Crew Bios
from Mating Dance
Get to know the filmmakers behind Mating Dance!
Cate Caplin
Director
Cate Caplin has produced, directed and choreographed over 200 productions and her work has been seen on television, in films, music videos, commercials and in theatrical venues world wide, including the Edinburgh Arts Festival, the Paris Opera House, the Hollywood Bowl, the White House, the Shanghai Sports Arena, and the Broadway Stage.
In addition to being an award winning director, producer and choreographer, Cate is a 34 times regional and international dance champion, a multiple Gold Medalist and a World Champion in Theatrical ShowDance with partner, Gary Franco. She is also a dance coach, and published writer. Her Production company, Night & Day Entertainment, cofounded by Vernon Willet, custom designs entertainment for corporate events, private parties and industrial trade shows.
Learn more on Cate's website and/or IMDB.
Eric MacIver
Director of Photography
Eric has worked as Director of Photography on a variety of projects including feature and short films, music videos and commercials. Most recently, he has worked on music videos for Ben Harper, Ima Robot, Mia Doi Todd, The Dodos and Nfa.
He looks forward to directing and shooting a slew of comedy sketch films and music videos in between two feature films scheduled over the next year.
Dave Casper
1st Assistant Director
Dave Casper majored in Acting/Directing and Psychology at Carl Albert State College in Oklahoma. After success in performing Stand-up Comedy in Texas, Dave moved to the Los Angeles area where he performed and produced his own Stand-up Comedy Shows. Then Casper made a quick leap into the entertainment industry alongside Casting Director mentor Sally Dennison, (“The Accused”, “Close Encounter’s of the 3rd Kind”,“Throw Mama from the Train”) taking on the challenging field as a Casting Director. This suited Casper very well as he had the experience of choosing and placing the right comedians in his shows in order to be more successful. Casper transcended these skills into Producing/Directing the number one Murder Mystery Comedy Show in Southern California,“The Gourmet Detective Murder Mystery Show”.
Casper’s determination in the entertainment field has kept him casting for over 8 years running, everything from theatre, short films, music videos, commercials, to full length feature films including Project GreenLight’s, “A Just Defense”. Casper is not only passionate about Casting, he uses his organizational and computer skills working as a 1st AD for several different styles of projects, such as ”Blood Deep”/Dead Horse Productions - Universal Films,“The Making of Epilogue”, and “The Calling” Music Videos. Combining all of Casper’s experience has led him into the realm of Producing, on projects such as, ”The Slaughter House Massacre”, “Good Sam”, and “Con Games.” Casper has just recently delved into the Directing field by directing television pilots, “The Eye... Of Dan...” and “Head Games.” Mr. Dave Casper is very passionate, with a persevering attribute to the entertainment industry, and approaches each and every project that comes his way with a positive, fun spirited attitude that in the long run creates a phenomenal result.
Randolph Scott
2nd Assistant Director
2nd Assistant Director Randolph began his career in the film industry back in 1990 after attending AFI, UCLA, Columbia-Hollywood, and the Hollywood Scriptwriting Institute. Since then he has been working in various positions throughout the entertainment industry including such facets as Directing, Producing, Writing, Composing, Assistant Directing, Acting, International Film Marketing and Sales, and providing Photography for various clients such as Design Magazine, Cyber-Scan Films, and Draculina Magazine.
Randolph currently lives in Los Angeles and continues to work both in front of and behind the camera in various freelance positions in commercial, music video, and feature film production. His most recent acting credit includes IRON MAN alongside Robert Downey Jr. as a multi-national insurgent soldier, and his most recent directing credit includes the alternative rock music video "Tonight" by THE ASPHALT which can be seen at: www.theasphalt.net
Vernon Willet
Art Dept.
Vernon is usually a Production Stage Manager for live theatrical stage productions, and is thrilled to work in the medium of film. His past productions at Laguna Playhouse have included Steve Martin's THE UNDERPANTS, BAD DATES, SONIA FLEW, A MARVELOUS PARTY, MASTER OF THE HOUSE and MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL.
Mr. Willet worked on both the Los Angeles and the Orange County premeires of Jonathan Larson’s TICK, TICK…BOOM! and the world premiere of PILGRIM at the Ricardo Montalban Theatre. He has helmed productions at many of the other theatres around the Los Angeles area, and has worked with the Oregon Ballet Theatre and the Marla Bingham Contemporary Ballet. He was also the Production Manager for the Musical Theatre Guild in Los Angeles for two seasons.
