Proud Sponsors

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Erik Bernard has spent 14 years on active duty as an Airborne Ranger and Apache Helicopter Pilot. He has now turned his focus on writing and producing, finding great success with both. His screenplays have garnered awards and attention from international festivals and competitions. He recently produced the feature film Artik and executive produced the film The Village in the Woods, which were both released in 2019. Erik also executive produced the future film Warfighter, set to release in 2020. Erik joined the Hoarders TV show as executive producer under TLG Motion pictures where he coordinated the first ever Department of Defense supported episode for season 10 of the hit A&E show.  In addition to producing the Emmy award nominated show, he supervises post production, with a meticulous eye for detail.

PHOTOGRAPHER

Lisa Welch, photographer, University of Texas graduate, is a native Texan who has lived in the greater Austin area for over 30 years. After years in government accounting, she launched Lisa Welch Photography. Her photography style is authentic-true to life; she strives to capture timeless images that are traditional in style.

As GTX Film photographer, Lisa’s photographs, captured the energy, and excitement of the 2019 GTX Film Festival, as well as other events held by GTX Film. Her photographs have been featured in the Williamson County Sun and requested by filmmakers, festival participants, and the Georgetown View.

Kisha Camille is an educator, filmmaker, & singer/music composer for film.  She is a 

co-founder of the Texas based production company, III Production Films. Her talented team, consisting of John Rachwitz Jr., Natasha White, & herself, have produced several pieces of original content. 

Their united mission is to “ignite, infuse, & inspire others” with all work made.  

Some past topics of projects have been domestic violence, addiction, foster care, & homelessness.  

Kisha supports & welcomes collaboration with other creatives.

After graduating from high school in Albuquerque, New Mexico, David Valdez enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he was trained as a photographer. He served with the 836th Combat Support Group for four years, and then earned a BA in journalism from the University of Maryland at College Park. While he was a student there, Valdez was employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a photographer. He left the federal government to become chief photographer for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In 1983, he became personal photographer to then-Vice President George Bush. In 1988, President Bush appointed Valdez director of the White House Photo Office. During this administration, he traveled to 75 countries and all 50 states with the president. In 1997, he published George Herbert Walker Bush: A Photographic Profile.

Valdez was appointed general manager of photography for Walt Disney Attractions in 1993. In 2001, he became special assistant to the HUD assistant secretary. From 2003 to 2010, Valdez was the director of visual and electronic information for HUD’s assistant secretary for public affairs.

Valdez donated his archive to the Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas in 2012.

In 2021 Valdez was appointed to be on the Georgetown Texas Arts and Culture Board where he serves as Vice Chairman.

Danyelle Weatherford grew up in southeast Texas, and then moved to central Texas.   She graduated from Southwest University with a BBA in marketing.

She has over 30 years of professional experience from companies such as Merrill Lynch, American Funds and Apple. 

Her resume reflects work from HBO, Lifetime Women’s Network, commercials, independent films as well as writing, producing and directing
award winning independent films.

Danyelle is currently the COO of the new start-up Sparxs Studio and Indie Sparx. Danyelle loves a great cinnamon roll, living in the moment and “Saving The World From The Ordinary”.

Brian is an Emmy-Award winning commercial director and cinematographer. His work includes commercial campaigns for Little Caesar’s Pizza, Dr. Scholl’s, Domino’s Pizza, A&E Network, Mattel, 

the Carolina Hurricanes, Nissan Trucks, Miller, Bud Light, Pepsi, and Monday Night Football with Hank Williams, Jr. 

among others

In addition to live action cinematography, Brian also produces 3-D motion graphics and video effects. 

He moved to Georgetown because his wife threatened to come out here without him. But he likes it! He’s hoping to eventually become a master farmer or a superstar fisherman. Whichever comes first.

Jessi loves stories. She loves hearing, watching, reading, and learning all kinds of stories. Fascinated with clothing and how individuals use garments to express something unspeakable about themselves started her on a journey. Years ago, she decided to combine her fascinations and pursued a career in costuming. Jessi has an MFA and 4 Trades Certificates in Costuming, plus a variety of experiences costuming for the Stage and Screen.

PRODUCTION MANAGER 

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR