Board of Directors

sheena@womeninfilmfl.org
Orlando Film Commissioner, Metro Orlando EDC

As the Orlando Film Commissioner for the Metro Orlando Film & Television Commission, Sheena is charged with marketing the region as a premier production location. She proactively works to attract outside productions to Metro Orlando, as well as support the existing indigenous production infrastructure.

Prior to joining the EDC, Sheena worked in the public relations department of Orlando’s Downtown Arts District where she was responsible for the organization, promotion and implementation of special events. She also previously worked as the associate producer for Orlando’s WMFE Public Broadcasting station. As associate producer, she helped produce several award-winning local television programs including This Week and The Arts Connection. Sheena also has experience in commercial production with Go Film, Transition Productions, iNEXTv.com, Swanson Production Partners and Warner Brothers.

Sheena also serves as the Vice-Chair of the Film Commission Council for the state association Film Florida.

lyn@womeninfilmfl.org
Meeting Planner & Account Exec., Crow Segal Management, Inc.

"Book 'em, Lynnie!" ... has been her motto, since residing in New York City. She was one of the original staff members of ABC-TV's "Good Morning America," working every facet from Producer's Assistant to Talent Coordinator. Other NY-based stints include Talent Coordinator for Lifetime's "Attitudes;" NBC's "Night Music;" a booking agent for premier jazz and big band acts; a club date booker for the summer shed season; and, a booker of music acts and speakers for the convention trade industry.

Since her move to Orlando, she has worked for Disney's WDA-TV casting six pilots; Animal Planet's "Petsburgh, USA" as a Segment Producer and Talent Producer; Talent Producer for a Christmas TV special for ABC/Disney; and Talent Producer and Development Producer on various pilots an projects for Lightship Entertainment.

Currently (besides freelance development producing), she also is a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) for Crow Segal Management Inc.'s national management accounts, with an office based in Orlando. She also works part time for the Orlando Magic & Amway Center, and is a committee member of the Hope & Help Center's famous Headdress Ball.

A mass communications graduate of Emerson College in Boston, Lyn resides in her multi-colored painted home in Lake Mary. The eclectic house has a band rehearsal room, a remote radio show studio, and several music-related furniture pieces Lyn has designed. She has two sons: Casey-25 and Cody-21 plus, two adorable Beagles.

Treasurer - Dave Cole

david@womeninfilmfl.org
CPA, Managing Tax Partner

David is a graduate of the University of Maryland and has been practicing public account for over 10 years. David's experience is in tax compliance, tax planning and accounting consulting for small and start-up businesses as well as individual taxes. He has been a member of the FICPA since 1999 and is a certified QuickBooks pro advisor. David is also a member of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce and the financial advisor to the Central Florida Film Festival.

nancy@womeninfilmfl.org
ReelKasting, LLC

Nancy McBride is the owner of ReelKasting, LLC, which is a full casting service company. ReelKasting works with all budget levels to help your production become successful.

This past year the company has worked on: "Venom One" (Animal Planet television series); "Space Brothers" feature film- Toho Studios; "Big Break" webseries; "World's Strictest Parents" (Lifetime reality series), "The Father Project" (CMT); "America Super Nanny" (Lifetime); and about 35 infomercials.

ReelKasting also produces Florida's Cast and Crew weekly newsletter that reaches over 1,200 adult actors, models, hosts and stunt personnel along with local crew. For no budget independent and student films, the company offers this service for free to post and to receive. This newsletter helps educate, as well as keeps Florida's cast and crew updated on things going on. This also helps when productions come in and need to find our local talent very quickly.

robin@womeninfilmfl.org
Producer

Launching her 20-year career in the New York Marketplace, three-time Emmy®-nominated, Robin Cohen presently holds the Line Producer position at Pink Sneakers Productions. While Robin's primary career focus has been behind the scenes in television production, she has also worked as an on camera newscaster producing her own radio and television segments.

