Samantha Walker (Sydney, Writer, and Executive Producer) is an actor, playwright, published poet, screenwriter, producer, and yoga teacher from Houston, Texas who has worked professionally in film, commercials, and theatre since 2012. She double majored in Theatre and French at Stephen F. Austin State University. Samantha has studied in Los Angeles with the Will Wallace Acting Company, in New York at the esteemed Bill Esper Studio, and for the past three years in Austin with Richard Robichaux at the exclusive Robichaux Studio. Samantha is passionate about creating work in Texas, about Texas, with Texas artists, which is one of her biggest motivations for producing her first short film screenplay, Hitchhiker. Samantha is also a dedicated yogi who has taught and practiced yoga for the past 15 years. She teaches yoga and mindfulness techniques for Central Green Park, ArcoFit Gym, and the Houston Police Department through the P.E.A.C.E. program when she's not on stage or set.

Alec Franco (Cal and Executive Producer) is an actor who recently finished his work on the film Do No Harm directed by Chris Hartwell, starring Harry Shum Jr.; and worked with Patrick Walker on Pugilistic Soul. He also starred in Wonder London where he played opposite Vivica A Fox. In Glenn’s Gotta Go, directed by Levie Isaaks and written and produced by Brad Maule, Alec played the title role of Glenn. His wife was played by Ruth Buzzi. Mr. Franco started acting in 1982 in Santa Barbara, CA, but finished his studies at the Los Angeles Theatre Academy. He has worked on stage with Mary Crosby and Judd Nelson at the Los Angeles Theatre Center in a production of The Seagull and Robert Beltran in Stars In The Morning Sky. He apprenticed at the Los Angeles Theatre Center, where he worked and learned on stage from great talent like Deirdre O’Connell (Stars In The Morning Sky) and Phillip Baker Hall (The Inspector General). He was able to participate in some memorable productions, the most interesting being a Glasnost production with Russian playwright Alexander Galin and his play Stars in the Morning Sky, The Inspector General directed by Stein Winge (director of the National Theatre of Norway), and The Seagull directed by Charles Marowitz. At the West Coast Ensemble Theatre in L.A., he had a great experience working with Obie Theatre award-winning and Pulitzer Prize finalist in drama, María Irene Fornés. 

Ryan Bradley (Jake) is a director, VMA-nominated producer, and editor—but acting has always been where his heart is. He’s trained at Ivana Chubbuck Studios in Los Angeles and with Richard Robichaux in Austin, and recently made his stage debut as Jackson in Rabbits, which had its world premiere at The Vortex in Austin. He’s currently developing a new short film called The Best Worst Time. Ryan is proudly represented by The Acting Group (TAG).

Scott Rice (Director) is an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and commercial director whose clients include Shell, Time Warner Cable, MasterCard, and Sears. He’s worked with talent like Glenn Close, Brett Favre, and Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey, with whom he co-teaches a film course at the University of Texas. Scott’s narrative work holds a staggering film festival record of 300 Official Selections and 85 Awards, including two Student Academy Award nominations. Comedy Central, Hulu, Showtime, Blockbuster, and PBS have distributed his films. He has also directed projects for A&E, the Mental Health Channel, MTV Networks, and Sony Pictures. After studying under world-renowned film scholar David Bordwell, Scott began his career as an animator and art director for Activision. He scripted the groundbreaking hit game Soldier of Fortune and has since written on assignment for Elizabeth Avellan (Spy Kids), among others. He owns two production companies and serves as creative director for Arcos Films. Known as an actor’s director, Scott’s areas of expertise include comedy, documentary, and animation/VFX. He is represented by the Brant Rose Agency in Los Angeles for film/television and Two Shot West Productions for commercials.

David Wells (Director of Photography) became a Cinematographer after receiving a bachelor's in Architecture from the University of Oklahoma. As a lifelong film lover, David decided to jump feet first into the film world and has now spent a decade in the industry as a cinematographer. Perspective, problem solving, and framework learned during his career in architecture have formed his cinematic style. David's portfolio of work includes commercial, music videos, and narrative projects spanning multiple genres. He is represented by Radiant Artists.

Chap Edmonson (Producer) is an award-winning filmmaker and producer based in Houston. His films have been showcased at venues in Cannes, Miami, Paris, Alfred, Austin, Los Angeles, and his hometown. His versatile portfolio extends beyond films to encompass TV shows, commercials, music videos, web series, and award-winning documentaries. Collaborating with global brands like Warner Music, Chap's impact resonates on both local and international scales.

We had an incredible crew on board for Hitchhiker. From our wonderful student volunteers to industry professionals. We could not have done it without everyone putting their hearts and hands into the making of this film!