ATTENDING THE 2025 FESTIVAL
Special Guests
Marié Botha is a South African actress based in New York City. She has built a reputation on the stage, appearing Off-Broadway in BLKS by Aziza Barnes, directed by Robert O’Hara, and peerless by Jiehae Park, directed by Margot Bordelon. She also co-produced and starred in a sold-out run of Sarah Kane’s Blasted at the DUO Theater Off-Off Broadway. On screen, Marié has guest-starred in Dickinson (Apple TV+) opposite Ella Hunt, The Penguin (HBO) opposite Cristin Milioti, and most recently High Potential (ABC/Disney+) opposite Kaitlin Olson and Daniel Sunjata. Her film credits include leading roles in Highway One, directed by Emmy nominee Jaclyn Bethany, and Manic(quin), directed by Lauren Ebner. She also appeared in HBO’s documentary Slave Play. Not a Movie. A Play., directed by Jeremy O’Harris. Her upcoming work includes the feature film Almost Grace, starring opposite Mickey Sumner and Josh Hamilton, set for release in 2026. Marié holds a BFA in Acting from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and an MFA in Acting from the Yale School of Drama.
Marié Botha
FESTIVAL JURY
Mariel Hemingway is an accomplished actress, author, and mental health advocate whose diverse career has inspired many to embrace authenticity and well-being. Renowned for her roles in films like Manhattan and Star 80, Mariel has also made significant contributions as an author and advocate. She has written six books, including Healthy Living from the Inside Out, a guide to holistic wellness, and her powerful memoir Out Came the Sun, which openly addresses her family’s struggles with addiction and mental health. Mariel is dedicated to empowering others through her programs on self-embodiment. By helping individuals let go of limiting roles and survival habits, she guides them toward discovering their true selves and living with purpose, abundance, and love. Her work embodies a profound commitment to fostering mindfulness, kindness, and self-acceptance, inspiring others to become who they were meant to be.
Mariel Hemingway
Marc Klein is a Los Angeles-based screenwriter, director, and author known for his romantic storytelling. He gained recognition with Serendipity (2001) and has adapted works including A Good Year and several Nicholas Sparks films, such as Dear John, Safe Haven, and The Best of Me. Klein also co-wrote Mirror, Mirror and created The In Between, a Paramount+ hit with a YA novel tie-in. He continues to develop new film and television projects, bringing heartfelt and engaging stories to audiences worldwide.
Marc Klein
Meryl Poster is an award-winning producer and media executive with a career spanning film, television, and digital media. She served as co-president of production at Miramax, overseeing films like Chicago, Chocolat, and Good Will Hunting. she founded Superb Entertainment, developing projects including Las Hermanas and The Mosquito Supper Club Cookbook. She has produced TV shows such as Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce and Project Runway All Stars, as well as the Ambie-nominated podcast Call Your Grandmother. Known for her collaborative leadership, she continues to create innovative content across platforms.
Meryl Poster
Leslie Zemeckis is a best-selling author, actress, and award-winning documentarian whose acclaimed films include Behind the Burly Q and Bound by Flesh. She has written three best-selling books on burlesque and iconic showgirls, and has acted opposite stars such as Tom Hanks and Colin Firth. A writer and speaker dedicated to preserving women’s stories, she founded the mentorship program Stories Matter, delivered the TEDx talk Forgotten to Forever and in 2023 was honored with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for her work celebrating women’s independence and agency. She is also the co-founder of the Santa Barbara Literary Festival.
Leslie Zemeckis
Industry Guests
Lens on the Lone Star State:
Filmmaking in Texas
Lens on the Lone Star State: Filmmaking in Texas
From wide-open plains to bustling cities, Texas is full of cinematic potential- but making a film here comes with its own set of challenges. Industry experts will share real-world advice and the practical realities of shooting in Texas, from navigating locations and tax incentives to building the right team and ensuring authentic local representation. Whether you're new to filmmaking or a seasoned pro, you'll get practical tips to bring your Texas story to life.
