Max Accurso is a native New Yorker who holds a B.B.A. from Villanova University and is currently pursuing an M.A. in psychology at New York University. Though new to the film industry, he draws on his academic background and interests to shape his approach to storytelling.

Kennedy Beckius is a writer and director with a fascination for storytelling in all forms. She believes movies are empathy machines and one of our most powerful tools for creating change. Kennedy first connected with MPI through the Hollywood Career Launch Program, where she interned at RPM Talent in 2025. She is now part of MPI’s Mentorship Program, learning under Oscar-nominated documentarian Elizabeth Mirzaei while continuing her work in development at an independent film studio.

Stefano Blasi Vargas began his filmmaking career in Venezuela, where he studied at the Universidad Audiovisual de Venezuela and interned at VepacoTV, writing and directing a documentary for the series Planeta Alternativo that aired nationally. During his studies, he also directed the short films Prohibido Fumar and Estática. After the university and television station were seized by the Venezuelan government, he immigrated to the United States. He has since written and directed Ladron and Dominos and is currently based in Los Angeles, where he is developing feature films.

David Cardali is an actor, writer, director, and producer from New York. He creates timeless films with cross-cultural appeal that convey messages of love, gratitude, peace, joy, and other uplifting themes.

Adam Choit is a Los Angeles-based filmmaker, screenwriter, and livestream host whose career spans film, television, podcasts, live commerce, and digital media. His short film The Edited has accumulated more than 50,000 online views following a successful festival run, and his documentary Where’s My Crosswalk? contributed to real-world safety improvements at a dangerous Los Angeles intersection. He also produces and hosts The Inspired Vibes Lounge and The Unofficial Tedeschi Trucks Podcast. Adam previously participated in MPI’s Producer’s Playbook Seminar, attended the Produced By Conference through MPI, and remains active in the MPI community through screenings, seminars, and networking events. Adam is passionate about creating high-concept, character-driven stories that explore freedom, moral responsibility, and human dignity through entertaining stories with heart.

Conor Geary is an award-winning filmmaker with experience in writing and directing. He has received multiple awards for his film Help Wanted and has worked on award-winning productions including Bedtime Story and Charlie Moon Landing. Beyond filmmaking, he is the published author of several books for readers ranging from early childhood to adulthood.

Alan Hewitt is a writer, director, and producer based in Los Angeles. He currently produces short-form serial content for Family Theater Productions in Hollywood and has directed multiple short films and award-winning digital series. His production experience includes feature films and television, beginning with Marvel’s Wonder Man for Disney+. He first connected with MPI while volunteering at the 20th Anniversary MPI Gala in 2025, where he became involved with the MPI community.

Chris McElroy is an editor and producer at Rumur Inc., where he was first placed as an MPI intern in 2016. Since then, he has edited and produced a range of sports documentary projects, including ESPN’s 30 for 30: True Character and the five-part miniseries Bananaland, which chronicles the Savannah Bananas’ first touring season. He is currently producing a feature-length documentary about the Banana Ball Champions League.

Jon Schafer is a filmmaker passionate about crafting immersive worlds that leave audiences with a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. He studied graphic design at Oregon State University before earning a degree in film and television production from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. Jon is now director of development at Tower Way, where he develops and produces scripted and unscripted film and television projects. Most recently, he co-produced The Ascent, which premiered in competition at SXSW and won the Audience Award. Through MPI’s programs, Jon has sharpened his filmmaking skills and built lasting relationships within the MPI community. His participation includes the cinematography workshop, Theory and Fundamentals Workshops, the Short Film Lab, the Producer’s Playbook, and the Mentorship Program.