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As a kid we moved around. I never quite knew where I was from. Being the new kid had it's challenges but opened my eyes diversity and provided ability to adapt. I landed in Austin 10 years ago and finally feel like I have a home town!

After college I did the corporate america thing for a couple years which made 'Office Space' more personal, and revived by living a year abroad. In 2001, at the age of 26. I found myself at a crossroad. I had always had passion for film, but making them seemed inaccessible. I knew if I tried I could fail, but decided I would rather go down in flames than live with regret.

Soon after I got involved with Hope Chaple, a community with a focus on the arts. I was meeting other like minded individuals and a film initiative formed. We called ourselves Project Seven and deemed Robert Rodriguez our patron saint. That was the first time I made a short. It was bad. Fortunately, the community was great and we learned by doing. We ran 'The Ragamuffin Film Festival' for a couple years and I started getting real experience.

In 2002 I got my industry start working with academy award documentarian R.J. Cutler on the Showtime Series 'Freshman Diaries'. The 10 month project was like film school on crack. Many commercials and music videos later I still dreamed of playing a larger role and making stories I felt passion for. The work was often humbling and making a living challenged my commitment, but this girl was on a mission.

In 2004 I was approached by my friend Mike Akel to produce his feature 'CHALK'. It was a grass roots amazing journey and grew our team up professionally. We took it on the festival circuit in 2006 and among other awards, were estatic at being nominated for an Independent Spirit Award, having Morgan Spurlock of 'Super Size Me' come on as an executive producer, and getting national distribution.

I've been making my living as a producer ever since, collaborating with some super talented people. 'The Dreamer' was my first screenplay to collaborate on the writing, but will hopefully not be the last.

UPDATE 2009: I've moved to LA! Just produced my 2nd Doorpost Finalist film, 'The Butterfly Circus', with Josh & Rebekah Weigel.

CURRENT PROJECTS:
'No Compromise', feature project in development on the life of Keith Green
'Ultimate's Guide to Flight', comedy feature, directed by Scott Meyers, posting

PAST PROJECTS:
'The Farkles', TV Pilot, starring Tony Hale, acquired by Lorne Michaels/Broadway Video
'Writ Writer', PBS documentary, directed by Susan Mason, aired on acclaimed 'Independent Lens' strand
'CHALK', comedy feature, executive producer Morgan Spurlock, directed by Mike Akel, distributed by Arts Alliance, Independent Spirit Award nominee
CHARLIE, NBC short, Mr. Sinus Show, directed by Mike Akel
'Another Chance', TV Pilot featuring Lance Armstrong, directed by Jeffrey Travis, Dos Gringos Production
'Be Here To Love Me: A Film About Townes Van Zandt', documentary, directed by Margaret Brown, distributed by Palm Pictures
'Temple Tantrum', documentary, WMB Productions

Taylor University, B.A. in Communication Studies; Theatre minor

http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/story?oid=oid%3A475844

After the Wedding
Adaptation
Amelie
Billy Elliot
Born into Brothels
Blood Diamond
Children of Men
Crash
The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Hotel Rwanda
The Insider
Junebug
The Last King of Scotland
Laurel Canyon
Magnolia
Moulin Rouge
Munich
Nowhere in Africa
The Painted Veil
Purple State of Mind
Also inspired by great TV like 'The Office', 'Arrested Development', and 'Lost'

It's deeply gratifying to bring something from fruition to completion. Filmmaking is a collaborative effort. As a producer, I love bringing a team of people together, surrounding myself with talented individuals, and then watching the magic happen. Each phase has a unique rhythm and energy. Then you just put it out there into the unknown. It's satisfying when people are moved, entertained, and challenged.

I've always been inspired by story and can't imagine a more satisfying way to spend my days. When I was 15 I read a book that was such a visual and stirring experience I knew I not only wanted to make that film, but become a filmmaker. I've since been acquiring tools but am increasingly motivated by content. Films have the ability to inform the way I see the world and myself. At best it's a template for reflection that can lead to a door of choice. I love story that although may be messy, reflects beauty and universal truths.

Being an Aunt! I didn't know my heart would expand with each one.
Seeing Jeff get an agent and start acting on the big screen. Seriously, the boy needs representation.
Having a life outside of film. Challenging, but I love my SAT morning girl time, and getting out to enjoy the fun culture of Austin, TX. Our motto: 'Keep Austin Weird'.