Guest Speakers of Web TV Prep change every month and are subject to availability:

Diahnna Baxter is the Emmy Award winning actress/writer/executive producer from the series Satacracy 88. Diahnna, who plays Angela in the series, took home the prestigious 2007 Emmy Award for Outstanding Broadband Drama and was nominated again in 2008. She also took home the Peoples Voice 2007 Webby Award in on-line drama, (Noted as the Oscars of the internet by the New York Times.)

Diahnna is a graduate of Duke University. While there, her studies of literature and African/women studies took her to Cairo, Egypt where she worked with famed activist and writer Nawal Al-Saadawi. Returning to the states with a new worldview and inspiration, Diahnna integrated her love for acting and passion for studies of marginalized voices with performance. She went straight to New York City where she trained extensively in the Stanislavski method at the Elaine Aiken Actor’s Conservatory and with private coach Colette Duvall. While there she performed in many off-Broadway shows, commercials and film.

Diahnna made her debut as an actor in LA with the off Broadway hit “Pieces (of ass)". As part of the original cast in NYC she worked- shopped the production and eventually traveled with it performing her original monologue definitions in New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Soon after she was the lead in the Sci-Fi thriller Shadow Puppets with James Masters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Tony Todd (Candy man), which was released in Theatres and is now available on DVD. You can also catch her in the Award winning dramedy f*&% You, Pay Me by the Derrick Brothers, and the award winning film noir Agent 5.

Diahnna is currently writing a film biopic about Billie Holiday and slated to Co Produce and play the lead in the film Doorways in February of 2010.

Mr. Coles was most recently a Digital Media Competency Lead for EMC Consulting focusing on business and technology consulting offering operational strategy, business process and systems, integration solutions to clients in the communications media& entertainment (CME) industry. Mr. Coles has more than 15 years of media industry experience, spanning film, music, advertising and e-commerce and has spent the last ten years in the interactive and digital production areas, where he produced interactive television and interactive branded entertainment concepts including 8 years of mentorship at the American Film Institute’s Digital Content Lab.

Elisabeth A. Flack came to the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) in 2004 and has been the WGAW’s New Media liaison for 5 years. Her background combines nearly 15 years of entrepreneurial and entertainment experience including television development for Hearst Entertainment, production for the majors, and distribution for MGM Studios. In coming to the WGAW, Elisabeth’s well rounded background has helped the WGAW get in on the ground floor of what is fast becoming the online digital media revolution.

The Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) is a labor union that negotiates and administers contracts and represents writers of motion pictures, television, radio, mobile phone and Internet programming. The union conducts numerous programs, seminars, and events throughout the world on issues of interest to, and on behalf of, writers.

Leyna Juliet Weber (IMDB) stars in the highly acclaimed webseries, Road to the Altar, co-starring Jaleel White (Urkel, Family Matters).

After founding Working Bug Media with Annie Lukowski (www.WorkingBug.com), the team wrote and sold their series to MWG Media. ROAD TO THE ALTAR launched on over 40 top video portals worldwide, and garnered praise from Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, Extra, Huffington Post, to TV Guide. “Punch lines emerge rapid fire”, “Cleverly satirizes wedding fever”, “Many layers of absurdity”, the press loved the smash series. As for Leyna’s performances, “The bride’s terrible attempts at speaking Spanish, military-like planning skills, overly excited nature, and utter failure at not becoming Bride-zilla combine to make her a rich character for Weber to sink her teeth in to,” raved IMDB.com. The Tablet praises, “[ROAD] offers up another star worthy of notice: Leyna Juliet Weber as White’s fiancée…Rochelle is an effervescent and funny character played with warmth and a great sense of physicality by Weber, who is also the show’s co-writer.” After interviewing Weber and White, BlogTalkRadio gushed, “a hilarious and ORIGINAL web series.”

Recently, Leyna worked with Academy Award Winner Marc Turtletaub (Little Miss Sunshine) on his film, Looking at Animals, and starred in the Emmy Award Winning pilot, Cost of Living. Leyna takes comedy seriously, regularly writing and performing her original sketch at ACME in Los Angeles.