Michelle Habecker began her career in the Entertainment Industry working primarily for Sony Music Entertainment in both New York and Los Angeles. She also has experience working in fashion retail, wholesale, sales, and marketing. In 2012, Michelle relocated to Austin, Texas and joined the incentives team working at the Texas Film Commission. Her responsibilities expanded to include facilitating engagement opportunities for industry partners, including education and outreach opportunities for a variety of stakeholder groups. Michelle currently manages the Film Friendly Texas Program, a statewide program that connects media industry professionals with skilled community liaisons to provide local expertise and production support.
Michelle Habecker (Texas Film Commission)
Michelle Habecker
(Texas Film Commission)
Josh Hopkins is a seasoned actor whose work spans television, film, and comedy. He first appeared on the big screen in G.I. Jane and The Perfect Storm before breaking out on television as Raymond Millbury in Ally McBeal. Hopkins went on to guest star in acclaimed series including Bones, Cold Case, Private Practice, and Brothers & Sisters, earning a reputation as a versatile performer.
He became a household name as Grayson Ellis on the long-running comedy Cougar Town opposite Courteney Cox, a role that showcased his gift for both humor and heart. He later returned to drama with standout performances as FBI agent Liam O’Connor in Quantico and Ray Prince in Whiskey Cavalier. With his range and screen presence, Hopkins continues to bring depth and charm to every project he takes on. He can currently be seen as Mac in the acclaimed Apple+ series Shrinking. He currently resides in Austin, Texas.
Josh Hopkins (Actor)
Josh Hopkins
(Actor)
Duncan Montgomery is an independent film producer and co-founder of High Frequency Entertainment. He has produced over 20 independent films that premiered at festivals such as Sundance, Toronto, Venice, and Berlin, with nominations for Golden Globes, Gotham Awards, and Independent Spirit Awards. In 2020, he co-founded High Frequency Holdings to finance director-driven films, producing projects including Windfall (starring Jesse Plemons, Jason Segal, and Lily Collins), Michel Franco’s Memory (Jessica Chastain, Peter Sarsgaard), Azazel Jacob’s award-winning His Three Daughters (Elizabeth Olsen, Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne), Charlie McDowell’s The Summer Book (Glenn Close), and Alex Russell's debut Lurker (Archie Madekwe, Théodore Pellerin). He recently wrapped Derek Cianfrance's Roofman, starring Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst, released nationwide on 3,000 screens in October 2025. Additional credits include Richard Linklater's Bernie, Freeheld, Silk Road, Gia Coppola's The Last Showgirl, and Eva Victor's Sorry, baby.
Duncan Montgomery (High Frequency Entertainment)
Duncan Montgomery
(High Frequency Entertainment)
Chase is an accomplished director, writer, and producer hailing from Houston, Texas. With a career that includes four transformative years in the global film industry, notably contributing to acclaimed shows such as The Warrior and running a commercial production company, Flux Films, while based in South Africa, Chase's creative journey has come full circle, leading her back to her Texan roots. Her storytelling prowess has been recognized on both local and international stages, with her previous short films receiving premieres at prestigious festivals spanning Cannes, Seattle, Austin, New Orleans, and Berlin. Her latest venture, a feature-length documentary, has taken her to renowned pitching and networking forums, including IDFA Academy, Sheffield Meet Market, Durban Berlinale Talents, and The Gotham (formerly IFP). She is currently writing a feature film set in her home town of Houston. Outside of film production, Chase is channeling her passion and expertise into a mission to rejuvenate the Texas film industry. Her pivotal role in Media For Texas underscores her commitment to fostering growth and innovation in the region's cinematic landscape.
