TEAM BIOS

Barclay DeVeau

Director/Producer/Writer

Barclay DeVeau is a director/producer who grew up acting in films, television and Broadway shows. She played Liza Minnelli’s daughter in the Tony Award winning musical, The Rink, Drew Barrymore’s best friend on the big screen, and appeared with Michelle Pfeiffer and Al Pacino in the classic film, Scarface, all by the age of fifteen.

Renowned director Alan Pakula (Sophie’s Choice, All The President’s Men) took Barclay under his wing when he recognized in her a passion that went beyond appearing in front of the camera. With his mentorship and support, Barclay began to study all aspects of filmmaking. She has gone on to collaborate on numerous films, television shows and theatrical productions, including projects for 20th Century FOX, Universal Studios, Disney and Paramount. She executive produced the acclaimed film, To Leslie (2022), which garnered lead actress Andrea Riseborough an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She is currently producing the feature films East of Western and Dear Nicholas, as well as spearheading and directing The Cassandra Project, a trilogy of short narrative films highlighting the dangerously high stakes of disregarding women’s voices.

Barclay has earned several honors for her work, including two Emmy Awards, special recognition from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and a Sony Music Director’s Award. She has also been recognized for her theatrical directing work on Twelve Angry Men as performed by Twelve Impassioned Women.

A graduate of Choate Rosemary Hall and the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, Barclay is dedicated to raising the visibility of women in front of and behind the camera. Everything she creates is dedicated to her mother and grandmother, who taught her to believe in her own voice and in the magic and power of storytelling.

Francis dela Torre

Producer/Director of Photography

Francis dela Torre is an award winning Filipino-American cinematographer, writer and director. He graduated from the prestigious School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California and made his directorial feature film debut with Subject: I Love You, inspired by the true story of the “I Love You Virus” which was launched from the Philippines in the year 2000 and quickly spread across the globe.  The film premiered to much acclaim at the Newport Beach Film Festival in 2011, and starred Briana Evigan (Step Up), Kristin Bauer (True Blood) and some of the biggest screen stars in the Philippines, including Jericho Rosales and Gary Valenciano.

In the years since his directorial debut, dela Torre has directed numerous films, including Blood Ransom, which starred Alexander Dreymon (The Last Kingdom) and Filipino box office phenom, Anne Curtis.  Rotten Tomatoes called dela Torre a “filmmaker to watch” and he was praised for the hypnotic quality of his filmmaking.

Dela Torre recently completed principal photography on his latest feature, East of Western, which is scheduled for release in 2026.  In addition to his feature films, dela Torre has directed several episodes of television series, including Leverage: Redemption and Amazon’s Almost Paradise, on which he also serves as Co-Executive Producer.

Kim Coleman, CSA

Producer/Casting Director

Kim Taylor-Coleman, CSA is a Los Angeles-based Casting Director known for her work in Film and Television. She received an Emmy nomination for her casting work on the acclaimed Emmy-nominated television show American Crime (ABC) created by John Ridley. Some of her past television credits are Dear White People, She’s Gotta Have It! (Netflix) , Snowfall (F/X) pilot, The Good Doctor (ABC) pilot and season 1, Greenleaf (OWN), The Haves and the Have Nots, Survivor’s Remorse (Starz) and If Loving You Is Wrong (OWN). Her latest television work includes series Wu-Tang: an American Saga (Hulu) , Lovecraft Country (HBO), The Good Lord Bird (Showtime), Genius: Aretha (Nat/Geo) The Upshaws, Madam C.J. Walker, Family Reunion (Netflix), Heels (Starz) and Woke (Hulu).

She has received 3 Artios Awards from the Casting Society of America for excellence in casting for her work on Dope, Dear White People and most recently, Spike Lee’s Oscar winning film BlacKkKlansman. Her most recent feature films include Da 5 Bloods (Netflix), Space Jam 2 (Warner Bros.), Fatherhood (Sony), Harriet (Focus Features), Little (Universal) and Night School (Universal). She also casts all television and feature films for the prolific writer, producer, director Tyler Perry.

