Deatra L. Harris has written and directed several short films and commercials that have shown in festivals across the US and Internationally. She’s worked alongside Nickelodeon writing executives as well as some of the most talented Independent filmmakers in the game today. Deatra co-produced the critically acclaimed Independent Film Kinyarwanda, which garnered many festival awards including the prestigious Sundance World Cinema Audience Award in 2011. Kinyarwanda was the first feature film under her production company, Visigoth Pictures. Deatra worked in the IT industry for over 20 years, many of those years she worked as a Database consultant under her own consulting company, DLH Consulting Services. This experience not only helped shape her tenacity in business but also gave her a blueprint on how to go after her dreams and make things happen. She brought that tenacity to filmmaking in 2006 and hasn’t looked back. She has strategically and creatively carved out an exciting film career in just a few short years. Deatra is currently developing a feature length animation project, producing her company’s 2nd feature film, and developing a 30-minute animated televison series.

Alen Blake, BOKEHEM founder, entered the Seattle creative community as a independent filmmaker. Over the past 10 years he has expanded his portfolio across photography and filmmaking. Alen utilizes a wide variety of techniques and resources to meet the needs of each project. He is know for his deeply technical understanding of the science behind the art of image making. He’s comfortable behind many cameras, video rigs and editing suites, while always looking to experiment with new techniques and gear.

Nolan founded Mane Man Studios in 2010. Since then he has been leading the animation team. Nolan is a graduate of NYU Film and spent time at FAMU in the Czech Republic.

Sharon Nyree Williams is a producer and solo performer in Seattle, Washington. In 2006 she produced the short film Swipe (Urbanworld Film Festival), co-produced the short films Mary Jane and Sometimesin a Dream; followed by a performance in Dating at the Speed of Life (Anchorage Alaska Film Festival). In 2009, while working on her MFA Degree, she answered the call from filmmaker Deatra L. Harris to be a producer for Addicted (Short film Corner; Festival de Cannes). She also completed her first short film, From the Heart. Sharon is the founder of The Mahogany Project and has written, produced and performed in the one-act plays, Plight: I am My Brothers Keeper (Wilmington, DE Fringe Festival) and Circles of Life. Sharon believes the best way to bring attention to social issues is through storytelling.

Leroy is a very creative writer with experience writing for film and television.

LIFT is a full-service production company focused on creating useful and creative short-form content.