Redfish Film Fest is proud to introduce our distinguished group of Headliners. They are all well respected in the film community with years of experience. Click on their image to read each Headliner’s background.
STEPHANIE HARLOWE
MATT ISEMAN
JERMAINE & MELISSA
MALIA MIGLINO
BRETT WHITCOMB
JOSH FORBES
ALEXXISS JACKSON
CARRIE KRUGER
DAYNA REGGERO
SOCIETY OF SIN
Rebecca Sirmons
Meg Cruz
Madison Tuttle
Chucha Barber
Lex Benedict
Greg Cruser
Anthony J Davis
Scott Harves
Anthony Hemingway
Michael Justice
Brian Leahy
Sarah Moshman
Celene Beth Olsen
William Roebuck
Robyn Roots
Robert Salyer
Cecile Scoon
Valerie Scoon
Tamra Simmons
Rebecca Sirmons
Deborah Lee Smith
Cori Shepherd
James Tralie
Madison Tuttle
Charlie Ward
Rebecca Sirmons is a GLAAD and Emmy award winning Network Executive. Currently, the General Manager and Head of NASA’s new streaming service NASA+, where she shares NASA’s story for the benefit of all. Rebecca was also the VP of Development at Conveyor Media, and prior to that was an executive at Robert Rodriguez’s El Rey Network, where she oversaw original programming, creative initiatives, and discovered diverse talent. Example credits include:
A member in good standing with the Producers Guild of America, filmmaker Chucha Barber has been creating documentary films for more than 30 years on topics as diverse as art, paleontology, high-profile murders and auto racing. She has produced more than 30 documentaries in partnership with network-owned stations including NBC, CBS, ABC, Univision and Telemundo.
Executive Producer of UNFILTERED: The Truth About Oysters, Chucha’s film has been screened at more than 30 festivals, including Redfish, world-wide earning awards at 11 festivals. It has been honored with 2 Suncoast Emmys and the Robert Stewart Environmental Film Award.
Past chair and founder of the Tallahassee Film Festival, Chucha owns and operates Chucha Barber Productions, which creates television programs and documentary films. Chucha’s work as a producer has earned eight Suncoast Emmy Awards, a Silver Circle Award for 25 years of television production excellence, and two Gracie Awards from the Alliance for Women in Media.
Chucha’s influence and interest extends beyond filmmaking. Appointed by a former Florida governor as a Commissioner of Volunteer Florida, Chucha is a past chair of the Volunteer Florida Foundation. She has served as a board member of the Leon County Tourist Development Council, instructed students as a guest lecturer at Florida State University, co-chaired the Tallahassee Heart Ball, and founded the Florida Wine Festival.
Cori is an Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning producer. She produced the hit Amazon docuseries LuLaRich and Wall Street Journal podcast Bad Bets: The Unraveling of Trevor Milton. Her latest work, Shiny Happy People, is the #1 doc-series on Amazon Prime.
Her other projects include Warm Bodies, a $116m global box office hit for Lionsgate; and Open Heart, a 2013 Oscar-nominated documentary that premiered on HBO. Her feature documentary Bending the Arc, which premiered at Sundance and on Netflix, was critically acclaimed as “a stunning documentary…a glorious and uplifting film.”
Additionally, she executive-produced Collisions, a 2016 Emmy winner for Outstanding New Approaches: Documentary, that premiered at Sundance.
Cori began her career as a television development executive and executive producer of scripted, nonfiction, and music programming. Additionally, Cori is a noted story impact and social change strategist who has worked with the Skoll Foundation and the Sundance Documentary Film Program.
As a proud Middle Eastern American, Cori seeks projects that highlight, employ, and move forward people and stories that have been historically unrepresented through the larger narrative.
Valerie is an award-winning producer and filmmaker. Most recently she produced the 2021 Invisible History: Middle Florida’s Hidden Roots which received the Suncoast Regional Emmy Award® and was broadcast nationally with American Public Television in 2021. In 2020, Ms. Scoon produced “Daring Women Doctors: Physicians in the 19thCentury” which also aired nationally on PBS. Previous to this, Ms. Scoon produced the documentary “Grenada: Colonialism and Conflict” which was broadcast in Grenada and has been invited to screen in NY, LA, Philadelphia as well as in countries in Africa and throughout the Caribbean.
