Jennifer A. Haire is a Line Producer and DGA Production Manager with professional feature film and television experience since 1999. Her work includes domestic and international productions comprised of a diverse mix of feature films, episodic television, documentaries, game shows, and other short formats with budgets ranging from a few hundred thousand to hundreds of million. A proud “Fighting Pickle” she is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Jennifer is committed to giving back to the industry and has served on the Board of Directors for IATSE Local 871, the Producers Guild of America and committees for the DGA. Her industry educational initiatives include the development and execution of domestic and international film and television production crew training programs. She is the co-author of, “Keys to the Production Office, Unlocking Success as an Office Production Assistant in Film and Television” the first film & television production handbook dedicated to production office operations and the role of the Office Production Assistant. Recent 2025 projects include line producing the Huntington University feature film “Seniors,” the NC filmed feature “Widow,” and serving as production manager for the NC filmed feature “The Bard.”

Desmond Huey is an award-winning filmmaker, location manager, and educator with more than a decade of experience in film and television. His credits include The Chi, Empire, Power Book IV: Force, Chicago Fire, Mo, Chi-Raq, and the internationally recognized independent film Blooming Lion. Through his teaching, mentorship, and industry leadership, Desmond has inspired and guided aspiring filmmakers as they pursue careers in entertainment. He is passionate about building stronger pathways into the industry and helping others turn their creative ambitions into professional success.

Brett Hays is an Emmy Award-winning producer and DGA member — serving as Unit Production Manager and 2nd Unit Director — whose career is defined by the intersection of creative storytelling and logistical innovation. As the founder of Shatterglass Studios and co-founder of Flyover Film Studios, Brett has spent over two decades building a premier production ecosystem in the Midwest, partnering with major studios including Disney, Netflix, Hulu, A24, and Universal. Shatterglass Studios earned the Small Business of the Year award from the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce in 2012, and the following year received a regional Emmy from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for their documentary on the Roger Ebert Film Festival. In 2023, Brett co-founded Flyover Film Studios — a six-acre soundstage facility in Central Illinois featuring 40,000 sq ft of production offices and 100,000 sq ft of stages and sets — designed from the ground up as a hub for film, television, commercial, and live production in the Midwest. Flyover recently hosted the films "Chili Finger" (starring Judy Greer, Sean Astin, Bryan Cranston & John Goodman) and "Moses The Black" (with Omar Epps, Wiz Khalifa, Quavo & Chukwudi Iwuji, Executive Produced by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson). Brett is the architect of "Autopilot," a revolutionary turnkey production model designed to bring world-class infrastructure to Central Illinois. This initiative provides a plug-and-play environment for out-of-state productions — offering pre-loaded grip and electric packages, veteran local crews, and streamlined digital workflows. Its impact was proven in a case study for Moses the Black: by utilizing Autopilot and relocating the shoot to Flyover Film Studios, the production achieved savings of over $2.7 million while maintaining elite production standards. He also designed and built a proprietary script breakdown tool that automates the categorization of story elements by department — replacing the manual, spreadsheet-driven workflows that have long been an industry standard and giving productions a faster foundation for budgeting and scheduling from day one of prep. Alongside this, he developed a full-stack inventory management system for Flyover Film Studios — a customer-facing rental platform that digitizes the studio's equipment catalog and streamlines the gear request and fulfillment workflow. A leading authority on the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit, Brett is a key advocate for the state's 35–50% incentive program. His expertise spans the full financial and legislative landscape — from maximizing domestic and international tax incentives to contract negotiation, union regulations, and production budgeting — allowing him to inject millions of dollars into local economies while keeping productions on schedule and on budget. His credits include Mea Culpa and The Killer (Netflix), Deli Boys (Hulu), Saturdays (Disney), Slice (A24), Thunder Force (Netflix), and many more.

Anthony "ACE" Cabral is a seasoned assistantdirector with nearly 30 years of experience in film, television, and videoproduction. A Missouri State University graduate, he has worked on projectsranging from indie films to Disney TV programs. ACE is an active member of theDGA, PGA, & SAG-AFTRA, serving on multiple DGA committees. Dedicated togiving back, he has volunteered for over 25 years at the Sundance FilmFestival, teaches Workforce and Production Assistant Training Classes, and guest speaks at various universities & organizations across the country.

Erica Duffy is the founder and owner of Camera Ambassador, a full-service camera, lighting, and grip rental house in Chicago. Since launching the company in 2014, she has built it into one of only three woman-owned-and-operated rental houses in the country — and the only one in the Midwest. Her guiding philosophy, "Home Sweet Rental Home," reframes the rental house as a creative community hub: alongside a deep equipment roster from brands like ARRI, RED, Cooke, and Zeiss, Camera Ambassador hosts workshops, feedback sessions, and screenings, and offers internships. Recently relocated to an 11,000-square-foot home at CineCity Studios, Erica is a fixture of the Chicago film scene and a former Executive Director of the Midwest Film Festival.

General Manager of Daufenbach Camera and PERG board Chairmen with 15 years of experience in the rental industry

Colette has over 20 years of experience working with cinematographers to bring their visions to the world through cameras and lenses. Before leading the Chicago branch of Keslow Camera, Colette was a Film Loader and Camera Assistant with Local 600 in Los Angeles. She is passionate about giving everyone equal access to education, which led her to her roll as Secretary of Filmscape Chicago. She is also on the board of Women in Film Chicago. When she's not busy with the film industry you can find her enjoying the outdoors, boating, biking, crocheting, and reading.

Erin Grabe is Executive Director of ESTA. The Entertainment Services and Technology Association is a non-profit trade association for the entertainment technology industries. Our members are the industry's leading dealers, manufacturers, production companies, rental companies and professional service companies. ESTA's members are responsible for creating some of the most important programs in our industry including the Technical Standards Program, Entertainment Technician Certification Program and Rental Guard. By joining ESTA you are investing in the future of the entertainment technology industry. Membership in ESTA supports: increasing safety through the development of standards and certifications; educating members and providing business resources to increase profitability; representing the interests of the industry to government, regulatory bodies, and related industries; and raising the bar for ethical and professional behavior.

