With over 30 years in the film industry, Michael D. Jones has built a career assembling and leading successful production teams. Beginning with a foundation in performance under Anna Deavere Smith at San Francisco’s ACT, he transitioned to production in 1991, working his way up from PA to Producer. His expertise spans network and cable TV, reality series, music videos, and feature films, with credits including Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Unsolved Mysteries, and HBO comedy specials. His recent projects include Cinnamon (Tribeca 2023), Violet, Robots, and the upcoming Code 3 and Let’s Have Kids! (2025). Beyond film, Jones shares inspiration through his book Manifesting Joy & Happiness Daily and his podcast In the Moment with Michael D. Jones. As the founder of Silver Heart Productions and a proud member of the DGA, SAG, and PGA, he continues to develop impactful projects from his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Trina has worked in the film industry for over 25 years. During those years, she has worked in front of and behind the camera, but her current focus is on producing.

Her past work includes producing on Better Call Saul and House of the Dragons. She is currently producing Vince Gilligan's new series. For Trina, creating and bringing someone's vision and story to life is a dream. Building a team and a family of so many talented people together to make movie magic is a dream come true!

Melanie Kirk is an Emmy award winning producer born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. After attending the Emily Carr University of Art + Design in Vancouver, British Columbia she returned to her home state. Since she’s worked numerous productions filmed in New Mexico, including "The Really Loud House," "Silk Road" and "T@gged. "

Shani Orona is an award-winning location manager/scout and a proud New Mexico native currently based in Albuquerque. After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Architecture, Sculpture, and Film History from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, she moved to London, where she studied film production and theory at Cambridge University. After independent producing for several years in the UK, Shani returned to NM in 2004 to focus on film location scouting and management. In 2016, she won the Location Managers Guild International Award for Outstanding Locations in a Contemporary Film for her work on "Sicario." Some of her other work includes the films "Sicario 2: Day of the Soldado", "The Mule", "Cry Macho", and up-and coming tv series' "Duster" (HBO) and "The Boroughs" (Netflix).

Alton Walpole is a seasoned filmmaker with over three decades of experience, boasting a diverse background as a cinematographer, editor, and producer. His extensive resume includes serving as UPM and Line Producer on acclaimed productions like "Crazy Heart," "The Book of Eli," and "Godless," demonstrating his ability to manage both large-scale projects and television pilots such as "Wildfire" and "Longmire." His expertise spans numerous genres and platforms, from major studio films like "The Magnificent Seven" to impactful documentaries like "PAHA SAPA: The Struggle for the Black Hills."

Walpole's career began with pivotal roles in the iconic films "KOYAANISQATSI," "POWAQQAATSI," and "BARAKA," laying a foundation for his multifaceted skill set. Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he owns Mountainair Films Inc., he continues to contribute to the industry as a Line Producer and consultant, and through his production service company, providing vital support for productions filming in the region. A member of the Director's Guild of America and a New Mexico Film Hall of Fame inductee, Walpole's contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.

Stephen Mullen has remained committed to advancing the film industry in New Mexico and maintaining a strong union presence throughout his career. He has been an active member of IATSE for the past 35 years and has been working in the set lighting department on stage, film, and TV productions in NM for over 40 years. Stephen worked his way up through his craft from an electrician to a Gaffer, as well as serving in labor leadership positions and mentoring others on how to succeed in the film industry along the way. For the past three years, he has been the Business Representative in New Mexico for the International Cinematography Guild, IATSE Local 600, and is currently the Business Representative for IATSE Studio Mechanics Local 480.

Talia is a Santa Fe-based film and stage actor, writer, director, designer, and producer. Her films, plays, and aerial dance performances have been seen around the world. As an independent filmmaker, she has made ten shorts and is in pre-production for her first feature drama. All of her films have been shown at film festivals, and several have been distributed. One was a commission from the Vancouver Olympics cultural edition. One of her film credits, Menorca, is currently on Netflix. She plays her favorite type of character - the villain. Talia has created many solo shows in her extensive stage career. Another passion is sharing her brand of devised theatre, which she has done internationally many times. She has published numerous plays, three drama teaching resource books, and a picture book, and she has co-written two monologue books for actors. She has been the president of the local SAG-AFTRA board for the past two years.