Chase Musselwhite (Media For Texas)
Chase Musselwhite (Media For Texas)
Since 2010, Ali Nichols has been on staff at the Texas Film Commission working to promote, encourage and assist the creative industries in Texas. As Production Team Lead, she works closely with writers, directors, producers, and studio executives, promoting Texas as a premier destination for their productions. Her travels have taken her to the far corners of the state and her efforts have been put forth on recent projects such as CBS’s Walker (2021- 2024), the feature film Spy Kids 5 (2023), Taylor Sheridan’s Landman (2023), and HBO’s Love and Death (2022), among many others.
Ali Nichols (Texas Film Commission) | Moderator
Ali Nichols
(Texas Film Commission)
Moderator
Lights, Camera, Couture!: The Influence of Fashion & Film
Lights, Camera, Couture!: The Influence of Fashion & Film
Costume design is storytelling- shaping characters, setting tone, and reflecting the world around us. From classic Hollywood glamour to modern street style, film and fashion have always influenced each other. This panel explores how on-screen looks inspire real-world trends, reflects cultural shifts, and evolves with new technologies. Whether you're a designer, filmmaker, or fashion enthusiast, join us for a lively look at how costume design enhances narrative, and continues to shape both cinema and everyday style.
Dominique Dawson is a Los Angeles–based costume designer and multidisciplinary creative known for her bold, story-driven visual style. A graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, her credits include The Last Black Man in San Francisco, L.A.’s Finest, Colin in Black and White, DMZ, and Donald Glover’s Swarm, for which she earned an Emmy nomination. Dominique recently worked on Ava DuVernay’s Origin and Universal’s upcoming Him, produced by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, as well as the series Chad Powers, starring Glen Powell and produced by Eli Manning and Hulu. Currently, she is designing for the BET+ series Diarra From Detroit, where she was made a producer to further enhance the aesthetic direction of the show. Next up, she joins the remake of The ’Burbs, starring Keke Palmer for Peacock.
Dominique Dawson
Christina Flannery is a two-time, Emmy-nominated costume designer celebrated for her bold, character‑driven aesthetic and inventive visual flair. Her credits include The Righteous Gemstones, Fresh, Christy, and Them That Follow. She is known for balancing theatricality with authenticity, often incorporating vintage pieces to craft distinct visual narratives. Flannery recently wrapped I Love LA, an HBO comedy project set to premiere in Fall 2025, and is currently working on Untitled Witness Protection pilot from FX.
Christina Flannery
Courtney Hoffman built a career as a Costume Designer on films like Baby Driver, The Hateful Eight, and Captain Fantastic before expanding her storytelling as a writer and director. She made her directorial debut with the Western short The Good Time Girls, starring Laura Dern, and her passion for female-led genre and action continues with The Sisters of Scott County, a 1970s trucker movie starring Kaitlyn Dever. Most recently, she directed the season finale of American Horror Stories: Thing Under the Bed for FX.
In commercials, she directed the first ever WhatsApp global campaign and has worked with many domestic and international brands to tell elevated stories with visual flourish and iconic touches.
As a writer, she’s developed and sold original stories to Max, Paramount, Sony, Peacock, FX, and Freeform. Her most recent television projects include Kentucky Blaze—a mother-daughter stoner comedy created with Miley and Tish Cyrus—and Drama Majors, a mental health mystery inspired by her NYU Tisch classmates.
Courtney Hoffman
Juliana Hoffpauir is a Costume Designer and recent recipient of the BAFTA Breakthrough 2024 Award for her work on Richard Linklater’s Hit Man, starring Glen Powell. She recently completed Family Movie, directed by and starring Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick. Other costume design credits include the Texas-shot independent films The Iron Orchard, 12 Mighty Orphans, Sister Aimee, The Blazing World, and the upcoming film Daisy. With over 20 years in film and television, her work spans both period and contemporary projects, and she has collaborated with acclaimed designers including Betsy Heimann (Pulp Fiction, Almost Famous) on Green Book, and Francine Tanchuck-Jamison (Glory) on One Night in Miami and Emancipation.
