2026 Panels & Speakers TBA February
Speakers & Panels
Saturday April 18, 2026
11:00 AM
Panels Hall
Moderator
Javi Perez
BUILDING TEXAS' PRODUCTION PIPELINE: Revving Up For A Booming Creative Industry
San Antonio has the potential to emerge as a major hub for streaming, television, film, music, and digital media production—and as demand for skilled, career-ready talent grows, that momentum will accelerate rapidly. This panel brings together department heads from leading San Antonio educational institutions to discuss how local education, industry partnerships, and workforce development are aligning to meet the needs of a rapidly growing creative economy.
Panelists will explore how students and emerging professionals can prepare for real-world production careers, how institutions are adapting curriculum to match industry demand, and what it will take to make San Antonio competitive as productions scale statewide. The conversation will focus on building a sustainable talent pipeline that fuels opportunity, innovation, and long-term growth across the creative industries.
PANELISTS​​
James Borrego
Guillermina Zabala Suarez
Will Underwood
San Antonio College
UTSA
St. Marys Hall
BIOS
James Borrego
James A. Borrego began his artistic career in high school theater before serving in the U.S. Air Force. After his military service, he pursued music and filmmaking, studying Radio, Television, Film, and Music at San Antonio College. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Radio, Television, and Film from the University of Texas at Austin in 1993, where he wrote, produced, and directed the short film Sueños de Simon.
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Borrego has worked extensively as a Producer/Director, Director of Photography, and Assistant Director. His film credits include Flat Time, Las Tesoros de San Antonio, Lowrider Weekend, Evenhand, Selena, Why Do Fools Fall in Love, All the Pretty Horses, Miss Congeniality, Foto Novelas, and Come and Take It Day.
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A musician as well, Borrego is a drummer and co-founder of Los Muertos, Conjunto Borrego, and El Even. He later expanded his musical skills to bass and keyboards and served as Music Director for When El Cucui Walks at the Guadalupe Theatre. His work in music led to acting roles in television and film, including Heaven Help Us, Lone Star (dir. John Sayles), and Selena (dir. Gregory Nava), as well as stage performances in Latins Anonymous. He also wrote the multimedia play Latino Odyssey, performed at Jump-Start Theatre.
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In 2016, Borrego earned a Master’s degree in Education with a focus on Instructional Technology and Digital Storytelling from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He currently serves as Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for Radio, Television, and Film at San Antonio College, and as General Manager of KSYM Radio and TVSA Education. Prior to this, he was a Senior Video Producer at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Guillermina Zabala Suarez
Guillermina Zabala Suárez is a Professor of Practice and Assistant Director of UT San Antonio’s Film and Media Studies. Zabala Suárez is an award-winning filmmaker and media artist whose art examines the intersection between the individual and their environment. Her films and artworks have been exhibited in museums and film festivals nationally and internationally, including the McNay, The Contemporary, Telluride, Torino Film Festival, and Showtime Latino Showcase. Her research focuses on the social impact of digital media, in particular documentary movements and the conversations on transnational cinema and visual culture.
Will Underwood
Will Underwood is an award‑winning independent filmmaker and the Director of Video Production at Saint Mary’s Hall, where he has taught multi‑level cinema courses since 2009. His students’ work has earned top honors at major festivals and competitions, including Best Student Films at SXSW (3), Tribeca, SIFF, NFFTY, All American (4), and SAFILM (4), as well as the 2018 TAPPS State Championship for Film, multiple Scholastic Art & Writing Regional Gold Keys, 7 National Gold Medals, and 2 American Visions Medals.
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With more than 27 years of professional production experience, Underwood has directed and produced numerous award‑winning projects through his company, Soap Boxx Media. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Film & Digital Video at Northwest Vista College. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas at Austin.
1:00 PM
Panels Hall
Moderator
Javi Perez
PRODUCING VERTICAL: The Micro-Drama Gold Rush Is Here
A forward-looking panel on vertical content and micro-drama production—why platforms are investing heavily, how short-form vertical storytelling is creating new opportunities, and how filmmakers can pivot quickly into this booming market.
Key Topics:
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What defines micro-drama & vertical storytelling
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Budgets, schedules, and fast production models
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Platforms, algorithms, and monetization
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Why vertical content is attracting serious capital
PANELIST​​
via ZOOM
Guy Chachkes
ReelArc.com
BIO
Guy Chachkes
Guy is a seasoned producer and entrepreneur with over a decade in the entertainment industry, spanning film, television, branded content, and digital media. With more than 15,000 scenes produced across countless projects, he brings a rare depth of hands-on production experience to everything he does. He is the founder of Reelarc, a bi-coastal production company with studios in Brooklyn Navy Yard and Los Angeles. His most recent feature film, the comedy What Now starring Eliza Coupe and Rhys Darby, earned coverage in the Hollywood Reporter and Business Insider. He also founded and exited Moodcaster, a casting technology platform.