Originally from the east coast, Leyna graduated Summa Cum Laude from Hunter College. She then performed for packed theatres in New York City, and appeared in numerous national commercials (Sony with Steven Tyler, Dayquil, and dozens more). Leyna made her television debut on As the World Turns, later returning for 15 episodes. Then followed memorable appearances on Six Feet Under, Law & Order, and Law & Order – SVU. Her work is seen in film festivals across the country. Upcoming projects include Pig (Sundance Grand Jury Prize nom, dir. Henry Barrial) and the lead in feature film, Nobody’s Girl. Her voiceovers can be heard on Comedy Central, MTV and Lifetime, various cartoons (Kenny the Shark), and video games (Grand Theft Auto, Midnight Club). She also narrates the Emmy-Award Winning series, Assignment Discovery, on the Discovery Channel. She starred in Fonzworth Bentley’s music video with Kanye West and Andre 3000, and will appear in the pilot episode of Enlightened with Laura Dern for HBO (winter, 2010).

Next Leyna will be starring in RANDOM COMEDIES, a series written by Lukowski and Weber. She ups her game in PARKING SPOT (He might hit on the first date, if only he could find the right spot) and DONATION (Give some to get some, give more and get none), with Kym Whitley (I Love You, Man), and David A. Arnold (Meet the Browns). Then Ugly Betty’s Michael Urie joins the Working Bug team and stars with Leyna in two episodes, OPEN HOUSE (Sell the house, keep the spouse) and THE SECRET (Have you heard the secret?)

RANDOM COMEDIES’ episodes, SPEEDING TICKET (A tough cop pulls over more than he can handle), and TABOO (Chuck’s party goes amuck with a game gone wrong), both quickly achieved the respected status “User Pick of the Week” on FunnyOrDie.com. Leyna got raves for her acting and writing alike.

Lukowski and Weber are currently in development with comedian David A. Arnold on an unrestrained, unapologetic new comedy series, NURSE DAVE. Setting the gold standard for quality entertainment on the web, NURSE DAVE promises juicy guest stars and candidly awkward storylines at the Prairie Medical Clinic. Lukowski will direct, and Weber, Arnold, and Whitley will star.

Leyna wrote, produced, and starred in the award-winning anti-smoking PSA, Left Behind. After placing in the California State ‘Be A Reel Hero’ Contest (judged by Sherry Lansing) and winning the popular vote, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger honored Leyna in Sacramento with an award for her work.

This fall, look for Leyna in A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE PEOPLE. Teaming up with fellow writer Beth Shea, Lukowski and Weber exploit a smattering of people – train-wrecks if you will -- who are tragically doomed. Weber and Shea star; Lukowski directs.

ROAD TO THE ALTAR continues its successful run, even as Weber juggles her busy slate of writing and acting projects. It was just rereleased on True Black Television. “It quickly became the highest-rated series in the network’s history” says TBT, “The first season brought upon ratings that were virtually unheard of on the network that was previously known for constant reruns of Everybody Hates Chris and Martin. Business Week interviewed Leyna and praised Working Bug’s journey, “After [their] shorts were well received [on FunnyOrDie.com and YouTube], they decided to write and produce Road to the Altar… The pair negotiated a deal with MWG Media. They attracted corporate sponsors including Panda Express and Pier 1 Imports.” Jaleel White celebrates Leyna and Annie when asked about his experience with Working Bug, “[They are] two rockets filled with estrogen and they have a great point-of-view… filmmakers who still have their vision intact.”

www.WorkingBug.com
Leyna@WorkingBug.com

Annie Lukowski (IMDB) recently directed the highly acclaimed webseries, Road to the Altar, starring Jaleel White (Urkel, Family Matters) and Leyna Juliet Weber (Six Feet Under).

After founding Working Bug Media with Weber (www.WorkingBug.com), the team wrote and sold their series to MWG Media. ROAD TO THE ALTAR launched on over 40 top video portals worldwide, and garnered praise from Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, Extra, Huffington Post, to TV Guide. “Punch lines emerge rapid fire”, “Cleverly satirizes wedding fever”, “Many layers of absurdity”, the press loved the smash series. As for Lukowski’s direction, “Experienced web director Annie Lukowski keeps the visual pace quick,” raved IMDB.com. TV Without Pity calls it “undeniably funny.”