Daoraifay has been a rank-and-file Teamster in film production since April 18, 2008. She was born and raised in Carlsbad, NM, and moved to Albuquerque to attend the University of New Mexico. She graduated from New Mexico State at Carlsbad with an Associate of Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of University Studies.

She received her Commercial Driver's License through the CNM Truck Driving School in 2007 and has worked on over 75 film productions, all in New Mexico.

Her past work includes projects such as "Dark Winds" as the camera truck driver, and acting as the shop steward for Teamsters Local 399 New Mexico.

She is also the Southwest Regional Director for the LGBTQ+ Teamster Caucus. Since 2016, she has coordinated the Teamsters' presence in Santa Fe Pride and Albuquerque Pride.

Ruby Garcia is a native New Mexican; her father was from Louisiana, and her mother is a native of New Mexico. She is a retired Flight Attendant and currently an actress in New Mexico who has appeared in several movies, commercials, TV shows, and music videos. She is a proud advocate in the State of New Mexico and dedicates her time assisting in several military organizations, and currently devotes her time as the President of the Background Actors Association of New Mexico (BAANM). As the President of BAANM, she provides New Mexico Background Actors guidance into the film industry through mentoring, education, and training. Ruby is a student at Central New Mexico College and is currently majoring in Film.

Lora Martinez-Cunningham was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and raised in its South Valley. She is a working actor and multiple-award-winning commercial director and producer.

Acting highlights include performances in the upcoming "Killer Kafe," and "Flamin' Hot" and recurring/guest star roles on "Big Sky," "Graves," 'The Book of Eli," "Sicario," "Midnight TX," and "The Unsettling."

Ever exploring and expanding her creative ambitions, Lora established Cunningham Productions, LLC., where she directs and produces television commercials, PSAs, and videos.

Her work is recognized as the best in her field, garnering national attention and industry accolades.

Well-respected by fellow alumni from Hollywood’s prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Martinez-Cunningham also owns Soldancer Productions, LLC., which houses the development of a television show she created and wrote. With these projects, her goal is to provide hundreds of jobs to local New Mexico cast and crew for years to come.

In addition to her creative endeavors, Lora also makes time to mentor young men and women in the film industry. She stays in touch with them through visits, texts, emails, and phone calls as she guides them and shares in their successes.

Mateo Frazier, Executive Director of the New Mexico Media Arts Collective (NMMAC), leads initiatives to strengthen the state's film and media workforce by balancing traditional craftsmanship with technological innovation. Under his leadership, NMMAC is developing two landmark facilities: a 20,000-square-foot soundstage in Las Cruces and the Albuquerque Rail Yards complex, designed to transform New Mexico's media education. A respected filmmaker and Producers Guild of America member, his work includes the Lionsgate thriller Blaze You Out and Drunktown's Finest, produced with Robert Redford and premiered at Sundance. As a former Northern New Mexico College Associate Professor, he pioneered programs like the Film Technician Training Program and an FAA-recognized drone certificate. His commitment to workforce development is reflected in NMMAC’s initiatives, including The MAC Safety Pack and The Governor’s Cup storytelling competition. Beyond film, Mateo serves as Mayordomo for the Acequia del Ancon, honoring New Mexico’s cultural heritage while shaping its media future.

Alan Trever is the Academic Affairs Director for the CNM Film and Media Department. He has been active in photography, advertising, film, and television in New Mexico for over 22 years. Alan has worked with Lion™s Gate, Paramount, ABC Family, Discovery Channel, NBC, and Anchor Bay and has produced projects for ESPN, Discovery, the State of New Mexico, and the History Channel. He has also produced several indie features filmed in Southern New Mexico: Ilegales, "Last Stop" (starring Mena Suvari and Brian Austin Green), "Coyote County Loser" (“Best Comedy” at Telluride Film Festival), "Roswell FM," and "The Rambler" (starring Dermot Mulroney, Natasha Lyonne and Lindsay Pulsipher).

