Meet some of our talented Staff...
Each summer we are able to assemble an impressive group of young professional filmmakers and film students to teach our kids. Many return year after year to teach. We are grateful for their talent and commitment to teaching young people.
Academy
FILMSTERS
Teaching the Art of Filmmaking to kids 11-18.
Payton Barr
OPERATIONS MANAGER - Payton is a New York-based filmmaker on track to become a union assistant director. In 2020 she graduated from Drexel University with a B.S. in Film and Video Production and since then has worked on film sets across New York City. She is also writing her first feature film script, which she hopes to shoot here in Annapolis. This is her second year as operations manager at Filmsters.
Eli Stiewing
ACTING TEAM LEADER - Eli Gardner Stiewing was born in Annapolis and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He's attended Filmsters since 2011 and has worked on the acting team since 2019. Eli graduated from LaGuardia Arts High School and SUNY Purchase with a BFA in Acting. Ever since that young age, Eli has enjoyed the love of entertaining people and the joy of coming to a new role with a child-like sense of curiosity and exploring what they have to teach him. This year he heads up the acting team at FILMSTERS.
Siena Twiss
BEGINNERS - Siena is in. her third year at Drexel University studying Film & Television. Many of the films she has worked on in and out of the Drexel program have been shown in film festivals and shared across platforms. She worked on FILMSTERS production of the short documentary film Don't Hold Your Breath featuring Michael Phelps. My favorite part of filmmaking and where my strongest skills lie is the lighting and camera department. I was a camper for 7 years at Filmsters Academy and I can't wait to spend my first year as a staff member with the Beginners group!
Mason Standish
INTERMEDIATES - Mason Standish is excited to return for his second year as an Intermediate instructor and his 11th year involved with Filmsters. Mason is a senior at Emerson College graduating in their Media Arts Production program. Mason works in social media marketing, curating and producing content on TikTok and Instagram for musical artists such as LMFAO and Dayglow. He is also the Vice President of SWOMO, Boston's longest-running sketch comedy troupe.
Becky Bruner
BEGINNERS - Becky is a recent graduate from the University of Colorado. She will be pursuing her MFA at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts with a Focus on Creative Producing this Fall. She most recently produced a film in Savannah called Walk the Plank. She has previously worked for the Annapolis Film Festival as well as a few other film festivals. This is her second year working at Filmsters Academy.
Connor Wilson
WRITING TEAM/INTERMEDIATES - Connor Wilson loves taking time out to help aspiring writers. His passion for working with kids began when he started volunteering with the non-profit Young Storytellers in LA. Now Connor spends his summers working as a camp counselor at Filmsters Academy in his hometown of Annapolis, MD. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the USC School of Cinematic Arts in 2020. After graduating, Connor stayed in Los Angeles to work in production, but he plans to move to New York this fall. This is Connor’s 4th year on staff.
Julian Cividanes
ACTING TEAM/INTERMEDIATES- Julian is an actor/writer/filmmaker with a BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. He currently lives in New York, and recently co-starred in the two-hander drama The Infidels, an original play charting a destructive romance over the course of a year. Julian previously attended Filmsters Academy as a camper for six years, and this summer marks his second year as Intermediate staff!
Will Fritz
WRITING TEAM LEADER - Will Fritz is a recent graduate from the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) where he earned his B.F.A. in Dramatic Writing and a minor in Film and Television. This past year Will has been both a finalist in the 2023 Annapolis Film Festival short film pitch competition as well as the Coca-Cola Refreshing Films Program, the latter of which saw him write, co-direct, and oversee all phases of production for a 50-second commercial for Coca-Cola. Will is back to work with the intermediates again this year in addition to supporting the writing for both the beginner and advanced classes' films. He is thrilled to return to Filmsters for his 3rd year as an instructor and his overall 7th year with the camp.