Mark Wofford is a film industry leader with more than 38 years of experience spanning production, operations, and executive leadership. He most recently served as President and CEO of Production Consultants and Equipment (PC&E), a leading Georgia motion picture equipment rental company. He is known for building high-performing teams and strong industry partnerships, with leadership experience across production, client management, marketing, and business operations. His earlier freelance production work includes roles from production assistant to assistant director across commercial, feature film, documentary, and live event projects. A University of Georgia journalism graduate, Mark has been recognized as one of Georgia’s 200 Most Influential Creative Industries Leaders and continues to support the industry through industry and educational advisory board service.

Colette has over 20 years of experience working with cinematographers to bring their visions to the world through cameras and lenses. Before leading the Chicago branch of Keslow Camera, Colette was a Film Loader and Camera Assistant with Local 600 in Los Angeles. She is passionate about giving everyone equal access to education, which led her to her roll as Secretary of Filmscape Chicago. She is also on the board of Women in Film Chicago. When she's not busy with the film industry you can find her enjoying the outdoors.

2026 Kala Bradford is an award-winning filmmaker, director, and the founder of Media Maven Studio, where she engineers cinematic infrastructure that delivers absolute brand clarity for industry leaders. Featured in Cinema Femme, (Pen, Picture, Chat), Camera Ambassador Schön!Magazine and Dances With Films, Kala is celebrated for her sophisticated lens and her ability to seamlessly blend culture, community, and commerce into compelling narratives. As a senior producer and a definitive voice in Chicago’s media landscape, she specializes in building the high-impact visual legacies that position founders at the forefront of their markets.

Samantha Russell is an American actress, creative entrepreneur, and advocate for greater inclusion within the film, television, and stage industries. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, and now based in London, her work sits at the intersection of storytelling, representation, and social change.

Samantha Russell is an American actress, creative entrepreneur, and advocate for greater inclusion within the film, television, and stage industries. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, and now based in London, her work sits at the intersection of storytelling, representation, and social change. With a background in Marketing, Business Administration, Sociology, and a master’s degree in Acting from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Samantha brings a unique perspective on both the creative and business sides of the industry. She is the founder of Last Looks Beauty, a UK based inclusive hair and makeup agency dedicated to improving representation and accessibility across productions. Through education, advocacy, and industry collaboration, Samantha works to create more equitable spaces where artists, crews, and talent can thrive.

I am award-winning, industry-recognised Hair and Makeup Designer, Hairstylist, and Educator with over a decade of professional experience spanning film, television, theatre, and editorial fashion. As the founder of the mobile beauty business Pretty Dolls Bespoke and a qualified Level 5 lecturer, she combines high-level technical expertise with a passion for mentorship, frequently providing hands-on opportunities for the next generation of industry talent. A fierce advocate for systemic change, inclusivity, and representation within the screen industries, I feel I have extensive technical knowledge of diverse skin tones and textured hair, as well as my meticulous historical and period research. Whether designing for independent short films like Luna's Ghost or stepping into key roles for major international feature productions, i have an unwavering commitment to workspace standards, ergonomic care, and creative excellence to every setting

Justin King is a commercial DOP based in the Chicago area. His work has included campaigns and commericals for brands and organizations such as the WNBA, Adidas, Patreon, and Adobe.

Drawn to visual art, Justin found a natural interest in cinematography. He is particularly fascinated by light and its ability to shape an image, transform a space, and influence how an audience experiences what they see.

Filmmaking's collaborative nature is one of the things Justin values most. He enjoys bringing talented people together around a shared goal and watching those collective efforts come to life on set.

Raul Benitez is a Latino film programmer in Chicago for over 16 years. Raul is also the Senior Programmer at the Midwest Film Festival and the Chicago Underground Film Festival. Raul also programs at Comfort Station Logan Square and Des Moines Latino Film Festival. Raul has been named a Chicago Film gem by New City Chicago for 2015,17,19 and in 2023 Raul was inducted to the Film Gem Hall of Fame. For Pixquid Raul is their Programming manager. Raul was also named an Esteemed Artist by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and received a DCASE grant for his Chicago/Mexico City Filmmaker exchange program. Raul is on the board of the Chicago Film Society, Chicago Screens, and formally at Chicago Filmmakers. Raul is also the cofounder of the Latine Film Gang Hang a local film industry meetup for Latino film workers.

Dana Kupper is a Chicago-based documentary cinematographer who started her career as a rental house technician and union camera assistant. As an associate at Kartemquin Films, she has traveled the world capturing intimate, character-driven stories and has contributed to many acclaimed documentaries. She served as the main Director of Photography for Steve James’s “Stevie”, which earned the Documentary Cinematography Award at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival and was shot on 16mm film. A dedicated mentor, Dana taught film and digital cinematography for over 28 years at Columbia College Chicago and has been a full-time faculty member at DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts for 10 years, continuing to guide the next generation of visual storytellers. A dedicated mentor, Dana taught film and digital cinematography for over 28 years at Columbia College Chicago and now serves as full‑time faculty at DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts, continuing to guide the next generation of visual storytellers.

Kate Markham is a nonprofit arts administrator with expertise in arts advocacy, development and fundraising, governance, budgeting and financial management, strategic planning, and organizational operations. She has dedicated her career to strengthening mission-driven cultural organizations through collaborative leadership, sustainable fundraising, and sound financial stewardship. Prior to joining Art House Convergence, Kate served as Development Director at Riverside Theatre and Director of Operations at FilmScene, where she helped advance organizational growth, financial sustainability, and community engagement. Across her career, Kate has focused on creating resilient, mission-driven organizations that support artists, audiences, and the communities they serve.

Tamarra Campbell is an award-winning Producer, Impact Producer, and the founder of Tmedia Impact Solutions LLC. With over a decade of creative experience, she has successfully led 7 impact campaigns and cultivated a dynamic artistic portfolio. As a dedicated sales agent, she actively places independent filmmakers' work on major streaming platforms. She currently serves as Executive Director of the West Michigan Film Festival and President of the Film & Media Alliance of West Michigan. An active voice in the creative community, Tamarra’s work has been published in GIPA Impact Materials and Voyage Michigan Magazine. As a sought-after speaker, she has engaged audiences at the Telluride Film Festival, Tribeca, and BGDM, dedicating her artistic practice to impactful storytelling and elevating marginalized voices.

