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Rick Finkelstein
CEO / Studio Head / Producer Rick was raised in South Florida by two parents that were self-made successful business people. At an early age it was instilled in him that you never have a second chance to make a first impression and that if you are going to do something, then make it the best and give nothing less than 110% of your effort. His strive for perfection and desire to be the best at whatever he does is the fuel that pushes him to work 24/7/365 to make himself, his projects, and everyone around him successful. After studying business and finance at the University of Florida, Rick went on to work in the banking and real estate industry for over 20 years. During that time he always knew that he had a love for the entertainment industry. As a published author and former owner of a successful music company, he realized that the entertainment industry was his passion. Rick teamed up with Steven Chase and became the Executive Producer at Factory Entertainment and took on the task of running the day-to-day business of growing the company to a level that is synonymous with excellence and integrity. His vision is to create films that the public wants to see, that the film industry respects, and that are cost efficient and make all of their investors a profit that out performs any of the traditional investments in the marketplace. With eleven films under his belt, three in pre-production and over ten more waiting in the wings, it is easy to say that Rick Finkelstein's name and reputation will be around for a long time to come. |
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Karen Finkelstein
CCO / Consulting Producer Although Karen is our Chief Communications Officer, she wears many hats and has been here since the beginning. With Entertainment Factory's team approach, Karen has filled in, helping every department, from Transportation to Wardrobe and everything in-between. She is the glue that holds the family together. Karen brings over 30 years of sales and management experience to the table as a liaison to the public and the industry. She and Rick Finkelstein have built this from the ground up, making the Studio transition not only effective, but exponentially adding to the bottom line. In addition to being such a valuable team asset, Karen is a leader by example. Her work ethic and commitment are second to none, and she sets the bar that others are measured against. |
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Brandon Amelotte
COO / Director of Operations While putting his business degree to good use for such prestigious companies as Merrill Lynch, Unisys, and NASA, Brandon discovered his true passion was the film industry. In ten years, Brandon has worked on over 75 films. As either First Assistant Director, Director, or Producer, he has been able to harness the creative side of the project, while adapting the numbers to help every project reach their fullest ROI potential. In 2016, Brandon and his company Pelican Films joined the Entertainment Factory family, and together they share the same vision. As an integral part of the Management Team, Brandon is involved in every aspect of all Entertainment Factory endeavors. They plan to continue to produce quality films at reasonable budgets. |
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Kelsey Finkelstein
Head of Production Kelsey has always had her eye on being involved in the production of films. Although she could have just fallen into the family business, she chose to get her degree in Hospitality Management, while minoring in Film at the University of Central Florida. It was her intent to be able to add something extra to the mix. So when she came to Entertainment Factory after spending three years with Nickelodeon on Nick, Ricky, Dicky, & Dawn and Knight Squad, she was able to use her knowledge and talents and automatically become an asset to the company. Kelsey has a trained eye to see things that most people don’t, and to anticipate the needs of both the project and the Investor. She is a very hands on person that would rather be in the trenches solving problems and creating results. As Head of Production, Kelsey works hand in hand with both the financial and creative side of the business. She has an open door policy and makes herself available at all times. Her dedication to the project is made apparent by her day-to-day work ethic and is truly seen by the final product. Kelsey is recognized by her peers as a “Team Player” that won’t settle for second best. |
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Chris Clancy
Production Manager After attending Columbia College for film, Chris left Chicago for Los Angeles and the Film Industry. Starting with DreamWorks (Shrek, Prince of Egypt, Antz), Chris has since worked in both film and television on over 65 productions. Furthermore, he is one of the few people in the industry that has worked on every aspect of a production, on both sides of the lens. In 2017, he joined Entertainment Factory as the Production Manager and has not only proven himself as an integral part of the team, he has helped to expand Entertainment Factory’s footprint. |
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Felissa Rose
