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eXeCuTiVe
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FOUNDER/PRESIDENT |
Angela Marie Hutchinson, Entrepreneur This Chicago native drove cross-country at 22-years-old to pursue her entertainment career in Hollywood. Now with over a decade of industry experience, Mrs. Angela Marie Hutchinson has worked for MGM, Warner Bros. Television, and the Grammys. She is the author of several books, including, "Create Your Yes!" based on her TEDx Talk and her memoir "Breaking into Hollywood," along with several children's picture books. Angela has written and produced numerous films, television series, and media projects, including OWN's "A Christmas for Mary," Hulu's "Hollywood Chaos," and directed the PBS documentary feature, "H.U.S.H." As a Casting Director, Hutchinson has cast veteran actors such as Billy Dee Williams, Vanessa Williams, Lynn Whitfield and other stars in movies, TV pilots, short films and web series. Prior to casting, Angela worked as a talent agent for two years at a boutique agency in Hollywood. An alumnus of the University of Michigan, Angela earned her B.S.E. in Industrial & Operations Engineering. She also has a Cross-Media Journalism certificate from USC. She has been a featured speaker at notable film festivals, showcases and conferences, as well as within the faith-based community. In October 2005, Angela was elected as the first African American president of The Scriptwriters Network (SWN), since the non-profit organization was founded in 1986. Angela has a sincere passion for networking. In May 2005, she founded BReaKiNG iNTo HoLLyWooD (BiH), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for entertainment professionals. In addition to Angela's work in entertainment, she served as Managing Editor of a law magazine. Currently, she works as a Social Media Professor. Angela is also active in her community and serves on several advisory boards. She is also a former appointed Los Angeles City Official. Angela is committed to balancing work with her family and personal life. She has been married to her husband for 17 vibrant years, and they have three young children. In Angela's leisure time, she enjoys rollerblading, playing badminton, and spending time with friends and family. "Life's difficulties prepare us for the victories!" |
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VICE CHAIR EMERITUS
OPERATIONS CHAIR
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Maria Aceves, Filmmaker A native of Bilbao, Spain, María Aceves is a fiercely talented actress and producer who brings experience, dedication, commitment and a true passion for show business to every project that she undertakes. As an actress, Maria is repped by Pantheon and AVO Talent. She has starred in films, theater plays and national commercials, and performed voice-over work for numerous clients. A trained musician, she also performs her own songs. In her capacity as a producer, Maria has delivered high budget
commercials, promos and music videos for top clients such as Insomniac,
Orange, T-Mobile, Comcast, Toyota, and FOX among others. She is
also a founding partner of LA Panda, a production company that she
established with fellow LA-based Spanish filmmakers to bridge the
gap between the Latin American, European and U.S. film industries;
and whose credits include the SXSW-winning feature 10,000KM, as
well as a Founding Partner of Blue Hats Creative, Inc., an interactive
Production Company specializing in the development and creation
of social programming and content that encourages engagements and
participation from the audience.
Sarah-Elizabeth K. Reed, Actress and Influencer Managed by B.i.H. Entertainment, Sarah-Elizabeth K. Reed had her feature film debut in the movie, “Three Can Play That Game,” the sequel to “Two Can Play That Game,” starring Vivica Fox and Morris Chestnut. She recently appeared as a Political and Community Strategist on Facebook Watch's "Asking for a Friend" hosted by Vanessa Simmons. Born and reared in Atlanta, GA, Sarah-Elizabeth graduated from the University of Michigan, where she received a full gymnastics scholarship, and then went on to receive her J.D. from Howard University School of Law. She was selected to enter the prestigious Capital City Fellows program in 2004 and then worked in the General Counsel’s Office of the Chief Financial Office of the District of Columbia. She currently works as a Real Estate Development Consultant and is an active advocate for early childhood education. While in law school at Howard, Sarah-Elizabeth was crowned Miss District of Columbia 2002. Her platform at the Miss America Pageant was "Mentoring the Youth of America." Sarah-Elizabeth continued her pageant activities by winning the Miss District of Columbia USA pageant in 2004 and competing in the nationally televised 2005 Miss USA pageant. She was also selected to compete in the Miss USA Fear Factor reality television show on NBC. Miss Langford won Fear Factor and contributed $25,000 to a youth mentoring charity, the United Youth Adult Conference. Sarah-Elizabeth has also starred in films including, The Wedding Date,” produced by K. Corner and Run.” |
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SOUTHEAST REGION CHAIR |
Wilmer Jackson, Sports Agent Founder and Partner of the Axiom Sports Group, Wilmer “Will” Jackson, splits his days and nights recruiting Athletes while managing the careers of musical talents such as Hip Hop / R & B Producer “Street Symphony”, Producer/Songwriter “Vice” aka “International V” along with Singer Songwriter sensation L2. And let us not forget to mention the next teenage Hip-Hop/Alternative star Ubayy pronounced “You-Bay” Gooseberry. Under his imprint “Hot 16 Entertainment” Will strives to find the freshest and newest talent with the quality 2nd to none. Born and raised in the gateway city of St Louis Mo, Wilmer Jackson-Spencer graduated from Tennessee State University with a Masters Degree in Sports Admin and an Undergraduate Business Degree Concentration in Management. Will’s corporate sales background ranges from top sales rep at Fortune 500 computer companies to one of the highest sellers in the mortgage business. Residing in Atlanta Georgia, Will maintains his home base in the “Hollywood of the South”. His wide network of resources, diverse background in sports and entertainment, and business skill sets are utilized night in and night out throughout various events and entertainment platforms, making him a stable rock in the business for direction, connections and guidance throughout the industry. This Board Member brings the face you can trust with a passion to help those willing to help themselves achieve unthinkable dreams and aspirations of success in the world of entertainment.
