NIGHT OF THE LIVING NETWORKERS - SHORT FILM
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Comedy, Horror
Our horror-satire explores genuine connection vs superficial attachment when a rising creative professional faces her worst nightmare - she is forced to escape a crowd of opportunistic networkers as their desperation to 'pick her brain' spirals into a vicious frenzy at her best friend's art show.
NIGHT OF THE LIVING NETWORKERS - SHORT FILM
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Comedy, Horror
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $25,150 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
141 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Our horror-satire explores genuine connection vs superficial attachment when a rising creative professional faces her worst nightmare - she is forced to escape a crowd of opportunistic networkers as their desperation to 'pick her brain' spirals into a vicious frenzy at her best friend's art show.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
SHORT SUMMARY
Welcome to our Night of the Living Networks Fundraising page! We’re so thankful you are here!
NIGHT OF THE LIVING NETWORKERS — is a genre-bending horror satire that takes a conversational look at the transactional nature of modern networking. When a young creative professional attends her best friend’s art show, a seemingly innocent question — “What do you do?” — spirals into a nightmare as the crowd transforms into zombie-like opportunists desperate to “pick her brain”, find a job, and make a superficial connection.
This film is inspired by lived experiences navigating creative spaces where genuine connection is often replaced by clout-chasing and empty exchanges. Through horror and humor, we’re shining a light on the need for authentic relationships — in art, work, and in life. With your help, we’re not just making a short film — we’re making a statement.
LOGLINE
A rising creative professional faces her worst nightmare when she is forced to escape a relentless crowd of opportunistic networkers as their desperation to 'pick her brain' spirals into a vicious frenzy at her best friend's art show.
THE TEAM
Led by Writer, Director, and Emmy-nominated Producer, Quan Lateef-Hill, our team of award-winning storytellers and production leads have a passion for culture-shifting narratives that entertain, spark conversation, and disrupt the status quo. Visit THE TEAM page to see more members of our crew/team.
We’re not new to this — and we’re not doing it alone. Our filmmaking village is strong and your support keeps us nimble, creative, and moving forward, no matter what hurdles come our way.
WHAT WE NEED + OTHER WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT
We are raising $25,000 to cover our below-the-line production costs, including:
- Livable Wages to Cast and Crew for Efficient Shoot
- Permits, Rentals
- Insurance
- Production Design
- Equipment Rentals & Tech Support
- Meals & Craft Services
But overall, this film is budgeted at $65,000 which would cover all of our production and post costs, as well as Festival submissions and an amazing premiere event! All money raised over our goal will go directly to our people — our crew and cast will be compensated first.
BEYOND THE MONEY
This is a grassroots production, and we welcome all kinds of support and resources. Including any homie-hookups, freebies, in-kind items or donations. Here’s a specific list of needs:
- Meals / snacks for our hard-working team
- Production supplies and materials
- Post-production services
- Social media amplification/support
- Connections to press or festivals
- Marketing and promotions support
- Host a screening event in your city
- Real community support — Follow us and tell a friend!
If you want to help and can offer services or in-kind contributions, please reach out to: [email protected]. Every teeny tiny or medium size bit helps.
STRETCH GOALS
Once we meet our initial $25,000 - we'll need additional funds to complete our film:
- $3,000 Increasing day rates for the crew
- $3,000 Renting better equipment
- $1,000 Hiring additional extras
- $3,500 Pick up shots
- $5,000 Post Production
- $5,000 Composer
- $2,000 Additional VFX and Color
- $5,000 Marketing and Film Festival fees
THE IMPACT
This isn’t just a film. It's a mirror. We’re using horror and laughs to explore how our constant grind for relevance, access, opportunity, and work is turning real human interaction into something monstrous.
Your contribution supports more than a project. It backs Quan and this team’s mission: to champion original and creative stories that challenge norms and center underrepresented voices in front of and behind the camera. Our team reflects that ethos, from crew to cast.
As a creative producer and cultural impact strategist, Quan has built her career developing award-winning content that spans film, television, digital, and podcasts. Her work can be seen on Hulu, PBS, HBO, Viacom/BET/VH1, FacebookWatch, Discovery, NBC, Bravo TV, Issa Rae Presents, Refinery29, and AFROPUNK. She knows how to take a vision from pitch to screen and with the help of some superfriends and YOU, she is bringing that same rigor to this short.
