Go Vote for OMPA's 2023 Board of Directors

Emma Cogan (she/her)

BIO

I am a writer, director, costume designer, and co-creator of the queer, femme-led genre film collective Monstrous Femme Films- where we produce progressive, stylized films through a feminist lens, as well as curate content and events that platforms marginalized voices in the genre space. Additionally, I have worked as a casting associate, art director, and marketing coordinator in the industry, and have run 2 online magazines focused on film and culture!

CANDIDATE STATEMENT

Describe any involvement you have had with OMPA in the past and why you are committed to the industry and the organization's success.

In 2021, I hosted and helped put together OMPA's Horror Through An Inclusive Lens roundtable presented by OMPA's DEI Committee. Earlier this year, I came on as marketing coordinator for OMPA's Annual Showcase & Awards 2022. I had an absolute blast collaborating with the OMPA team on both events! With the work that I do, both independently and professionally, ethical work environments, authentic connection to communities, and creating space for marginalized voices within the industry are deeply important to me. Through OMPA, I believe we can amplify these voices and continue to offer invaluable resources and connections to create positive change and further foster creativity within our industry.

OMPA is striving to create a more thriving and equitable media production industry here in Oregon. What ideas, skills or connections can you bring to help us have an impact?

I would love to foster connection within our community through spotlighting unique voices with varieties of expertise through newsletters, social media based content such as IGTV discussions, infographic style "Get To Know Me" posts, or long form roundtables (virtual or in person), and events such as mixers, showcases, and curated screenings that dive into niche themes, genres, and/or fields. On the same note of infographic style posts, utilizing this format to spotlight different career paths and fields within media production could be a great way to learn more about each other and what we do (and an opportunity for young creatives to be inspired to follow a certain path).

OMPA values a diverse board with diverse skills, identities and perspectives. What unique skill set or point of view could you bring to the board that might currently be missing?

By blending my curatorial expertise, community-based approach, and passion for ethical media production I believe I can create unique and engaging content, plan a variety of events that foster new connections, and platform local voices to speak upon their niche fields and topics of interest. Furthermore, I would love to continue developing OMPA's voice across all generations and levels of expertise and access, with a focus on getting young creatives, and creatives not local to the Portland Metro area, involved in our community!

OMPA is seeking board members that value ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, civility and collaboration. Please express or demonstrate your commitment to these values.

The core of mission in all of the work I do is to uplift underrepresented stories, inspire action, and carve out space for marginalized creatives in the media production community to let their passion thrive and their craft grow. Through the work that I do with Monstrous Femme Films, it's important to me to prioritize ethical and accessible set environments (as someone who has a chronic health condition myself, I have seen the impacts of sets that do not function with the well-being of their crew in mind, and I want to do everything I can in my independent work to change that!) and make efforts to hold discussions and create content around how we can foster a healthier industry full of creativity, open ears, and helping the people to our left and our right out whenever we can.

Adam Stockman (he/him)

BIO

I have been filming and editing professionally for over thirteen years. I hold an A.A.S. in Video Production and a Certificate in Multimedia from PCC, as well as a B.S. in Business Admin, Marketing from PSU. At PSU I was the President of the Entrepreneurship Club (eClub) for two years, and now I run Objectively Good Media (OGM), a creative agency in Portland where I also serve as a director and editor for commercial production.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT

Describe any involvement you have had with OMPA in the past and why you are committed to the industry and the organization's success.

I have been a member for years, first as a student. As the beating heart of production in Portland, OMPA has always hosted the most important networking events in the area. As my business grows and I activate more freelancers, I want to stay connected and up-to-date on all things production! If I can play a role in making Oregon more welcoming to production, even better!

OMPA is striving to create a more thriving and equitable media production industry here in Oregon. What ideas, skills or connections can you bring to help us have an impact?

As a natural leader I am experienced in getting people to work together, each playing to their strengths. If folks are doing the work they love, then it often doesn't feel like work, and the end result is something everyone is proud of.

OMPA values a diverse board with diverse skills, identities and perspectives. What unique skill set or point of view could you bring to the board that might currently be missing?

I can bring the perspective of the one-person-band productions, development and cultivation of new talent, perspectives from and connections to local start ups that need content for their brands, and I provide a strong background in marketing with experience turning events and products into multiples streams of revenue. I am also an expert at facilitating virtual events and have provided this service for numerous corporations throughout the pandemic.

OMPA is seeking board members that value ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, civility and collaboration. Please express or demonstrate your commitment to these values.

Ethics is the backbone to DEI. These are ethics that I share, and I have tremendous experience patiently catching folks up to the proper use of pronouns when it is needed. Protecting each individual's right to their body, their identity, their privacy, and their perspectives is a value that I will always uphold in any organization I participate in.