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Kiri Stevens, Actor A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Kiri Stevens was born to parents who immigrated to the U.S. from Agios Demetrios, a village in Greece. Looking to create better opportunities for their children, Kiri's parents made a smart move! Kiri has worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars including Whoopi Goldberg, Bradley Cooper, Ashton Kutcher, Demi Lovato, Charlie Sheen and Lady Gaga just to name a few. As a multi-talented actor, Kiri works in all facets of the industry. He’s booked over 100 projects since relocating to Los Angeles and has worked in film, television, voice overs, theatre, commercials, modeling, print, hosting, music videos, and he’s even a very successful hand model! Kiri has studied with Hollywood’s finest acting coaches and has attended Groundlings and UCB for Improvisation, where he perfected his comedy chops! Currently, Kiri is writing a memoir about his struggle of overcoming obesity to inspire and encourage others. Kiri lost over 250 pounds through diet and exercise. Yes, he weighed over 400 pounds as a teenager! As a social media influencer with over 40K followers, Kiri is very interactive with his followers and has a lot of fun producing videos and sharing his journey on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter. Kiri loves music and dancing so much that he's taken dance classes. He has studied at Millenium, Playground LA and the Historic Debbie Reynolds Studio. Kiri is also very involved in several charities, including the Boys and Girls Club of LA, The SAG AFTRA foundation, BOOKPALS and LA PATH. He loves to give back whenever he can. Kiri is a proud board member of Breaking into Hollywood.
Katrina Nahikian, Development Executive Katrina Nahikian is an Executive Producer & Content Development Executive at FIN Studios, a division of Zambezi Advertising in Culver City, CA producing broadcast commercials and branded entertainment for AT&T, Netflix, USGA, Ultimate Software, Venmo, Paypal, TaylorMade Golf, Cox Automotive – Kelley Bluebook & Autotrader, Adidas, Hubert’s, Ashworth, Vitaminwater, The Honest Company, Samsung, The Venetian, Nike, Zynga and Veev Vodka. Zambezi was named to the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2018 list of 100 Largest Women-Owned Businesses in LA County. Before her time at Zambezi/FIN Studios, Katrina was a Producer/Development Executive for Omelet, a branded entertainment company where she worked with Microsoft, HBO Game of Thrones and The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on commercials and web videos. Prior to that she spent six years at Team One Advertising, producing for Lexus, Ritz Carlton, Northern Trust and Heal the Bay. During that time she and co-founder Christopher May of Bullet Heart Inc., sold two TV projects to Nickelodeon, A TWIST OF KATE and BAKERS DOZEN. Currently they’re pitching a TV series with Showrunner David Simkins and Director Rob Letterman, as well as other television, branded content, digital media and films. As an executive, Katrina has spent her fair share of time in development at major studios with NICK TUNGSTEN: NIGHTMARE HUNTER & Doug Liman at Paramount and SECOND SIGHT with John Woo, Maggie Quigley and Sam Rockwell. Katrina spent time as Vice President of Development for Doug Schwartz’s company at Fox TV and oversaw BAYWATCH, the subsequent BAYWATCH movies and their development slate for television and independent films. She and Schwartz made their way to FoxTV via Lions Gate where she worked in Development for TV and on a slate of supernatural 2 hour MOW’s and Sheena with Chairman of Television Kevin Beggs and Vice President of Development Joanna Klein. She also spent a year at Oxygen Studios for their launch with Oprah. Katrina’s career in Los Angeles officially began in development with Bonnie Bruckheimer at Bette Midler’s All Girl Production Company at The Walt Disney Studios. She is a graduate of Oregon State University with a B.S. in Communications. |
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Bruce B. Gordon, Filmmaker & Entrepreneur Bruce B. Gordon (CEO of Bruce Gordon Media) is an idea manager, social media creative, voice actor, film director, screenwriter, producer & songwriter. Bruce Gordon Media has multiple film, TV & streaming projects in various stages of development. The company designs its ideas, filmed content & digital presence to bring people together via the unifying sensibilities of moderation & by focusing on our commonality as humans, as opposed to our individual differences. Telling stories & sharing ideas to help individuals discover & achieve the best versions of themselves is also a prime directive. Bruce moved to L.A. from Detroit & became a producing intern at Columbia Pictures (Sony), where he shadowed VPs of studio departments: Story, Music, Post-Production, Publicity, Promotion & Sales. Bruce had a supporting acting role for the ABC-TV/Warner Bros. "Roots: The Next Generations" finale, starring James Earl Jones & Marlon Brando. Graduating from UCLA with a BA in Economics, Bruce worked in Production Accounting at Aaron Spelling Productions & studied the creative & financial processes for prime-time shows & feature films. He performed independent talent scouting, resulting in day player casting on three ABC-TV network prime time shows. Bruce wrote scripts & comedy material, selling to stars such as Joan Rivers & he worked on a music video with the iconic "Prince." His award-winning Cannes Short Film Corner disability-themed film "Whole 'Nother Level" garnered VOD distribution & was selected by public libraries for disability-awareness education. Bruce is committed to creating quality entertainment that maximizes global audience engagement.