In addition to the positive creative and economic impact NIGHT OF THE LIVING NETWORKERS will provide, the team pledges to be an environmentally-conscious, waste-reductive production. This is an opportunity for you to help birth something bold, fresh, and fiercely independent. Be part of it.
RISKS + CHALLENGES
Independent filmmaking is never easy — but that’s what makes it powerful. We’re working on a tight budget, a limited schedule, and ambitious visuals. Weather, permitting, and last-minute changes can always pop up.
But here’s what we DO have to remind us we got this:
- A solid pre-production, production, and post plan
- A dedicated, experienced, and award-winning team who has worked on various large scale productions and projects.
- Contingency strategies are in place – again, we do this!
- A little hustle, a lot of grace, and a whole lot of humor!
THANK YOU!
Whether you donate, share, or simply root for us — thank you!
You’re helping bring a story to life that challenges how we connect and what it means to truly build community.
Please help us and:
- Share this campaign with your network – post. post. post!
- Tag folks who’d vibe with this story
- Follow and repost us on social @livingnetworkersfilm
- Use the Seed & Spark share tools to spread the word
Let’s CREATE — and make something meaningful, fun, and a little spooky together.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
1st and 2nd AD team
Costs $2,500
These funds will go towards hiring on a 1st and 2nd Assistant Director. These roles are vital for keeping us on schedule and making sure we
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Filming Location
Costs $2,000
Where we shoot our film
Production Insurance
Costs $500
Covers our crew and gear in case of any accidents.
Key Grip
Costs $1,000
Funds go towards hiring on a Key Grip, who managers safe rigging on set.
Gaffer & Electricians
Costs $1,500
These funds will go to hiring on our Gaffer and Electricians who help control the lighting of the film and works closely with the DP.
Director of Photography & 2nd AC
Costs $1,000
These funds will go to hiring on the team that works with Quan to determine the look and lighting in our film.
Set Medic
Costs $550
Funds will go to hiring on a medical professional to ensure our set is safe and handle any emergencies should they arise.
Principal Casting
Costs $1,500
Funds that go to pay our principal cast!
Casting Director
Costs $500
Funds will go towards hiring a Casting Director to find us the best and the brightest cast for our short film!
Producer, Production Manager & PAs
Costs $2,500
These funds will go towards hiring on a Producer, Production Manager and Production Assistants to get the bulk of the film made!
Camera Package
Costs $1,650
The camera package includes the camera body, lenses, focus puller, plus camera batteries and accessories needed to film the project.
Hard Drives
Costs $400
These hard drives will allow our team to store and edit the project. Some would say this is the most important piece of equipment on set!
Production Design & Set Dressing
Costs $1,000
We need various artwork, faux drinks, and gallery high top tables to set the scene for our zombie infested networking night!
Wardrobe
Costs $500
Wardrobe consists of all the professional attire that our networkers will be wearing during the shoot!
Production Supplies
Costs $500
We'll need lots of misc. production items to support for our production and technical crew, think tables, chairs, walkie talkies, and more!
Production Truck
Costs $500
We need a truck in order to transport any art materials, production supplies, and other misc. heavy items.
Zombie Makeup Artist
Costs $1,500
We have a lot of faces to paint to ensure our crowded gallery looks like...the living dead (labor + kit fees)!
Craft Service
Costs $400
Snacks, water, energy bars, fruits, and vegetables are important fuel to keep the day going for our crew, actors, and zombies!
Catering
Costs $1,500
Nourishing our crew and keeping them happy is the most important rule of filmmaking! We want our hard working crew to feel loved & cared for
G&E Package + Truck
Costs $2,000
Grip and Electric gear will allow us to put up lights, secure necessary scenic elements, and ultimately bring the story to life.
Sound Mixer + Gear
Costs $1,500
Sound Mixer and gear captures our actor's voices on shoot day. This gear will include the mixer/recorder, microphones, boom pole, etc.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
This film is still in development and moving s l o w l y into pre-production, we have yet to bring on a full team at this stage. Check out the awesome people and companies that have said YES so far!
