ompa board nominees &Voting guide HOW TO VOTE:
• Read Board Nominee bios in this document • Click the “Ready to Vote” link at bottom of this page • Log in with your username and password* • Vote for up to eleven candidates • Submit your ballot** *Your OMPA password is different than your SourceOregon password. Use the password retrieval form if you forgot this password. **Businesses may have multiple contacts that receive our communications. Only one representative from each business may vote. Email info@ompa.org if you are having any difficulties.
i’ve rEAD ALL OF THE NOMINEE BIOS AND i AM...
ready to vote
1
ompa board nominee MICHAEL KOERNER
KOERNER CAMERA SYSTEMS
Michael Koerner, owner of Koerner Camera Systems Inc. with offices in Portland and Seattle. They rent the most sophisticated motion picture cameras, lenses and accessories available to episodic television shows, movies, commercials and corporate productions. Koerner Camera has grown to be the largest Motion Picture Camera Rental House North of Los Angeles. Prior to Koerner Camera, Michael was a freelance camera assistant and cinematographer. Long time OMPA member, former OMPA board member, married with four children. “I can be an ambassador to the OMPA by encouraging new members and involvement of current members in many of the programs and educational opportunities OMPA has to offer. The OMPA has recently, after over three decades, gained enough members who are organized and committed to make our voice heard in Salem. We have never been in this position before and we can become more of a voice with more members of both individuals and companies. I have always said that we are all in this together and if we get together we can have a larger impact on our vision of what we would like to see in the production landscape of Oregon.�
ompa board nominee patty brebner WIEDEN + Kennedy Patty Brebner is the Director of Integrated Production at Wieden + Kennedy. Patty works with W+K’s Portland Management Team overseeing all disciplines of W+K production -- Art, Broadcast, Experiential, Interactive and Business Affairs --as well as W+K’s internal production studios -- a collection of over 100 craft specialists and makers. Prior to this, Patty was the Managing Director of JOINT, an independently operated post production division of W+K. When Patty joined in 1999, Joint was a single editor operation with a limited niche capability. During her tenure as Executive Producer, and then Managing Director, Patty oversaw expansion to 12 editors, with the addition of visual effects, audio production, and music composition, as well as an office servicing W+K New York. “Having a leadership position at the largest independent creative agency in the world, which is also a significant stakeholder in Oregon’s healthy and vibrant production community, I believe I can be an asset to the board as OMPA expands its presence and offerings. Two areas I’d like to see grow are OMPA’s web and mobile app resources for crews as well as increasing digital capabilities. By seeing these two goals through, we can do more to serve current members but also broaden OMPA’s membership base.”
ompa board nominee NEIL KOPP PRODUCER Neil Kopp is a producer whose feature films include Kelly Reichardt’s Old Joy (2006), Wendy and Lucy (2008), Meek's Cutoff (2010), Night Moves (2014), and Certain Women (2016). He also produced Gus Van Sant’s Paranoid Park (2007), and Jeremy Saulnier’s Green Room (2016). His latest feature, I Don't Feel at Home In This World Anymore (2017), is Macon Blair's directorial debut and is a Netflix Original. He produces with Anish Savjani through their company filmscience. While Neil has served on OMPA’s board, he as testified in Salem, brought new revenue opportunities to the organization and continues to highlight the impact of the organization. Neil would be honored to serve OMPA a second term.
ompa board nominee james westby
iNDEPENDENT FILMMAKER
Called “a wizard of concision and a master of discomfort” by The New York Times, James Westby is an independent filmmaker from Portland, OR. He writes, directs, and edits provocative films with economical budgets and no compromises. And big laughs! And discomfort. Westby-made features include FILM GEEK (socially inept video store clerk loses his job and starts working at an auto parts warehouse), THE AUTEUR (sweet romantic comedy about the world’s greatest porn director) and RID OF ME (timid housewife wreaks revenge on her yuppie husband and his a-hole friends). His films have played at the Tribeca Film Festival, Michael Moore’s Traverse City Film Festival, Palm Springs Shortsfest, and hundreds of others. Westby’s work in the commercial world includes the short film EVAN RACHEL WOULD for tomboy clothier Wildfang (starring Kim Gordon, Beth Ditto, and Evan Rachel Wood), as well as recent campaigns for Duraflame and the cannabis edibles company Mirth Provisions. He is currently at work on his next feature, the experimental comedy-musical-documentary AT THE VIDEO STORE (starring John Waters, Bill Hader, Nicole Holofcener, and Todd Haynes).