Dan Eason (he/him)

BIO

I started my career as an assistant editor on documentaries at 4th Row Films in NYC. I produced four short films in Philadelphia before moving to LA to work as a production management trainee at Warner Bros. For two years I was the creative director and producer of the FAM Fest at the LA Artwalk - a Film, Art, and Music festival. I joined Teamsters Local 399 as a location manager shortly after. NBC Universal hired me for 3 seasons of Grimm, moving me up to Portland where I continued location managing with Teamsters Local 305 marking over a decade of location experience. I co-produced a web series in 2015, produced a handful of commercials in 2018, and shot three documentary films - two of which are in post-production, and one hitting film festivals in January 2023. In 2019 I started developing the business plan for Vision Stages - a film, TV, and commercial soundstage that officially opened in 2020. Last year I founded the Entertainment Workforce Coalition - a workforce development program in partnership with MHCC, IATSE, Oregon Film, and the OMPA. Today I'm developing Music Video Month in partnership with MusicOregon.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT

Describe any involvement you have had with OMPA in the past and why you are committed to the industry and the organization's success.

I called industry professionals to contribute to the "Oregon Creates" campaign and attended the Zoom meetings deciding creative direction and execution of the campaign. I also nominated Kenji Sugahara and spoke at the 2020 Showcase on Zoom. I paid for a sponsorship placement in 2020 to host a virtual tour of Vision Stages. The OMPA has supported me in organizing the Entertainment Workforce Coalition by partnering with Vision Stages, MHCC, IATSE, and Oregon Film. Similarly, the OMPA is considering partnership with MusicOregon, Vision Studios, and Thank You Post for the Music Video Month to stimulate the local film and music economies in the historically slow month of January. I'm committed to the OMPA's success because they are the driving force behind connecting and advocating for our industry. OMPA's success ensures our success as content creators.

OMPA is striving to create a more thriving and equitable media production industry here in Oregon. What ideas, skills or connections can you bring to help us have an impact?

I believe that honesty and integrity should drive the conversations around creating a more sustainable and equitable media production industry here in Oregon. Our landscapes and climate make us great for some productions, and not-so-great for others. We need to lean into what we have to put our best foot forward to studios from out-of-state providing the most economic impact.

As for the sustainability of our crew base, we can only provide living wages to all of our media professionals if the infrastructure grows along with our talent. We can't host 6 major studio productions at the same time with only one soundstage in town. Nor can we if there are only 3 qualified crews living and working in Oregon. We can't keep 6 qualified crews in town at all if there are only 2 studio productions per year, and we can't keep 6 soundstages in business under those same conditions either. We also can't justify a tax incentive increase if we're only producing low budget films that don't contribute as greatly to the economic development, and we won't get more studio productions without a tax incentive increase.

What we can do is build a more diverse and qualified crew base here in Oregon through workforce development programs where we can mentor a new generation with realistic expectations of a highly competitive industry. We can also hedge our bets by expanding our network to out-of-state investors by utilizing the adjacent media industries that often aren't included in the conversation around tax incentives - like commercial productions, remote post-production, and music production. I've been working with some tech companies, out-of-state and local investors, and brand ambassadors interested in making Oregon the home for business ventures in the media landscape. In order to keep our local crew base here, we have to provide well-paid jobs that often come from out-of-state companies. We can't diversify our crew base if there aren't enough jobs to keep our crews working and living here, so I believe the priority should be attracting the business to sustain all crews.

OMPA values a diverse board with diverse skills, identities and perspectives. What unique skill set or point of view could you bring to the board that might currently be missing?

I am learning about deaf and hard-of-hearing communities from my latest documentary film, so my perspective on providing accessibility to productions and events has changed considerably over the last 4 years. But as a hearing person, and a white cis male, I've learned to be grateful and humble for my privileges... so mostly I like to listen to others regarding diversity. I enjoy learning from people's cultural differences, and I learn the most from listening.

At the same time, I've worked with a wide variety of cultures across every corner of this country, and as a location manager I've been the liaison between locals with different mindsets than our mostly liberal-minded crews. That's been humbling in many ways. I had to learn how to keep the peace so that everyone walks away feeling heard and respected.

OMPA is seeking board members that value ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, civility and collaboration. Please express or demonstrate your commitment to these values.

Moving from Philly to LA was a major cultural shift for me because I saw how segregated neighborhoods in LA were in comparison to the east coast. When diversity isn't in your face every day with cultural and idealogical differences challenging your status quo, then you'll never grow in those regards. I think when creating art we need challenges like that because the diversity of the crew will appeal to more diverse audiences. There has to be authenticity behind these collaborations. It really speaks to the vibes on set or in the studio, behind the camera and in front, when collaborating with strong personalities from different backgrounds. Sometimes conflict is good because it's a challenge from which a resolution can be better than the original idea. Sometimes it'll kill a project, but maybe that project wasn't meant to be anyway. Either way, if we're creating art from fear-based decisions, then the audiences can tell. I'd like to create more opportunities to diversify Oregon film sets with ethical means and organic collaborations. I'd like authenticity to be essential in the approach to inclusion.

Nisha Burton (she/her)

BIO

I am a documentary filmmaker, brand strategist, and VR/AR specialist. I've been very involved in the media industry in Oregon for over a decade.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT

Describe any involvement you have had with OMPA in the past and why you are committed to the industry and the organization's success.

