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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

  • Smashing, Crashing, Flames and Falls: Making Stunts Work

    • 6 Sep 2025
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • 9425 Mathy Drive Suite B Fairfax, VA 22031
    • 56
    Register

    Stunts have a huge visual impact, pumping up production value in a visceral, human way that CGI just can’t touch. But you have to do them right and that means a combination of thorough prep and skilled execution.

    Jeff Wilhelm, a stunt coordinator and performer with decades of experience, will explain why the best time to call a stunt coordinator is day one of pre-production and how, with enough lead time, practical effects are accessible to producers in almost any budget range. His presentation will cover:

    • Script breakdown
    • Collaboration with the director, producer and crew
    • Casting
    • Choreography
    • Set supervision and safety
    • Stunt driving, fighting, pyro, high falls, and wire work

    Will there be live demos? You bet! It’s more fun to see a fight sequence and wire work than it is to talk about it. VPA Board Member Kahil Dotay will also be discussing the dynamics of stunt driving and how to earn a living behind the wheel.

    So join us and find out how to get your action scenes on the screen. DON’T MISS IT!

    Thank you to our co-sponsor!


    Show details

  • Directors Master Class Workshop with Jesse Vaughan

    • 23 Sep 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)

    This master class offers a unique opportunity for directors at all levels to improve their skills, refine their craft, and explore advanced directing techniques in a supportive, hands-on environment.

    Participants will focus on key areas such as working with actors, casting, visual storytelling, and directing across various formats—including short films, music videos, and commercials—all with the goal of building toward long-form feature filmmaking.

    This is more than a workshop—it's a chance to learn from one of the industry's most accomplished directors and connect with a community of passionate, like-minded creatives.

    Join one of the industry's most accomplished directors for a hands-on master class designed to elevate your directing craft. Whether you're working in short films, music videos, commercials, or aiming for feature films, this workshop sharpens your skills through scene work, actor direction, and visual storytelling.

    Participants will engage in:

    • Scene study & analysis
    • Directing actors for performance
    • Blocking, shot composition & camera work
    • Script breakdown & character development
    • Industry-focused formats: music videos, TV, film, and commercials

    Work with actors, break down scenes, and refine your visual narrative—all in a collaborative, real-world workshop environment. Learn more here!

    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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