Jay Holben is an award-winning independent director and producer living in Los Angeles, California. His feature film work includes Before the Dawn, Of Fortune and Gold, and The Invoking 2. A former cinematographer, he is an associate member of the American Society of Cinematographers and a co-chair of the ASC’s Motion Imaging Technology Council as well as contributing technical editor for American Cinematographer Magazine . His documentary experience includes work for clients such as General Motors, HBO, NRG, Nelson Racing Engines, and the ASC. He was also at the helm as director and producer of the ASC’s industry technology support project, the Standard Evaluation Material 2.0 film The Mission, a production backed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Amazon Studios, Disney, Sony, Warner Bros . and more. As a producer and director, Holben has helmed independent feature films, television series, documentaries, short films and commercials. 

He is also the author of six books on the art and science of filmmaking, A Shot in the Dark: A Creative DIY Guide to Digital Video Lighting on (Almost) No Budget , Behind the Lens: Dispatches from the Cinematographic Trenches , The Cine Lens Manual: The Definitive Filmmaker’s Guide to the Design, Implementation and History of Cinema Optics , American Cinematographer’s Shot Craft: Lessons, Tips & Techniques on the Art and Science of Cinematography , Lessons from American Cinematographer: Sharing Nearly Three Decades of Tips & Techniques Learned from the World’s Top Cinematographers , and most recently The Director’s Guide to Everything: A Comprehensive Guide for Motion Picture Directors on Every Aspect of Movie Making .

Kevin Otterness is a Chicago-based cinematographer and a distinguished figure in the world of film production, with a career spanning over 30 years. He developed a passion for filmmaking after his father took him to see Star Wars in 1977. Throughout his career he has honed his craft to create visually stunning productions that embody cinematic excellence. His work is characterized by a rich and vibrant use of color, combined with impeccable composition, that elevates each project to a new level of artistry. That, coupled with his collaborative work style, visionary skill, and overall professionalism allow him to deliver an exceptional product to his clients. Kevin has had the privilege of working with an impressive array of brands and networks, including Discovery Plus, Travel Channel, Sony Playstation, HBO, FOX, CBS, Motorola, Nike, Jeep, Hampton by Hilton, The Second City, MTV, WebMD, and Footlocker. His contributions to these projects have consistently raised the bar for visual storytelling.

Originally from the Northeast Arkansas Delta, Abby Orr is a business school dropout and Chicago-based actress. She has trained at The Atlantic Acting School, The Second City, and The Acting Studio Chicago, among others. Recently, Abby received a Best Actress nomination for her work in a short film with YOTP Productions. She is currently in rehearsals for The Glass Menagerie with Jeff Award–nominated Edge of the Wood Theatre.

Eric Almond, a dynamic filmmaker raised on Chicago's South Side, channels the rich culture of his upbringing into his work, capturing authentic narratives of triumph, resilience, and social justice. His unique perspective and visionary storytelling earned him recognition when he was featured in Shoot Magazine’s prestigious New Director Showcase, selected as a Top 100 Finalist for the Tyler Perry Dream Collective, and chosen for SeriesFest’s Executive Elevation Program, marking him as a rising talent in the industry. Eric’s award-winning short film, Requiem for Black Love, gained acclaim for its deeply emotional and resonant portrayal of love and loss within the Black community. Committed to creating opportunities for emerging creatives, Eric founded Write On: Writers Room, a collaborative initiative focused on developing original television content. Through the program, he assembled a team of writers and filmmakers to create The Village, an independent television pilot blending political satire, comedy, and social commentary. The project has earned festival recognition and its first Telly Award, further establishing Eric as an emerging voice in independent television. As a director, producer, and educator, Eric continues to develop bold, character-driven stories while creating opportunities for underrepresented voices. His long-term goal is to become a showrunner-director, creating impactful content that entertains, challenges, and inspires audiences.

Queen is pursuing a career in Art Therapy and Counseling via the MAATC program at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She also serves as the Chief Marketing Officer of Cutting Edge Animation to expand her artistic voice and utilize the vehicle of animation to uplift the struggles of mental health issues amongst BIPOC underserved communities. Queen also serves as the Board Director of Communications and Media for the nonprofit organization Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP) Chicago. She has served on this board since Winter of 2021.

Veronica (Vee) Harrison is an award-winning journalist from Chicago’s West Side. Her work appears in publications across the entire nation, covering and highlighting Black culture and Black narratives. Harrison is a local and international change agent, an influencer setting the stage for new voices in Black media and communications. During the course of her career as a journalist, she battled social structure through the lens of a Black woman raised in Austin, Chicago’s largest, poorest community on the city’s West Side in the 1990s. Directly after receiving her B.A. from Columbia College Chicago in 2010, she served as a journalism instructor for inner-city youth in Chicago, promoting news literacy and Black-owned media. Harrison has spoken to over three dozen audiences across the nation, challenging the narrative of Black lives in relation to racial inequality, poverty, and social justice. Televised coverage of her work as a Chicago based media influencer can be found on PBS/WTTW Chicago, Fox News Chicago, WGN News, NBC News Chicago and ABC 7 Chicago. In the Spring of 2023, Harrison launched her communications firm, Vee L. Harrison Communications. Her firm stands on the principals of reclaiming cultural narratives through public engagement, local advocacy and international relations. Harrison is the mother of five children and a Bichon Poodle, residing in the Chicagoland area.

C.C. Randle is a film director, educator, and writer whose work sits at the intersection of storytelling, technology, and the classroom. She conducted the majority of her English studies at the University of Oxford, where she studied Shakespeare and Modern Literature, an experience that shaped how she reads character, dialogue, and human motivation, and laid the analytical foundation that would later evolve into visual storytelling on screen. For 16 years, she taught high school English, Film, and Media Studies, guiding students through the same stories that once inspired her. Teaching honed her ability to see meaning beneath the surface, a skill that now fuels how she writes, directs, and designs. That classroom experience gave rise to the Cinematic Classroom™, a curriculum framework connecting film literacy to classroom instruction, bridging the language of cinema with the practice of teaching. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Directing and a Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction, both from DePaul University. The intersection of those disciplines, narrative and interface, story and system, defines the sensibility she brings to her work. Her MFA thesis film, A Mind of Its Own©, about a Black woman with a talking afro, premiered at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago in 2023 and is now streaming on AMC+. When she's not making films, she's writing books. Her first, Passing Notes™©, is a teaching memoir that uses pop culture as a lens for workplace hierarchy and creative resistance, currently in progress. C.C. Randle is the founder of Thinking Cap Films, LLC.