Since relocating to Florida 15 years ago, Robin has held various roles as Production Coordinator, Production Manager and Line Producer working for shows broadcast on networks such as ABC, Nickelodeon, The Travel Channel, Disney, Animal Planet and Comedy Central. In addition to nine consecutive years producing various elements of the Emmy award winning Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade, Robin has also produced television commercials for T-Mobile, Mazda, Kia, Gillette and Atlantis Hotel in the Bahamas. She has also been an integral part of the productions of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire? - Live from Disney MGM Studios," "The Rosie O'Donnell Show - Live from DCA," "40th Pillsbury Bake-Off" live telecast and the ESPY awards red carpet show. Her musical production experience has afforded her the opportunity to work multiple years with ABC's Summer Jam concert series as well as Aaron Carter's tours throughout the Florida area.

Robin has been a member of Women in Film for the past ten years and is looking forward to her role as President. Her mission is to see all the fantastic talented crew in Florida work together to create a "best in class" freelance production crew that will draw business to the state and give the major markets a run for their money.

When she's not busy at work Robin likes to cook, work in her yard, watch television, shop and attend doggie events. She is a great entertainer who has been known to whip up a gourmet meal, while concocting the complimentary beverage as well as providing the comedic entertainment for her guests in her Orlando home shared with her long time partner, Emmy®-nominated Editor Chad Anness, and their dog Ozzie.

Providing Insurance for 30+ years as a Broker and Agent in Philadelphia, New York City and Florida, Carol has worked in theater, dinner theaters, community theater, Broadway and Off-Broadway as a musical theatrical actress and singer. She produced and performed her own one-woman shows and has been active with the theater and entertainment industry for a very long time.

Prior to coming to Florida, Carol was Vice President of Entertainment & Leisure divisions of DeWitt Stern Group of New York and Executive Vice President of Dewitt Stern of Florida. She worked in developing and expanding the NY Office in Entertainment making that firm synonymous with being the BROADWAY Brokers. Carol was instrumental in opening the Florida office and helped manage their offices in California, Florida and Tennessee. She has been placing and consulting on all entertainment and commercial insurance programs for the entertainment industry: feature films, TV, events, venues, theater and Broadway and music with all its ancillary businesses for over 30 years.

Currently with Tanenbaum Harber of Florida as a specialized insurance agent, Carol consults and places insurance, not only for entertainment clients, but for commercial business (hospitality) and personal clients worldwide as well.

Carol is a Board member and Secretary of AICP (Association of Independent Commercial Producers); Executive Board member of Film Florida; and Chairwoman of The Hurricane Task Force Committee of Florida, working with FL Film Commissioners and the film community on up-to-date changes for the state with regard to hurricanes and insurance. She is also a member of the following: Film Florida; Aventura Marketing Council; Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival; and proud to be a Board member of Women in Film & TV.

Shirley Decker is EVP, Business Development for IDEAS, an Entertainment, Learning and Marketing studio located in downtown Orlando, FL. Drawing on over 25+ years of experience in the hospitality industry as a meeting planning professional and certified hotel sales executive, with several years as a Disney executive, Shirley is responsible for directing business development at IDEAS. She has been immersed in five star quality service during those hospitality industry years, understanding top guest experience and operations of the finest service required to be successful. Her vast knowledge of the corporate and hospitality markets has brought a new level of growth to the production of corporate communications needs.

A recipient of Disney's ultimate award, Partners in Excellence, Shirley offers an ability to anticipate and fulfill the needs of clients by strong listening skills and understanding what audiences expect along with the dynamic story and studio teams at IDEAS. She and her team have brought their storytelling, development, and branding knowledge to the government, healthcare, corporate, destination, and education industries. Additionally, Shirley has been instrumental in bringing series, movies of the week, independent features, and studio film projects to IDEAS. From editing, motion graphics to post audio in the new audio mixing studio at IDEAS, Shirley is a big part of why IDEAS is a destination for post production.

