altimavaro, Fred Heinrich, Stephania Lipner, Inner-City Filmmakers Staff and Instructors, Tyler Havel and Hugo Partida.

JONATHAN HURTADO – Don’t Stop Me Now

Writer / Director / Editor Barry Young - Producer Paula Aguilar - Director of Photography Christian Griem - Gaffer / Script Supervisor / Art Director Cast: John Paul, Rodger K. Weiss, Kelly McCart, Ricky Matte, Christian Saldivar, Daniel Henriquez, Paula Aguilar, Jessie Peng, Denes Kha, Harold Hurtado, Laura Hurtado, Raymundo Vazquez, Christian Rodriguez, Jenson Tran, and Christian Griem.

Special Thanks: Patrick Posada, Jon Jilg, Harold Hurtado and Laura Hurtado.

2015 STUDENT FILMS | CREDITS MILTON LAZARO – Rockabelles

Writer / Director / Editor Thalia Cardona - Producer Hanson Escobar - Director of Photography Rogelio Gonzalez - Gaffer Valentina Argueta - Art Director / Script Supervisor Cast: Austin Thierry, Karen Barraza, Ashley Nicole Hernandez, Puppett, Manuel Alejandro Ulloa, Eddie Belt, Manuel Beltran, Andy Marquez, Jason Mendoza, Victor Orozco, Carlos Hernandez, Jorge Hernandez, Bryan Hernandez and Kevin Xum. Special Thanks: Art Division, SEIU, LATC, California Donuts, Chris Granados, and My Family, and Everyone involved with Inner-City Filmmakers.

JAVIER LOPEZ-QUINTANA – Invisible

Writer / Director / Editor Miguel Orozco - Producer Astrid Santana - Director of Photography Edson Reyes - Gaffer / Script Supervisor / Art Director Cast: Mark Bishuo, Allyssa Bainbridge, Jason Nadler and Gerardo Martinez.

Special Thanks: Fred Heinrich, Stephania Lipner, ICF Staff, Mark Brown, Moises Lopez, Angel Salinas, Robert Gutierrez, My Family, Jamila Cervantes and Abel Alvarnado.

MIGUEL OROZCO – A Fool’s Gold

Writer / Director / Editor Astrid Castro Santana - Producer Edson Reyes - Director of Photography Javier Lopez - Gaffer / Script Supervisor / Art Director Cast: Robert Gutierrez, Hubert Escarpeta, Pricilla Taylor, James Tang Edson Reyes, Moises Lopez and Javier Lopez.

Special Thanks: Fred Heinrich, Stephania Lipner, ICF Staff, Mark Brown, Oscar Muñoz Moises Lopez, Angel Salinas and Guadaluyana Market.

EDSON REYES – Salvation

Writer / Director / Editor Javier Lopez - Producer Miguel Orozco - Director of Photography Astrid Castro - Gaffer / Script Supervisor / Art Director Cast: Cesar Azanza, Hubert Escarpeta, Jarod Bainbridge, Sander Brown, Vanesa Verdugo, Moises Lopez, Javier Lopez, Joel Ramirez, Eulises Jimenez, Henry Mendoza, and Luis Guitron.

Special Thanks: Joel’s BMW, Stephania Lipner, Fred Heinrich, Robert Gutierrez, Mark Brown, La Guadalipana Market, Melissa Ibarra, Team “C”, Angel Salinas and Roy Lansdown.

CHRISTOPHER VILLA – Confession

Writer / Director / Editor Richard De Angelis - Producer Marco Coba - Director of Photography Jonathan Gutierrez - Gaffer / Script Supervisor / Art Director Cast: Carla Garcia, Christopher Byers and Jesse Leigh.

Special Thanks: Trader Joe’s, Fred Heinrich, Stephania Lipner, Team “A”, and Mom and Dad.

BARRY YOUNG – Cheat Sheet

Writer / Director / Editor Jonathan Hurtado – Producer Christian Griem - Director of Photography Paula Aguilar - Gaffer / Script Supervisor / Art Director Cast: John Paul Sules, Jessica Corbett, Jackie Dollar, Jimi Ray, Daniel Henriquez, Abel Valenzuela, Jenson Tran, Christian Griem, Savannah Cheung, Tristan Aghajanian, Mayra Jimeniz, Paula Aguilar, Jonathan Hurtado and Oscar Munoz.

Special Thanks: Fred Heinrich, Stephania Lipner, ICF Staff, Judy Jones, My Mom and Dad.

“ICF IS A PLACE WHERE ONE LEARNS SKILLS, DISCOVERS THEIR TALENTS, AND HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PUT THEM TO USE.” - Paula Aguilar , ICF Class of 2015 1.

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Summer Classes

WRITING | PRODUCING | DIRECTING 1. Peter Riche, Producer, generously shares his time and knowledge with the Class of 2015, just before launching his new movie, SOUTHPAW, starring Jake Gyllenhaal.

2. Paula Aguilar and the Class of 2015 learn producing skills and how to be organized.

3. Jen Notas Shapiro, Screenwriting Instructor, teaches students “How To” tell a story.

4. Sherri James, Producing Instructor, discusses the production day and the value of pre-planning.

She teaches students “How To” keep the shoot moving forward and the crew on schedule.

5. Robert Gutierrez, Team “C” Captain, always intent on learning as much as possible, takes detailed notes in directing class, which he will use this summer when working with his team.

6. Jay New, Directing Instructor, teaches the students “How To” communicate a story with only images and no dialogue.

7. ICF Class of 2015 with lots of questions. That’s a good thing!

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8. Tom Seidman, Writer, Producer, Director, was also a DGA Assistant Director for such filmmakers as Clint Eastwood, Peter Weir and legendary TV Sitcom Director, Jay Sandrich.

Tom, is also an ICF Mentor, friend and donor, and intent on teaching ICF students “How To” prepare for college and jobs.

9. Peter Riche with the Class of 2015 students whom he inspired! Thanks Kanica for connecting us to Peter. Thank you, Peter. You were AWESOME!!

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“ICF GIVES YOU HANDS-ON TRAINING TO CREATE A FILM FROM BEGINNING TO END.” - Rogelio “Ronnie” Gonzalez , ICF Class of 2015

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Summer Classes

AVID EDITING | POST SOUND TITLE SEQUENCE DESIGN 1. Bruce Green, ACE, ICF Editing Instructor, long-time friend, ICF Board member, donor, and job provider introduces the students to concepts of editing on the Avid.

2. Rick Hinson, MPSE, shares “tricks of the trade” and the value of post sound. Each student film has no dialogue, so it is especially important that they have a full sound track to enhance their story and bring it to life.

3. In the ICF Avid editing suite every student receives many hours of hands-on training from A-list industry professionals - Avid editing, post sound using Pro Tools, and Title Sequence Design.

4. Raul Davalos, ACE, ICF Editing Instructor, taught students the principals of dramatic editing while they cut footage from a dramatic TV series.

5. Cristhian Arias, Postproduction TA, reviews students’ rough cuts and offers suggestions.

6. Dan Perri, MPEG, Title Sequence Designer, shared his work. He also reviewed each student project and provided advice. The students gained knowledge that was priceless!

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7. Bruce Green teaches more hands-on editing skills to Marco Coba and Julio Aguilar and captivates them with his film editing stories and experiences.

8. Daniel Henriquez, Post Sound TA, helps students with their SFX tracks.

9. Jonathan Gutierrez is feeling strong about his Avid editing capabilities.

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“ICF IS OPPORTUNITY KNOCKING AT THE DOOR; IT IS YOUR FIRST STEP DOING SOMETHING YOU LOVE.” - Julio Aguilar, ICF Class of 2015

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Mole-Richardson Co.

CINEMATOGRAPHY | GRIP | ELECTRIC 1. Bruce Logan, ASC, award-winning Cinematographer and Visual Effects Artist, introduces students to the use of DSLR Cameras in film production.

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2. Michael Dallatorre, (ICF 2001), Cinematographer and New Film Program Manager at Panavision, brought cameras from Panavision to the MoleRichardson Stage. He introduced the Class of 2015 to their latest technology. Thanks, Michael!

3. Bruce Logan demonstrates the use of camera, lighting and blocking with the professional MoleRichardson gear. It was a great hands-on learning experience for everyone. Thank you, Bruce!!

4. Barry Young is ready to Rock’n Roll with the grip and electrical equipment!

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5. Milton Lazaro, Astrid Castro-Santana and Javier Lopez-Quintana work with the bounce-boards and discover lighting “Magic”.

6. Fred Heinrich, ICF Founder, ready for his “Close up”!

7. Julio Aguilar with Marco Coba (partially hidden) practice lighting techniques.

8. Thalia Cardona learns “How To” work with and adjust the flags and the C-stands.

9. Michael Dallatorre discusses the Panavized Arri Camera in-depth with Richard De Angelis whose goal is to be a cinematographer.

1. Opposite page: Bruce Logan with the Class of 10.

2015. ICF Staff member standing on left side: Luigi Ventura (ICF 2006) helped ICF this summer as camera assistant. He is an industry professional and works as a cameraman and 1st AC. L-R front row kneeling are several ICF summer staff members: Oscar Munoz, Moises Lopez, Enrique Garcia, Alex Alarcon, Robert Gutierrez and Tristan Aghajanian who all came to help and learn.

“ICF IS A VERY INTENSE HANDS-ON LEARNING EXPERIENCE; IT TEACHES YOU WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A FILMMAKER, WORK LIKE A PROFESSIONAL AND MAKE A FILM.” - Milton Lazaro , ICF Class of 2015 1.

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NBCUniversal

POST SOUND | PROPS | COSTUMES | BACK-LOT

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1. Steve Williams, Vice President of Administration and Sound Services for the Universal Studios Sound Department. Steve has been Supervising Sound Editor on over 30 films. He and his team share knowledge and demonstrate postproduction sound mixing with various tracks and sound ques.

2. Edson Reyes enjoying the Props Department with E.T. 3. In the NBCUniversal Props Department, everything is for rent.

4. Miguel Orozco and Milton Lazaro strike a pose!

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5. Christopher Griem (L) and Tristan Aghajanian (R) ICF troops march thru the back-lot.

6. Valentina Argueta and the Class of 2015 find themselves in an amazingly endless “Maze” of costumes and props.

7. Shannon Crisafulli, Manager, Marketing & Public Relations, was our host for the day. She guided us thru the studio back-lot tour, on stage where there was a standing set, and introduced us to the props and wardrobe staff.

8. There is nothing like the feeling that you get when you are on one of the large Universal Studios Sound Stages! Everyone loved it!

9. Everyone gathered on the front steps of City Hall at the end of the day. A great time was had by all!

“MAKE YOURSELF STANDOUT. PEOPLE WILL WANT TO WORK WITH YOU BECAUSE OF THE QUALITY OF YOUR WORK AND UNIQUENESS YOU POSSESS.” - Valentina Argueta , ICF Class of 2015 1.

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Warner Bros. Ranch

CINEMATOGRAPHY | DIRECTING

1. Russell Carpenter, ASC, Academy Award winning Director of Photography, TITANIC, works with the students and explains various economical lighting techniques.

2. Russell teaches cinematography to students on Teams “C” and “D”, while Teams “A” and “B” are learning directing from Brian Dannelly.

After lunch, the teams switch. Everyone receives personal attention that is priceless!

3. Russell Carpenter with Teams “C” and “D”.

Russell recently completed filming and postproduction on ANT-MAN, starring Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas, which was released on July 17, 2015, only 3 days after he generously took time to work with us.

4. Brian Dannelly, Director, reviews each student’s story, discusses directing challenges, and provides tips. Brian completed filming and was in postproduction on the TV Series SCREAM, when he took precious time to work with Inner-City Fimmaker students.

