Amanda Machon is a multitalented performer. Her diverse skills as an actress, singer, and dancer have led her to various stages and productions. You can catch her rocking out with Albuquerque band Red Light Cameras, or maybe you’ve seen her gracing your screens as the host of the Emmy-nominated show Absolutely Albuquerque.

In addition to her artistic career, Amanda has recently expanded her professional horizons by joining Inspirado, where she is contributing to business development and sales.

Whether she’s performing on stage, hosting a show, or driving business strategy, Amanda continues to inspire and uplift those around her with her talent, energy, and driven spirit.

Born and raised in New Mexico, Steve Graham has more than 25 years of experience managing film and television productions, with credits that include Black Summer (Netflix), Walker: Independence (CBS Studios), and Z Nation (Syfy). His understanding of New Mexico’s film landscape, industry unions, and local production needs, paired with his national and global perspective, has prepared him to lead and grow the New Mexico film industry.

Graham’s involvement extends beyond film sets. He is active in organizations such as the Producers Guild of America and the Directors Guild of America. Known for his strategic thinking and community engagement, Graham fosters a collaborative environment that benefits both filmmakers and the state of New Mexico.

Melissa Patack represents the Motion Picture Association (MPA) and its member companies in state government relations across ten western states. The MPA serves as the global voice and advocate of the motion picture, television, and streaming industries. It works in every corner of the globe to advance the creative industry, protect its members’ content across all screens, defend the creative and artistic freedoms of storytellers, and support innovative distribution models that expand viewing choices for audiences worldwide. The MPA’s member studios are: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures; Netflix Studios, LLC; Paramount Pictures Corporation; Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.; Amazon Studios LLC; Universal City Studios LLC; and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Working in State Government Affairs, Melissa advocates for a favorable environment for the production and distribution of films and television programs. Her advocacy work encompasses a broad range of policy issues, including programs to incentivize film, television, and streaming production, as well as the accompanying middle-class jobs, consumer privacy protection, artificial intelligence, and state tax issues.

Melissa has been with MPA for more than twenty years and has testified numerous times before state legislative committees, City Councils, and other regulatory and administrative bodies. Prior to joining MPA, Melissa practiced labor and employment law and served as legal counsel in the U.S. Senate. She is a graduate of Cornell University and the Boston University School of Law.

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.

Liz Marshall is the Training Director for the New Mexico Film Union, LOCAL 480, as well as a seasoned film industry professional. Her work includes over 250 film industry credits, most recently including the HBO series "Duster." The Training Department of LOCAL 480 is currently one of the most robust programs in the country.

Liz is also a licensed educator and school administrator, invested in supporting arts education in New Mexico for all ages. For 10 years, she has served on the board of the arts charter school, Tierra Adentro, as the Vice President. She contributes to her local community as a Commissioner and the Secretary for the Village of Corrales Planning and Zoning.

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).

Dr. James Stone is chair of Film and Digital Arts. He has spearheaded the transformation of the department’s curriculum to adapt to film, animation, and gaming industry opportunities. This change has resulted in explosive enrollment, a pipeline of skilled graduates finding well-paid jobs at Netflix and other major companies, and national attention for a department that is now a destination for out-of-state students eager to study and build their network at the heart of a burgeoning digital media scene.

Under Stone’s stewardship, the department instituted The Show, a large-scale real-world moviemaking experience with students taking the lead and working alongside industry professionals, and The Mentor Series, an ongoing symposium in which film luminaries offer advice to students and community members on how to find success doing what they love. Stone also helped develop the UNM Sitcom Boot Camp, an immersive, six-week course in sitcom creation taught by Hollywood director Brian Levant.

Stone’s primary academic interests are in British cinema, American popular culture, horror film, and gender studies. His book America Through a British Lens: Cinematic Portrayals, 1930-2010, is published by McFarland.

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."

Joseph Schimmel is the founder of Schimmel Security, a company he established at 24 after learning firsthand that entrepreneurship demands dedication, resilience, and a strong willingness to take risks. Through hands-on experience and a passion for building reliable protection services, Joseph grew his company to operate across multiple industries and states. Schimmel Security has successfully managed security for all five seasons of the hit series Yellowstone and currently supports film productions in four states and major music festivals in five states. Joseph is known for his leadership in high-pressure environments, commitment to excellence, and ability to scale operations while maintaining personalized service.

Ling Jiang is a tax professional with over 12 years of experience at the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department. As Bureau Chief, she oversees Refund and Abatement tax credit claims, including film, investment, high-wage job tax credit, technology jobs, and research and development.

Elias Gallegos is a seasoned SAG actor and producer known for his work in independent cinema. He collaborates closely with George R.R. Martin through the Fevre River Packet Co., developing and producing compelling, character-driven projects from concept to distribution. Based in Santa Fe, Elias also supports emerging talent through the Stage Coach Foundation, promoting the next generation of filmmakers.

As the executive producer of "Dark Winds" for AMC Networks, Tina Elmo is an independent storyteller focused on television and feature films. Tina’s Emmy-winning work has long been invested in finding unique worlds to explore and truthful storytelling that moves the needle and changes the conversation. During her illustrious career, this includes helmed Robert Redford’s Wildwood Enterprises and produced iconic films, television, and documentaries. Beginning her career in New York City, Tina worked on award-winning series ''Sex & the City'', ''Sopranos'' and ''Queer Eye'', and features films “You’ve Got Mail” and “Random Hearts”. Working as a producer at Sundance Productions before joining Wildwood, she was also a creative executive at Scout Productions, Endemol, Katalyst, and Scripps Networks. Tina has worked on several critically acclaimed documentaries for Sony Pictures, HBO, CNN, Discovery, History Channe,l and PBS.

Hualapai actor known for "Dark Winds," "The Red Road, Blood Quantum," and "The Twilight Saga."

Deanna Allison is a Diné creative of the Naaneesht' ézhi Táchii'nii (Zuni-Red Running into the Water) clan born to the 'Áshįįhi (Salt) clan. She is from northern New Mexico and is an enrolled member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes in Parker, Arizona.

Deanna is currently starring as Emma Leaphorn opposite Zahn McClarnon in AMC’s Western noir thriller “Dark Winds, based on Tony Hillerman’s popular book series. The project was created by Graham Roland and is produced by George R.R. Martin, Zahn McClarnon, and Robert Redford. She also played defense attorney DezBa Lowe, on season 2 of Howard Gordon’s crime anthology “Accused,” for FOX.

Deanna made her acting film debut in the Showtime movie Edge of America, directed by Chris Eyre. She was also part of the Emmy award-winning animated series The Batman, directed by Jeff Matsuda and produced by Warner Brothers Animation. In addition, she created and performed the original short stories “Our Blessing” and “Indigenous Housewives,” which screened at film festivals in New Mexico and California.

Possessing a strong background in theatre, Deanna has been involved as a playwright for “Spider Woman Stories” in collaboration with Indigenous female writers. She performed the leading role of Spider Woman, a Diné deity spinning life in and out of time, with an all-Indigenous cast produced by the New Mexico Storytellers Association.

Deanna resides with her husband and son in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Manuelito Wheeler is Tsi’naajinii and born for Oglala but raised by Yé’ii Táchii’nii on the Navajo Nation. Most of Manny’s thirty-year career has been in the museum field, with sixteen of those years as the director of the Navajo Nation Museum. He has spearheaded major projects with The National Archives, Lucasfilm, Disney, and Aiweiwei. Manny tinkers around the homestead in his spare time and builds and rides choppers. He and his wife, Jennifer, have two sons.