Genevieve Trainor, a professional actor and PR and marketing expert, chats with a range of entertainment industry experts from around the world who share "insider insights" that demystify the industry and help with the economic development of our communities. On the last Friday of every month, Dr. James Wysong, Dean of Arts and Design at SFCC, and Milton Reiss, Co-Chair of the Film Department at SFCC, discuss everything from how culture impacts film and vice versa to their love of the sci-fi genre.
Nazneen Akhtar Rahim is a British American actor. Originally from London, Nazneen studied Law at the University of Westminster, graduating with honors, following which she practiced human rights law. She has worked at a humanitarian assistance charity, obtaining a certificate in Disaster Management and is fluent in Urdu and Hindi.
email - cinemascope@ksfr.org
-
Nick and Trevor Marcotte have made movies since they were kids — with their first serious effort being the 2012 short western, 'The Weight'. They're currently developing a retro vampire film called 'Sunset'. Their short proof of concept, 'A Scene from Sunset', will premiere at AFMX in Albuquerque this fall. 'Sunset' is a love letter to 80s vampire films (think The Lost Boys and Fright Night) and is about the dangers we face in growing up. It's a coming-of-age horror/comedy that's dipped in green chile, as the film is set in New Mexico. The project will be written and directed by the Marcotte Brothers. Nick Marcotte is a writer and producer. He's written the screenplays for 'The Weight' and 'A Scene from Sunset', and recently acted in short films 'Never' and 'Daredevil: Scales of Justice'.Trevor Marcotte is a director and producer. He directed 'The Weight', 'A Scene from Sunset', and works as a camera operator for unscripted television. He's also shadowed Academy Award-winning director Cameron Crowe.
-
Derek Bauder, a native of Yuma, Arizona, USA, began his journey after graduating from Cibola High School.He then enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, dedicating six years to conducting Helicopter Search and Rescue missions out of California.Following his honorable discharge in 2020, Bauder transitioned into the world of entertainment, establishing himself as an American Director, Writer, Actor, Producer, and Social Media Influencer.Bauder has showcased his versatility and dedication through various roles in film productions, including 'Pollo Loco' (2023), which received critical acclaim and recognition, along with many awards. Additionally, his notable contributions can be seen in other works such as 'G FUEL Man to the Rescue' (2023) and 'For the Music' (2022).In addition to his work on screen, Bauder has made a significant impact on social media platforms, captivating audiences with his engaging content under the pseudonym 'DannyDorito23.'From his six years of military service to his current endeavors in entertainment and digital media, Derek Bauder's journey embodies resilience, creativity, and a genuine passion for storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide.
-
Jijo is a third generation Los Angeles native and the grandson of Alan Reed who was the voice of FRED FLINTSTONE and acted in such movies as Breakfast At Tiffany's and Postman Always Rings Twice.Jijo’s latest feature films include Crescent City starring Alec Baldwin and Terrence Howard, THE BLACKENING directed by Tim Story for MRC, Village Roadshow's CINNAMON, and MENDING THE LINE starring Brian Cox (Succession)… also, MACHINE GUN KELLY'S LIFE IN PINK 2022 documentary for Hulu/Disney and BACK ON THE STRIP with Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish.
-
Aaron Alexander, a New Mexico native, has established himself as a creative force in the film industry over the past 15 years. His journey began as an actor, with notable appearances in productions like "Longmire." About 12 years ago, Aaron transitioned into directing, producing, and writing—a move that has defined his career. Specializing in drama, psychological thrillers, and horror, Aaron has crafted award-winning films such as "Opal," "The Weeping," "Detention," and "Perfect Vision." His latest project, "Rivals," promises to captivate audiences and further establish his legacy as a visionary filmmaker. As the Executive Director of the Mindfield Film Festival, Aaron plays a pivotal role in bringing filmmakers together, solidifying his influence in the independent film community.
-
Drew Lopez is from a small town; Las Cruces, New Mexico. Him and his family moved around a lot as a child but eventually they found their way back to Las Cruces. Drew enjoys being out doors and playing sports. He picked these hobbies because of the competition and for a split second his mind is silent. He started boxing as a kid and been training for the last 16 years. He is now a certified boxer, boxing coach, and personal trainer. Just recently, Drew started helping out at the local church as a youth pastor to give back to the community, help out future generations, and spread Gods word. Drew started acting in 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. In a couple years time, he worked on projects featured on Disney, HBO, and Amazon. He has also directed, wrote, stunt coordinated and produced various films. Drew Lopez is a hard working actor, enjoys new challenges and is always looking for new goals
-
As a native of Denmark, Daniel Stilling started his career as a Steadicam and camera operator in Scandinavia. In 2001 he moved to Los Angeles where he honed in on his passion for camera work, working in many acclaimed TV series, such as "Scrubs" and "Criminal Minds".
