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PRODUCTION INITIATIVEs ASSOCIATION
Investing in our industry and community.
Mission statement
The Production Initiatives Association (PIA) advocates for businesses and stakeholders in New York State's film, television and commercial production industry via enduring and focused lobbying efforts for a competitive tax incentive.
BOARD of DIRECTORS
Rudy Callegari
Co-Founder
Edge Auto Rental
Edge Auto Rental
Andrew Stern
Founder / CEO
Be Electric Studios
Be Electric Studios is a hub for the photo and film production community in NYC that he founded in 2014. Recent clients include Netflix, Food Network, Spotify, HBO Max, ViacomCBS and hundreds of other brands, production companies, photographers, directors, producers and agencies from New York, Los Angeles, Europe and beyond. Be Electric has a diverse array of creative spaces, all certified as New York Level 2 Qualified Production Facility soundstages, and an equipment rental house for in-studio or location shoots.
Andrew is also a photographer, videographer and film producer whose work has taken him to the planet's farthest reaches on countless projects. His primary areas of concentration are on the social and political issues of our times, but he has also photographed campaigns for many titans of industry and technology. His work has won numerous awards and has appeared in Harpers, The New York Times, The Guardian, PBS and many other publications & platforms both domestically and internationally.
Be Electric Studios
Be Electric Studios is a hub for the photo and film production community in NYC that he founded in 2014. Recent clients include Netflix, Food Network, Spotify, HBO Max, ViacomCBS and hundreds of other brands, production companies, photographers, directors, producers and agencies from New York, Los Angeles, Europe and beyond. Be Electric has a diverse array of creative spaces, all certified as New York Level 2 Qualified Production Facility soundstages, and an equipment rental house for in-studio or location shoots.
Andrew is also a photographer, videographer and film producer whose work has taken him to the planet's farthest reaches on countless projects. His primary areas of concentration are on the social and political issues of our times, but he has also photographed campaigns for many titans of industry and technology. His work has won numerous awards and has appeared in Harpers, The New York Times, The Guardian, PBS and many other publications & platforms both domestically and internationally.
Emellie O'Brien
Founder / CEO
Earth Angel
Earth Angel is the leading sustainable production service provider currently operating out of New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta. A pioneer of the sustainable filmmaking movement, she has worked with over 50 major films and TV series to reduce their environmental impact since 2011.
Her leadership on The Amazing Spider-Man 2 contributed to it being acclaimed as “the most eco-friendly blockbuster in Sony Pictures’ history.”
EOB holds a BFA in Film & Television from NYU, is a Climate Reality Corps Leader, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses alum, and 2018 Inc. Magazine 30 Under 30 Rising Star.
Earth Angel
Earth Angel is the leading sustainable production service provider currently operating out of New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta. A pioneer of the sustainable filmmaking movement, she has worked with over 50 major films and TV series to reduce their environmental impact since 2011.
Her leadership on The Amazing Spider-Man 2 contributed to it being acclaimed as “the most eco-friendly blockbuster in Sony Pictures’ history.”
EOB holds a BFA in Film & Television from NYU, is a Climate Reality Corps Leader, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses alum, and 2018 Inc. Magazine 30 Under 30 Rising Star.
Matt Dienstag
Vice President / Owner
LeNoble Lumber
Matt joined the LeNoble family business in 1990. LeNoble Lumber has been the principal supplier of set construction material to the New York Metropolitan Area film and TV industries since 1965.
Matt has spearheaded the company’s commitment to providing sustainable building materials and promoting “green” productions.
Raised on Long Island, Matt graduated from Hofstra University and continued on to Georgetown University Law School where he earned his law degree. He worked as a prosecutor for the State of New York and then was a litigator at Rosenman and Colin, a New York City Law Firm.
Matt is married to Carolyn and they have 2 children, Rachel and Hannah.
LeNoble Lumber
Matt joined the LeNoble family business in 1990. LeNoble Lumber has been the principal supplier of set construction material to the New York Metropolitan Area film and TV industries since 1965.
Matt has spearheaded the company’s commitment to providing sustainable building materials and promoting “green” productions.
Raised on Long Island, Matt graduated from Hofstra University and continued on to Georgetown University Law School where he earned his law degree. He worked as a prosecutor for the State of New York and then was a litigator at Rosenman and Colin, a New York City Law Firm.
Matt is married to Carolyn and they have 2 children, Rachel and Hannah.
