Our Team
Yani M Payne
Founder | Head of Development | Producer | Writer | Author
Welcome to the captivating world of Mr. Yani M Payne, a visionary creative and true Renaissance talent. As the Founder, Head Of Development, Producer, Director, Writer, and #1 Best Selling Author of "In The Shadow Of A King, Vol 1," Yani's artistic journey is a tapestry of unparalleled accomplishments. Yani's literary brilliance shines brightly, with his book "In The Shadow Of A King, Vol 1" achieving the remarkable feat of reaching #1 Best Seller in 9 separate Barnes & Noble categories. His evocative storytelling captivates readers and transports them to enthralling worlds.
As the proud recipient of The OneFifty Grant for Diversity & Emerging Artists, Yani is deeply committed to promoting diversity and nurturing emerging talent. His dedication to inclusivity is evident in the transformative projects he brings to life. Yani's creative talents extend to the realm of documentary filmmaking. His contributions as associate producer and Writer for Discovery Life's "Wave Makers” documentary series have made an indelible impact, shedding light on compelling and inspiring narratives. Yani's creative scope and perspective know no bounds, as demonstrated by his role as a Consulting Writer for the award-winning animated short "Oren's Way.” His ability to infuse depth and emotion into every story adds a unique dimension to each project. Yani's talents as a Writer have been integral to the success of the award-winning, 27-episode, Industrial Use edutainment series "Modern Sales Foundations," produced by SPARXiQ. His gift for engaging storytelling and realistic, relatable dialogue elevates educational content to new heights.
With an impressive 18 years of professional writing, including 14 years in screenwriting, and 8 years producing independent shorts, features, and commercials, Yani's experience is a testament to his dedication to the craft. Yani's artistic vision extends behind the camera, where he has been recognized as the Best Cinematographer at the WCU Student Film Festival in both 2010 and 2011. His eye for visual storytelling enriches every frame he captures. Yani's expertise has led him to positions such as Senior Writer, Talent Liaison, and Consultant for FERGO Apparel, The Movie Studio Inc., and Project Development Consultant on 6 other projects, including the forthcoming Queen Yaba’s Curse, An Accidental Fire, Evolution of an Angel, and Reaper. His ability to connect and collaborate with diverse talents has yielded successful partnerships throughout the Film and Television industry as well as crossing into multiple other trades.
Embrace the world of Mr. Yani M Payne, where creativity knows no bounds. From captivating writing to visionary filmmaking, Yani's contributions continue to inspire, educate, and entertain audiences across the globe. Experience the magic of storytelling through the lens of a true master of the arts.
Damion Rochester
Conceptual Development Scripted Projects | Director of Social Awareness
Meet Damion Rochester: Driving Social Awareness through Powerful Scripted Projects. He is an exceptional professional whose multifaceted talents and unwavering commitment to social awareness have made him a true force for positive change. As the Conceptual Development Scripted Projects and Director of Social Awareness, Damion brings an impressive array of skills and experiences to the table. Damion's expertise in conceptual writing and consulting allows him to breathe life into compelling narratives and captivating storylines. His visionary approach and creative flair have earned him a reputation as an unparalleled conceptual writer and consultant in the industry.
As a Diversity and Inclusion Specialist, Damion is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment in all aspects of his work. He believes in the power of diverse voices and experiences, and his dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion shines through in every project he undertakes. With a BS in Political Science from Fordham University, Damion's academic foundation has strengthened his ability to address complex societal issues through his creative endeavors.
Beyond his work behind the scenes, Damion is also a gifted actor, having been honored as the Best Actor at the esteemed Global Nonviolent Film Festival. As a member of the prestigious Princess Grace Foundation, he continues to shine as a prominent figure in the performing arts world.
Damion is not only dedicated to his craft but also to making a meaningful impact on society. As a fervent Social Awareness Activist, he champions causes that promote human rights and equality, using his platform to drive positive change. As a Diversity Peer Educator and a key contributing event planner for the NYU Forum on Law, Culture & Society, Damion actively empowers others through educational initiatives and thought-provoking events that tackle critical societal issues.
Damion Rochester's impressive range of talents and his unyielding commitment to social awareness makes him an invaluable asset to any project. His ability to weave powerful narratives and address essential topics ensures that his work leaves a lasting impact, driving meaningful change in the world.
Amelia Winfree
Executive Producer
Meet Amelia Winfree: an exceptional Executive Producer whose career has been defined by strategic vision and outstanding achievements in the entertainment industry. With an impressive sales, marketing, and production background, Amelia brings a wealth of experience to every project she undertakes. Amelia's journey spans over 20 years in Sales, Marketing, and Production, with a significant portion of her career dedicated to the entertainment sector. Her extensive expertise in this field has led her to hold crucial roles that have shaped the success of various ventures.
Previously serving as the Vice President of Sponsorship & Media Partnership at ABFF, Amelia played a key role in developing strategic business goals for the organization. As a visionary leader, she effectively led the Sales, Marketing, and Client Relations departments, fostering growth and prosperity for the company.
Amelia's impressive portfolio includes co-producing the highly acclaimed annual awards dinner gala, ABFF Honors, which enjoyed televised success for two consecutive years. She was also instrumental in co-producing ABFF digital content and played a vital role in the successful launch of ABFF London in 2019, expanding the brand's reach on an international scale.
As a Chief Fundraising and Client Management executive at IFP, Amelia made significant contributions to the Independent Film Market and Conference and the prestigious Gotham Awards. Her strategic insights and leadership have been integral to the success of these renowned events. Amelia's skill set also includes managing marketing and promotional activities for the theatrical release of the 2001 feature film "One Week." Her innovative approach contributed to the film's success in reaching a wider audience.