-
Jia Rizvi is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, podcaster, and writer who pursues stories of wrongful convictions. Her debut film, Conviction, chronicles the shortcomings of the American Criminal Justice system. Conviction saw success on the festival circuit and won awards for Best Picture, Best Cinematography, and an Award of Distinction, prior to releasing on Amazon Prime. Jia is also the Co-Host of Speaking of Crime, a true crime podcast series investigating mysterious cases. Jia was awarded the Digital Trends DEI Award in 2022 for her work on the film and podcast, and has hosted numerous episodes of the Emmy-Award winning show The List. She has written over 400 articles for Forbes.
-
Based in Albuquerque, Tiffany’s background in the film industry with acting, directing, writing and producing experience enhances the New Mexico Film Foundation's focus of supporting Above-the-Line talent. Former faculty member at the USC School of Dramatic Arts, Tiffany's notable film roles include "Sharknado" (you read that correctly!) and "The Last Girl", as well as "True Blue" and "Park 33", both currently in the festival circuit. She is finishing her feature film script, "SOS Paperclip", which she is set to direct, based on her directing-debut short, already starting world-wide distribution while on the festival circuit. In her former, pre-pandemic theatre life her resume includes her "hauntingly vivacious" turn as Fefu in Maria Irene Fornes' “Fefu and Her Friends” (Charles McNulty's 'Top 10 [National] Productions of 2019' at the Odyssey Theatre, LA), the award-winning productions of “Punch & Judy” (LA Drama Critic's Circle) and “Very Still & Hard to See” (LA Weekly Award), as well as the "perfectly enraged" titular role in “Electra”. Proud to call New Mexico her new home, Tiffany hopes to one day fuel her feminist drive with an official coffee sponsorship. Member of SAG-AFTRA.
-
Recently named a “2024 Rising Star of Animation” by Animation Magazine, Ashleigh Crystal Hairston is a multi-hyphenate in the truest sense of the word. She is the lead voice actress on Nickelodeon’s The Fairly OddParents: A New Wish, a series she also helped co-create. As a writer, story editor, and co-EP on the show, Ashleigh has helped shape its voice since its inception. She ran the writers room alongside Lindsay Katai, crafting the arc of the series and developing entirely new characters and relationships. She even served as lead writer on three episodes!Ashleigh is so proud to be introducing a new generation to Cosmo and Wanda, and to be lending her voice to the show’s new protagonist Hazel Wells. Of course, this latest achievement simply builds upon her previous work as Head Writer on Jessica’s Big Little World, a spin-off of the Emmy-nominated Craig of the Creek, where Ashleigh similarly served as staff writer and voice of the wild-eyed scientist Wren! Ashleigh is also the voice of the iconic Babs Bunny in the Warner Bros. revival Tiny Toons Looniversity, streaming now on Max.As one of the industry’s fastest rising Black women, Ashleigh is committed to uplifting others around her. She looks forward to ushering in an entire generation of Black voices in animation and beyond! She has previously been featured in Forbes as well as NPR’s ‘All Things Considered.’
-
Sopapilla Productions is an Albuquerque-based production company that focuses on highlighting and uplifting local businesses, artists, and creatives through film and media. It is led by the dynamic husband and wife duo Keith Allen and Felicia Masias who bring impactful collaboration, creative approaches, and truly local and original media content to Albuquerque. Recently, they have taken on the position of Executive Producers for Comcast Channel 26, Albuquerque’s Local and Original Channel, where they were awarded 'Best Overall Excellence in Public Access" in the Nation. As a result, hundreds of poets, artists, comedians, musicians, filmmakers, and content creators have been given a platform to showcase their work. In 2021, Sopapilla Productions was awarded the Virtual Visionaries grant by the City of Albuquerque. With this opportunity, Keith and Felicia produced and hosted 2 seasons of ‘Enchanted Foods of ABQ’; a food show that featured 18 of Albuquerque’s best restaurants. They were given the opportunity to create a mini-documentary highlighting 20 artists who were awarded the Urban Enhancement Trust Fund. For all of their work in the local film community, they were presented with the New Mexico Film & Television Hall of Fame Rising Star Award and the Emerging Bravos Award from the City of Albuquerque. Sopapilla Productions has been featured on KOB4, KRQE, and the Albuquerque Journal. To find out more, find them on Instagram @SopapillaProduction