Mission
IMPACT Entertainment Group is committed to supporting those who serve our country. We offer courses that create a pathway to careers in the Arts and Entertainment industry for those transitioning out of the military, active-duty members, veterans, and their families.
About Our Team
Our dedicated team brings worldwide experience to heal, help, and give hope to those who serve.
Staff
Kristen is a California native whose family is three generations deep in the entertainment industry. She watched, listened, and learned the industry through her grandfather as a respected key grip for Paramount Studios, her cousin as Gregory Peck’s personal assistant for over 20 years working with many other legendary actors, and her father being a theater technical director. On the military side, her husband served in the U.S. Army for over 24 years so she is very familiar with the journey a service member goes through and the sacrifices needed to be made. Kristen is passionate about enabling our service men and women with career skills, hope, and opportunities to pursue their dreams in arts and entertainment.
Over the years, Kristen has also worked in the corporate world, holding executive-level positions in marketing and sales, working both domestically and overseas. She has managed high-net-worth accounts, negotiated contracts, fostered new partnerships, and led teams to help build out new product lines. She speaks conversational Japanese, which allowed her to work with clients such as Fujitsu and Hitachi’s executive-level management while living in Asia. She has an entrepreneurial spirit, which also led her to have a small import/export business while living in Europe partnered with AAFES (Army Air Force Exchange Service). Kristen strives to help create purposeful opportunities and enjoys working with diverse populations and cultures.
As a young girl, Kristen’s passion was in the arts. She studied the piano and violin, performing in the all-city and high school orchestras. As an adult, she had vocal training and studied under Don Harrison in Frankfurt, Germany. She later began teaching piano then auditioned and was accepted to sing with the UCLA Angeles Chorale. Kristen then went on to musical theater with roles in Seussical, Horton Hears a Who, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, and Guys and Dolls. Kristen is also an actress, having been involved in several commercials, industrial videos, print ads, and films, working alongside multiple A-list talent while pursuing her passion for the arts.
Kristen graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in psychology and business and is a proud mom and her kids biggest fan! She and her husband adopted four children from orphanages in other countries, served a church mission, and have been active in their local communities as they have moved around the world. Kristen is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS SE Chapter), Women in Film and Television Atlanta (WIFTA), and a Partner in Education with the Rainey McCullers School of the Performing Arts.
Kristen is a California native whose family is three generations deep in the entertainment industry. She watched, listened, and learned the industry through her grandfather as a respected key grip for Paramount Studios, her cousin as Gregory Peck’s personal assistant for over 20 years working with many other legendary actors, and her father being a theater technical director. On the military side, her husband served in the U.S. Army for over 24 years so she is very familiar with the journey a service member goes through and the sacrifices needed to be made. Kristen is passionate about enabling our service men and women with career skills, hope, and opportunities to pursue their dreams in arts and entertainment.
Over the years, Kristen has also worked in the corporate world, holding executive-level positions in marketing and sales, working both domestically and overseas. She has managed high-net-worth accounts, negotiated contracts, fostered new partnerships, and led teams to help build out new product lines. She speaks conversational Japanese, which allowed her to work with clients such as Fujitsu and Hitachi’s executive-level management while living in Asia. She has an entrepreneurial spirit, which also led her to have a small import/export business while living in Europe partnered with AAFES (Army Air Force Exchange Service). Kristen strives to help create purposeful opportunities and enjoys working with diverse populations and cultures.
As a young girl, Kristen’s passion was in the arts. She studied the piano and violin, performing in the all-city and high school orchestras. As an adult, she had vocal training and studied under Don Harrison in Frankfurt, Germany. She later began teaching piano and auditioned and was accepted to sing with the UCLA Angeles Chorale. Kristen then went on to musical theater with roles in Seussical, Horton Hears a Who, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, and Guys and Dolls. Kristen is also an actress, having been involved in several commercials, industrial videos, print ads, and films, working alongside A-list talent while pursuing her passion for the arts.
Kristen graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in psychology and business. She is a proud mom and her kids biggest fan. She and her husband adopted four children from orphanages in other countries, served as church missionaries, and have been active in her local communities as they have moved around the world. Kristen is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Women in Film and Television, and a Partner in Education with the Rainey McCullers School of the Performing Arts.
