Laura is a director, writer and producer, and the Founder of Freewoods Films. She began her career about fourteen years ago in Philadelphia, acting, directing and choreographing for the stage while she was studying theatre and psychology at Temple University. Upon graduation, she quickly moved to onscreen work in film and television. While preparing for a career behind the camera, she continued to write while building and running three health and wellness companies. Since moving to New York, she has worked on studio film and television sets throughout the city, as well as for independent film and new media. She was most influenced creatively by her grandfather. It was being raised on his vivid stories about romance, heartache, adversity and joy while coming of age in post-Depression Philadelphia that developed her love for storytelling.  She learned how to develop a character while growing up working for her mother's children's entertainment company and her ear and love for music from her father, a retired classic rock guitarist. Laura combines this lifelong education in story structure, character, and music with her business experience to create a production company that produces unique and meaningful narratives.

Matt is a television producer and director and Emmy award winner. His career has been primarily focused in sports broadcasting, most notably spending seven years at ESPN where he won the Sports Emmy in Technical Achievement for his work on the innovative Virtual Playbook/Augmented Reality feature on NFL Sunday Countdown. He then moved to the NHL Network, producing and/or directing NHL Tonight and producing the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Stanley Cup, NHL Draft, NHL All Star Games, and NHL Outdoor Games. He received his B.A. in Broadcasting, Telecommunications, and Mass Media from Temple University in Philadelphia. He brings an indispensable and extensive knowledge of production to Freewoods Films to help construct evocative work.

J. Ashlee, also known as J Ash, is a dedicated talent with a great eye and ability to organize and convey images into stories. In her quest as an aspiring director, she has started from the ground up in production working as a PA on several TV sets, such as The Chew, as well as a few features. Outside of her work with Freewoods Films, she often works as an AC and DP in the camera department of principal productions. Her ultimate aspiration is to be a showrunner and direct feature films on hiatus. 

Click here for her website

Andrew is a self-taught shooter who has an innate talent and eye for framing a scene. He first entered the industry as an actor, but soon became enraptured by behind the scenes production. Then he bought his first camera and never looked back. His ultimate goal is to own his own studio and direct his passion project that he has been writing for the past couple years. Outside of Freewoods Films projects, he is currently working on a web series called "Just My Racial Type" an interracial romantic comedy he co-created, co-wrote, and is co-producing. YouTube

Storyboard Artist for Five Under Five

Gina is an illustrator, storyteller and comic artist. Her love for drawing & creating writing started from a very young age and has been the reason for her return to her childhood dream. Gina's art experiences include film production, games and literature.

Kalif Troy hails from Philadelphia, PA with a B.A. in Communications & Theater from Temple University. During his time at Temple he honed his craft of acting and performance poetry. He recently returned to Philly from living in Minneapolis, MN for 7 1/2 years, where he had a successful acting career. He received rave reviews for his role as Jefferson in the play A Lesson before Dying and has worked with regional theatres: Penumbra, Mixed Blood, and History Theater, in addition to touring the country performing plays about sexual assault, substance abuse and inclusion. In addition to his theatrical credits, he has done voice-over, print, commercial, TV, and indie film work. He aspires to continue his career in film and TV and is committed to showing positive black male images. He's proud of his time in MN because it helped him grow as an actor, artist and progressive man. He can also champion any weather as he's been in temps as cold as -50 degrees Fahrenheit. Kalif is the father of a very precocious 4 1/2 year old, Aliyah Isis, who entertains and challenges him on a regular basis. Kalif is excited to use his gift for marketing and connecting people in his role as Social Media Coordinator with Freewoods Films. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram "@Only1KalifTroy" and to "like" his actor page on Facebook - Kalif Troy. You can also YouTube Kalif Troy for other work not mentioned here.