Mikel Elliott
Founder / CEO
Quixote Studios
Elliott, Founder and CEO of Quixote Studios LLC, is a fun-loving, creative risk-taker, who describes building his company as a big adventure.
No, Quixote isn’t a wind farm or a donkey sanctuary. It’s actually the market leader in top-notch studio and production services, including Stages, Production Vehicles and Equipment.
Why ‘Quixote’? Elliott likes to dream big – like Don Quixote and his ‘relentless optimism and dogged refusal to accept the limits of reality’.
2020 marks the 25th Anniversary of Quixote Studios. Over the 25 years Quixote has become synonymous with innovative service offerings to the Entertainment Industry. Highly branded, with a dynamic culture of passionate service leaders, Mikel has positioned Quixote to take full advantage of the “Stream Dream".
Quixote Studios
Elliott, Founder and CEO of Quixote Studios LLC, is a fun-loving, creative risk-taker, who describes building his company as a big adventure.
No, Quixote isn’t a wind farm or a donkey sanctuary. It’s actually the market leader in top-notch studio and production services, including Stages, Production Vehicles and Equipment.
Why ‘Quixote’? Elliott likes to dream big – like Don Quixote and his ‘relentless optimism and dogged refusal to accept the limits of reality’.
2020 marks the 25th Anniversary of Quixote Studios. Over the 25 years Quixote has become synonymous with innovative service offerings to the Entertainment Industry. Highly branded, with a dynamic culture of passionate service leaders, Mikel has positioned Quixote to take full advantage of the “Stream Dream".
Diane Wheeler-Nicholson
CEO
Upriver Studios
Co-Founder Second Line Stages, New Orleans. Feasibility consultant for the San Francisco Office of Film and Television. Co-Founder, Friends of the Climate Action Plan
Diane Wheeler has worked in film and television as a producer and entrepreneur for more than 20 years. In 2007, Diane moved to New Orleans to help revitalize the city post-Katrina, building Second Line Stages, the first LEED gold purpose-built media production studio in the country, which positively impacted community building initiatives, economic development, job training and employment and the expansion of the film industry in Louisiana. She is an avid climate change advocate.
Upriver Studios
Co-Founder Second Line Stages, New Orleans. Feasibility consultant for the San Francisco Office of Film and Television. Co-Founder, Friends of the Climate Action Plan
Diane Wheeler has worked in film and television as a producer and entrepreneur for more than 20 years. In 2007, Diane moved to New Orleans to help revitalize the city post-Katrina, building Second Line Stages, the first LEED gold purpose-built media production studio in the country, which positively impacted community building initiatives, economic development, job training and employment and the expansion of the film industry in Louisiana. She is an avid climate change advocate.
William Lindsay III
Principal
Safe Guard Insurance Agency
Bill Lindsay III was first elected County Legislator of the 8th District on November 2013 and then re-elected November 2015 and 2017, representing 80,000 residents.
Upon being elected, Bill fought to end automatic pay increases for elected officials, increased government transparency by strengthening the Legislature’s reporting requirements for lobbyists, and finally put an end to a decades-long political debate by putting forward legislation to consolidate the Treasurer’s office and the Comptroller’s office, saving over $1.29 million.
Additionally, Bill created regional planning alliances, that have facilitated coordination between municipalities as they work to implement the County’s master plan and support regionally significant development projects.
Bill worked on multiple issues concerning organized Labor during his tenure. He worked to implement additional training and continuing education credits for licensed electricians in order for them to maintain their licenses. Strengthened apprenticeship language in County contracts for construction. Co-Chaired the Long Island Manufacturer’s Task Force and worked with LI Federation of Labor to seek an apprenticeship training facility for Long Island. He worked closely with the SC IDA to help retain and attract business and development, partnering with organized labor.
Since leaving elected office Bill became a principal of Safe Guard Insurance Agency and heads up their specialty programs department. Specialty programs focuses on creating customized insurance solutions for specific niche industries. Utilizing his 20 + years of experience in specialty products these programs offer the participants better pricing and enhanced coverage’s to better protect their unique needs.
From 2007 to 2013, Bill served as the Vice President of the Melville Chamber of Commerce. During that time, he chaired their Government Relations Committee and advocated on behalf of the business community.
Bill has also been involved with the Salvation Army in many capacities since 1995. He served on their board for over 15 years - acting as their Chairman from 2005 to 2008. Since 1998, Bill has Co-Chaired their golf committee; which has raised over $750,000 in proceeds to fund summer youth programs for local kids in need. Since 2009, Bill has volunteered his time as a little league coach for Sunrise Little League and he is also a member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.