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5. Teams “A” and “B” practice what they learned lighting and directing a scene on Blondie Street on the Warner Bros. Ranch.

6. Brian with Kanica Suy, his Talent Manager at Sweeney Entertainment. Kanica is also an ICF 2001 alumna. We appreciate Warner Bros.

Studios for allowing us to use their Ranch for our camera and directing classes. We thank everyone for great day of learning!

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“ICF IS THE BEST EMOTIONAL AND LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE EVER!” - Richard De Angelis , ICF Class of 2015

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CASTING CLASS

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1. Mandy Sherman, CSA, Casting Director, teaches students how to speak with actors when casting and directing them in their short films.

2. Brandon Scott, Actor, is known for WRECK IT RALPH, THE LAST OF US and STAND UP GUYS where he worked opposite Christopher Walken and Al Pacino. He had valuable tips to share about how to work with actors.

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3. Mandy Sherman with actors Brandon Scott and Claudia Doumit and ICF alumni actors in training - Luis Guitron and Marlon Begue - and the Class of 2015 students.

4. Mandy and Luis Guitron play-act a casting session.

5. Marlon Begue takes direction from a new student, then acts out their scene.

6. Mandy and Luis share their experiences and advice with the students.

Note: Thank you Kanica Suy for connecting Sweeney Entertainment clients, Brandon Scott and Claudia Doumit, to Inner-City Filmmakers.

“ICF IS WHERE YOU GET TO EXPLORE YOUR DREAMS AND WHERE YOUR DREAMS BECOME REALITY; IT IS THE LIFE YOU IMAGINED FOR YOURSELF.” - Christopher Villa, Class of 2015 1.

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1. Rick Peters, Actor, Stella Adler Acting Coach, has over 73 acting credits to his name. The knowledge and the energy he brought into the room was infectious!

2. Shaunnie Smith is an outstanding seasoned professional who leads the ICF students thru movement and improv exercises.

3. John Jack Rodgers, Executive Director, Stella Adler, Academy of Acting and Theatre, Los Angeles, Rick Peters, and Fred Heinrich, ICF Founder, (all center), with some of our summer staff and the Class of 2015 at the end of a wonderful fun-filled evening.

4. Rick Peters works with Richard De Angelis to make his role come to life.

5. Rick Peters is very intense. His acting training puts everything into the role. He becomes one with his character. He become someone else!

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6. John Jack Rodgers with Kanica Suy, Talent Manager at Sweeney Entertainment and an ICF 2001 alumna. Kanica introduced us to John Jack.

He and his Stella Adler team have welcomed ICF and our students for the last seven years.

Note: The Stella Adler Academy is a world renowned acting school located in the heart of Hollywood, CA offering extensive training for the serious actor in theatre, film, and television.

The Technique grew out of Stella Adler’s work with Stanislavski, the father of modern acting and has been studied by many of the world’s most notable actors, directors, and writers including: Marlon Brando, Robert DeNiro, Salma Hayek, Benicio Del Toro, Holland Taylor, Gary Ross, Eric Stoltz and Mark Ruffalo, and more.

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“ICF IS A WHIRL-WIND FUN SUMMER THAT TEACHES YOU SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST FILMMAKING.” - Thailia Cardona, ICF Class of 2015

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A+E Networks | PromaxBDA INTERVIEW WORKSHOP 1. Ashley Mettille, HR Manager, A+E Networks, is our host along with Shari Holly from PromaxBDA. They covered every detail of the interview process.

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2. ICF Alumni and the Class of 2015 students learned important lessons about how to handle themselves in this business, in any job, and in life.

3. Ashley Mettille went in-depth about resumes, cover letters, follow up emails and thank you’s.

She asked hard questions that students had to think about before answering.

4. Christian Grim (ICF 2015) and Alex Alarcon (ICF 2013) pretend to be a job applicant and an employer and “act-out” a phone interview conversation for the class to critique.

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5. Shari Holly, Program Coordinator, PromaxBDA, is very authentic and passionate about her work.

That energy permeated the room and was instilled in the students.

6. Jonathan Gutierrez (ICF 2015) improvises a meeting with a potential employer. Everyone takes notes and offers suggestions on how to improve this meet and greet.

7. The A+E Networks | Lifetime Town Hall Space was a great working environment where all the students in attendance had their own work space.

8. Rosa Navarrete, an ICF 2002 alumna, took the reins as behind-the-scenes videographer. Having just returned from Peru she will be flying off, again, to New York and then Paris where she was hired to shoot a documentary film.

9. Ashley challenges the students and enjoys every minute of it!

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1. Ashley, Shari, the ICF Class of 2015 and various ICF alumni from 1997 to 2014 who attended the A+E Networks | PromaxBDA interactive evening. It was fantastic!

“ICF IS THE CHANCE TO LEARN AND WORK LIKE AN INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL.” - Marco Coba, ICF Class of 2015

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TEAM A

1. Julio Aguilar presents all elements of his film, HOME. 2. Richard De Angelis discusses location and cast for his film, BULLY.

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3. L-R kneeling: Julio Aguilar, Christopher Villa and Marco Coba. L-R standing: Alex Alarcon, Team Captain, Richard De Angelis (holding the China Ball) and Jonathan Gutierrez with equipment manager, Enrique Garcia, who makes sure that every team gets what they signed-up for and that all the gear is working.

4. Jonathan Gutierrez marches off with the “C” stand.

5. Julio Aguilar and Alex Alarcon, Team “A” Captain, are happy to report that all the gear is ready for production.

6. L-R: Christopher Villa, Richard De Angelis, Jonathan Gutierrez, Julio Aguilar with Alex Alarcon, Team Captain and Andrew Avery, Team Mentor, who whipped all the presentations into shape. Yeah!

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“ICF TAUGHT ME THAT WITHOUT TEAMWORK NOTHING CAN GET ACCOMPLISHED.” - Christian Griem, ICF Class of 2015

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TEAM B

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1. Ryan Fox, Writer / Producer / Director and Team “B” Mentor, guides his students through script development and production.

2. Christian Griem works feverishly to finish his script, RUNNING THOUGHTS, in Final Draft.

3. Team “B” after making successful presentations. L-R: Christian Griem, Paula Aguilar, Jonathan Hurtado (kneeling), Ryan Fox, Team Mentor, and Barry Young, with Team Assistant, Jenson Tran, and Team Captain, Tristan Aghajanian. Good job everyone!!

4. Barry Young presents his comedy, CHEAT SHEET. 5. Jonathan Hurtado made a passionate pitch for DON’T STOP ME NOW.

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6. Paula Aguilar is excited to share her production, SHIFTING GEARS.

“IN ICF I LEARNED HOW TO DEAL WITH A CREW I NEVER MET BEFORE AND HOW TO BE ORGANIZED AND PRODUCTIVE.” - Javier Lopez-Quintana, ICF Class of 2015 1.

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TEAM C 1. Mark Brown, Writer, Executive Producer, and Team “C” Mentor, helps students gain confidence and improve personal and professional skills.

2. Edson Reyes is fully prepared to shoot his short film, SALVATION. 3. Javier Lopez-Quintana’s story, INVISIBLE, deals with a relatable theme – a father’s love is worth more than all the money in the word.

4. Astrid Castro-Santana presents her film, COGNIZANCE, which has a serious mother and daughter theme.

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5. Robert Gutierrez, Team “C” Captain, in a production meeting with team members, Javier and Astrid.

6. Astrid, as smart and hard working as she is beautiful.

7. Edson and Miguel gain knowledge and confidence when handling the professional ICF gear.

8. Miguel Orozco’s drama-edy, A FOOL’S GOLD, is a real charmer!

9. Team “C” standing L-R: Miguel Orozco, Edson Reyes, Javier Lopez-Quintana and Astrid Castro-Santana. L-R kneeling: Team “C” Assistants, Angel Salinas and Moises Lopez with Mark Brown, Team Mentor, and Robert Gutierrez, Team Captain. Have a great shoot!

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“ICF IS WHERE YOU TRULY FIND OUT HOW FAR YOU ARE WILLING TO GO TO PURSUE YOUR PASSION.” - Hanson Escobar, ICF Class of 2015 1.

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TEAM D 1. Lee Davis, writer/producer/director and Team “D” Mentor, is an invaluable guide. He shares knowledge and helps students with production challenges.

2. Thalia Cardona presents her film, ANXIETY, about a young woman who struggles to overcome anxiety attacks.

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3. Chris Granados, Team “D” Captain, is a whirling dervish. He is taking a comedy writing class at Upright Citizens Brigade Theater and had two different internships at various times over this summer at Mad Chance and Verve.

4. Valentina Argueta is all smiles after completing the presentation of her film, BEAUTIFUL GAME, about a father/daughter relationship.

5. Milton Lazaro’s ROCKABELLES, is a fun, high energy, romantic love story.

6. Hanson Escobar’s film, RESILIENCE, is a family drama that deals with an alcoholic father and their youngest child who is missing.

7. Ronnie’s film, DRUMMER BOY, is funny and wonderfully entertaining.

8. Ronnie, Thalia and Valentina prepare casting call-backs.

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9. Enrique Garcia, Team “D” Co-Captain with Eber Benitez, Team “D” Assistant.

Enrique is wearing many hats this summer - he is also ICF’s Equipment Manager and Behind-the-Scenes Videographer. He’s hot!

“SUCCESS IS NOT FINAL FAILURE IS NOT FATAL, IT IS THE COURAGE TO CONTINUE THAT COUNTS.” - Winston Churchill

2015 SUMMER PROGRAM – INSTRUCTORS ANDREW AVERY – TEAM “A” MENTOR Andrew Avery moved to Los Angeles to go to film school and received an MFA from USC Cinema-TV in film production. He directed the indie feature FREE starring Corin Nemec and Ione Skye, which aired on Showtime. As a protégé of David Milch, he worked as a Writing Fellow for Redboard Productions, making various contributions to the HBO series DEADWOOD. He continues to write in various forms: dramatic, prose fiction, and poetry.

Recently, he obtained a masters degree in Spiritual Psychology and completed a certificate program in Soul-Centered Personal Coaching, both from the University of Santa Monica. He has begun a career in coaching, focused in the areas of creativity, adult ADHD, and financial planning.

MIKE BOGGIO – MENTOR | DONOR Mike Boggio, (ICF class of 1993), has worked as an actor, film editor, musician, producer, martial arts instructor, and real estate investor.

Mike’s entertainment career began at age twelve performing in films for NBC, AFI, and LAUSD while studying dance and drama at Bancroft Performing Arts Magnet in Hollywood (‘87-’89). Trained in TV production and music at Van Nuys Performing Arts Magnet (‘90-’93), Mike was voted “Best Instrumentalist” by the student body. While earning his Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies from CSULA (‘93-’97), Mike worked as a production assistant for the TV tabloid HARD COPY (Paramount Studios ‘94-’97) and as editorial intern on DANGEROUS MINDS (Hollywood Pictures ‘94-’95). After graduating with honors, Mike was a lead actor in SUCKERS, a low-budget 16mm feature, which he also edited and co-produced. In 1998 Mike launched his own post-production company, Almighty Post, which handled digital editing, FX, sound design, voice-over, and music for film & television. Editorial feature credits include ROAD DOGZ (HBO/Cinemax), COME AND TAKE IT DAY (PBS), and FOOD STAMPS. His comedy shorts have won numerous national awards including a College Emmy.

As a professional drummer with over 20 years of stage and studio experience, Mike has toured Europe, Japan, and most of North America with various artists of diverse musical influences.