Arthur Slade
ACTING TEAM - Arthur has been a regular fixture at film camp since he was 11. Since that time he has acted, written and produced many short films. He is a gifted artist and graphic designer and has assisted Art Director, Graca McKenney with designing the kids movie posters. Arthur Slade and I'm an aspiring actor/voice actor wanting to pursue a career in the film and entertainment industry! I'm a graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore with a degree in Business Administration and a knack for strong leadership and communication. I've always had a passion for film both on and behind the camera. This year I'll be returning as a member of the acting team for my 11th year with Filmsters Academy!
Jacob Chandler
INTERMEDIATES - Jacob Chandler is a rising senior at St. John’s College Santa Fe campus. He plans to earn an associate's degree in Media Production after he earns his bachelor's degree from St. John’s. After attending FILMSTERS for three years as a camper, Jacob interned for one year before returning to camp as an instructor. He returns this year for his second year as Supervising Staff for the Intermediate Crew.
Graca McKenney
ART DIRECTOR - Graca McKenney earned a BA in Art History & Writing from UMBC and a certification in Graphic Design from AACC. She worked with FILMSTERS for four years before returning to the Eastern Shore, where she currently designs online training activities for Piedmont Airlines as a Learning Development Specialist. She has also provided support graphic work for the Annapolis Film Festival since its inception. This is her 11th year with FILMSTERS Academy, where she oversees all Art Direction and graphics needs for the films and the print program, festival poster and helps all of the kids create posters and graphics for their films.
Josh Kruger
TECH ASST - Returning for his third year at camp this summer, Josh Kruger is a former Army combat photog who served two tours in Afghanistan. He is a trained Camera Op/DIT, drone pilot and Adobe Creative Suite expert. Josh has worked on several FILMSTERS productions and served as tech support for the Annapolis Film Festival for three years. An avid outdoorsman and parcore acrobat, he loves rock climbing and nature. He hails from Tennessee, but now calls Annapolis his home.
Johnny Gregory
TECH MANAGER - Johnny Gregory is a graduate from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in Film and Television. He works as a set electric and board operator on TV shows, commercials, and theatrical shows in Savannah, Georgia. He has been a staff at FILMSTERS for three years and attended as a student for eight.
Wes Shiflett
INTERMEDIATES - Wes Shiflett has been apart of Filmsters since 2010, starting as a beginner and working his way through the ranks, where he ultimately found his knack for filmmaking. He is a graduate of the Savannah College of Art & Design and now works as a freelancer in the NYC Metropolitan area as a director, writer, editor, and grip/electrician. He has recently worked on projects for NBC, AppleTV+, and Netflix. Wes firmly believes that the studios and their executives should pay their writers! He is also currently looking for work so don’t be afraid to say hi! His first project post-graduation was as a 1st AC on FILMSTERS documentary about shallow water blackout shot in North Carolina called Don't Hold Your Breath.
Amanda Christian
ACTING TEAM - Amanda is an aspiring actress from southwest Virginia. She graduated from Virginia Tech in 2019 with her B.A. in Theatre Arts. Since then, she has been working as a performer for the Walt Disney Company. Most recently, she completed a year-long contract in Japan with Tokyo Disney Resort, performing throughout the parks and also helping them open their newest nighttime spectacular “Believe! Sea of Dreams.” Amanda is so excited to be returning to the Acting Team for her 4th year here at FILMSTERS.
Casey Baum
ACTING TEAM - Returning as a staff on the Acting team again this year at camp, Casey is a rising senior at Temple University in Philadelphia where he is studying film. A former student at FILMSTERS Academy, Casey will return for his third year on the acting team. This past year, he was the on-camera live stream host of the Anne Arundel County Arts Council Gala where he helped them raise a record-setting amount to support the arts. Upon graduation, Casey completed an internship at NFL films. He has produced his own short film DORITO recently and has submitted it to festivals. Casey is currently working in post-production at MARVEL in Los Angeles, CA.