Shirley currently serves as a trustee on the Board of Trustees for WMFE 90.7, Central Florida's NPR affiliate as well as a "voice" during fund drives, and is a member of the Marketing Communications Committee of the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. She is a returning member to the board for Women in Film and Television – Florida, after serving several years during her tenure at Walt Disney Company. And of course, she still is involved in the rescue of retired greyhounds and helping to find their forever homes.

Lawrence Haber has been a practicing attorney for 30 years, with the last 20 years devoted primarily to entertainment law. He has extensive experience in all aspects of legal, business and union matters in the entertainment industry, including the production, distribution and sales of long and short form film and television programming, and the negotiating and drafting of agreements for financing, production, and distribution of such programming. His clients also include software, website, design and graphics companies.

He represents production companies, talent, and producers in all phases of development and production in all types of media worldwide. His legal experience is grounded in intellectual property, corporate, general business and transactional law. He was an in-house attorney at both Universal Studios Florida and Walt Disney World for over seven years, with his last four years at Disney focused exclusively as Director of Business Affairs for original television programming. Among other projects while at Disney, he packaged, negotiated and sold worldwide rights for two episodic television series.

As Client Services for ProductionHUB.com, Kim works with production industry professionals on a daily basis. She loves speaking with them, learning about what they’re doing and what they want to do, and figuring out how to help them best promote their professional video and film production services. She’s been in their shoes before, having worked in the film industry for 8 years freelancing as a costume designer /wardrobe stylist for independent feature films, television commercials, and music video productions in Central Florida, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maryland.

Born and raised in Florida, Kim moved back to Orlando recently after living in New York City for almost five years. In NYC, Kim did wardrobe work on various film and commercial shoots, oftentimes working with the same group of amazing filmmakers over and over again. While in New York, Kim worked for three and a half years as Creative Services / Account Manager for a boutique graphic design firm known for its award-winning DVD packaging design and marketing collateral for clients HBO, BBC, National Geographic, and ESPN on film and tv titles including The Sopranos, 30 Rock, La Vie En Rose, Entourage, Carnivale, Rome, and Everybody Loves Raymond.

Kim graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelors in Anthropology & Classics. She later received a Technical Certificate in Theater & Entertainment Stage Technology from Valencia College, and has had coursework in lighting, sound, prop construction, stage / set building, special effects makeup, and scene painting.

Having lived in the "triangle of the entertainment world" (New York City, L.A., and Orlando), Melanie Lentz-Janney has 21 years' experience in entertainment public relations, advertising and brand marketing and has spent the past two years producing/marketing her passion project, a feature documentary about Rick Springfield and devoted fans. It will be released later this year.

Prior to starting her own agency in 2002, Doverwood Communications, Melanie spent over 10 years working at several of Central Florida's most prestigious advertising and PR firms with clients such as Walt Disney World Resorts and Hard Rock Live. She has also worked on various publicity/WOM initiatives with Sony Pictures, Miramax, 20th Century Fox, Fox Searchlight, Paramount Pictures, Screen Gems, Dimension Films, VH-1, MTV, and A&E.

In 2010, she collaborated with Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Sylvia Caminer and together created Yellow Rick Road Productions. In addition to the Rick Springfield documentary, they have several other projects in development.

The Orlando Business Journal has recognized Melanie as one of the “100 Most Influential Business People” in Central Florida. In fact, she was the first Executive Director of WIFT-FL and has been involved with the organization since 2001. In addition to running two businesses, she is writing her first book, which she hopes will inspire other people to fearlessly follow their dreams. However, her biggest joy in life is being mom to her 10 year old son, Drake.

Tracy Mateer has been in the hospitality industry since the early 80's. Starting at Freeman Decorating Company, she worked for their general manager and eventually started their Installation & Dismantle (I&D) department running crews of 10-100 installing exhibits at local hotels and the Convention Centers in Orlando and Atlanta. She segued into the hotel business, working for over 10 years in hotel sales. Currently, she is a 16-year employee of the Villas of Grand Cypress, where she serves as public relations coordinator and assistant to the property's general manager.