Founder & CEO
Elliot served his country proudly both in the Navy and Army for over 20 years. During his dedicated career in service he has worked for the CENTER OF DISEASE CONTROL (CDC) as a television broadcast and multimedia producer and combat photographer. At DEFENSE MEDIA ACTIVITY he was a Multimedia Branch Chief for the Army Production Division and Public Affairs Specialist specializing in Social Media. He worked at Fort Meade creating unique, audio, video, and graphics products for the United States Army social media and broadcast platforms. He also served as a U.S. ARMY BROADCAST JOURNALIST at Fort Hood, American Forces Network (AFN) Bavaria, Camp Casey Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Produced digital media to include audio/video, photo, and animated/Illustrated graphics products for millions of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard over a ten year period of enlistment as a Combat Documentation Production Specialist, 25V, and broadcast Journalist, 46R, in the United States Army. Maintained multiple official Army Facebook accounts, to include, American Forces Network (AFN) Bavaria, and “2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.” Elliot maintained all PC and Apple Macbook computers, including system updates and hardware, while in the 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, and the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Traveled to various forward operating bases to film and produce holiday greetings from soldiers to families. Filmed and produced memorial videos for fallen soldiers. He is also advanced in Premier Pro, Photoshop, and After Effects under Adobe, CS6, CS5, and CC. Advanced in Apple specific software including Final Cut Pro X, and Logic Pro X. Audio recording software such as Pro tools, Cuba’s. Audio/Computer hardware, software, and signal flow. He also served as a RADIO DIRECTOR/SHOW HOST for AFN hosting a live morning radio show for nine communities in Bavaria, Germany, broadcasting to over 70,000 U.S. ID cardholders. Hosted live morning and noon radio shows to 1,000,000 U.S. ID cardholders, stationed across Europe. During his time as a TELEVISION NEWS PRODUCER he reviewed, corrected, and approved scripts for television products. Provided final approval authority for television scripts and media production managing large scale budgets. He set up and operated all types of recording and audio visual equipment, including Ikegami video cameras and recorders, audio recorders, and sound systems. Produced mixed and mastered audio files for radio and TV. Planned, organized, researched, wrote, and edited public affairs projects directed by the AFN Bavaria including the Joint Multinational Readiness Center and the Joint Multinational Training Command, for use at both the local and Europe-wide level. Elliot worked with COMBAT DOCUMENTATION AND PRODUCTION documenting through audio and video, the November 5th, 2009 Fort Hood shooting. During deployment to Iraq he produced video, radio, photo, and graphics products for an army division of 14,000 people and their family members, to include video news and feature stories, video b -roll, radio news and feature stories, and print news and feature stories. Planned, coordinated, a conducted live, “Town Hall” between Iraq and Fort Hood, using the defense video and imagery distribution system, DVIDS. Maintained the 4th Infantry Division, Production and DVIDS distribution studio during deployment to Iraq. He was an ACTOR/AUDIO TECHNICIAN being awarded “Best Debut, Musical” IMCOM Europe Tournament of Plays. 2011 for portrayal of “Leaf Coneybear” in the musical “The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee.” Elliot was also a recipient of the prestigious RISING STAR, OUTSTANDING NEWS BROADCASTER award issued by the Department of War, 1st Place. Followed by receiving the COMBAT ACTION BADGE award and the THOMAS JEFFERSON AWARD for OUTSTANDING NEWS BROADCASTER. This one-time award recognizes excellence in Army broadcasting and recognizes print and broadcast journalists for outstanding achievement in furthering the objectives of the Department of Defense Internal Information Program.
Senior Vice President Production
Izzy has a passion for Arts and Entertainment and a desire to help those who defend and protect our freedoms. She majored in Journalism and Public Relations at the prestigious University of the West of England (UWE) in the UK.
Her interest lies in Social Media Marketing and Communications, and she has interned with the U.S. Army’s marketing team and its Morale, Welfare, and Recreation programs at Fort Benning, Georgia. Izzy grew up as a military child living in the UK, Europe, and the United States. She has watched her father serve as a foreign diplomat and rise to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, having served over 35 years in the British Army.
Izzy enjoys traveling and learning about other cultures and has volunteered for various charities working with special needs children and those in underprivileged communities. From a young age, Izzy had a strong interest in the performing arts and pursued professional training in acting. Izzy has also achieved distinction in Musical Theater in Grade 8 in singing, which is the highest grade level available in the UK.
Izzy has a passion for Arts and Entertainment and a desire to help those who defend and protect our freedoms. She majored in Journalism and Public Relations at the prestigious University of the West of England (UWE) in the UK.
Her interest lies in Social Media Marketing and Communications, and she has interned with the U.S. Army’s marketing team and its Morale, Welfare, and Recreation programs at Fort Benning, Georgia. Izzy grew up as a military child living in the UK, Europe, and the United States. She has watched her father serve as a foreign diplomat and rise to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, having served over 35 years in the British Army.