Recently, Annie collaborated with Darren Capozzi, Matt Corboy and Eric Stonestreet (ABC’s Modern Family) on the pilot episode, PUPPIES, for the web series DIVORCEES. The show follows three college friends a decade after graduation, and three divorces amongst them, as they take over a Chicago bar. Also, Annie directed a music video for Marina V on her hit song, IN MY HEAD. The video began racking up awards and gaining nods at film festivals nationwide, including the Las Vegas Film Fest, HD Fest, and many more. IN MY HEAD was featured in Metro stations throughout Los Angeles. Currently in post-production is the new suspense thriller, THE ACCIDENT (En route to a drug buy in Canada, three novice criminals run into unexpected trouble.) The show stars Miles Fisher (Mad Men) and John Patrick Jordan (American Pie), and will be released this winter.

Annie’s next directorial bow, RANDOM COMEDIES, is written by Lukowski and Weber. The first two episodes, SPEEDING TICKET (A tough cop pulls over more than he can handle), and TABOO (Chuck’s party goes amuck with a game gone wrong), both quickly achieved the respected status of “Users Pick of the Week” on FunnyOrDie.com.

RANDOM COMEDIES next presents PARKING SPOT (He might hit on the first date, if only he could find the right spot) and DONATION (Give some to get some, give more and get none), starring Kym Whitley (I Love You, Man), David A. Arnold (Meet the Browns), and Leyna Juliet Weber (Road to the Altar). Then Ugly Betty’s Michael Urie also joins the Working Bug team in two episodes, OPEN HOUSE (Sell the house, keep the spouse) and THE SECRET (Have you heard the secret?).

Lukowski and Weber are currently in development with comedian David A. Arnold on an unrestrained, unapologetic new comedy series, NURSE DAVE. Setting the gold standard for quality entertainment on the web, NURSE DAVE promises candidly awkward storylines at the Prairie Medical Clinic. Lukowski will direct and Arnold, Weber, and Whitley will star.

Annie began her Hollywood career with In the Bedroom (Todd Field). Then she worked on Wonder Woman (George Miller), Big Fish (Tim Burton), Ladykillers (Joel Coen) and various independent pictures. Later, she was the production designer on God’s Waiting List.

Born and raised in Boston, Annie graduated cum laude from Boston College with a double major in Theology and Film. After graduating, Annie moved to Los Angeles and made a children's film Waiting For Hello (San Diego Film Fest). Then Annie returned for her masters at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. There, Annie wrote, directed and produced several films, including The Protest (Swaziland, Africa Film Festival), and The Passenger (an allegory about race relations). While at school, Annie working in various offices, including DreamWorks Marketing, development at Cheyenne Enterprises (Bruce Willis), and casting at Liberman/Patton Casting and Francine Maisler Casting. Annie completed her degree and won a Student Emmy from the Academy of Motion Pictures for producing the comedy pilot Cost of Living. Also in development is A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE PEOPLE. Teaming up with fellow writer Beth Shea, Lukowski and Weber exploit a smattering of people – train-wrecks if you will -- who are tragically doomed. Lukowski will direct and Shea and Weber will star.

ROAD TO THE ALTAR continues its successful run, even as Lukowski juggles her many new projects. It was just rereleased on True Black Television. “It quickly became the highest-rated series in the network’s history” says TBT, “The first season brought upon ratings that were virtually unheard of on the network that was previously known for constant reruns of Everybody Hates Chris and Martin. Business Week covered Working Bug, and praised, “After [their] shorts were well received [on FunnyOrDie.com and YouTube], they decided to write and produce Road to the Altar… The pair negotiated a deal with MWG Media. They attracted corporate sponsors including Panda Express and Pier 1 Imports.”

www.WorkingBug.com
Annie@WorkingBug.com

Andy Dugan (WRITER, PRODUCER, DIRECTOR) is a pioneer in the New Media industry who has proven himself in the world of entertainment. In late 2005, he was a founding member of itsallinyourhands.com, the first ever interactive web series network and home to more than 5 shows during it's run, including Moonshine, Blackout, and Satacracy 88. Additionally, itsallinyourhands.com was presented with Webby Awards in both 2007 and 2008.

Dugan has overseen numerous successful social media marketing campaigns and has cultivated relationships with such brands as Rogue Pictures, Fox, Sony Pictures, FedEx, Heineken, Fanista, and more. He produced and directed online spots featuring such talent as Jackson Browne, Sylvester Stallone, and Mana for the BURMA, It Can't Wait campaign. His additional directing credits include the launch promo for the Rogue Pictures web site iamrogue.com.