Production Liaison Felissa Rose has been heavily involved in the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She holds a BFA from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and has consistently worked in TV, Film, and Theatre. Felissa has cultivated 100+ films and has assisted both in front of and behind the camera. She is a consultant with Fangoria Magazine, as she travels around the country, signing autographs at film conventions, while producing films and music videos. Felissa is considered one of horror's top scream queens, and is best known for her work in the cult classic franchise "Sleepaway Camp", and in 2004 reprised her role as Angela Baker in the cult hit film "Return to Sleepaway Camp". She's also contributed to acclaimed documentaries such as "Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film,' "His Name Was Jason," and "Something To Scream About." Felissa most recently produced award winning music videos for the Metal band Slayer, and has been the Associate Producer and acted in the acclaimed horror film Death House and the Mob Comedy Garlic & Gunpowder. |
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Brandon Prevatt
Executive Producer As an Executive Producer for Entertainment Factory, Brandon is able to capitalize on over 20 years of Sales and Customer Service, all the while using his people skills, giving his clients that overwhelming feeling of being taken care of. By staying on top of Social Media trends, Brandon has found a way to utilize the market in order to help establish a successful movie project. Brandon has taken this a step further by following the stock market's roller coaster ride in order to better advise his clients. He also stays on top of all tax codes and incentives so that he is able to help his clients create tax write-offs individual to their needs while maximizing their ROI by doing this. Brandon's expertise and leadership skills are the reason he runs the sales department, but it's his loyalty, commitment, and dedication is what makes him the best. |
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Larry Brown
Associate Producer Over the past 20+ years, every sales job Larry has had, he has risen to the top. When he joined Entertainment Factory, a passion was unleashed from within, and this top producing salesman suddenly found his purpose. Not only is Larry a contributing member to the Associate Producer’s team, he worked hand in hand with Rick Finkelstein and Brandon Prevatt to help establish the sales and marketing criteria they continue to use today. |
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John Yang
Associate Producer John started his journey by becoming a United States Marine, then went on to graduate with honors, and begin his career path. John comes to the table with 10 years Producing experience, and works hand in hand with Rick Finkelstein. What makes John a top producer year in and year out, is the fact that he is comfortable on both sides. He knows what it takes to raise money to make a film, and he knows what a film needs to be successful. He joined Rick Finkelstein and Entertainment Factory because he knows it is all about the Producer’s vision. His priority and commitment is to the Investors and the project, knowing that’s what enables the Producer’s vision. |
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Armine “Amy” Yang
Investor Liaison A Degree in Business and a Masters in Finance allows Amy to understand both the creative side and financial side of every project, making her a perfect fit with Entertainment Factory. Speaking four languages and having the experience working with high net worth individuals, Amy is able to organically become our accredited Investor Liaison. She is able to use her hands on people skills along with her software knowledge, to follow trends in the industry and identify her client’s needs in regards to investing in the Entertainment Industry. Amy's attention to detail is the driving force behind the fact that she not only hits her goals, but far exceeds them. |
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Taurus Lowe
Associate Producer Taurus is one of those lucky people that were able to combine their passion and love for the movie industry and their innate ability to be a top salesman for any company. Taurus’ passion for the film industry is the driving force that allows him to always have his investor’s best interest at heart. He is able to see the lucrative financial components of a movie project, while at the same time being aware of what his investors are looking for and finding a way to bridge the two. Living in Greater Los Angeles allows Taurus to keep his finger on the pulse of what’s relevant day to day in ever-changing entertainment industry. |
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Philip E. Freeman
Marketing Consultant Phil, a native of Los Angeles, California, attended the University of Arizona on a football scholarship. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business finance, Phil was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a professional football player. After 3 seasons, Phil retired from the NFL to pursue a career in financial services with a major Wall Street investment firm. After 17 years as a registered financial advisor, Phil left the securities industry to become a Sales Consultant in the oil and natural gas industry. Since joining Factory Entertainment Group in 2011 as a Marketing Consultant, Phil has utilized his vast knowledge of traditional investments, in assisting clients to properly diversify their investment portfolios with private placement movie units. |
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Jeffrey Mabry