Izzy enjoys traveling and learning about other cultures and has volunteered for various charities working with special needs children and those in underprivileged communities. From a young age, Izzy had a strong interest in the performing arts and pursued professional training in acting. Izzy has also achieved distinction in Musical Theater in Grade 8 in singing, which is the highest grade level available in the UK.
Public Relations
Tye brings together the big picture and the fine details of building distinctive, enduring brands positioned for growth.
Whether a project demands breakthrough impact or style and finesse, he guides strategic creative ideas from concept to delivery. Founder of Heckler Branding, Tye brings decades of experience to IMPACT Entertainment Group. He works within a proprietary naming process, design process, and proven strategy to develop unique, credible, effective names, messaging, and logo designs crafted for durability and branding performance. Tye and his team have helped develop brands such as Starbucks, Cinnabon, New Balance, Panera, Qdoba, Yovanna, Microsoft Alumni Network, Tenicor, Tilray, and more.
Tye brings together the big picture and the fine details of building distinctive, enduring brands positioned for growth.
Whether a project demands breakthrough impact or style and finesse, he guides strategic creative ideas from concept to delivery. Founder of Heckler Branding, Tye brings decades of experience to IMPACT Entertainment Group. He works within a proprietary naming process, design process, and proven strategy to develop unique, credible, effective names, messaging, and logo designs crafted for durability and branding performance. Tye and his team have helped develop brands such as Starbucks, Cinnabon, New Balance, Panera, Qdoba, Yovanna, Microsoft Alumni Network, Tenicor, Tilray, and more.
Marketing
Instructors
Bart is a BAFTA-nominated screenwriter whose work has been acclaimed by Nobel Peace Prize winners. In addition to his 30+ years as an internationally renowned script doctor, Bart teaches story masterclasses around the world.
Bart is a graduate of the UK's National Film School. His screenwriting credits include LUTHER (Joe Fiennes, Peter Ustinov); END OF THE SPEAR, a sub-titled film that opened in the US Top Six and was the most viewed film in America in 2006; and THE JOURNEY HOME (Goran Visnjic, Bridget Moynahan, Dakota Goyo). He’s co-director of CHRISTMAS CHILD, which scored the biggest audience in Lifetime’s history, and director/producer of multiple award-winning BBC Specials. My short film credits include BAFTA-Nom MOUTH OF HELL and the award-winning AMERICAN with George Takei. In Virtual Reality, he’s won the coveted Lumiere Award twice in the last four years for co-writing RAISING A RUKUS and TUTANKHAMUN ENTER THE TOMB (which is embedded in the King Tut Global Tour and permanent Exhibition). He’s currently the Executive Producer of the YOSEMITE VR film. A renowned script doctor, Bart runs SCRIPT ACCELERATOR with Oscar-nominated Gregg Helvey. He’s served multiple times as Script Advisor to the advisors (and students) at Sundance Screenwriter Labs, Equinoxe in Europe, and British Screen, and also as External Examiner to the Northern Film School-Leeds Beckett University BA/MA Screen-writing Courses. He co-owned 1A Productions with double Emmy/Bafta-winning director Norman Stone and was the long-time creative partner of the late legendary producer/ financier John Heyman, who founded IAA, Island World, and World Productions International. Bart was also the CEO/Head of Story for two film companies in LA. Current partners include award-winning directors Samir Mehanovic and Richie Adams, whose THE ROAD DANCE won the Audience Award at the 2021 Edinburgh Film Festival, and Matthew Luhn, ex-Pixar story guru, in animation projects. Bart is co-founder of the British charity SPCT and a Film Music Library housed at BMG.
Bart’s decades of award-winning experience will bring a healing element along with tremendous writing skills to the course instruction.
Bart is a BAFTA-nominated screenwriter whose work has been acclaimed by Nobel Peace Prize winners. In addition to his 30+ years as an internationally renowned script doctor, Bart teaches story masterclasses around the world.