Safe Guard Insurance Agency
Bill Lindsay III was first elected County Legislator of the 8th District on November 2013 and then re-elected November 2015 and 2017, representing 80,000 residents.
Upon being elected, Bill fought to end automatic pay increases for elected officials, increased government transparency by strengthening the Legislature’s reporting requirements for lobbyists, and finally put an end to a decades-long political debate by putting forward legislation to consolidate the Treasurer’s office and the Comptroller’s office, saving over $1.29 million.
Additionally, Bill created regional planning alliances, that have facilitated coordination between municipalities as they work to implement the County’s master plan and support regionally significant development projects.
Bill worked on multiple issues concerning organized Labor during his tenure. He worked to implement additional training and continuing education credits for licensed electricians in order for them to maintain their licenses. Strengthened apprenticeship language in County contracts for construction. Co-Chaired the Long Island Manufacturer’s Task Force and worked with LI Federation of Labor to seek an apprenticeship training facility for Long Island. He worked closely with the SC IDA to help retain and attract business and development, partnering with organized labor.
Since leaving elected office Bill became a principal of Safe Guard Insurance Agency and heads up their specialty programs department. Specialty programs focuses on creating customized insurance solutions for specific niche industries. Utilizing his 20 + years of experience in specialty products these programs offer the participants better pricing and enhanced coverage’s to better protect their unique needs.
From 2007 to 2013, Bill served as the Vice President of the Melville Chamber of Commerce. During that time, he chaired their Government Relations Committee and advocated on behalf of the business community.
Bill has also been involved with the Salvation Army in many capacities since 1995. He served on their board for over 15 years - acting as their Chairman from 2005 to 2008. Since 1998, Bill has Co-Chaired their golf committee; which has raised over $750,000 in proceeds to fund summer youth programs for local kids in need. Since 2009, Bill has volunteered his time as a little league coach for Sunrise Little League and he is also a member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.
initiatives committee
Emellie O'Brien
Chair
Shattered Prism
ADVISORY committee
Adam Brightman
Producer
Adam Brightman is a producer and production manager with over twenty- five years of experience in film and television production.
His feature film producing credits include Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, On_Line (Sundance 2002), Two Family House (Audience Award for Best Film - Sundance 2000) and Chris Rock’s I Think I Love My Wife. Other film credits include You Don’t Mess With the Zohan, Kingpin, If Lucy Fell, Basquiat, Funny Games, A Price Above Rubies and The Dark Tower.
In television, Adam produced the Tim Robbins Showtime movie Possible Side Effects, and two comedy specials for AMC Television.
Adam has been the production manager on a number of television series including Pan Am (ABC), The Enemy Within (NBC), Power (Starz), and Escape at Dannemora (Showtime).
In addition to working in film and television, Adam produced dozens of commercials and music videos over the years.
More recently, he helped run a production company specializing in branded content, whose clients included Ogilvy Entertainment, Ikea, Philips, Hellmann’s and San Pellegrino, amongst others.
Adam is on the board of the Adrienne Shelley Foundation and is a member of the Directors Guild of America and the Producers Guild of America.
Adam Brightman is a producer and production manager with over twenty- five years of experience in film and television production.
His feature film producing credits include Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, On_Line (Sundance 2002), Two Family House (Audience Award for Best Film - Sundance 2000) and Chris Rock’s I Think I Love My Wife. Other film credits include You Don’t Mess With the Zohan, Kingpin, If Lucy Fell, Basquiat, Funny Games, A Price Above Rubies and The Dark Tower.
In television, Adam produced the Tim Robbins Showtime movie Possible Side Effects, and two comedy specials for AMC Television.
Adam has been the production manager on a number of television series including Pan Am (ABC), The Enemy Within (NBC), Power (Starz), and Escape at Dannemora (Showtime).
In addition to working in film and television, Adam produced dozens of commercials and music videos over the years.
More recently, he helped run a production company specializing in branded content, whose clients included Ogilvy Entertainment, Ikea, Philips, Hellmann’s and San Pellegrino, amongst others.
Adam is on the board of the Adrienne Shelley Foundation and is a member of the Directors Guild of America and the Producers Guild of America.
Lauri Pitkus
Location Manager
HBO
HBO
government relations
Davidoff,
HuTCHER +
CITRON
Charles
Charles Capetanakis
Bianca
Bianca Rajpersaud
Melissa
Steve
Nicole
Nick
Founded in 1975, Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP, has become one of New York’s most respected mid-size commercial law and government relations firms, with four offices located in New York City, Albany, Washington, D.C., and White Plains.
