Burbank International Film Festival

Join us for a FREE community mixer this Saturday at 2 PM at the Hollywood Production Center in Burbank! This is your chance to connect, collaborate, and expand your network with other businesses in Burbank and support us. Don’t miss out!? ?? Where: Hollywood Production Center, Burbank?? ?? When: Saturday March 22nd at 2 PM?? ?? RSVP now: https://lnkd.in/g6CfjkWu? Let’s build something amazing together—see you there! ??? #FilmNetworking #BIFF #CommunityMixer #Filmmakers #filmindustry #burbank #filmfestival

Meet Michele Ortmann! Michele began working with the Burbank International Film Festival in 2019 and joined the Board of Directors as Secretary in 2020. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA., Michele earned her Bachelors of Science in Business Management degree from Carlow University. Michele then moved to Los Angeles in 2001 to pursue a career in television and film production. Her passion for film and television led her to Hollywood to work as a producer. Michele has worked as an administrator for Disney Studios in the television programming department as well an executive assistant in the Business Affairs department for Warner Bros. in Burbank. Michele’s extensive business background has made her invaluable to producers who rely on her strong project management and organizational skills. Michele is the second Vice-President for the American Legion Post 43 Auxiliary in Los Angeles. In her spare time, Michele is a very talented dancer, experienced in a variety of dancing styles including jazz, salsa, swing, waltz, tango, Hawaiian and tap. #burbank #filmfestival #filmindustry #advisoryboardmember #meettheteam #burbankinternationalfimfestival

Meet our board member and social media lead Alexandra Hayek Sandia! Alexandra is a social media manager with a passion for the entertainment industry. Originally from Houston, TX, she joined the marketing team at the Burbank International Film Festival in February 2023, where she has made a significant impact, including designing the 2024 official poster. Fluent in Spanish, French, and English, Alexandra brings a global perspective to her work in digital media. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication Studies for Film and Media from the University of Houston and is dedicated to helping independent filmmakers and organizations thrive through innovative marketing strategies and digital engagement. #filmfestival #filmindustry #burbank #burbankinternationalfilmfestival #socialmedia #meettheteam

Meet our board member Alexandra! ?? She is a social media manager with a passion for the entertainment industry and the digital world. Originally from Houston, TX, she joined the marketing team at the Burbank International Film Festival in February 2023, where she has made a significant impact, including designing the 2024 official poster. ?? Fluent in Spanish, French, and English, Alexandra brings a global perspective to her work in digital media. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication Studies for Film and Media from the University of Houston and is dedicated to helping independent filmmakers and organizations thrive through innovative marketing strategies and digital engagement. ?? #filmfestival #meettheteam #burbank #boardmember #filmindustry #burbankinternationalfilmfestival

Meet Eric Conner! Eric is thrilled to be joining the Burbank International Film Festival Advisory Board. He has taught hundreds of aspiring storytellers at the New York Film Academy (LA), the Writer’s Store, the Animation Guild and Starcoach – China. At NYFA, he’s interviewed dozens of entertainment professionals including Django Unchained producer Reginald Hudlin and John Wick director Chad Stahelski. He recently produced the feature length documentary Other Voices (Aswat Acherim), available on Amazon. His work has also been featured on the Howard Stern Show, On Demand Cable, Entertainment Tonight and Ranker.com. Eric is the current chair of the Burbank Cultural Arts Commission, first appointed to BCAC by the City Council in 2019. You may have seen Eric appear regularly on a Geekscape podcast, perform as plant victim Mr. Mushnik in Conundrum’s Little Shop of Horrors or share his true tale of being a woefully underprepared Santa Claus at JAM Creative’s Jingle Tales (the Colony Theatre). He’s also worked with HollyShorts for several years as a film judge and moderated multiple panels / Q&As at their annual festival. A rare native Delawarean, Eric lives in Burbank with his wife Lauren, sons Alex & Judah and their chaotic canines Fezzik and Iggy Pup. #filmindustry #filmfestival #burbank #burbankinternationalfilmfestival #meettheteam

Dustin Richardson is an award-winning screenwriter, video editor, and online interviewer. His screenplays have placed in many screenwriting contests, film festivals, and industry lists, including Coverfly's TOP 1%, the Red List, Austin Film Festival, Launch Pad, PAGE, and Final Draft's Big Break. Dustin also had the honor of working on Bumblebee (2018). He currently has feature film projects in development. He is passionate about creating original stories that showcase younger generations' perspectives while invoking discussion on what it means to be human and staying true to yourself. He has a BA in Communications and Media Studies. He began working at BIFF in 2022 and loves helping, celebrating, and connecting with other creatives on their journeys. He hosts, produces, and edits BIFF's original online interview series, Reel Conversations and Beyond the Frame. #burbankinternationalfilmfestival #burbank #filmindustry #filmfestival #film #meettheteam

