2024 JUDGES

Audio Engineer / William S. Hart Union High School District

Steve has been a sound designer for 20+ years, working with both live and recorded mixes. He is responsible for all aspects of the post-production process, dialogue editing, Foley recording, SFX editing, and final mixing. Steve has many years of experience using ProTools, Sound Blade, Nuendo, and many other audio software titles. He also has extensive experience on the hardware side, being responsible for peripherals such as mics and speakers, as well as installing and using next-generation audio boards.

Producer

A Los Angeles creative adept at uniting people and brands to create inspiring content. With experience in ad agencies and production, She’s handled projects globally and locally, from directing live broadcasts to motion-directing music videos and commercials. She has partnered with renowned brands like Coca-Cola, Samsung, and Target, delivering diverse projects from IPO launches to conservation PSAs. Heather’s a USC alum and co-founder of Three Leaves, specializing in video and new media. Available for project-based producing, directing, and creative consulting. Connect with Team Three Leaves for comprehensive collaboration.

CEO / Director - Ascension Media

A film industry veteran since 1990, rose to President and Director of Operations for a top California special effects company. With 32 years of experience, he's contributed to 170+ projects spanning film, TV, music videos, and commercials. As an award-winning director, he's helmed 16 features and 17 TV episodes, independently producing 36 films and 18 TV shows. Notable collaborations include "Pirates of the Caribbean," "Alice in Wonderland," and "The Passion of the Christ." With a proven track record, Lowry is an elite producer and director, poised for continued success in the entertainment industry.

KHTS FM 98.1 & AM 1220 Director Of Video

Andrew Menjivar is a director, producer, and editor. He first caught the "film bug" as a 6-year-old child running around with his father’s point-and-shoot camera, while having his little mind molded (and slightly rotted) by the dark humor of cartoons. In association with Inner-City Filmmakers, he made a three-minute short film titled in 2011; and in 2014 he was hired by KHTS Radio to create the station’s first video department. Andrew turned back to directing films in 2017, while also producing several new web series for KHTS Radio. Andrew embraces his vulnerable side along with his dark humor to create something truly....weird.

Managing Partner - PXL

A visionary creative leader with over 25 years of experience who has made a profound impact in the fields of entertainment and e-commerce. Notable roles include founding PXL, an acclaimed experiential design agency, and serving as the Global Head of Digital Creative for House of Blues and Live Nation. His creative achievements include pioneering roles in digital streaming and brand development for industry giants like Disney and Dr. Seuss which have earned his work numerous accolades. Throughout his career, Ryan's innovative vision has reshaped digital landscapes and set new standards for creativity and strategic leadership.

Carrma Owner & CEO

A post-production veteran of 20 years, blends creativity and finishing expertise across diverse media. Starting in 2006 at Modern Videofilm, he moved on to FOX Sports and Tyler Perry Studios before founding Red57 in 2012, earning a Golden Trailer nomination. Recognizing a need for quality finishing in entertainment marketing, then he established Carrma in 2019. A member of prestigious industry associations and a Marquis Who's Who 2023 Inductee, he resides in Santa Clarita with his daughter and dog. Beyond work, he drums for Bernith Fair, enjoys reading, and frequents the cinema.

Video Editor - Fox Racing Video Editor

Born in Colombia, Carlos and his family moved to the United States when he was young. Following a passion for film making Carlos worked hard and graduated first from California State University, Fullerton, and then Loyola Marymount University with a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Production. His short films have gone on to play at various festivals such as the Pasadena Film Festival, the Newport Beach Film Festival, and the Golden State Film Festival, with his most recent short film debuting on the streaming platform DUST. He has an illustrious media career at places such as Meta and is currently at Fox Racing producing videos.

Blackmagic Design

A USC School of Film and Television graduate, John started as a cinematographer before venturing into computer animation in 1993. Joining Amblin Entertainment, he contributed to visual effects for "seaQuest DSV" and "Star Trek: Voyager," earning an Emmy in 1995. Founding Digital Muse post-Amblin, he worked on various shows and films including "X-Files" and "Titanic: The Mini-Series." In 2000, he established a visual effects division at Hollywood Digital West, later becoming Vice President of Visual Effects at Liberty Livewire Pictures. Transitioning to producing, he's collaborated with notable companies like Pixomondo and Shade VFX, showcasing a multifaceted career in production and visual effects.

Writer, Editor, Scriptwriter, Producer

Writer, editor, show host, and video editor/producer for newspaper website. Scriptwriter for sitcoms and features, writer/producer for Learning Channel and Travel Channel.

