Instructors & Panelists
2025
C. Robert Cargill
Writer, Producer, Author
"Cargill" is the screenwriter and creator of the BLACK PHONE and SINISTER horror franchises as well as the writer of Marvel/Disney's DOCTOR STRANGE and a segment of the iconic V/H/S horror anthology film series. He has co-produced the films THE GORGE, MAN FINDS TAPE, and the anthology TV series INTO THE DARK and is the author of the novels SEA OF RUST, DAY ZERO, DREAMS AND SHADOWS, and WE ARE WHERE THE NIGHTMARES GO.
Cargill began his entertainment career as a video store clerk before writing film reviews. This led to a stint on the legendary film blog Ain't It Cool News, followed by more reviews for Film.com and Hollywood.com. He is a frequent partner with director Scott Derrickson and also hosts or co-hosts several film and writing podcasts.
Dennis Paoli
Writer, Instructor
Dennis has written screenplays and plays, many of them adaptations of the works of H. P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe (RE-ANIMATOR, FROM BEYOND, SUITABLE FLESH, THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM), many of
them collaborations with other writers (BLEACHER BUMS, BODY SNATCHERS, MORTAL SINS), most of those collaborations with Stuart Gordon (DREAMS IN THE WITCH-HOUSE, THE BLACK CAT, THE DENTIST).
The stage adaptation RE-ANIMATOR: THE MUSICAL has won a number of theater awards, and NEVERMORE: AN EVENING WITH EDGAR ALLAN POE has been performed on stages across the continent. Dennis taught Gothic fiction and Irish literature, among other courses and academic writing at Hunter College of the City University of New York and has been published in The New York Times, The Writing Center Journal, and several series of literary encyclopedias and collections of literary biographies.
Christine Conradt
Writer, Producer, Director, Author
Christine has produced more than 40 feature films for television and has over 80 screenwriting credits. Her movies have aired on Showtime, Lifetime, Lifetime Movie Network, Hallmark, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, Fox, Pureflix, Amazon, and UPtv. She's also directed nine feature-length films, including rom-coms and Christmas movies. Her most recent directorial effort, DON'T LET HIM FIND YOU, premiered in November 2024 and she has two more films scheduled to air this year.
Christine is the author of the YA thriller ‘at 17’ series published by HarperCollins including Missing at 17, Pregnant at 17, and Murdered at 17 - all of which are novelizations of the popular Lifetime Network series. She also does screenplay consulting work for individuals and companies.
Alvaro Rodriguez
Writer, Producer
Born and raised along the South Texas border, Alvaro is the co-creator and executive producer of the adult-animated series SEIS MANOS (Netflix). He is also the co-screenwriter of the iconic film MACHETE and less iconic kids’ movie SHORTS. Alvaro also wrote and co-produced the true-crime drama feature THE LAST RAMPAGE.
Never one to feel constrained by genre, Alvaro has written on the vampire series FROM DUSK TILL DAWN for El Rey Network/Netflix, spent a hot minute on NBC’s CHICAGO FIRE, did time in the comic crime caper limited series FLORIDA MAN (Netflix), and served as supervising producer on Showtime/Amazon’s AMERICAN RUST.
Aaron Koontz
Writer, Producer, Director
An industry veteran in the modern horror genre, Aaron is the creator of the SCARE PACKAGE horror anthology franchise, the creator and showrunner for the SyFy series REVIVAL, and he's written and directed four features including THE PALE DOOR and CAMERA OBSCURA.
Through his Paper Street Pictures company, Aaron has produced over 20 features and series that include SHELBY OAKS, THE BUNKER, SORRY ABOUT THE DEMON, REVEALER, OLD MAN, TALES FROM THE VOID, THE REQUIN, the Christmas creature feature A CREATURE WAS STIRRING and many others that have played in theaters, on television, and streaming.
He has also written short stories, comics, and has formed a partnership with several other industry veterans in a genre consulting firm, Blood Oath.