I have been involved with the OMPA for the past two years serving on the Executive Committee and Website Committee. I am extremely committed to continuing to grow the OMPA org and help it explore new revenue streams. I feel passionate about seeing the OMPA succeed and continue to be a central touchpoint for the Oregon Media Community.

OMPA is striving to create a more thriving and equitable media production industry here in Oregon. What ideas, skills or connections can you bring to help us have an impact?

I'm so glad this is one of the OMPA's central focuses right now. I hope to continue to contribute to this effort by doing my part to help the OMPA grow toward creating an equitable media production industry. Areas I can see helping with this are continuing my work with the EC and DAMN! collaboration, serving on the editorial committee to help the messaging and content curation reflect that goal, and support with the exploration of how to bring new revenue streams in so the organization can continue to thrive.

OMPA values a diverse board with diverse skills, identities and perspectives. What unique skill set or point of view could you bring to the board that might currently be missing?

Brand strategy, immersive technologies, and design.

OMPA is seeking board members that value ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, civility and collaboration. Please express or demonstrate your commitment to these values.

This commitment one of the things that initially drew me to serve on the OMPA board. I am absolutely committed to these values.

Magdalene Serpa (she/her)

BIO

I am a current board member and cochair of the advocacy committee. I am a member of the local Portland film community.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT

OMPA is striving to create a more thriving and equitable media production industry here in Oregon. What ideas, skills or connections can you bring to help us have an impact?

I am a current board member and cochair of the advocacy committee. I am a member of the Oregon film industry and committed to bring more work to our state and highlighting our talented and capable crews

OMPA values a diverse board with diverse skills, identities and perspectives. What unique skill set or point of view could you bring to the board that might currently be missing?

I am a BIPOC woman who largely works in a dept dominated by white men and I am actively working to change that.

OMPA is seeking board members that value ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, civility and collaboration. Please express or demonstrate your commitment to these values.

My commitment is in my actions and hiring practices at work and how I walk through my life.

Kevin Sullivan (he/him)

BIO

I started as an intern in 1989. Since then I worked my way up the production management chain from production assistant to assistant director to my current role as a line producer/UPM. My projects have taken me around the world though a majority of my career has been based in Oregon. I have worked on features, TV shows, industrials, commercials, documentaries and music videos.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT

Describe any involvement you have had with OMPA in the past and why you are committed to the industry and the organization's success.

I have been a member of OMPA since the 1990s and a member on advocacy committee for a couple of years. I am very familiar with the goals of the OMPA. Additionally, as a freelance producer I work daily on seeking out projects to employ crew and contract with local vendors. I have always strived to promote Oregon and the OMPA - without a strong organization promoting the media industry we can not have a viable industry.

OMPA is striving to create a more thriving and equitable media production industry here in Oregon. What ideas, skills or connections can you bring to help us have an impact?

I believe that the more we can give individuals opportunities to become part of the industry when as a crew member or vendor or owner of a company the more we will create an industry of growth. This comes from identifying our shortfalls and bolstering or strengths.

Using models of organizations like Lion Speaks and Open Signal Labs and developing more opportunities for both our current industry members and future will allow us to become a stronger industry on a whole.

OMPA values a diverse board with diverse skills, identities and perspectives. What unique skill set or point of view could you bring to the board that might currently be missing?

I think I have a good understanding of what is needed in our incentive programs from working with out-of-state productions that have come to Oregon. This along with the instate productions and companies I have worked on have given we perspective of the overall needs of the industry. I also feel that I have a unique position in the industry that helps to promote and teach a diverse crew base.

Additionally, being a day to day producer, I have a broad understanding of the needs of our crew base, industry vendors and our 3rd party vendors. A strong industry supports the economy of the city and state.

We also have a unique position to promote the needs of our industry to local, regional and state government agencies.

OMPA is seeking board members that value ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, civility and collaboration. Please express or demonstrate your commitment to these values.

I have just completed a feature with Ime Etuk that was focused on training the next generation of diverse filmmakers. Inclusion and diversity are what makes the best projects. Having a more diverse crew base and industry members is a benefit not only for our projects but also for our community and state.

The more we can be inclusive and collaborative; the more we will grow as a media community.

Geff Zamor (he/him)

BIO

Geff Zamor has decades of experience in the film production industry. He began his experience working on sets in Los Angeles as an editor, producer, and director. He brought his production skills to Portland a decade ago when he founded GMS Media and Advertising. He works as creative director and executive producer on all projects, all while managing the organization. Geff is extremely well versed in all aspects of production and is a fantastic leader and boss. He manages his organization in a way that everyone is heard, seen, and supported - from the most experienced employees to the unexperienced interns.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT

Describe any involvement you have had with OMPA in the past and why you are committed to the industry and the organization's success.

Geff has started working with OMPA this year as a board member. Our company, GMS Media and Advertising, has donated still photography services to the OMPA and has met with Lisa Cicala to strategize on the Showcase.

OMPA is striving to create a more thriving and equitable media production industry here in Oregon. What ideas, skills or connections can you bring to help us have an impact?