Bart is a graduate of the UK's National Film School. His screenwriting credits include LUTHER (Joe Fiennes, Peter Ustinov); END OF THE SPEAR, a sub-titled film that opened in the US Top Six and was the most viewed film in America in 2006; and THE JOURNEY HOME (Goran Visnjic, Bridget Moynahan, Dakota Goyo). He’s co-director of CHRISTMAS CHILD, which scored the biggest audience in Lifetime’s history, and director/producer of multiple award-winning BBC Specials. My short film credits include BAFTA-Nom MOUTH OF HELL and the award-winning AMERICAN with George Takei. In Virtual Reality, he’s won the coveted Lumiere Award twice in the last four years for co-writing RAISING A RUKUS and TUTANKHAMUN ENTER THE TOMB (which is embedded in the King Tut Global Tour and permanent Exhibition). He’s currently the Executive Producer of the YOSEMITE VR film. A renowned script doctor, Bart runs SCRIPT ACCELERATOR with Oscar-nominated Gregg Helvey. He’s served multiple times as Script Advisor to the advisors (and students) at Sundance Screenwriter Labs, Equinoxe in Europe, and British Screen, and also as External Examiner to the Northern Film School-Leeds Beckett University BA/MA Screen-writing Courses. He co-owned 1A Productions with double Emmy/Bafta-winning director Norman Stone and was the long-time creative partner of the late legendary producer/ financier John Heyman, who founded IAA, Island World, and World Productions International. Bart was also the CEO/Head of Story for two film companies in LA. Current partners include award-winning directors Samir Mehanovic and Richie Adams, whose THE ROAD DANCE won the Audience Award at the 2021 Edinburgh Film Festival, and Matthew Luhn, ex-Pixar story guru, in animation projects. Bart is co-founder of the British charity SPCT and a Film Music Library housed at BMG.
Bart’s decades of award-winning experience will bring a healing element along with tremendous writing skills to the course instruction.
Head of Story
Patricia has diverse, international experience. Her passions and experience have led her to become a film producer, theater director, musician, librettist, educator, and peace activist.
As a film producer, she has executive produced four documentary film series, a feature film, and a series of 28 short films. As a theatre director, she has written and directed mixed-arts productions of drama, dance, live and recorded music, film, and visuals in America, England, Scotland, and Sweden. Patricia has published seven books and seven collections, edited six published books, and co-founded and edited two journals. Her musical talents have allowed her to sing on more than 25 recordings, and she has created and produced two CDs. Many of her texts have been set and recorded. Patricia has taught all over the world, and several of her training courses have been used in four countries. As a peace activist, she produced The Reluctant Prophet, a feature documentary on non-violence; produced and directed Where Then Shall We Start, a mixed-arts drama on Wilfred Owen and Kathe Kollwitz; collaborated in creating a three-part Owen song cycle; and developed and produced Light into Darkness: Darkness Illuminated, a WWI Vigil Concert featured by the BBC. Patricia is the co-founder and Director of two film production companies: SPARK Productions, for charity films, history-based features, and mentoring, and Triptych Productions, for feature films and music. She is co-founder and Administrator of South Park Community Trust, a British charity specializing in media, the performing arts, education, and publishing. Patricia brings a wealth of talent and experience to the team.
Patricia has diverse, international experience. Her passions and experience have led her to become a film producer, theater director, musician, librettist, educator, and peace activist.
As a film producer, she has executive produced four documentary film series, a feature film, and a series of 28 short films. As a theatre director, she has written and directed mixed-arts productions of drama, dance, live and recorded music, film, and visuals in America, England, Scotland, and Sweden. Patricia has published seven books and seven collections, edited six published books, and co-founded and edited two journals. Her musical talents have allowed her to sing on more than 25 recordings, and she has created and produced two CDs. Many of her texts have been set and recorded. Patricia has taught all over the world, and several of her training courses have been used in four countries. As a peace activist, she produced The Reluctant Prophet, a feature documentary on non-violence; produced and directed Where Then Shall We Start, a mixed-arts drama on Wilfred Owen and Kathe Kollwitz; collaborated in creating a three-part Owen song cycle; and developed and produced Light into Darkness: Darkness Illuminated, a WWI Vigil Concert featured by the BBC. Patricia is the co-founder and Director of two film production companies: SPARK Productions, for charity films, history-based features, and mentoring, and Triptych Productions, for feature films and music. She is co-founder and Administrator of South Park Community Trust, a British charity specializing in media, the performing arts, education, and publishing. Patricia brings a wealth of talent and experience to the team.
Head of Curriculum
Valentina Castellani was born in Florence, Italy, where her family has owned the Opera House Theatre, the “Teatro Verdi," since the 1800s.
Her Grandfather, Riccardo Castellani, was one of the most important producers and distributors of the Golden Era of Italian cinema. Growing up behind the stage, watching operas, plays, and ballets had a strong influence on her. She graduated from college, majoring in arts and design, and acquired a Master's degree in Fashion Design at FIT in collaboration with the University of Florence, Fine Arts.