Adrian and Andrew Nuño, known collectively as The Nuño Twins, are Chicago-based film/new media writers, directors, producers, actors, podcast hosts, and all-around creative powerhouses. With over 10+ years in the industry, they tell bold stories that highlight underrepresented communities. The award-winning duo co-created the award-winning Latine web series Border’d with Lauryn Lugo, which premiered in November 2021 on the Emmy-nominated streamer, Open Television. Border’d won a Telly Award and was selected to screen at festivals around the world. In 2022, HipLatina named Andrew and Adrian among their list of "10 Latinx Filmmakers You Should Know About," and Andrew took home an Emmy® for Mardi Gras For All Y’all—with a second nomination in 2023. Their most recent project, the short film Final Frame, is screening at film festivals as is the animated short film Draft Paper that they served as producers on. Beyond filmmaking, they’re amplifying inspiring voices through their podcast, Twin Spin, where they dive deep into personal growth, creativity, and the stories that shape us (season 3 currently rolling out). Past and upcoming guests include media company founder and LGBTQ+ advocate Tony Morrison, Latina coach and speaker Erika Cruz, media entrepreneur Troy Pryor, and mental health advocate Juan Acosta. Whether it’s working on a film set or chatting it up with their latest guests, The Nuño Twins are always looking for the next creative endeavor to tackle and bring to life.

Jon Silver is an indie filmmaker with a comedy background. He is the Co-Founder of ShowPup Productions and has worked with Second City, iO and other comedy troupes to produce comedy sketches, short films, web series, TV pilots, and more. His first feature "The Civil Hoax", was called 'Can't Miss Indie Cinema' by the Chicago Tribune and his latest feature film “The Premiere” won Best Narrative Feature at Katra Film Series NYC.

Hailing from Chicago, 'home of the blues'. Great jazz, blues and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra gave Tim Barton an immersion in beautiful live music. Tim combines these influences in his compositions for multimedia, with a focus on piano and orchestra. He is a true collaborator and uses "a voice through the piano" with melody, style and the creative process to elevate his many projects.Barton's music can be found on a myriad of shows, including Call Me Kat (Fox), Younger and The Originals (the CW), Bored to Death on CSI, and various other programs on the BBC and HBO.Tim background is quite unique for a composer. Coursework for a Doctorate in Pedagogy from Northwestern completed 8 yrs with Nuns, 6 yrs of Jesuit training, 5 yrs of Evangelical truth and light at North Park Univ (Chicago) alongside a tough young life on the streets of Chicago. He was an instructor at both Northwestern and North Park. A member of ASCAP, the Society of Composers and Lyricists and the winner of the 2025 "World Championship Old Time Piano Playing Contest" in Oxford, Mississippi. Tim performs Fringe Festivals around the world, combining concert repertoire, jazz, blues and ragtime in his outstanding solo piano program "Rhapsody in Chicago Blues".

Winter Davis has been overseeing shows, programs, and events for various Chicago organizations since 2011, and is a freelance director/writer/performer/instructor/technology operator, etc. (you should see her business cards) throughout the world. She is a member of The Second City, Filmscape Chicago, FACETS, Women in Film Chicago, a smattering of film festivals, and multiple super-secret TV/film clubs. Winter has a background in virtual production, writing, theatre, and visual and media arts. She loves animals, coffee, and gluten-free snacks.

Jennifer A. Haire is a Line Producer and DGA Production Manager with professional feature film and television experience since 1999. Her work includes domestic and international productions comprised of a diverse mix of feature films, episodic television, documentaries, game shows, and other short formats with budgets ranging from a few hundred thousand to hundreds of million. A proud “Fighting Pickle” she is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Jennifer is committed to giving back to the industry and has served on the Board of Directors for IATSE Local 871, the Producers Guild of America and committees for the DGA. Her industry educational initiatives include the development and execution of domestic and international film and television production crew training programs. She is the co-author of, “Keys to the Production Office, Unlocking Success as an Office Production Assistant in Film and Television” the first film & television production handbook dedicated to production office operations and the role of the Office Production Assistant. Recent 2025 projects include line producing the Huntington University feature film “Seniors,” the NC filmed feature “Widow,” and serving as production manager for the NC filmed feature “The Bard.”

Jennifer A. Haire is a Line Producer and DGA Production Manager with professional feature film and television experience since 1999. Her work includes domestic and international productions comprised of a diverse mix of feature films, episodic television, documentaries, game shows, and other short formats with budgets ranging from a few hundred thousand to hundreds of million. A proud “Fighting Pickle” she is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Jennifer is committed to giving back to the industry and has served on the Board of Directors for IATSE Local 871, the Producers Guild of America and committees for the DGA. Her industry educational initiatives include the development and execution of domestic and international film and television production crew training programs. She is the co-author of, “Keys to the Production Office, Unlocking Success as an Office Production Assistant in Film and Television” the first film & television production handbook dedicated to production office operations and the role of the Office Production Assistant. Recent 2025 projects include line producing the Huntington University feature film “Seniors,” the NC filmed feature “Widow,” and serving as production manager for the NC filmed feature “The Bard.”

Dana Kupper is a Chicago-based documentary cinematographer who started her career as a rental house technician and union camera assistant. As an associate at Kartemquin Films, she has traveled the world capturing intimate, character-driven stories and has contributed to many acclaimed documentaries. She served as the main Director of Photography for Steve James’s “Stevie”, which earned the Documentary Cinematography Award at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival and was shot on 16mm film. A dedicated mentor, Dana taught film and digital cinematography for over 28 years at Columbia College Chicago and has been a full-time faculty member at DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts for 10 years, continuing to guide the next generation of visual storytellers. A dedicated mentor, Dana taught film and digital cinematography for over 28 years at Columbia College Chicago and now serves as full‑time faculty at DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts, continuing to guide the next generation of visual storytellers.

Jared Hoffa was born and raised in Womelsdorf, PA and began his career at NBC Universal's "In the Loop with iVillage" as a producer, shooter and editor. For over 10 years, he continued his career at ABC 7 Chicago and WCIU-TV winning both Emmy and Telly awards for his work. His documentary work was first recognized In 2009 for “All We Had” the retelling of his family’s

life and the tragedies caused by decisions made decades prior. The film was accepted at Marbella Film Festival and Cannes Short Film Corner the same yeat. Film critic Richard Roeper called the documentary, “VERY POWERFUL, HONEST, INSIGHTFUL AND WELL-MADE. A COUPLE OF TIMES I GOT THE CHILLS." 