Consultant - Grady Communication Strategies Consultant

A former Managing Director of Media and Public Relations for Los Angeles World Airports, Mary oversaw strategic and crisis communications for LAX, ONT, VNY, and APD. She managed staff and relations with 2,000 media outlets and executed passenger services communication, events, and social media campaigns. Previously, she led the LAPD Public Information Office, earning awards and hosting “Inside The LAPD.” With 20 years of broadcast journalism experience, she's won Emmys and Golden Mic awards. Grady now consults on public relations, crisis communication, media relations, and more, serving aviation, non-profit, safety, lifestyle, and education sectors. Additionally, she teaches Public Relations at Loyola Marymount University.

President - Luce Change Inc. President

20 years in Documentary TV as a director, producer, editor, and showrunner; David has pivoted to the social media content space over the past three years running his own content social media firm.

Scriptz CEO

The Scriptz company provides localization services to studios, independent production houses, and online media. Our post-production services provide scripting and created packages for the international distribution of television film, and online content.

FOX26 KMPH News Reporter

News Reporter, Multimedia Journalist, and certified Small Unmanned Aircraft Drone Pilot at KMPH FOX26 News, Sophia covers breaking news, investigations, hard news, and features. Previously at KNDO/KNDU NBC Right Now, she handled investigative stories, anchoring, sports reporting, and weather filling. A native of Los Angeles, she earned her Journalism Associate's Degree from College of the Canyons and Broadcast Journalism Bachelor's from California State University, Northridge. Internships included the Cannes Film Festival and ABC7. As President of the Radio Television Digital News Association, she interned at KHTS and won the RTNA Hal Fishman Memorial Scholarship. Passionate about giving voice to the voiceless and sharing impactful community stories.

San Bernardino County Multimedia Production Specialist II

Since her days at Palmdale High School, Megan has been immersed in television and video production. Shifting from broadcasting to public service, She is now a Multimedia Production Specialist for San Bernardino County. Previously, she spent 7 years at KUAM in Guam, handling news, ads, and motion graphics. In the Santa Clarita Valley, Megan honed my skills at College of the Canyons and SCVTV.

College of the Canyons Marketing Asst/Livestream Coordinator & ABC7 Newsroom Utility

Sportscaster, Newsroom professional, Play-by-play announcer

Actress, Host Hollywood BzS Bites, former CNN Anchor

Former CNN News Anchor and Entertainment Host now appearing in several streaming shows (The Santa Clauses Disney+) as well as the first episode (Presumed Innocent Apple+). Bella just finished shooting The Cake, with an all-Ukranian cast and crew. Looping and ADR credits include Tracker, Queen of the South, The Passage, and The Exorcist. Bella also hosts the Hollywood BzS Bites, filmed in Europe and the States, which are seen on ROKU. Her passions are Tennis and Pilates, and playing with her adopted Burmese cat from the Ukraine, Tosya. Bella is of Austrian descent and became a naturalized citizen at 12.

Media Executive, Quantum 8 Studios

Jeffrey L. Thompson is a media executive with leadership and content creation experience in organizations such as Walt Disney Motion Picture Group, Conde Nast Entertainment, Shout Factory, and RNN TV. Jeffrey is also an adjunct professor at USC’s Annenberg School of Communications. The leadership team has previously been involved with award-winning projects, including Scrum, Schooled, Let My People Vote and several other creative projects.

Freelance Executive Producer

A testament to his dedication, creativity, and versatility; Bruce has an illustrious career in television production, spanning three decades. Rising from a Production Assistant to roles like UPM and Line Producer, he gained a comprehensive understanding of the industry. Transitioning to the creative side, Bruce directed shows like "Viva La Bam" and "The Little Couple," shaping compelling narratives. His strategic insights enhanced shows like "1 vs 100" and the "76th Annual Academy Awards." With "Impractical Jokers: Dinner Party," he blends humor and storytelling adeptly. From humble beginnings to creative force, Bruce embodies innovation, excellence, and a profound love for television storytelling.

SchlickArt Co-Owner

Co-owner and Founder of SchlickArt, Brian leads a luxury visual marketing company focused on photography, video, and marketing strategies. Specializing in aiding businesses, personal brands, and professionals, SchlickArt's mission is to empower clients for visual marketing success. Their services, including headshots, marketing videos, branding portraits, and strategies, aim to equip clients with online marketing confidence to achieve business and personal goals.
Be Yourself. Brand Yourself. Tell Your Story.

Arcay Studios Founder, President

With over 15 years of experience in filmmaking and sound design, Koren Young brings a wealth of knowledge from contributing to major studio projects to championing independent films. Founding Arcay Studios and Video Bump, Koren excels in delivering studio-quality services and innovative video marketing solutions. His commitment to storytelling and education showcases a unique blend of artistic vision and mentorship.