In 2010, she was honored as the Outstanding Administrative Employee of the Year by the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association (CFHLA). Tracy is responsible for coordinating all photo shoots and filming that occur at The Villas, Grand Cypress Academy of Golf and Jack Nicklaus Signature-designed Grand Cypress Golf Club.

Liz Morgan PR is a boutique public relations firm, where clients receive the level of expertise of a seasoned agency, but deal directly with the agency's founder and owner, Liz Morgan.

Liz Morgan is a creative, award-winning public relations professional with more than 20 years experience in media relations, communications strategy and event planning.

Liz Morgan PR was launched in 2000. Her clients have included Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus, Disney on Ice, Feld Entertainment, Cirque du Soleil, NFL Alumni, Inc., Centers for Disease Control (Atlanta), The Vestcor Companies, Film Florida, Biscotti's Café, bb's (upscale restaurant), JuneBug Films (San Francisco), TigerLily Media, Throwing Stars (independent film), Random House (media tours for authors), The First Tee of Jacksonville, Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, Peterbrooke Chocolatier, Goodwill of North Florida, HabiJax, The Clara White Mission, Jacksonville Home & Patio Show, Jacksonville International Car & Truck Show, Southern Women's Show (Birmingham, Jacksonville, Nashville, Orlando, Memphis and Savannah) UNF Fine Arts Center, Pet Doctors of America, First Guaranty Bank, Jacksonville Federal Credit Union, Kuhn Flowers, Jacksonville Film Festival, Connecticut Film Festival, Orlando Home Show, QuiltFest of Jacksonville, Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Northeast Florida AIDS Network, JAXPORT (Celebrity Cruise Lines launch), Jacksonville International Boat Show, Buca di Beppo (grand opening) and Floor and Décor Outlets of America (Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Jacksonville).

In addition to media relations and communications strategy, Liz Morgan PR has specific areas of expertise in special event planning and coordination. From organizing conferences for the Centers of Disease Control in Atlanta to galas for the Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art, Liz Morgan PR is a proven special event planner who can execute and oversee events for 10 or 10,000 people.

Throughout her career, Liz has believed in giving back to the community in which she loves to work and play. Her pro-bono work has included Jacksonville Film Festival (board member), UNF Fine Arts Center (board member), Child Cancer Center (board member), The First Tee of Jacksonville, The Clara White Mission, Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, North Florida School and JCCI.

Prior to joining the EDC, Amy worked as a Coordinating Producer for Apopka-based Pink Sneakers Productions, Inc. where she managed several popular television series including "Hogan Knows Best," "My Big Redneck Wedding," and "Tiara Girls" which aired on major networks such as MTV, VH1 and CMT. She also previously served as a freelance Production Manager where she was responsible for managing the production of multimedia projects across varied industries. Her responsibilities included coordinating logistics for production shoots, maintaining client relationships, and managing production schedules and online content for clients.

Jennifer Pennypacker
jen@womeninfilmfl.org
Director Marketing, Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts

Jennifer serves as the Director of Marketing for the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts.

Prior to her current position Jennifer served as the Director of Film & Digital Media Development, also known worldwide in the industry as the Metro Orlando Film & Entertainment Commission. She proactively worked to attract outside productions to Metro Orlando, as well as support the existing indigenous production infrastructure.

Prior to working at the EDC, Jennifer was a freelance production coordinator and production manager in the commercial and music video market. She worked on music videos for country music singer Alan Jackson and various commercials including “Sea-Doo”, “Suzuki” and “Ford”. Jennifer left the Film Commission in 1999 after accepting a position with Showtime Networks in Los Angeles. During her two and a half year tenure as a production executive with Showtime, she oversaw the day-to-day production of original programming, which included feature films and network television series. In 2001, she returned home to Orlando and returned to the EDC as Director of Project Development.

Jennifer is currently serving as Past President/Treasurer of Women in Film & Television Florida, an organization where she has been on the board for seven years. In addition, she is actively involved with the Florida Hospital Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Give Kids the World and was a mentor for Howard Middle School.

