OUR TEAM

Marc Clebanoff — Producer

Marc Clebanoff, a graduate of the prestigious USC School of Cinema-Television, began his career at Twentieth Century Fox Television. He landed a feature-development position at USA Films (now Focus Features) under Neil Labute, the award-winning director of “Nurse Betty” and “In the Company of Men.” In 1999, Clebanoff established his own company, Marathon Films, in which he developed several feature projects with Hollywood bad-boy actor Michael Madsen, and cult filmmaker Larry Bishop. In 2004, Clebanoff renamed his company Odyssey Motion Pictures to make his feature directorial debut with “Unspoken,” a dark drama starring Justin Allen and William Sadler. This project earned Best Screenplay and Best Feature Film nominations at the New Jersey International Film & Screenplay Festival in 2006. Also in 2006, Clebanoff wrote, produced and co-directed the anxiously anticipated star-studded dark-comedy feature “The Pink Conspiracy,” which enjoyed its world premiere at the Cannes Film Market in May 2007.

Currently, Clebanoff is involved with several notable film projects, including James Russo’s drama “Seven Years Gone,” which also marks the directorial debut of the esteemed actor. In addition, Clebanoff is currently consulting for Quentin Tarantino’s indie motorcycle flick “Hell Ride”.

Clebanoff holds a second-degree black belt in traditional Korean martial arts and is an avid distance runner and accomplished marathoner. He is also the grandson of world-renowned musician and composer, Herman Clebanoff.

Anthony Derrico — Screenwriter

Anthony Derrico currently works as a freelance screenwriter and consultant for projects in the Los Angeles area. He has worked as script supervisor and various other crew positions on edgy independent shorts and features as well as motion pictures made for the Disney Channel and ABC Family. He received an MFA from the University of New Orleans and was a screenwriting instructor at Tulane University.

Neil Flowers — Dramatic Structure

Neil Flowers is an award-winning playwright who has worked as a writer in theatre, radio, performance art and film/video. He co-authored a produced TV pilot, and a teleplay sold to Jim Henson Films and produced as a feature. He writes a monthly online column, “Jump_Cut: On Screenwriting,” for Authorlink.com. 

Neil has written three feature screenplays, teaches screenwriting, reads screenplays for writers and L.A. production companies and reviews films, books, dance and art. He has a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Southern California (USC) in dramatic writing, with a minor in the business of the movie business, and a Master of Arts in theatre and dance from the University of New Mexico. He is a member of Phi Kappa Phi, the national academic honor society.

Thomas C. Gertsch — Cinematographer

Thomas C. Gertsch is the creator, writer and producer of The Young Filmmakers Club^® educational video series. Thomas also served as the producer for a TV pilot called “IN THE GAME,” an instructional sports series using professional athletes to teach kids sports-specific techniques. Thomas has worked on many independent and commercial programs, helping other emerging filmmakers to realize their ideas on screen. His approach to this collaborative work is a hands-on style; he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Based in Los Angeles, Gertsch runs his production company Golden Zah Productions^™, which distributes The Young Filmmakers Club^® series worldwide. Through his company, he creates visual media for both local and national clients. The assistance he has lent to the Hollywood Shorts monthly screening programs, the Slamdunk Film Festival, the technical support for the Los Angeles Film Festival and Film Independent’s Spirit Awards has been significant to these programs’ visibility.

David Goodberg — Editor

David Goodberg developed an avid interested in drawing and cartooning at an early age and was determined to become an animator. Upon discovering the creative aspects of his own camcorder in high school, Goodberg’s focus shifted to film and video, and he began his career by creating animation shorts with G.I. Joe figures and poster putty. Since then, he has received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a Master of Science in education from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Goodberg moved to Los Angeles in 2006 and is currently working as an assistant producer in Hollywood. He enjoys writing, shooting and editing his own projects on the side.

Hannah Hempstead — Line Producer

Hannah Hempstead is a filmmaker with many years of experience in the entertainment industry and a career that includes producing films and directing television series and commercials. She has worked on films with such acclaimed directors as Curtis Hanson, Robert Towne, John Badham and Bruce Beresford.

Hannah has directed television commercials for clients that include Heinz Ketchup (Bronze Lion, Cannes Film Festival), McDonald’s, Fortune Magazine, Acura, Listerine and Nike. (Clio finalist, Cannes International Advertising Film Festival finalist).

Hannah served for three years as Executive in Charge of Production at Total Film Group, an independent film-production company in Los Angeles. She is a member of the Directors Guild of America.

Hannah has worked with many actors and actresses such as Henry Cusack and Christopher Plummer in “The Gospel of John”; Kirk Douglas, Dan Aykroyd and Lauren Bacall in “Diamonds” and Tom Cruise and Shelley Long in “Losing It.”