Performance highlights include the North Sea, Montreux, and Detroit Jazz Festivals, MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, and the White House in Washington D.C. Mike is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist. Growing up in the gang-heavy corridor between Downtown and Hollywood in the 1980s and early ‘90s, where gunfire and street crime were commonplace, Mike was compelled to learn self-defense but couldn’t afford classes until after college. He began training in 1999 at the Gracie Academy in Torrance, CA and has since instructed classes for the Los Angeles Dept. of Recreation and Parks, UCLA, and Caique Jiu Jitsu Academy in Lomita, CA, where he currently trains.

In 2007, Mike began buying, renovating, and renting real estate, which has proven to be his most lucrative career - allowing him to become a major financial supporter of Inner-City Filmmakers.

“As a member of ICF’s first class in 1993, I am grateful to have witnessed the program’s growth and evolution. Fred and Steph’s care, persistence, and leadership have inspired me to develop these same qualities in my own life.”

2015 SUMMER PROGRAM – INSTRUCTORS MARK BROWN – TEAM “C” MENTOR Mark Alton Brown most recently worked as a Consulting Producer on INSTANT MOM on Nickelodeon and TV Land. He also currently has several television pilots in development. He and his writing partner Dee LaDuke served for eight years as Writer/Executive Producers on the CW’s hit series, GIRLFRIENDS. Mark created and Executive Produced REUNITED, a comedy series starring Julie Hagerty with Castle Rock for UPN. His produced pilots include NBC’s, DANGEROUS WOMEN WITH BAD ATTITUDES and GABBY. He has worked as writer/producer on multiple half-hour series, most notably as Supervising Producer on the long-running DESIGNING WOMEN. Mark co-wrote and produced the cult classic, comic mock-documentary film, JACKIE’S BACK for Lifetime. His features MOUNTAINHEART, LIFE OF THE PARTY and VENTURA BLVD. are currently in pre-production. He has written BEFORE AND AFTER for USA Network and the original features THE WHOLE TRUTH, TOO HIP and LIFERS. He also wrote and produced the YouTube web series sensation, JENIFER LEWIS AND SHANGELA. Brown and LaDuke are also the authors of “Writing and Producing Television”. They conduct seminars based on the book worldwide, most recently in Rio de Janeiro. They are on the faculty of the Global Shift Film Festival and developed an online course for its affiliated Institute. Mark is also on the faculty of Inner-City Filmmakers. He and Ms. LaDuke are recipients of a Shine Award, GLAAD Media Award and the BET Comedy Award.

RUSSELL CARPENTER, ASC – DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Russell Carpenter is an Academy Award-winning cinematographer. He is most widely known for his collaborations with director, James Cameron.

Carpenter was born in Van Nuys, California. He is the grandson of a film sound engineer and is an alumnus of Van Nuys High School. He is a member of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC). He has a degree in English Literature from San Diego State University. He became established as a leading TV cinematographer, earning a pair of Emmy Awards for his documentary work in the San Diego area.

He segued to the big screen providing sleek visuals for such horror and fantasy outings as SOLE SURVIVOR (1984), LADY IN WHITE, CRITTERS 2: THE MAIN COURSE and CAMERON’S CLOSET (all 1988). THE LAWNMOWER MAN (1992) proved his versatility and was a blend of photography and computer-generated effects that created a simulation of virtual reality. His pyrotechnics on this effort led John Woo to tap him for HARD TARGET (1993). James Cameron utilized the cinematographer’s skill for the opulent set pieces in the action-packed TRUE LIES (1994) and TITANIC (1997), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography.

Carpenter’s film credits also include ANT-MAN, JOBS, THIS MEANS WAR, 21, AWAKE, MONSTER-IN-LAW, SHALLOW HAL and the CHARLIE’S ANGELS franchise. He also shoots commercial campaigns for Fortune 500 companies in between his feature work.

2015 SUMMER PROGRAM – INSTRUCTORS MICHAEL DALLATORRE – CINEMATOGRAPHER NEW FILM PROGRAM MANAGER, PANAVISION ICF CLASS 2001 Known in the industry as “Mike D,” the Nicaraguan-born director of photography has worked with musicians - 50 Cent, Chris Brown and Ziggy Marley, actor-turned-director Michael Rosenbaum (SMALLVILLE), NBA star and producer, Rick Fox, on his feature HYSTERIA, and actor Kenan Thompson (SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE).

Mike arrived in the United States at the age of three and grew up in South Central Los Angeles.

The adversity of his environment was key in motivating and inspiring him to pursue excellence.

Mike was featured in the Oscar nominated documentary COLORS STRAIGHT UP, which followed his participation in the inner city performing arts group Colors United. It was during the filming of the documentary that Mike was inspired to become a filmmaker. Michael Dallatorre comes from meager means. While he was in school he worked to support and care for his mom and the family after his father died. Michael was determined and hard working and focused and still got straight A’s.

During high school, he spent many weekends and late nights with his college friends helping them complete their thesis films. At eighteen, he was recognized for his talents and promising future with the Beating the Odds Award (presented by Marian Wright Edelman of the Children’s Defense Fund).

After graduating from Jordan High School in Watts, CA, Mike entered the Inner-City Filmmakers Program and went on to study film at Los Angeles Community College. Through the Inner-City Filmmakers / Kodak Cinematography Workshop, in which Michael participated, he met and spoke with the ASC Cinematographers and asked how he could get a job. They recommended that he apply to Panavison. After film school, Mike landed a job at Panavision in the shipping department and within a year moved up to the prep floor. As a prep technician, he helped prep films such as THE LAST SAMURAI, INDIANA JONES 4 and STAR TREK, to name a few. After 8 years, Mike was promoted to Manager of Panavision’s New Filmmaker Program, where his knowledge as an independent filmmaker and experience on major motion pictures allows him to help new filmmakers achieve their dreams.

Mike D. recently completed principal photography on his second feature, HEARTLAND, directed

by Maura Anderson filmed in location in Oklahoma. And, is in postproduction on his first feature, THE HIVE, directed by David Yarovesky.

BRIAN DANNELLY – WRITER | DIRECTOR | PRODUCER Writer/Director Brian Dannelly was born in Wurtzburg, Germany and spent his early years in Lederhosen skiing and climbing the cheese and sausage strewn hills of Bavaria and putting on elaborate puppet shows with puppets he designed with his grandmother. At the age of 11 his family relocated to a suburb of Baltimore Maryland. After surviving Catholic elementary school, a Jewish summer camp and a Baptist high school he went about getting his Bachelor’s degree by attending The Maryland Institute of Art (Fine Arts), The American University (Communications), Morgan State University (International Studies) and; finally, graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Maryland Baltimore County (Visual Arts). He went on to become a directing fellow at the American Film Institute (AFI) and graduated from the prestigious directing program in 1999. His short films have played in festivals around the world.

While attending the AFI he met his writing partner Michael Urban where together they wrote SAVED!. The film was produced by Sandy Stern and Michael Stipe of Single Cell Pictures and stars Jena Malone, Mandy Moore, Macaulay Culkin, Eva Amurri, Heather Matrazzo, Martin Donovan and Mary Louise Parker. SAVED! premiered at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival and was distributed by MGM/UA. SAVED! is Dannelly’s first feature film.

Among Brian’s next projects produced were the Pilot for the Showtime series WEEDS and the feature STRUCK BY LIGHTNING starring Chris Colfer which was produced by David Permut and distributed by Tribeca. Most recently Brian has been directing in TV such shows as GIRLFRIENDS GUIDE TO DIVORCE for Bravo and SCREAM for MTV.

2015 SUMMER PROGRAM – INSTRUCTORS RAÚL DÁVALOS, ACE – EDITOR Raul Davalos, ACE, was born in Havana, Cuba and grew up in Key Biscayne, Florida. He attended Loyola University in New Orleans and, upon graduation, attended the London Film School. Davalos edited commercials and documentaries in Florida before moving to Los Angeles and his first job assisting Academy Award winning editor Richard Chew, ACE, on Ivan Passar’s CREATOR, starring Peter O’Toole. Raul edited Guillermo del Toro’s first feature film, CRONOS, and veteran cinematographer, John Bailey’s VIA DOLOROSA, playwright David Hare’s adaptation of his oneman play about the Middle East conflict.

Lawrence Kasdan’s DREAMCATCHER was Davalos’ eighth collaboration with Academy Award nominated film editor Carol Littleton, ACE. Their twenty-year collaboration began in 1985 on Lawrence Kasdan’s acclaimed western, SILVERADO. Davalos also worked with Littleton on Ken Kwapis’ VIBES, Kasdan’s, THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST, Luis Mandoki’s WHITE PALACE and John Bailey’s film-noir thriller, CHINA MOON, and became associate editor on Jeremiah Chechik’s BENNY AND JOON starring Johnny Depp followed by Kasdan’s WYATT EARP headlined by Kevin Costner.

Emilio Estevez ‘s latest film THE WAY (2011), starring Martin Sheen, and edited by Davalos, was an audience and critic’s favorite at the Toronto Film Festival and in world release. Raul’s work on Estevez’s THE WAY followed a long schedule on PERSONS UNKNOWN, the mini-series created

by Academy Award winner Christopher McQuarrie and Executive Producer Remi Aubuchon, which aired on NBC. Before he edited the first season on the historical drama, REIGN, currently on the CW network, Davalos completed work with long time collaborator Writer/Producer/Director Amy Sherman-Palladino on the pilot and first season of her acclaimed series, BUNHEADS. Davalos had previously edited the successful, fast talking television series GILMORE GIRLS for ShermanPalladino from its first season to its last, alternating with the feature films DREAMCATCHER for director Lawrence Kasdan and THE AMATEURS, the charming Jeff Bridges comedy directed by Michael Traeger. He is currently an editor on the hit TV Series, EMPIRE.

LEE DAVIS – TEAM “D” MENTOR Lee Davis’ directorial debut, the Sundance developed Showtime Original film, 3AM, is a dark tale of NYC cab-drivers (which garnered Davis two Black Reel nominations including Best Director) for which he was named as one of Variety Magazine’s Top Ten Screenwriters To Watch. Davis’ newly released book, BESPOKE: A COLLECTION OF SHORT STORIES FOR THE SOLITARY TRAVELER, is available on Amazon, I-tunes, and Barnes & Noble and has met with acclaim for its stark portraits of the human condition in its many forms.

Davis directed the web-pilots DoTELL, a supernatural drama, and the suburban comedy, MOTHER OF THE WEEK, nominated for an Audience Award at the 2015 Hoboken International Film Festival.

His film, ROMANCE IS SERVED, won Best Documentary at the Belize Film Festival. Lee Davis’ noir aesthetic is apparent in stirring music videos, DON’T GAIN THE WORLD, for Sunny Dilinger, WEST SIDE GIRL, for Grammy-nominated R&B artist Bilal, and the debut song, FREE, for Rock artist Freemoor. Francesca Francois-Grimaldi of Plaza 7 Talent in New York currently represents Davis.

CLAUDIA DOUMIT – ACTRESS Claudia Doumit was born in Sydney, Australia, where she studied at the prestigious National Institute of DramaticArts (NIDA),Actors College of Theatre and Television (ACTT), and TheActors CentreAustralia.

Doumit is also a graduate of The Stella Adler Academy’s two year intensive program in Los Angeles.

Recent Stella Adler Theatre credits include: THE SEAGULL (Arkadina), THE MARRIAGE OF BETTE AND BOO (Bette), MIDDLETOWN (Mary Swanson), and WAITING FOR GODOT (Boy). NIDA Theatre credits include: CHECKING IN, CHECKING OUT (Yalda), RADIO HYSTERIA (Professor Ogilvy) Film/TV credits include: MIKE & MOLLY (CBS), SCANDAL (ABC), FAKING IT (MTV), THE HAMSTER WHEEL (Australian Broadcasting Corporation).