QUAN LATEEF-HILL | WRITER / DIRECTOR
Quan Lateef-Hill is an award-winning multi-hyphenate Artist, Filmmaker, Writer, and Director, as well as Emmy and NAACP Image Awards nominated Producer, with a celebrated body of work spanning two decades across: Television, Film, Digital, Podcast/Radio, and Live Event & Experiential Production. Drawing inspiration from her passion for impact driven projects that expand humanity – Quan has crafted stories and elevated voices of marginalized communities through unscripted and scripted projects independently, and at networks and companies such as: Hulu, PBS, The New York Times, HBO, Viacom/BET/VH1, Done+Dusted, SpringHill, Quibi, FacebookWatch, Discovery, NBC, Bravo TV, Issa Rae Presents, Refinery29, AFROPUNK, and more. Quan was awarded the Zora Neale Hurston Writing Prize from the American Folklore Society, and her coming-of-age half-hour comedy pilot was a finalist in the 2021 Sundance Episodic Lab. She has also participated in creative labs and fellowships presented by Blackhouse, Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP) and HBO, Women In Film (WIF), and the Producer’s Guild of America, supported by Google.
MEL NOGALES-CHAPMAN | PRODUCER
Melissa Nogales-Chapman is a Mexican-American TV producer born in Auckland, New Zealand. Melissa has worked at notable companies such as Maker Studios, Disney, and Playboy Enterprises in areas of production, post, and operations. She has produced commercials, music videos, stand up specials, talk shows, and scripted series. More recently, she served as the Director of Production at Avalon Television and Funny Or Die - working with some of comedy’s most notable names. In her free time, Melissa likes to explore LA, attend ACFC games, and travel the world. Her goal is to produce captivating stories in film and television about queer and underrepresented communities.
CELESTE SEDA | CO-PRODUCER
Celeste Seda is an actress and storyteller whose work spans television and film, with credits including “Sacrifice”, Tyler Perry’s “Ruthless”, and “Christmas By Design”. In addition to her creative pursuits, she serves as Sr. Director of Talent Relations at BET Media Group, where she has spent the past 16 years shaping the network’s relationships with talent across Original Programming, award shows, and brand campaigns. Known for her ability to navigate both the creative and corporate worlds, Celeste brings authenticity, strategy, and heart to every project, championing powerful storytelling on and off screen.
CHANELLE APONTE PEARSON | CO-PRODUCER
Chanelle Aponte Pearson is an American writer, producer, and director from the Bronx, NY best known as the director of 195 Lewis, a scripted web series about Black queer women living in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn. The series won the 2017 US Narrative Audience Award at the BlackStar Film Festival, a grant from the Gotham Awards, and received a Special Mention at 2017 Outfest. Pearson began producing short films independently, her first feature film role was as co-producer for Terence Nance's 2012 celebrated film An Oversimplification of Her Beauty. She went on to executive produce the 2018 HBO series Random Acts of Flyness. She is a member of the New Negress Film Society, a collective of Black women filmmakers.
KELLY TURNER | MARKETING PRODUCER
Kelly Turner is a Writer, Producer, and award-winning Marketer, who has written, produced, and marketed hundreds of products, services, and initiatives on behalf of global Fortune 500 companies, charitable organizations, and small businesses. She is a strategic problem-solver and storyteller, with extensive experience, influential relationships, and proven tactics of leveraging trends in media. Her passion for successful-envelope-pushing campaigns sets her apart from the rest, garnering billions of dollars in revenue globally. Her clients include but are not limited to Amazon, Hulu, LA Speech and Language, MGM, PBS and The Wiley Center. Kelly is a Marketing and Public Relations Branch Executive Committee member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
TAMIA MCRAE | MARKETING MANAGER
Tamia McRae is completing her second season as the Marketing Coordinator with the Utah Jazz. Filmmaking being her first love Tamia has dabbled in the industry for 5 years now. Working on projects like UrbanWorld 2022, Late Bloomers, and New York Times-NYT Live Events. A proud graduate of Howard University, she began her marketing journey as an intern with the HBCU Impact Program, where she developed a passion for impactful marketing. Since then, she’s contributed to high-energy campaigns like SEG Black History Month, SLC Summer League, Utah Jazz Season Ticket Renewals, and Utah Jazz Camps & Clinics. With a passion for both marketing and film Tamia has produced commercials for Ford and the Utah Jazz team store. What makes coming to work so exciting every day is the incredible team she gets to collaborate with. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends, and practicing yoga. Her favorite quote is, ‘As long as it makes you happy,’ a reminder to follow what brings joy and fulfillment.
