MEET THE VIRGINIA FILM OFFICE
Rita McClenny has been the director of the Virginia Film Office since 1991, and also serves as the Vice-President for Film and Operations for the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the state’s tourism agency. During her time with the Virginia Film Office, her leadership has helped to make it one of the most respected film offices in the country. Rita was born and raised on a farm in the Southampton County, in the eastern part of Virginia. She graduated from Fisk University and worked for Eastman Kodak and Lockheed Aeronautical Systems. When the opportunity arose for her to return home to Virginia and work at the Virginia Department of Economic Development. Rita enjoys athletic endeavors and excels at many sports including sporting clays and tennis. She is an accomplished horsewoman, who enjoys a game of polo whenever she can find the time. Rita is also committed to working on behalf of the community and has served on the Board of Directors of numerous community organizations including the Virginia Film Festival, Maymount Foundation, Byrd Theatre Foundation, Arts Council and HCA’s Chippenham Medical Center.
Mary Nelson graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee with a theater management degree, and spent the first part of her career working at theatres in Milwaukee, San Diego, Tucson, Denver and Richmond. No one was more surprised than she was when she left the theatre behind to work in the film world as part of the Virginia Film Office. As Communications Manager Mary manages the promotional and public relations aspects of the office, and is involved with film related organizations such as the Virginia Film Festival, the Virginia Production Alliance and the DC chapter of Women in Film and Video. She also has a longtime involvement with the Association of Film Commissioners International, and is currently president of the Association. She enjoys reading, travel and spending time with her husband and two sons.
Andy Edmunds started with the Virginia Film Office in 1997 after he realized that he was never going to hit it big as a rock and roll star. An accomplished musician, and dedicated father of three, Andy studied music at Virginia Commonwealth University and went on to perform with several bands, before moving on to work in various capacities in feature films shot in Virginia. As the Virginia Film Office Location Manager, Andy is responsible for assisting productions filming in the state with locations, crew, accommodations, and problem solving of all kinds. During his time with the Film Office, he has been involved with many films and television projects including The New World, The Contender and Steven Spielberg’s production of Lincoln. When not involved with production, Andy is actively involved in whatever his kids are involved with, and supports his wife with PoshTots, her online company that sells unique children’s furniture and accessories.
Kathryn Stephens started working for the Film Office as an intern her final year at Randolph-Macon College. It quickly became clear that she possessed a deep knowledge about film combined with a good eye for photography and she was asked to stay on temporarily to digitize the location library. While working part time at the Film office, she also freelanced on various feature films, television series and music videos. She soon become an indispensable member of the office and now assists clients and manages the location library as the Film Office’s Industry Relations Manager. She has a special passion for working with new and independent filmmakers and she is also the coordinator of the Film Office’s screenwriting competition, which provides an opportunity for Virginia writers have their work read and evaluated. She loves to read (comics, books, the back of soup cans), discuss obscure cult cinema or the latest video game release and plays the ukulele.
Mary Kathryn Severin is the Senior Marketing Assistant and is a proud native of Ashland, Virginia. She is the office expert on virtually everything and cheerfully answers questions, dispenses information, provides assistance and generally keeps things moving along smoothly and efficiently. Mary Kathryn first worked with the VFO in the late 1980’s and then left to pursue a career in music and the arts administration in Chicago, Wyoming, New Jersey and Virginia. She was working with the Virginia Opera when the opportunity came for her to return to the Film Office and she jumped at the chance. When not working or spending time with her husband and two beloved cats, she pursues her real passion of horseback riding. Hopelessly addicted, Mary Kathryn especially enjoys jumping and fox hunting. She has stated that, when she wins the Virginia Lottery, she will retire to a horse farm and spend her days galloping the rolling Virginia countryside.