In 2012, Valentina Castellani created Quinn Studios in memory of Francesco Quinn, her husband and son of Oscar-winning actor Anthony Quinn, who died in August 2011. Quinn Studios was a production and post-production company. Quinn Studios continues the Quinn Legacy in the fields of entertainment, the arts, and world peace. In 2012, Quinn Studios produced the TV documentary series “Life On A Bike” based on the Italian pro cycling tour Giro D’Italia, filmed across 11 countries. In 2014, Quinn Studio co-produced the movie “The Butterfly’s Dream” for an Academy Award and Golden Globe 2014 as Best Foreign Movie. Also winner of 13 International Awards. Quinn Studios also helped with the post-production of “The Square”, a documentary on the Egyptian conflict, which won all major International Awards, including the Directors Guild Award 2014, Sundance Film Festival 2014, Berlin Film Festival, Dubai Film Festival, and more. In 2016/2017, Quinn Studios completed an Award Winning Documentary film about Peace in the Middle East: ”ONE ROCK THREE RELIGIONS “. “One Rock Three Religions” won the HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD, The US Congress Award Recognition for the film's efforts to create a dialogue among Countries, Religions and Ethnicities, the Jury Grand Prix at the Siena International Film Festival, The People Festival in NY as Best Documentary, The Impact DOCS Award, and many others.
In 2017, Valentina Castellani produced the Marketing campaign for the film “AUGIE” on the extraordinary life of Augie Nieto, the Steve Jobs of the Fitness Industry, directed by Award Winning Director/Producer James Keach and produced to benefit the Augie Nieto Foundation devoted to finding a cure for ALS.
In 2018, Valentina Castellani was one of the executive producers of The Award Winning Film Documentary ” WONDERFUL LOSERS”, a 2019 Academy Awards Candidate for Best Foreign Film and winner of 11 International Awards. Valentina Castellani is one of the co-producers of the Malibu Guitar Festival, an International Music Festival Founded by Award Winning Producer Doug De Luca ( Executive Producer Jimmy Kimmel Live)
Valentina is the General Director of International relationships of the TERRA DI SIENA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL and currently collaborates with a number of Film Festivals around the world.
Because of her personal story, her ethical work as a producer, and her service to global society, Valentina Castellani was invited to speak at many International Organizations, including The US Congress, United Nations, UNESCO, The YPO/Young President Organization, and a number of International Universities. She constantly collaborates with the Young Presidents Organization, YPO, in helping produce some of their events and works as an external International resource.
In 2016, Miss Castellani was Awarded the US Congress Award in recognition of her work promoting the dialogue between Countries, Religions, and Ethnicities. In 2017, Valentina was given the City of Los Angeles Award by Mayor Garcetti and Council Member Jose Huizar for her initiative, efforts, and achievements in promoting the restoration of the Iconic Anthony Quinn Mural: ” The Pope of Broadway”, downtown Los Angeles. A historical mural that symbolically became the Hollywood sign of the Latino Community and serves as an ethical reminder of unity through arts, which is the core value of the Quinn Family Legacy. In 2018, Valentina was the recipient of the Prestigious English WIFTS Award as a “Visionary Producer”. She accepted the Award among a number of women with exceptional achievements, such as the Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, and actress Gal Gadot.
In 2019, Valentina Castellani expanded her Production Studio and created QUINN STUDIOS ENTERTAINMENT. Continuing her ethical international work, Valentina with QUINN STUDIOS ENTERTAINMENT is now in Production with a film on The Native Americans and Alternative energies to Oil, titled : “THE WHITE SNAKE”.
QUINN STUDIOS ENTERTAINMENT is also in pre-production with the Feature Film “POLO”, produced in partnership with Nereides Group.
Valentina Castellani was born in Florence, Italy, where her family has owned the Opera House Theatre, the “Teatro Verdi," since the 1800s.
Her Grandfather, Riccardo Castellani, was one of the most important producers and distributors of the Golden Era of Italian cinema. Growing up behind the stage, watching operas, plays, and ballets had a strong influence on her. She graduated from college, majoring in arts and design, and acquired a Master's degree in Fashion Design at FIT in collaboration with the University of Florence, Fine Arts.
In 2012, Valentina Castellani created Quinn Studios in memory of Francesco Quinn, her husband and son of Oscar-winning actor Anthony Quinn, who died in August 2011. Quinn Studios was a production and post-production company. Quinn Studios continues the Quinn Legacy in the fields of entertainment, the arts, and world peace. In 2012, Quinn Studios produced the TV documentary series “Life On A Bike” based on the Italian pro cycling tour Giro D’Italia, filmed across 11 countries. In 2014, Quinn Studio co-produced the movie “The Butterfly’s Dream” for an Academy Award and Golden Globe 2014 as Best Foreign Movie. Also winner of 13 International Awards. Quinn Studios also helped with the post-production of “The Square”, a documentary on the Egyptian conflict, which won all major International Awards, including the Directors Guild Award 2014, Sundance Film Festival 2014, Berlin Film Festival, Dubai Film Festival, and more. In 2016/2017, Quinn Studios completed an Award Winning Documentary film about Peace in the Middle East: ”ONE ROCK THREE RELIGIONS “. “One Rock Three Religions” won the HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD, The US Congress Award Recognition for the film's efforts to create a dialogue among Countries, Religions and Ethnicities, the Jury Grand Prix at the Siena International Film Festival, The People Festival in NY as Best Documentary, The Impact DOCS Award, and many others.