Kim is a CSA member and an active member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences and the Casting Directors Branch Executive Committee.

Mara Burros Sandler

Producer

Mara Burros Sandler is a highly accomplished producer, devoted philanthropist, mother, and activist with a deep passion for social justice. Her commitment to advocacy and giving was born out of personal tragedy—losing her mother to ovarian cancer at the age of 57 after a five-year battle. In her mother’s memory, Mara co-founded the Janet Burros Memorial Foundation, where she served as director for 15 years, focusing on advancing women’s health.

Driven by the belief that storytelling can be a powerful tool for change, Mara founded Be Forward Productions to amplify underrepresented voices and champion stories that demand to be heard. Through this venture, she has co-produced a range of acclaimed theater productions, including Redwood, The Last Five Years, Wanted, Just for Us, OKLAHOMA!, The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, Head Over Heels, and Thoughts of a Colored Man. She is currently leading the commercial production of the beloved book and film Wonder.

Her impact also extends to film, where she served as Executive Producer on Hide, her first feature film, which explores domestic violence during the pandemic. Her additional film credits as co-producer include The Art of Making It, I Am, Killer Bees, Newtown, and Unsafe Spaces.

Mara holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and both an M.A. and Ed.M. in Counseling Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University. She also holds certifications in Hospice Training and as a Patient Navigator, deepening her commitment to compassionate care and patient-centered advocacy.

Christine Kim

Editor

Christine Kim (Editor) is a narrative film editor praised by Variety as achieving “a John Hughes-inspired emotional energy” on the award-winning comedy feature Babysplitters. In addition to recent television series work including Will Trent for ABC/Hulu, The Big Leap for Fox, The Santa Clauses for Disney+ and Endgame for NBC, she has cut indie features 1UP, East of Western, Dramarama, 40-Love, Ethan Mao, and was an additional editor on Aaron Sorkin’s The Trial of the Chicago 7. Her extensive studio experience as a first assistant editor includes Solo: A Star Wars Story, Sully, Alice in Wonderland, Gangster Squad, and Deja Vu, and she has also served as an assistant editor on many features, including David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive, Maleficent, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Recount, Unstoppable, Too Big to Fail, and the TV series Battlestar Galactica.  She is thrilled to be collaborating with Barclay, with whom she has worked for 20+ years, on The Cassandra Project.

Yvette Janine Jackson

Composer/Executive Producer

Yvette Janine Jackson is a composer of electroacoustic, chamber, and orchestral music who draws on her experience as a theatrical sound designer to create an aesthetic of narrative soundscape composition she calls “radio opera.”  Her compositions have been heralded as “immersive non-visual films” (The Guardian).

Jackson’s projects often draw from history to examine relevant social issues. Her album Freedom is described as “one of the most unique releases to chronicle the Black American experience” (The Wire).  Recent projects include Hello, Tomorrow! for orchestra and electronics co-commissioned by Carnegie Hall and American Composers Orchestra; T-Minus, A Radio Opera commissioned by the International Contemporary Ensemble; and Extant, an interactive composition for bass clarinet, cello, and game engine at ZKM Center for Art and Media in Karlsruhe, Germany. Her permanent installations Underground (Codes) and Destination Freedom can be experienced at Wave Farm in Acra, New York, and the International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina.

Jackson is a recipient of the 2025 Herb Alpert Award in the Arts. The panelists recognize “the imaginative ways she synthesizes ideas that give shape to lived human experience, for her cinematic dramaturgy, and the deep relationship between research and expression always beautifully troubling and passionately felt, providing a pathway for understanding the complexities of our nation’s history.”

She is thrilled to be composing the scores for all three films in The Cassandra Project trilogy, fulfilling her lifelong dream of composing for the big screen. According to The Guardian, “Any smart Hollywood producer would immediately snap up Jackson to provide film soundtracks, but her work requires no visual explanation.”  Her score for Busybody has been recognized as “evocative, cinematic, and integral to the storytelling.”  We look forward to hearing what she creates for HOUR 80 and The Keeper of the Lighthouse.