Antonio Marasco
CHIEF LIGHTING TECHNICIAN - A former Filmsters Academy student (2005 - 2013), Tony Marasco began his lengthy young career in Los Angeles working in the Set Lighting department at the age of 17. Since then he has worked his way up the ranks as a grip, key grip, best boy, and gaffer on various hip-hop music videos, commercials, feature films, and TV series with acclaimed Set Lighting crews. Now he is an active member of the Hollywood, California I.A.T.S.E Local 728 and is employed as a Studio Electrical Set Lighting Technician Journeymen. Credits include The Good Neighbor, Homecoming (Season 1), 9-1-1 (Season 1), Winning Time, Snow Fall (Season 5), Reasonable Doubt (II), Emancipation, and The Fablemans. He returns for his 5th nonconsecutive year of teaching the art of lighting for film.
Kenny Unangst
SUPERVISING EDITOR - Kenny Unangst’s first love was editing. He began editing stop-motion transformers videos at the age of 11 and moved on to short films in high school. He also worked for two years as an editor at the company Digital Feast cutting promotional material for businesses in the area. He then attended Full Sail University and was created as an editor for many projects. After graduating he became the creative director of Digital Feast. Proficient in both AVID Media Composer and Adobe Creative Suite, he is a workflow expert. Kenny also color grades and oversees effects and post-production. Kenny will return for his fourth year at FILMSTERS Academy this summer.
FORMER FILMSTERS ACADEMY STAFF
Joel Cowart
BEGINNERS - Joel was a student at Filmsters Academy for 5 years. This is my first year as a staff. Joel is currently studying Film and Cybersecurity at Messiah University. He is especially passionate about editing and visual effects for narrative films, but he also writes and directs his own short films. He is so excited to be working with the beginner students this year!
Joseph Daigle
BEGINNERS - This will be Joseph's 11th year at Filmsters Academy and his first year as a staff. He is currently enrolled in the transfer studies program at AACC and has a special interest in sound design, music, and writing. He will be working with beginners this year.
Caroline Schroeder
BEGINNERS - Caroline is a sophomore at Juniata College and majors in special education. She started her Filsmters experience as a student back in 2019, an intern in 2022, and now she is working as a staff member with Beginners. Caroline loves working with kids and helping them develop their creative side. She currently works within AACPS as a teaching assistant at Central Special School.
Ben Trevey
INTERMEDIATES - His 6th year at Filmsters Academy, Ben Trevey is a cinematographer who is currently about to complete his degree in film studies at UNC School of the Arts. He has been making films for the majority of his life and has recently shot numerous short films and music videos. He splits his time between coasts, working in Hollywood during his summers on short films, television series and feature films. He has worked at the Annapolis Film Festival for many years as a BTS videographer and is passionate about the Annapolis community and inspiring the next generation of filmmakers.
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Katie Sieracki
SENIOR STAFF INTERMEDIATE PROGRAM - Born and raised in Annapolis, Katie Sieracki has a BFA in Film and TV Production from NYU. She has written and directed the short film TONTINE, and currently lives in Los Angeles. This is Katie’s 13th year as an instructor with FILMSTERS Academy. Since graduating from college, Katie has finally found a calling in life: to work with adolescents. She claims has FILMSTERS to thank for helping her find her way, and is certain her relationship with the film camp will continue for many years to come. She holds the unique distinction of having taught all three levels of film camp.
Sarah Howland
WARDROBE/COSTUMES/MAKEUP - In her second year at Pratt Institute in NYC, Sarah is studying fashion and design. Severna Park High School senior Sarah Howland was 7 years old when she discovered her passion for fashion design. “My grandma got me this purple journal that had a navy blue gown on the cover,” Howland said. “I started designing princess-like ball gowns and putting them in this book. Once I filled that book, I went on to the next one, and I continued to fill sketchbooks for years.” Howland is now on her 13th sketchbook. Howland began taking sewing lessons at age 10, and she recently broke free of patterns to make her own designs. She interned at FILMSTERS Academy last summer and returns as a staff this year to dazzle us with her innovative designs for the kids.