Jared’s career sits at the intersection of media and technology. In 2009, launching “Project Slasher” an interactive horror film and in 2015, “Gaming Under the Influence” the first ever interactive livestreaming gameshow that caught the attention of Sony, Hulu and Netflix. In 2018, his innovative tech was featured in Inc’s “Small Business Initiative.”

Currently, Jared has turned his focus on supporting the film community. As co-founder of Pixquid he’s helped launch a decentralized marketplace for filmmakers to promote, sell, and distribute their movies without agents or gatekeepers..

As a veteran Chief Lighting Technician in the film industry, Len has been utilizing Vectorworks and Set LogicTM for over two decades. In line with a perpetual desire to collaborate efficiently with cinematographers and fellow department heads, he has utilized Vectorworks as a critical multifaceted design and communication instrument to put forth his vision with clarity. Len’s set lighting can be seen in BAFTA and Academy Award winning or nominated films Avatar: The Way of Water & Fire & Ash, Marriage Story, The Butler and Steve Jobs. Len’s contributions to television include Emmy Award winning titles like Fallout S2, Star Trek: Picard S2 & S3, Westword S1 & S2, Lessons in Chemistry, among over forty other motion picture projects.

Adam Hansberger, CPA, is the Managing Partner of West Central CPA and one of Illinois's approved CPAs for Film Production Services Tax Credit attestations. He works with film, television, commercial, and digital media productions to make sure their Illinois tax credit claims hold up — and when he's not on a production, he's leading audits for governments and nonprofits across the region.

Eunice Shelley is a corporate creative and filmmaker, turned fintech founder modernizing how independent films get funded. As Founder and CEO of CineSparq, she is building a financial technology platform that helps filmmakers transform creative projects into funding-ready business assets.

Her work is rooted in both corporate systems thinking and hands-on filmmaking experience. Before launching CineSparq, Eunice founded the Flip the Script Film Fellowship, a grassroots filmmaking program that provided emerging filmmakers with education, production funding and mentorship, from the page to film premiere.

Today, Eunice works at the intersection of storytelling, technology, and finance, advocating for a more equitable, scalable, and sustainable future for independent film.

Oscar Montesdeoca is a Chicago-based Location Manager and Directors Guild of America member with over a decade of experience in film and television production. He has worked as a Key Assistant Location Manager on major projects including Netflix’s Monster Season 3, Lionsgate’s Power Book IV: Force Season 3, Apple TV+’s Dark Matter, and NBC’s Chicago Med.Oscar specializes in scouting, securing, and managing locations throughout the Chicago area, overseeing permits, logistics, budgets, and on-set operations while leading teams and coordinating with local authorities and vendors.

Joey Joelle is born in Amsterdam, The Netherlands and started early in the entertainment industry as a talent agent intern at her Dutch modeling agency. After graduating for her Bachelor’s degree in TV & Film Production, she ventured directly into the production world. She has worked on international commercial campaigns for Coca Cola, Bacardi, and T-Mobile and major Hollywood productions such as Christopher Nolan's 'Dunkirk" and "The Hitman's Bodyguard" by Patrick Hughes. 

In 2018, Joey Joelle settled her roots in Chicago, IL as a Commercial Talent Agent for SCE Agency. She became the Agency Director of the agency in 2023 and got SCE Agency SAG-AFTRA Franchised in early 2025 to start a Theatrical devision. As a Talent Agent she's known for providing personable representation and booking worldwide work with her models and actors from all over The States in print, commercials, television and film. 

Jaxi is a Best Boy in IATSE 476 and has bested for television shows such as The Bear and The Chi as well as feature films for studios such as A24 and Netflix. Regularly humiliated by c-stands.

Natalia Salazar is an Emmy-nominated producer and dynamic film industry professional, with a strong foundation in film production, marketing and communications, and  community engagement. She brings over a decade of experience across public, private, and

nonprofit sectors, with a focus on advancing inclusive storytelling and elevating creative

communities. With a versatile production background spanning documentary, scripted, feature-length and short films, episodic series, commercial, and music video production, she brings a collaborative mindset and a deep commitment to meaningful storytelling. Her production experience includes distribution on major platforms such as AMC+, Prime Video, Netflix, HBO Max, Showtime and more. She also had a pivotal role in launching the Independent Film Alliance Chicago, managing programming, events, partnerships, and marketing. Natalia has curated and executed numerous large scale events, managed donor and partner relations, and spearheaded brand elevation campaigns that galvanized the local film scene. She is cofounder of Uptown Park Productions, whose mission is to illuminate Chicago's universal stories.

Demma’s creative work operates in parallel: her producing mind focuses on strategy and uplifting strong voices, while her writer-director mind explores dystopian worlds and themes of grief and how we come out the other side of despair. She is currently developing two feature-length scripts that expand her exploration of human resilience and complex emotional landscapes. She has produced over 15 short films, and as a producer, she is passionate about supporting creatives with a clear vision who obsess over story.

Beyond her own projects, she believes in uplifting the filmmaking community as a whole, fostering opportunities and connections for fellow creatives. A founding member of Film Girlz Brunch Chicago and a coordinator for the Chicago Independent Film Symposium, she champions up-and-coming filmmakers and bridges gaps in knowledge— which is why she also co-hosts “Players: A Film Industry Podcast” with Imani Davis, where they explore the creative and professional journeys of filmmakers and industry insiders.

Julia Relova is a queer Filipino-American filmmaker and creative producer based in Chicago. She co-founded Rm. 19 Productions, a company dedicated to telling stories that center women—both on screen and behind the camera. Julia has produced indie features like ROLLER BABIEZ and YEAR ONE, the latter of which is a ReFrame-stamped film—a designation from Sundance and Women in Film that recognizes gender-balanced productions. She’s also worked on a range of short films centering queer stories, both as a producer and director. In addition to her film work, Julia is a co-organizer of Film Girlz Brunch Chicago and the Media Storyteller at Mezcla Media Collective. Across all her work, she’s passionate about emotionally honest storytelling, collaborative sets, and uplifting underrepresented voices.