Geff would love to bring mentorship programs with production companies to bring marginalized populations into the production space. As a video production company, GMS Media has connections with said production companies, as well as other programs that work with underserved communities, to help bring this program to life!

OMPA values a diverse board with diverse skills, identities and perspectives. What unique skill set or point of view could you bring to the board that might currently be missing?

Geff is a Black business owner, which has given him a lot of perspective working with clients in a predominately white city. I believe his leadership skills are integral alongside this perspective; he understands the importance of including people of all backgrounds, identities, and viewpoints in his work. The current board also includes a diverse array of perspectives, and Geff would work well with this team to promote the organization's goal of shaping a thriving and diverse industry in Portland.

OMPA is seeking board members that value ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, civility and collaboration. Please express or demonstrate your commitment to these values.

Geff highly values diverse perspectives and inclusion, especially in his role as director and executive producer. He always ensures that everyone's voice is heard, and that a diverse range of perspectives are involved in each production. This is evident in a blog post that Geff wrote about diversity in the creative development of projects, which you can read here: https://gmsmediaco.com/thenext...

Duncan O'Bryan (he/him)

BIO

I am a cinematographer and director with 15 years of professional experience, have been an OMPA member for approximately half of my career. Since being in Portland I have been fortunate to produce multiple commercial campaigns for broadcast and streaming, personally managing budgets up to $500k along with large and diverse local crews. While I love working in commercials, I learned the ropes in features and TV - and that is where my heart is. Over the past few years I've been working towards more narrative projects and short films, with the ultimate goal being to build up the teams and production resources to make Portland a net exporter of quality feature and episodic content.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT

Describe any involvement you have had with OMPA in the past and why you are committed to the industry and the organization's success.

When my wife and I moved to Portland from L.A. we were rolling the dice on a city we knew next to nothing about. I had assumed that most of my work would come out of Los Angeles, and we figured it wasn't THAT far if we ended up moving right back. That was a decade ago. It was clear from the get-go that Portland has all the resources and potential to be a production powerhouse alongside the likes of Atlanta, Vancouver, or Albuquerque. The crews here have consistently had the highest quality, most joyous, easy to work with, professional, and truly creative individuals I've ever worked with. Since joining OMPA and and expanding those connections even further, I've become passionate about helping to put Portland on the map as a must-consider destination for projects of all sizes so that our small & mighty community can not only grow but thrive.

OMPA is striving to create a more thriving and equitable media production industry here in Oregon. What ideas, skills or connections can you bring to help us have an impact?

My driving passion is to loudly advertise Portland's diversity of talent and amazing vendors to the wider industry, while creating the conditions locally to support bigger and better jobs through continued specialized training and workforce development. To that end I recently put together a film loading workshop alongside two other DP's as a way to bring hands on experience to local camera crew. It was both humbling and eye opening to see the enthusiastic response and confirmed to me that it is a program I'd like to continue and expand upon. Earlier this year I was selected to participate in the American Society of Cinematographers' vision mentorship program, and have been able to interact with some of the world's top cinematographers and the vendors that support them. A huge take away from this has been learning to understand and navigate the complex political and relational web that governs our industry.

OMPA values a diverse board with diverse skills, identities and perspectives. What unique skill set or point of view could you bring to the board that might currently be missing?

I grew up surrounded by film, with parents and family on both sides working in the industry. I would not realize this until much later, but a lifetime of experiences have given me a keen insight into managing that tightrope walk between a project getting done or totally falling apart. I'm passionate about the collaborative process and, through tons of experience, am adept at working with a diverse range of ideas and opinions to find creative approaches to consensus.

OMPA is seeking board members that value ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, civility and collaboration. Please express or demonstrate your commitment to these values.

It is my policy on set - and just life in general - to hold myself to the highest standards of personality and integrity. Growing up in the film industry, in L.A., in the 90's, could be a very toxic and often unpleasant experience. I encountered egos and attitudes that I rejected from a young age, and the disappointing consistency of that experience on set was one of the many reasons we chose to move away. I have always viewed film as the most collaborative of arts, and it only succeeds if that art is produced by the widest cross section of people possible. I have always encouraged and sought input from the whole team, and am fascinated by how much every person's unique perspective can influence the storytelling experience.

Eve White (she/her/they/them)

BIO

I’m a makeup artist and stylist, for film and live events. I’ve been in the media industry for 10 years. I run my own business and I have successfully managed multiple offices using Microsoft and Google application for administrative needs.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT

Describe any involvement you have had with OMPA in the past and why you are committed to the industry and the organization's success.

I have been an OMPA member since 2018, I get work as an artist from my membership all the time.

OMPA is striving to create a more thriving and equitable media production industry here in Oregon. What ideas, skills or connections can you bring to help us have an impact?

I am a people person. I have great organizational skills, and I am great a connecting people and in real life and on social media.

OMPA values a diverse board with diverse skills, identities and perspectives. What unique skill set or point of view could you bring to the board that might currently be missing?

There is no makeup / hair / wardrobe / sfx / styling represented on the board. “Vanities” need to be represented to help filmmakers understand scheduling, planning, budgeting and creation as a team and not a last minute add. I have saved films and events hundreds of dollars by planning properly.