As a Creative Executive for Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Films, as a Story Analyst for Creative Artists Agency, and as a Studio Executive for Warner Bros, Ms. Scoon has made a significant contribution to the body of American film culture. Her credits include the Golden Globe-nominated “The Great Debaters” starring Denzel Washington. Ms. Scoon’s credits also include the movies, “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and “The Wedding” both starring Halle Berry. Ms. Scoon was also instrumental in the adaptation of “Beloved” by the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, Toni Morrison. In addition, Ms. Scoon in her capacity as Studio Executive at Warner Bros oversaw such films as” Malcolm X” directed by Spike Lee and the children’s classic “The Secret Garden.”
Central to Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts longstanding success, Valerie Scoon has been a member of the faculty since 2003. Ms. Scoon teaches screenwriting, producing, and documentaries. Her work has resulted in many students receiving Student Emmys, Oscar nominations and entry into innumerable film festivals.
Valerie Scoon graduated from Harvard University with a degree in History and Literature of America.
Cecile received a Visual and Environmental Studies undergraduate degree from Harvard in 1981. She is currently a civil rights lawyer in Panama City, Florida.
After graduating from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1984, she spent five years as an active duty Air Force JAG prosecuting in military courts-martial. She retired from the A.F. reserves as a Major in 2005.
Cecile attempts to protect the rights of those wronged at work due to their race, religion, age, disability, place of birth, or unwanted sexual advances.
When not burning the midnight oil drafting lengthy pleadings, Cecile enjoys parenting her three children, as well as running, gardening, painting, and watching soccer matches with her best friend, husband, law partner, and LWV member, Alvin Peters. Cecile currently serves as the President of the LWV of Florida. She is a past president of the League of Women Voters of Bay County. Cecile also previously serves chair of the Florida League’s efforts on Restoration of Rights (including passing Florida’s 2018 Amendment 4) as well as heading up our Health Care Action Team. Cecile is a proud member of the Xi Omicron Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Cecile has been awarded the President of the Florida Bar’s Pro Bono Service Award for the 14th Judicial Circuit in 2021, The Pinnacle Award for Community Service Award for 2018 and the Woman of Distinction Award from Girl Scouts in 2015.
William Roebuck is a filmmaker, writer, and producer in Orlando, Florida. He was an Executive Producer for the feature films “The Breaking Point” (2014) and the award-winning film “The Turnaround” (2017). Roebuck directed and produced comedian Lester Bibbs comedy special “Laughter is the best Medicine” (2017). He also produced, wrote and directed “It Can Be Deadly” (2019) a year before the Covid 19 Global Pandemic. It is ironic because “It Can Be Deadly” was about an epidemic that breaks out in Orlando as city officials fight to distribute limited resources and prevent widespread panic. A year later, It was only natural that Roebuck jumped at the chance to write, produce, and lead the edit for the award- winning feature documentary “2020 Year of the Nurse” (2021).
In Orlando, William is active in the independent film community and he is in the process of setting up a summer program that will teach underprivileged youth how to create short films/documentaries and web series. Roebuck wants to empower young people to tell their stories, control their identities, and effect change in their neighborhoods.
Stephanie Harlowe is a respected voice in the true crime community, best known for her deeply researched, thoughtfully presented, and emotionally resonant video documentaries. With almost a million subscribers on YouTube and a growing presence in the podcasting world, Stephanie has built a loyal following by combining meticulous investigative research with compassionate storytelling. Since launching her channel, Stephanie has covered a wide range of cases—from headline-making criminal trials to long-forgotten cold cases—with a special focus on giving victims a voice and holding power to account. Her work is distinguished by its comprehensive case timelines, sharp analysis, and a unique ability to humanize even the most complex stories.
Stephanie is also the co-host of Crime Weekly, a top-ranked podcast where she and former law enforcement officer Derrick Levasseur break down cases from both investigative and psychological perspectives. Her talent for storytelling and passion for justice fuels her mission to inform, engage, and inspire her audience to think critically about the criminal justice system and the stories behind the headlines. Whether she’s unraveling the details of a decades-old mystery or diving into the latest developments in an ongoing investigation, Stephanie Harlowe delivers content that is as informative as it is compelling.