ompa board nominee JANICE WILLIAMS PRODUCER Janice Williams joined financing and production company Groundswell Productions in early 2007 and currently produces and serves as President of Production for the company. Williams was nominated for an Emmy for producing HBO’s CONFIRMATION written by Susannah Grant, directed by Rick Famuyiwa and starring Kerry Washington as Anita Hill and Wendell Pierce as Clarence Thomas. She recently produced BIRTH OF THE DRAGON which screened at TIFF 2016, written by Stephen J. Rivele and Christopher Wilkinson, directed by George Nolfi, and starring Xia Yu, Philip Ng, and Billy Magnussen; LOVE THE COOPERS, directed by Jessie Nelson from the script by Steven Rogers; and TRUMBO, directed by Jay Roach from the script by John McNamara. On the television side, Williams is currently producing a new pilot for Showtime (UNTITLED FRANKIE SHAW PROJECT) in addition to the second season of THE MAGICIANS for SyFy based on Lev Grossman’s bestselling book trilogy and CHANCE adapted from the noir thriller by Kem Nunn. Williams also produced the ABC limited series THE ASTRONAUT WIVES CLUB which aired in 2015. In what ways will you be an ambassador for OMPA? As a working producer in both film and TV, I’d like to ensure that the OMPA is held up as not only a place which provides opportunity for its members, but also is known for the quality and talent of its membership. I’d like to use my experience to enhance both of those aspects for the OMPA, and to use
1
ompa board nominee josh lunden
independent filmmaker Josh Lunden, a relative newcomer to the Pacific Northwest, began his career as a film critic (mostly for the free DVDs), but for the last five years has been working as an independent writer, director and producer. His films have screened at festivals across the country and include the award-winning shorts “198,” “Someone” and “Battle of the Best Men.” He also works in the commercial realm as a writer, director, illustrator, and storyboard artist. In what ways will you be an ambassador for OMPA? believe I’ll be valuable as a “boots on the ground” ambassador within the Portland indie film community. I interact with a lot of unknowns (both hopeful and disenfranchised) and up-and-comers who are dubious about the value of OMPA. I think a lot of creators in town think of Portland as a stopgap on the path to LA. I think with better support and more incentives, OMPA can help change that and help make Portland the genuine indie film scene it so wants to be. And outside of spreading the gospel, I come equipped with years of practice in the disciplines of writing, filmmaking, graphic design, and existential dread. I’m happy to employ them all for the good of the cause.
1
ompa board nominee david cress producer David Cress’ career as an independent producer encompasses a multitude of genres. His work in music videos, advertising, feature films and now television has established David as a key contributor in vitalizing the industry that is growing steadily around him in Portland, Oregon. As the founding partner of Food Chain Films, a company he led out of obscurity and into the spotlight, David has developed the ability to bring talent together and lead projects seamlessly to their fruition. His leadership, coordination and knack for creating an environment for directors to thrive in, has brought him clients such as Nike, Budweiser, MTV, Miller Lite and Pennzoil. He is also known for his work on multiple films by internationally known director Gus Van Sant, including the critically acclaimed drama, Paranoid Park. He is more recently known for producing the hit comedy show Portlandia for which he was nominated for an Emmy in 2015. Other awards include work recognized by Peabody Cannes, Clio, CA, and One Show as well as Honorable Mention at the Sundance Film Festival and the Jury Prize for Best Music Video at SXSW Film Festival. David has served as President of OMPA’s Board of Directors during the organization’s search and transition for Executive Director. He helped to orchestrate industry day in Salem, brought new members and sponsors to OMPA, included OMPA in a PSA shoot and continues to highlight the value of this collaborative organization. David is seeking re-election.