Rajeev is a filmmaker and professor who has been a part of the Creative Media Institute for nearly twenty years. He has written and directed films, commercials, and promotional content. With a passion for blending creativity and purpose, he now coaches leaders and entrepreneurs to craft their signature stories, transforming their lived experiences into compelling narratives that inspire, influence, and ignite action.

Dr. Elizabeth Kianu Stahmer, DAOM, has dedicated her career to helping people find health and wellness in their lives through education and workforce development, from preschool teaching to clinical practice to program development in higher education. She recognizes the exponential empowerment that comes from people having access to learning and rewarding career opportunities that support themselves and their families to exceed survival and thrive. Today, she brings her experiences together to provide free training in front of and behind the camera and access to work for New Mexicans in our blooming film and TV industry. Dr. Stahmer received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Indigenous Liberal Studies from the Institute of American Indian Arts and has a Master’s from Emperor's College of Traditional Oriental Medicine and a Clinical Doctorate from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

David Rocchio is an attorney, writer, and Emmy-nominated filmmaker. David conceived and co-produced with James Rogan 'The Gun Shop,' an Emmy-nominated one-hour documentary commissioned by the UK Channel 4’s Cutting Edge series, where it premiered prime time and was awarded top reviews. It then played worldwide. David’s award-winning short films have played internationally, including at the Cannes Short Film Corner and at Italy’s Capalbio International Short Film Festival (Best of Capalbio).

In addition to creating his own work, David founded and runs the nonprofit Stowe Story Labs, which is dedicated to helping top emerging screenwriters and filmmakers get work made and seen. Now in its twelfth year, Stowe works with approximately 200 emerging talents annually at labs, retreats, workshops, advanced development programs, mentoring programs, and film production programs.

David’s last job as a lawyer was as Legal Counsel to Vermont’s then-Governor Howard Dean. David was a nationally certified EMT and member of the Mt. Mansfield Ski Patrol (Stowe, Vermont) for 22 years, and he remains an avid backcountry skier. David lives in Stowe.

With 25 years of experience in the Film Industry, Marj spent many years as a Production Supervisor and UPM before settling into her current role as a Key Production Accountant. She currently resides in Albuquerque, NM, and has had the privilege of working with Netflix, Nickelodeon, A24, and many indie companies.

In 2018, Marj founded After Wrap Accounting, a full-service Post-Accounting company. AWA handles all aspects of NM Tax Credit filing, including Opinion Letters, Spot Checks, audits, and the application process. AWA has completed over 40 tax credits in New Mexico and has also filed in Mississippi. AWA can package together Post-Accounting and Tax Credit filing to handle all of a movie's needs after wrap.

Ryan began his career in the entertainment industry as a professional video editor during high school and college. In 2006, he graduated with honors from the University of North Texas with a B.A.S. in the Radio, Television, and Film program. Wanting to learn more about cinematography and on-set film production, Ryan moved to Vancouver, B.C., to focus and study the craft of filmmaking at the Vancouver Film School. Upon graduating top of his class in 2008, Ryan moved to Albuquerque to start his career in the emerging New Mexico film industry.

Since then, Ryan has worked hard to become the owner of Serious Grippage & Light Co, as well as continuing a successful career as an IATSE local 480 Gaffer, and freelance Cinematographer. In addition, Ryan participates heavily in educational endeavors and has taught numerous workshops, mentored student productions, and taught technical and theory film classes for CNM, UNM, and SFCC at various points during his time in New Mexico. He has expanded and increased Serious Grippage & Light’s long-standing internship program to help train and provide opportunities to new film workers in the community.

Born and raised in Tularosa, New Mexico, Lorus graduated from NMSU with multiple art degrees and was swept up by the film industry. Member of ADG 800 and Local 480, he has worked in the Art Department on feature films such as Creed 2 and Netflix's "Army of the Dead " and television series like Better Call Saul and Netflix’s "Daybreak," culminating in over 50 film projects.

Since becoming a production designer, he has worked in nearly every role in the Art Department. His specialty is assembling strong art crews and creating professional relationships with like-minded creatives across New Mexico and beyond. Co-owner of the newly created Gold Room Prop House with Cami Walker, they have worked on and supplied award-winning projects such as "In The Summers," "Olmo," "Summer Machine," and the upcoming A24 film "Eddington."