Natasha Rathlev
PRODUCTION MANAGER - Natasha recently moved back to Maryland from Maine where she was an education program coordinator, managing outdoor environmental education programs for K-12 students. Previously, Natasha served as an Americorps Member in Baltimore, MD providing literacy education for K-3 students. Natasha also worked on the 4th grade team at Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center in Millersville Maryland. Natasha graduated from University of Richmond in 2014, double majoring in Film Studies and Environmental Studies. This is her sixth year at Filmsters Academy.
Lizzie Roberts
ACTING TEAM - Bio to come.
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Rae'l Ba
ACTING TEAM - Rae'l is a go-getter that's full of personality. She takes pride in being different. As a bi-coastal Senegalese-American actress, telling unique stories is in her DNA. In 2021, she snagged an extra role in the Warner Bros. film KING RICHARD. Raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Rae'l was born to perform! She began her training in the arts with classical dance at the age of 3. By the age of 9, her love of performing had extended to acting and she was soon accepted as a theater and dance major into a Performing Arts Middle School in Maryland. Rae'l continued to train in theater, film, opera, and playwrighting within her performing arts high school while also participating in local competitions, short films, and staged productions.
Following high school, Rae'l relocated to New York City to attend Pace University where she graduated with her BFA in Acting in May of 2020. She is also a 2019 graduate of the British America Drama Academy at Oxford University in conjunction with Yale School of Drama. In addition to her formal training, Rae'l has been mentored by world-renowned acting coach Vera Katz, Brandon Hammond and Ivana Chubbuck.
In 2017 Rae'l starred in and wrote the soundtrack for the indie drama "A Day in the Life of Who". In 2018, Rae'l worked on the critically acclaimed indie film "Maturing Youth" as well as "Aint no Sunshine" in the same year; Both of which generated a huge buzz at film festivals across the country and were nominated for dozens of awards. Rae'l can currently be seen live in Los Angeles, performing short-form improv at the famed L.A. Connection Comedy Theater.
Throughout her 13-year training career, she has starred in numerous award-winning Independent films, theatrical plays, musicals, and commercials. When she's not on stage or on set Rae'l can be found doing charity work, brushing up on aerial (silks), learning archery, and writing her poetry book. Rae'l is currently signed with Alexander's Talent Management and AC Talent Agency.
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Ashley Deckman
ADVANCED INSTRUCTOR - An Annapolis native, Ashley Deckman is an NYU MFA filmmaker based out of Manhattan, New York City. She is best known for her work as an Associate Producer for hit reality show "Our Little Family." She also worked for a year as the Production Coordinator for the Annapolis Film Festival in 2015 and Festival Manager in 2018. She is working to complete her M.F.A in both Directing/Writing and Producing from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts where she just wrote and directed her first film. Ashley will working with the Advanced program again this year.
Hayes Biche
ACTING TEAM LEADER - Hayes Biche is a New York based writer and actor. With theater degree from Oberlin College and training at The Acting Studio and Shakespeare and Co., he is fluent in many techniques of acting. Recently having graduated from Upright Citizens Brigade sketch comedy program, he writes, performs and directs with his comedy group ‘Broccoli in the Breadbox’. Hayes Biche is head of the Acting team and he just completed the Amy Pohler School of Comedy. As a student of the very first year of Filmsters, he is excited to return add to this amazing community!
Mitchell "Mac" Makowicz
INTERMEDIATES - Returning for his second year at camp this summer, Mac is a former Army combat photog who served two tours in Afghanistan. He is a trained Videographer, Soundman and Adobe Creative Suite expert. Most recently, Mac has been shooting for the Boston Red Sox. He lives in Boston with his wife and has been looking forward to returning to film camp again this summer.