CHARLES “CHUCK” WHITE | EDITOR
Charles White, is a versatile content creator with over 15 years of experience. With a deep passion for storytelling that drives cultural relevance and audience engagement across platforms. From working with national networks like BET, MTV2, Live Nation and NFL Films to producing award-winning content, he specializes in Video Editing VFX Color, developing and executing multi-platform content strategies that elevate brands and inspire audiences. He founded Whitehouse Films in 2018 and leads a team focused on delivering high-quality editorial and video content for a range of clients, including branded campaigns, long-form documentaries, and promotional projects.
WILLARD HILL | COMPOSER / EXECUTIVE MUSIC + SCORE PRODUCER
Willard Hill is a rapper, singer, producer, and musician known to blend a musical gumbo of Hip Hop, Jazz, Funk, Latin, Soul, and whatever moves his spirit, creating his own unique sound. While growing up in the culturally rich and musical city of New Orleans, Louisiana he began crafting his style–New Orleans Hip Hop/Soul. He is able to paint cinematic landscapes with his lyricism, storytelling, and production while offering a deeper understanding of urban life, humanity, and everyday people. When Willard isn't working on new music, he is offering up his talents as both a Music Composer and Music Supervisor for various independent and network projects.
KUNDIA WOOD | ART DIRECTOR
Kundia Wood is an award-winning creative who excels in identity development, marketing campaign executions and event branding. Finding clever solutions to the most challenging design problems is a hallmark of her work. Her visual story telling abilities have been honed on countless sets, art directing artists like Usher, Kevin Hart, Gladys Knight, Michael Vick, Malcolm Jamal Warner, and Tracey Ellis Ross. With a profound understanding of the design process from concept to completion, inspiring leadership skills, a keen eye for details and unique ability to assess a client’s needs, her work consistently yields effective and impactful results.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
SHORT SUMMARY
Welcome to our Night of the Living Networks Fundraising page! We’re so thankful you are here!
NIGHT OF THE LIVING NETWORKERS — is a genre-bending horror satire that takes a conversational look at the transactional nature of modern networking. When a young creative professional attends her best friend’s art show, a seemingly innocent question — “What do you do?” — spirals into a nightmare as the crowd transforms into zombie-like opportunists desperate to “pick her brain”, find a job, and make a superficial connection.
This film is inspired by lived experiences navigating creative spaces where genuine connection is often replaced by clout-chasing and empty exchanges. Through horror and humor, we’re shining a light on the need for authentic relationships — in art, work, and in life. With your help, we’re not just making a short film — we’re making a statement.
LOGLINE
A rising creative professional faces her worst nightmare when she is forced to escape a relentless crowd of opportunistic networkers as their desperation to 'pick her brain' spirals into a vicious frenzy at her best friend's art show.
THE TEAM
Led by Writer, Director, and Emmy-nominated Producer, Quan Lateef-Hill, our team of award-winning storytellers and production leads have a passion for culture-shifting narratives that entertain, spark conversation, and disrupt the status quo. Visit THE TEAM page to see more members of our crew/team.
We’re not new to this — and we’re not doing it alone. Our filmmaking village is strong and your support keeps us nimble, creative, and moving forward, no matter what hurdles come our way.
WHAT WE NEED + OTHER WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT
We are raising $25,000 to cover our below-the-line production costs, including:
- Livable Wages to Cast and Crew for Efficient Shoot
- Permits, Rentals
- Insurance
- Production Design
- Equipment Rentals & Tech Support
- Meals & Craft Services
But overall, this film is budgeted at $65,000 which would cover all of our production and post costs, as well as Festival submissions and an amazing premiere event! All money raised over our goal will go directly to our people — our crew and cast will be compensated first.