Robert Salyer is the Manager of Outreach and Impact at American Documentary, Inc. | POV, executing national outreach and partnership development for film-specific campaigns, educational resources and other organizational efforts, including leading the “Our America: Documentaries in Dialogue” project, an initiative that empowers PBS stations and local partners to champion civil, civic dialogue about issues that matter to their communities.
Robert has over twenty five years of experience working in documentary film and community media. He was a member of Appalshop, Inc. in Whitesburg, Kentucky for much of his career, directing and producing film projects centered on Appalachian culture, and has also worked on productions by CNBC, Greenpeace, HBO, and Break Thru Films, among others. His work has screened extensively in the U.S. and abroad, and included in exhibitions such as MoMA’s Documentary Fortnight and the Film Festival Dokumenter in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Robert was a long-time instructor with the Appalachian Media Institute, a youth media training program, and was the lead facilitator for an international media exchange project involving emerging Indonesian media makers funded by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Cultural Affairs. Robert has worked as a community organizer with the Virginia Organizing Project, taught documentary filmmaking at Kentucky State University, and was a mentor for the NYU Tisch School Immersion Program. Recently, Robert was the Producer of Portraits and Dreams, a documentary that aired nationally on PBS.
Internationally-acclaimed executive producer, creative developer, talent director, and entrepreneur, Tamra Simmons is currently the Director of Production and Development at Live Always (LA) Productions based in Atlanta, Georgia. A particular forte in storytelling, her primary role is overseeing the development and production of compelling, original content in television.
Simmons also has mastered the power of pitching and is known for her ability to develop and pitch content in all facets of television. Simmons inhabits entertainment and cultural niches of the industry, prudently creating and approving storyboards, monitoring processes to ensure accuracy in presentation. Emmy nominee, Simmons works in on-set production, leading projects from ideation to execution and final delivery. She is experienced in avidly hiring directors, principal cast members, and production staff.
Tamra Simmons is the creator and executive producer of the ground-breaking Lifetime documentary series, Surviving R. Kelly. Impressively, the docuseries has reached a viewership of 26.8 million since its debut in 2019, followed by two additional seasons.
Tamra is most recently acclaimed for her EP role in Peacock’s Casey Anthony documentary, which is the network’s number one documentary to date. Prior to producing the widespread docuseries, Simmons’ commencement to television occurred when she helped franchise the WE TV hit reality series, Growing Up Hip Hop. Tamra has orchestrated casting for several key brands, represented talent through outreach initiatives, and contributed to creative planning, using audience data to drive decisions. An ambitious visionary, her work has earned raving reviews by national media outlets including Deadline, CNN, Washington Post, Variety, and many more.
Celene Beth Olsen is a LatinX film/tv/podcast true crime producer based out of Salt Lake City, UT. Celene Beth has produced true crime documentary series for Warner Brothers Investigation Discovery, Hulu, Oxygen, and ABC. Her most notable series include In Pursuit with John Walsh, Phrogging: Hider in my House, and ID’s hit series, The Playboy Murders.
Celene Beth was also a highly recognized podcast host for Conveyor Media’s, The Chosen Ones, which followed the Lori Vallow Daybell investigation in real time. She is currently entering motherhood whilst producing tv series and her directorial debut, Killing Theodore, which explores the ethical coverage of Ted Bundy in the media.
Robyn Roots, a seasoned nurse turned accomplished filmmaker, boasts over 35 years of dedicated service in the field of nursing, with a specialization in kidney health. Throughout her illustrious career, she has held multiple leadership roles and actively participated in numerous organizations, including the National Kidney Foundation, which reflects her commitment to community well-being.
Recognized for her unwavering commitment, Robyn has received several awards for her exceptional service, with the prestigious President Volunteer Service Award among her accolades. Transitioning into the world of filmmaking seven years ago, she has quickly made a mark with 13 award-winning films.
Her magnum opus, “2020: Year of the Nurse,” stands as a testament to her filmmaking prowess, garnering countless awards on both the East and West Coasts. Robyn Roots continues to be a trailblazer, seamlessly blending her extensive nursing expertise with a creative flair that resonates through the lens of her impactful films.