Shadé Quintanilla, Filmmaker A Los Angeles native, Shadé Quintanilla has been working in the entertainment, media and nonprofit sectors for over six years. Since graduating with a BA in English at Barnard College of Columbia University, she has worked with WABC-TV, RYOT Studio, Check Six Productions with CBS Travel Editor Peter Greenberg, BiH Entertainment, Warner Bros., T. Group Productions, Brave New Films and Girl Rising. She is currently working as the Communications Associate for Detention Watch Network, a national coalition fighting to end immigration detention in the United States. There, Shadé creates digital content, manages the organization’s social media pages and oversees video work.
Chanté Bowser is an award-winning Los Angeles-based actress transplanted from the South. She always had a passion for performing, from dancing in elementary school talent competitions to singing at talent shows even performing Tomorrow by Tevin Campbell at family reunions (which has clearly led absolutely nowhere - Ha!). Chanté has starred in movies in theaters and on television. She has had supporting roles opposite Academy Awardã-nominated Taraji P. Henson and Academy Awardã-winning Sam Rockwell in Best of Enemies. She stars in Christmas Love Letters, part of Lifetime’s It’s A Wonderful Lifetime. She’s also portrayed Grammyã Award-Winning Icon Toni Braxton’s daughter in Lifetime’s Faith Under Fire and has been seen on shows on CBS, Fox, TV One including Criminal Minds, Lethal Weapon, Under The Dome. Chanté studied film and television acting at UCLA’s School of Theatre, Film, & Television, as well improv at The Groundlings, with Lesly Kahn at Lesly Kahn and Co., at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade and at The Barrow Group in New York. She is also a recovering litigator, licensed in California and is still practicing law as a survival job. Save her please!
Grace Fraga, Comedianne & Actress This ‘Margarita Mama’ is a whole lot of Latin laughs. Fueled by hot sauce flashes, Grace Fraga is a Latinx bi-lingual award-winning actress, comedienne, writer and producer has appeared on national television on NBC, A&E, CBS, HULU, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, VH-1, Court TV, Univision, Galavision and Telemundo. Some of her guest star roles include, “The Steve Harvey Show”, “Gene Simmons Family Jewels,” “Comedy Cage Match,” “Hot Funny Femmes”, “FBI Files,” “Mystery ER,” “Killer Outbreaks,” “The First Time” and “North Mission Road.” Spanish language credits include “No Me Hallo,” “Accesso Maximo” and “Amor or Mentira.” Night club appearances include stops in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, San Francisco, Salt Lake, Chicago, New Orleans, Reno and Las Vegas at top rated venues such as The Comedy Store, The Improv, The Laugh Factory, The Ice House, The Comedy Zone and Harrah’s. Grace has performed in colleges all over California including the University of San Diego, Cal State University, West Hills College and East Los Angeles College. She has also toured in the “Las Comadres of Comedy, the Funniest Latinas in America” and “Women Who Kick Comedy Butt” troupes and been a guest on National Lampoon and a co-host on Playboy Radio. As a child growing up in South America, the ever inquisitive over achiever of a civil engineer and concert pianist earned three college degrees - a BA in Art History Education, an MA in Art History with an emphasis in Theatre and Film Analysis and a MBA in Finance, which of course led her to her career in the entertainment field because...“There’s no business like show business.” |
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STaFF
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"From being professional to promoting and marketing, no one runs a better organization than the leaders of Breaking into Hollywood." -Gary J. Grappo, Ph.D, Manager/Author – The Writers Store |
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