Ivy Thaide
Costume Design
Ivy Thaide has been designing and creating costumes and make-up for over 4 years now here in City of Lights. Originally from San Diego, Ivy relocated to pursue a career as Costume Designer and Make-up artist for the entertainment industry. Her work has been seen in "I Remember You!" starting Tony Danza, "Amadeus" at the Hollywood Bowl starring Michael York, Kimberely Williams Paisley and Neil Partick Harris, "Dark Reel" starring Eddie Furlong and Lance Henricksen, of course her costume designs will be seen in "Mating Dance" directed by Cate Caplin.
Her designs have also been seen in commercials, print and music videos. She always looking forward to new projects to challenge her and is currently working on "Sabotage" starring Gary Hudson and Lance Henricksen.
Keith Mitchell
Production Design
Keith is a California native and a graduate of U.S.C.’s School of Communication. He is also an Emmy Award winning art director; (’92 Barcelona Olympics Coverage on NBC), and works on a variety of commercial, television, film and theatre projects. Recent work includes the Main Titles for “You’re the One That I Want”, a web spoof for “Heroes” for NBC, and spots for E!’s Chelsea Handler comedy series.
Overview: Lilly Plants a Garden, The Very Persistent Gappers of Frip, Animal Logic for Taper/PLAY/CTG; The award winning production of Hedwig and The Angry Inch, at Celebration Theater; and 4 of Ken Roht’s 99 Cent Only Bargain Extravaganzas, for Orphean Circus. He is a founding member of Vox Box Arts Collective and has developed and directed 3 live performances.
He has just finished his second season as primary designer for Garry Marshall’s Falcon Theatre. Currently running is The Value of Names, with Jack Klugman and Dan Lauria. Past projects include. Wrong Turn at Lungfish, with Hector Elizondo, Golf With Alan Shepard, with Charles Durning, Johnnyboy, Darwin in Malibu, and Happy Days the Musical.
His background includes a stint as a studio manager for celebrity photographer and partner to the late John Shlesinger, Michael Childers, and art direction on over a dozen main titles, promos, and trailers including Jumanji, Endless Summer II and Brady Bunch the Movie, to name a few.
He is currently starting his 5th sold-out season as the Scenic Consultant for L.A. Philharmonic’s Summer Sounds, Music for Kids at the Hollywood Bowl.
Michael Popek
Best Boy Electric
Mike has been working in the field for the past 7 years, starting as a camera operator for ESPN in Bristol CT. He then attended film school at a small performing arts school called Desales University. While there he worked in the electrical field in both NYC and Philly. Soon after graduation he moved to Los Angeles and started directing. After directing several small music videos and commercials he directed his first feature film One Among Us.
Even though he pursues his directing he still holds to his roots in the electrical department, working as an electrician and best boy electric on music videos, commercials, TV shows and feature films. His credits in the field TV shows such as Charmed, Knights of Prosperity, and 24. His feature film credits include Bottoms Up and The Island.
Mike is also a member of IASTE local 728, the Studio Electrical and Lighting Technicians Union of Hollywood CA.
Tom Morash
Key Grip
Tom has several years of lighting experience for stage, television, and film. He began his career designing lights for over a dozen plays and dance shows in a range of theatrical settings including Ireland's Dublin Fringe Festival.
Tom has been in Los Angeles for the past two years working primarily as a Best Boy Electrician and Key Grip in television, film, commercials, and music videos. His television credits include TLC's Overhaulin', Fox's House, M.D., and the Discovery Channel's Motorcycle Mania III. He's worked on over two dozen feature films and short films and several music videos including most recently the Goo Goo Doll's newest single for the Transformers Soundrack.
It should be noted that Tom is not afraid to eat a bagel with cream cheese WHENEVER required (Bagel must be of the Cinnamon-Raisin variety).
Kate Wright
Script Supervisor
Kate has been script supervising for about twelve years. She has been working primarily in television on such shows as "What I Like About You," "Drake And Josh," "Suddenly Susan," "Nikki" and "Empty Nest" as well as multiple pilots. Kate has done various projects for the Sundance Filmmakers Lab and some short fims, most recently "Waiting for Yevette."
She was delighted to have the opportunity to work on "Mating Dance" with her good friend Cate Caplin.
Raul Hernandez
Camera Operator
Hernandez hales from EL Paso, Texas. Has worked for KDBC-CBS 4 as a camera operator for three years and then transferred to Univision 26. Hernandez graduated from the Los Angeles Film School in Cinematography.
Brayton Austin
Gaffer
A Native of Alaska, Brayton's childhood encouragement to pursue his creative outlets drove him to acquire formal instruction in photography and cinematography. After completing three years of college prep in architecture and drafting, Brayton was presented with the award for "Best Design of 2000" by the AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS. Brayton's formative years also include experience as Head Photographer and Photo Editor for his high school newspaper and yearbook.
