ABOUT
The Nashville Filmmakers Guild is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization made of an entirely volunteer staff. Looking back, NFG started in early 2013 as a coffee shop meetup. The group quickly expanded into an online Facebook community in November, 2013. In July, 2016 NFG became an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit, placing a new emphasis on outreach & education. In 2017, the growing board and committees organized regular workshops and social events to foster skills development and networking. This commitment to building community and training the next generation of filmmakers continues to this day. Now, in 2021 NFG has 6 operating committees run by over 20 volunteers, serving over 200 NFG members and an online community of more than 4,000 filmmakers statewide.
THE TEAM
Passionate film professionals who volunteer, organize, and advocate for TN's filmmaking future.
Nathan Thompson
President
Nathan has volunteered for NFG since 2015. His passion for community, education and equality motivate his efforts as President to further develop the organization. Nathan is a 19 time Emmy Award winning DP and is the founder of production company Contrast Visuals, rental house Contrast Cine, and the Backlot studio.
David Perry
Vice President
David serves as an Executive Producer / Partner at Fivestone Studios. He has developed and produced several films and countless commercials and branded content around the world. His passion for entrepreneurship and storytelling has led him on a journey of starting several companies in the entertainment space.
Hazel Joyner-Smith
Advisory Board Member
Hazel Joyner-Smith is an entrepreneur, educator, grandmother, and cultural activist. Whether serving as the program director of the Race Relations Institute at Fisk University, a Talent Coach, Civil Rights Worker, or international Negotiator for human rights, Hazel always campaigned for equity of access and inclusion. As Founder/CEO of the International Black Film Festival of Nashville, Hazel continues to draw the world in with her contagiously uplifting spirit as she takes the festival to the next level!
Max A. Butler
Board Member
A Nashville native, Max moved to New York to begin his career in 2004 after graduating from Vanderbilt University. In New York, he gained experience on the films of directors Martin Scorsese, Jonathan Demme, and Neil Jordan, among others. Since returning home to Nashville in 2008, Max has expanded his experience by producing commercials, concert specials, and music videos; both as a freelancer and through his production company, Stories We Can Tell. He has continued his work in film, as well, serving as Executive Producer, Line Producer, or UPM on seven projects since 2013.
Jeff Molyneaux
Board Member
Jeff is the Co-Founder, Managing Partner. and Executive Producer of Riverside
Entertainment. His career began as a Director of Photography for ABC Digital Studios in Los Angeles, with over 20 years experience. His Executive Producer credits range from working on a variety of national car commercials to live specials and integrated marketing campaigns with ABC, GMA, CMA, NBC, Paramount Studios, and more. When not working, he can be found kayaking around Nashville with his wife Brianna, and his two beautiful kids Madison and Hayes.
Stacey Cato
Board Member
Stacey Cato is a Manager, Music & Talent, at CMT/Paramount Network/TV Land/MTV Networks (Viacom). With a passion for music and 20+ years of television, film and online experience, his work includes shows such as Nashville, CMT Crossroads, CMT Music Awards and more. Stacey’s experience paired with his forward-thinking vision brings a wealth of knowledge & leadership to NFG.
Scott Simmons
Board Member
Scott has worked both as a freelancer and on staff at post-houses in Nashville for well over a decade. As a managing editor for Pro Video Coalition Scott brings his knowledge and networking capabilities to help propel NFG forward.
Elisabeth Donaldson
Social Media Director
Elisabeth Donaldson is an experienced Actress, Wardrobe Stylist, Photographer, and Director. After moving to Nashville from LA in 2009, Elisabeth quickly entered the film world as a wardrobe stylist- styling projects for bands such as The Black Keys and Brad Paisley. Also steeped in the world of photography, music video directing, she is increasingly drawn to comedy acting. “The longer time goes on- the more I realize just how much I LOVE to make people laugh. In a world that can feel so insane- it’s so important to me to bring others joy and encouragement.”
Chad Fortenberry
Marketing Director
Chad is a local creative director working in the video & film community. He uses his advertising experience in healthcare, music, and other industries to help others create amazing stories. Building teams is one of his passions and seeing others achieve their creative goals is his primary motivation.
Amanda Fay York
Workshops & Events Director
Amanda is a producer, writer, director and CEO of Site4Cinema Productions. She has a vision to create content that is impactful and entertaining. Amanda is currently in pre-production on her first documentary, and recently launched her second podcast, Amanda on Air, focused on supporting the creative endeavors of other women. Amanda is passionate about providing educational resources for Nashville filmmakers.
Sarah Haas
Workshops & Events Director
Sarah is an independent producer straddling the realms of documentary and feature scripted film. Her background includes two years working with the Sundance Institute on their yearly Filmmaker Labs which led to interest in filmmaker development. She enjoys supporting filmmakers in their continuing education through organizing and planning.
A.T. Branch
Workshops & Events
A.T. Branch took a roundabout path to the film industry, starting his professional journey in the US Military Academy at West Point. He spent 8 years in the US Army, with the last 3 years bringing him home to Music City. An actor, by choice, an aspiring filmmaker/producer by curious accident, A.T. hopes to foster growth for young filmmakers.
Mark Jackson
Workshops & Events
Mark D. Jackson is an award winning Producer, Director and Editor with other 20 years experience in film and TV. He has freelanced for networks such as MTV, BET, CMT, TBN, and ESPN. In 1996, Mark made his feature film debut as one of Spike Lee’s assistants on “Get On the Bus.” Currently, he is the CEO of Above The Mark Productions.
Gabe Ford
Storygive Director
Gabe is a budding producer and director serving the non profit, corporate, and music industry in Nashville. He has a great passion for volunteering, community engagement, and sharing impactful stories that inspire. Gabe hopes you'll consider sharing your talents at the next StoryGive.
Leland Herzog
Member & Sponsor Engagement Director
Originally from Kentucky, Leland relocated to Nashville in 2008 to be a musician. It was through the pursuit of documenting raw live performances in house parties across Nashville that he became a student of video and audio production. Leland currently heads up Streamline Creative Studio in Franklin, TN, and loves bridging the gap between business and creative processes. Prior to that he served as the Director of Productions for a 126,000 sq.ft. video broadcast studio here in Nashville.
Anne-Marie Detherage
Member & Sponsor Engagement
Anne-Marie is a Project Manager for Streamline Event Agency in Franklin, TN. Before relocating from Los Angeles to Nashville in 2019, she was a Television Production Manager for shows like Gordon Ramsey’s “24 Hours to Hell” and the NHL series “Road to the Winter Classic”. After a successful career on the west coast, it was time to move closer to her home state of Kentucky and bring her talents back to the south. Pivoting her skills from film sets to events, Anne-Marie now helps elevate the client experience and bring world class events to fruition.
Jarad Clement
Graphic Designer
Jarad Clement is a New Orleans native that used his musical upbringing to find his way to Nashville in 2007. Now he is the founder of Extra, a production company focused on brand content, live performance, animation and graphic design. As an avid outdoorsman, Jarad uses his free time to explore the beautiful state of Tennessee with his wife Katie and two kids Porter and Miles.
WE NEED YOU
Do you have the passion and stamina for public service?
If you can dedicate at least 1 year to lead and grow with NFG, pick an interest and sign up!