Associate Producer Having over 10 years in customer service and another 15 years in the corporate world is what makes Jeff as well rounded as you can be. Now add his internal knowledge of the lending industry, specializing in film, with his people skills, and that is why Jeff is a perfect fit for Entertainment Factory and Excess Studios. As an Associate Producer, Jeff will handle the needs of each Investor, while giving them multiple platforms within the film industry for them to make money. His clients will know that Jeff is involved in all aspects of the business and will use this to keep them up to date and fully informed. |
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John Baldwin
Associate Producer John has over 25 years of customer service experience under his belt, while establishing a business style that sets him apart. His approach to sales is what made him so successful in the oil and gas world, it shows that customer service accompanied by knowledge, dedication, and commitment is the winning combination. John’s clients not only make a lot of money, they become family and follow him. His joining Entertainment Factory and Excess Studios was a perfect fit. As an Associate Producer, he will be able to help clients expand and increase their portfolio while becoming part of Hollywood and the future. |
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Steven Nguyen
Production Manager From an early age, Steve has been fixated on the big screen. He has always been enamored with the power of cinema and enjoyed its entertainment value. He grew up with the idea of “do what you love” and that idea came to fruition toward the end of his term at college majoring in business. He set aside his academics and found the opportunity to work as a production assistant for a local independent feature film. Since then, Steve has built a reputation as Unit Production Manager and First Assistant Director. He has worked on over 25 feature films, various narrative shorts and commercial spots. His satisfaction comes from bringing the script to screen through his knowledge gathered over the years, organized and structured skillset, and pragmatic temperament. |
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Isabel Mandujano
Head of Costumes Department As a member of the Costume Designers Guild, Isabel brings her experience on over 65 productions since 2008. Isabel has worked on commercials, music videos, theatre, television, digital media, and feature films. It was important to her to have worked in all facets of the entertainment industry in regards to costume design. This attention to detail and strive to be the best, is what sets her apart from others in her industry. She adapts well to change and is comfortable working in the spotlight. Having worked on many television shows has afforded Isabel the ability to perform at any pace. Coupled with her amazing people skills, Isabel is an asset to any production endeavor. Since 2017, she has been the Department Head for Entertainment Factory and has proven herself to really be a team player. |
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Crystal Lozada
Head of Hair & Makeup Department Crystal began her career in 2007 as a makeup artist for dance competitions. Crystal worked her way through Sephora, until she was poached by MAC Cosmetics to work as a Cosmetic Specialist. She started working on short films, and then moved on to feature films with the Lifetime Television Channel. Crystal began her time with Entertainment Factory in 2017, and has since worked on three productions to date. She has become a vital member of the crew, always willing to lend a hand to other departments. As a result of her hard work and dedication, she has become the Head of the Hair & Makeup Department for all Entertainment Factory Projects. |
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Austin Brucks
Key Production Assistant Austin has been pursuing his career in the entertainment industry since 2017. He has worked on over 40 productions, including full length features, commercials, reality television, music videos, and EPKs. In a short period of time, Austin has grown to run the PA department. He has defined his skill set and people to skills to ensure the production runs smoothly. He leads by example, always stepping up and being a vital team member. |
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SOTA FX
Special Effects Roy Knyrim: The Man Behind SOTA. As a special FX and make up effects artist on critically acclaimed films (Gods and Monsters, Ed Wood, The Abyss), plus work on television series (Weird Science, Profiler, Matthew Blackheart: Monster Smasher) to directing videos and films, former Rochesterian Roy Knyrim (pronounced Kuh-neer-im) He had accumulated a pretty extensive list of job titles in his 20 year career in Hollywood. |
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1313 FX
Special Effects Tom Devlin has been working professionally as a special makeup effects artist for 13 years, and through his company 1313FX, Tom has provided creatures and special makeup effects on over 100 feature films, working with many of the actors and directors that inspired his path. In addition to his work in film and television, Tom has created a line of Halloween masks for the Haunted Attractions industry. Tom recently appeared as a contestant on the SyFy reality series "Face Off." |
Keylingo Translations
Entertainment Factory & Excess Studios have teamed up with Keylingo for all of our translation, dubbing, and voice over work. They have been an innovator in the Industry for almost 10 years. Having a full service branch located at Excess Studios allows Entertainment Factory to offer Keylingo's top notch services at affordable rates. This allows Entertainment Factory & Excess Studios to get preferential and expeditious service. Dale Bastin and Dagmar Stark-Bastin are the driving force behind Keylingo, and below you can see why.