Juliana Hoffpauir
Ellen Mirojnick is an award-winning costume designer whose career spans over three decades in film, television, and fashion. Known for her sophisticated, timeless designs, she has collaborated with visionary filmmakers including Steven Soderbergh, Christopher Nolan, Steven Spielberg, and Oliver Stone. Her work has earned her multiple BAFTA and Emmy nominations, with CDG wins for The Knick and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil and an Emmy for Behind the Candelabra, as well as her first Academy Award nomination for Nolan’s Oppenheimer. From Wall Street and Starship Troopers to The Greatest Showman, Bridgerton, Mirojnick continues to shape iconic characters and cinematic style. This past year Ellen returned to work with Steven Soderbergh designing the glamourous thriller Black Bag, and she has just finished designing Christopher Nolan‘s epic The Odyssey that will be released in 2026.
Ellen Mirojnick
Aisling Ayers was born and raised in the Texas Hill Country. At Texas Monthly, she coordinates the adaptation of the magazine’s stories into television and film projects, including the Netflix feature Hit Man, the Paramount+ series, Landman, and HBO Max’s limited series, Love and Death. She was also an assistant producer on the Texas Monthly podcast Shane and Sally, and she writes about small towns, culture, and public issues. Before graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, she wrote and produced a podcast series, Forsaken, about the Texas criminal justice system.
Aisling Ayers (Moderator)
"Still Rolling": A State of the Film Industry Conversation
"Still Rolling": A State of the Film Industry Conversation
Hollywood is going through big changes- with fresh voices, innovative ideas, and evolving ways of making and sharing stories. This panel dives into what that means for filmmakers today: from accessible creative tools and immersive tech, to shifting studio priorities and the rise of indie creators. We’ll talk about the ripple effects of recent industry strikes, changing audience habits, and the push for more diverse stories- but also opportunities to thrive in a rapidly evolving production landscape. Whether you're just starting out or deep in the game, this is about how we adapt, create, and move the industry forward together.
Julie Candelaria is an accomplished entertainment marketing and distribution executive with over 25 years of experience shaping strategies for companies including NBC Universal, DreamWorks, 20th Century Fox, DIRECTV, The Weinstein Company, Starz, and Gravitas Ventures. In 2017, she launched her firms, All About the 360, Inc. and 360 Distribution, Inc., releasing more than 60 films, including Mastercard Five, a global documentary short series highlighting female entrepreneurs and filmmakers, as well as projects featuring BTS, Dude Perfect, and Bruce Springsteen. Her slate also includes critically acclaimed and award-winning films like Loving Vincent, This Changes Everything, and Take Me to the River: New Orleans. Previously, as Senior Vice President of Marketing at Gravitas Ventures, she oversaw campaigns for over 100 films, including Show ’Em What You’re Made Of, For the Love of Spock, All We Had, and All Things Must Pass. A graduate of USC’s Marshall School of Business and Pepperdine’s Graziadio School of Business and Management, Candelaria continues to be a driving force in connecting stories with audiences worldwide.
Julie Candelaria (360 Distribution, Inc.)
Julie Candelaria
(360 Distribution, Inc.)
Brian Kavanaugh-Jones is a co-president of Film & Production at Range Media Partners. Before merging with Range, they produced over 80 films under their Automatik banner, including Damien Chazelle’s La La Land, Jeff Nichols’ Take Shelter, Midnight Special, and Loving, as well as the Insidious chapters, the Sinister series, and The Autopsy of Jane Doe. Recent projects include the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown starring Timothée Chalamet, Oz Perkins’ The Monkey, Max Minghella’s Shell starring Kate Hudson, Elisabeth Moss, and Kaia Gerber, and Netflix’s upcoming Black Rabbit with Jude Law and Jason Bateman. Kavanaugh-Jones also released the 2024’s highest-grossing indie film Longlegs, Jeff Nichols’ The Bikeriders, and Netflix series Kaleidoscope, along with Amblin’s Distant and Netflix’s Mothership. Other notable credits include Bad Education, Outside the Wire, Teen Spirit, Operation Finale, Destroyer, The Hummingbird Project, Honey Boy, Dreamland, and The Wolf Hour.
