THE TEAM
SAMANTHA HOLT - WRITER / DIRECTOR
Samantha Holt is a filmmaker and senior at California State University, Northridge. Most recently, she wrote and directed If Ever There’s a Tomorrow as her senior film project.
Holt has been involved in several student productions since arriving at Cal State, Northridge in 2012, including; True Colors, Shades and Caper. Additionally, she interns with the web show “Dance Plug”, where she films and directs the talent for their weekly episodes.
Prior to joining the Cinema and Television Arts department at Cal State Northridge, Holt attending Colorado University Boulder where she was a Broadcast Journalism major. Holt broadcast weekly in Boulder on “CU Sports Mag”, a sports news show. Holt also holds a Colorado High School Press Association award for an article on a solider in Afghanistan.
Holt currently resides in Los Angeles.
Samantha Holt is a filmmaker and senior at California State University, Northridge. Most recently, she wrote and directed If Ever There’s a Tomorrow as her senior film project.
Holt has been involved in several student productions since arriving at Cal State, Northridge in 2012, including; True Colors, Shades and Caper. Additionally, she interns with the web show “Dance Plug”, where she films and directs the talent for their weekly episodes.
Prior to joining the Cinema and Television Arts department at Cal State Northridge, Holt attending Colorado University Boulder where she was a Broadcast Journalism major. Holt broadcast weekly in Boulder on “CU Sports Mag”, a sports news show. Holt also holds a Colorado High School Press Association award for an article on a solider in Afghanistan.
Holt currently resides in Los Angeles.
ADOLFO AGUIRRE - PRODUCER
Adolfo Aguirre was born and raised in Lima, Peru, in South America. From a young age, Adolfo had an interest in filmmaking, though didn’t have a big market and good schools that teach film. He decided to choose another path until he moved to Los Angeles, CA in January 2007 Although he did not know about the art and business of filmmaking, he decided to learn as much as possible so that he could become well-rounded in film and have a prosperous career.
Currently, Adolfo is in the sound option of the film program at CSUN, however his interests lean more towards the producing path. For his CTVA 355 film, Adolfo co-produced and also did location sound mixing for Andy Marceau. In addition to his experience with CSUN projects, Adolfo has also worked as a 2nd A.D. and P.A. in different occasions, and also with LMU’s graduate film Excelsior as a Boom Operator. Adolfo also has experience creating budgets and shooting schedules using Movie Magic Budgeting and Scheduling.
Adolfo’s ultimate goal is to become a feature film producer. He has already planned out how to reach his dream. He will apply to join the DGA A.D. training program this upcoming Fall 2013 and within 2 years he will become a 2nd A.D. working his way up to being a 1st A.D. From there, Adolfo will become a UPM so that he can become more knowledgeable with the business and network with producers and then become a producer himself.
Adolfo Aguirre was born and raised in Lima, Peru, in South America. From a young age, Adolfo had an interest in filmmaking, though didn’t have a big market and good schools that teach film. He decided to choose another path until he moved to Los Angeles, CA in January 2007 Although he did not know about the art and business of filmmaking, he decided to learn as much as possible so that he could become well-rounded in film and have a prosperous career.
Currently, Adolfo is in the sound option of the film program at CSUN, however his interests lean more towards the producing path. For his CTVA 355 film, Adolfo co-produced and also did location sound mixing for Andy Marceau. In addition to his experience with CSUN projects, Adolfo has also worked as a 2nd A.D. and P.A. in different occasions, and also with LMU’s graduate film Excelsior as a Boom Operator. Adolfo also has experience creating budgets and shooting schedules using Movie Magic Budgeting and Scheduling.
Adolfo’s ultimate goal is to become a feature film producer. He has already planned out how to reach his dream. He will apply to join the DGA A.D. training program this upcoming Fall 2013 and within 2 years he will become a 2nd A.D. working his way up to being a 1st A.D. From there, Adolfo will become a UPM so that he can become more knowledgeable with the business and network with producers and then become a producer himself.
BARTON AIKMAN - DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Barton Aikman was born and raised in Santa Clarita, California and transferred to CSUN after completing College of the Canyons. He is in the Film Production option with an emphasis in Cinematography. In 355 he was fortunate enough to be able to direct the short film Paper & Tiger.
He is the only Cinematography emphasis student this semester to double dip into Fred Ginsburg’s Production Sound class. Barton felt that not only would this experience help him become more marketable out of school, but also help him network within the film program.
Barton enjoys participating in all levels of production. He learned production mixing and boom operating in Professor Ginsburg’s sound class. Despite the stress, he has loved every second of film school and looks forward to learning even more.