As a mid-size firm, DHC offers all the benefits of a big firm practice with the advantages of small firm attention to detail and personalized service. We believe that our size and structure enables us to render services in a cost-effective and efficient manner. We keep our client’s financial needs in mind at all times.
Legal TeAM
Nick Day
Nick Day Law
Nick Day is a senior business lawyer, with extensive General Counsel experience in addition to large law firm training. For over 25 years he has practiced corporate law, focusing on contract drafting and negotiation, mergers & acquisitions, corporate governance, finance and securities. As General Counsel, in addition to his broad corporate law responsibilities, he has supervised insurance, safety and risk management, litigation, human resources, and a wide range of legal, business and operational projects.
Mr. Day has served as the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary to UniTek Global Services, Inc., a premier provider of installation, fulfillment and construction services to the telecommunications, cable and satellite television industries. Mr. Day was responsible for all legal matters for UniTek, a public company with a workforce of over 5,000, 111 offices in the United States and Canada and sales over $300 million. Prior to joining UniTek,
Mr. Day was General Counsel for Berliner Communications Inc., a public company providing construction, project management and network development to the wireless telecommunications industry.
Mr. Day has also served as Senior Corporate Counsel for Net2Phone, Inc., a Nasdaq-listed provider of voice over Internet protocol, or VoIP, telephony products, and was Associate General Counsel for WorldGate Communications, Inc., a Nasdaq-listed provider of interactive television and personal video telephony products and services.
Mr. Day also serves as Special Counsel to Shepherd, Finkelman, Miller & Shah, LLP. SFMS is a results-driven law firm that is focused on delivering the highest level of service possible to clients around the world. As Special Counsel, Mr. Day provides a wide array of corporate legal services to SFMS clients, and is helping the firm grow its international corporate practice. In addition, Mr. Day can now bring the significant resources of SFMS, including litigation, employment, insurance and intellectual property legal expertise, as well as a nationwide footprint and global connections, to clients of Nick Day Law. For more information about SFMS, please visit sfmslaw.com.
Mr. Day began his career as a business attorney with the law firm of Saul Ewing, LLP, a 250 attorney law firm in Philadelphia, PA, where he practiced from September 1995 to August 2000. Mr. Day received his A.B. degree from Duke University and his J.D. degree, with honors, from Villanova University School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and California.
Nick Day is a senior business lawyer, with extensive General Counsel experience in addition to large law firm training. For over 25 years he has practiced corporate law, focusing on contract drafting and negotiation, mergers & acquisitions, corporate governance, finance and securities. As General Counsel, in addition to his broad corporate law responsibilities, he has supervised insurance, safety and risk management, litigation, human resources, and a wide range of legal, business and operational projects.
Mr. Day has served as the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary to UniTek Global Services, Inc., a premier provider of installation, fulfillment and construction services to the telecommunications, cable and satellite television industries. Mr. Day was responsible for all legal matters for UniTek, a public company with a workforce of over 5,000, 111 offices in the United States and Canada and sales over $300 million. Prior to joining UniTek,
Mr. Day was General Counsel for Berliner Communications Inc., a public company providing construction, project management and network development to the wireless telecommunications industry.
Mr. Day has also served as Senior Corporate Counsel for Net2Phone, Inc., a Nasdaq-listed provider of voice over Internet protocol, or VoIP, telephony products, and was Associate General Counsel for WorldGate Communications, Inc., a Nasdaq-listed provider of interactive television and personal video telephony products and services.
Mr. Day also serves as Special Counsel to Shepherd, Finkelman, Miller & Shah, LLP. SFMS is a results-driven law firm that is focused on delivering the highest level of service possible to clients around the world. As Special Counsel, Mr. Day provides a wide array of corporate legal services to SFMS clients, and is helping the firm grow its international corporate practice. In addition, Mr. Day can now bring the significant resources of SFMS, including litigation, employment, insurance and intellectual property legal expertise, as well as a nationwide footprint and global connections, to clients of Nick Day Law. For more information about SFMS, please visit sfmslaw.com.
Mr. Day began his career as a business attorney with the law firm of Saul Ewing, LLP, a 250 attorney law firm in Philadelphia, PA, where he practiced from September 1995 to August 2000. Mr. Day received his A.B. degree from Duke University and his J.D. degree, with honors, from Villanova University School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and California.
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