Robyn Roots, a dynamic figure based in Richmond, VA, is a multifaceted professional blending a rich nursing background with an impressive filmmaking career. As the CEO and Founder of Klosa Productions LLC since October 2017, Robyn has excelled as a writer, director, and producer of award-winning films and music.
Simultaneously, she serves as the CEO and Founder of Kidney Keeper LLC since April 2013, focusing on renal strategy and consultation. Her commitment extends to Menopause Navigator LLC, a venture initiated in March 2023, where she shares expertise as a Menopause Expert and consultant.
A sought-after speaker, Robyn has shared her expertise at conferences, on podcasts, and as a keynote speaker for the City of Richmond. Her commitment to empowerment extends to leadership roles in professional committees and organizations, fostering growth and improvement.
BRIAN LEAHY is a Los Angeles-based writer and filmmaker. His most recent short film, 5 STAGES OF GRIEF (writer/editor), was awarded the SHIFT Creative Fund grant and is currently on the festival circuit. Additional credits include: MADE PUBLIC (writer/editor), starring Jeanine Mason (Roswell, New Mexico) and Josh Zuckerman (Oppenheimer), which screened at more than 40 festivals and garnered more than a dozen awards; the award-winning short film WAFFLES (writer/editor), which screened at more than 30 festivals around the world; the short film PROXY (writer), which recently secured distribution with HBO; the web series THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SUPER HEROES (writer), which premiered at San Diego Comic-Con; and the short film MIA, which premiered at Disney Studios. His latest film, GLITTERBOMB (writer/director) is currently in post-production. He has also scripted two educational series for those suffering with OCD and anxiety: THE NOISE IN YOUR HEAD, and OCD & THE 6-MOMENT GAME. Brian is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and the Atlantic Theater Company Acting School. He is also the author of the now-retired THE GROOM SAYS blog, a guide for men in the wedding process. Brian lives in Los Angeles with his partner, filmmaker Deborah Lee Smith, and his two girls.
Scott Harves is a storyteller first and foremost. A journalist, director, producer, and editor. He has worked for ESPN since 1997, producing content across many sports and all of ESPN’s platforms. From short-form TV pieces to feature-length documentaries, Harves enjoys using sports as a vehicle to tell stories about the human spirit or to shine a light on many of society’s important issues and topics from the past and present.
Michael Justice is an Emmy award-winning Producer who has worked at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center since 2009. During that time he has produced live broadcasts featuring the final Space Shuttle missions, NASA science exploration and planetary missions, and the return of astronauts launching to the Space Station from the United States. He has also produced many more original broadcasts and programs, such as the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 moon landing.
Prior to arriving at NASA he spent 13 years in television at a variety of locations and stations across the country. These include stints at FOX Sports and FOX Sports Net in Los Angeles, and multiple local affiliates in Michigan, Nebraska and North Carolina.
Anthony Maurice Hemingway, born in the Bronx, New York, is a Golden Globe, Emmy® and NAACP award-winning producer and director best known for his work on critically acclaimed series: THE PEOPLE V. OJ SIMPSON: AMERICAN CRIME STORY, POWER, POWER BOOK II: GHOST, UNDERGROUND, THE WIRE, SHAMELESS, UNSOLVED: THE MURDERS OF TUPAC AND THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G., GENIUS: ARETHA and his feature debut RED TAILS.
Hemingway is set to produce “Sugar Daddy,” a documentary film with the mission to investigate the disproportionate impact of sugar on the health of the BIPOC community and offer solutions on what can be done to stop the alarming epidemic. Also in the works, Hemingway will produce, co-write, and direct the upcoming feature film, “No Right Way,” an adaptation of Terrence L. Gallman’s book – FINDING ME, a powerful story about a man’s journey from the streets to the boardrooms on Wall Street, where the central theme examines the importance of changing oneself to alter one’s circumstances.
Greg is a Primetime Emmy-Nominated sports and competition show producer from New Orleans. He has produced the hit NBC show “American Ninja Warrior” for the last nine seasons and was the Co-Ep and post-production showrunner on “American Ninja Junior.”
Greg worked on the Titan Games with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as a talent producer and supervising producer and both seasons of Dunk King for TNT with Shaq, Charles Barkley, Dr. J, Nate Robinson, and Kenny Smith, now streaming on Max.