Joyy Norris is a writer, producer, film programmer, and arts administrator who works with organizations, productions, artists, and small businesses to realize their creative visions and put them into practice. She is currently the Black Perspectives Program Coordinator and Chicago Industry Exchange (CIX) Lab Manager with the Chicago International Film Festival (ChicagoIFF) as well as the Screening Coordinator with Mezcla Media Collective. Her career in cultural arts and media includes working as the Cultural Arts Coordinator for the City of Evanston, a Co-Producer and Artist Facilitator with Soham Dance Space, the Operations and Programs Manager with Sisters in Cinema, Assistant Director and Production Manager with RMB Studios, the Interim Theatre and Performing Arts Program Manager with the University of Chicago’s Arts + Public Life Initiative, and Operations Manager for the Rebuild Foundation. Her enthusiasm for artist development and advocacy is a driving force in her career and has deepened through her work with the CIX: Lab program under the Industry Days banner at the ChicagoIFF. The CIX: Lab program supports a cohort of five emerging local or Chicago-connected filmmakers on their journey to developing and producing their first fiction feature-length film. Through Master Classes and workshops with notable filmmakers and film-workers in the industry, she supports these rising talents and builds relationships that can usher them into the next phase of their film careers.

Sarah Minnie is an Emmy-nominated Producer, award-winning Director, and digital storyteller whose work illuminates the transformative power of authenticity. A self-proclaimed "video witch" and founder of Minnie Productions, Sarah views filmmaking as a magical, age-old practice of story sharing - one with the power to change the world. For over a decade, she has fostered bold, intersectional narratives while cultivating a collaborative "coven" of creatives who are motivated to challenge norms and actualize their visions.
With a portfolio spanning documentaries, commercials, fashion films, music videos, web series, short films, and features, Sarah’s work has earned accolades from VOGUE, The Chicago Tribune, Women & Hollywood, and SCREEN MAG, and has captivated audiences at festivals such as the Chicago International Film Festival, Austin Film Festival, NYC Web Fest, and DC Black Film Festival, among others.
Sarah’s devotion to storytelling extends beyond her own projects; through partnerships with startups, nonprofits, and film festivals, she provides consultations, mentorship, and resources that help emerging creatives harness the transformative power of their voices

Anthony "ACE" Cabral is a seasoned assistantdirector with nearly 30 years of experience in film, television, and videoproduction. A Missouri State University graduate, he has worked on projectsranging from indie films to Disney TV programs. ACE is an active member of theDGA, PGA, & SAG-AFTRA, serving on multiple DGA committees. Dedicated togiving back, he has volunteered for over 25 years at the Sundance FilmFestival, teaches Workforce and Production Assistant Training Classes, and guest speaks at various universities & organizations across the country.

Dana Kupper is a Chicago-based documentary cinematographer who started her career as a rental house technician and union camera assistant. As an associate at Kartemquin Films, she has traveled the world capturing intimate, character-driven stories and has contributed to many acclaimed documentaries. She served as the main Director of Photography for Steve James’s “Stevie”, which earned the Documentary Cinematography Award at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival and was shot on 16mm film. A dedicated mentor, Dana taught film and digital cinematography for over 28 years at Columbia College Chicago and has been a full-time faculty member at DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts for 10 years, continuing to guide the next generation of visual storytellers. A dedicated mentor, Dana taught film and digital cinematography for over 28 years at Columbia College Chicago and now serves as full‑time faculty at DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts, continuing to guide the next generation of visual storytellers.

Filipino-American composer and arts manager Tim Corpus is recognized for his compositions across concert music, film, and interactive media. His works have been performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Bolshoi Theatre, NYC MoMA, and the Auditorium Theatre, with features on BBC Radio 3, CNN Money, NPR, 98.7 WFMT, and Classical King FM. As a film and media composer, he has scored over 30 films and episodic projects, earning industry recognition from national festivals. Recent highlights include a performance of his double concerto for percussion with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Marin Alsop at Ravinia Festival in July 2025 and an upcoming orchestral work for the Danville Symphony Orchestra in spring 2026.

An accomplished orchestrator and arranger, he often prepares music for esteemed performers worldwide, including Renée Fleming, Andrea Bocelli, Placido Domingo, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Third Coast Percussion, Opera Festival of Chicago, and others. His album “MMXX”, a 2022 GRAMMY-selected release, was praised by critic Robert Hugill as “a striking disc.” Additional upcoming commissions include a new show for the Evanston Dance Ensemble2 in 2026, and music for pianist Alyssa Arrigo at the upcoming 2025 Ear Taxi Festival.

His diverse career in the arts includes roles as Executive Director, Production Manager, Marketing Director, and as an educator at Loyola University Chicago and Chicago City Colleges. A sought-after arts manager, he currently holds leadership roles as Executive Director for the Hyde Park Youth Symphony and also the 2025 Ear Taxi Festival—the largest contemporary classical music festival in the Midwest—co-founder of the Society of Composers & Lyricists Chicago Chapter, Governor of the Recording Academy’s Chicago Chapter, and Board Member of the Illinois Council of Orchestras. Previous roles include Executive Director for the Lake Forest Symphony, Board President of the Illinois Council of Orchestras (2018-24), and co-founder of the critically acclaimed Opera Festival of Chicago.

An entrepreneur in the arts, he founded the publishing company Attacca Publishing, LLC in 2012 and its recent branch, Chicago Scoring, a company providing composition and copyist services for film and media composers. His work with music technology has made him a main source of information, with his acclaimed YouTube channel bringing tutorials and resources for TouchOSC, music notation, and recording software.

With degrees from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University and The Hartt School at the University of Hartford, Tim Corpus has received accolades from 3Arts, ASCAP, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, The American Prize, and the Illinois Arts Council. His commitment to his Filipino heritage is evident in his research of Filipino composer Lucio D. San Pedro, presented at institutions like Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History and the University of Hartford.

Tim Corpus, an ASCAP member, publishes his compositions through Attacca Publishing.

Lori Felker is a filmmaker, teacher, programmer, and performer. Her films study the ineloquent, frustrating, and chaotic qualities of human interaction and have explored empathy, discontinuity, grief, and multiple dimensions. She eschews any particular style or genre in favor of letting content and concerns guide form. She loves every facet of filmmaking and has worked as a cinematographer, editor, and/or actor for various artists and directors, has programmed for the likes of the Chicago Underground Film Festival and Slamdance, and was a projectionist at the Gene Siskel Film Center. Her award-winning short films and one feature documentary have screened internationally, and she is the recipient of various grants/fellowships including a Fulbright, a Creative Capital Award, and a Wexner Center for the Arts Film/Video Residency. She lives in Chicago and is an Associate Professor at DePaul University. Her first fiction feature, Patient, is in post-production, and the original score is by multi-instrumentalist, improviser, and composer Fred Frith.