Cort Fey

Director of Photography

Cort Fey, ASC is a cinematographer who has photographed feature films, documentaries and commercials worldwide. He has also been at the forefront of the second Golden Age of Television, crafting many visually splendid and culturally significant icons of the last two decades.

Adding fresh layers to his growing mythology, Cort’s film career began when he lensed an epic B&W super8 film of his older brother driving around the block. From there it’s only been up. After dabbling in performance magic and deejaying school dances, Cort achieved a degree with honors in American History at the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn he was an award winning photog and editor for the school newspaper and cofounded the filmmaking club where he auteured a live action version of Scooby Doo. Cort followed that with a master’s degree from the USC School of Cinema.

Working as gaffer, camera operator, and 2nd unit DP, Cort’s career quickly took off when he was promoted to DP mid-season of the McG produced FOX actioner Fastlane. Since that pivotal opportunity, Cort has proven himself on such genre defining touchstones as LOST, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, YOU, and The Flight Attendant. He has artfully lit and lensed the supernatural Grimm, Fear the Walking Dead and True Blood. Most recently Cort has accepted the challenge of reinterpreting the highly anticipated Paramount+ limited streamer based on the classic 90s mega-hit, Fatal Attraction.

Cort’s recent feature work includes the earnest Netflix family adventure Finding Ohana for director Jude Weng and producer Ian Bryce. Cort delivered lush and exciting visuals with the talented young cast on the streets of New York, beaches of Hawaii and caves of Thailand. The movie quickly shot up the Netflix chart and soon became the number one streamer for the platform in the US and worldwide.

Cort has a keen understanding of technology and a dogged passion for storytelling. He is known for his evocative lightning and use of camera movement to support the scene and elevate the project. Cort thrives in a collaborative and communicative team and supports respect and kindness always.

Off-set, Cort enjoys his family and loves outdoor adventures in backpacking and road-tripping. He is an avid brewer of beer and home developer of film as well as ferocious player of board games.

Cort currently lives in Los Angeles and is represented by Innovative Artists.

Carla Thomas

Costume Designer

“Some said Carla, how you get so fly. I said from not being afraid to fall out the sky.”

Fly Girl. Costume Designer. Wardrobe Stylist.

Carla “Fly Carla” Thomas is a costume designer, wardrobe stylist and style contributor. She is a creative and motivated Local USA 829-IATSE union wardrobe professional who loves all things fashion. She can do it all! She’s the one designing and styling your favorite commercials, tv shows and movies! Hailing from Baltimore, cultivated at Howard University and now thriving in Brooklyn, Carla is always on a plane or in a showroom. Find her talking fashion and inspiring as Fly Carla on Instagram.

H. Brooke Perkins

Writer/Producer

H. Brooke Perkins attended Tisch School of the Arts and is a believer in the transformative power of performance and storytelling. She is a training consultant to first responders and public safety personnel, focusing on how to minimize cognitive bias in decision making. In her work she addresses the very real phenomenon of how characteristics, like the gender, can influence perception and action in destructive and dangerous ways. She is excited to bring her creative and professional spheres together, and to work with her long-time friend, Director, Barclay DeVeau.

Jenna von Oy

Co-Producer/Writer

Jenna von Oy began her professional career at the ripe young age of 6, and her 42-year career has led to an eclectic list of creative endeavors.

She spent her early years working in the television and film industry in Los Angeles, making her mark in 90s television on NBC’s Blossom, where she spent five years portraying America’s quintessential best friend, Six LeMeure. After filming over 100 episodes, the show ended and entered into syndication, coinciding with her acceptance into the University of Southern California’s prestigious film school. She followed college with a memorable role on another long-running series, UPN’s The Parkers, which enjoyed a five-year run before entering into syndication. Along with movies like Born on the Fourth of July and lending her vocal talents to The Goofy Movie, she has appeared in shows such as 7^th Heaven, Cold Case, and Chicago Hope. She also appeared in the 2022 season two premiere of Call Me Kat.