DaJuan Gay
ADMIN TEAM - DaJuan first came to FILMSTERS Academy as a student at age 11. He has a remarkable singing voice and has performed in FILMSTERS Academy's screening night's musical intermission each year leading the group and often doing a solo. He has worked on many short films at camp in the roles of actor, producer, cinematographer, editor and production design. He attended the Advanced Program three times to make “The Ones We Love,” "Kiss of Death"and "Inside," which was featured in Maryland’s own Annapolis Film Festival. DaJuan attends the University of Maryland majoring in Criminal Justice. He first taught at FILMSTERS Academy in 2016. He has passion for politics and social change and is currently the youngest candidate to win the role of Alderman at the Annapolis City Council - Ward 6 in a Special Election. DaJuan is now serving his second term in the City Council!
Lindsay Courriveau
INTERMEDIATES - Lindsey graduated with dual degrees in film and digital media in 2016. Since then I've been working in fictional and commercial work and have had many opportunities to travel. Lindsey has written and directed a short film about a mermaid with special effects makeup. I love the creative collaboration that goes into filmmaking and look forward to helping the students learn how they fit into this team. This is her second year at FILMSTERS Academy. She lives in Annapolis, MD.
Cooper Flynn
BEGINNERS - Cooper has been an intern and is now a second year instructor in Beginners at film camp. Cooper is interested in writing, directing and music. Currently, he is studying at AACC and is a drummer in his band, Cooper has been a PA for the Annapolis Film Festival and on many other local productions in the DMV. He loves the energy of film camp and production.
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Stavros Doukeris
INTERMEDIATES - A graduate of Full Sail University this Spring, Stavros also holds a Bachelors of Science from the Manchester School of Technology in Video Production. Working primarily as an A.D, Producer and Director, he has credits on multiple short films including; Cowbelles - Director, SD productions Invasion, FS studios Swipe Right, Caesar Salad, Schools in Session, Tricology Productions Rush and The Power of Drag. After graduation Stavros moved to Smyrna, Georgia to work in the film industry right now he has done some extra work on a few tv shows, and movies ,he aspires to be an Assistant Director in the film world one day. He is good at talent wrangling, Final Draft, Adobe Premiere Pro, counting walkie talkies and answering the phones.This is his first year taking on Filmsters Academy. During his time at Full Sail Stavros directed a short film Cowbelles, he plans on submitting it to Key West Film Festival.
Joshua Dale
INTERMEDIATES - 2018 was Josh Dale’s first-time teaching at Filmsters Academy. Josh has graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Full Sail University. Josh has been acting as an extra on shows such as Brockmire, The Outsider, and Teenage Bounty Hunter. He has also worked on the short film Choices, and Cowbells both being shown in film festivals. He has also directed his own short film Rush. Although he has directed Rush, and Co-Directed The Power of Drag, he specializes as a DP/Gaffer. He grew up in southern Florida and recently moved to Atlanta, Georgia.
Chellie Schou
BEGINNERS - Born and raised in Annapolis, Chellie is a graduate of University of Colorado in Boulder with a degree in film. Chellie was the Programming Coordinator for the 2017 Annapolis Film Festival where she worked closely wtih filmmakers from around the world to bring their films to Annapolis. She just wrapped as Production Coordinator for the Annapolis Film Festival 2018 and prior to that went on the road as a PA on a brand new NETFLIX series. Chellie was a PA on GREAT BIG BABY, a feature documentary shot in New York City and has worked on various productions with FILMSTERS. Chellie taught three years with Beginners. She is on her second season of APOC on the CW series "All American." She lives in Los Angeles, CA.
Mandisa Henry
INTERMEDIATE STAFF - This is Mandisa Henry’s seventh year with FILMSTERS Academy. Presently, she work in production at Studio Unknown, a sound design and music studio in Baltimore. She is a 2007 graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Human Development. Since its inception, Mandisa has been a big part of the Annapolis Film Festival. She is on the Programming Committee and she currently serves on the Board of Directors for the film festival. She works as Production Manager at Studio Unknown, a post-production sound studio. Her area of expertise is Music Supervision. She is an instructor in the Intermediate program at film camp. She has taught for eight years at film camp.