Award-winning composer Deciius (pronounced dess-ee-yus) has worked extensively in film, television, and games with much success. He is the recipient of two Silver Telly Awards for music in advertising, creating two jingles for a Chicago-based accounting firm, as well as a three-time Bronze Telly Award winner for composing the music.

He scored and orchestrated music for The Lena Baker Story, a film that was featured at the Cannes Film Festival, starring Tichina Arnold, Beverly Todd and Peter Coyote. He also scored a multiple award-winning documentary called Lakay by Tirf Alexius, about the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Other film credits include the action thriller Resurrection of Serious Rogers, directed by Angelo Bell, and also Critical Nexus, which enjoyed a successful theater and on-demand run.

For television, his music has been featured in dozens of shows including So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars, and American Idol. He scored the music for the Warner Brothers series Fanticipation, and has written music for both ESPN and Disney, as well as for commercials such as for McDonald's and Procter and Gamble.

As a game composer, he scored Dive To the Titanic and World of Subways 4 from TML Studios. A multi-instrumentalist, he has performed extensively in bands, and he has worked on many TV shows, including BET's latest season of The Family Business starring Ernie Hudson, Lisa Raye McCoy, Darrin Henson and Valarie Pettiford. 

With strong Haitian roots, Deciius grew up in Chicago, ultimately having earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in music composition from Columbia College Chicago. At present, he is the Associate Professor and Coordinator of Music Production at Prairie State College.

Brittani Ward is an entrepreneurial filmmaker based in Chicago. She began her career as a Casting Director, collaborating for more than a decade with world-renowned talent. Full filmography, including the countless stars she has hired, available on IMDb. 

Her feature directorial debut, Single Car Crashes—which she also wrote, produced, and cast—won the Best New Vision Award at its world premiere at Cinequest, earned Best Lead Actor at the Midwest Film Festival, and screened at the St. Louis International Film Festival before being released by Freestyle on VOD in North America.

Brittani produced Desire Lines - which won the NEXT Special Jury Award at Sundance 2024 and was highlighted by The New York Times chief film critic Manohla Dargis - and the comedic proof-of-concept Debaters, starring J. Smith-Cameron and Kenneth Lonergan, which premiered at Sundance 2025 and is currently touring festivals. She also co-produced and cast Adult Children, which made the esteemed 2026 Popcorn List after it won 'Best Ensemble' at Bentonville, won 'Best International Film' at Galway, and screened at Newport, CIFF, Woodstock, Heartland, and more.

Brittani has been recognized as one of the Leaders of Chicago Culture in Newcity’s "Film 50," and is a proud honoree of Crain’s Chicago Business “40 Under 40” Class of 2025.

Andrea Staley, Sustainability Expert, graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2003. After spending time working as a PA, videographer, freelance editor, media teacher, sales associate and office manager she landed a job at Barbizon Chicago, supporting Chicago Fire S1, Divergent, Betrayal, Mind Games, Crisis and Sirens. After that she moved on to Keslow Camera and supported many shows including Chicago One shows, Empire, Shameless, Captive State and a multitude of commercials. The next chapter was with both IATSE 476 and TEAMSTERS 727 as a DOT/DISPATCH, production coordinator, commercial coordinator and manager. Circumstance led to a job on Monster as the Sustainability Advisor for Netflix. Anyone who has worked with Andrea knows she is a waste not, want not person by design. Starting as a child when she would skip the Sunday paper funnies and go straight to the coupons and then pour over grocery receipts to see the savings, sustainability is ingrained in her modus operandi. Currently she is contracted with Netflix to support their sustainability goals on a multitude of film and TV shows all over the globe.

Ellen is a Chicago-based producer, production manager, and sustainability consultant with 15 years of experience in film, theater, and live events. After years of being shocked by the mountains of waste and carbon emissions on sets, she founded Ecofixr to bring practical, production-focused sustainability to the Illinois entertainment industry. In addition to her producing work, Ellen oversaw a multi-million dollar Covid-19 testing facility for NBCUniversal across Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago PD, where she managed large-scale operations under strict compliance requirements while earning the trust of studio leadership, producers, and crew alike. That experience is the foundation of how Ecofixr operates. Precise, dependable, and built for the pace of network productions. She has been actively advocating for sustainability through educational events with many prominent organizations, including the DCASE: Chicago Film Office, IFO Chicago, Illinois Film Office, and the Chicago Department of Environment. She is a member of the Chicago Sustainability Task Force and is always open to chat with anyone and everyone about the power of sustainable filmmaking on and off screen.

Jay Holben is an award-winning independent director and producer living in Los Angeles, California. His feature film work includes Before the Dawn, Of Fortune and Gold, and The Invoking 2. A former cinematographer, he is an associate member of the American Society of Cinematographers and a co-chair of the ASC’s Motion Imaging Technology Council as well as contributing technical editor for American Cinematographer Magazine . His documentary experience includes work for clients such as General Motors, HBO, NRG, Nelson Racing Engines, and the ASC. He was also at the helm as director and producer of the ASC’s industry technology support project, the Standard Evaluation Material 2.0 film The Mission, a production backed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Amazon Studios, Disney, Sony, Warner Bros . and more. As a producer and director, Holben has helmed independent feature films, television series, documentaries, short films and commercials. 

He is also the author of six books on the art and science of filmmaking, A Shot in the Dark: A Creative DIY Guide to Digital Video Lighting on (Almost) No Budget , Behind the Lens: Dispatches from the Cinematographic Trenches , The Cine Lens Manual: The Definitive Filmmaker’s Guide to the Design, Implementation and History of Cinema Optics , American Cinematographer’s Shot Craft: Lessons, Tips & Techniques on the Art and Science of Cinematography , Lessons from American Cinematographer: Sharing Nearly Three Decades of Tips & Techniques Learned from the World’s Top Cinematographers , and most recently The Director’s Guide to Everything: A Comprehensive Guide for Motion Picture Directors on Every Aspect of Movie Making .

Susan Kaufmann is a Costume Designer for film and television and a proud member of the CDG. Her diverse body of work includes films such as Robert Altman's "The Company , " Harold Ramis' "The Ice Harvest", and Michael Keaton's "The Merry Gentlemen, as well as the popular Dick Wolf television series "Chicago Fire," Chicago PD", and "Chicago Med".