Katrine Lieberkind — Makeup Artist

Copenhagen native Katrine Lieberkind’s passion for beauty and make-up was clearly evident very early in her life. “She was so creative as a child,” her mother recalls. “I just let her wear the experimental make-up she was so fascinated with, even as a young girl.” Katrine later honed and defined her craft assisting many of the top make-up artists in Denmark’s progressive fashion and entertainment industry.

Katrine relocated to Southern California to broaden and expand her skill set, especially in the realm of special effects. Her make-up has been described as being very esthetic. “I attempt to reveal the personality in the face in my work,” Katrine confides. She has worked in every area of the entertainment industry and has always a fresh idea to bring to the table. “I am thrilled to be recognized for my work in fashion, film and the music industry,” she says. “I am so inspired by the professionalism and creativity of all the great people with whom I am privileged to work.”

The list of celebrities and noted personalities she has worked with is long and varied, including Kelly Rowland, Courtney Love, Elton John, Paris Hilton, Kanye West, David LaChapelle, Ne-Yo, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Kylie Minogue. More recently, she has earned accolades working with the hair, make-up and costumes of pop-sensation girl group BitterSweet.

The transformative nature of her work gives Katrine her ultimate satisfaction. “I love it when a job permits me to stretch the limits of my creativity,” she says. “The delight and surprise that others find when I literally transform someone through my work can be groundbreaking and life-changing. To me, make-up brings dreams into reality and makes the impossible possible – and what a thrill that is!”

Manfred Lopez – Producer

Manfred Lopez is an emerging producer with directing, writing and director of photography experience. He has produced and DP’d one feature film and directed and produced several short-form works including documentaries and music videos. He has also given conferences, taught workshops, and provided consulting services to film programs of several universities and schools from both the US and Mexico.

In 2004 he successfully negotiated the creation and funding of The CEFILM Agency, a government-financed joint venture with the State Government of Michoacán, Mexico. While in charge of this agency, Manfred Lopez had the official task of fomenting the growth of a film industry in the state through the creation of professional training programs, the offering of conference cycles with industry leaders, the development of original literary properties with Mexico’s new and established writing talent, the creation of an extensive National Acting Registry, and the direct monetary investment in feature film productions using both public and private funds. The CEFILM Agency and its accomplishments were covered extensively in Mexico’s media with around 150 articles appearing on the topic.

During that time, Manfred Lopez was also featured in Variety as the main independent producer of the region under an article titled “Region Gains Showbiz Visibility.” The 34-year-old producer recently relocated his operations back to Los Angeles where he is currently preparing his production company to transition into studio-financed feature film production.

Rod Menzies –Voice Coach

Voice Coach Rod Menzies, has worked with such notable stars as Patricia Arquette, David Duchovny, Sandra Oh and Alicia Silverstone. In addition to working on Voice and Text with actors, he teaches Standard American speech and Accent Reduction. A respected communication specialist in the corporate world, Rod also coaches professionals on presentations and media appearances. He is happy to be associated with Steinlein Productions and enjoys working with talented young actors who come to study in Los Angeles.

Anne Merrem — High-Performance Coach

Anne Merrem is a High-Performance Coach to private clients, corporations, nonprofit organizations and elite Olympic athletes. Born in South Africa and raised in Germany, she has been a resident and citizen of the U.S, for the past 20 years. She earned a Masters degree in education and completed a four-year High-Performance Leadership Training at Sage University.

As Arnold Schwarzenegger’s assistant, Anne excelled as his liaison for everyone involved in the creative production process of filmmaking, and in his public-service activities. After five years, Merrem joined Sony Pictures Entertainment’s International Film Department where she worked in the corporate world of international film sales.

The High-Performance Coaching Program she developed has made her one of the most sought-after experts in her field. She meets the needs of clients of very diverse backgrounds through being a skilled facilitator and an expert in communication.

AWARDS: 2007 - together with her team-member Khadevis Robinson, she has been awarded the prestigious Kenneth Doherty Fellowship Award.

Gary Milton — Director of Photography — Emmy Winner

Gary Milton has had over 30 years of experience as a cinematographer in the film industry. His background experience ranges from helicopter aerials to action second units to on-stage television series and feature films. He is “at home” on stage, on location, in a helicopter and on water! He has also served as the Director of Photography (D.P.) on regional and national television commercials, music videos and second-unit work which has included car chases and stunts. He worked for Heritage Productions in Europe as a D.P. on an English travel/cooking show made for television.

Gary has shot two feature films for Wenger Productions. Under his expert supervision and direction, these full-length feature films included classroom education, as well as “hands-on” training for young international film students.