ompa board nominee roland gauthier hinge digital Roland is a Founder and Executive Producer of Hinge Digital, focusing his talents on the studio’s strategic development, client relationships & vendor partnerships, and public relations. With over a 15 years of experience in the animation and VFX industries, and six of those as a business owner, Roland brings a wealth of experience in communications and strategy, production management and budgeting, as well as solutions-oriented problem solving and hands-on production. He is thrilled to contribute to the OMPA’s continued growth as a vibrant and sustainable member-driven professional organization. As an active OMPA board member and a Partner/EP at Hinge, a Portland-based production/vfx company, I am deeply committed to the mission OMPA and invested in the success & growth of our industry. I will continually strive to be an ambassador for OMPA through my engagement in the community & with our legislature, and by bringing new production job opportunities to our state.
ompa board nominee peter lund coo of supergenius Peter Lund is the Chief Operating Officer of SuperGenius, a video game development studio in Oregon City. He also serves as Chair of the Oregon Games Organization, and on the board of the Clackamas County Economic Development Commission and the Clackamas Workforce Partnership. “It’s a great time for media in Oregon, and I’m excited at the prospect of strengthening the Oregon media industry through service on the OMPA board. Our media is changing - traditional definitions of Film, TV, and Video Games have blurred. Production skill sets and user interactions that once ‘belonged’ to a particular medium (TV, Film, Games etc.) are now shared by many types of media as we build richer and broader story worlds. This makes it particularly important for all of us in the media industry to work together to promote a strong workforce pipeline, adequate capital and funding, and a friendly environment in Oregon as we build our media ecosystem. I look forward to working with OMPA to advance these goals.”
ompa board nominee SKYE FITZGERALD
DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER Skye Fitzgerald has produced projects focused on human rights and social justice issues since 1998. Along the way he has collaborated or received support from the Sundance Institute, the U.S. Institute of Peace, the State Department and the Paul Robeson Fund, including being named a Fulbright Research Scholar to produce the film Bombhunters. Reviewers have characterized Fitzgerald’s work as “emotional and artful,” “...visually brutal” (Variety), “an infuriating study in the ways that power greases the wheels of justice” (LA Weekly), and noted that it “confronts us with injustice” (Voice of America). As a Director of Photography Fitzgerald has lensed work for Dateline NBC, VICE News, CNN, Discovery Channel, Mercy Corps, Travel Channel, History Channel, Weinstein Company, ABC, MSNBC, NHK, Kaiser Permanente and the Portland Trailblazers. Fitzgerald is presently producing 101 Seconds and SARS, a film documenting Search and Rescue operations in the Mediterranean. He recently completed 50 Feet from Syria, a film about doctors working on the Syrian border. The film was voted onto the shortlist for an Oscar. More info at: www.SpinFilm.org. “I believe deeply in the mission of OMPA to promote the art, craft and business of filmmaking in Oregon at all levels of the industry. As a long-time non-fiction filmmaker and current board member of OMPA, I will continue to advocate for all members of the production community, including independent contractors and small-scale producers dependent on local clients and projects to make a living. I believe the needs and concerns of independent contractors, small-scale production houses, and new, emerging members of the community deserve a vocal and vibrant voice on OMPA’s board, alongside those representing the larger production entities in Oregon.”