Marc Clebanoff
Writer, Producer, Director
Marc wears multiple hats in the film industry. As a writer, he's scripted action films like the recently released WWII action film PRISONER OF WAR, which he also directed. As a producer, Marc has helped develop over 20 projects including the feature films DEADLY JUSTICE, BREAK, AS GOOD AS DEAD, DARKNESS DESCENDS, THE MOURNING, and GIRL LOST: A HOLLYWOOD STORY, the follow up to the 2017 super indie Girl Lost.
Marc has also developed several pilots and series, including the comedy ELWOOD starring Ron Perlman, STRIPPED starring Casper Van Dien, and the crime drama NO CLEAN BREAK. A graduate of USC School of Film/Television, Marc began his career in development at 20th Century Fox Television and USA Films before founding Odyssey Motion Pictures, a global sales agency which has sold projects to Netflix, Sony, Fox, Showtime, Peacock, Shudder and others in 100+ countries worldwide.
Mike Mendez
Writer, Producer, Director
Mike's first two films, KILLERS and THE CONVENT played at Sundance and received U.S. and worldwide distribution, followed by BIMBO MOVIE BASH, the documentary MASTERS OF HORROR, and another feature THE GRAVEDANCERS.
He's written and/or directed episodes of STAN AGAINST EVIL, TALES FROM THE CRYPT, the TV movie LAVALANTULA, and a segment from the film TALES OF HALLOWEEN. Mike's directed over 10 films that include THE CONVENT, DON'T KILL IT, THE LAST HEIST, SATANIC HISPANICS and BIG ASS SPIDER!
Mike has co-produced several projects including DEAD ANT, AGAINST THE NIGHT and SNAKE OUTTA COMPTON among many others. He's also an accomplished editor on his own projects and on other TV and DVD projects as well as on multiple BEAVIS AND BUTT-HEAD installments.
Bob Saenz
Writer, Actor, Author
Bob is a screenwriter, author, and actor. His written and produced screen works include HELP FOR THE HOLIDAYS, RESCUING MADISON, SWEET SURRENDER, ON THE 12th DAY OF CHRISTMAS, SOUND OF CHRISTMAS, THE RIGHT GIRL, CHRISTMAS IN LOVE, CHURCH PEOPLE, and the dark-comedy thriller EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
Bob is the author of the screenwriting book, That's Not the Way It Works: A No-Nonsense Look at the Craft and Business of Screenwriting and most recently the YA novel Jessica's Vampire Diary. His acting roles include a six-year recurring character run on the TV show NASH BRIDGES, Francis Ford Coppola’s JACK, and David Fincher’s ZODIAC, among dozens of others. He was a radio DJ and has done voice work on video games, documentaries, and commercials. Bob lives in Middle Tennessee.
Heidi-Marie Ferren
Writer, Producer, Actor, Singer
Heidi-Marie, who serves on the Board of the Tennessee Screenwriting Association, is currently staffed on the Fox/Warner Bros. series MEMORY OF A KILLER, starring Patrick Dempsey and Michael Imperioli. Prior to that, she wrote on Shonda Rhimes’ hit ABC series, STATION 19.
Heidi is a 2025 Warner Bros. Access Fellowship recipient, a 2023 Disney/ABC Fellowship recipient, and a member of the Native American Media Alliance’s Showrunner Program and Netflix Accelerator. In addition to her work in film and television, Heidi serves as the last and longest-reigning Miss USO, performing and speaking across the globe in over 1,000 venues and before four U.S. Presidents.
She is currently a Court Appointed Advocate (CASA) for foster youth and an advocate in the fight to end human trafficking and combat the epidemic of violence against Indigenous women.
Jax Bell
Writer
Jax is a Los Angeles-based writer from Arkansas with a passion for sci-fi and comedy. They have written for KRAPOPOLIS (Fox) and currently writes for RICK AND MORTY (Adult Swim). Jax's first feature, BONERMAN, is in post-production.
Jax was selected as a Finalist in the 2023 ScreenCraft Sci-Fi & Fantasy Screenwriting Competition and as an Film Independent Project Involve 2025 Fellow. When not writing, Jax enjoys climbing, experimenting in the garden, and drinking more tea than anyone thought possible.
Bob Giordano
Writer, Director, Producer, Instructor
Bob is a writer, director, and producer attached to Uproar Pictures in Nashville. He's taught screenwriting for 15 years at Watkins College and is a longtime officer and former president of the Tennessee Screenwriting Association.