After receiving professional teaching in Industrial Design and Illustration at the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit, MI, Brayton finally realized his desire to become a Cinematographer. Relocating to San Francisco, he was presented with further educational and employment opportunities to further his career and studies in Cinematography. In 2006 Brayton was awarded with a CLIO.
Moving to the Los Angeles area Brayton has been working as Director of Photography and Chief lighting technician for several feature films, music videos, and shorts.
In his free time Brayton enjoys Backpacking and camping.
Lee Caplin
Executive Producer
Lee Caplin is Founder and Chairman of Picture Entertainment Corporation, a motion picture, television and theatrical production company that Executive Produced the Sony-Columbia Pictures $115 million feature film “Ali,” starring Will Smith.
Executive Producer of the Literary Estate of Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner, Mr. Caplin is a leader in the multimedia and telecommunications industry for over 20 years. He is also a Founder and Director of Velocity Services, Inc., a marketing company for custom ISP services for such affinity clients as AFL-CIO, American Racing, NBA, NHL and NeoPets.
An attorney, entrepreneur, and educator, Mr. Caplin has published over 200 titles of illustrated educational and children's and books; his own book "The Business of Art," is an international Best Seller, and has become a bible in the field.
He was also honored as a Founding Faculty member of California State University’s high tech campus in Monterey in the establishment of its program in telecommunications, and participates on the International Advisory Board of the Monterey Institute for International Studies’ Center for Non-Proliferation.
Mr. Caplin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Duke University, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia Law School, where he was an editor of the Law Review.
Carl Colpaert
Executive Producer
Belgian born Carl Colpaert is veteran producer and director, who has participated in the creation and distribution of over thirty-five feature films. A graduate of the American Film Institute, Mr. Colpaert began his career working post-production with Robert Rehme, Co-Founder of New World Pictures, and the famed director Roger Corman.
He founded Cineville, LLC in 1990 with European industrialist Christoph Henkel, and went on to produce films that have won numerous awards at international competitions and received great critical acclaim. In 2003 Mr. Colpaert formed a strategic alliance with Lee Caplin and Picture Entertainment. As a team, they have financed several motion pictures, with many more currently in production.
Bill Civitella
Co-Producer
Bill Civitella, Chairman/CEO 24.7 Productions, brings over 35 years experience in music, film, multimedia, television, management and marketing.
Following a 15 year career as a professional drummer, Bill went on to build, own and operate Kingdom Sound Studios that was home to his production and publishing companies and the first successful major 24 track recording facility in Long Island, NY. Bill was directly responsible for the success of many major recording artists, such as Gloria Gaynor (“I Will Survive”), Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (“I Love Rock & Roll”), and Blue Oyster Cult (“Fire of Unknown Origin”).
After 10 years, Bill sold the facility and co-founded Persona Management, still one of the most highly respected boutique children’s talent management companies in New York City. Shortly after, Bill formed Persona Music Productions and along with music production partner, Zach Danziger continues to provide music, soundtracks and performances for many well know feature films including, "American Werewolf in London," "Analyze That", "Mr. & Mrs. Smith", "Dirty Deeds", "Ocean’s Eleven", "Ocean’s Twelve" and "Ocean’s Thirteen." In 2004, he co-founded Green Diamond Entertainment where he served as CEO through 2006. He produced, co-scored and was music supervisor for Green Diamond’s first feature film, "Dirty Deeds," a PG-13 Teen Comedy.
In 2007, Bill combined his experience and expertise under one roof and launched 24.7 Productions, a film, brand licensing, music, television and multimedia company. He built three state-of-the-art video finishing suites and a private boutique screening room.
Bill is a Consultant/Partner for Industry Concepts, a textile and garment manufacturing entity specializing in knit goods for Private Label clients, including American Eagle, American Apparel and Disney Vintage. Industry Concepts is also home to two major fashion labels: Primp, a specialty knit line and Born Uniqorn, a celebrity lifestyle brand.
David Troy Smith
Co-Producer
David Troy Smith, Vice President/Producer 24.7 Productions - Troy Smith’s experience producing digital media has spanned nearly two decades; David has worked in nearly every discipline of digital media creation.
His recent work involved pioneering the digital intermediate process using High Definition video in feature film post-production. As Visual Effects Producer/Supervisor for the feature film Forbidden Warrior he implemented these techniques. His animation experience encompasses an all-3D CGI stereoscopic motion ride, broadcast design and visual effects.
As Director of Photography, he has completed two all-digital features, many shorts, industrial videos and numerous commercials. He has produced/edited documentaries, corporate and instructional videos, animations and multimedia projects/installations for several Fortune 500 companies. Most recently, David produced a 15x1 hour reality series that helped individuals develop their yoga practices called Guru2Go for the Discovery Network. David recently directed the pilot Pazitivity, a reality show that follows the life of one of Los Angeles' high-profile personal trainers.