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A leading voice in the microdrama and vertical series format, his most recent venture, Vertical Series Launch (VSL), helps creators and businesses develop, produce, and distribute vertical micro-drama series.
Based in New York, Guy operates at the intersection of traditional production and the fast-growing vertical content space.
3:00 PM
Panels Hall
Moderator
Javi Perez
THE POWER OF INFLUENCE: Building An Audience In The Digital Age
Do you ever wonder what it takes to become an influencer? This panel explores how today’s influencers and creatives grow, engage, and sustain their audiences in an increasingly competitive digital landscape. Panelists will examine strategies for creating compelling content that captures attention, fosters engagement, and converts followers into loyal communities.
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The discussion will highlight the importance of building an authentic personal brand, balancing consistency with the pursuit of viral growth, and identifying sustainable approaches to content creation. Speakers will also address practical pathways for monetization, including partnerships and emerging opportunities, while sharing insights on maintaining creativity and avoiding burnout.
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Designed for filmmakers, artists, and creatives, this session offers valuable perspectives on audience-building and adapting storytelling practices for today’s evolving media environment.
PANELISTS
Jason Longoria
Tyrone Norman
PhillipHodge
Sara Lucy
BIOS
Jason Longoria
Jason Longoria, the creator behind @bootlegfoodreview, is a San Antonio-based food and travel content creator known for his energetic, unfiltered approach to storytelling. Born and raised on the South Side of San Antonio, his roots play a major role in shaping his perspective and passion for spotlighting authentic local eats. Through short-form video and engaging social content, he highlights everything from hidden gems to viral menu drops across Texas.
His style blends humor, personality, and honest reviews that resonate with a wide audience. Jason has built a loyal following by keeping his content relatable and entertaining. His work bridges food culture with digital storytelling in a way that feels both modern and personal. At the heart of it all, he aims to celebrate community through food
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@bootlegfoodreview
Tyrone Norman
Tyron Norman Is a rising force in the world of entertainment. He has a powerful presence as an actor, model, and influencer. Known for his authenticity & charisma. Tyrone’s talents have landed him roles on screen, runways and the music scene.
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Tyrone continues to turn heads with his bold, signature style. In the film industry, he’s starred in several powerful productions, including Mommy’s Perfect Match, Divided Loyalty, Violent Premonitions, SAM Series and the American Coyote.
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As a music artist, Tyrone brings motivation and meaning through his rap tracks, now streaming on al major platforms. His songs like “Go Hit the Gym Up”, “Sweat”, ”Win Win Win” and “Put Them Guns Down” promote self-discipline, physical health, and community change.
With a strong and growing following across social media, Tyrone is more than an entertainer. He’s a movement.
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@biglocked.s.loaded
Sara Lucy
Sara Lucy is the Creator of Street News SA, one of the largest and most active Facebook groups in North America with 156,000 members. She is a Poet, Performer, and Advocate for healing through connection. Through her nonprofit and thrift store, Street Peace, she helps neighbors access food and resources. She also loves the arts—modeling, acting, writing, dancing, singing, and using social media to express herself and help others heal. Her work bridges community, culture, and the power of showing up.
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@saint_aras
Philip Hodge
Thuggizzle (Phillip Hodge) is a San Antonio–based artist, entrepreneur, filmmaker, and community leader known for using media, music, and storytelling to inspire youth and families. With over 1 million subscribers on YouTube, he has built a powerful digital presence that blends entertainment with education, making him a recognized voice in children’s media and independent content creation.
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He is the founder of Thuggizzle Reads To Kids, a literacy-driven multimedia platform that produces educational videos, read-alongs, music, and original programming designed to encourage early childhood learning and family engagement. His work has helped expand access to literacy resources while promoting creativity and confidence among young audiences.
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In addition to his work in education and digital media, Thuggizzle is an accomplished recording artist and visual storyteller whose projects include music videos, live performances, documentary-style content, and youth-focused productions. His passion for storytelling extends into filmmaking and content development, where he explores innovative ways to use film and music as tools for impact and empowerment.