Bob has written and directed several short films, plays, the thriller feature THE ODDS (available on Amazon Prime, Tubi, Pluto and Plex). His new horror feature, GATES OF FLESH is streaming on Amazon Prime and Tubi.
Bob was the Grand Prize Winner for the Poe Contest and his scripts have placed or won in Hollywood's most prestigious screenplay contests including The Nicholl Fellowship.
Christopher Shaw
Director, Producer
Christopher is a multi-award-winning filmmaker, a consultant to creatives, and owner of Anchor Productions.
He helmed the comedy film CHURCH PEOPLE, which made the Movieguide top ten faith-based comedies list—starring Thor Ramsey and Erin Cahill, featuring Stephen Baldwin, Donald Faison, William Baldwin, Chynna Phillips, Joey Fatone, and Michael Monks. Christopher also produced, directed, and edited the comedy cooking show, SOMETHING SMELLS FUNNY, hosted by Comedian Scott Wood, featuring special guests Victoria Jackson, Mark Christopher Lawrence, Jimmy Brogan, and Bobby Collins. His most recent multi-award-winning project is a faith-based musical comedy short film... with singing zombies!
Christopher resides in Northern California with his family, their dog, Nugget. and their goldfish, Goldy, Jr.
KD Amond &
Sarah Zanotti
KD and Sarah are a filmmaking duo who run a multi-media production company in Nashville. The team co-writes screenplays which KD directs and Sarah stars in. Their most recent projects include the psychological thrillers THE UNRAVELING and FAYE, both of which are available on Amazon Prime and Tubi.
As a director, KD has also directed the features RATTLED, FIVE WOMEN IN THE END and multiple short films and TV episodes. She's also a post-production editor on films, TV series, and music videos.
Sarah has appeared in multiple shorts, features, and TV episodes including roles in OUTSIDE OF HERE, MURDER IN NASHVILLE, TYPECAST, and the cult horror film ARCHAON: THE HALLOWEEN SUMMONING.
Marti King Young
Writer, Director, Producer, Instructor
Marti has worked on ANNABELLE COMES HOME, THE CONJURING 3, SWEET MAGNOLIAS, CLASS OF ’09, GENIUS: ARETHA, and is currently staffed on the ABC hit series, WILL TRENT.
She has worked alongside industry giants such as James Wan (Saw, Aquaman), Nina Jacobson (Pirates of the Caribbean, The Hunger Games), and Sheryl Anderson (Charmed, Sweet Magnolias) and continues to create her own content including THE ADVENTURES OF WONDERBOY and MEMORY LANE.
Marti teaches screenwriting annually at The Good Word Writer’s Retreat in Patmos, Greece. She was featured in the German publication Cinewomen for her contributions to advancing women in film and is a proud member of the Alliance of Women Directors.
Cat Stewart
Script Development, Consultant
Cat is the manager of the Nashville Film Festival's screenplay and pitch competitions, both of which are highly regarded on the festival circuit.
She serves as a consultant to Borderless Entertainment and has developed projects with the Web3 studio The Feature. With N-Development, Cat has developed two original series, one from a pitch the other from a script that she did coverage for that were both picked up by major companies.
Cat also does script coverage for competitions including the Austin Film Festival as well as for private and corporate clients. She lives in Nashville.
Cameron McCasland
Writer, Producer, Director
Cameron is an Emmy-nominated writer, director, and film producer. Working in long-form narrative, documentary, and short-form content, Cameron’s films have been seen by millions globally.
His debut film THE LASHMAN garnered critical praise, winning the Indieville Director of The Year award. Cameron has produced music videos by several #1 Billboard chart-toppers including Florida Georgia Line, Maren Morris, and Morgan Wallen. His production company has partnered on PATERNITY LEAVE and WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH GERALD?
His documentary JUMPIN' JOHNNY: THE TRUE STORY OF DR. JOHN KLINE was a winner at the Fort Worth Indie Showcase and the Franklin Film Festival. For several years, Cameron has collaborated on various Dr. Gangrene TV projects including the anthology film TALES FROM PARTS UNKNOWN, which was exhibited at drive-ins across America.