MEET THE TEAM

VINCE VIDELL 

Vincent Videll is an emerging powerhouse in independent film production — a bold voice in cinema with a reputation for turning raw ideas into visually arresting, emotionally charged stories. Based in Reno, Nevada, Vincent wears many hats as a filmmaker, director, and actor, known for crafting narratives that pulse with grit, soul, and ambition.

His breakout directorial debut, Where the Light Won’t Touch (FrostFire Cinematics), is a sci-fi thriller that pushes genre boundaries, merging stunning visual storytelling with grounded emotional depth. As both producer and lead actor, Vincent infused the film with his signature blend of authenticity and cinematic boldness — a calling card that’s quickly setting him apart as one to watch.

JAKE ZMAK

 Jake is a visionary film director from Reno, Nevada. Best known for his work directing his feature film Anything Help$. Known for his cinematic storytelling and sharp creative instincts he has been working in the film industry for two years. He competes annually in the Silver State Storytellers and Carson City Film Festival, consistently earning recognition for his compelling short films. Jake also represents Reno on the global stage through the International 48 Hour Film Project, where he thrives under pressure and tight deadlines. His work in his latest film American Idiot combines emotional depth with visual intensity, making him a standout voice in the indie film scene. 

IVEY SMITH 

 Ivey Smith is a Film Titan in the Reno film community, serving as the City Producer for the Reno 48 Hour Film Project and co-owner of Malevolent Mouse Productions. A gifted editor at heart, Ivey’s passion lies in crafting stories through the cutting room, where her talent brings raw footage to life with precision and emotion. She's also an accomplished director and screenwriter, known for her sharp storytelling instincts and boundless creativity. With her dedication and leadership, Ivey continues to provide priceless support and opportunities for filmmakers across the region. 

KAT GOMEZ 

 Kat Gomez is a talented costume and makeup artist based in Reno, Nevada, known for her creative versatility and eye for detail. She has brought characters to life in haunted houses and numerous film productions, skillfully blending practical effects with imaginative design. Kat’s ability to transform performers through makeup and costume has made her an essential part of every set she joins. Her passion and dedication shine through in every brushstroke and stitch, elevating the visual storytelling of each project. 

Kat is available for hire at the following location:

https://www.instagram.com/babykat_113/?hl=en

MATTHEW HAWKINS 

 Matthew Hawkins is a highly skilled VFX makeup artist specializing in latex applications, body paint, and advanced airbrushing techniques. With formal training in special effects makeup, he brings creatures and characters to life using hand-sculpted masks and prosthetics crafted from clay. Matthew designs every detail from concept to creation, blending technical precision with a vivid imagination. His work adds a tangible, cinematic realism that transforms actors into unforgettable beings from other worlds. 

Matthew is available for hire at: 

https://www.instagram.com/matthew_hawkins_artistry/?hl=en

DANIEL KATHER 

Daniel Kather is a gifted composer and editor from Los Angeles, California, and the co-owner of Malevolent Mouse Productions. A maestro at the intersection of music and film, Daniel orchestrates captivating experiences that resonate with audiences long after the final frame. With a rare talent for weaving sound and story into one seamless emotional journey, his compositions elevate every scene with heart, depth, and imagination. Whether behind the keys or in the editing suite, Daniel’s work transforms film into symphony—where every note hits home and every moment lingers.

JORDYN HOUSE 

 Jordyn House is an up-and-coming film director based in Reno, Nevada, making waves in the local indie scene with his bold vision and fresh storytelling style. He has competed in numerous film competitions, including SKILLS USA and the Carson City Film Festival, where his work continues to stand out. Jordyn is also a regular competitor in the 48 Hour Film Project, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure and deliver impactful films in record time. His newest film All In is set to release in 2025. With each new project, Jordyn proves he’s a rising talent to watch in the world of independent cinema. 

JOBE R. RIPPEY 

 Jobe Rippey is a rising film director based in Reno, Nevada, known for his inventive storytelling and psychological depth. He has launched a Kickstarter campaign for his latest project, StranDEAD, a psychological horror short that explores the unsettling question: "What if the killer got lost?" Jobe has contributed to numerous local film projects in Reno, earning recognition for his work on short films such as Automobile, The Lock, and How to Talk to Aliens. His creative vision and dedication make him a vital force in the Reno film community and an essential contributor to this film 

 GREG PALMER 

 Greg Palmer is a renowned production sound mixer based in Reno, Nevada, celebrated for his exceptional work in the local film community. With extensive experience in numerous film competitions in both Carson City and Reno, Greg has become a go-to professional for filmmakers seeking high-quality sound production. He is particularly known for his contributions to films such as Rudy Where Are You? and Where the Light Won’t Touch, where his expertise in sound mixing significantly enhanced the storytelling. Greg's collaborative spirit and technical proficiency have made him a trusted partner for many directors in the region. 

BEN SHERWIN 

Hailing from South Lake Tahoe, Ben walks the line—both literally and creatively—between California and Nevada. With over a decade of experience in front of and behind the camera, he has contributed to more than 50 film projects. A graduate of Chico State with a Bachelor’s degree in Media Production, he has been an active force in the Reno filmmaking scene for the past two years.

His credits include work as a Camera Assistant and Gaffer Grip on The Static Theory of Time, Rewind, and Where the Light Won’t Touch. Beyond Nevada, he has also collaborated extensively with independent filmmakers across Northern California.

He just wrapped filming on his latest project, Snappers, and is gearing up to embark on his next creative journey with the upcoming film The Couch. 

NOMAR MENDOZA 

 Nomar Mendoza is a multifaceted actor, musician, and educator based in Reno, Nevada. He has performed in numerous local theater productions, including Dracula, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and The Crucible. Professionally, Nomar has appeared in commercials, short films, and feature films, with credits such as Final Girl: Halloween (2024), Midnight Bloodshed (2023), and Escape of the Dragons (2023). As an instructor at Take 2 Performers Studio, he mentors aspiring actors, drawing from his extensive experience in performance and his representation with Tru Talent Agency. Nomar's dedication to the arts and his community makes him a vital contributor to the Reno film and theater scene. 

HUNTER RAND 

  Hunter Rand is a visionary cinematographer and multimedia artist, born and raised in Reno, Nevada. He began his journey in 2009 through the Digital Media & Journalism program at the Academy of Arts, Careers, & Technology, later earning his B.A. in Journalism from the University of Nevada while working as a university videographer. Hunter's early work in broadcast journalism earned him four state-level gold medals and national recognition from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. His passion for cinema took off in 2011 with the award-winning PSA Life Over Text, marking the beginning of a career driven by storytelling and innovation. Despite a brief, daring stint as an underwater camera operator, Hunter pivoted fully into film and television, founding Eddy Westin and Company and later co-founding Aha! West, LLC—both focused on elevating film production across the Western U.S. From directing social media and documentary production for Nevada Women’s Basketball to revamping a full-scale TV studio as a high school instructor, he’s consistently raised the bar for visual storytelling. With a sharp eye for composition and an instinct for narrative, Hunter Rand brings energy, vision, and cinematic depth to every project he touches.