Ryan Gugerty
INTERMEDIATE INSTRUCTOR - Ryan Gugerty graduated in 2012 from St. Mary’s College of Maryland with a degree in film and photography. Ryan is interested in documentary film, photojournalism, and film photography education. Ryan spent this past year serving in City Year Boston, a team-based national service program. Ryan has spent nine non-consecutive years teaching with FILMSTERS Academy and lives in California. He returned two years ago to celebrate our 15th summer!
Wes Farquhar
ACTING TEAM - Wes Farquhar is a local actor and improvisational comedy performer from Towson, Maryland. You may recognize Wes as the lead in last year's Advanced film ARDEUR. He is an aspiring filmmaker, a member of Shrug Productions and is currently studying film at Towson University. He is currently developing a web series. "I make perfect scrambled eggs and sob my way through Fast and Furious 2 every time it’s on television." This is his seventh year with FILMSTERS Academy.
Dan Sadler
INTERMEDIATE STAFF - Dan Sadler graduated from York College in 2010 with a degree in Mass Communication and a minor in Music Industry. Dan is a Varsity Lacrosse Coach at Chesapeake High School and musician in a local band. Dan’s production company, Badler Productions, produces video work in and around the state of Maryland. Dan is an experienced director, cinematographer and editor. Dan has had many memorable roles at film camp. He has played superheroes and villians, kooky professors and creepy Dads and is probably best remembered as the lead role of Jesus in the FILMSTERS Academy film, JESUS, INC. He is a member of Shrug Productions, a sketch comedy group. This is Dan's 8th year at film camp.
Charlie Henry
ACTING TEAM - Charles Rocco Henry of Severna Park, Maryland, has performed improvised comedy for over a decade. In the past, Charlie taught high schoolers improvisational skills and he is a founding member of Shrug Productions. a sketch comedy group. He has acted in several film camp shorts such as (Powder Man, Inside and Pulp Non-Fiction), as well as, shorts created for the 48 Hour Film Festival in Baltimore. Charlie recently appeared as a baseball fan in a commercial for National Bohemian beer. He has been at film camp as part of the acting team for six years this summer.
Holly Burns
ACTING TEAM - A five-year FILMSTERS Academy alumnae (2002-2007) Holly has been a member of the acting team at film camp. She now lives in Los Angeles. She is an actress, performs stand-up comedy , and is a member of a Los Angeles-based acting troupe. She has appeared in several indie feature films, short films and music videos. Holly hopes to return to FILMSTERS Academy this summer as an industry guest instructor.
Maurice "Moe" Taylor
SFX TEAM LEADER - His name is Maurice, but everyone calls him Moe! He’s a cool, down-to-Earth guy that is very ambitious, persistent, detailed and creative. He graduated from the Art Institute of Philadelphia with his Bachelors of Science in multi-media art
and animation. He currently runs his own multimedia company and is also a full time Artistic Genius at Tessemaes All Natural Dressings. He breathes, sleeps and eats art; art is life to him and he enjoys everything about being creative and sharing his visions with the world.
Ellen Heuer
INTERMEDIATE INSTRUCTOR - Born and raised in Annapolis, Ellen Reed Heuer is a graduating senior at Connecticut College, where she majored in film studies with a minor in music. She spent one semester abroad in Vienna, Austria in the Fall of 2016. She directed the 2013 Advanced film THE ONES WE LOVE and directed her first narrative short in 2015 at Connecticut College. Last summer, she interned at The Documentary Group in New York City. At film camp, Ellen teaches Beginner and assists in production on the Advanced film each summer. Ellen has cut trailers for the Annapolis Film Festival and has been responsible for running print traffic during the event. She is currently working for a production company in Brooklyn, NYC. She is thrilled to be returning to Filmsters this summer as a staff once more!
