Nicholas Green (Producer) is a four-time Emmy™-nominated writer/producer.  His independent film production credits include the award-winning dramas Out of the Shadows and Lockout, a film later picked-up and distributed by Warner Brothers. While working at WYCC-TV, Nicholas produced programming ranging from sporting events such as the 2007 Chicago Cup, part of the city-wide effort that garnered the Chicago 2016 Olympic bid; and discussion shows such as Inside Justice that feature legal, political, and business experts delivering need-to-know information to viewers. In addition to writing and producing, Nicholas is also an accomplished editor. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Susan Banach (Associate Producer / Sponsorship Sales and Brand Marketing) joins Out-Write Media after having worked as Affiliate Sales and Marketing manager for Playboy Enterprises, an international entertainment company. She recently earned first place in Windy City Socials' Kraft challenge. Susan has served on the board of Women In Cable and Telecommunications (WICT), Chicago Chapter. Positions held include Director at Large, Communications Chair, then Treasurer for two years. She has a knack for building relationships and approaches projects with intensity, determination and a desire to please clients. Susan enjoys exploring various social media platforms and fundraising for not-for-profits. In a former life she was an alternative music DJ at Q101, in Chicago.

 

 

 

 

 

  

Stephanie Rabiola (Unit Production Manager) has worked on more than thirty independent projects, developing and honing her skills as a filmmaker. One of her most recent includes the feature film, One Small Hitch, filmed in both Chicago and Los Angeles. She also co-created and directed One Day, Two Legends, a feature length documentary telling the story of the day The Beatles met Elvis, featuring Joe Esposito. A true Chicagoan, Stephanie explored childhood ambitions of acting and singing in the theater, but it wasn't until she attended Columbia College Chicago that she discovered her true love – tv and film production from behind the scenes. Stephanie claims she has a fear of treadmills. That's okay… running around as a production manager offers a much greater workout.

 

 

 

 

 

Peter Pilafian (Videographer) has five Emmy nominations and two Emmy wins, one for ABC Sports' Triumph On Mt. Everest. Among many others, he's also earned two ACE Nominations, First Prize Amsterdam Film Festival, and First Prize Houston Festival. Production credits include four seasons with CBS's Survivor; Mark Burnett's  Eco-Challenge, New Zealand; HBO's The Larry Sanders Show; History Channel's Avalanche Control Patrol; Discovery Channel's Moments In Time; and "The Official Film" for Bud Greenspan at both the 2002 and 2004 Olympics in Salt Lake City and Athens, Greece, respectively. Peter uses the camera "as a tool to express the story and to express the relationships, with the same kinds of angles and compositions and movements and interpretation that brings power to narrative pieces."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew Friend (Videographer) is also an Emmy™ nominated videographer. He joined WYCC in 2002 as a Videographer and Lighting Technician. He has since applied an artistic eye to the cinematography of many prominent WYCC documentary programs and promotions. He enjoys working with moving camera techniques such as cranes, dollies, and Steadicams. Since WYCC's move to its new HD facility on Chicago's south side, Andrew has embraced the fresh technology to frame his best imagery to date. Andrew is also an accomplished video editor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wil Masisak (Production Sound Mixer) has spent 40+ years recording for music and film on both sides of the microphone. On one end, he's worked as a Downbeat Magazine and Scholastic Press award-winning composer, recording artist, and quasi rock star musician on tour. As a record producer, studio engineer, production sound mixer, and sound editor, his portfolio includes 2001 Independents Record of the Year winner "New American Language" by Dan Bern and the IJBC; production sound for the multiple-festival awarded film In The Name Of The Son; television work for NBC, Discovery, MTV, Sci-Fi, direcTV, TLC, and sound mixing for the upcoming Paramount feature, Area 51.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Erik Pedtke (Production Assistant and Digital Imaging Technician) joined Pedal America as an intern shortly after graduating from Columbia College, Chicago with his BA in Television Directing and Production. Initially hired to slate scenes, schlep equipment, hold light stanchions, and drive the production van, he quickly revealed his ability to use our cameras. Eventually he grew into a third camera operator, capturing breathtaking B-roll images with a Canon 5-D. He spends most of his evenings organizing and transferring video footage onto hard-drives, a highly important and meticulous skill. Between shoot locations he enjoys driving the production van in treacherous snowstorms across Wyoming mountain passes…well, that's what we tell him.