2015 SUMMER PROGRAM – INSTRUCTORS MIKE FLYNN – WRITER Mike Flynn hails from College Park, GA. He received his bachelor’s degree in Film, TV and New Media Production from San Diego State University.

While still early in his career, he’s written for USA’s RUSH, ABC’s LIFE ON MARS, HAPPY TOWN and DETROIT 1-8-7, the latter for which he was nominated, along with the writing staff, for an NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Drama Series”. His fiction has appeared in various online publications and has a screenplay in development titled TREETOP. He is currently writing on an undisclosed cable series set to premiere in 2016.

RYAN FOX – TEAM “B” MENTOR Every generation conjures up its own envelope-pushing filmmaker, and Ryan Fox is no exception.

Raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and educated in film at the University of Dayton, Fox strives to create compelling, challenging and inspiring work. This was evident in his award-winning first feature film, RAILED, which garnered cult recognition for its uniquely experimental style. Fox continued this success with his second award-winning feature film WHITE DWARF, which examines the culture of Hollywood when shooting stars eventually lose their luster.

It was Fox’s extensive documentation of the Los Angeles homelessness epidemic that brought much needed attention to the cause, earning him honorable mention from LA Family Housing. Fox is also founding partner of 24p Media Group, which produced EMPIRE STATE starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Liam Hemsworth and Emma Roberts. Currently, Fox is in pre-production on his next film GENRX which will shoot this fall. It is Ryan Fox’s combination of irresistible charm and undeniable talent that makes him one of Hollywood’s hottest new directors.

BRUCE GREEN, ACE – EDITOR From Tina Fey’s BABY MAMA to Martin Laurence’s BIG MOMMA’S HOUSE Bruce Green’s editing has helped “give birth” to some of Hollywood’s most memorable comedies. His career began as an assistant editor on the seminal adventure films RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, INDIANA JONES and the TEMPLE OF DOOM and STAR WARS. The longtime Garry Marshall collaborator edited both movies in THE PRINCESS DIARIES series, VALENTINE’S DAY, RUNAWAY BRIDE and THE OTHER SISTER. He has collaborated with director Mark Waters on the films FREAKY FRIDAY, JUST LIKE HEAVEN, GHOSTS OF GIRLFRIENDS PAST, and MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS. Additionally, Green has edited such comedies and comedy/dramas as PUNCHLINE, COOL RUNNINGS, PHENOMENON, HOME ALONE 3, WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING, and THE DOCTOR. He also edited action-thrillers like THE VANISHING and YOUNG GUNS II, and early on in his career, FRIDAY THE 13TH horror films. Recently, he edited seven episodes of the Golden Globe winning JANE THE VIRGIN. He is a past vice president of the Motion Picture Editors Guild and a former faculty member of the American Film Institute. A graduate of the California Institute of the Arts, he is married to Janet Keller Green and is the father of four daughters.

2015 SUMMER PROGRAM – INSTRUCTORS FRED HEINRICH – EDITOR | ICF FOUNDER Fred is a graduate of the School of Cinema at USC. Born to immigrant parents, by age 22 he was a leading Editor. His work earned two Clio Awards. In 1973, Fred started one of the first independent commercial editorial companies, Wildwood Films. Over thirty years he has worked on thousands of high quality commercial projects as an Editor. He has also produced ad campaigns with multi-million dollar budgets, difficult clients, and complex logistics on distant locations.

In 1992, the Los Angeles Riots swept Southern California leaving chaos and devastation in its wake.

It also left an indelible mark on Fred and his producer wife, Stephania Lipner. They established Inner-City Filmmakers as a non-profit organization to empower, educate, and find employment for diverse disadvantaged youth.

Fred has been recognized by Newsweek, Los Angeles Times, Hollywood Foreign Press Association, VARIETY, The Hollywood Reporter, LA Weekly, VIBE, SHOOT, American Cinema Editors, Directors Guild of America, and Producers Guild of America Magazines, as well as ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Reuters television news. In 2009, Fred was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Association of Independent Creative Editors (AICE), an international association representing independent creative editorial companies and their editors.

RICK HINSON, MPSE – POSTPRODUCTION SOUND One of the industry’s most preeminent Sound Editors, Rick Hinson was an avid film enthusiast in high school. He earned his Bachelor’s of Arts degree at the University of Southern California School of Cinema/Television. After film school, he took a job as a driver for a post-production house.

The owner saw Hinson’s potential and hired him as an Assistant Sound Editor. Within a year, he was assigned the duties and responsibilities of a full-fledged Sound Editor.

Over the next 25 years, Rick has edited over two hundred television movies, shows and specials, as well as a couple independent feature films. His work has run the gamut from the X-FILES and THE SOPRANOS to the groundbreaking children’s programs, DUCK TALES, CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG, and DINOSAUR TRAIN. For his work, he has won four Emmy Awards and nine Golden Reel Awards for Sound Editing.

In addition, Hinson served six years as President of the Motion Picture Sound Editors and now serves as President Emeritus.

Married with two children, Rick enjoys working with young people. Both his children have learned sound editing under his tutelage and each year he looks forward to working with a new generation of young film students at Inner-City Filmmakers.

SHERRI JAMES – PRODUCER Sherri James is an entrepreneur, film producer, writer and minister from Houston, TX. Currently based in Los Angeles, she is the Senior Minister of Understanding Principles for Better Living Church, a thriving spiritual community that blends metaphysical Bible training with practical tools for living a better life.

Prior to entering the ministry, Rev. Sherri worked in the entertainment industry as VP, Rock Capital Entertainment and VP, Christopher Brian Films. Production credits include the urban horror film SOMEBODY HELP ME. Rev. Sherri began her career in the Hollywood Pictures Story Department and was later promoted to Creative Associate in the Walt Disney Pictures Creative Group. She holds an MFA from USC’s Peter Stark Motion Picture Producing Program and a BFA with honors from the University of Pennsylvania.

2015 SUMMER PROGRAM – INSTRUCTORS KURT KUENNE – COMPOSER | EDITOR | WRITER | DIRECTOR | PRODUCER Kurt Kuenne is an award-winning filmmaker and composer of both fiction and documentary films.

He is a graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, where he won the Harold Lloyd Scholarship in Film Editing, and where he also studied film scoring at the USC School of Music under the tutelage of classic film composers Buddy Baker and David Raksin. His first feature, the teen drama SCRAPBOOK (1999), landed him on Filmmaker magazine’s 25 New Faces of Indie Film Features, and he followed it with DRIVE-IN MOVIE MEMORIES (2001), a documentary about outdoor movies which opened the 2001 Telluride Film Festival and played nationally on PBS. In 2002, he won the AMPAS Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting for his screenplay, MASON MULE, while his screenplay, EXPLODE, made the quarterfinals in the same year. He then directed a series of black & white short musical comedies - RENT-A-PERSON (2004), VALIDATION (2006), SLOW (2007) and THE PHONE BOOK (2008) - which won 40+ awards at 120+ film festivals worldwide.

In 2008, he completed his 6 year passion project, the documentary DEAR ZACHARY: A LETTER TO A SON ABOUT HIS FATHER, which premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival. The film was released by Oscilloscope Laboratories and MSNBC Films, was named one of the Top 5 Documentaries of 2008 by the National Board of Review, won numerous awards and placed on more than 40 critics’ lists of the Ten Best Films of 2008.

DEAR ZACHARY inspired the creation of Bill C-464 in Canadian Parliament, which reformed Canada’s criminal code when it became law on December 15, 2010 (An epilogue chronicling this process - THE LEGACY OF DEAR ZACHARY: A JOURNEY TO CHANGE LAW - was released on the web in 2013). In 2011, he collaborated for the second time with actor TJ Thyne (VALIDATION, BONES) on the fiction feature SHUFFLE, a mystery/fantasy about a man who begins experiencing his life out of order, which was released by Screen Media Films and won numerous awards at film festivals worldwide, including the 2013 Frank Capra Award. His work as composer includes re-scoring the restoration of the silent classic, CYRANO DE BERGERAC (1925), and writing the book, music and lyrics for the stage musical adaptation of Frank Beddor’s New York Timesbestselling novel THE LOOKING GLASS WARS. In 2014, he co-wrote, edited and sound designed the celebrated documentary, BATKID BEGINS, for his Emmy-winning director pal, Dana Nachman. The film premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival, won 5 audience awards and was acquired by Warner Bros. Pictures/New Line Cinema, who released the film in theatres on June 26, 2015. Julia Roberts has acquired the film’s narrative remake rights.

STEPHANIA LIPNER – PRODUCER | ICF FOUNDER Stephania has produced documentaries and TV commercials through her own production company, SL Productions. Originally from New York City, at age 15 she was discovered by Lucia Chase, ballet director and co-founder of American Ballet Theatre. Stephania became the youngest dancer ever to be accepted into the company. Traveling the world with ABT and later the Joffrey Ballet, she advanced to principal roles. During hiatus, Stephania appeared as a dancer in the original films BYE BYE BIRDIE, starring Ann-Margret and HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, starring Robert Morse, which is where she became interested in production.

Stephania moved into advertising, became a producer, and at age 26, was promoted to Vice President, Head of Broadcast Production for McCann-Erickson, one of the world’s premier advertising agencies, where she won Clio and Belding Awards for her work. She later produced an ABC-Television Network Special, THE MYSTERIOUS POWERS OF MAN, before becoming Vice President of Development for Telepictures, an American television and film production company, currently operating as a label of Warner Bros. Television. As a producer of live theatre in Los Angeles, Stephania has worked with many Hollywood notables including Jack Lemmon in David Mamet’s, LIFE IN THE THEATER. Since 1992, Stephania has shared the vision and worked tirelessly side-by-side with her husband, Fred Heinrich, to build Inner-City Filmmakers into the successful organization that it is today.

Her motivation, determination and work ethic is infused in ICF students.

2015 SUMMER PROGRAM – INSTRUCTORS BRUCE LOGAN, ASC – CINEMATOGRAPHER | VISUAL EFFECTS Bruce Logan was born in London to Campbell Logan—a BBC classical drama director—and educated at Merchant Taylor’s Guild School. He began making animated and dynamited films when he was only fourteen years old. He studied acting and directing, as well as photography, working with Stella Adler, Nina Foch, and George Tyne. He later studied writing at UCLA with Linda Seger, John Trilby, and David Freeman.

He has shot commercial films for most of the major companies: Pepsi, GE, Visa, Chevrolet, Pontiac, DuPont, Contac, Sprint, Amtrak, Suzuki, Sunlight, and Armstrong. And—he has applied his talents to making music videos for such high profile performers as Prince, Madonna, Rod Stewart, Aerosmith, Glenn Frey, The Go-Gos, Karyn White, Tevin Campbell, Hank Williams, Jr., and Michael Cooper.

His credits now include cinematographer, editor, visual effects artist, director, and producer. Logan is currently involved in writing THE CORN KING, a “witchy sex comedy” that takes place in Los Angeles and England. Cinematographer credits include: LOWLIFES, DESECRATED, Jamie Foxx: STRAIGHT FROM THE FOXXHOLE (TV Movie documentary), George Carlin: PLAYIN’ WITH YOUR HEAD (TV Movie documentary), and TRON. Visual effects credits include: BATMAN FOREVER (visual effects director of photography), AIRPLANE! (Director of photography: special effects), AVALANCHE EXPRESS (supervisor of special effects: Apogee), STAR WARS: EPISODE IV A NEW HOPE (second unit photography: miniature and optical effects unit), and 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (animation artist - un-credited) / (special photographic effects).

JAY NEW – DIRECTOR Jay is currently an adjunct professor at Azusa Pacific University and at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts’ Summer Program, where he specializes in teaching aesthetics, directing, and general production courses. Teaching eases his insatiable appetite to better understand how things work and to have a reason to talk about film with a captive audience.