Mariana Mahoney
BEGINNER INSTRUCTOR - An Annapolis native, Mariana grew up at FILMSTERS Academy and went on to earn her degree from the New York Film Academy in NYC and Los Angeles. . After living and acting in LA for a couple of years, she has returned home and is working for Hartcorn Studios. This is her second year teaching at FILMSTERS Academy and she is very excited to see what she can bring to the many films created at film camp.
Logan McKenna Brown
BEGINNER STAFF - Originally from Georgia, and now a graduate of George Mason University, Logan has graduated with a major in Film and Video Studies this spring and aspires to be a Cinematographer/Director one day. She is a filmmaker with experience in short films having just completed and screened her senior thesis film, THE GAY CLUB. Logan has worked on various short films and productions at her university over the past four years. Her recent web series, Through the Trees Eyes, won a local Emmy Award for short-form fiction. She is a talented photo journalist and has shot behind the scenes for the Annapolis Film Festival. Her 4th year at FILMSTERS Academy and she is very excited to see what kind of talent the campers bring this summer. With a keen cinematographers' eye and a wicked sense of humor she will take on the Intermediate program this summer. In her spare time, Logan enjoys cinematography and photography.
Kathleen Taylor
BEGINNER INSTRUCTOR - Kathleen Taylor is currently earning her BFA in Theatrical Production Arts from Ithaca College, concentrating in Lighting Design, Scenic Design and Electrics. She was the lighting designer for multiple IC No Bucks stage productions and was also one of the lighting designers on the Block Concerts for the hit a cappella groups on campus, Ithacapella and Premium Blend. Her work on those shows has led her to work with The Vocal Company, many ICTV shows and Park School movies. Upon her arrival to Annapolis in 2010, Kathleen sought out FILMSTERS Academy and has been with them since, first as a camper, then an intern, and has now finally reached her dream of being a staff member for camp. In 2015, she missed camp to serve as Lighting Director for an outdoor ampitheatre in Hawaii. She resides in New York City.
Andrew LaHaise
ADVANCED - Andrew is a 2013 graduate of SUNY Geneseo with a BA in Philosophy. He started his television and film career working on The Good Neighbor in 2015. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Maryland and began freelancing in the DMV area as well as working for the FILMSTERS Academy as a summer instructor. Over the past year, he has freelanced full time with Sirens Media on various reality shows. Andrew returned for his second year as Production Coordinator with the Annapolis Film Festival 2017. Andrew has an interest in acting and screenwriting and will return to film camp this summer.
Kevin Mayorga
EQUIPMENT MANAGER/SUPERVISING GAFFER - A Colorado native now residing and working on set in Los Angeles, CA. Kevin works frequently as a freelance cinematographer, grip, assistant gaffer on several commercial and independent film productions. He has worked on many music videos and commercials, including the music video “Zumbao” for Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas. He worked in the camera department on the independent feature film, THE GOOD NEIGHBOR, starring James Caan, Keir Gilchrist and Logan Miller, released in 2016. For the past two summers, Kevin supervised the lighting with the Advanced class on the short films INSIDE and META. He hopes to join us again this summer.
Erica Rowe
ADVANCED - Hailing from Silver Spring, MD, Erica Rowe graduated from the School of Visual Arts in New York City in May 2010 with a BFA in Film & Video Editing. She works as a Freelance Editor in DC, engaged in creating documentaries for National Geographics WILD and others such as the award winning “Endangered Hawaii”, narrated by Richard Chamberlain, and “Don’tHate Me”, a work-in-progress about self esteem in teenage girls. She is a founding member of Shrug Productions. She has also branched into Special Effects by teaching herself 2D and 3D Animation. Most recently, Erica has also become a Published Author with several short stories on Amazon for Kindle under the pen name East Oakley. This is her ninth year with FILMSTERS Academy bringing experience in special effects, makeup, and stage combat.