Brian Kavanaugh-Jones (Range Media Partners)
Brian Kavanaugh-Jones
(Range Media Partners)
Marc Klein is a Los Angeles-based screenwriter, director, and author known for his romantic storytelling. He gained recognition with Serendipity (2001) and has adapted works including A Good Year and several Nicholas Sparks films, such as Dear John, Safe Haven, and The Best of Me. Klein also co-wrote Mirror, Mirror and created The In Between, a Paramount+ hit with a YA novel tie-in. He continues to develop new film and television projects, bringing heartfelt and engaging stories to audiences worldwide.
Marc Klein
Jonathan serves as an Executive Producer at Buffalo 8, where he focuses on the development and packaging of original projects. With over 25 years in the entertainment industry, he has built a versatile career as both a film producer and actor. Starting in 1996, Jonathan rose to prominence with his breakout role in the iconic 1997 film Jerry Maguire. He has since starred in numerous notable projects, including the Stuart Little franchise, The Little Vampire, and Like Mike. In recent years, he has focused on independent film, channeling his extensive expertise into innovative creative ventures. In 2025, Jonathan appeared in TBS's The Joe Schmo Show, and played a supporting role in Amazon MGM Studios' Sarah's Oil, set for theatrical release in November 2025. He also served as an Executive Producer on Dog Years, starring Xolo Maridueña and Leah Lewis, currently in post-production. Additionally, Jonathan will act in and executive produce Williston, directed by Adam Seidel, with production scheduled for December 2025.
Jonathan Lipnicki (Buffalo 8/Bondit Capital)
Jonathan Lipnicki
(Buffalo 8/Bondit Capital)
Stephen Mastrocola is an Executive Producer at Buffalo 8 and Bondit Media Capital, best known for financing Woman of the Hour, Terrifier 3, and SXSW winner Bob Trevino Likes It. Prior to joining Buffalo 8, he co-founded Static Films in 2021 to champion first-time directors and emerging voices, producing five features and several shorts in its first two years. His upcoming projects include Dog Years, starring Leah Lewis and Xolo Maridueña, slated for release in Spring 2026.
Stephen Mastrocola (Buffalo 8/Bondit Capital)
Stephen Mastrocola
(Buffalo 8/Bondit Capital)
Bruce Franklin is a veteran filmmaker with over 35 years of experience in the motion picture industry. Currently Head of Production at Black Label Media, he has worked as an assistant director, co-producer, producer, and line producer on projects spanning major studio features and acclaimed independent films. Bruce is executive producer on the indie feature Die, My Love, set for release in early November. At the Round Top Film Festival, he brings a wealth of on-set and executive experience to discussions on the art and logistics of filmmaking.
Bruce Franklin (Black Label Media) | Moderator
Bruce Franklin (Black Label Media) | Moderator
From Combat to Camera: Honoring Veteran Voices in Film
From Combat to Camera: Honoring Veteran Voices in Film
This powerful panel explores the journey of military veterans who have transitioned from active service to active storytelling- finding purpose, expression, and community in a new kind of mission. From the battlefield to the backlot, the shared values of discipline, trust, and teamwork create a natural bridge, and sense of camaraderie, between military units and film crews. Hear from veteran filmmakers, writers, and actors who are redefining the narrative by not just telling war stories, but telling their stories. This conversation will explore how the film industry can become a meaningful next chapter for veterans, the challenges and triumphs of translating military experience into creative careers, and why honoring these voices matters now more than ever. Moderated by 2024 RTFF Maverick Stunt award recipient RJ Casey.