As a veteran Chief Lighting Technician in the film industry, Len has been utilizing Vectorworks and Set LogicTM for over two decades. In line with a perpetual desire to collaborate efficiently with cinematographers and fellow department heads, he has utilized Vectorworks as a critical multifaceted design and communication instrument to put forth his vision with clarity. Len’s set lighting can be seen in BAFTA and Academy Award winning or nominated films Avatar: The Way of Water & Fire & Ash, Marriage Story, The Butler and Steve Jobs. Len’s contributions to television include Emmy Award winning titles like Fallout S2, Star Trek: Picard S2 & S3, Westword S1 & S2, Lessons in Chemistry, among over forty other motion picture projects.

Dana Kupper is a Chicago-based documentary cinematographer who started her career as a rental house technician and union camera assistant. As an associate at Kartemquin Films, she has traveled the world capturing intimate, character-driven stories and has contributed to many acclaimed documentaries. She served as the main Director of Photography for Steve James’s “Stevie”, which earned the Documentary Cinematography Award at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival and was shot on 16mm film. A dedicated mentor, Dana taught film and digital cinematography for over 28 years at Columbia College Chicago and has been a full-time faculty member at DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts for 10 years, continuing to guide the next generation of visual storytellers. A dedicated mentor, Dana taught film and digital cinematography for over 28 years at Columbia College Chicago and now serves as full‑time faculty at DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts, continuing to guide the next generation of visual storytellers.

James L. Neihouse, ASC is an award-winning cinematographer, filmmaker, photographer, and educator whose career spans fifty years in giant-screen cinema and visual storytelling.

A native of Paris, Arkansas, Neihouse is a graduate of Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California. Shortly after graduating in 1976, he worked on Ocean, the first underwater film produced in the IMAX format, directed by IMAX co-founder and future mentor Graeme Ferguson. Their professional relationship would continue for more than four decades, helping shape Neihouse's career and contributions to the giant-screen industry.

In 1980, Neihouse served as Director of Photography on The Eruption of Mount St. Helens, the first giant-screen film to receive an Academy Award nomination. Since then, he has contributed to more than forty giant-screen and large-format productions, including The Dream Is Alive, Hail Columbia!, Destiny in Space, Space Station 3D, Hubble 3D, A Beautiful Planet, Michael Jordan to the MAX, Ocean Oasis, Living Planet, Jane Goodall's Wild Chimpanzees, and many others.

His assignments have taken him around the world, documenting wildlife in the Arctic, Africa, and India; filming cultural traditions on multiple continents; and helping audiences experience human spaceflight through unprecedented access to NASA missions and astronauts. His work has brought viewers face-to-face with polar bears, wild chimpanzees, endangered species, world-class performers, and the wonders of space exploration.

Beyond filmmaking, Neihouse is an active educator and international speaker. Through the American Film Showcase, a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, he has led filmmaking and visual storytelling programs in Peru, Jordan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, while also participating in virtual programs for audiences in Yemen. He has shared his experience with filmmakers, students, and audiences at events including NAB, Cine Gear Expo, USC School of Cinematic Arts, Syracuse University, Northwestern University in Qatar, the ASC Master Class, Canon Expo, and numerous international cinematography organizations.

Neihouse has served on the Board of Directors of the Large Format Cinema Association, the Florida Motion Picture and Television Association, and the National Advisory Board of the Tampa Museum of Science and Industry. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Giant Screen Cinema Association and remains active in leadership and educational initiatives within the American Society of Cinematographers.

His work has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Giant Screen Cinema Association's Outstanding Achievement Award recognizing his lifetime contributions to giant-screen cinema, as well as Outstanding Achievement Awards for Cinematography for Hubble 3D and Space Station 3D. Additional honors include the Kodak Vision Award, the Imaging Alliance Visionary Photographer Award, a New York Festivals World Medal, and multiple NASA Group Achievement Awards.

Neihouse is a Distinguished Alumnus of both Brooks Institute of Photography and the University of Central Arkansas, the inaugural recipient of Brooks Institute's Distinguished Alumni Award, a member of the Paris, Arkansas Hall of Fame, an honorary member of the Malaysian Society of Cinematographers, a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and a member of the American Society of Cinematographers.

Dr. Mike Zevin joined the Adler as an astronomer in 2023, following his experience as a NASA Hubble Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Chicago. His research focuses on black holes, neutron stars, and deciphering the lives and deaths of massive stars using gravitational waves. He is a member of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration and one of the leads of the Zooniverse Gravity Spy project. Mike earned his B.S. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and his Ph.D. from Northwestern University. Prior to pursuing his Ph.D., Mike was an education specialist at the Adler, engaging guests throughout the exhibits and honing his science communication skills.

Attorney Elaine Wyder is Managing Attorney at Convex Legal LLC. Elaine enjoys helping entrepreneurs and artists safeguard their work and accomplish their goals through contracts and legal advice. Her entertainment practice includes business, finance, and intellectual property law for filmmakers, music, and other Elaine’s entertainment clients include film productions, music producers, writers, web designers, and entrepreneurs advancing tech in creative industries. Elaine draws on her background in graphic arts and tech every day as she works to protect and empower her clients. Her entertainment practice includes: • forming production companies • drafting agreements for film production • preparing investor documents and securities filings • Illinois Film Production Services Tax Credit advice • educating and advising her clients on legal and business issues • drafting and reviewing agreements for live performances • licensing and protecting intellectual property • forming entertainment-related tech startups • trademark registration • contract review and negotiation • drafting standardized client or service contracts • drafting employment and independent contractor agreements • reviewing publishing contracts Elaine also practices general business and nonprofit law. She concentrates in organizations who are creating something new, whether that is a new app or a program to change our world for the better. Before embarking upon her legal career, Elaine was a photographer, a multimedia programmer, and an adjunct instructor in graphic arts and information design. From the very beginning, she was deeply interested in intellectual property rights. At Chicago-Kent College of Law, Elaine and her teammate won two national moot court competitions. Elaine also externed in Northern District of Illinois and the Illinois Appellate Court, First District. On the client side, she assisted pro se litigants at the Chicago Legal Clinic’s Chancery Advice Desk. Elaine also worked to provide access to justice through technology, preparing web content for Illinois Legal Aid Online. Following law school, Elaine served for seven years as an assistant Attorney General for the State of Illinois, litigating appeals and drafting over 130 briefs for State agencies and officials. She finds her immersion in the world of government regulation invaluable in understanding and serving the needs of her private sector clients.