As a producer, Dugan has been nominated for 2 Emmy Awards, winning one in 2007 for Outstanding Broadband Drama for his work on the hit online series Satacracy 88, featured on the website hulu.com. Satacracy 88 won the 2007 Webby Award for Best Dramatic Online Film and Video. In 2008, he produced Trunk, a short film that was selected by and won more than 20 film festivals nationwide. Dugan is also a producer of the groundbreaking HIV awareness campaign entitled In The Moment--a web series that, in 2009, was honored with the Paul Starke Warrior Award from World AIDS Day and The City of West Hollywood.

As a screenwriter, Dugan has worked on a variety of branded content and has written, directed, and produced feature films, short films, TV shows, commercials, music videos, web serials, and online marketing campaigns.

Since 1997, and prior to video entertainment content production, Dugan has developed more than 300 company websites and worked as an Art Director at Whittman Hart in Century City, CA.

Philip E. Daniels, Esq. – Founder, Daniels Media Law

Originally from the UK, Phil started off his career as a Biochemist, with the intent of becoming a protein folding engineer, manipulating DNA in order to change the shape of proteins. However, his love of music and songwriting led him away from the laboratory bench along a path to working with artists. Deciding to retrain as an attorney, Phil cut his teeth as a music lawyer working with some of the most high profile talent of the 80’s and 90’s, including Queen, Depeche Mode, Spice Girls and Paul Oakenfold. At the time, Phil had the foresight of how the digital revolution would change the music business forever, and positioned himself as an expert on the convergence of music and technology, working with major labels on their digital distribution strategies and working with the world’s first legitimate peer to peer music service, licensing music for the service from major and independent labels.

Prior to moving to Los Angeles, Phil worked at the BBC in London, where he looked after legal matters in the BBC’s internet, interactive & music businesses, working with a range of BBC content from Little Britain to Fawlty Towers to Doctor Who. During his time at the BBC, Phil structured and licensed deals for the distribution of the BBC’s content over mobile and web platforms. In 2004, Phil also became licensed as a California attorney and in 2005, he was hired to work for a boutique media law firm in Beverly Hills, where he represented artists such as Beyonce, Herbie Hancock and Gwen Stefani, in a wide range of music and digital media matters.

In 2009, with a need to satisfy his entrepreneurial ambitions, Phil started his own law firm, Daniels Media Law, where he focuses on representing musical, film, TV or web talent, helping talent to achieve their commercial goals. From negotiating music agreements to concluding web production deals, Phil’s practice is varied and diverse, and he brings to clients 12 years of direct experience in the entertainment and digital media industries. Phil’s clients include artists, producers, composers, authors, actors, producers, writers, directors and digital media companies. In the web production space, Phil has experience of packaging deals for the production of web shows, whether that be with a brand and/or studio, and is a frequent speaker at web centric events, including for SAG, AFTRA and BAFTA. In terms of Phil’s community activity, he is a member of the distinguished BritWeek Committee and a BAFTA LA member.

Before joining Tubefilter, Drew was an award-winning creative director at Studio 8 Entertainment, which produced original series and new media campaigns for major brands, such as Nike, AT&T, and Intel. He has served as an advisor on the American Film Institute Digital Content Lab's design roundtable for ABC-Disney, was a former editor of The Daily Reel, and coordinated commercial and new media projects at the Los Angeles office of Paradigm Talent Agency. Drew currently serves as the Chair of the New Media Council of the Caucus for Directors, Writers, and Producers, and on the Interactive Media Peer Group for the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, for which he served as a Blue Ribbon Judge for the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards.

A passionate and outspoken advocate of original video programing online, Drew has presented at several conferences and events, including the AFI Fest, South by Southwest, OMMA Global Hollywood Conference, Digital Hollywood, the iHollywood Forum Digital Media Summit, Tisch School of the Arts at NYU, the Screen Actors Guild, and the Independent Television Festival.

He is a co-founder and executive producer of the Streamy Awards, the first awards show celebrating excellence in Web television, and the International Academy of Web Television, a professional organization of online entertainment content creators, producers and talent dedicated to the growth of the online entertainment industry. He is also a co-founder of the Open Entertainment Alliance, a public policy advocacy group for the online entertainment industry. He graduated from Yale University with a BA in Humanities.