Von Oy moved to Nashville in 2007 and has spent the past decade of her career focusing on being a published author, storyteller, and public speaker, penning a candid monthly blog for PEOPLE Magazine that gave way to a two-book series with Medallion Press, called Situation Momedy. Her first book was released in November 2015, followed by the sequel in 2017, which included media appearances on shows such as the TODAY show. Her penchant for writing led to a position as associate editor and lead Nashville writer for digital lifestyle publication StyleBlueprint, where she continues to hone her skills. She is thrilled to be collaborating with Barclay and the talented team as a writer and co-producer on the The Cassandra Project.

Caileigh Scott

Co-Producer/Writer

Caileigh Scott is a storyteller in the forms of acting, writing, sketch comedy, and digital design, with a passion for elevating the voices of women. She is the co­founder of the women’s sketch group Girlcrush Comedy, which explores the unique bonds of the sisterhood through humor, and has worked on stage and on screen in New York, Los Angeles, regionally, and internationally. Outside of her work, you may find her making friends with cats at parties or somewhere on horseback.

Samantha Richelle

Co-Producer/Cast

Samantha made her acting debut in 2020 as Detective Kai Mendoza in Almost Paradise, the first American TV series shot entirely in the Philippines. Produced by Dean Devlin’s Electric Entertainment and distributed by Amazon, the show featured Samantha and Christian Kane, as a badass crime-fighting duo on the island of Cebu in the Philippines.

In addition to playing the lead role of Penny in HOUR 80, Samantha is a Co-Producer on The Cassandra Project, a trilogy that deeply aligns with her mission to elevate women’s voices.

Dani de Jesus

Producer

Dani de Jesus, Film Independent Docuseries Fellow, is an award-winning educator and filmmaker from Los Angeles. As Director of Development at Craig Anderson Productions, she helped bring acclaimed films and series to the screen, including On Golden Pond, Meltdown, and For the Love of a Child.

Dani focuses on stories that elevate underrepresented communities and spark deeper dialogue. She is currently in production on The Cassandra Project, a trilogy of short films exploring the consequences of women not being heard, and The Experiencer Project, a feature documentary chronicling a year with a support group for people who’ve had contact with extraterrestrials—offering an intimate look at mystery, trauma, and transformation.

She is also a co-producer on the upcoming narrative feature East of Western, starring Dante Basco and a predominantly Filipino-American cast. Her short films include Parachutes (California premiere at the 2025 Comic-Con International Film Festival), A Cohort of Guests (starring Sarah Drew), Adult Night (with Kevin Alejandro and Lesley-Ann Brandt), the award-winning A Woman Reported (with Moira Kelly), and music videos like Gold by Ella Jay Basco (feat. Ruby Ibarra) and Crack by India de Beaufort.

Dani is a producing partner at Alejandro Films, served four years as Chair of the Historic Filipinotown Coalition, and was named the 2022 UCLA Graduate Mentor of the Year. She is a proud member of A-DOC, Brown Girls Doc Mafia, and Women in Film.

Debbie Chesebro

Producer

Debbie Chesebro is an award-winning creative producer with 100+ feature films, commercials, documentaries, and short productions under her belt. Her sharp eye and practical expertise have brought successful completion to projects across the creative spectrum — from large 350+ international crew member productions to local projects of 10 crew or less; and built effective and efficient infrastructure to major Hollywood budgets of $100 million and independent projects of $1 million or less.

A graduate of USC Film School, her meticulous hands have supported the full infrastructural roll out of creative projects from start to finish, as well as guiding productions to resolution as they work through challenges of every kind. Her work has been a part of the 2012 Cannes Film Festival’s Director’s Night Showcase and won Best in Show at the 2009 W3 Awards for Comedy – Short Category. She was Senior Producer at the online comedy collective Jash, funded by Google and founded by Adam Carolla, Michael Cera, Sarah Silverman, Reggie Watts and the comedy duo, Tim & Eric. She produced the company’s live channel launches at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival and South by Southwest as well as the company’s online content.