Barton Aikman was born and raised in Santa Clarita, California and transferred to CSUN after completing College of the Canyons. He is in the Film Production option with an emphasis in Cinematography. In 355 he was fortunate enough to be able to direct the short film Paper & Tiger.
He is the only Cinematography emphasis student this semester to double dip into Fred Ginsburg’s Production Sound class. Barton felt that not only would this experience help him become more marketable out of school, but also help him network within the film program.
Barton enjoys participating in all levels of production. He learned production mixing and boom operating in Professor Ginsburg’s sound class. Despite the stress, he has loved every second of film school and looks forward to learning even more.
NATE SUTTON - CAMERA OPERATOR
Born in Burbank, California, Nate has always had a passion for film, ever since he could remember. Director’s like Stanley Kubrick, Martin Scorsese, Brian De Palma and Francis Ford Coppola shaped his love for the pristine art of film.
In high school, he experimented with a variety of different genres from horror, science fiction, noir, drama, western, comedy, romance, and even animation. Many of these films were solo efforts, with Nate being director, producer, editor, cinematographer, camera operator, and actor all at the same time. Let’s just say his tripod was a good investment.
His greatest achievements though were one’s that involved collaboration with other filmmakers to produce projects that they all could appreciate. Such films, like “Rainmaker” have won awards for best picture, director, cinematography, editing, acting and sound at Simi Valley’s local Tristone film festival. Best directing and cinematography went to Nate.
An avid photographer and film buff (he watches at least one movie a day), Nate’s knowledge of film is vast, and besides becoming a director or cinematographer in the future, he would love to pursue the responsibilities of a film historian and restorer, so the classic films will never be lost by time.
Born in Burbank, California, Nate has always had a passion for film, ever since he could remember. Director’s like Stanley Kubrick, Martin Scorsese, Brian De Palma and Francis Ford Coppola shaped his love for the pristine art of film.
In high school, he experimented with a variety of different genres from horror, science fiction, noir, drama, western, comedy, romance, and even animation. Many of these films were solo efforts, with Nate being director, producer, editor, cinematographer, camera operator, and actor all at the same time. Let’s just say his tripod was a good investment.
His greatest achievements though were one’s that involved collaboration with other filmmakers to produce projects that they all could appreciate. Such films, like “Rainmaker” have won awards for best picture, director, cinematography, editing, acting and sound at Simi Valley’s local Tristone film festival. Best directing and cinematography went to Nate.
An avid photographer and film buff (he watches at least one movie a day), Nate’s knowledge of film is vast, and besides becoming a director or cinematographer in the future, he would love to pursue the responsibilities of a film historian and restorer, so the classic films will never be lost by time.
JASON CUMMINGS - PRODUCTION DESIGN
Jason Cummings is 25 years old, born and raised on California’s central coast. He interned and was later hired by the local news station KSBY 6, there he ran On Air Audio, On Air Cameras, recorded pre-show video and uploaded graphics.
He transferred to CSUN in 2011, where he was accepted into the CTVA film production option as an Editor. Currently he’s the Production Designer for the Senior Thesis Film If Ever There’s a Tomorrow.
He’s really excited about this project because there are several different elements to the story that we can play with. There’s the child like innocents of the two main characters Ben and Lily as children, Ben on the battle field and the wedding ensemble. He wants to make these scenes come alive with creativity and look authentic as possible.
Jason Cummings is 25 years old, born and raised on California’s central coast. He interned and was later hired by the local news station KSBY 6, there he ran On Air Audio, On Air Cameras, recorded pre-show video and uploaded graphics.
He transferred to CSUN in 2011, where he was accepted into the CTVA film production option as an Editor. Currently he’s the Production Designer for the Senior Thesis Film If Ever There’s a Tomorrow.
He’s really excited about this project because there are several different elements to the story that we can play with. There’s the child like innocents of the two main characters Ben and Lily as children, Ben on the battle field and the wedding ensemble. He wants to make these scenes come alive with creativity and look authentic as possible.
SANDY BONILLA - SOUND MIXER
Sandy Bonilla, was born in La Únion, El Salvador (SAL). During her childhood, she moved with her mother, Rosa Bonilla, to the city, San Salvador, SAL. At age 6, she began her interest in the performance of art theater, La Misión Cristiana Elim, with her grandmothers.
In fall 1999, Sandy turned resident of the USA through her grandfather ex-guerrillero, Jose Benavides, she moved to South Los Angeles with her family. After her high school graduation, she transferred to UCLA with her certificate of business majoring business, in two months she dropped out and attended Los Angeles City College for Cinema.