OMPA is seeking board members that value ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, civility and collaboration. Please express or demonstrate your commitment to these values.

I am a Mexican-American female who is committed to a green work environment with a vegan and cruelty free kit. All genders, and all skin colors. All the time.

Sidra Bing (she/her)

BIO

I am a writer and producer with ten years worth of experience collaborating and producing content with people from diverse backgrounds both internationally and nationally. I have produced content such as but not limited to ‘Maybe I’ music video for South African Music Award winner Nomsa Mazwai, a AICP shortlisted anti-bullying campaign, and a docu-series called ‘Melanin Madrid’ that captured the lived experiences of Black people in Madrid. In addition to being the Co-Producer for Thirsty Thursday I am the Senior Producer at Open Signal LABS where I lead projects from conception to completion that explore, highlight and acknowledge stories from her community.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT

Describe any involvement you have had with OMPA in the past and why you are committed to the industry and the organization's success.

Although my involvement with OMPA is fairly new I support the new mindset and changes the organization is committed to making. Righting past wrongs always requires new perspectives, accountability and dedication to unlearning what once was for what has always needed to be. That is, inclusion, equity and opportunity.

OMPA is striving to create a more thriving and equitable media production industry here in Oregon. What ideas, skills or connections can you bring to help us have an impact?

I am committed to connecting people with my network that I have accumulated while living here in Portland. I believe with these connections would come opportunities for those that not only need a foot in the door, but who will be vouched for.

OMPA values a diverse board with diverse skills, identities and perspectives. What unique skill set or point of view could you bring to the board that might currently be missing?

My experience as a black woman in the entertainment industry.

OMPA is seeking board members that value ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, civility and collaboration. Please express or demonstrate your commitment to these values.

I'm committed to ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, civility and collaboration.

Jason Wilkinson (he/him)

BIO

For over 8 years I've worked with several Portland based Ad Agencies, Film Production Companies, and their clients as a Writer, Director, Producer, and Project Manager. I've also established relationships with Distributors and Production companies based in New York and LA. I've also worked on countless independent film projects to stay active amongst our wonderful crew and talent base here. In addition to working on other's creative film projects, I've written and directed three award winning horror short films. All three were SAG sanctioned and two of which were self financed.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT

Describe any involvement you have had with OMPA in the past and why you are committed to the industry and the organization's success.

I was a member of OMPA prior to COVID. I attended several networking and social events. It's been a long time since I've personally attended, but I've always encouraged any industry professionals to join the organization to help propel their own careers as well as help Oregon strengthen a unified vision for what the film industry could be.

OMPA is striving to create a more thriving and equitable media production industry here in Oregon. What ideas, skills or connections can you bring to help us have an impact?

Prior to my transition to the Film Production world I was an Operations Manager for a Bank. My ability to access the cost and time needed to achieve a desired goal has really helped me cultivate business relationships all over Oregon state. Most recently I was fortunate enough to experience having a feature film be fully distributed by a major company based out of LA. It's the horror anthology "Sinphony." I wrote and directed and locally filmed the segment called Tabitha. Because of this success I've been able to prime several upcoming narrative feature films that are in various stages of pre-production. Two of which are hopefuls to be filmed in the PNW in 2023.

OMPA values a diverse board with diverse skills, identities and perspectives. What unique skill set or point of view could you bring to the board that might currently be missing?

I believe I could help lend a balanced perspective as both a working independent filmmaker and current marketing industry professional. I'd leverage established connections and look to create new ones. A personal dream of mine is to help Oregon and the greater PNW develop a healthy, transparent, and longevous professional film community. One that can compete for larger productions to equal the likes of Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Austin.

OMPA is seeking board members that value ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, civility and collaboration. Please express or demonstrate your commitment to these values.

It is my belief that these six values should be the basis for any successful professional endeavor. No matter the type of work you do. Ultimately that, to me, is a definition of love. And I truly love this industry and all its people.

Mike Neal (he/him)

BIO

I've been working in film & television for fifteen years, starting as an independent producer in New York. After a stint in the film distribution world, I shifted to physical production, as a production accountant for major studio productions in New York, until SHRILL brought me to Portland. While in Oregon, I've continued in the role of production accountant on many of the larger television and film shoots here. Most recently, I was a co-producer on Ime Etuk's independent feature OUTDOOR SCHOOL.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT

Describe any involvement you have had with OMPA in the past and why you are committed to the industry and the organization's success.

My direct involvement with OMPA has been limited, but I am familiar with its mission and work closely with many of its members. I see the potential for real growth in the media industry in Oregon and believe the right policies and publicity can ensure that.

OMPA is striving to create a more thriving and equitable media production industry here in Oregon. What ideas, skills or connections can you bring to help us have an impact?

My most valuable connections are the studio executives with whom I've worked over the years, notably: Netflix, Showtime/Paramount, HBO, Warner Bros, Amazon and A24. I also bring knowledge of production incentives, having managed budgets for projects in NY, GA, CA, OK, OR and Spain; I know how incentives can impact a project's financial viability and influence decision-making at the executive level.