She produced Michael Cera’s short film “Gregory Goes Boom”; which won the 2014 Sundance Film Festival’s Shorts Competition. Her screenplay “Prom Queen”, written with Tyson FitzGerald, won several awards including the 2010 Script Pipeline Screenwriting competition and has made the finals of the AAA Screenwriting Competition as well as the semi-finals of Nicholl Fellowship. “Prom Queen” was optioned by Jeremy Garelick and Classy Films in August 2016.

She currently works in production at Supper Club Studios and lives in Los Angeles.

Melissa Llewellyn-Alston

Producer

Melissa Llewellyn-Alston is a seasoned Producer and Line Producer with over 15 years of experience in film and television, known for her ability to bring bold, culturally resonant stories to life while managing complex budgets and production logistics. Melissa began her producing career in 2007 with music videos for artists like Rihanna, Drake, and CeeLo Green, before transitioning into independent film and television. Her diverse credits include Blood Ransom, King of the Dancehall (TIFF), SEND HELP (ALLBLK), Wicked City (ALLBLK), and INCISION (BET+), as well as the award-winning short Love Letter to Hip Hop with Black Thought and Benny Boom. As a Producer on The Cassandra Project, Melissa brings her sharp creative instincts, logistical expertise, and unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling qualities that have made her a trusted collaborator and “go-to” producer for content that pushes boundaries and centers underrepresented voices.

Rebecca Ikler

Producer

A graduate of Penn State University, Rebecca holds degrees in Telecommunications and International Studies. A fortuitous alumni connection led her to an internship in production management at MTV in New York City and she never looked back.

Rebecca has worked as a line producer on shows for ABC, NBC, and Paramount. Some favorite credits include The Wiz Live! (NBC) and The Opposition w/ Jordan Klepper (Comedy Central).

Rebecca is a proud member of the Producers Guild of America and is thrilled to be a part of The Cassandra Project.

Stephanie Blackwood

Co-Producer

Hailing from the suburbs of Atlanta and carrying her southern charm with her wherever she goes, Stephanie Blackwood graduated from college with a degree in Molecular Biology. After working in a genetics lab, she decided her childhood dream of working in film was a much better idea, so she packed up her cat and her car and moved to New York, working in a lab by day and going to film school at the New School by night. 

She officially began her film career as a 30-year-old intern for Spike Lee on the feature film Miracle at St. Anna, and she quickly moved up through the ranks to a Line Producer and Producer, working both in independent films like Shame and high profile projects like Girls. Over the past 20 years, she has been fortunate enough to work with many great directors such as Steve McQueen, Cary Fukunaga, Nicole Holofcener, Lynne Ramsay, & Noah Baumbach. In 2023, Stephanie Executive Produced Exhibiting Forgiveness, directed by the acclaimed painter, Titus Kaphar. The film was selected for the dramatic competition at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Stephanie most recently worked on the feature film The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd directed by Tim Blake Nelson. She is thrilled to be collaborating on The Cassandra Project.

Michael Labog

Co-Producer

Driven by his love of film and an insatiable thirst for knowledge of all aspects of filmmaking, Michael Labog has worn many hats in his 20+ years in the film industry, spanning every stage of production, pre to post. This includes 10 years with New Deal Studios, working on visual effects for dozens of major motion pictures, including The Avengers, Spiderman, Inception, The Dark Knight, There Will Be Blood, The Departed, and The Aviator.

This wealth of knowledge has made Michael highly adaptable, both as a visual effects supervisor, and as a producer, allowing him to a produce a wide variety of commercial and experimental projects throughout his career.

The Cassandra Project is the type of project that Michael lives for, and he’s excited for the opportunity to help bring this trilogy of amazing stories to life!