In 2017, Valentina Castellani produced the Marketing campaign for the film “AUGIE” on the extraordinary life of Augie Nieto, the Steve Jobs of the Fitness Industry, directed by Award Winning Director/Producer James Keach and produced to benefit the Augie Nieto Foundation devoted to finding a cure for ALS.
In 2018, Valentina Castellani was one of the executive producers of The Award Winning Film Documentary ” WONDERFUL LOSERS”, a 2019 Academy Awards Candidate for Best Foreign Film and winner of 11 International Awards. Valentina Castellani is one of the co-producers of the Malibu Guitar Festival, an International Music Festival Founded by Award Winning Producer Doug De Luca ( Executive Producer Jimmy Kimmel Live)
Valentina is the General Director of International relationships of the TERRA DI SIENA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL and currently collaborates with a number of Film Festivals around the world.
Because of her personal story, her ethical work as a producer, and her service to global society, Valentina Castellani was invited to speak at many International Organizations, including The US Congress, United Nations, UNESCO, The YPO/Young President Organization, and a number of International Universities. She constantly collaborates with the Young Presidents Organization, YPO, in helping produce some of their events and works as an external International resource.
In 2016, Miss Castellani was Awarded the US Congress Award in recognition of her work promoting the dialogue between Countries, Religions, and Ethnicities. In 2017, Valentina was given the City of Los Angeles Award by Mayor Garcetti and Council Member Jose Huizar for her initiative, efforts, and achievements in promoting the restoration of the Iconic Anthony Quinn Mural: ” The Pope of Broadway”, downtown Los Angeles. A historical mural that symbolically became the Hollywood sign of the Latino Community and serves as an ethical reminder of unity through arts, which is the core value of the Quinn Family Legacy. In 2018, Valentina was the recipient of the Prestigious English WIFTS Award as a “Visionary Producer”. She accepted the Award among a number of women with exceptional achievements, such as the Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, and actress Gal Gadot.
In 2019, Valentina Castellani expanded her Production Studio and created QUINN STUDIOS ENTERTAINMENT. Continuing her ethical international work, Valentina with QUINN STUDIOS ENTERTAINMENT is now in Production with a film on The Native Americans and Alternative energies to Oil, titled : “THE WHITE SNAKE”.
QUINN STUDIOS ENTERTAINMENT is also in pre-production with the Feature Film “POLO”, produced in partnership with Nereides Group.
Academy Instructor
Tommy has decades of experience in the music industry. He was born in Northern California near San Francisco in a town called Burlingame.
At a very young age, he found inspiration from his father, Tom Coster Sr., who was a premier musician in the San Francisco Bay Area. He eventually became a world-renowned keyboardist. This was an amazing catalyst for Tommy’s musical journey and aspirations.
By the age of 11 years old, Tommy had co-written his first published song with Carlos Santana, titled “Zulu”, which was included on Santana’s “Moonflower” album in 1977. He was later awarded his first gold album for his exceptional collaboration. After San Francisco, Tommy moved to Boston to study Jazz Composition at Berklee College of Music.
After co-writing and producing several jazz records, Tommy decided to move to Los Angeles to start a new chapter in his musical career. In 1998, Coster scored his first film for Miramax, working with rapper Master P on “I Got This Hook Up”. One year later, Tommy started working with Dr. Dre, which resulted in epic proportions. He co-wrote one of the biggest songs in hip-hop history with Dr. Dre and Eminem, titled “The Real Slim Shady”. This catapulted Tommy into working with several other artists, resulting in the sales of over 75 million records.
Tommy is a 2X Grammy Award Winning writer with several gold and multi-platinum awards, including a RIAA Diamond Award, certifying over 10 million copies sold of “The Marshall Mathers LP” in the United States alone. Only 150 projects in the history of the music business have ever reached this level of achievement.
Tommy has also been active in film and TV as a writer, composer, and collaborator, with more than 500 credits on IMDB.
Tommy has also had a passion for being around emerging technologies throughout his entire life. In addition to music, he has pivoted into tech and other entertainment aspects. He is currently collaborating and pioneering solutions to help create traction and sustainability for today’s artists in the current and future versions of their industries.
