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Hampton Roads District

In Hampton Roads, large production and post-production companies such as New Dominion Pictures, Studio Center and M2 Production are just part of the story. There are numerous independent production companies and filmmakers that are thriving and creating cutting edge independent films, music videos, and television programming.

The Hampton Roads District of the Virginia Production Alliance is dedicated to providing opportunities, events and services to all of the region’s production community. Regular meetings feature a speaker or panels and provide excellent networking opportunities.

Film and television projects that have been filmed locally include: Captain Phillips, The New World, and Navy SEALS. The area is also known for the production of reality-based television programming that includes FBI Files, New Detectives, A Haunting and FBI Criminal Pursuit.

The area’s film production community is fed by a wide range of talented individuals who are graduating from one of the area’s exceptional educational institutions including Regent University, Old Dominion University, Norfolk State and Christopher Newport University.

Upcoming events

  • Part II: Directors Master Class - From Vision to Execution

    • 28 Oct 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Visual Arts Center - 1812 W Main Street Richmond, VA
    Register


    38-time Emmy Award winner (Juwanna Mann, In Living Color, Olympics)

    Part 2 of this acclaimed master class is a deep dive into the art and execution of professional directing—spanning narrative filmmaking, music videos, and commercials.

    Led by Emmy-winning director Jesse Vaughan, this advanced-level course is designed for filmmakers ready to refine their voice, lead larger productions, and step confidently into long-form storytelling. Whether you're transitioning from short-form work or already building a directing career, this class gives you the tools, insight, and real-world experience to level up.

    Note: Completion of Part 1 is not required. This course is open to experienced directors or creatives with on-set or production experience.

    In Part Two participants will:

    • Elevate Knowledge of Directing Long-Form Narrative Scenes - Master scene structure, emotional pacing, and visual continuity across complex sequences.
    • Elevate Music Video Directing - Learn how to direct performance, create visually-driven concepts, and work with artists, choreographers, and labels to deliver standout content.
    • Deepen Actor Collaboration - Refine your approach to casting, rehearsals, blocking, and on-set performance adjustments.
    • Lead the Visual Team - Work closely with cinematographers and designers to unify lighting, shot composition, and production design.
    • Run a Professional Set - Communicating vision, managing time, and leading your crew with clarity.
    • Career & Industry Development - Gain insider insight on how to package your projects, pitch effectively, secure representation, and build a sustainable directing career.

    About Jesse Vaughan:

    A 38-time regional Emmy winner with over 65 nominations, Jesse Vaughan has directed feature films (Juwanna Mann), major network television (In Living Color), and music videos for artists such as Stevie Wonder, 'N Sync, Missy Elliott, Eric Benét, and Mýa. His career spans film, broadcast news, and music documentaries, with a unique ability to blend story, performance, and style.

    Who Should Attend:

    This course is ideal for directors working in short films, music videos, commercials, or branded content—who are ready to take on longer formats or more complex productions. No prior enrollment in Part 1 is required.

    Limited enrollment.

    Apply now and take the next bold step in your directing career.

    Show details

DISTRICT CHAIR

ANGELO REYES

Filipino/Italian American, began his professional life as a creative designer in the advertising industry. Later, he decided to explore the television industry by hosting and co-producing the motorsports show Street Vision Garage.

He then studied with Lynette Sheldon at the LS Acting Studio in New York and soon relocated to Los Angeles to pursue his aspirations as an actor. He has appeared in the 2020 Netflix film Hill Billy Elegy, the 2010 comedy-crime-drama The Bill Collector, HBO’s The Outsider, the 2013 drama-thriller Killing Kennedy, and others.

After achieving success in the acting realm, he decided to explore his talent as a director. In 2015, he produced his first short film titled Heartless. In 2018, he was recognized with the Rising Star Award at Westfield International Film Festival for Groomed, a short about human trafficking that he both produced and directed.

His latest project, 21st & Colonial is based on a true story about a young Black man struggling to support his family crosses paths with an overworked police officer with PTSD. The short, which he co-wrote, directed, and stars in, won a REMI Award at the 54th Worldfest International Film Festival and has been named an official selection at several festivals. Reyes plans to develop the story into a feature film.

Deeply in touch with his Filipino and Italian roots, Reyes is dedicated to creating films that explore the intricacies of different cultures and promote tolerance, diversity and inclusion.










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