BEYOND THE MONEY
This is a grassroots production, and we welcome all kinds of support and resources. Including any homie-hookups, freebies, in-kind items or donations. Here’s a specific list of needs:
- Meals / snacks for our hard-working team
- Production supplies and materials
- Post-production services
- Social media amplification/support
- Connections to press or festivals
- Marketing and promotions support
- Host a screening event in your city
- Real community support — Follow us and tell a friend!
If you want to help and can offer services or in-kind contributions, please reach out to: [email protected]. Every teeny tiny or medium size bit helps.
STRETCH GOALS
Once we meet our initial $25,000 - we'll need additional funds to complete our film:
- $3,000 Increasing day rates for the crew
- $3,000 Renting better equipment
- $1,000 Hiring additional extras
- $3,500 Pick up shots
- $5,000 Post Production
- $5,000 Composer
- $2,000 Additional VFX and Color
- $5,000 Marketing and Film Festival fees
THE IMPACT
This isn’t just a film. It's a mirror. We’re using horror and laughs to explore how our constant grind for relevance, access, opportunity, and work is turning real human interaction into something monstrous.
Your contribution supports more than a project. It backs Quan and this team’s mission: to champion original and creative stories that challenge norms and center underrepresented voices in front of and behind the camera. Our team reflects that ethos, from crew to cast.
As a creative producer and cultural impact strategist, Quan has built her career developing award-winning content that spans film, television, digital, and podcasts. Her work can be seen on Hulu, PBS, HBO, Viacom/BET/VH1, FacebookWatch, Discovery, NBC, Bravo TV, Issa Rae Presents, Refinery29, and AFROPUNK. She knows how to take a vision from pitch to screen and with the help of some superfriends and YOU, she is bringing that same rigor to this short.
In addition to the positive creative and economic impact NIGHT OF THE LIVING NETWORKERS will provide, the team pledges to be an environmentally-conscious, waste-reductive production. This is an opportunity for you to help birth something bold, fresh, and fiercely independent. Be part of it.
RISKS + CHALLENGES
Independent filmmaking is never easy — but that’s what makes it powerful. We’re working on a tight budget, a limited schedule, and ambitious visuals. Weather, permitting, and last-minute changes can always pop up.
But here’s what we DO have to remind us we got this:
- A solid pre-production, production, and post plan
- A dedicated, experienced, and award-winning team who has worked on various large scale productions and projects.
- Contingency strategies are in place – again, we do this!
- A little hustle, a lot of grace, and a whole lot of humor!
THANK YOU!
Whether you donate, share, or simply root for us — thank you!
You’re helping bring a story to life that challenges how we connect and what it means to truly build community.
Please help us and:
- Share this campaign with your network – post. post. post!
- Tag folks who’d vibe with this story
- Follow and repost us on social @livingnetworkersfilm
- Use the Seed & Spark share tools to spread the word
Let’s CREATE — and make something meaningful, fun, and a little spooky together.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
1st and 2nd AD team
Costs $2,500
These funds will go towards hiring on a 1st and 2nd Assistant Director. These roles are vital for keeping us on schedule and making sure we
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Filming Location
Costs $2,000
Where we shoot our film
Production Insurance
Costs $500
Covers our crew and gear in case of any accidents.
Key Grip
Costs $1,000
Funds go towards hiring on a Key Grip, who managers safe rigging on set.
Gaffer & Electricians
Costs $1,500
These funds will go to hiring on our Gaffer and Electricians who help control the lighting of the film and works closely with the DP.
Director of Photography & 2nd AC
Costs $1,000
These funds will go to hiring on the team that works with Quan to determine the look and lighting in our film.
Set Medic
Costs $550
Funds will go to hiring on a medical professional to ensure our set is safe and handle any emergencies should they arise.
Principal Casting
Costs $1,500
Funds that go to pay our principal cast!
Casting Director
Costs $500
Funds will go towards hiring a Casting Director to find us the best and the brightest cast for our short film!