With his environmental and institutional education, Coster has had the unique experience of being able to quality, teach, and share his research, knowledge, and experiences with the students of today. From conception to completion of each project, he hopes to encourage artists to hold a new sense of ownership of their music. From educating on proper business practices to leading marketing initiatives, Tommy’s ultimate intention is to instill the knowledge of how to help create sustainable careers in the entertainment industry.
Tommy continues to inspire and aspire to music and life and hopes that you join him on that journey.
Tommy has decades of experience in the music industry. He was born in Northern California near San Francisco in a town called Burlingame.
By the age of 11 years old, Tommy had co-written his first published song with Carlos Santana, titled “Zulu”, which was included on Santana’s “Moonflower” album in 1977. He was later awarded his first gold album for his exceptional collaboration. After San Francisco, Tommy moved to Boston to study Jazz Composition at Berklee College of Music.
After co-writing and producing several jazz records, Tommy decided to move to Los Angeles to start a new chapter in his musical career. In 1998, Coster scored his first film for Miramax, working with rapper Master P on “I Got This Hook Up”. One year later, Tommy started working with Dr. Dre, which resulted in epic proportions. He co-wrote one of the biggest songs in hip-hop history with Dr. Dre and Eminem, titled “The Real Slim Shady”. This catapulted Tommy into working with several other artists, resulting in the sales of over 75 million records.
Tommy is a 2X Grammy Award Winning writer with several gold and multi-platinum awards, including a RIAA Diamond Award, certifying over 10 million copies sold of “The Marshall Mathers LP” in the United States alone. Only 150 projects in the history of the music business have ever reached this level of achievement.
Tommy has also been active in film and TV as a writer, composer, and collaborator, with more than 500 credits on IMDB.
Tommy has also had a passion for being around emerging technologies throughout his entire life. In addition to music, he has pivoted into tech and other entertainment aspects. He is currently collaborating and pioneering solutions to help create traction and sustainability for today’s artists in the current and future versions of their industries.
With his environmental and institutional education, Coster has had the unique experience of being able to quality, teach, and share his research, knowledge, and experiences with the students of today. From conception to completion of each project, he hopes to encourage artists to hold a new sense of ownership of their music. From educating on proper business practices to leading marketing initiatives, Tommy’s ultimate intention is to instill the knowledge of how to help create sustainable careers in the entertainment industry.
Tommy continues to inspire and aspire to music and life and hopes that you join him on that journey.
Academy Instructor
Aaron has held numerous positions in media and entertainment for over thirty years. His career working on feature films started with DreamWorks as the producer's assistant on “The Prince of Egypt."
He then went on to work for Walt Disney Pictures, Jim Henson Pictures, Phoenix Pictures, cineFinance, and AOL Productions. He was also the Director of Production and Finance at Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, where he oversaw the making of 17 independent films.
Aaron now lives in Utah, where he continues to produce global content, including a 56-episode, multi-season video series that is distributed in 60 languages internationally. He has filmmaking experience throughout the United States, Italy, England, Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Guatemala, Peru, Australia, and Canada. He has a deep knowledge of filmmaking, from big-budget studio features to independent films to web content to niche-market series. He is professionally skilled in producing, script writing, production management, production budgeting, and post-production. He loves filmmaking and collaborating with others to bring creative dreams to life.
Aaron has held numerous positions in media and entertainment for over thirty years. His career working on feature films started with DreamWorks as the producer's assistant on “The Prince of Egypt."
He then went on to work for Walt Disney Pictures, Jim Henson Pictures, Phoenix Pictures, cineFinance, and AOL Productions. He was also the Director of Production and Finance at Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, where he oversaw the making of 17 independent films.
Aaron now lives in Utah, where he continues to produce global content, including a 56-episode, multi-season video series that is distributed in 60 languages internationally. He has filmmaking experience throughout the United States, Italy, England, Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Guatemala, Peru, Australia, and Canada. He has a deep knowledge of filmmaking, from big-budget studio features to independent films to web content to niche-market series. He is professionally skilled in producing, script writing, production management, production budgeting, and post-production. He loves filmmaking and collaborating with others to bring creative dreams to life.
Academy Instructor
Matt has over 20 years in the entertainment and film industry first doing concert audio, then transitioning to film doing production audio, grip and electric, special effects and video editing. In 2020 he joined the Army and was in 19th SFG until receiving a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and a stroke due to a parachuting training accident, which ended his military career. He now navigates recovery and spending time with his wife and 4 boys.
Matt has over 20 years in the entertainment and film industry first doing concert audio, then transitioning to film doing production audio, grip and electric, special effects and video editing. In 2020 he joined the Army and was in 19th SFG until receiving a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and a stroke due to a parachuting training accident, which ended his military career. He now navigates recovery and spending time with his wife and 4 boys.