Caitlin Bassett is a U.S. Army veteran, actress, and writer. She is best known as the series co-lead of the NBC sci-fi drama Quantum Leap. Bassett enlisted in the U.S. Army at 18 years old as an Signals Intelligence Analyst. After Basic Training she spent a year at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas for Advanced Individual Training. Over her seven year career, she went on to deploy three times - twice to Afghanistan - as intelligence support for combat operations alongside the infantry and Special Forces. She spent the majority of her career working with the National Security Agency (NSA). Caitlin holds an undergraduate degree form the University of Maryland and studied law at Brooklyn Law School. .
Caitlin transitioned into the arts in New York City. She trained in theater at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and was able to get a foothold in the film and television industry after being selected for the 2020 Disney Discovers Showcase. Her breakout role was as the co-lead of Quantum Leap and she recently wrapped a recurring role in Amazon's second season of The Terminal List: True Believer.
Caitlin Bassett
Chief Special Warfare Operator Kevin Kent is a retired U.S. Navy SEAL with 21 years of service and nine combat deployments, earning numerous commendations including the Bronze Star Medal w/ Combat V. Following his military career, he transitioned into film as a producer, director, cinematographer, actor, and technical advisor. His credits include Fast X, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (Apple TV+), Obliterated and Nemesis (Netflix), and four seasons of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan (Amazon). As founder of K-Squared Productions, Kent has written and directed award-winning short films including Flight, [CUR]sed, and Exploited. Based in San Diego, he continues to develop film and television projects.
Kevin Kent
Geoff is a Cleveland native, former Navy SEAL, and accomplished actor, host, and professional race car driver. A Division I swimmer and Business Pre-Law graduate from Bowling Green State University, he earned his Navy commission through OCS and completed the elite BUD/S program, graduating with his original class to become a founding member (“plank owner”) of SEAL Team 10. Later, as Officer in Charge of the Navy Parachute Team, the “Leap Frogs,” he led high-profile demonstrations at major sporting and entertainment events nationwide. After serving two tours of service overseas, Geoff transitioned to Hollywood, appearing in films, television, and commercials, including Days of Our Lives, Transformers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Lone Survivor. He founded Shadow Works Group, a patriotic action sports and lifestyle brand supporting veterans and first responders—now evolved into a protective technology brand serving military and law enforcement. A lifelong thrill-seeker, Geoff also built a professional racing career, competing in the Grand Am Continental Tire Series and the Pirelli World Challenge behind the wheel of powerful Chevy Camaros. Today, he continues to merge his passions for speed, storytelling, and service as a High Performance Driver and brand liaison for Aston Martin North America.
Geoff Reeves
Jared Shaw is a versatile and accomplished creative professional, working as an actor, writer, executive producer, and technical advisor. He recently concluded his most ambitious project yet on Season 2 of The Terminal List: True Believer, where he served as actor, writer, executive producer, and technical advisor. Beyond Terminal List, Jared has appeared on shows such as Lioness (2023), SEAL Team (2018), and The Warfighters (2016–17), among others. On the film side, his credits include The Tomorrow War (2021) as “Tank,” Civil War (2024) in a supporting role, and a range of stunt and technical roles in blockbuster franchises like Jurassic World, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Transformers: The Last Knight. Jared brings a rare blend of creative vision, real-world technical acumen, and deep storytelling instincts to every project. Whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes, he’s committed to authenticity, precision, and elevating the narrative impact of his work.
Jared Shaw
Vincent Rocco Vargas is a retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class, former Border Patrol Agent, and seasoned communicator with a background in military service, homeland security, and psychology. He began his career in the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment with three combat deployments before serving as a Psychological Operations Operator. After the Army, Vincent joined the U.S. Border Patrol as an agent and Tactical Medic, later becoming the Border Patrol Ambassador. Beyond service, he built a career in entertainment as an actor, writer, producer, and director, best known for Mayans M.C. He holds degrees in Social and Criminal Justice and a Masters in Journalism and Psychology. His work spans acting credits like Mayans M.C., Lucy Shimmers and the Prince of Peace, and The Long Way Back, along with original writing and production projects. Whether on screen, on stage, or on the page, Vincent continues to tell stories of resilience, identity, and service.