Producer, Production Manager & PAs
Costs $2,500
These funds will go towards hiring on a Producer, Production Manager and Production Assistants to get the bulk of the film made!
Camera Package
Costs $1,650
The camera package includes the camera body, lenses, focus puller, plus camera batteries and accessories needed to film the project.
Hard Drives
Costs $400
These hard drives will allow our team to store and edit the project. Some would say this is the most important piece of equipment on set!
Production Design & Set Dressing
Costs $1,000
We need various artwork, faux drinks, and gallery high top tables to set the scene for our zombie infested networking night!
Wardrobe
Costs $500
Wardrobe consists of all the professional attire that our networkers will be wearing during the shoot!
Production Supplies
Costs $500
We'll need lots of misc. production items to support for our production and technical crew, think tables, chairs, walkie talkies, and more!
Production Truck
Costs $500
We need a truck in order to transport any art materials, production supplies, and other misc. heavy items.
Zombie Makeup Artist
Costs $1,500
We have a lot of faces to paint to ensure our crowded gallery looks like...the living dead (labor + kit fees)!
Craft Service
Costs $400
Snacks, water, energy bars, fruits, and vegetables are important fuel to keep the day going for our crew, actors, and zombies!
Catering
Costs $1,500
Nourishing our crew and keeping them happy is the most important rule of filmmaking! We want our hard working crew to feel loved & cared for
G&E Package + Truck
Costs $2,000
Grip and Electric gear will allow us to put up lights, secure necessary scenic elements, and ultimately bring the story to life.
Sound Mixer + Gear
Costs $1,500
Sound Mixer and gear captures our actor's voices on shoot day. This gear will include the mixer/recorder, microphones, boom pole, etc.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
This film is still in development and moving s l o w l y into pre-production, we have yet to bring on a full team at this stage. Check out the awesome people and companies that have said YES so far!
QUAN LATEEF-HILL | WRITER / DIRECTOR
Quan Lateef-Hill is an award-winning multi-hyphenate Artist, Filmmaker, Writer, and Director, as well as Emmy and NAACP Image Awards nominated Producer, with a celebrated body of work spanning two decades across: Television, Film, Digital, Podcast/Radio, and Live Event & Experiential Production. Drawing inspiration from her passion for impact driven projects that expand humanity – Quan has crafted stories and elevated voices of marginalized communities through unscripted and scripted projects independently, and at networks and companies such as: Hulu, PBS, The New York Times, HBO, Viacom/BET/VH1, Done+Dusted, SpringHill, Quibi, FacebookWatch, Discovery, NBC, Bravo TV, Issa Rae Presents, Refinery29, AFROPUNK, and more. Quan was awarded the Zora Neale Hurston Writing Prize from the American Folklore Society, and her coming-of-age half-hour comedy pilot was a finalist in the 2021 Sundance Episodic Lab. She has also participated in creative labs and fellowships presented by Blackhouse, Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP) and HBO, Women In Film (WIF), and the Producer’s Guild of America, supported by Google.
MEL NOGALES-CHAPMAN | PRODUCER
Melissa Nogales-Chapman is a Mexican-American TV producer born in Auckland, New Zealand. Melissa has worked at notable companies such as Maker Studios, Disney, and Playboy Enterprises in areas of production, post, and operations. She has produced commercials, music videos, stand up specials, talk shows, and scripted series. More recently, she served as the Director of Production at Avalon Television and Funny Or Die - working with some of comedy’s most notable names. In her free time, Melissa likes to explore LA, attend ACFC games, and travel the world. Her goal is to produce captivating stories in film and television about queer and underrepresented communities.
CELESTE SEDA | CO-PRODUCER
Celeste Seda is an actress and storyteller whose work spans television and film, with credits including “Sacrifice”, Tyler Perry’s “Ruthless”, and “Christmas By Design”. In addition to her creative pursuits, she serves as Sr. Director of Talent Relations at BET Media Group, where she has spent the past 16 years shaping the network’s relationships with talent across Original Programming, award shows, and brand campaigns. Known for her ability to navigate both the creative and corporate worlds, Celeste brings authenticity, strategy, and heart to every project, championing powerful storytelling on and off screen.
