Gentle Rain Crew

 

DIRECTOR / PRODUCER: Chris Akers

Chris Akers grew up in Washington D.C. and received his B.A. at Amherst College. Soon after college he began working and studying as an actor in New York City. After gaining experience and credits, Chris moved to L.A. where he continued to pursue acting, landing roles in television, film, theatre, and commercials. He quickly fell in love with the storytelling work that went on behind the camera, which led him to Lightstream Pictures, where he worked as an apprentice and Creative Assistant to award-winning Australian Director, Paul Currie. Chris was extremely fortunate to be exposed to all areas of directing and considers Lightstream an exceptionally valuable training ground. Chris’ directorial debut, WANTING ALEX, is currently on the festival circuit.

PRODUCER / WRITER: Darrin Reed

Darrin Reed is a producer, director, actor and writer in both television and film. He created and produced the show “On the Rocks” (renamed “Bar Rehab”) for Spike TV, which is currently in post-production, and he produced and directed the 2010 horror film, EYES OF THE WOODS. His other projects include a romantic comedy called RICKY which is currently in post-production, a horror/thriller titled APPETITES with Julie Benz and Jonathan Schaech attached, and several television concepts in various stages of production. Mr. Reed has cultivated relationships with some of the biggest production companies namely 3 Ball, ITV, and Tijuana and is developing various projects with Adam Freidman (“Pirate Hunters” on Spike). Mr. Reed graduated from SUNY-Plattsburgh in New York where he studied theater and business.

PRODUCER / WRITER: Bryan Dick

Born and raised in Oklahoma, Bryan Dick attended film school at the University of Southern California. While there, Bryan had the opportunity to intern for such producers as Gray Frederickson (THE GODFATHER I, II, III), Lisa Henson (ZERO EFFECT), and Janet Yang (THE JOY LUCK CLUB). Bryan has also directed five short films and produced an award-winning documentary LIVE ON TAPE: THE LIFE & TIMES OF MORRIS KIGHT. After receiving his degree in Critical Studies, Bryan worked as an executive development assistant at Rat Entertainment, Brett Ratner’s production company. From there, Bryan moved on to work under Brian Grazer at Imagine Entertainment. Bryan has continued to pursue his dream of being a full time screenwriter, completing several feature length screenplays, creating two original TV ideas and developing multiple reality TV concepts.

CONSULTANT : Holly Felsen Welch (Henry’s Daughter)

Holly Felsen Welch was born in 1948 in West Des Moines, Iowa to Henry and Penny Felsen, just weeks after HOT ROD was written. Holly graduated from Drake University and received her Master’s Degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. A teaching career just shy of 40 years led her from Iowa to Texas to Nebraska then back to Iowa in 1988. She taught 1st through 8th grades and spent 8 years teaching learning theory to teachers. In 2004 she was named Middle School Teacher of the Year by the Des Moines Rotary and the Sam’s Club Teacher of the Year (a student nominated award). Both were a result of a computer lab she developed to help students use film making to increase interest in reading and writing skills. When she retired, Holly was able to spend her time exploring photography and digital art. She credits her father with starting her on a life of capturing emotions through photography. In fact, her first photograph was taken of her father when she was four. Holly resides in Clive, Iowa with her husband, Mike, their daughter Carly and four cats. She has a small photography business where she enjoys doing a mix of studio, location, and commercial work. She and her brother Dan have just re-released HOT ROD and will continue to release their dad’s books and short stories. Holly is also currently working on a book about her dad’s experiences as a Marine in China.