AWARDS: 1989 – Gary was awarded an Emmy and International Monitor Award for a TV documentary, “Desperate Passage.” 1991 – Gary received an Emmy nomination for “Maiden Voyage.”

Michael Nankin — Director

Michael Nankin has worked in the film business for 30 years as a writer, director and producer. A Los Angeles native, he attended UCLA film school where his student films caught the attention of Disney Studios. At the age of 22 he directed his first film and has been working on features and television ever since. His projects include “Life Goes On,” “Picket Fences,” “Chicago Hope,” “Eureka” and “Battlestar Galactica.” He is currently writing and directing a miniseries for AMC.

Jennifer O’Kain — Actress/Acting Coach

Jennifer O’Kain’s most recent work is playing the role of Mrs. Post in the feature film "I Know Who Killed Me." Jennifer moved to L.A. in 2001, to complete her first film, entitled "Finding Home". Since moving here from her home state of Oregon, she has acted in several commercials including MasterCard, Jaguar, Tide, Sprint and several others. As well, she has continuously worked in most faculties of film production, from casting and preproduction through editing and distribution. In Oregon, she worked as a production coordinator on several commercials and documentaries. In Los Angeles, she independently produced her first documentary, "Target Iraq" and her first theatrical play, "Sad Happy Sucker", which will also be staged in New Mexico and Chicago. Working as an actress herself has greatly expanded her ability to successfully work with actors and directors alike.

Noel Olken – Producer and Director

Noel Olken attended Columbia College in Chicago where he majored in Film Studies. After finishing school, he worked his way up from production assistant on films such as “March in Windy City” and “The Negotiator” to location scout and then location manager on films such as “The Visitors,” “Save the Last Dance,” “On the Line,” “Roll Bounce,” “Dirty Work,” “The Ice Harvest” and Robert Altman’s “The Company.”

While working as a location manager, Noel began producing his own films and videos. His first short film, “Mr. Peach’s Dinner Party” (1997, 16mm) was shown at various festivals. His first feature, “SLAVE” (2002), which he wrote, directed and produced, premiered at The Cannes Film Market in 2003.

Next he produced the feature film “Cup of My Blood” (2003) directed by Lance Catania, which received worldwide distribution on DVD.

In addition to his feature credits, Noel runs an independent production company that specializes in producing short- and long-form videos, industrials, commercials and PSAs.

Noel served as a board member of the Independent Film Project – Chicago for seven years, four years as vice president.

Noel is interested in every facet of filmmaking and works as a producer, director, writer and actor. Some of his film and TV acting credits include “Phantom Love,” which premiered at the Sundance 2007 Film Festival, “The $178.92 Movie,” “From the Shadows,” “L.A. Forensics” and “Kiss from Calcutta.”

Finally, Noel is a member of the Directors Guild of America, and is currently prepping a new feature film, “Explode” (2008).

Steven Christopher Parker – Actor/Acting Coach

Steven Christopher Parker was born in the suburban town of Littleton, Colorado. He moved to Los Angeles when he was 12 years old to pursue his childhood dreams of becoming an actor. After three years of auditioning without much success, Steven finally booked his first big role. As the lead in a 20th Century Fox film entitled “Rebound,” he took on the role of a nerdy band geek named Wes Borcher. Over the next several years, Steven booked roles in 15 television commercials, 17 feature films and several guest-star spots on popular television shows, including a series-regular role on a 2005 ABC pilot. His most notable credits include cameos in Fox Searchlight’s Juno, and Dreamworks’ Blades of Glory. Most recently, he played Dr. Harold Zelinsky in a recurring role on NBC’s ER. Steven continues to maintain a stable body of work and couldn’t be happier. Look for Steven in his upcoming projects, many of them premiering in late 2008 and throughout 2009.

Dionne "Dee Dee" Pickard – Singer/Vocal Trainer

Dionne “Dee Dee” Pickard has been singing professionally for the last 15 years. When she began in her hometown of Phoenix, Arizona, she performed with the Apollo Vocal Ensemble for four years, The Arizona Arts Chorale and as a background singer for Patty Lynch and John. After moving to Los Angeles in 2005, she attended Musicians Institute where she earned an Associate of Arts degree studying voice. Dionne currently performs with an a cappella group called Five Carat, and fronts her own original band. She has performed background vocals for various L.A.-based artists. She has shared the stage with legends such as Stevie Wonder, John Mayer and John Legend, and worked as a background vocalist for Grammy nominee Sophie B. Hawkins and Louis Price of the Temptations. She currently works in the Los Angeles area as a lead and background vocalist, session singer, songwriter, arranger and lyricist. Dionne teaches private lessons in vocal technique, theory, ear training, vocal harmonies and stage performance. Her diverse vocal styles include (but are never limited to) blues, funk, R&B, rock, jazz, folk, country, gospel and reggae.