Vincent Vargas
Jim Wilkey is a veteran stuntman with nearly five decades of experience in film and television. After graduating from La Sierra High School in 1967, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Seabees, serving two tours in Vietnam before transitioning to civilian life. Drawing on his professional rodeo background, Wilkey began working in Hollywood hauling and wrangling horses for productions, which soon led to a career in stunts. As westerns gave way to new genres, he mastered a wide range of stunt work and went on to contribute to more than 250 films and television shows. His credits include blockbusters such as The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises, The Fugitive, and the Transformers franchise. With 49 years in the business, Wilkey has become a respected figure in the stunt community, known for his versatility, professionalism, and dedication to the craft.
Jim Wilkey
RJ Casey brings decades of special operations experience from the Department of Defense and other government agencies with combat tours on four continents. He has worked in various roles on major films including Christopher Nolan’s Inception, Dark Knight Rises, and Dunkirk. RJ also worked on Netflix’s Extraction 2, where he not only was the rescue coordinator, but was part of the stunt team that executed a daring helicopter-to-moving-train jump at over 50 mph without CGI, blue screen, or safety wires. Over the years, he has been an actor, stuntman, aerial safety coordinator, consulted on scripts, and more. RJ has multiple wins and nominations from the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Stunt Ensemble in Motion Pictures, a Taurus World Stunt Award nomination for Best Specialty Stunt, and won the RTFF’s first Maverick Stunt Award last year. Today, his collaborative approach with multiple departments continues to blend art and science delivering creativity, technical expertise, safety, and intensity during every project. All while championing his fellow veterans in the business, RJ is honored to moderate this panel and be part of the entertainment industry!
RJ Casey | Moderator
RJ Casey
Moderator
From the Jump: Film & TV Stunt Designers in Conversation
From the Jump: Film & TV Stunt Designers in Conversation
Dive headfirst into the adrenaline-charged world of stunt design with an engaging panel that blends artistry, advocacy, and insider insights. Bringing together some of today’s most innovative stunt designers, this conversation traces the craft’s journey from early cinematic daredevils to today’s painstaking choreography; and its long fight for overdue Academy recognition. Panelists will unpack the day-to-day challenges of designing action, the hurdles performers face on set, and the growing influence of stunt designers stepping behind the camera. Featuring personal anecdotes and opportunities for audience interaction, this dynamic session promises a lively, action-packed discussion that both entertains and educates.
Vic Armstrong is an Academy and BAFTA Award-winning filmmaker, director, and legendary stuntman. He directed Young Indiana Jones, Joshua Tree, Left Behind starring Nicolas Cage, and most recently A Sunday Horse with William Shatner and Linda Hamilton.
Renowned for staging and directing action sequences, his work spans The Mission, multiple James Bond films, The Amazing Spider-Man, Thor, Jack Ryan, and Maze Runner 3. Armstrong gained legendary status as Harrison Ford’s stunt double in the first three Indiana Jones films and has also doubled for Superman and James Bond. His expertise has been sought by directors including Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott, Martin Scorsese, Paul Verhoeven, and George Lucas. Armstrong’s extensive filmography covers all genres, with credits on Empire of the Sun, Terminator 2, Return of the Jedi, Bladerunner, Gangs of New York, Starship Troopers, and many more.
Vic Armstrong, Lifetime Achement Award
Conceived on a movie set and raised in the stunt business, Shane Habberstad has worked professionally in stunts and action design since 1997. Last year, Shane won the 2024 World Stunt Award for Best 2nd Unit Director/Stunt Coordinator for his work on Extraction 2. After graduating with honors from USC Film School, Shane continued his career in action with eight Marvel films, three X-Men films, Obi-Wan Kenobi, American Sniper, and most recently The Gorge for Skydance and Apple. He has collaborated with renowned directors like Christopher Nolan, Clint Eastwood, and is currently set to re-team with Sam Hargrave and Skydance to stunt coordinate Matchbox. His other accolades include being a four-time Screen Actors Guild nominee and winning the World Stunt Award for ‘Best Fight’ in 2019. Outside of his work in film, Shane is an accomplished adventurer, sailor, skydiver, mountaineer, and competitive triathlete, having competed in two USA Triathlon National Championships.