Jessie Mastronardi

Co-Producer

Jessie is a film professional who received her MFA in Writing and Producing in 2017 and has enjoyed working in the entertainment industry ever since. Known for her keen eye and open heart, her expertise spans from development and writing all the way to post production. She has been lucky enough to work on numerous female-led projects, including as a post coordinator on the bold indie Prince Harming as well as a co-producer on the acclaimed film To Leslie (not to mention her accidental background acting debut in an episode of Broad City). Jessie is thrilled to be working on The Cassandra Project to help elevate and enliven women’s stories in a powerfully cinematic way.

Mari Acevedo

Executive Producer

Mari Acevedo is the Owner and CEO of Birns & Sawyer, a renowned cinema equipment rental and sales company with offices in Los Angeles, Vancouver and Manila. In 2018, Birns & Sawyer was purchased by employees as an ESOP and in 2019, Acevedo became the first female CEO of the company in its 65 year history.

Acevedo is an expert in digital camera systems, multiplex systems, LED lighting and support gear, with 27 years of broadcast camera system integration experience.

Acevedo is a fierce supporter of gender balance in the film and entertainment industries. She has worked tirelessly through outreach programs, networking, professional development and advocacy to achieve gender equality both above and below the line. She is thrilled to be making her executive producer debut with The Cassandra Project.

Amy Allman Dean

Executive Producer

Amy Allman Dean is a Dallas, Texas native with a lifelong passion for public service and empowering women. A graduate of Choate Rosemary Hall and Emory University, Amy served in the White House from 2001 to 2009, holding various roles across two presidential terms. Her career reflects a deep commitment to leadership, faith, and impact. She strongly believes in the creator of this film and wholeheartedly supports its message for women, championing the strength, value, and voice of every woman.

Sabha Ganai MD PhD

Executive Producer

Sabha Ganai MD, PhD, MPH, FACS, FSSO is a surgical oncologist and cancer disparities researcher educated at University of Southern California, University of Massachusetts, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She is also a surgical ethicist with training at the University of Chicago MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics. She is an Associate Professor and Director of Surgical Education at University of North Dakota School of Medicine and serves populations across the rural Northern Plains requiring complex surgical care.

Dr. Ganai prioritizes highlighting workplace equity and tackling disparities in the delivery of care to patients in need. As a trained ethicist, she recognizes an ethical imperative to prioritize justice in the distribution of resources and opportunities to those with specific needs, barriers, or disadvantages. She recognizes that The Cassandra Project is uniquely situated to give women a voice, elevate their experience, promote advocacy, and ultimately level systemic barriers that affect the many women and their loved ones who remain unheard and unfortunately ignored. She is privileged to participate in this endeavor.

Dr. Nancy D. O’Reilly PsyD

Executive Producer

Nancy D. O’Reilly, PsyD, founded Women Connect4Good, Inc., a 501(c)3 foundation, to help support other organizations working to advance women and girls. She also serves on the boards of several social-profit groups, including the National Women’s History Museum.

Dr. Nancy’s latest book, In This Together: How Successful Women Support Each Other in Work and Life (Adams Media/Simon & Schuster, January 2019), was released as an audiobook in early 2022. Her earlier book, Leading Women: 20 Influential Women Share Their Secrets to Leadership, Business, and Life (Adams Media/Simon & Schuster, December 2014), was also released as an audiobook in August. In addition, she and her team continue to gain momentum with the Lift Women Up campaign. Originally created to complement a documentary that aired on PBS featuring her work championing women’s equality and advancement, #LiftWomenUp focuses on the steps that we all can take to help each other continue advancing towards gender parity.

Dr. Nancy has earned numerous awards including the prestigious Mosaic Award from Diversity Woman Media, and a Women Making History Award from the National Women’s History Museum for making a significant contribution to her field. She was also honored in Washington, D.C. at the 2018 Canales project with 20 other women, including Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

Supporting women is Dr. Nancy’s passion and purpose. Her popular podcast “Smart, Amazing Conversations with Dr. Nancy” examines the stories of life and leadership of smart, amazing women and men whose stories connect us, and helps listeners understand that the possibilities are endless if we support each other and lift one another up. She is honored to partner with Barclay and her team on The Cassandra Project.

www.drnancyoreilly.com