LORI RUSSELL As the Film Office locations manager, Lori supports filmmakers with a broad range of location needs throughout Virginia, maintains the office’s location library and coordinates the internship program. She joined the team after ten years as a Key Assistant Location Manager and Scout for the film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. She has worked on many projects including Rush Hour 3, Taken 3, Interstellar, Westworld and Loving. As a Virginia native and George Mason University graduate, she was excited to return home and start a new chapter here in the Commonwealth. During free time, you can find her with her toes in the sand at the beach, stand-up paddle boarding, enjoying time with friends at new restaurants, watching the Pittsburgh Steelers and adventuring around the world with camera in hand.
JASON PRIEST is vice president and producer for Virginia Commonwealth Corporation. Starting as producer in 2005, he built his book of business by connecting to and explaining a complicated industry to the everyday business owner. Growing up in Short Pump, Jason enjoyed learning about and becoming familiar with local business owners in his community. From there, his passion grew for his community and the local businesses that populate the Central Virginia area. Jason often states, “What better way to connect with business owners in the community than being their insurance agent?” Jason earned his Bachelor of Science with emphasis in Business from Ferrum College and his Associate in Insurance Production through Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia. Jason enjoys being active in his community, spending time with his family, going on outdoor adventures, and most importantly, people!
LISA GILES is the producer of the Richmond 48 Hour Film Project, an international filmmaking competition that takes place in over 130 cities around the world. Giles has been a juror for numerous film festivals including Lunenburg Doc Fest (Nova Scotia), HP 48Hours (New Zealand), First Glance Film Festival (CA), Red Rock Film Festival (UT) and the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival (NM). She has been an acting coach and has also produced commercials that have aired in the Richmond market. She serves on the VPA Board of Trustees and is the founder and former producer of the Virginia High School League Film Festival, Virginia’s state championship in film.
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Whether stopping by to check it out, or seriously considering membership, we encourage you to come to this event, or at least follow the VPA Richmond District on Facebook [www.facebook.com/pg/VPARichmond] to join the conversation.