Amelia has a passion for supporting independent filmmakers and has produced four impactful short films, including "Popous Pane" and "The Kids He Loves to Hate." Her commitment to excellence has led to successful distribution partnerships with esteemed networks like HBO. As an Executive Producer, Amelia Winfree's dedication to excellence, keen business acumen, and collaborative approach has cemented her position as a leader in the entertainment industry. Her work continues to inspire and empower creators, making her an invaluable asset to any project she takes on.
Michelle Sligh
Producer
Meet Michelle Sligh: A dynamic force in the world of filmmaking and a valued founding member of New Hope Studios in Brunswick, GA, alongside its sister property in Atlanta, GA.
Michelle's creative journey has been marked by numerous accomplishments and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As a highly regarded Executive Director, she has played a pivotal role in establishing and nurturing the success of New Hope Studios, cultivating an environment that fosters innovation and creativity. Michelle's prowess as a Producer is evident in her outstanding work on projects such as "The Desecrated Ones," "Haven," and "Dooba Dooba." Currently, she has three documentaries in development and has been involved in multiple short films that have captivated audiences far and wide.
A visionary leader, Michelle has taken on the ambitious task of spearheading the development of a film commission in Glynn County, GA. Through her efforts, she aims to create an environment that attracts top-tier talent and industry professionals to this thriving locale. Michelle is a driving force behind ITSOAK Development''s various projects Talent and Above The Line Crew connections, which has resulted in exciting partnerships with notable names in the industry. Through her efforts, accomplished talents like Gary Weeks, Josh Ventura, and Trae Romano, as well as the award-winning production team, Twiins Media, have been brought together for remarkable projects.
Michelle's artistic prowess extends to the role of Production Designer, where she has lent her creative touch to numerous features, shorts, and documentaries, adding depth and visual brilliance to each production. With a keen eye for storytelling and a passion for fostering collaboration, Michelle Sligh continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of filmmaking. Her dedication to creativity, coupled with her leadership acumen, makes her an invaluable asset to New Hope Studios and the larger filmmaking community. We are honored to have Michelle as an integral part of our team, driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of cinematic excellence.
Brigette ReDavid
Narrative Story Development | Script Supervisor | Story Consultant
Meet Brigette ReDavid: Accomplished Author, Award-Winning Film Director, and Media Maven, Brigette ReDavid, brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the world of storytelling and media. With an impressive background as a former Journalist at the Philadelphia Inquirer, Brigette has demonstrated a passion for communication and the written word. A Gifted Wordsmith and Published Author, Brigette has ventured beyond the realm of journalism, showcasing her literary talent as a Published Author. Her written works have captivated readers, and her passion for crafting compelling narratives shines through in every project they undertake.
In the world of cinema, Brigette is a force to be reckoned with. Her filmmaking prowess has garnered multiple awards and accolades, including the prestigious Best Drama recognition by both HBO and WGA Judges. The Nichol & Austin Award is another shining testament to their creative genius and storytelling finesse.
Brigette is not only dedicated to her personal craft but also to fostering creativity in others. As the visionary Founder of Off-Page Writers Group & Play Festival in Philadelphia, she has provided a platform for aspiring writers and playwrights to showcase their talents and nurture their artistic aspirations.
With a commitment to furthering the film and television industry, [Name] is an active member of esteemed organizations such as Women In Film & Television, Dramatists Guild of America, Los Angeles Women In Film, and the National Italian American Foundation. Their engagement in these organizations underscores their dedication to advancing diversity and excellence in the world of entertainment. Brigette's remarkable journey as a former Journalist, Published Author, and Award-Winning Film Director and Producer exemplifies their versatility and passion for the arts. Their contributions to the world of media and storytelling continue to inspire and uplift audiences worldwide. We are honored to have Brigette as an integral part of our creative team.
Greg Kriek
Development Consultant
Gaming, VR, AR, Enhanced Projects
Meet Greg Kriek: With an illustrious career spanning the global film and television industry, Greg Kriek is a visionary producer, director, and actor who has earned a reputation for excellence. His impressive accolades and achievements reflect their unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional content. In 2020, Greg secured an Emmy Award co-winner title for their outstanding work on the acclaimed documentary "Serengeti Rules." His talent and creativity were further acknowledged with an Oscar Nomination for the captivating short film "Incognito." In 2022, they were honored with the IIFF Indie Spirit Award for Producing "Don’t Try This At Home," showcasing their ability to produce compelling and engaging projects.
As an active member of The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and an esteemed Emmy Judge, Greg actively contributes to the growth and evolution of television entertainment. He successfully produced over 70 episodes of South Africa's longest-running lifestyle magazine show, "Top Billing." He also held the role of Senior Producer at TH Film.
Greg's talent knows no boundaries, having produced two international TV series, "Codebreaker" and "Player Up," in partnership with the gaming giant, ATARI. He has earned them over 100 film credits across 5 continents, working on notable projects such as "Die Hart 2" and the highly anticipated Zach Snyder/Netflix Epic, "Rebel Moon."
Equally adept in both independent films and large-scale productions, Greg has collaborated with major studios including Netflix, HBO, Universal, Lionsgate, and Sony. Their ability to navigate diverse landscapes in the industry is a testament to their adaptability and profound understanding of the craft.
With a passion for storytelling and a track record of success, Greg continues to inspire and elevate the world of film and television. Their talent, experience, and dedication make them an invaluable asset to any creative endeavor.