Jay New has worked on numerous features, commercials, music videos, corporate content, and TV shows in various departments from Special FX to 1st AD, and as writer, producer, and director.

However, his students’ usual favorite claim-to-fame is that he was one of the guys who worked on Katy Perry’s whip-cream-shooting bra for CALIFORNIA GURLS. Jay’s films and projects have screened at the Short Corner de Cannes (producer) and Washington D.C. Deaf Film Fest (Audience award and best short film - writer). He has multiple KCACTF Regional acting honors, and was a USC’s Sloan Directing Grant finalist. Jay received his MFA in Production from USC School of Cinematic Arts.

NKECHI OKORO – WRITER | PRODUCER Nkechi Okoro is a television personality, actress, writer and the founder, CEO and producer of Rock My Soul Productions (produces and promotes commercially viable television programming).

She originally started producing for theater in New York and Philadelphia before she finally made the move to Los Angeles to transition from theater to film and television. She and her husband, Jon Carroll currently host the internet-based talk-show A BREATH OF FRESH AIR with Jon and Nkechi.

Other credits include: BONES (TV Series) (co-producer) (2014-2015). BONES (TV Series) (story editor) (2012-2014). THE FINDER (TV Series) (staff writer) (2012).

Nkechi hails from Nigeria but was raised in New York, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria and England. By the time she was 14, she spoke three languages fluently and was performing and training with the Oxford Youth Theatre in England. Nkechi received her B.A. in Economics and French from the University of Pennsylvania in 1998 and her Masters in International Economics from New York University in 2002.

2015 SUMMER PROGRAM – INSTRUCTORS DAN PERRI – TITLE SEQUENCE DESIGNER | VISUAL EFFECTS Dan Perri has been a title sequence designer for four decades as well as a second unit director, during which he has worked on over 300 pictures with great directors like Martin Scorsese, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Oliver Stone, Terrence Malick, William Friedkin, Robert Altman, Taylor Hackford, Bob Fosse, Hal Ashby, Mark Rydell and many others.

His film credits include - THE EXORCIST, TAXI DRIVER, ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN, STAR WARS: EPISODE IV - A NEW HOPE, AIRPLANE!, RAGING BULL, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, PLATOON, RAISING ARIZONA, WALL STREET, ROBOCOP 2, MALLRATS, INSOMNIA, GANGS OF NEW YORK, THE AVIATOR. In addition to his career as a professional filmmaker, Dan teaches at the vastly reputable Art Center College of Design, teaching new and experienced filmmakers.

RICK PETERS – ACTOR | STELLA ADLER ACTING COACH Rick was born in a suburb of Detroit in June of 1966. The family lived there until August 1968 when they moved to England (his dad accepted a transfer with one of the “Big 3” Auto manufacturers).

They lived there until 1974, and then returned to Michigan. They lived in Michigan until another transfer took the family to Australia in August of 1977. Five years later the family moved back to the States, this time to California, where Rick finished High-School. That’s where Rick began his acting career...in High-School plays. He has over 73 industry acting credits, which include the TV Series – NCIS: LOS ANGELES, AGENT CARTER, CASTLE, LEGIT, CSI, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, THE MENTALIST and others.

Rick is married to a woman he met in the business and has two children. Rick is the fifth child of six in his family. He has two sisters and three brothers. He owns a 1968 candy apple red Cougar that was once owned by a professional race-car driver. He is a big Anaheim Angel’s fan. As seen on SUE THOMAS F.B.EYE, he is a talented Elvis impersonator.

PETER RICHE, PRODUCER Peter Riche began his career in production, after which he spent two years working with Scott Rudin at Scott Rudin Productions on films including ADDAMS FAMILY, NOBODY’S FOOL, I.Q., CLUELESS, and the Stephen Sondheim, James LaPine Tony Award winning musical PASSION. Peter Riche was a Talent and Literary Manager at More/Medavoy (now Management 360) where he was instrumental in Jason Biggs’s casting in AMERICAN PIE, negotiated Ryan Reynolds’s deal to co-star in TWO GUYS, A GIRL, AND A PIZZA PLACE, and co-represented Maria Bello, Mariska Hargitay, Josh Brolin, among others. He then joined Riche/Ludwig Productions as Vice President of Production where he developed over 100 screenplays including TARZAN and STARSKY & HUTCH for Warner Bros., BRIDE WARS for Fox/New Regency and he packaged and produced the motion picture TOMCATS, Joe Roth’s first film at Revolution Studios. He produced the movie SOUTHPAW currently in theaters distributed by The Weinstein Company, written by Kurt Sutter (SONS OF ANARCHY), directed by Antoine Fuqua (TRAINING DAY & THE EQUALIZER), starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, Forest Whitaker, 50Cent, with music/soundtrack by EMINEM and the Score by Academy Award Winning Composer James Horner.

Currently, Alan Riche and Peter Riche are partners in RicheProductions, producing several studio projects including, TARZAN, David Yates directed (WB), REX MUNDI with Johnny Depp (WB), STAYCATION, with Todd Phillips (WB), THE UNSACRED (Screen Gems), and a multitude of other feature and television projects set up at studios, and networks. Peter is also, currently, working on other feature & television projects in various forms of development.

2015 SUMMER PROGRAM – INSTRUCTORS BRANDON SCOTT - ACTOR Brandon Scott hails from Tuscaloosa AL, and studied drama at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Soon after graduating, he moved to Los Angeles and landed a memorable role as Dr. Ryan Spalding on GREY’S ANATOMY. In 2011, Brandon participated in the ABC Diversity Talent Showcase, which garnered him a talent deal with ABC/ABC Studios. Other TV credits include the BET comedy pilot WHAT WOULD DYLAN DO and the ABC Family comedy pilot WORK MOM. He also made cameos in Disney’s WRECK-IT RALPH and in Lakeshore’s STAND UP GUYS opposite Christopher Walken and Al Pacino.

Additional hobbies include producing theater with his two LA based companies, recent Ovation award winning IAMA Theatre (iamatheatre.com) and Ammunition Theatre (ammunitiontheatre.com), and performs with his Hip Hop/Soul band, Sin City (thesincitylp.com). Scott is repped by Sweeney Entertainment and Innovative Artists.

JENNIFER NOTAS SHAPIRO – SCREENWRITER Jennifer Notas Shapiro has written and seen produced a dozen TV movies, including the most recent CHRISTMAS UNDER WRAPS, which was the highest rated cable movie of the year and the Hallmark Channel’s highest rated movie of all time.

Prior to this, Jen freelanced as a script reader and worked as a writers’ assistant on numerous television sitcoms. She took a two-year hiatus from the business to complete a Masters in Education at Pepperdine University and two semesters of student teaching in middle and high school English Language Arts classrooms. Jen got her B.S. from Ithaca College – major in Television/Radio, concentration in Screenwriting, and minor in Writing – and worked as a tutor in the school’s Writing Center. Jen lives in Studio City with her husband, Jay and their very adorable dog, Kirby, who likes to come to ICF writing class and beg for bites of students’ sandwiches. Jen is represented

by Wheeler Management.

MANDY SHERMAN, CSA – CASTING DIRECTOR A Los Angeles native, Mandy Sherman has been working in and around the entertainment business since she was a child. Originally an actress, she appeared in plays, films, sitcoms, dramas and MOW’s and performed with an improv group at local comedy clubs for a number of years. Ms. Sherman graduated ‘cum laude’ with a BA from the UCLA Theater Department and then began to explore different avenues within the business until she finally landed in casting.

Early credits include ABC’s ALIAS for five seasons (earning her 3 nominations for the CSA Artios award for best episodic casting of a dramatic series), ABC’s LOST for two seasons (for which she won an Emmy for Outstanding Casting of a Drama Series) and ABC’s WHAT ABOUT BRIAN. Some recent credits include the Vh-1 series HIT THE FLOOR, the CW pilot/series BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Sony/NBC pilot BRENDA FOREVER, and feature films THE EVIL DEAD, SO UNDERCOVER and SOMETHING BORROWED. Mandy is so proud to be involved in such a great organization as Inner-City Filmmakers.

2015 SUMMER PROGRAM – INSTRUCTORS TOM SEIDMAN – MENTOR AT LARGE Independent filmmaker Tom Seidman has produced, written and/or directed four feature films: THE HAZING, starring Academy and Emmy award nominee Brad Dourif, THE CHRISTMAS BUNNY starring Florence Henderson, GOLDEN WINTER- A CHRISTMAS PUPPY MOVIE (from the studio that brought you SHARKNADO) and the recently released 2SURVIVE, about a desert reality show competition that goes seriously wrong.

Prior to this, Tom was a DGA Assistant Director for such filmmakers as Clint Eastwood, Peter Weir, and legendary TV sitcom director Jay Sandrich. Tom has taught film production at the Los Angeles Film School, at Grand Valley State University in Western Michigan, and at Inner-City Filmmakers, where he also ran the summer filmmaking program for two years.

KANICA SUY – TALENT MANAGER Kanica Suy was born on a refugee camp in Thailand, while her Chinese-Cambodian parents (survivors of the Cambodian genocide) were waiting to come to the United States. Since then she has lived in Philadelphia, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Kanica Suy is a talent manager at Sweeney Entertainment, where she oversees the daily strategic career and personal development of film & TV actors, with an eye towards young adults and talent of diversity.

Amongst her clients are Francesca Eastwood (HEROES REBORN), Dayo Okeniyi (TERMINATOR: GENISYS, SHADES OF BLUE), Max Carver (TEEN WOLF), Malese Jow (THE FLASH), Ally Maki (WRECKED), Jay Ali (SIGNIFICANT MOTHER), Ivo Nandi (SONS OF ANARCHY, A CURE FOR WELLNESS), and Mika Abdalla (PROJECT MC2).

Previously, she worked at 3 Arts Entertainment, Endeavor Talent Agency, Al Burton Productions, and Telepictures Productions. Kanica has a Bachelor of Arts in English from UCLA and graduated from Inner-City Filmmakers in 2001. She continues to be an active alumna and mentor.

“Inner-City Filmmakers gives you access to industry professionals and real hands-on experience.

It’s the best way to learn! If you have the opportunity to get into ICF, then go for it and give it your all. The hard work you do will result in a strong foundation for long-term goals; and that’s priceless.

I am where I am today because of the doors that Inner-City Filmmakers opened for me.”

JEANE WONG – WRITER A Los Angeles native, Jeane developed a sweet tooth as a child while manning the cash register at her parents’ Chinatown bakery. She survived high school in the diverse San Gabriel Valley, where Whites were the minority and phở and dim sum restaurants dominated every other storefront. After experiencing culture shock while studying in England for part of high school, Jeane received her BA in English Literature from UCLA and studied abroad in Paris. With hopes of working in diplomacy initially, she had a brief stint interning for her local congressman. But a summer filmmaking program in 2005 with Inner-City Filmmakers convinced her to forgo politics for her real passion: Hollywood.

An alumna of the Producer’s Guild Workshop, Jeane has placed as a semifinalist in the ABC Disney Writing Program, 3rd place in Larry Brody’s TV Writer Competition, a Second Rounder for the Austin Film Festival, and a Second Rounder for the Sundance Episodic Story Lab. Her short story, CRYSTAL BROOK, was published in Empower: Fight Like a Girl. Additionally, she co-authored THE VAMPIRE DIARIES digital comics for D.C. Comics. She is currently self-publishing her debut comic DEPARTURE with artist Roy Stewart. Jeane’s hobbies include: taking language classes, being a yogi and boxer, home cooking à la Nigella Lawson, traveling, and searching for the perfect glass of Sauvignon Blanc. She actively avoids sunshine on a daily basis. Currently, she works as the Script Coordinator for The CW’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and is repped by The Gotham Group.

