(December 5, 2007) FILM INDEPENDENT EXPANDS STAFF
Film Independent, the non-profit filmmakers' organization that produces the Los Angeles Film Festival and the Spirit Awards, announced today the reorganization and expansion of its staff.

Gloria Campbell has been named Operations Director for the Los Angeles Film Festival. Film Independent established this new management position as a result of the Festival's recent growth and success. Campbell will report to Festival Director Rich Raddon. Since 2003, Campbell has served as a freelance Production Manager for both the Los Angeles Film Festival and the Spirit Awards. In addition, she was the Producer of the Starz Denver Film Festival in 2006 and 2007. Campbell also served as the Managing Director of the American Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival in 2001, as well as the Director of Special Events for the Mayor's Office in Denver from 1991-1999.

Daničle Neuharth has returned to Film Independent as Director of Corporate Development. Neuharth previously served as Development Manager at Film Independent, before a three-year stint at the American Film Institute (AFI). She began her career at the Sundance Institute as a Development Officer, concentrating on the Sundance Film Festival programs.

James E. Herr recently joined Film Independent as the Director of Diversity. For nearly a decade, Jim worked at Sony Pictures Entertainment. Most of his work there was in Corporate Social Responsibility where he managed the company's philanthropic outreach. The focus of this outreach was arts education and entertainment workforce development. Jim serves on the board of directors of East West Players, the nation's oldest, continually producing theater of color. He also serves on the board of Visual Communications, the country's leading Asian American media arts organization where he additionally has been a programmer for the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.

Josh Welsh has been upped to Director of Talent Development for Film Independent, where he oversees the organization's Filmmaker Labs, Project:Involve, and Fast Track, as well as works with the filmmakers who receive cash grants at the Spirit Awards. Welsh previously held the position of Filmmaker Labs Manager for six years. Prior to working on the Filmmaker Labs, Welsh worked with the nominating committees for the Spirit Awards for four years, as well as the special committees that give out the cash grants at the Spirit Awards. He was also a part of Film Independent's Programming Department where he helped select films for the Festival Buzz, Documentary Buzz, and New Visions screening series.

Last, Monique Coleman has been promoted to Director of Human Resources and Administration for Film Independent, where she oversees human resources, accounting, office management, and information technology. Coleman joined Film Independent in 1998 as Accountant, and was later promoted to Manager of Accounting and Administration.

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

Film Independent is a non-profit membership organization that champions independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds the audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, film industry leader, or a film lover.

With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent also offers free Filmmaker Labs for selected writers, directors, and producers; provides cut-rate services for filmmakers; and presents year-round networking opportunities. Film IndependenT's mentorship and job placement program, Project:Involve, pairs emerging culturally-diverse filmmakers with film industry professionals.

Film Independent produces the Los Angeles Film Festival, celebrating the best of American and international cinema, and the Spirit Awards, a celebration honoring films and filmmakers that embody independence and dare to challenge the status quo.

For more information or to become a member, visit FilmIndependent.org.