Carrie Bush, President

Carrie has a lifelong passion and drive to create stories, give voice to and advocate for the underrepresented and marginalized groups around the world which has formed her goals and dreams both professionally and through her continuing education. For the last 17 years, she’s worked in the film and commercial industry, working across the country and around the world as a director, producer, and assistant director on both narrative and documentary film projects. She has directed four award-winning short films and a web series with a focus on telling stories that showcase different perspectives. She currently mentors young filmmakers and volunteers for organizations that fight for social justice here in Minneapolis as well as at the USA-Mexican Border.

Ariel Donahue, Vice President

Ariel Donahue is a freelance filmmaker, writer, actor and voiceover artist based in Minneapolis. She has spent the last eight years doing production and wardrobe, but her career began at age 2, when she was cast as a series regular in her mother’s student films at MCAD in exchange for Barbie Dolls. (Today, Ariel’s rates are slightly higher.)

Her notable projects include: I Was There (History Channel), Wilson (Fox Searchlight Pictures), In An Instant (ABC), Mogadishu MN (HBO), The Zimmern List (Travel Channel) and many, many commercials.

Ariel is also the title voice of Amira & The StoryCraft, an interactive AI-powered app-based reading tutor. Go download it for free!

Hannah Walker, Treasurer

Hannah Walker is a film and television producer, who recently moved back to Minnesota after 15 years of living and working in Los Angeles. Prior to her move, she served as Producer and Director of Development at Sander/ Moses Productions, where she guided the development of dozens of pilots and television series for ABC, Amazon Studios, FOX, NBCUniversal International Studios, Red Arrow Studios and Warner Bros. Studios, among others. Hannah began her career working in feature film development at independent production companies like 2929 Productions (“The Road,” “Two Lovers”) and Matt Tolmach Productions (“The Amazing Spider Man,” “Jumanji”).

Christopher Powers, Secretary

Chris is a software engineer and filmmaker. He joined the Minneapolis/St. Paul filmmaking community in 2007, where he works as an assistant director and producer on feature films, short films, music videos and documentaries.

Chris joined the MN WIFT Board in 2016 and has served as Secretary since 2017.

Charla Marie Bailey

Charla Marie Bailey is an actress, voice over artist, host, model and novice filmmaker who enjoys writing, working with her hands and spending time with her family.

Charla Marie has been acting on stages in the Midwest for over 25 years. She started working in film and television about 8 years ago. Back in 2018 Charla Marie decided to leave her job as a legal assistant to pursue a career as a full-time actress and has been blessed thus far. She is looking forward to all the exciting adventures this industry has to offer.

You can find her on Amazon Prime in Miles Between US and Black In Minneapolis.

Learn more about Charla Marie at www.CharlaMarieBailey.com.

Brettina Davis

Brettina Davis is a local actress and digital storyteller born and raised in Minneapolis. She has been in the commercial acting world on and off since childhood and started her journey in film acting right before the pandemic. Brettina is outspoken and speaks passionately about mental health, equality, and the need for more BIPOC representation in the media, behind and in front of the camera. With over seven years of experience in marketing, she's ready to market any space in line with her values and passions.

Linda Elmquist

After working for nearly 20 years as an Art Director in print for fashion, corporate, retail and restaurant, Linda Elmquist transitioned to video production.

While in the role of Coordinating Producer for more than 30 episodes of a home improvement remodeling show airing on HGTV, Linda became skilled in all aspects of production. She found a love for planning and logistics where impossible problems are tackled with creative thinking and on-the-fly solutions.

In 2016, Linda, along with HGTV show Director Sarah Sundahl and Host Matt Muenster, combined their unique skillsets perfectly honed for digital content creation and started SPOKE612 Productions. SPOKE is a full-service video production company based in the North Loop, Minneapolis. SPOKES purpose is to inspire awareness through authentic storytelling. They believe that good storytelling will impact outcomes.

As Executive Producer and Partner of SPOKE612, Linda’s passion for negotiation, budget management and organization is the perfect fit for production. Linda will wear whatever hat is needed to get a project done… and done under budget.

SPOKE612 is a certified WBENC women-owned business.

Nicole Frethem

Nicole Frethem is a public policy specialist, elected leader, and attorney. She is dedicated to creating vibrant, thriving communities for children and their families.

While she has focused substantial time on issues such as early care and education, affordable housing, and youth justice transformation, she is also invested in creating inclusive, comprehensive arts economies and ecosystems within her community.

She has served on the National Association of Counties Arts and Culture Commission since 2020 and is leading efforts in Ramsey County to develop a comprehensive arts and economic strategy.

Nicole spent over a decade in the commercial and industrial on-camera industry as an actor and remains involved with the local theatre scene.

Janey Klebe

Janey Klebe is a freelance television and commercial producer. At a young age, she was influenced by travel documentarian, Anthony Bourdain. Through his shows, she discovered her love for storytelling and developed an understanding that if done right, television has the power to do good and share good with the world, which is exactly what she strives to do within her own career.

Over the past 8 years, Janey has been fortunate to work on dozens of shoots across the U.S. and around the world for shows on ABC, MSNBC, Discovery, and Travel Channel. Most recently, she produced two documentaries for PBS’s NOVA Science Series: Fighting for Fertility & Can Psychedelics Cure? In addition to this, she also manages commercial productions and online content for major companies such as Target and Best Buy. Janey loves a good challenge and thrives in a demanding work environment.