2015 SUMMER PROGRAM – INSTRUCTORS LUIGI VENTURA – CAMERAMAN “My name is Luigi Ventura I am a graduate of Inner City Filmmakers Class of 2006. My mother, Milena, is from Mazatenango, Guatemala and my father, Antelmo, is from Durango, Mexico. They both emigrated to the United Sates to find better job opportunities and start a new life. My mom cleans houses, and my dad is a supervisor at a hospital in LA. I have two siblings, my brother, Alex, and my sister, Michelle. We are first generation Americans and I was the first in my family to graduate high school (Hamilton High). Growing up was not easy at all. From a young age I knew that we were economically underprivileged, my mother and father worked very hard to put a roof over our heads and food on our table. At times their wage minimum wage jobs were not enough. Because my parents were immigrants, lots of opportunities were missed and doors were closed for us. At one point, we were under welfare care, food stamps, and living in tough neighborhoods. I use to get into a lot of trouble at school and was expelled twice from two different middle schools. High School was a little of the same; I fought a lot of social injustice and struggled to cope with the educational system. I decided to change my ways and got interested in the arts and music. I played tenor saxophone and took a drama class. Later, in my senior year, I joined a black and white photography and video production class. From then on I knew that photography and filmmaking was for me! My teacher, Ms. Iannoconne, introduced me to Inner-City Filmmakers (ICF). In 2006, I applied and was fortunate enough to be accepted. ICF has taught me so much. I like to say that ICF is the Shaolin Temple of filmmaking and I am a graduated Monk.

Inner-City Filmmakers helped me get my foot in the door and pursue my goal as Cinematographer.

One of my first jobs was through an ICF 1997 alumnus, Keith Sam. shooting interviews for a Fox Studios movie, FAST FOOD NATION. Inner-City Filmmakers connected me to an opportunity to work as Camera Intern for NBC’s, HEROES, with Director of Photography, John Aronson. Over the years, I have been moving up through the camera department ranks. I currently work as a 1st Assistant Cameraman pulling focus on various projects from feature films to TV commercials.

I have been fortunate to travel to London, Belize, Wales, Costa Rica, Panama, Mexico and various states in the United States. My current credits include commercials and Promos for Nike, NBA 2k Sports, Volvo, Toyota, Redbull Media House, Apple, Riot Games, Sony, CBS, AMC, Pantene, Budlight, Youtube as well as Fashion Promos for Halle Barry’s clothing line and Kerry Washington’s Scandal. I have Fred, Steph, Inner-City Filmmakers and ALL of their supporters to thank. I have been fortunate to be able to save money and purchase gear for work. Recently, I made my first big investment, which is a Cmotion 3 channel wireless focus package, which is compact, light weight and provides precise control for all of today’s popular top cameras. I am still chasing the dream and working hard every day so that one day I can ‘move my parents out of the hood.”

STEVE WILLIAMS UNIVERSAL STUDIOS VICE PRESIDENT OF ADMINISTRATION & SOUND SERVICES Steve Williams attended the University of California at Berkeley. Wanting to pursue a career in broadcasting Steve received his FCC license and was soon working for KCBS Radio in San Francisco. Steve worked at KCBS as a radio engineer for three years where he produced and edited at all the news formats. While recording an album at Fantasy Records he received a phone call from a friend that the recording studio was urgently looking for an assistant engineer. The assistant engineer job was the beginning of Steve’s 15 year career in the music industry. After moving to Los Angeles Steve’s career as a First Engineer took off. He worked with such artists as the Temptations, Gladys Knight, Sarah Vaughn, and Oscar Peterson. Following his extensive music engineering career Steve made his transition into film post production sound. The timing was perfect because the film industry was beginning to incorporate the digital technology the music industry was already familiar with into its post production workflow. Steve has been a Supervising Sound Editor in the Los Angeles area for the past 16 years. Some of the projects Steve has supervised include MENACE II SOCIETY, THE MASK, FROM HELL, HOW STELLA GOT HER GROOVE BACK and THIRTEEN DAYS. Steve has worked as a Sound Supervisor on staff at Universal Studios. Recent projects have included the TV series LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT FOR DICK WOLF FILMS, the feature film, GUESS WHO, for Sony Pictures and most recently YOU, ME & DUPREE for Universal Studios and THE BOOK OF ELI for Warner Bros. Steve is an Emmy Award winner for sound effects editing. He is a member of the board of directors of the Motion Picture Sound Editors and a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

2015 SUMMER PROGRAM – INSTRUCTORS

HORSEY ON HOLLYWOOD

“YOU CAN NEVER CROSS THE OCEAN UNTIL YOU LOSE SIGHT OF THE SHORE.” - Christopher Columbus

2015 SUMMER PROGRAM – ASSISTANTS TRISTAN AGHAJANIAN – TEAM “B” CAPTAIN “I was born in Glendale, California and raised in Sunland, California, where I graduated from Verdugo Hills High School in 2014. However, my parents were both born in Iran and decided to come to the United States to escape the politically fueled civil war. My mother, Ramilya, was able to complete high school here in the U.S. and become a dental assistant. My father, Serjik, never finished high school due to the civil war and has been a dental lab technician for 30 years. I am currently the first person in my family to attend college at California State University, Northridge.

As for my career, I plan on working on my own productions to create a portfolio that will showcase my skills as a cinematographer and filmmaker.

Unlike most people, my gravitation towards filmmaking was a very slow process. When I was a child I was always a very shy and reserved person. I preferred to keep to myself and drew as a hobby.

However, my life came to the point when I realized all the plans and conversations I would have with my friends were about films. So I decided to make some films and the next logical decision for me was to be P.A. on sets, which I have been doing since I was 16 and will continue to do so.

More importantly, Inner-City Filmmakers has given me the tools and mindset to continue my journey as a filmmaker. By next year, I plan to be accepted into CSUN’s Film Production program, and I will show all the other students the skills that I now possess as an ICF Alumni.”

ALEX ALARCON – TEAM “A” CAPTAIN “Throughout my life my mother would always tell me that everything happens for a reason. Only recently have I found that to be true.

Becoming a filmmaker was never part of my plan. I originally wanted to be a professional artist and was hoping to be the next Van Gogh. Eventually I realized I needed to think realistically, but that was where plans for my future ceased. I never felt like I was good at anything and I was worried I would never find where I belong. Growing up in Northridge, California, there were very few people I could relate to or that were able to help move me move forward with my life. Until, one day, my art teacher recommended I apply to Inner-City Filmmakers.

I applied and was accepted into Inner-City Filmmakers in 2013, not knowing if filmmaking was even my thing. I knew that I loved movies and I loved coming up with stories, but I always considered becoming a filmmaker to be out of my reach.

Since participating in Inner-City Filmmakers, I have been provided with many amazing opportunities.

I have met with and am learning from various working industry professionals. I have collaborated with other great filmmakers and have made movies of my own. And, for the past two years I have had the privilege of being an ICF Team Captain, helping students make films that they can be proud of.

I have made many friends along the way and have finally found somewhere I belong.”

2015 SUMMER PROGRAM – ASSISTANTS CRISTHIAN ARIAS – EDITING TA “My parents are both from El Salvador. I was born in Miami, Florida. My family moved to Los Angeles when I was four years old because we had a lot of family members living in L.A. and we wanted to stay together and support each other. My mother, Maria, works as a janitor. My father, Carlos, works as a restaurant manager. They separated when I was very young. Today, I am 26 years old and have a 30-year-old brother named Carlos and a 32-year-old sister named Wendy. We all graduated from high school. However, I am the only one to graduate from college. It was a major event!

I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I entered Hamilton High School. During my senior year, I took several art classes such as video production, art history, and animation. Ms. Iannaconne asked me if I could help her do a show reel of animation videos for an art show. I agreed to do it and I fell in love with editing. Then, I heard about Inner-City Filmmakers from some of their alumni and I thought I would give it a shot and apply after I graduate. In 2006, I was accepted into the ICF Summer Program, a very intensive 8-week pre-professional filmmaking “Boot Camp”, which was the turning point in my life.

I was very shy when I first entered the program then I became friends with other students from my high school such as Roberto Alejandro, Joshua Johnson, and Luigi Ventura. Thanks to the help and support of my team, I was able to do a film that I was proud of. I also gained a deeper appreciation for film and all the different aspects of it.

After the ICF Summer Program, I attended SMC and got my first job at ICF as an Editing TA. I helped students with their short films, and I increased my computer technical skills as well as familiarity with the AVID editing program. After I graduated from SMC with an AA in Digital Media I transferred to CSUN where I acquired a bachelor’s degree in film. I worked at ICF for several years and they gave me valuable opportunities in the film industry. I was an intern at Roush Media, a Post-Production and Digital Media Company owned by Keith Roush (ICF 1995). I was a Post-Production intern at Blumhouse Productions. I have also been a production assistant on TV commercials and independent films. Thanks to Inner-City Filmmakers, I have met many wonderful people whom I still keep in contact with. Several of my friends from the program are doing big things in the industry, which motivates me to continue to move forward with my goals as a postproduction and production assistant or as an assistant editor. I would like to join the union and be able to make enough money to support myself.

Guest speakers have said very motivational things that inspire me to this day. Director Joel Schumacher said, “A good friend will tell you that you are great and will tell what you want to hear. A great friend will tell you the truth. If you live your life with at least one great friend, then consider yourself fortunate.

–Inner-City Filmmakers means the opportunity to move forward towards your goals and to become the person you want to be.”

MARLON BEGUE – ACTOR “Born and raised in Los Angeles, film and entertainment have been a part of my life since day one.

Both of my parents were in the entertainment industry and met as part of a touring theatre troupe.

I always had a wild imagination and spent most of my childhood telling stories and entertaining my peers, and teachers in all of my classrooms. The older I got the more I developed these instincts into skills. My mother struggled a lot to keep a roof over our heads and worked constantly. My dream has always been to be successful and give back to her. It wasn’t until I was accepted into Inner-City Filmmakers in 2011 that I took my first official step in the professional direction.

Inner-City Filmmakers taught me so much more than just how to make a movie. It taught me how to be a professional and the importance of a strong work ethic. Since then I have been working on various sets as a production assistant. Some of my experiences include working on set and interning for Arri, behind-the-scenes shooting for Jason Derulo, acting in different television shows, and working part-time for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. These last few months I have been a production assistant for Irv Blitz, one of the biggest fast-food commercial directors in the business. I’ve been acting in films and also directing my own. Thanks to Inner-City Filmmakers and the Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre, this August I will be focusing more on my acting career and taking acting classes at one of the best acting schools in the world. Without Inner-City Filmmakers and all of their supporters I wouldn’t be where I am today; and this is just the beginning. Thank you everyone!”

2015 SUMMER PROGRAM – ASSISTANTS EBER BENITEZ – TEAM “D” ASSISTANT “I was born and raised in Mid-City Los Angeles. My parents came to the United States from El Salvador in the eighties to escape the war that was ravaging their country. The violence, to this day, breaks global records and their escape was fueled by a desire to create a new life, not only for them but, for the children they would have. My mother is currently a cook at an organic food store and my father is a construction worker. They have been working at their jobs for nearly twenty years and I am happy to admit that they have mastered their respected craft. I anticipate doing the same as a professional filmmaker; but first things first.

I am currently in my final year at the University of Vermont. I am studying English and history and I aim to put those degrees to use by telling stories that study the past to better our future. I aim to make honest films that ask our audience not only to study their community and its flaws, but to study themselves and accept themselves for who they are, and to use that acceptance to fulfill their duties and responsibilities to the community that molded them.