He has conducted in-depth interviews with over 300 elite athletes, ranging from Olympians and celebrities to professionals across major sports leagues like the NBA, NFL, and NASCAR.
Greg will moderate our Art of The Interview Panel at Redfish!
Greg’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3895894/
James Tralie is a TV/film producer, animator, and live TV host at NASA. He works at the intersection of science and art to create dreamy, otherworldly scenes, educational explainer videos, documentary productions, and immersive content for all of NASA’s social channels and for television. His latest production, a documentary TV series about humanity’s return to the Moon with the Artemis Mission, will air on Hulu. He is one of the top digital artists in the world and has exhibited worldwide including in Times Square New York, at Shibuya Crossing in Japan, at the Crypto Art Fair in Abu Dhabi, Art Basel Miami, and in Montreal, Canada. He is a member of the Television Academy.
Deborah Lee Smith is an award-winning Los Angeles based actor, producer, writer and founder of Pink Boots Entertainment.
Her most recent film, “Butterfly in the Sky,” is a documentary about Reading Rainbow, which premiered at Tribeca last June before going on to entertain audiences at over 40 festivals.
And we have it for Redfish!
She currently has six features that she produced under her belt including Here Awhile starring Anna Camp, Joe Lo Truglio and Steven Strait that you can find on HULU, and the action/thriller Last Three Days in which she starred opposite Robert Palmer Watkins.
Deborah is also a vocal mental health advocate and founder of “More Than You See,” a non-profit organization and podcast dedicated to sharing stories and resources surrounding the daily struggles of mental health. She is currently in development on many projects with a focus on telling authentic stories about the successes and inner struggles that we all face.
Listed among the most outstanding college athletes in modern history, Charlie, a two-sport athlete, was a stellar quarterback in football and an equally impressive point guard in basketball at Florida State University (FSU). During his senior year, he won over 30 awards, including the Heisman Trophy, and set 19 school and seven Atlantic Coast Conference records, subsequently leading the FSU Seminoles to their first-ever National Championship under legendary Coach Bobby Bowden.
After graduating from FSU with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Charlie was drafted twice by Major League Baseball and was a first-round draft pick of the New York Knicks. He went on to play for the Knicks, helping the team consistently reach the playoffs six consecutive years from 1996 to 2001. He played eleven seasons as a leading point guard in the NBA in New York, San Antonio, and Houston, and served as an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets for two years.
Madison Tuttle is an Emmy-award winning producer, writer and public affairs specialist based at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. For over six years she has supported multiple NASA multimedia projects including documenting NASA’s campaign to return humans to the Moon: Artemis.
Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, she graduated with a degree in public relations from Iowa State University and a Master of Arts in science communication from Johns Hopkins University.
Sarah Moshman is an Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker and TEDx speaker whose work has been featured on Netflix, PBS, Upworthy, Marie Claire, CNN, and Good Morning America. Sarah has directed and produced 3 feature-length documentaries:
Sarah is dedicated to telling stories that uplift, inform and inspire as well as showcase strong and complex female role models on screen. Prior to focusing on documentaries Sarah worked as a field producer on the hit ABC show Dancing with the Stars for 10 seasons as well as shows on NBC, MTV, Lifetime, Bravo and the Food Network. She also directs branded content for EllenTube, Tastemade, Mattel, AT&T and more.
Sarah is an inspiring public speaker, author, and an adjunct professor in documentary film, passionate about empowering the next generation of storytellers.
Sarah will be on a panel discussion for us and we are planning a hands-on educational camera workshop with her.
Sarah’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2875381/
Matt Iseman is an American comedian, actor, Emmy-winner and host of NBC’s Olympics coverage and the competition series American Ninja Warrior. Iseman graduated with Honors from Princeton and learned a medical degree from The Columbia University College of Physicians. Despite a promising future in medicine, Dr. Iseman chose to follow his passion for entertainment. He began performing stand-up comedy, drawing on his medical background for material, and trained with the world renown improvisational troupe The Groundlings. His comedic talent led to appearances on
television shows such as The Drew Carey Show and NCIS.
