The 2024 Program is closed.
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A part of HUDSY's mission is to uplift filmmakers within the Hudson Valley region. We offer both the expertise and avenues for locals aged 18 to 100 (yes, you read that right, even centenarians!) to hone their storytelling craft and break into the film industry. Through our paid Apprenticeship Program, we seek out aspiring filmmakers who exhibit passion and determination, willing to devote themselves to a six-month, part-time journey toward advancing their careers.
We are grateful for support for our Apprentice Program from the Ulster County Community Grants Fund of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley and Ulster Savings Charitable Foundation!
Skylar Lyn Dansereau
Assistant Director • Writer
Director
Skylar Lyn Dansereau is a dynamic Assistant Director/Camera Operator from the Hudson Valley. A proud graduate from Bard College with a Bachelor's in Film, Skylar has since gone on to work on various short films, a TV show pilot, two documentaries, and even her 35-minute film demo, 'Lady.' Skylar's flexibility and noticeable enthusiasm for film have allowed her to work in many different areas in the field. Still, her continued passion for the visuals shines when behind the camera. From the earliest days of her youth, Skylar harbored a dream – to inspire others through her cinematic creations, igniting in them the same passion and drive she has carried since immersing herself in the magic of films.
Marie-Therese Ghunney
Writer • Assistant Director
Editor
Marie-Therese Ghunney (she/her) has always had a deep passion for television, film, documentary work, and the many other ways you can tell stories with media. She is continuously exploring the ways she can bring stories from the world around her to life —woven with themes of identity, childhood, joy, family history, home, and love. The projects Marie-Therese has taken on work to uplift voices that may not often be heard. Originally from Jamaica, NY, she found herself settled in the Hudson Valley after graduating from the State University of New York at New Paltz with a B.A. in Digital Media Production in May of 2021. When not creating media, Marie-Therese is crocheting, browsing antique shops, embroidering, or rewatching her favorite movies.
Stephen Jeong
Cinematographer • Camera Operator
Hi! I'm Stephen, a visual creator with a passion for storytelling. I am an aspiring cinematographer, and during my time in delving into the profession, I have come to create many different forms of media such as short films, documentaries, directing tv shows, music videos, as well as dipping into the realm of photography. What I have found out throughout this ongoing journey is that no matter with who or where we are, there is always a story waiting to be told to the world.
Pharaoh
Writer • Producer
Pharaoh (They/Them) is a multifaceted artist whose works strike to put BIPOC culture at the forefront of narrative storytelling. With filmmaking as their primary medium, Pharaoh has lent themselves to projects as a creative director, cinematography and editor. They hold a certification in Video Production and Editing from THE NEW SCHOOL CENTER FOR MEDIA, a technical trade school in Colonie, New York, and was an intern turned alumnus at YOUTHFX, a non profit organization in designed to teach youth of color from underserved communities the technical and creative aspects of filmmaking. Outside of filmmaking, Pharaoh can be found with quad skates and a mouth guard at roller derby practice, raiding the shelves at antique stores, making music on their tiny iPhone or snuggling with their cat, Marvin
Alec Simmons
Writer • Director • Editor
Alec Simmons is a filmmaker, occasional musician, and enthusiastic cook in the mid-Hudson valley. Alec is committed to crafting socially substantive films while firmly situating them in the surreal and the weird. Since age eight, he’s been honing his experience in directing, cinematography, editing, visual effects, and sound design. Born and raised in Ithaca, NY, Alec is on the staff of local documentary company PhotoSynthesis Productions, where he has worked as a motion graphics designer for the past decade. His work also extends to freelance videography and post-production for both local and distant clients. But his deepest love is for making independent films, where he applies his technical and soft skills to every step of the process, start to finish. Alec’s independent work marries the humorous and improbable with deep earnestness and curiosity, in universes ablaze with vivid colors. His projects have taken him to obscure locations, learning opportunities, and film festivals all across upstate NY. In 2022, Alec graduated from Bard College with a BA in Film & Electronic Arts. Alec is living on Munsee Lenape, Mohican, and Schaghticoke lands in what is currently called Kingston, NY.
Frank Theodore
Writer • Director • Editor
Frank Theodore is a passionate filmmaker and storyteller currently based in the Hudson Valley. Though his background lies in photography, where he has spent years honing his visual skills while helping local businesses elevate their online presence, his true calling lies in directing and writing. A self-taught filmmaker, Frank has already directed two short films, demonstrating a strong narrative voice and a knack for captivating audiences. With multiple feature film scripts in development, he is actively pursuing opportunities to bring his visions to life. Driven by a belief in the power of local storytelling, Frank is committed to showcasing the unique voices and stories oft. He aspires to inspire others to explore their artistic passions and prove that success in filmmaking is achievable outside the traditional film school path.
Kathia Kilcrease
Editor • Camera Operations
Kathia (she/her) has always been a creative soul with a passion for telling stories. Originally from Harlem, New York, she found her home in the Hudson Valley. Kathia earned a certification in Adobe Premiere Pro while completing a program with The New School Center for Media in video editing. After graduating from The New School, she completed a workshop in assistant editing with Stockade Works. Kathia is passionate about telling stories creatively through film and, more importantly, lifting up the voices of the many through visuals.
Greg Vardhami
Sound Rec • Post Sound
Camera Operator
Greg (he/him) is a Field Recordist and Live-Sound Mixer based in the Mid-Hudson Valley. Originally from Albany, Greg graduated with his Bachelor’s degree in Digital Media Production with a concentration in audio from the State University of New York at New Paltz in December of 2021. He loves working on non-fiction projects, including documentaries and podcasts, which highlight untold narratives from underrepresented communities. Greg believes deeply in the influential power of storytelling to change the social fabric of our local, national, and international communities. When he’s not on set, Greg spends much of his time hanging out with friends, hiking, and petting local street cats. As an apprentice, Greg is looking forward to further developing his skill set in sound production while telling original local stories.
Lex Catania
Producer • Camera Operator
Live Editor
Lex Catania (he/they) is a neurodivergent, trans, astrology nerd and compulsive crafter. He is constantly unearthing and untangling shame, generational trauma, and socialization into whiteness and patriarchy. He’s motivated by the deep transformation that storytelling can offer. Both the healing that comes from the power to share our own stories and be seen, as well as the healing that comes from seeing ourselves in other peoples stories, dissolving the walls of disconnection that our projections build around us. They aim to use video to accomplish this very thing, while also diy-ing trans centered clothing, building community, growing herbs, and being a menace.
Corey Spears
Audio • Video • Photography
Corey (he/him) graduated from Dutchess Community College with an Associates degree in Communications & Media Arts. He has worked on various film/TV productions as a PA and grip/electric swing since completing Stockade Works 1st Film Production Bootcamp. He is currently the Studio Manager at Alchemy Post Sound.