As the Creative Director at iXL, a broadband Internet design company, he oversaw the production and creative aspects for all broadcast graphics, broadband Internet sites and multimedia projects for Sekani, Net-36, HBO, Cisco Systems, Kenneth Cole and Sesame Street.
As Vice President and Creative Director at Channell Communications, David led the design, and production of video and large-scale Internet projects including the redesign of Merrill Lynch’s Internet presence.
In previous endeavors, David gained expertise producing for Cantor Fitzgerald, Standard and Poor's, Penton Media, The New York Knicks, Ziff Davis Interactive Week, and PC Magazine Extra. David completed the Visual Effects program at New York University and is Certified to teach Final Cut Pro, Discreet Products and Adobe After Effects.
Angela L. Jones
Producer
(No bio available.)
Michael Fischler
Producer
(No bio available.)
Adam Kagan
Post Sound and Mixing
Adam Kagan has been a producer, audio engineer, mixer and sound editor on hundreds of commercially released albums, films, television shows, video games and commercials. At least 6 albums have been nominated for Grammy Awards and many more for other awards, including American Music Awards, Dove Awards and MOBO Awards. Several albums he has produced or engineered have been achieved gold and platinum sales awards, including albums by BabyFace, K-Ci and JoJo, Heather Headley, Disney’s High School Musical II, Jessica Simpson, DMX, Gladys Knight and many more.
Alongside album work and artist development projects, Adam has worked on several films, both theatrical features and DVD releases as a re-recording mixer, sound editor and music supervisor. These films have been released by Universal, Warner and other distribution companies. In addition to film work, he has worked on television shows, including “Nick Cannon’s Star Camp” for Nickelodeon, “City Guys” for NBC TV and other projects for Fox Television and the BBC. In the field of video games, Adam was the mixer for the first video game with a surround sound music score, Microsoft’s XBOX title “Magic: The Gathering.” Commercial advertising clients that Adam has engineered for include Tombstone Pizza, Coca Cola, Ford, Kelloggs’, Nabisco, Canon, Taco Bell, and Lockheed, among many others.
Currently, Adam runs 2 Degrees Productions and 2 Degrees Studios in Burbank, Ca. There he continues engineering, producing and developing new artists and multimedia projects.
Emilio Kauderer
Composer
Latin-Grammy award winner Emilio Kauderer’s film credits include the score for “Conversations with God,” based on the book by Neale Donald Walsh and directed by Stephen Simon; “Culture Clash in Americca” directed by Emilio Estevez; “God by Momo,” directed by Leo Ricagni and “A Place in the World,” which received an Oscar Nomination for Best Foreign Film.
Emilio Kauderer is currently working on the latin feature film versions of House School Musical, produced by Disney. Also currently developing the staged musical in Buenos Aires of Bella y Bestia, a succesful TV Sitcom to open in June 2008. Just finishing the final touches for the NoTan Tango tour 2009. a contemporary produccion following the succesful path of the 2007 tour Tango Argentino, that visited 17 cities in the US with 67 presentations, produced by Columbia Entertainment.
Kauderer was granted recognition by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles for his contribution to Latin and film music and the Imagen Foundation as one of the 50 most influential Latinos in America.
In 2007, Emilio was the winner of the Martin Fierro (Argentina’s Oscar) and Premio Clarin (Argentina’s Golden Globe) awards for best soundtrack for “Vientos de Agua,” the thirteen-episode miniseries produced by Telecinco, Spain, 100 Bares and Pol-Ka Argentina, which was shown on HBO Latin in the US and elsewhere.
Kauderer wrote the music for Ricky Martin’s tour videos “Livin’ la Vida Loca” as well as the AT&T song for the Seoul Olympics performed by Jon Secada. Other producer-composer collaborations include artists such as Thalia, Lucero, Daniela Romo, Dominic Domingo, Bobby Rivas, and many others.
Emilio was a recipient of The Sundance Institute’s fellowship to the Composer’s Lab. He was honored to have been selected as the composer for the main exhibit of New York’s Jewish Heritage Museum.
One of Emilio’s TV credits was the main title song and additional music for Showtime’s “Dead Like Me” series (EMMY nominee 2004 for best score) in collaboration with Stewart Copeland (Police). Other television credits include “Life with Bonnie,” “Resurrection Boulevard” and “CSI Miami”.
His musical, "Paquito's Christmas," was performed at the Washington Opera and the Pasadena Civic Center in Los Angeles, and featured Placido Domingo’s grandson, Dominic.