If there is one thing I have learned at Inner-City Filmmakers it is the responsibility one has to give back. I also want to draw a visual profile of the effects of particular decisions and aspirations on a philosophical and psychological level. In life, every decision we make is imperative to the days that follow and the decisions that are made then. I want to tap into that reality and develop stories that can provide insight to the human psyche.

My childhood memories are vivid. There were rows of VHS cassettes laying in the cabinets, my mother holding my hand as we walked into a dark movie theater, my father coming home with a few bruises and brush strokes on his shirt from work as I watched THE LION KING, or whatever else we had on VHS. Books also fascinated me. There was DR. SEUSS, MR. DAHL, and THE BURROWERS. Movies, books and my imagination were my best friends.

By the time I was in high school, people knew that I wanted to be a filmmaker. My teachers exposed me to camera equipment, my friends were always asking me for recommendations, and I was always on IMDB. Not a day goes by where I am not thankful for having been surrounded by such influential people.

Mid-City Los Angeles, or what I like to call limbo, was a tough place to grow up. Gangs run every corner of it and this made school a safe haven for me and my friends. I call it limbo because it is sandwiched by various hallmark cities within Los Angeles. We are surrounded by Koreatown, Downtown Los Angeles, South Central, Hollywood, Baldwin Hills, Beverly Hills, etc. It is difficult to construct an identity in Mid-City when your influences vary tremendously. I suppose that is where movies come in. I would run home after school and pop in a DVD. It was more than a hobby, more than a ritual; it was simply a way of life. Sometimes I would watch the same movie every day of the week for a different reason. I would wonder how they shot a certain scene, why this character lied, where was the film located, who made this film and what else have they made. It was genuine.

My admiration and love for film was unmatched (except for the love I have for my parents, obviously.)

Film and family nurtured my sanity, and Inner-City Filmmakers (ICF) taught me that hard work pays off. Making films is a difficult task and you can kiss sleep good-bye, but upon seeing your name on the big screen you quickly realize that sleep is dispensable when you are actually living your dream.

I have interned at River Road Entertainment (12 YEARS A SLAVE, TREE OF LIFE, BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN). I am currently interning at Endgame Entertainment (JOBS, LOOPER, HOTEL RWANDA). Since graduating Inner-City Filmmakers in 2012, I return to L.A. and ICF every summer as a Team Captain or Assistant to help the new students. I will be starting my last year at the University of Vermont and I cannot wait to graduate and continue my career as a writer/director.”

2015 SUMMER PROGRAM – ASSISTANTS ENRIQUE GARCIA – TEAM “D” CO-CAPTAIN | CAMERA TA | BTS VIDEOGRAPHER “I was born in San Diego, raised in South Central Los Angeles. I want to stress that I was raised by a strong and loving single mother. My coming of age was not the best. I’m grateful for what little I have and plan to work hard to better my situation. Movies, TV shows, and documentaries helped pass the time and made a huge impact on me. I want to make a positive impact on the community through film.

Inner-City Filmmakers has strengthened my filmmaking skills and pointed me on the right direction.

Upon graduating ICF in 2012, I returned to California State University Dominguez Hills where I majored in Digital Media Arts and Graduated in 2015. While in college I have kept in contact with ICF and they helped match me to jobs on indies and feature films. I plan to continue on that path working on new films and making new industry friends. None of this would have been possible without the help of the Inner-City Filmmakers family. I thank Fred and Stephania for the impact they have had in my life. I can only imagine the impact they have had over their 22 years of outstanding contributions to Los Angeles County and diverse inner city youth like me.”

CHRIS GRANADOS – TEAM “D” CAPTAIN | WRITING TA Christopher Granados was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. His mother and father moved to the U.S. from Guatemala and El Salvador, respectively. As a young boy, Chris grew up around books, music and movies. In other words, he was definitely NOT an athlete, much to the chagrin of his parents.

After watching the movie FIGHT CLUB at the age of 12, he realized he had a strong love for film (how cliché) but didn’t start pursuing his passion until his senior year of high school, when he co-wrote a one-act play that was produced and directed by theater professionals. He recently graduated from CSUN with a degree in Film Theory and now wonders if that was a smart decision.

He completed Inner-City Filmmakers Summer Program in 2012 and still attends their classes and seminars on a regular basis.

Since completing the Inner-City Filmmakers Summer Program, he has interned and worked at production companies that include - Mythology Entertainment (WHITE HOUSE DOWN), Mad Chance Productions (AMERICAN SNIPER) and Good Universe (50/50, JUNO). He currently interns at Verve, a Talent and Literary Agency, while taking classes at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater.

He would like to sincerely thank Fred and Steph for giving him the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful and life-changing program and for never forgetting about him, even amongst a sea of much more successful alumni. He would also like to thank all the current and former ICF students, as well as the mentors, instructors, guest speakers and anyone else who has given him help or advice through ICF (I’m looking at you John Landis). Finally, he’d like to thank his mom and dad for being the hardest working people he knows and for instilling in him a strong work ethic that has helped him accomplish his dreams. He fantasizes about being a screenwriter for film and television and his passion for film is surpassed only by his love of pizza.

LUIS GUITRON – ACTOR “I was raised in East Los Angeles through my teens by a single mother. Despite all the gang violence around my neighborhood, I liked living in this area. Even though I had some scary times, it was just another lesson to be learned in the streets. I went to Bell High School and in the 11th grade I discovered my passion for film. I continued throughout my senior year and with the help of my teacher, Mr. Roy Lansdown, I was introduced to Inner-City Filmmakers, which changed my life.

Thanks to ICF I discovered my true passion and love; Acting! As an actor I was fortunate to have been put on a Scholarship at Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre in Hollywood, where I have been studying for a couple of years. I owe it all to Fred, Steph, Inner-City Filmmakers as well as John Jack, Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre, and everyone else who supports them. Thank you ALL for giving kids like me, an opportunity to learn, make contacts, reach for their dreams and become someone in this business.”

“–Inner City Filmmakers is Family! A family of opportunity and dreams come true. ICF opens more doors for you than keys ever will. ICF is the key to success for inner-city youth!”

2015 SUMMER PROGRAM – ASSISTANTS ROBERT GUTIERREZ – TEAM “C” CAPTAIN “I’m twenty-three years old, born in Bellflower, California and attended Banning High School in the smoky ol’ Wilmington South Los Angeles harbor. My family immigrated to the United States in the early 1920’s because of the country’s promise of opportunity, and we’ve been stuck in the dockside ever since! I know nothing about my father or his side of the family, but my mother was born in Torrance, California and raised in Long Beach. I am the first person in my family to graduate high school and attend college.

When I was a child, I loved to play video games, watch movies, read, draw, and skateboard- typical kid stuff, but I never could stand playing sports! My grandfather introduced me to the works of James Cameron, Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese and the James Bond films at a young age and that was what inspired my writing and directing style as well as made for awesome grandfathergrandson bonding. Just imagine, an old ex-con grandfather explaining to his little grandson why a couple of hitmen are scrambling to clean a blood soaked car after one of them accidentally shot the captive in the face when hitting a bump in the road! Growing up an only child under the wing of my grandfather, I was naturally introverted and reclusive. Whenever we had company, I would run to my room to escape the possibility of socializing with strangers and I never tried to make friends. In fact, all of the friends I made throughout grade school were a direct result of some kind of talent I had, which was mostly skateboarding and later on guitar at the time. I was very popular, people would say ‘You’re hell on wheels, man!’ and naturally be attracted to me. It wasn’t until I was around 14 years old that I began to give the world a piece of my mind. The greatest challenge in my life was becoming socially affable. I was always the type of person who never said much, just kept my thoughts to myself. I would, and still do, think about ideas, whether they’d be aesthetic or concrete but what held me back was knowing that most kids didn’t care much for ideas.

For now, I plan on working anywhere the film industry will accept me. If the job is in Los Angeles, I’m there. If it’s in Germany, so long suckers, I’m there, too. I really want to get into acting with full force by 2016 and use that experience to reach my ultimate goal of writing and directing feature films. All and all, I’m a renegade anthropologist with a filmmaker’s eye and a writer’s heart who uses my relationships and experiences growing up as a grandpa’s boy, heavy metal skater, and musician in a filthy dockside town to create authentic cinematic works of art.”

PEDRO GUZMAN – BEHIND-THE-SCENES VIDEO EDITOR “My parents are both from Mexico. I was born in East Los Angeles, CA and raised in the city of Maywood. In 2004, I graduated from Bell High School. During my junior and senior year I won the 2003 and 2004 South East Film Festival Award for Best Comedy. In 2003, I was Co-Writer, Assistant Director and Editor on “Bad Luck” and in 2004, I was the Writer, Director and Editor for best comedy on “Mama’s Gift Shop”. During my senior year, my film teacher, Mr. Murphy, told me about Inner-City Filmmakers. Of the twenty students who signed up for the program only five of us got accepted. During Inner-City Filmmakers’ Summer Program, I worked harder than I ever did in my life. Today, I’m proud to say that I am an ICF Class of 2004 alumnus and very grateful for the opportunity to have been selected for such a great program. Fred and Steph, throughout the years, have always been supportive of me and every single student who has gone through the program. I can personally say that I see them as my second parents.

Previously, I worked for the LAUSD Beyond the Bell Youth Development Program, which helps kids stay off the streets and maybe change their lives, just like Inner-City Filmmakers did for me. And, last year I also worked on the Inner-City Filmmakers Editing Team passing on my editing knowledge to the new students who would soon be ICF alumni, too. Thanks to Inner-City Filmmakers, I was introduced to Humberto Ramirez (ICF 1997), who hired me at Deluxe Technicolor Digital Cinema, where I have been working for over a year. I am so grateful to ICF, Humberto and this opportunity; I love my job and the team. My title is Mastering Operator for AMC trailers.”

“–Dream with your eyes open, not while you sleep.”

2015 SUMMER PROGRAM – ASSISTANTS DANIEL HENRIQUEZ – SOUND EDITOR “I was born in Burbank, CA and grew up in Sun Valley, CA. In 2014, I graduated from Verdugo Hills High School in Tujunga. My parents were born and raised in El Salvador, but had to flee due to a civil war that was taking place during their teens. They went to New York before coming to California. When they arrived in California, they settled and started a family which consists of me, and my two sisters.

Ultimately, career goal is to be a Sound Designer. Before Inner-City Filmmakers, I wanted to do Animation. I grew up making flipbook cartoons, and computer animations. I always loved making things move, but when I graduated from ICF, I had a newfound love for Sound Design. The attention to detail between these disciplines choices are very similar.

Film and TV are made watchable because of sound. I really enjoy recording and placing sounds into whatever is on the screen. ICF taught me so much, and probably the most important thing was getting the whole process understood. Before, I didn’t really know how professionals did any of the things they did. Now, I have a good grasp on how things play out on set, and the ethics of filmmaking.

I don’t think I could have learned any of this anywhere else, or at least in a very short amount of time.

I treasure the experiences I’ve had while participating in this program.”

KELSEY HORTON – OFFICE ASSISTANT Born in Tucson, Arizona, and raised by a single mother, I spent most of my life going from school to school, state to state. I have always wanted to do something creative, even if I did not have the talent for it. It took many years of failed ventures before I stumbled into and fell in love with directing.

In the beginning, I only directed for stage. My senior year at Hamilton High School, I decided to branch out and see what the world held for me. My film teacher, Ms. Iannacone, believed in me enough to recommend me to Inner-City Filmmakers.

Since graduating from Inner-City Filmmakers in 2012, I have worked in their office, interned for Lloyd Phillips, Executive Producer, MAN OF STEEL, at his production company, Kava Productions, and attended college. I have also gained hundreds of hours of on-set experience on AFI indie films and as an ICF Teaching Assistant and Team Captain last year.