She’s pursuing film production because she said, “Cinema is the combination of art and business.” Currently she’s active in student projects as sound mixer/boom, photo shoots for party events/business catalogs, and attending CSUN for Film Sound. Sandy is open-minded, creative, passionate, and decent person. Always committed to new challenges to keep up with herself in succeeding.
Sandy Bonilla, was born in La Únion, El Salvador (SAL). During her childhood, she moved with her mother, Rosa Bonilla, to the city, San Salvador, SAL. At age 6, she began her interest in the performance of art theater, La Misión Cristiana Elim, with her grandmothers.
In fall 1999, Sandy turned resident of the USA through her grandfather ex-guerrillero, Jose Benavides, she moved to South Los Angeles with her family. After her high school graduation, she transferred to UCLA with her certificate of business majoring business, in two months she dropped out and attended Los Angeles City College for Cinema.
She’s pursuing film production because she said, “Cinema is the combination of art and business.” Currently she’s active in student projects as sound mixer/boom, photo shoots for party events/business catalogs, and attending CSUN for Film Sound. Sandy is open-minded, creative, passionate, and decent person. Always committed to new challenges to keep up with herself in succeeding.
MATTHEW MANTRIP - SOUND POST PRODUCTION
Matthew Lantrip was born in Roseville, CA. Although Roseville is not a town for filmmaking, Matt’s love for film flourished at an early age.
Since coming to CSUN, Matt has taken multiple roles in his productions. For his 355 film, Matt explored his creativity and became the writer of the film Isabelle. Most recently, Matt was the production sound mixer for the 350 film Four of a Kind.
Matt will be following his dream this summer as he interns for Lotus Post, a post-production sound house in Santa Monica, CA, as the youngest intern the company has ever hired.
Matthew Lantrip was born in Roseville, CA. Although Roseville is not a town for filmmaking, Matt’s love for film flourished at an early age.
Since coming to CSUN, Matt has taken multiple roles in his productions. For his 355 film, Matt explored his creativity and became the writer of the film Isabelle. Most recently, Matt was the production sound mixer for the 350 film Four of a Kind.
Matt will be following his dream this summer as he interns for Lotus Post, a post-production sound house in Santa Monica, CA, as the youngest intern the company has ever hired.
NICHOLAS LANDERS - EDITOR
Nicholas was born and raised in Southern California, the second son of Jay Landers, a doctor of social ethics, and Denise Landers, a loving mother of two. After focusing intensely on academics in his young life he soon realized that he would not be satisfied with a typical regimented life, which led him to the creative intrigue of film.
This love for film eventually led him to apply for CSUN’s film production option in the fall of 2012 with an emphasis in editing. At the hands of several skilled professors, and with the help of other young filmmakers like himself, Nicholas was able to craft both his editing and storytelling techniques in new, more profound ways. Coupled with an easy-going attitude and a very relaxed way of viewing the world, Nicholas is an excellent choice for any position you might need on set, whether on a senior thesis film or beyond.
Nicholas was born and raised in Southern California, the second son of Jay Landers, a doctor of social ethics, and Denise Landers, a loving mother of two. After focusing intensely on academics in his young life he soon realized that he would not be satisfied with a typical regimented life, which led him to the creative intrigue of film.
This love for film eventually led him to apply for CSUN’s film production option in the fall of 2012 with an emphasis in editing. At the hands of several skilled professors, and with the help of other young filmmakers like himself, Nicholas was able to craft both his editing and storytelling techniques in new, more profound ways. Coupled with an easy-going attitude and a very relaxed way of viewing the world, Nicholas is an excellent choice for any position you might need on set, whether on a senior thesis film or beyond.
HAMED AFSHAR - EDITOR
Born and raised in Tehran, Iran, a city known for its cultural diversity and historical background, but slowly growing in film making. As a young boy he always had interest in photography and shooting family videos on his father’s Super 8 video camera that he always took without permission to just shoot videos with and impress others with his skills.
At age 14 he moved to the United States to gain more education and grow his knowledge of filmmaking. After graduating high school he attended Palomar College where he actually began directing, shooting and editing movies on real editing systems such as Final Cut Pro, AVID and ADOBE Premier Pro.
He has made many short films and won awards from that college such as a Student EMMY award that he made about their RTV(radio and television) department. Hamed is currently a Senior at California State University Northridge, studying Film Production with an Emphasis in Film Editing. He has edited both his CTVA 250 and CTVA 355 films.