CHANELLE APONTE PEARSON | CO-PRODUCER
Chanelle Aponte Pearson is an American writer, producer, and director from the Bronx, NY best known as the director of 195 Lewis, a scripted web series about Black queer women living in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn. The series won the 2017 US Narrative Audience Award at the BlackStar Film Festival, a grant from the Gotham Awards, and received a Special Mention at 2017 Outfest. Pearson began producing short films independently, her first feature film role was as co-producer for Terence Nance's 2012 celebrated film An Oversimplification of Her Beauty. She went on to executive produce the 2018 HBO series Random Acts of Flyness. She is a member of the New Negress Film Society, a collective of Black women filmmakers.
KELLY TURNER | MARKETING PRODUCER
Kelly Turner is a Writer, Producer, and award-winning Marketer, who has written, produced, and marketed hundreds of products, services, and initiatives on behalf of global Fortune 500 companies, charitable organizations, and small businesses. She is a strategic problem-solver and storyteller, with extensive experience, influential relationships, and proven tactics of leveraging trends in media. Her passion for successful-envelope-pushing campaigns sets her apart from the rest, garnering billions of dollars in revenue globally. Her clients include but are not limited to Amazon, Hulu, LA Speech and Language, MGM, PBS and The Wiley Center. Kelly is a Marketing and Public Relations Branch Executive Committee member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
TAMIA MCRAE | MARKETING MANAGER
Tamia McRae is completing her second season as the Marketing Coordinator with the Utah Jazz. Filmmaking being her first love Tamia has dabbled in the industry for 5 years now. Working on projects like UrbanWorld 2022, Late Bloomers, and New York Times-NYT Live Events. A proud graduate of Howard University, she began her marketing journey as an intern with the HBCU Impact Program, where she developed a passion for impactful marketing. Since then, she’s contributed to high-energy campaigns like SEG Black History Month, SLC Summer League, Utah Jazz Season Ticket Renewals, and Utah Jazz Camps & Clinics. With a passion for both marketing and film Tamia has produced commercials for Ford and the Utah Jazz team store. What makes coming to work so exciting every day is the incredible team she gets to collaborate with. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends, and practicing yoga. Her favorite quote is, ‘As long as it makes you happy,’ a reminder to follow what brings joy and fulfillment.
CHARLES “CHUCK” WHITE | EDITOR
Charles White, is a versatile content creator with over 15 years of experience. With a deep passion for storytelling that drives cultural relevance and audience engagement across platforms. From working with national networks like BET, MTV2, Live Nation and NFL Films to producing award-winning content, he specializes in Video Editing VFX Color, developing and executing multi-platform content strategies that elevate brands and inspire audiences. He founded Whitehouse Films in 2018 and leads a team focused on delivering high-quality editorial and video content for a range of clients, including branded campaigns, long-form documentaries, and promotional projects.
WILLARD HILL | COMPOSER / EXECUTIVE MUSIC + SCORE PRODUCER
Willard Hill is a rapper, singer, producer, and musician known to blend a musical gumbo of Hip Hop, Jazz, Funk, Latin, Soul, and whatever moves his spirit, creating his own unique sound. While growing up in the culturally rich and musical city of New Orleans, Louisiana he began crafting his style–New Orleans Hip Hop/Soul. He is able to paint cinematic landscapes with his lyricism, storytelling, and production while offering a deeper understanding of urban life, humanity, and everyday people. When Willard isn't working on new music, he is offering up his talents as both a Music Composer and Music Supervisor for various independent and network projects.
KUNDIA WOOD | ART DIRECTOR
Kundia Wood is an award-winning creative who excels in identity development, marketing campaign executions and event branding. Finding clever solutions to the most challenging design problems is a hallmark of her work. Her visual story telling abilities have been honed on countless sets, art directing artists like Usher, Kevin Hart, Gladys Knight, Michael Vick, Malcolm Jamal Warner, and Tracey Ellis Ross. With a profound understanding of the design process from concept to completion, inspiring leadership skills, a keen eye for details and unique ability to assess a client’s needs, her work consistently yields effective and impactful results.