When not working, you’ll find Janey running the lakes with her pup, Ophelia, on a taco-date with her fiancé, or practicing yoga! She loves to travel, garden, and volunteers with at-risk elementary students.

Kelly Lamphear-Dash

Kelly Lamphear-Dash is an award-winning screenwriter and producer. Her documentaries and short films have been featured in over 100 film festivals worldwide.

​Her short documentary "Rediscovering John Berryman" will be broadcast on PBS stations nationwide, their app, and educational platform this fall.

​In addition, she's a story and production consultant. She's also co-founder and organizer for Reel Write Away screenwriting retreats.

Bianca Rhodes

Bianca Rhodes is an Emmy award-winning Media Creative Professional and a dedicated advocate for community, diversity, and education. Her illustrious career spanning over two decades reflects her unwavering commitment to positive change and community empowerment through media.

At the heart of Bianca's story is a relentless pursuit of creativity and resilience. Her determination to create new and fresh narratives has been a guiding force throughout her 20-year tenure in the media industry. Refusing to yield to discouragement, she has embraced challenges as opportunities for growth. She once defied advice to stay in front of the camera, choosing instead to explore the power of storytelling from behind the lens. This determination culminated in a prestigious Emmy Award and recognition on WCCO 4 for her nominated show.

Bianca's journey is a testament to the power of media, education, mentorship, and unwavering determination. She invites others to join her on this transformative journey to harness the power of media to bring about positive change, create new narratives, and empower diverse voices.

Reyna Rios

Reyna Rios, is an actor, producer and writer. In the last decade she has appeared on multiple indie film productions in the Twin Cities which include. THE PART WE KEEP, Dir. by Owen Royce, DEARLY DEPARTED, Dir. by Carlos Omar De Leon, EVERY DAY ST. NICK, Dir. by E.G. Bailey, SOLDIER, Dir. by CJ Renner, KARDBOARD, Dir. by Tazariah Wolfe, BINKY, Dir. by Jason Schumacher, TERMS & AGREEMENT, Dir. by Jon Steinhorst, ROSARIO, Dir. by Rogelio Salinas, and many more.

Her most recent producing credits include Owen Royce’s SEARCHLIGHT (a Period-Drama about Richard Nixon and Jackie Gleason) and THE PART WE KEEP (a Sci-Fi Drama about a father who must make the ultimate sacrifice), Jasmine Navy’s CAT N’ MOUSE (a Sci-Fi Action feature), and Jason Schumacher’s music video for CARRALEE and most recently; Ave Maria her self-produced Sci-Fi micro episodic pilot.

Reyna aspires to bring more stories to life, one film at a time- whether that be through acting, writing or producing. To learn more visit: www.reynarios.com

Molly Ryman

Molly Ryman is an actress originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her love for storytelling took her to New York City where she pursued independent film and studied at the Stella Adler School of Acting and The T. Schreiber Studio. She has been a part of numerous award winning films and has taken home a number of Best Actress Awards. Molly has acted in everything from dark dramatic films to campy drag queen comedies.

While in NYC, Molly spent many years volunteering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Awareness, a cause she is still passionate about today. She is also passionate about wildlife, green living and holistic wellness. Her love for yoga took her to an ashram in India where she lived and studied and Thailand where she worked with an Ayeruvedic practitioner.

Since moving back home to Minnesota, Molly is married with a sweet, young family. She is represented locally by Moore Creative Talent and Wehmann Models and Talent. She works in commercials and continues to travel for film work.

Jason Schumacher

Jason P. Schumacher is a freelance director and multi-hyphenate filmmaker, using words, light, paint, and pixels to tell stories and share ideas.  

He has worked in film and television in the Twin Cities since 2004.  

Jason has directed numerous award winning short films and music videos that have screened around the country.   His films have a strong visual aesthetic and are often themed around disconnection and reconnection between people.  He has also used his filmmaking skills to help healthcare organizations and nonprofits to promote mental health awareness and therapeutic treatments.    

He is currently developing several narrative feature screenplays.

Always striving to learn and grow, his eclectic mix of skills has allowed him to work in a variety of roles on and off set, all informing his own work as a director and filmmaker. Wearing many hats in his career has also given him a true appreciation for being a part of a collaborative creative team.  

When he's not creating something new for work or artistic expression, Jason is at home playing pretend and making art with his young family.

Dallas Smith

Dallas Smith is a visual creative with a passion for stories told through film and photography. Her degree and corporate work for the past 15+ years has been in the field of Architecture and Design, but her heart is in film and photography and thus it takes up most of her time outside of corporate America. Since 2010, Dallas has been Lead Photographer for the Twin Cities Film Fest, and has worked on films both large and small as an actor, stand-in, unit still photographer, assistant director, script supervisor and production assistant.

Dallas has also worked as actor in a variety of commercial ads, including Warners Stellian, Wiley Wallaby and Minnesota School of Business.

"I believe we have an amazing film community of both talent and crew here in Minnesota, and do all that I can to help promote and build it up. I first stepped onto a film set 13 years ago and fell in love with the process. Film can inspire and touch people in ways other things cannot. It’s essential for both edification and entertainment. I wouldn’t be the same if it had not touched my life in so many ways."The Maker.

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