The experience I have gained has widened my view of the filmmaking industry and opened my eyes to all sorts of jobs I never even knew existed. I never could have done any of this without the support from my mom, Ms. I., and Inner-City Filmmakers. Thank you for giving me so many opportunities to explore my possibilities!”

“–ICF taught me that a movie is written three times; in writing, in directing and in editing.”

2015 SUMMER PROGRAM – ASSISTANTS MOISES LOPEZ – TEAM “C” CO-CAPTAIN | CAMERA TA | BTS VIDEOGRAPHER “I was born April 11, 1994 and raised by my father, Abel Lopez, from Mexico and mother, Cordelia Noyola, from El Salvador. Growing up with three siblings isn’t easy; anyone can tell you that! The disparities of my family, juxtaposed to other families that are financially stable, eventually came to fruition as I became aware of my general being.

Growing up in Bell, CA, a very uneventful city (with the exception of all the scandal) the expectations of anyone endeavoring to pursue their goal was low; in contemporary times - morality is low, selfconfidence is low, ambition is low, and so on. Self-loathing becomes part of our lifestyle, constantly reevaluating decisions and bawling in the bathroom. Personal dreams and goals conflict with reality as I was, and still am, reminded of my current living situation: in poverty. The idea that my parents, loving and caring individuals, sacrificed 20 years of their lives working to create a foundation only to end up being laid off, jeopardizing everything they built, is perplexing to fathom at times. My mom didn’t survive a civil war, witnessed people die, family murdered and gone missing.

That being said, as general as it may sound: anyone can dream of what they desire to do, they just need to apply themselves. I’m a photographer, primarily focusing on street photography; attempting to capture in a single frame: emotion. With the experience of photography, I hope to gain a better “eye” as a cinematographer. All and all, I’m a storyteller. I want to tell stories people want to see and most importantly, tell stories people need to see - live action and animated. After all, we’re all from a single race. What we feel now, gleeful to despondent, billions of people have gone through similar situations, attempting to make everyday life enjoyable at the least.”

OSCAR MUNOZ – EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT “I was born in Bellflower on March 27th, 1996. My Mother’s name is Blanca Munoz, 52 years old, and my Father’s name is Jose Munoz, 52 years old, there from Jalpa, Zacatecas in Mexico. I have one brother named Jose Javier Munoz, 22 years old and two sisters named Elizabeth Munoz, 20 years old, and Alejandra Munoz, 32 years old.

As a child I loved technology. When I was twelve I got my first computer. It was an HP Presario V3000 and it was really slow and cheaply built. I remember the first time I got that computer I took it apart to see what was inside and what made it tick. After that, I got into computer programing in middle school which led to web design and graphic design. In the summer of 8th grade, I got to go to Washington DC for a school trip. I took the Nikon D3000 with me and fell in love with taking pictures. During high school I was into visual effects, photography and cinematography.

I started to make films and kept on perfecting my craft. It was becoming easier as I was getting better which led me to the decision of wanting to become a filmmaker. When I do something that I love, I put 100% into my work and take pride of my work. I am very persistent and determined to chase my dream. That’s when I applied to Inner-City Filmmakers.”

2015 SUMMER PROGRAM – ASSISTANTS JENNIFER NGUYEN – OFFICE ASSISTANT “I am a twenty-three year old young woman from North Hollywood, CA. I come from a Mexican and Vietnamese background, and I’m very proud of both cultures. Though we had a happy childhood with old friends, my brother and I didn’t grow up as privileged as others. I’ve never had my own bedroom, and I don’t know what it feels like to live in a house. Renting rooms is something I’m used to.

Despite this, I wasn’t like most girls. Playing with Barbie dolls and rummaging through my mother’s make-up wasn’t a pastime of mine. I was an artistic child, writing stories and borrowing my dad’s camera often. What I did love most, however, was going to the movies. I remember saving up money every time a Harry Potter film was going to be released. It was the perfect way of escaping the struggles my family and I were going through. I knew that film was going to be a passion of mine and I knew this very early on.

Going to the movies often and playing outside were the best memories I have from my childhood.

Another unforgettable memory was my parents’ divorce. It was a really hard time, and I felt I had to be brave for my brother. During High School, I got involved in performing arts by joining the chamber choir, which helped me cope with our drastic changes at home. We, a total of six people, were all living in one room in a dangerous neighborhood with drug addicts. My parents were so worried, we were not allowed to go outside. This prevented me from making friends, as if being in high school wasn’t hard enough. I turned to TV and movies to keep myself entertained. Movies made me happy.

I graduated from Birmingham High School in 2010 and then attended Pierce College to pursue other career paths in order to determine if film really was the right choice for me. I was unhappy!

I felt empty! I knew that I wanted to be a part of this industry. This led to an encounter with a high school friend, Ani Akelyan (ICF 2010). She encouraged me to apply in 2014 to the ICF Summer Program; I just met the age requirement. I put so much pressure on myself to get into the program because it had been four years since I graduated high school, and I felt I was going nowhere in life.

Inner-City Filmmakers was a “make it or break it” opportunity for me. When my acceptance letter came, I cried. I really did. I NEVER felt as happy as I did that day. Honestly, I never expected to learn as much as I did. Because of Inner-City Filmmakers, I gained a love for producing, and realized that this is what I want to do. Inner-City Filmmakers changed my life!

Since my completion of the Summer Program, I was hired as the ICF Back-to-School Coordinator to help inform and recruit new graduating high school students for the ICF 2015 Summer Program.

I have worked on student films and indie films. While I was Office Assistant, ICF matched me to an opportunity to work as a Post Production PA for Richard Molina (ICF 1993), 1st Assistant Editor on THE REVENANT, directed by, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. Recently. I worked as a Production PA on ACCIDENTAL TRIP, a Christmas feature film for Lifetime Network written by Jen Notas Shapiro, ICF Screenwriting Instructor.

As an aspiring producer, I have learned so much over the last year and continue to grow. A million thanks to Fred and Steph for believing in me, and for teaching me things I never knew I could learn.

I love you guys, and here’s to another great year. Cheers!”

2015 SUMMER PROGRAM – ASSISTANTS ANGEL SALINAS – TEAM “C” ASSISTANT | OFFICE ASSISTANT “My name is Angel Salinas. I’m 21 years old and I graduated from Bell High School in 2012. Born and raised in Bell, California, the thought of being in the movie business never crossed my mind. But things changed in my Junior year when I took my first film class. It opened my mind to what movies REALLY are, what they can do, say, and make you feel; an entire medium of art I took for granted as plain entertainment. Through my film class I learned that previous Bell High School alumni attended a program called Inner-City Filmmakers, which piqued my curiosity. After one of ICF’s famous “Back-to-School” presentations, where ICF alumni come to inform and recruit graduating seniors into their Summer Program; I signed up immediately. Summer 2012 was the best and most fulfilling summer of my life. From that moment on, there was no going back; I was, now and forever, a filmmaker.

Inner-City Filmmakers helped me realize my passion for writing and directing. With the knowledge I have gained from their countless and always incredible guest speakers, I definitely feel more confident in the process. I’ve gotten the opportunity to work on set, in office settings, and everything in between. I can honestly say I love every aspect of the filmmaking process. Making movies will never stop feeling like MAGIC to me. I never thought of myself as a confident individual.

I never thought I could talk to industry professionals without stuttering uncontrollably. Because of Inner-City Filmmakers and because of their enormous help and exposure, I can now confidently and stutter-free call MYSELF an industry professional.”

JENSON TRAN – TEAM “B” ASSISTANT “I was born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley and graduated from San Gabriel High School.

I am currently attending Mount San Antonio College. I grew up within an Asian family, resulting in having the constant words struck at me of either growing up to be a doctor, lawyer, or a nurse.

After coming to an epiphany, I have decided that this is my own life and I am to pursue what MY dreams are. My passion for filmmaking all started when I was in high school creating projects with a couple of buddies, which led me to Inner-City Filmmakers and opened doors of opportunities for me.

I have always been intrigued by how films were made. Writer, Quentin Tarantino, once said, ‘When people ask me if I went to film school I say, ‘No, I went to film.’ I love how every part is made and what everyone does to achieve how he or she imagines a film to be. I never had a goal of aiming towards a specific role, but to gain experience in all categories. There is so much to learn and I am always interested in learning everything, because I follow the motto of having to walk out of the room without any negative thoughts, but always taking every experience and turning them into knowledge. There is always something to learn in this world and the amount of effort we put in will be the result of what can be retained. What I truly hope for in the future is for me to look back at myself and say ‘I did it’.

I am immensely thankful for what this program has had to offer for me and will be looking forward to experiencing and contributing to the development of this program.”

“–Inner-City Filmmakers is boot camp for the real world.”

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”

- Clyde Campbell

“ICF IS A NEW OPPORTUNITY THAT HAS OPENED MANY DOORS.” - Kevin Hidalgo, ICF Class of 2005

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KEVIN HIDALGO 1987 - 2015

1. Kevin Hidalgo, an ICF 2005 alumnus and Casting Director. He teaches the ICF Class of 2009 “How to Cast”. At this time he was working at FinnHiller Casting as an assistant on ROAD KILL. 2. Jack Tucker, ACE, ICF Editing Instructor in 2005, teaches Kevin how to edit on the Avid.

3. Kevin Hidalgo was born in the United States. His parents came from El Salvador. Kevin attended Belmont High School and then, after graduating from Inner-City Filmmakers in 2005, he attended Santa Monica College. His Goal: Writer / Producer.

Kevin loved everything to do with the filmmaking process including Make-up and Graphic Design.

He also loved casting and became a Casting Society of America (CSA), union member. He would come back every summer to share his knowledge and teach our new students how to cast. Kevin’s motto, “Never give up, never surrender.” He was true to his word. After a month in an induced coma he was laid to rest at Forest Lawn in Glendale, on February 28, 2015.

4. Kevin with Natalia Provatas (ICF 2003), is one of his dearest friends who always assisted him during the ICF casting sessions. Natalia was working at DreamWorks Animation at the time and is also a great writer/director; Kevin casted her short film, which received awards.

5. Robert Teitel (center), Producer, NOTORIOUS, BARBERSHOP, MEN OF HONOR and SOUL FOOD, with Kevin Hidalgo (on Bob’s right) and the ICF Class of 2005. Bob spoke of the passion and hard work that a producer has to go through to get a film financed and eventually made.

6. Fred Heinrich, ICF Founder, presents Kevin Hidalgo with his ICF Class of 2005 Summer Program “Certificate of Completion” at Graduation, which was held in the Samuel Goldwyn Theater, thanks to the generosity of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

It was a most memorable evening…and one we will never forget. Rest in Peace, Kevin!!

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“Patches” 2000 - 2015

Carlos Chavez’s work ethic and creativity inspired him to reach audiences via airwaves and big screens. With the guidance of his Mexican-Portuguese immigrant parents, this 1st Generation American took the Southwest by storm utilizing his diverse background and creative talent. Most recently, as Marketing and Promotions Director for Entravision, his team took the radio stations to number 1 and 2 rankings. In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors for the “Arizona State University - HBA Chapter” to raise funds for much needed scholarships for upcoming ASU students and was awarded as one of the “40 Hispanic Leaders under 40” in 2013.

As founder of Olin Media, his work as film director, editor and producer has taken Carlos through a southwestern tour, which he embraces and thrives in with extensive knowledge of the general market and specializes in the Hispanic audience. He currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona, and is always looking for creative outlets.

1993-2015

P 310-264-3992 | F 310-264-3981 3000 West Olympic Boulevard | Santa Monica CA 90404 innercityfilm@earthlink.net | www.innercityfilmmakers.com