Iseman gained widespread recognition as the host of American Ninja Warrior, helping the primetime NBC series earn 4 Emmy Nominations. He’s been a part of NBC’s Olympics coverage since 2016 most recently hosting the Gold Zone during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. In 2017, he showcased his versatility by winning The New Celebrity Apprentice, with Arnold Schwarzenegger and still works closely with Arnold, hosting the Arnold Strongman Classic and helping him raise millions of dollars for the After School All Stars. Matt’s battle with rheumatoid arthritis, diagnosed in 2002, transformed him into a strong supporter of the Arthritis Foundation, earning him the title of “Arthritis Warrior of the Year” in 2018. Additionally, as a cancer survivor, he serves as a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. Matt also supports the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and is an Ambassador for the Armed Services Arts Partnership Iseman has been involved in various television projects, including Clean House, Sports Soup, 25 Words or Less and Live Rescue. He regularly appears on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Hollywood Game Night with Jane Lynch and is a Lip Sync Battle Champion.
Jermaine and Melissa Hughley are a dynamic husband-and-wife duo based in Florida, celebrated for their engaging and humorous content across various social media platforms. Their joint venture, “Life With The Hughleys,” offers a delightful glimpse into their everyday experiences, seamlessly blending comedy, travel, and insightful explorations of Florida’s rich history.
Jermaine, known for his approachable storytelling style, captivates audiences with his entertaining narratives about Florida’s historical landmarks and events. His passion for sharing the state’s unique stories has garnered him a significant following on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Melissa complements this with her vibrant presence, contributing to their shared content that resonates with viewers seeking both entertainment and education. Together, they create relatable and enjoyable
videos that highlight their adventures, culinary experiences, and the nuances of married life. Their content not only entertains but also fosters a sense of community among their followers, inspiring many to explore Florida’s hidden gems and appreciate the humor in daily life. Through their genuine and engaging approach, the Hughleys have established themselves as beloved figures in the digital content
landscape.
Malia Miglino is a Los Angeles-based historian, ghost hunter, and content creator who captivates audiences with her unique blend of historical exploration and paranormal investigation. With a deep-seated passion for the macabre and a flair for storytelling, Malia has carved out a distinctive niche in the world of history and ghost-hunting enthusiasts. Originally from Seattle, Washington, Malia has spent over 16 years in Los Angeles, immersing herself in the city’s rich history and vibrant film industry. Her professional journey reflects a diverse range of roles, including historian, producer, actress, and writer, all of which contribute to her multifaceted approach to content creation. Embracing her role as “LA History Girl,” Malia shares insights into Los Angeles’ storied past, highlighting its lesser-known tales and hidden histories. Her engaging content fosters a deeper appreciation for the city’s heritage among her followers.
Through her YouTube channel, Malia connects with a community of “Creeps” and “GraveHunters,” sharing videos that explore haunted sites, discuss paranormal experiences, and delve into historical narratives. Her content resonates with viewers who share her enthusiasm for the spooky and the historical.
After she was cast as the on-camera historical researcher for the paranormal series Haunted Discoveries, a role that allowed her to fully transition into travel blogging and historical research.
Brett Whitcomb is a documentary filmmaker with a catalog that oscillates between archive-rich,nostalgic portraits of pop culture, compelling stories of female empowerment, and observational snapshots of underexplored cultures. His 2020 feature Jasper Mall premiered at Slamdance and was later released on Amazon Prime and PBS. His 2022 feature, Butterfly in the Sky, is a love letter to the PBS series Reading Rainbow and its host, LeVar Burton. Butterfly in the Sky premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and was released on Netflix in 2024. His most recent feature, The Spirit of Halloweentown, explores a small Oregon town as it navigates its reputation
as Halloweentown. The film premiered at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas.
Josh Forbes was raised in the back room of a video store, subsisting on a steady diet of
popcorn, Skittles and trashy VHS. He escaped through the return slot and found refuge in a treehouse where he was adopted by a group of kids who ran their own monster extermination service. He eventually leveled up to man-size and started making music videos and commercials for bands like Walk the Moon, The Offspring, Good Charlotte, The Fray, and Sara Bareilles. He has directed commercial campaigns for Carl’s Jr, Jack Link’s Jerky and Malibu Rum. Most recently, Josh directed the feature film DESTROY ALL NEIGHBORS for Shudder. GALLAGHER is his documentary directing debut.