OMPA values a diverse board with diverse skills, identities and perspectives. What unique skill set or point of view could you bring to the board that might currently be missing?

I think my financial knowledge and experience with the major Hollywood studios would be a unique perspective on the board.

OMPA is seeking board members that value ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, civility and collaboration. Please express or demonstrate your commitment to these values.

DEI and civility should be a baseline approach to all aspects of life, especially an industry like ours with so much public influence and economic opportunity.

Mia Bonilla (they/them)

BIO

I first heard of OMPA a few years ago. I had just graduated college and was wondering what I was going to do next when a friend referred me to the Pathways program. I started PAing for a show and knew from that first moment that I was meant to be in this industry. I never looked back. I have worked in the Assistant Director department on narrative and commercial sets for over three years, and am currently on track to make my days for the DGA. Two years ago, I also became a member of Local 488 and am proud to have met so many amazing people as part of IATSE. This past year has been a struggle for our industry, so I have shifted back to more Production based work, accumulating over seven years of experience in coordinating productions and events.

This work has given me a chance to live a life that extends beyond survival. It's afforded me a level of financial stability for the first time in my life, something I never thought I could achieve. It has granted me countless opportunities to improve my skills and learn new things as an artist and maker. It has made me believe that work can be fulfilling. It has also shown me that I can show up as I am, even with all the -isms that plague our society, and be valued for my contributions.

While working in film and media, I have experienced a lot of joy and have seen so many cool things. I love everything about it, but more than the content, I love the people who make it happen. I have been so lucky to find mentorship amongst producers who have shown me that this work can be grueling, but it can also be ethical and compassionate. We have to take care of each other and create standards of work that benefit everyone.

I feel very grateful to be a candidate for the OMPA board, and I hope that my presence on it will give voice to a generation and age-group that is not always present and whose interests are not always represented.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT

Describe any involvement you have had with OMPA in the past and why you are committed to the industry and the organization's success.

My involvement with OMPA began as a Pathways Participant; an opportunity that has given me the freedom to forge a career path outside the expectations dictated through racial and class status. Seeing the life I want slowly come to fruition because of this industry makes me want to help others join what is currently a very homogenous workforce. I want to participate in a robust and healthy industry that prioritizes DEI and the wellbeing of all the hard workers in our community.

OMPA is striving to create a more thriving and equitable media production industry here in Oregon. What ideas, skills or connections can you bring to help us have an impact?

Any impact I can help OMPA have is directly born from my own experience with diversity and equity. I have never lived in a city where people like me were a cultural minority. I grew up in a very diverse place before moving to Portland as an adult. This city's racial makeup has meant that I've had to create extensive connections to various marginalized communities within the industry in order to find a sense of community, belonging, and safety. I bring extensive experience mediating difficult conversations around diversity and equity, in formal and informal settings, and have created and facilitated workshops and conflict resolution opportunities for various size groups of people.

OMPA values a diverse board with diverse skills, identities and perspectives. What unique skill set or point of view could you bring to the board that might currently be missing?

When it comes to spaces full of people, even other POC, I always stand out. I don't say that to brag - but to be honest about who I am, what I look like, and where I come from. Specifically, I come from a non-traditional background of work that is highly stigmatized in our society, but has contributed greatly to my lived experience. This work is the reason why I am able to have such radical empathy for the people around me, and why I am so good at finding unconventional solutions to problems. I bring a certain caliber of honesty with me into the spaces I inhabit in a way that escapes people with more professional pedigrees and who may come from a walk of life that was more comfortable than what I have experienced. Finally, I also find that I am often more in touch with youth culture and have more of a pulse on what challenges Millenials/Gen-Zers may be facing, than a lot of the people around me. So much so that my students (I am a K-12 art teacher in my spare time) say I am the coolest teacher in the world and always ask me where I got my outfit from.

OMPA is seeking board members that value ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, civility and collaboration. Please express or demonstrate your commitment to these values.

As a BIPOC trans person, my commitment is expressed through my ability to not just stay alive but to also thrive in an industry that can barely remember my pronouns, much less the importance of representation behind the camera - not just in front of it. DEI is my life, and I see it is a duty to make an easier way into the industry for anyone I can, especially after my experiences.

Rachel Bradford (she/her)

BIO

I am a production manager and line producer in freelance TV commercial production for 9 years.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT

Describe any involvement you have had with OMPA in the past and why you are committed to the industry and the organization's success.

Over the past 2 years I have been a member of the OMPA Board, while not the best member, I do greatly care. I am committed to the industry and organization's success by being an active member in our community that provides opportunities and employment to crew and vendors.

OMPA is striving to create a more thriving and equitable media production industry here in Oregon. What ideas, skills or connections can you bring to help us have an impact?

I am a female and a minority. As such, I don't think that I should be given unfair advantages, but rather work hard to prove that I am deserving of my opportunities and use my position to create more equitable space for other individuals who come into our industry.

OMPA values a diverse board with diverse skills, identities and perspectives. What unique skill set or point of view could you bring to the board that might currently be missing?