Art Smith has over 25 years of film experience. As owner of his own production company, No Budget Movie Company, Art coaches new screenwriters and helps to produce their films at a low budget. He can credit teaching and mentoring over 300 individuals currently working in the television or film industry.

Art's resume includes: "The Session," "Misguided," "Three," "Fashion News Live," "Mother's Day," "Ocean City," "Who Goes There?," "Didn’t Say Goodbye," "Super Mario Brothers," "Good Morning Vietnam," "Causalities of War," "Soldier Boy’s," "Angel Heart," "Snake Eyes," "Devil's Own," "Sweet Liberty," "Anger Management," and more. He is a member of American Film Institute, Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences TV, Independent Feature Project, Society of Motion Picture Television Engineers, Audio Engineering Society and the National Assoc. of Broadcasters.

As Client Services Manager for the Universal Studios Florida Production Group, Katrinka VanDeventer oversees the needs of clients, who produce film, television, music videos, print and commercial projects. Her ‘territory’ includes the company’s Broadcast Studios, Sound Stages, more than 100 Back Lot locations and the details of services for the producer’s building 22A. With a degree in Film and Television from the Universal of Central Florida, Katrinka set out to pursue a career in her own community. During her eight years at the Metro Orlando Film Commission, her credits included “Superboy,” “Problem Child 2,” “Rosewood,” and “From the Earth to the Moon”.

In today’s market, informed producers want to know if we can flood our backlot (we can and did for the musical group CREED), how we control sound within the park (a simple push of a button) and how long it will take to get a production company up and running (about an hour!)”, says Katrinka.

Katrinka has become a liaison to the state film community, serves on the board of Women In Film and considers her ongoing passion for classic movies her indulgence.

Brooke Winfrey is Vice President and co-owner of Omni-Adept Productions, an Orlando-based video production company. An award winning videographer, she has over five years directorial, editorial, and production experience. She graduated from the Florida Institute of Recording Sound & Technology.

Brooke's passion for film and video started in her early teens. At 15, she was recognized by Sony Music as having the most outstanding music video submitted in a national contest featuring MTV's Cheyenne Kimball. This and her other videos have garnered hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube.

Her creative pursuits have also taken her to Los Angeles where she has directed R&B popstar Usher in a music video and worked on a short film starring Laura Prepon. Her list of other video projects and collaborations include pro skateboarder, Ryan Sheckler, pop-punk band, We The Kings, Animal Planet, and Proctor & Gamble.

Robin started her career in the entertainment industry 15 years ago promoting and traveling with numerous top 40 and mainstream rock bands. During this time she was introduced to the film industry while working on music videos and sound tracks for feature films.

Returning to central Florida in 2001, Robin worked as executive vice president for an independent film studio. Traveling both nationally and internationally, she not only promoted the studio but also the State of Florida, as a one-stop shop for all production needs.

Becoming a member of Film Florida in 2004 and the organizations Industry Council Chairperson in 2007, she worked with members and other state organizations creating a unified force to lobby in Tallahassee for increased funding of the state’s film incentive to keep Florida a competitive force.

A current board member for the Orlando Film Festival, Robin has maintained a strong commitment to the independent film community and has been involved with several film festivals throughout the state.

As president of Storyteller Entertainment, Inc., and an active member of the film community, Robin continues to work on the growth and development of the film and television industry in the State of Florida.

Bio is on the way!

Always a passionate and committed movie-lover, Christy decided to join the production industry in 2012 to follow her dreams of working on set of television and film projects. She studied at Duke University, majoring in Cultural Anthropology but taking many courses in Duke's Film/Video/Digital certificate program. After graduating in 2011, she worked for a year at a law firm before deciding to pursue her interest in production. Born and raised in Orlando, she has returned here to work throughout Florida in our burgeoning entertainment industry.

She is currently a post-production intern with IDEAS Orlando, an office intern with Future Media Concepts, and works as a Production Assistant throughout the state. She plans to continue developing her skill set in all aspects of production-- from pre, to post, and everything in between!