TEAM
BRIAN PAPWORTH
Brian Papworth is the Senior Advisor for Strategic Initiatives at the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, where he helps shape policy to support the city’s creative sector. With over 30 years in film and television, he brings deep industry insight to his work in government. He founded NY Film Works to improve collaboration between filmmakers and City Hall, streamlining production in NYC. A member of both the DGA and PGA, Brian has served on key guild committees and remains a passionate advocate for policies that strengthen and sustain film production at the local, state, and national level. His efforts continue to bridge the gap between creatives and policymakers.
Executive Director
RUDY CALLEGARI
Founder
Rudy Callegari is a seasoned media entrepreneur and former producer with over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production. He began his career in New York and founded Bright Pictures, producing content across various platforms. In 2006, Rudy co-founded Edge Auto Rental, now a leading provider of production vehicle rentals in NYC. He also co-founded Emerald Green Trailers, offering eco-friendly mobile solutions to the entertainment industry. In 2021, he launched the Production Initiatives Association (PIA), which lobbies for film tax incentives in New York. Rudy is known for his innovation, leadership, and industry advocacy.
Board Members
Interim
ANDREW STERN
Andrew Stern is the Founder and CEO of Be Electric Studios, a leading NYC-based production hub launched in 2014. Powered by 100% renewable energy, the studio is committed to sustainable practices, including planting five trees for every shoot or rental. Be Electric offers Level 2 Qualified soundstages, a full-service equipment house, and cutting-edge virtual production with two LED volumes specializing in in-camera VFX. Andrew also serves as Co-President of the Production Initiatives Association (PIA), which helped expand New York’s film tax credit in 2023. PIA continues to lead advocacy efforts in 2025, advancing policies to support long-term industry growth and job creation.
Be Electric Studios - Founder
BEN PATEL
B.I. Production Works - Founder
Ben Patel is the founder of B.I. Production Works. He is also the co-founder of Emerald Green Trailers and GreenLite Trailers.
GANNON MURPHY
Gannon, a veteran of the entertainment industry since 1996, leads Cinelease Studios with a focus on strategic growth and innovation in studio and lighting services. His advocacy has helped shape film tax incentive policy in Georgia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. As Board Chair of the Georgia Screen Entertainment Coalition and President of the Screen Alliance of New Jersey, he’s lobbied for legislation driving investment and job creation. Gannon also serves on several trade association boards and promotes industry safety through the Safety for Sarah Film Foundation. His community work includes leadership with the Alzheimer’s Association and record-breaking fundraising at the 2023 Atlanta Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Cinelease Studios
Ambassadors
ADAM BRIGHTMAN
Adam Brightman is a producer, line producer, and production manager with over 35 years of experience in film and television. His feature credits include Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, Two Family House (Sundance Audience Award), On_Line (Sundance 2002), and I Think I Love My Wife. Other credits include Leave the World Behind, Basquiat, The Dark Tower, and You Don’t Mess With the Zohan. In television, he’s worked on Dexter: New Blood, Power, Pan Am, and Escape at Dannemora. Adam has also produced commercials, music videos, and branded content for major clients. He serves on the boards of the Adrienne Shelley Foundation and the Production Initiatives Association, and is a member of the DGA.
Producer
JOE WHITE
Joseph White is a producer and visionary with over two decades of senior-level experience at the intersection of storytelling and technology. A member of both the Producers and Directors Guilds, he is committed to building a sustainable industry. In 2021, he founded CarStage, a virtual production studio in NYC that completed 65 projects in two years and was recognized by Epic Games and Sony as the world’s most consistently active VP stage. Previously VP of Original Programming at Marvel Television, he produced Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and The Punisher. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Joseph began his career under Francis Ford Coppola and has produced for 40 Acres and a Mule, ILM, Disney, Netflix, and HBO.
CarStage