Entertainment Factory & Excess Studios have teamed up with Keylingo for all of our translation, dubbing, and voice over work. They have been an innovator in the Industry for almost 10 years. Having a full service branch located at Excess Studios allows Entertainment Factory to offer Keylingo's top notch services at affordable rates. This allows Entertainment Factory & Excess Studios to get preferential and expeditious service. Dale Bastin and Dagmar Stark-Bastin are the driving force behind Keylingo, and below you can see why.
Dale L. Bastin
Managing Director Dale is a retired officer of the US Air Force and a service disabled veteran who enjoyed a 25-year career of leadership and service. He has led the Keylingo team in Colorado since 2011 and utilizes his integrity and devotion learned from his time in service to ensure clients receive top-notch service. With a strong belief that language is key to expanding business, Keylingo approaches each project as if it were a one-on-one conversation. |
Dagmar EL. Stark-Bastin
Managing Director Dagmar is a German national who speaks five languages and worked as a journalist, executive assistant, and language instructor, teaching to more than 30 nationalists at NATO and the US Forces in Europe. With a Doctoral Studies in Educational Management and Master's in Human Relations, Dagmar brings her love of traveling, community, and language expertise to the Entertainment Factory and Excess Studios family. |
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Shaman Finkelstein AKA Shaman the Shepherd
Set Dog / Actor / Certified Service Dog Shaman’s film career started as the Set Dog on Death House at just five and a half months old. She showed a love for being on set, around filming equipment and cast and crew, becoming their extended family. From that point on, Shaman was not only the Set Dog on all Entertainment Factory and Pelican Films projects, but she started taking on acting rolls in each movie as well. Shaman takes commands in English and German, and continues to have extensive training. Her training includes all standard commands, as well as tracking and ongoing attack and bite work training. Shaman works well with adults, children, and other animals. When Shaman isn’t working as an Actor or Set Dog, she is the active Service Dog for Entertainment Factory’s CEO Rick Finkelstein, as well as being part of the family. At only three years old, Shaman already has five crew credits, four acting credits, and is presently training for her biggest role ever. It is safe to say that she has a bright acting career ahead of her. Shaman will continue to bring balance to all movie sets that she is on, while growing as an artist. |
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David J. Bonner
Tax Incentive Specialist When it comes to Time and Resource Management, David J. Bonner has one question: "If there's something in your schedule that you're not passionate about, why is it there?" This means both focusing on what's important and finding a way to inspire passion in your work even when it's hard. With a strong cross-departmental background, Bonner is committed to keeping all members of a team aligned in the right direction, pursuing the best possible production and delivering at the most effective value. Most importantly, this question helps Bonner keep perspective on why even the hardest aspects of a job, the most mundane accounting or the most grating negotiation, are important. If a system breaks down, the best parts of that system are often sacrificed. David J. Bonner is committed to creating and following through with a strong production plan so that clients can achieve the very most from their projects without having to sacrifice the very best. |
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Art Feuerborn
Legal Counsel Art Feuerborn has been a practicing attorney for over 15 years and a businessman for more than 30 years. A Southern California native, Art is a second-generation American on his mother’s side and a 10th generation American on his father’s side. His many clients include producers, musicians, actors and artists. Art brings his diverse experience, creativity and talent to Entertainment Factory in support of their mission for integrity and excellence in the entertainment industry. |
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Carl Fisher
In-House CPA Carl Fisher brings more than 31 years in diverse tax, business consulting and financial experience to his role as a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner. Carl is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Accounting. From small to medium sized businesses, Carl has expertise in providing comprehensive accounting and tax services and planning, including individual, corporate, partnership and nonprofit organizations. As the ”In-House” CPA for Entertainment Factory, Carl makes sure that all of the corporate tax needs are met, as well as the needs of the investors. |