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Beyond entertainment, Thuggizzle is deeply committed to community outreach through his nonprofit Thuggizzle Cares Inc., which supports literacy initiatives, youth programs, and community engagement across San Antonio.
As a panelist at the Fiesta SATX Film & Music Festival, Thuggizzle brings real-world insight into building independent media brands, growing audiences through digital platforms, and using film and storytelling to create meaningful social impact.
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@thuggizzle
5:00 PM
Panels Hall
Moderator
Javi Perez
THE COST OF CREATION: Financing Your Film From Script to Screen
A practical, real-world breakdown of budgeting a project from concept through release—covering development, production, post, marketing, PR, and distribution so creators don’t run out of money before audiences ever see their work.
Key Topics Include:
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Development vs production vs marketing budgets
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Crowdfunding, grants, and private investment
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Marketing costs filmmakers forget to plan for
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ROI, recoupment, and realistic expectations
PANELIST
Rob Mabry
BIO
Rob Mabry
Rob is the Founder and Principal Engineer of ReelIndy, an all-in-one film production suite built to streamline filmmaking from development to post-production. A filmmaker and technologist, he bridges practical production experience with deep technical expertise, helping independent creators manage their projects with clarity, precision, and confidence.
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Rob released his first feature film, The Legend of El Chupacabra (2023), on DVD/Blu-Ray and streaming platforms including Amazon, Tubi, and Apple TV. In 2024, his short film Spare Me won Best Film at the Austin 48-Hour Film Project. With more than 20 short films screened at festivals across the country, Rob brings a seasoned, real-world perspective to every production.
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At the Fiesta SATX Film Festival, Rob will share actionable insights on building accurate budgets, leveraging smart forecasting tools, and avoiding the financial missteps that can derail independent films before they ever reach the screen.
Sunday April 19, 2026
1:00 PM
Panels Hall
Moderator
Christian Schmidt
THE DIRECTORS LENS: How One Script Becomes Three Films
What happens when three directors start with the exact same script—but end with completely different films? This panel explores the power of directorial vision and how interpretation shapes everything from tone and pacing to performance and visual style. Through this creative experiment, audiences will discover how storytelling evolves in the hands of different filmmakers—and how a single narrative can transform into three entirely unique cinematic experiences.
PANELISTS
Teresa Garza
Jason Ramirez
Other Participating Directors: Tracy James, Aaron Coleman
Aaron Coleman
Tracy James
Teresa Garza
BIOS
Teresa is a filmmaker, writer, and journalist whose journey began in Monterrey, Mexico, and continues in the United States. With a background in journalism and over 20 years in media, she transitioned from reporting to directing, her lifelong passion. Her work highlights social issues and amplifies women’s voices.
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Her short Easy Prey explored empowerment and gender-based violence, while La Cuenta Pendiente examined economic inequality through a telenovela-inspired lens. With Before They Forget, Teresa ventures into science fiction, crafting a dystopian drama about memory, separation, and resilience.
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Her bicultural perspective shapes a cinematic voice rooted in truth and advocacy for women. She is committed to creating films that are visually minimal yet emotionally powerful, designed to spark dialogue long after the credits roll.
Jason Ramirez
Jason is a Mechanical Engineering student turned Producer/Editor through the trials and tribulations of a higher education. Has a decade of experience with various film production organization software, an exceptional Camera Operator, and Editor
Tracy James
Tracy is an accomplished actress, director, musician, published children’s author, award-winning screenwriter, and playwright with over 35 years of experience. She holds a BA in Theater, studied for years in New York, and recently earned a certificate in Television and Screenwriting from NYU’s School of Professional Studies. She is currently pursuing a certificate in film directing with Sundance’s Collab.
In addition to teaching at Choate Rosemary Hall in the Theater Arts Institute program during the summer and academic year, she teaches acting for ballet dancers and serves as the stage manager for the Connecticut Classics Ballet competition, Woodbury Ballet Company (CT), and Ballet Hartford (CT). She appears in episodes of the Netflix Marvel series Daredevil, Iron Fist, and Luke Cage, as well as other television shows. Her last play, Forty Shades of Green Tour, premiered in Ireland and was a huge success at the 2019 Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.
She is currently a contender for an award at the Liverpool Indie Awards 2026 for her screenplay Eire We Go, which is based on her play Forty Shades of Green Tour, and recently won Best American Screenplay at the Berlin International Screenplay Festival 2025 and Best Comedy Feature Screenplay at the Georgia Comedy Film Festival 2024. She is also a finalist in several other festivals for the same screenplay. Recently, she decided to produce her film Eire We Go and started her own company, Zuludog Films. She is currently in the funding stage of her production. In music, she has released multiple CDs, and her music is available on Spotify and other streaming platforms. For more information, visit www.tracyjamesmultiartist.com and follow her on Instagram @trayjay8.