Bill Ranson — Producer

Bill discovered that his true talent lies behind the camera in directing and producing. Since then he has co-produced more than 10 commercial spots with Darren Bousman. He has two film shorts under his belt, including “Bingo Anonymous” (2003), which he wrote, produced and directed. His second film short was “Fallaway” (2006), which he produced and directed.

He is a co-founder of the production company Allied Entertainer Films. This group has a pilot and a feature-length film in development and has three other scripts in the works. Bill is the co-writer on two of the projects as well as producer/writer.

David Serota – Writer, Shooter and Editor

David Serota is the writer, shooter and editor at Dokument Films located in Los Angeles, CA, a company dedicated to creating high-quality motion picture and commercial storytelling.

David received a degree in political science from Elmira College in 1996. The following year, he moved to San Francisco where he worked in the software industry and made snowboarding films on the weekends.

In 2005, David moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in filmmaking. He completed the immersion program at The Los Angeles Film School where he won an award for “Best Screenplay” in a Los Angeles Film Festival.

In 2006 he traveled to South Africa to fulfill a lifelong dream: to shoot a documentary film. By doing so, his achievement was recognized in 2007 when SXSW Click honored his work with the award for “Best Short-Form Documentary.”

David also volunteers with special media projects for the Creative Visions Foundation. It is an organization that supports individuals, especially the young, who use media and the arts to promote social, environmental and humanitarian change in their local and global communities.

He just completed a documentary television-series pilot produced by Al Roker Entertainment about gang intervention in South Central Los Angeles.

Diana Theocharis - Artemis - Makeup Artist

Artemis has worked with numerous photographers, runway models and theatre actors. With a background in theatre arts, she brings to the table a thorough understanding of the effects of lighting as well as her various other skills as a hair and makeup artist. She considers the face her canvas and hair, her sculpture, and thrives on the creative process of her work. Her love affair with makeup began at an early age, when she would fantasize about old Hollywood and its starlets. She has worked with recording artists such as Annet Artani in Greece and Rainer Maria here in the States. She is currently the beauty editor for PLUS Model Magazine. Artemis has found her passion in the art of makeup and hair.

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Jack Valero — Writer/Dramatic Structure

Jack Valero studied and worked with Alexander Mackendrick at California Institute of the Arts during the period of time that Mackendrick was experimenting and formulating his teaching methods. In later years, Jack applied Mackendrick’s technique in a Movie of the Week production for television, developing properties for CBS and independent producers. Jack also conducted an in-depth seminar of the Mackendrick Method at the Intercontinental University in Mexico City, sponsored by the largest television network in Mexico.

Kerry Wong — Stunt Coordinator/Fight Choreographer

Kerry’s martial-arts training has included Kyokushin Karate, Shotokan Karate, Taekwando, Wushu, Capoeira, and Chinese Boxing. In 1998, Kerry co-founded ZeroGravity, a martial-arts stunt team. ZeroGravity was created to pair the most innovative style of “fight choreography” with unique martial-arts encounters. Because of his vast knowledge of various martial arts, the “fight choreography” offered by ZeroGravity is a unique style they can call their own. He is based in Los Angeles, leading the ZeroGravity South Division. Most recently, Kerry served as a stunt coordinator on “Pirates of the Caribbean 3”!

A few of his other credits include: “World’s End,” “Entourage,” “The Last Sentinel,” “Monk,” “Baby,” “Fast Money,” “Shadow,” “National Geographic: Science of the Bible” and “Epoch of Lotus.”

Roman Wyden –Producer/Director

As a producer/director, Roman Wyden has worked on projects such as the Eleanor Roosevelt award-winning documentary “Ageless Wisdom” and the short film “Obstacle.” Roman holds a BFA from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena where he produced and directed several PSAs including “Human Dignity” for the United Nations; “Diabetes” for C.H.A.I., Los Angeles; and “Choices” for Planned Parenthood.

Roman Wyden has played an essential role in the development of projects like “Hollywood Dreams” (optioned by Paramount International Television in 1998), “Hollywood Boulevard,” “Money Rules,” “Mea Culpa” and “The Dreamers.” “Deface,” a short film that Roman produced in 2006 has recently qualified for consideration for the 2009 Academy Awards.

Wyden was born and raised in Switzerland, and speaks fluent English, German, French and Italian. Now, at age 38, he resides and works in California, with his wife Tatiana Redin Wyden.