Alexander Gaeta, Director & Writer

Alexander Gaeta attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he combined his passion for photography with his natural storytelling abilities as a documentary filmmaker. In 2008, Gaeta transferred to Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts to further his knowledge in film production. There he completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Film Production with an emphasis in directing, and wrote and directed three short films. He also participated in Dodge College's documentary scholarship program in New York and Africa. As a recipient of the 2010 Destination Africa Scholarship, Gaeta led the team of four to record the life of abandoned orphans living in the streets of Botswana. His documentary, entitled Lost & Found, screened at numerous festivals including Breckenridge Film Festival and Newport Beach Film Festival. In Gaeta's senior year, he was selected to be mentored by prestigious producer and Chapman University's Filmmaker in Residence, Jonathan Sanger (100 Feet, Paraiso Travel, Vanilla Sky, The Elephant Man). This esteemed scholarship allowed Gaeta to receive invaluable insights when developing his senior thesis film, Shoot the Moon.  Less than four months after its completion, Shoot the Moon was awarded the Director's Choice Award at the Angelus Film Festival, and chosen as an official selection in many Academy qualified film festivals. Gaeta also was chosen by Chapman University to be part of First Cut 2011. Since graduating in May 2011, Gaeta lives in Los Angeles and works as a freelance writer and director.  Currently, Gaeta is developing his first feature film about the fragility of the human connection. Marking a keen interest in the human condition and modern America, Gaeta continues to make films that resonate with his impossibly complex and ever-changing generation.

 

Missy Laney, Producer

Raised in Torrance, California, with her five older brothers, Missy Laney attended the local community college at the age of thirteen and enjoyed dabbling in a variety of extracurricular activities.  At El Camino College, Laney enrolled in Film Appreciation course where she discovered the dynamic role of a film producer.  In 2009, she transferred to Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts to major in Film Producing and Business Administration.   Befriending classmates and impressing professors, Laney constantly kept busy assisting productions as well as producing her own projects.  In January 2010, Laney was invited to travel to Chapman Singapore’s Producing program for a Travel Scholarship with twelve other students to make six documentaries.  Later that year, Laney was requested to return by program directors due to her trustworthy reputation of a successful leader and strong team player in the coveted producer position to South Korea.  After graduation in Spring 2011, Laney worked full time as a Production Manager for an independent documentary and currently works as a producer’s assistant.  Laney is excited to partner with Alexander Gaeta in developing their first feature as well as develop Shoot the Moon into a feature length script. When Laney is not involved in the creative exchange, she enjoys volunteering at Special Ministries Hermosa Beach and eating Vietnamese food. 

Maya Levy, Production Designer

Born and raised in the suburbs of Los Angeles, Levy had first discovered the world of art in conjunction to the world of filmmaking. Her love for drawing and painting evolved into a love for design and decor. In December 2011, Levy will completed Chapman University's Production Design program and receive a BFA in Film Production. She has previously worked as a Production Designer on The First, The Tribe, and Gates of Heaven. Currently, production designing a sci-fi comedy entitled, Boner Police. Levy hopes her creative endeavors take her across the globe on wild adventures.

Trevor Wineman, Director of Photography

Growing up in Newbury Park, California, Wineman developed a passion for narrative storytelling by filming improvised skate videos. Upon arriving at Chapman, Wineman was introduced to the collaborative aspect of filmmaking and quickly found his niche as a cinematographer. His recent credits include, About a Broads, Domestic, The Real Deal, and The Newest Pledge. Wineman currently works as a freelance cinematographer filming an array of shorts, commercials, music videos, and features.

Jeremy Marrow, Editor

Marrow quickly found his calling as a film editor, utilizing every opportunity to gain experience in an invisible art. Growing up in Seattle, Washington, Marrow found that his music experience and sense of rhythm made him a perfect match for the editing room. After editing and music supervising for About a Broads, Inside Out, Both Sides of the Gun, and Super Hero Survival Kit, Marrow graduated with a BFA. in Film Production and a Minor in Business Administration from Chapman University. Marrow hopes to continue learning and work his way into an environment that allows him to combine both his passions for film and music.

Pamela Bowen, Marcy 
A native of Caddo Mills, TX, Pamela Bowen got her start at Stage West Theater in Fort Worth.  After working extensively in Dallas, Pamela moved to New York to study acting with Harold Guskin.  After a two-year stint starring on an ABC soap opera, she traveled to Los Angeles, where she continues to work on television and in film.  Her credits include roles in numerous TV shows, such as "Six Feet Under," "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Beverly Hills, 90210," and "Lands End"; in the TV mini-series "Julius Caesar" opposite Christopher Walken and Chris Noth; and in films such as "Detroit Rock City" and Robert Altman's "The Player."  Pamela has also written produced work for network television.  In her spare time, she designs and renovates homes.

Rachel Grate, Alice
Rachel Grate started performing at the age of three. Convinced she was a swan, she would perform “Swan Lake” for anyone she came across; at school, at home, at the grocery store, wherever. By the age of 10, her exuberant energy and natural inclination to perform had led to starring television and film acting roles, and dozens of national running commercials. In high school, Grate was a leading member of the nationally renowned John Burroughs High School Powerhouse showchoir, (which recently appeared on Oprah with the cast of “Glee”). Rachel studied at the University of California, Irvine, earning a B.A. in Drama, and the prestigious Honors in Acting. Rachel is committed to teaching healthy living habits to kids in Los Angeles, and performs with, “The Good Life with Gabby!”

Barry Alan Levine, Game Show Host
Barry Alan Levine is a film, television, theatre and Internet actor. He has appeared in numerous television series including “Cold Case”, “Southland”, “New Adventures of Old Christine”, “Las Vegas”, “The King of Queens”, and many more. Levine’s film credits include lead roles in “Happy Birthday Michael Peck”, “European Son”, “Want”, “Convention”, and “After the Thunder”. For his lead role in the play “Metamorphoses”, Levine received the Ovation Award for Best Play, the Back Stage West Garland Award for Best Play, and the Back Stage West Garland Award for Best Ensemble Performance.

Join the cast and crew of Shoot the Moon on Wednesday, October 5th for Dodge College of Film and Media Arts' annual FIRST CUT series screenings at the Director's Guild Theater in Hollywood. 

FIRST CUT will be Wednesday, October 5th, 2011 at the Director's Guild Theater located at 7920 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. 
The evening's event will be as follows: 

6:00pm – Reception in lobby (appetizers and drinks)
7:15pm – Screening 
9:30pm – Post reception in lobby (desserts and drinks)

Screening Lineup:
Homecoming
Manifesto
Shoot the Moon
Incest! The Musical 

The event is free, but you must register online.http://ftv.chapman.edu/about/event_calendar/first_cut_2011/