Aaron Coleman
Aaron is a dynamic creative force — actor, writer, television host, artist, and unabashed comic book enthusiast who still gets giddy over anything superhero-related.
Born in Brooklyn and raised in Cambria Heights, Queens, Aaron honed his artistic vision studying Cartooning at the High School of Art and Design before earning his B.F.A. in Cartooning and Illustration from the School of Visual Arts. There, he had the extraordinary honor of studying under legendary comic book artist Will Eisner — an experience that ignited not only his passion for visual storytelling, but his love for acting and screenwriting as well.
That passion has since translated into undeniable recognition. Aaron’s scripts have earned a “Second-Round” placement at the 2025 Austin Film Festival, a “Quarter- Finalist” nod from the BlueCat Screenplay Competition, and a “Finalist” distinction in the From the Heart Productions Film Grant competition.
His versatility shines across television, film, national commercials, and stage, where he has brought countless characters to life alongside legends such as Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, Richard Jenkins, Regina King, Ed Begley Jr., Jane Lynch, Katey Sagal, Reba McEntire, Melissa Peterman, Kate Flannery, Patricia Heaton, Ana Gasteyer, Evan Peters, Kyle Chandler, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and the list goes on.
He has also shared his sharp perspective as a television critic, writing reviews for The Gifted and Black Lightning on Whedonopolis (now Den of Geek), and connecting with audiences as a recurring guest critic on TV Campfire.
Although he will continue acting, Aaron is widening his creative net to include directing. Aaron first studied directing at UCLA Director’s Intensive and most recently studied directing at the Sundance Collab Director’s Core Element Course. He plans to continue pursuing more directing projects.
Beyond the spotlight, Aaron’s heart for service runs deep. He dedicates time to various charitable causes and has traveled internationally doing missionary work, always seeking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
3:00 PM
Panels Room
Moderator
Christian Schmidt
THE SOUND OF CINEMA: Music’s Role in Storytelling, Branding & Revenue
Explores scoring, soundtracks, licensing, and how musicians and composers can monetize their work through film, TV, and streaming projects.
PANELISTS
Jorge Palomo
Joseph de la O
BIOS
Jorge Palomo
Jorge is a San Antonio-based composer, musician, and visual storyteller whose work lives at the intersection of music and film. With over 25 years in the music industry, he has performed as a bassist with artists around the world and continues to produce and collaborate with local talent in San Antonio.
As a composer, Jorge has scored eight short films, approaching each project as an extension of the story itself—focusing on emotion, atmosphere, and the subtle details that shape a scene. His background as a performing musician informs a style that is both intuitive and deeply rooted in rhythm and tone.
He studied at Berklee College of Music and the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he developed a creative foundation that continues to guide his work today.
Joseph De La O
Joseph “Rose” is a filmmaker, sound designer, and multi instrumentalist based in San Antonio, TX. They attended the University of North Texas where they studied music composition and was active in the Short Film Club. De La O spent some time in Los Angeles, California where they contributed their skills to Halfway Famous Productions and Weekend Pictures. Their biggest musical influences are Ennio Morricone, Gustavo Santaolalla, and Johann Johannson. Filmmaker influences include: Satoshi Kon, Martin Scorsese, and Vince Gilligan.
Michelle Chel
Champion of Tejano Music and Cultural Arts
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Michelle, a talented and ambitious artist from Corpus Christi, Texas, began her journey in the arts at just three years old through dance. By age 12, she had earned scholarships to study in New York and Mexico City, training with esteemed mentors like Oscar-winning actress Regina Torne and vocal coach Maria Guzman. At 13, she launched her music career with the single “Junto A Tí”, followed by her debut album “Don’t Stop The Music.”
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At 15, Michelle signed with RCA Records, propelling her international music career, and later inked a global deal with CBS Records. By 17, she had become one of the youngest Hispanic women to sign a worldwide recording contract. Her hit album “Algo Para Recordar” brought her international fame, leading to global tours and appearances on major Spanish-language TV shows like “Sabado Gigante” and “Siempre En Domingo.”
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After years of success, Michelle took a break to focus on community outreach, working with various nonprofits. She returned in 2002 with the albums “Amor Perfecto” and “Luz De Mi Vida,” showcasing her growth as a songwriter and producer.