The Director/Writer
Matthew Dean Russell
Matt is one of the new, young, up and coming creative forces in the film industry. Since his arrival in Hollywood in 2003, Matt has been working with New Line Cinema, Sony Pictures and 20th Century Fox on a wide variety of feature projects. His reputation as a strong leader and creative director have gained him a place of new recognition in the entertainment industry. Matt is known for his VFX work on Hollywood blockbusters such as Die Hard 4, Blade Trinity, Zathura, Final Destination 3, Charlotte's Web, and Night at the Museum. Matt also brings an Emmy nomination from his early television directing experience with documentaries. A great story teller, Matt has directed first unit teams and major actors through the FX shoots for feature films. I AM marks Matt’s directorial debut in the feature film realm. “I know all the experience and knowledge about the business and creative side that I have gained from the entertainment industry are all coming together for this theatrical release,” says Matt. “I feel like I’ve been training specifically for this film project, at this point in time in my career. I’m excited to be a part of it and hope the message of the film impacts people on a much greater level than just entertainment!”
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| Matthew Dean Russell |
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| Jess Stainbrook |
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| Executive Producer – Jess Stainbrook
With eight Emmy Awards to his credit, Jess is known for building successful media teams and championing underdog projects into large-scale success stories! As a freelance producer, Jess’ clients include all the major networks including MTV, ESPN, PBS, DiscoveryChannel and A&E. As a Director of Photography and Steadicam Owner/Operator, Jess has shot all over the world on projects such as the ’92 Summer Olympics, the Detroit Grand Prix, NFL training camps, World Cup Skiing, and the Super Bowl. As a director, Jess has worked with the likes of Bill Cosby, Arnold Palmer, Ralph Nadar, Mark Harmon, Richard Pryor, Carl Lewis, as well as a variety of other professional athletes and actors. His development, creation and management of a television station in Colorado culminated in the Emmy Award for best station over all the network affiliates in 2004. Jess is naturally a hands-on person who loves telling a good story through the visual medium of film. Also a children’s author and nationally known speaker on the subject of “good to great TV” and storytelling through video, Jess still enjoys directing and shooting, bringing passion and heart to each project, no matter the size. Upon reading Matt’s screenplay he says, “I couldn’t put it down! Matt is an incredible purveyor of powerful imaging through his dialogue and setups.” Jess adds, “The significance of I AM is that it brings meaning to the bigger questions in life and it is important that someone is countering today’s social and moral norms with positive stories and role models. I think this film is a great opportunity to do just that!”
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| Kiko Ellsworth |
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| Kiko Ellsworth
If the past is any indication of the future, this talented young actor is well on his way to super stardom. Just finishing up Lords of the Underworld, Kiko portrays "Nipper", an assassin who terminates his victims using the Sai Swords. Kiko also recently wrapped production on the independent feature, The Will to Power (2007) written, produced and directed by David Rountree. Kiko is well known in the television industry for his major character roles on CSI: Miami, Crossing Jordon and other broadcast series. In 2003 Kiko starred in Bad Boys 2 opposite Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Playing the role of the ruthless Blond Dread Haitian Mafia leader was like a dream come true for Kiko. He worked in a Haitian dialect and he got to invent and explore a completely new side of himself as an actor and person. This was also his first big budget movie where he worked alongside Will Smith and Martin Lawrence teaching him to not only be the consummate professional on the set, but off the set as well. "I knew that if I committed to this project, that my whole life as I knew it would have to change. This is a story unlike anything that I've ever taken on in my entire career. It's really a refreshing honor or be a part of this project and help authenticate Matthew's dream."
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Ginny Jones
A newcomer to L.A. but no stranger to the stage, Ginny Jones is quickly becoming one of the busiest young women in Hollywood! A performer with over thirteen years of experience, Ginny has traveled the world as a professional singer entertaining at venues ranging from Turner Field (home of the Atlanta Braves) to the Olympics. This Georgia peach moved to California to pursue her singing career and quickly caught the acting bug. She has starred in several independent films and this year she made her Los Angeles stage debut in the critically acclaimed rock-drama “The Playground”, where she received rave reviews for her portrayal of a teenage runaway. This singer turned actress turned model recently added hosting to her long list of talents, landing gigs for the networks Ripe TV and Spike TV! A full-time actress and model, Ginny doesn't have much time to spare, but when she does she enjoys traveling, cooking her Grandma Virginia's southern recipes, and cheering for her beloved Florida Gators.
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| Ginny Jones |
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