Shane Habberstad
Raised on a dirt road in rural Georgia, Crystal Hooks grew up working cattle pastures and riding horses before discovering her love for a different kind of horsepower. She began her career in motorsports, drag racing 1000cc motorcycles and performing as a freestyle stunt rider, eventually bringing her skills to live stunt shows worldwide. In 2010 she transitioned into professional stunt work for film and television, performing at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Lights, Motors, Action! before moving on to major productions. Known for precision driving and fearless versatility, her background spans drifting, drag racing, freestyle motorcycle stunt shows, gymnastics, skeet shooting, and mechanics. Over more than a decade in the industry, Crystal has had the privilege of working under some of the most respected stunt coordinators whose old-school integrity and high standards shaped her career. She continues to bring that same dedication and authenticity to every project.
Crystal Hooks
Crystal Hooks
Chris O’Hara – Stunt Designer & 2nd Unit Director
With over 25 years in Hollywood, Chris O’Hara has quietly shaped action cinema as a stunt designer and 2nd unit director, bringing precision and heart to every project. His work on The Fall Guy (2024) earned a Taurus World Stunt Award for Best 2nd Unit Director/Stunt Coordinator and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble, with jaw-dropping sequences like record-breaking cannon rolls and a 225-foot car jump. O’Hara played a key role in advocating for the Academy’s Achievement in Stunt Design category, secured for the 100th Oscars in 2028 for 2027 films, a landmark for the stunt community. His extensive credits include Baby Driver, Jurassic World, The Avengers, Venom, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, Free Guy, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Spider-Man 2, Kill Bill: Vols. 1 & 2, and Fight Club. Doubling for stars like Matt Damon in The Bourne Supremacy and Bradley Cooper in The Hangover series, O’Hara’s collaborative spirit and artistry continue to elevate action storytelling, cementing his legacy as a Hollywood mainstay.
Chris O'Hara, Maverick Stunt Award Presented by Variety
Chris O'Hara, Maverick Stunt Award Presented by Variety
Noelle Therese Mulligan, known by many as Noelani Tsunami, is a multi-medium creative spanning from film, to art, music and design, with 10+ years in the stunt department, earning an Emmy nomination in 2024, 100+ credits and entrusted with the action for performers such as Anne Hathaway, Liv Tyler, Margaret Qualley, Adriana Lima and Alexandra Daddario. As a Salt Lake City, Utah kid raised on adventure and the outdoors with a camera always in hand, after spending a chapter as an ER/Neurosurgey/Heli EMT, Tsunami went off on a grand journey to pursue a life as a masterful storyteller. Currently, she spends her time in pursuit of curiosities the world has to offer, whether that be in the form of a one way ticket to a new place, a conversation about life with a new friend, playing music at burning man while gifting champagne or being deeply immersed in nature and art, and of course, with her family and her goldendoodle, Ralph!
Noelle Therese Mulligan
Noelle Therese Mulligan
Tom Struthers is an award-winning Second Unit Director and Stunt Coordinator best known for shaping the action in Inception, The Dark Knight Trilogy, Dunkirk, Dune, and X-Men: First Class. A two-time Screen Actors Guild Award winner and two-time Red Bull Taurus World Stunt Award recipient, he has collaborated with visionary filmmakers including Christopher Nolan, Denis Villeneuve, and Andrew Stanton. With over 25 years in the industry, Struthers is celebrated for his groundbreaking, practical approach to action filmmaking and his leadership on major studio projects such as Tron: Ares and Jack Ryan (Amazon).
Tom Struthers
Tom Struthers | Moderator
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