Alexxiss Jackson, SOC is a Director of Photography and Adjunct Cinematography Professor at Spelman College. She is a member of the International Cinematographers Guild/IATSE Local 600, the Society of Camera Operators (SOC), and the International Collective of Female Cinematographers (ICFC).
She has served as Director of Photography on narrative features, commercials, docuseries, branded content, music videos, and more; including work for entities such as Vogue Magazine, Sony Pictures, MSNBC, Google, Uber, BET+/Tyler Perry Studios, VH1, and Kroger. She has worked as a Camera Operator on projects for Hulu and Vice News, including the Emmy®-awarded series, “The 1619 Project”.
Carrie Kruger has worked professionally in fabrication shops In Los Angeles, California for 14 years, her specialty being painting. Before Los Angeles she lived in Lawrence, Kansas where she received a BFA focusing on metalsmithing. She has made things for artists, entertainers and commercials, building with wood, metal, fiberglass, acrylic, plastic, silicone, fabric, foam and many, many fasteners and adhesives. She paints with automotive and water based paints and spent 5 years painting for Universal Studios and Disney theme parks. In her personal time she tinkers with just about anything, likes to build things with found objects, play accordion and write songs on her guitar. Loves overthinking life’s mysteries and finding beauty and humor in everything.
Dayna Reggero is a healing listener with a masters in environmental science. Her work started at 19, appearing with animals on television to talk about environmental preservation. She partnered with Discovery for her first film tour and collaborated on Showtime’s Emmy award-winning climate series “Years of Living Dangerously” before founding the Climate Listening Project. Salon.com wrote: “By trade, Dayna Reggero is an environmentalist. Her work ranges from filmmaking to beginning her career as a spokesperson. However, her most skilled work might come in the form of organizing conversations, or simply starting them.” Woman’s Day Magazine showcased Dayna as an “Earth Mother: an Artist Activist who isn’t just fighting for cleaner air and water, but protecting a community’s most precious resources – its people.” Dayna was honored as Winner of the Maya Deren Short Film Innovation Prize for “her insightful, essential documentaries but also her human spirit to make the world more aware of itself
through her various projects.” Her efforts have been featured as National Geographic Open Explorer Expedition and in PBS series EcoSense for Living. She was selected for the Jackson Wild Mentorship Program and participated in the Tribeca Film Festival + Canva Program and Sundance Institute Short Film Program.
Founded by Xena Zeit-Geist in 2014, The Society of Sin is a group of New Orleans burlesque and variety performers known for creating burlesque shows with a narrative. Our tantalizing strip teases are often part of a larger story, like any play you’d come to the theater to see — except with a lot more nudity. Though the Society of Sin specializes in burlesque plays, we produce variety shows with acts that include sideshow, drag, comedy, singing, dancing, and neo-burlesque, and we also love a good classic burlesque show every now and then. Our troupe includes performers of all shapes, sizes, colors, genders, ages, backgrounds, orientations, and lifestyles. We are strong believers that all bodies are sexy and that the art of burlesque is about expressing beauty in its many different forms.
Megan Cruz is an award-winning storyteller, executive producer, and public affairs specialist at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. She’s currently preparing to anchor NASA’s Artemis II launch broadcast — the agency’s first crewed mission to the Moon in over 50 years. She’s also leading production on Far Out, a new NASA docu-series that brings audiences behind the scenes of the groundbreaking work that drives space exploration.Before joining NASA, Megan spent over a decade as a reporter and anchor in television news, with assignments across New York, New Mexico, and Florida. Her 13-year journalism career earned her numerous honors, including an Emmy and an Edward R. Murrow Award for her investigative and feature reporting.She’s passionate about making complex stories accessible and believes that curiosity and connection are at the heart of every great story — on Earth and beyond.
Madison Tuttle is an Emmy-award winning producer, writer and public affairs specialist based at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. For over seven years she has supported multiple NASA multimedia projects including documenting NASA’s campaign to return humans to the Moon: Artemis. Most recently she has co-produced a new NASA series exploring the out-of-this-world projects making space exploration possible.
Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, she graduated with a degree in public relations from Iowa State University and a Master of Arts in science communication from Johns Hopkins University. Outside of her work at NASA, Tuttle is an assistant professor of practice at Iowa State where she hopes to inspire the next generation of science communicators.