Academy Instructor
Advisors
Allan is fascinated with the intersection of entertainment, education, and technology.
He began his career in Hollywood, directing commercials and short films that won the Audience Choice award at AFI and enjoyed broadcast airtime during the Superbowl and Academy Awards. He later managed studio relations for a boutique box-office research and tracking firm in Beverly Hills.
In 2003, Staker founded a startup that launched Yoostar, a “karaoke for movies” entertainment console and series of Xbox games that the NBC Today Show listed among “Hollywood’s Hottest Gifts” and UberReview dubbed one of the “Coolest Toys on the Planet.” He then worked as a Product Marketing Manager at Apple in Cupertino, the Director of Business Transformation at Hawaiian Airlines in Honolulu, and a Marketing Director at Dell Technologies in Austin.
In 2013, Allan launched Brain Chase, an ed tech/treasure hunt/escape room company that the New York Times described as “Hollywood meets Harvard.” A combination of animations, decoder rings, exotic travel, and buried treasure, Brain Chase produces B2C programs that have enriched tens of thousands of students around the globe and design custom programs for multinational clients ranging from SAP to the Walt Disney Company.
Staker currently serves as a speaker and business strategy consultant, recently conducting workshops at the EdSurge TriState Tech for Schools Summit, SXSWedu, and The National After School Association. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with University Honors in Film Directing and earned his MBA from Harvard Business School. Staker lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and their five children.
Allan is fascinated with the intersection of entertainment, education, and technology.
He began his career in Hollywood, directing commercials and short films that won the Audience Choice award at AFI and enjoyed broadcast airtime during the Superbowl and Academy Awards. He later managed studio relations for a boutique box-office research and tracking firm in Beverly Hills.
In 2003, Staker founded a startup that launched Yoostar, a “karaoke for movies” entertainment console and series of Xbox games that the NBC Today Show listed among “Hollywood’s Hottest Gifts” and UberReview dubbed one of the “Coolest Toys on the Planet.” He then worked as a Product Marketing Manager at Apple in Cupertino, the Director of Business Transformation at Hawaiian Airlines in Honolulu, and a Marketing Director at Dell Technologies in Austin.
In 2013, Allan launched Brain Chase, an ed tech/treasure hunt/escape room company that the New York Times described as “Hollywood meets Harvard.” A combination of animations, decoder rings, exotic travel, and buried treasure, Brain Chase produces B2C programs that have enriched tens of thousands of students around the globe and design custom programs for multinational clients ranging from SAP to the Walt Disney Company.
Staker currently serves as a speaker and business strategy consultant, recently conducting workshops at the EdSurge TriState Tech for Schools Summit, SXSWedu, and The National After School Association. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with University Honors in Film Directing and earned his MBA from Harvard Business School. Staker lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and their five children.
Business Consultant
Thomas is a consultant for the Small Business Development Center at the University of Georgia and brings a wealth of experience to IMPACT Entertainment Group.
Thomas worked across several industries, bringing 15 years of combined business and academic experience. He has an extensive background in banking and finance, having served as a retail banking manager, credit analyst, commercial underwriter, commercial lender, business services manager, and vice president of commercial lending. Furthermore, he has experience working with several different types of lending intuitions, including local, regional, and national banks as well as credit unions. Thomas also worked as the CFO of a multi-state hotel developer and operator. He has experience with multiple types of capital ranging from debt, mezzanine, private equity, municipal bond, and nonrecourse financing and securitization. Thomas brings experience in IT, having worked on the development of financial payment software for clients such as Capital One and Bank of America. Finally, Thomas served on the faculty of Chattahoochee Valley Community College as an instructor. He remains active in the Columbus community, having served on numerous boards of directors for local companies, not-for-profits, and civic organizations.
Thomas is a consultant for the Small Business Development Center at the University of Georgia and brings a wealth of experience to IMPACT Entertainment Group.
Thomas worked across several industries, bringing 15 years of combined business and academic experience. He has an extensive background in banking and finance, having served as a retail banking manager, credit analyst, commercial underwriter, commercial lender, business services manager, and vice president of commercial lending. Furthermore, he has experience working with several different types of lending intuitions, including local, regional, and national banks as well as credit unions. Thomas also worked as the CFO of a multi-state hotel developer and operator. He has experience with multiple types of capital ranging from debt, mezzanine, private equity, municipal bond, and nonrecourse financing and securitization. Thomas brings experience in IT, having worked on the development of financial payment software for clients such as Capital One and Bank of America. Finally, Thomas served on the faculty of Chattahoochee Valley Community College as an instructor. He remains active in the Columbus community, having served on numerous boards of directors for local companies, not-for-profits, and civic organizations.
Business Consultant
Partnerships