Meet our board member Lana Ford!?? Following a ten year career with Fortune 50 company BellSouth Communications, Lana moved to LA to continue adding to her list of adventures, such as marketing manager for the Falcon Theatre (now the GARRY MARSHALL THEATRE) in Burbank, as an elected official serving 6 years on the Studio City Neighborhood Council, President of Phi Mu Alumnae-LA, President Southern California Council of Phi Mu Fraternity, Adviser to Phi Mu Sorority-CSUN, all while sprinkling area Theatres with performances in various roles, including KING ALFONSO in “The Tempest” and AMANDA in “For Whom The Southern Belle Tolls.”??? She currently works with independent casting director Aaron Griffith, is a Talent Executive for The Saturn Awards and served on the 2017 SAG Nominating Committee.??? She has also written a civil war epic based on a true story. Lana blends her experiences of civic, corporate and artistic talent to join the impressive team of BIFF Board Members. #film #filmindustry #filmfestival #meetourteam #boardmember #burbank #burbankinternationalfilmfestival

Meet our board member Kurt Patino! ? Kurt grew up in Burbank, CA and runs Patino Management Company, a full-service Talent Management firm representing Film/TV actors. He produced the action-comedy feature film, “Double Threat,” starring Matthew Lawrence and Dawn Olivieri, which premiered in summer 2022. “Double Threat" was the sole indie feature amongst Hollywood blockbusters listed in the Amazon Prime “Top 10 in the US” category. He co-wrote & co-produced the comedy-adventure movie, "Tin Holiday," which was shot in London/Los Angeles and can now be viewed on Amazon Prime. ?? He accepted an invitation to speak in Canada where he presented a TEDx talk on “How Fear Can Be A Four Letter Word For Success.” Kurt began his career as a Talent Agent and rose through the ranks to eventually become co-founder of the very successful Defining Artists Talent Agency. In his over twenty-year career as a Talent Representative, Kurt has guided the careers of well-known performers such as Rami Malek, America Ferrera, Kelly Stables, Nichole Sakura, Ayesha Curry, Molly Hagan, Barbara Niven, Kenneth Choi and former Oscar? nominee Patty McCormack. ?? He’s a diehard sports fan and voracious reader who enjoys traveling with his wife and two sons. #filmindustry #film #entertainmentindustry #filmfestival #burbank #burbankinternationalfilmfestival

Meet our secretary and board member Kambra Potter! Kambra is a TV, film & commercial actress, screenwriter, host and emcee who has been proudly involved with multiple facets of the Burbank International Film Festival since 2018. Kambra first pursued her passion for performance through pageantry, and was named Miss Oklahoma Teen and later, Miss Oklahoma. Most recently, Kambra portrayed the supporting-lead role of Sorority President, Steph in the Lifetime thriller "Sisters for Life.” She also played a pivotal role as the wife of a U.S. Marine with PTSD in the dramatic feature film "86 Melrose Ave," which found success in the festival circuit & is now available on a variety of VOD platforms. Kambra has also been selected as a contestant on “Let’s Make A Deal” with Wayne Brady. ?? Holding a BA in Broadcast Journalism, Kambra has served as the on-camera host for dozens of celebrity red-carpet interviews and as the official Emcee for over 200 pageants across the U.S. She has also worked as an international event coordinator for high-profile corporations, and has garnered over $1.5 Million in revenue as a motivational speaker for a youth confidence organization. In 2023, Kambra began screenwriting and currently has several projects slated for development. ? #film #filmindustry #entertainmentindustry #filmfestival #burbank #burbankinternationalfilmfestival

Meet our treasurer and board member Larry Thornton PH.D! ?? Larry is an Alumnus of UCLA’s Doctor of Business Administration. Dr. Larry Thornton is currently CEO of the Accounting and Business Consulting Firm, Thornton and Associates and was a consultant and contracted with the Department of Energy, Department of Labor and the Department of Justice, in both Los Angeles and Washington DC. He has provided services for the Mayor of Los Angeles and currently consults for the LA City Council regarding veteran housing and drug and alcohol treatment centers. In addition, he sits on several business and non-profit boards and is CFO of Ridgeview Ranch Treatment Center, a drug and alcohol treatment facility on Altadena Ca and Pasadena California. Larry has received many awards and accolades from the Governor and Mayor’s office and was honored as businessman of the year in the San Fernando Valley. He is a Buffalo Soldier and National Treasurer for the organization overseeing financials for 45 chapters throughout 38 states. ?? In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, skeet and trap shooting, riding his horse throughout the San Fernando Valley and participating in the annual Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. #filmfestivals #burbank #filmindustry #entertainmentindustry #burbankinternationalfimfestival