ompa board nominee noah stanik
executive producer - nike Noah Stanik is Executive Producer at Nike in the Global Brand Communication Studio. He has worked as a producer, director and writer in advertising/marketing and is an award winning independent filmmaker whose work has screened at numerous festivals. His career at Nike began as a freelance producer and grew into the EP role in 2012. The Studio produces countless pieces of marketing and advertising for Nike for broadcast, digital and retail distribution around the globe. Forever a maker, when not busy creating film and video, Noah is busy designing and making furniture, video game consoles or whatever is next. He lives with his awesome family in Portland, OR. What makes OMPA’s mission meaningful for you? OMPA’s mission is to champion our industry. As a member, I take that challenge on personally and aim to champion all of the skilled and talented creative people I work with every day. The integrity of our industry starts at the individual level: I see this reality directly in so many of the amazing people with whom I’ve had the privilege to work. Oregon’s deep pool of talented folks makes it easy to encourage industry growth – we have such creativity right here in our state, and we continually rise to the challenge – a sentiment I often share when engaging with industry leaders around the globe who may not already be familiar with what we have to offer right here. OMPA has a strong role to play in promoting our industry skills and talents, and I’m excited to help it grow both the breadth and depth of its membership. I’m confident that the result will be a stronger, more robust organization that carries more meaning for all of its members.
ompa board nominee dennis gleason
dark wing productions Dennis Gleason, owner of Dark Wing Productions and founder of the new Dark Wing Foundation specializing in teen education, programs & nonprofit support. He has produced over 600 TV broadcasts including Teen Idol and is an AVP for Wells Fargo working in technical project management and instrumental lead for Apple Pay. Called the ‘Ultimate Volunteer’ by KATU’s Everyday Heroes program, Dennis puts in over 300 hours a year and is a current OMPA Vice President. 21 years & former Oregon College President with Oregon DECA and creator of new TV series DECA TIME. 10th years leading a team for the “Classic Wines Auction” and married to Ms. Oregon Plus America 2014 and celebrity makeup artist & hair stylist M’chel Bauxal-Gleason.
ompa board nominee greg mcmickle
production designer “Birds of Neptune” Production Designer Greg McMickle is a 35 year veteran of the entertainment industry.He began making short films at age 12 and soon moved on to documentaries and music videos while still in high school. After getting his degree in Film & Television Production, McMickle began working as an Account Executive with an AAAA ad agency where he brought the first 10 second TV ads to air and introduced the first all natural potato chips to the marketplace and would later father the concept of flavored sparkling water. During the1980’s McMickle split his time between production and the music industry and received a Platinum Album for “We Are The World”. Since 1985 he has worked primarily as a Production Designer or Property Master. While having his hand in some 50-odd films from “The Onion Field” to “Wild” some of his more memorable work can be seen in “Twin Peaks”, I’m Gonna Git U Sucka”, “Mr. Holland’ Opus” and “Mean Creek”. In another turn, his on-screen debut was in Gus Van Sant’s “Even Cowgirls Get The Blues”. In 2012 he received OMPA’s Award of Excellence and in 2014 the Gold Remi Award for Production Design at The Houston International Film Festival for “House of Last Things”.
ompa board nominee mary mcdonald-lewis voice actor & dialect coach MaryMac is a SAG-AFTRA member of 30+ years, working as voice actor in commercials and animation and as occasional on-camera performer. She is SAG-AFTRA’s national board member representing Oregon, with 20+ years’ service to the union. MaryMac is also a dialect coach in film, television and stage, serving as series’ coach for LEVERAGE and GRIMM, and counts among her clients Oscar, Emmy and BAFTA winners, along with a Knight of the British Realm. Attracting and growing film, television and digital media work in Oregon is MaryMac’s passion: the industry’s respectful wages and safe working conditions provide honest livings for the state’s working women and men, improving quality of life for all citizens. She is honored to continue this work on the OMPA board.
In what ways will you be an ambassador for OMPA?
I’m eager to continue my ambassadorship for OMPA as the “talent” rep; mine is the voice representing performers on the board. And as a dialect coach, I also support our wonderful crew, so I bring an experienced perspective to this work. I’m dedicated to our work to diversify our membership, and in supporting women in our field. In my first term I helped with our transition to new staff leadership, led our office clean-up and a badly-needed restructure of our board operations, and drove the initial outreach for a new office. My many years’ experience in union work enable me to contribute my expertise to board development and planning, and in organizational improvement. My standing as a working professional allows me to rub shoulders with our members on set, where I’m always open to carrying their voice to the organization, so we may remain current and responsive to all members’ needs.