Born and raised in Tehran, Iran, a city known for its cultural diversity and historical background, but slowly growing in film making. As a young boy he always had interest in photography and shooting family videos on his father’s Super 8 video camera that he always took without permission to just shoot videos with and impress others with his skills.
At age 14 he moved to the United States to gain more education and grow his knowledge of filmmaking. After graduating high school he attended Palomar College where he actually began directing, shooting and editing movies on real editing systems such as Final Cut Pro, AVID and ADOBE Premier Pro.
He has made many short films and won awards from that college such as a Student EMMY award that he made about their RTV(radio and television) department. Hamed is currently a Senior at California State University Northridge, studying Film Production with an Emphasis in Film Editing. He has edited both his CTVA 250 and CTVA 355 films.
ELLIE COOK- STILL PHOTOGRAPHER / WEB DESIGN
Ellie Cook is the behind the scenes photographer, and web designer. She has been editing digital media since 2007. Throughout 2008-2009, Ellie got multiple jobs dealing with production and post-production. Including: filming and editing multiple videos for the “Visalia Times Delta” website and taping and editing multiple school sports games and school plays.
In 2009, she submitted 7 short films to the Slick Rock Student Film Festival. 3 of her films were nominated for awards, and her documentary on teen pregnancy won first place in the documentary division. In the summer of 2009, she made 5 documentaries for the “Step Up” program for the city of Visalia.
After being accepted to Cal State Northridge, Ellie started to climb her ladder with small editing jobs. In spring of 2010, Ellie became an assistant for director Abdul Abbott, Co-chair of the African-American Steering Committee at the Director Guild of America.
Currently, she works a full time job at Bunim-Murray, a television production company producing such shows as Real World, Project Runway, Best Ink, and Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Ellie's long term goals are clearly established- she wants to be an editor for television.
Ellie Cook is the behind the scenes photographer, and web designer. She has been editing digital media since 2007. Throughout 2008-2009, Ellie got multiple jobs dealing with production and post-production. Including: filming and editing multiple videos for the “Visalia Times Delta” website and taping and editing multiple school sports games and school plays.
In 2009, she submitted 7 short films to the Slick Rock Student Film Festival. 3 of her films were nominated for awards, and her documentary on teen pregnancy won first place in the documentary division. In the summer of 2009, she made 5 documentaries for the “Step Up” program for the city of Visalia.
After being accepted to Cal State Northridge, Ellie started to climb her ladder with small editing jobs. In spring of 2010, Ellie became an assistant for director Abdul Abbott, Co-chair of the African-American Steering Committee at the Director Guild of America.
Currently, she works a full time job at Bunim-Murray, a television production company producing such shows as Real World, Project Runway, Best Ink, and Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Ellie's long term goals are clearly established- she wants to be an editor for television.
RYAN BARROWS - SCRIPT SUPERVISOR
Born in Glendale, CA and raised in Orcutt, CA, Ryan Barrows was introduced to and raised around the arts of film and music through his family and friends. His interest in post-production, more specifically film/video editing, became his aspiration and goal due to a local visual effects company that was based in Santa Maria called CafeFX, known for works like Sin City (2005), Pan's Labyrinth (2006), The Kite Runner (2007), and Shutter Island (2009).
Entering Cal State Northridge, he continued to work hard towards his goals to become a Film Editor, all the while working on both professional and student related films and music videos as Production Assistant and Grip. Through these experiences, he has learned how to use editing softwares like Avid Media Composer, Adobe products, and Final Cut Pro.
As part of the production crew, he has learned the basics of operating a RED Digital Cinema camera, the organizational and technical skills required of a Digital Imaging Technician, and also familiarized himself with the various types of equipment found on a set through his experience as a Grip.
Born in Glendale, CA and raised in Orcutt, CA, Ryan Barrows was introduced to and raised around the arts of film and music through his family and friends. His interest in post-production, more specifically film/video editing, became his aspiration and goal due to a local visual effects company that was based in Santa Maria called CafeFX, known for works like Sin City (2005), Pan's Labyrinth (2006), The Kite Runner (2007), and Shutter Island (2009).
Entering Cal State Northridge, he continued to work hard towards his goals to become a Film Editor, all the while working on both professional and student related films and music videos as Production Assistant and Grip. Through these experiences, he has learned how to use editing softwares like Avid Media Composer, Adobe products, and Final Cut Pro.
As part of the production crew, he has learned the basics of operating a RED Digital Cinema camera, the organizational and technical skills required of a Digital Imaging Technician, and also familiarized himself with the various types of equipment found on a set through his experience as a Grip.