I work directly with a large majority of our crew and vendors consistently year round. I am with them and hear their concerns and react in real time to resolve many of their issues while we are working. While I am not a certified HR representative in my field, I am still acting in that role as the major supervisor on my shoots.

OMPA is seeking board members that value ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, civility and collaboration. Please express or demonstrate your commitment to these values.

I am deeply committed to the fact that all jobs can be good jobs and opportunities to diversify our crew and community. It takes people willing to get the work to come here so that opportunities can be given. I bring jobs, I hire people and I do not see differences in my people. All I see is the perfect mix of people that need to come together with their unique skill sets, to show up to somewhere sight unseen at 4AM in the dark and shoot something we can't shoot any other day in 10 hours and go home. The people it takes to accomplish my days on set can come from any background, from anywhere. They don't even need to have had a single film class in their life or know a thing about it.

cdavid cottrill (he/him)

BIO

I am a professional Property Master for almost 30 years. I have been an elected leader with IATSE 488 for a decade serving as an Executive Board Member, Vice President, and Business Agent.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT

Describe any involvement you have had with OMPA in the past and why you are committed to the industry and the organization's success.

I have been a Board member for several cycles as well as leading and participating in the Advocacy Committee. I would like to continue to support OMPA in a Board position and represent the crew voice. The work of OMPA is critical to the Digital Media Production Ecosystem in Oregon.

OMPA is striving to create a more thriving and equitable media production industry here in Oregon. What ideas, skills or connections can you bring to help us have an impact?

My skills and commitment have been demonstrated through my work to develop Oregon Media Pathways as well as working with the Unions and industry leaders to provide more opportunities and access to the industry.

OMPA values a diverse board with diverse skills, identities and perspectives. What unique skill set or point of view could you bring to the board that might currently be missing?

I would continue to advocate for the Oregon incentive program, the Portland Film Office and the health of the industry in Oregon. I have deep relationships with crew, producers, vendors and production companies as well as educational and non-profit organizations who keep our industry strong. I also have built connections to important political allies in the Oregon State and the Portland City Government whose support are critical for the industry to thrive.

OMPA is seeking board members that value ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, civility and collaboration. Please express or demonstrate your commitment to these values.

I have and will continue to commit to the values of the OMPA.

Michelle Damis (she/her)

BIO

Michelle Damis is the President of SAG-AFTRA for the Portland Local representing Oregon and SW Washington. An award-winning actor, stunt performer, writer, and producer, she works tirelessly to increase opportunities for the entire entertainment, commercial, and broadcast communities which contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to our state's economy. Strategic, creative and relentless are three descriptors her colleagues and friends use to describe her.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT

Describe any involvement you have had with OMPA in the past and why you are committed to the industry and the organization's success.

As an artist and a union leader, I strive to stay active in our film community, working closely with the film offices and OMPA to strengthen our industry and the ecosystem that supports it. The OMPA is critical in our journey to become a thriving creative economy. The work that is done through the organization in terms of advocacy and legislative lobbying is the foundation on which our industry stands. It is because of the value I see in the OMPA that I have volunteered my time to sit on a variety of committees over the past several years.

OMPA is striving to create a more thriving and equitable media production industry here in Oregon. What ideas, skills or connections can you bring to help us have an impact?

I am a problem-solver at heart and have contributed multiple idea on multiple committees and constantly look for ways to improve and grow.

OMPA values a diverse board with diverse skills, identities and perspectives. What unique skill set or point of view could you bring to the board that might currently be missing?

I mainly represent the talent and stunt side of the business. This group is unique in that often they are hired solely for their appearance and if a group that rarely has regular work.

OMPA is seeking board members that value ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, civility and collaboration. Please express or demonstrate your commitment to these values.

As an elected volunteer union leader in SAG-AFTRA these values are the center of my personal belief system and these beliefs carry over into all of my other advocacy work. I always believe we are stronger together and especially when we include a variety of experiences and perspectives.

Windy Borman (she/her)

BIO

I produce digital content and live events for thought leaders so they can entertain, empower, and engage their audiences to create global change. My films have screened at Sundance and the United Nations, garnered Best Documentary and Visionary awards on the festival circuit, and been featured in Variety, The Associated Press, The New York Times, Washington Post, Huffington Post, Forbes, NBC and ABC.

My feature films include producing, writing and directing two documentary films: MARY JANES: THE WOMEN OF WEED, featuring a powerful interview with Melissa Etheridge, about women building gender equity into the billion-dollar cannabis industry; and THE EYES OF THAILAND, narrated by Ashley Judd, about one woman’s quest to help two elephant landmine survivors walk again on prostheses. I also produced the documentary THE BIG PICTURE: RETHINKING DYSLEXIA, which premiered at Sundance and HBO, and featured interviews with Sir Richard Branson, Charles Schwab, and Gavin Newsom.

My other successes include founding three film production companies, producing events for Dr. Maya Angelou and Margaret Cho, serving on the board of two Women in Film chapters, and teaching middle school Drama and Dance in New York City Public Schools with Teach For America while earning a Master of Science in Teaching.

In 2022, I became a Certified Consent-Forward Artist in film, television, theater, dance, art, and entertainment through IDC Professionals.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT

Describe any involvement you have had with OMPA in the past and why you are committed to the industry and the organization's success.

I have been an OMPA member since I returned to Portland. Most recently, I participated in the feasibility study work group to explore turning the Portland Expo Center into a production studio. I have also discussed consent-forward practices with Kristen Elizabeth (who serves on SAG's Sexual Harassment Committee) and OMPA's Lisa Cicala, Annie Tonsiengsom, Nisha Burton, in the hopes that we can make Oregon's entertainment industry less exploitive.

OMPA is striving to create a more thriving and equitable media production industry here in Oregon. What ideas, skills or connections can you bring to help us have an impact?

Equity is one of my core values and therefore omnipresent in everything I do. While the entertainment industry made progress toward diversity, equity, and inclusion in 2020, I've seen many organizations stumble as they attempt to turn their D.E.I. plans into reality.

In order to create a less exploitive entertainment industry, I began studying intimacy coordination and what is know as "consent-forward artistic practices" in 2020. In September 2022, I became a Certified Consent-Forward Artist (CFA) through IDC Professionals.

A CFA is an advocate and educator, who understands how consent, boundaries, power dynamics, and the role of intimacy professionals contribute to the entertainment industry. CFAs have foundational understandings of trauma-informed practices, bystander intervention, and advocating for the presence of other professionals that support a safer work environment (such as cultural consultants, on-set therapists, fight directors, and stunt coordinators).

Throughout my two-year certification process, I reflected on my 20+ years of producing and directing experiences. I synthesized some ideas into multiple LinkedIn articles, including: "Rethinking the Safety Meeting", "Power Dynamics in Creativity", and "The Dangers of the Show Must Go On" (See links below).

Now that my certification is complete, I look forward to sharing my knowledge with OMPA, its members, and media makers at large. This may include, but are not limited to: workshops, panels, in-house consulting, and developing or adding to a state-wide policy about how Oregon treats and protects its entertainment professionals.

If you've like to learn more about CFAs, I invite you to read my recent LinkedIn article, "The Importance of Consent-Forward Artists": https://www.linkedin.com/pulse...

OMPA values a diverse board with diverse skills, identities and perspectives. What unique skill set or point of view could you bring to the board that might currently be missing?

In addition to bringing my knowledge as a Consent Forward Artist to OMPA, and my leadership experience as the Vice President and Founding Board Chair of two Women in Film chapters, I can share my point-of-view as an LGBTQ+ (Pansexual) documentary filmmaker with 20+ years of production experience.

OMPA is seeking board members that value ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, civility and collaboration. Please express or demonstrate your commitment to these values.

In addition to serving on the boards for 2 Women in Film chapters, gender-balancing my production crews since before there were Inclusion Riders, and becoming a Certified Consent-Forward Artist, I have written cast studies and articles about representation matters, consent, boundaries, and creativity.

Here are some LinkedIn articles for you to see my values in action:

1) Representation Matters: A Case Study: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse...

2) Rethinking the Safety Meeting: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse...

3) Power Dynamics in Creativity: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse...

4) The Dangers of the Show Must Go On: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse...

5) The Importance of Consent-Forward Artists: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse..

Dustin Tolman (he/him/they/them)

BIO

I'm a Portland Native, with a decade stint in NYC. I attended Mt Hood CC's TV Production prromgram, and regret that I did not pursue the opportunities in the industry earlier, but at the time, I did not know where to look. I've been freelancing now as a Producer/Director/Op for 10 years, 7 of those in Portland. I've worked with just about every agency and non profit in the city... Nike, Myer Memorial, Weiden, Adidas, Travel Portland, Open Signal Labs, etc. Most recently I 've opened up a studio and events space called Briq. I'm beyond excited as it's been a dream of mine to create space for the community, and have a place I can call home and bring new ideas to life.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT

Describe any involvement you have had with OMPA in the past and why you are committed to the industry and the organization's success.

Pre Pandemic, I was a member. I'm in the Source Oregon guide. I attended all the meetups, and a brainstorming/discovery session with Lisa. I'm committed to the organization's success, because I believe that it's success is the communities success.

OMPA is striving to create a more thriving and equitable media production industry here in Oregon. What ideas, skills or connections can you bring to help us have an impact?

My connection to the BIPOC film/creative community is the most important. My focus is to make sure the 19 or 40yo me today isn't missing a life changing opportunity because it's not starting him/her in the face. I hold myself accountable, and do the work.

OMPA values a diverse board with diverse skills, identities and perspectives. What unique skill set or point of view could you bring to the board that might currently be missing?

I'd like to help grow the community, and develop careers. Before the pandemic OMPA had a well defined footprint in the media production community. I'd like to help redevelop and grow that reach into 2023.

OMPA is seeking board members that value ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, civility and collaboration. Please express or demonstrate your commitment to these values.

A majority of my work and passion projects are focused on the BIPOC community. To me, that's what I am, I don't look at it as a commitment or extra work, it's just who I am.