DHD FILMS - Key Persons


AMIRA CARDONA

Job Titles:
  • Executive Assistant
A dedicated working mother of three, Amira (Mia) holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a major in Marketing. Mia's career journey began in the airline industry, where she navigated various roles within the airline. She then moved to BKK, Thailand to become a Training Supervisor in an IT company, where her responsibilities included training clients in different countries. With her kids growing up, Mia decided to work remotely. She found a job as a Success Manager in a SAAS company, before working currently at DHD for the last 2 years as a CX Manager/EA. "I love every aspect of my role, leveraging my skills to ensure exceptional internal support and contributing to the success of

Andrew Ryan Sheperd

Job Titles:
  • Director
Andrew is a talented Director who specializes in crafting vivid and emotionally resonant scenes. He has a unique ability to work with both actors and non-actors to capture the nuances of a deeper narrative. Andrew's approach to storytelling is characterized by an unfiltered glimpse into personal stories, which he presents with performances of emotional clarity that display the unique beauty and courage of the human experience. Whether it's a raw and intimate portrayal of everyday life or a sweeping epic tale, Andrew is dedicated to creating content that moves and inspires audiences. His attention to detail and commitment to authenticity have earned him a reputation as a filmmaker who is passionate about telling stories that matter.

ANNIE SMITH

Job Titles:
  • Graphic Designer
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Annie Smith moved to and graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2017 earning her a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising. Her passion for art and design began at a young age, and she began taking a digital design class at a career center in 2012 earning a scholarship to continue her education. While in school, she also explored printmaking, ceramics, animation, and painting. Since graduating, she has collaborated with diverse brands spanning education, healthcare, sports, and food/beverage industries. She has experience in large scale print, social media marketing, digital marketing, multimedia campaigns, photography, and more. You can typically find Annie on the couch watching old horror movies and hanging out with her 2 dogs.

AUBRI NOWOWIEJSKI

Job Titles:
  • Head of Sales & Marketing
Aubri Nowowiejski (No-Whiskey) is a dynamic leader and marketeer specializing in video production and event management. She takes pride in solving clients' business challenges and moving brands forward. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Relations and a minor in Business Administration, Aubri has cultivated a diverse skill set throughout her career. Beginning in the oil and gas industry, Aubri ascended from the role of Trade Show Coordinator to Marketing Manager. Driven by her passion for events, she strategically transitioned to a boutique event management firm as an Executive Producer before joining the team at DHD Films. Aubri played a pivotal role during the pandemic, leading the organization's virtual and hybrid event production. Aubri has since been promoted to the Head of Sales & Marketing, where she excels in providing dedicated account management for key clients and partners.

CHRISTIAN AYALA

Job Titles:
  • Multimedia Specialist
  • Specialist
Christian Ayala is a University of North Texas alumnus with seven years of experience in video production. His journey began in the non-profit sector, where he honed his skills in both photography and videography. Currently serving as a multimedia specialist at DHD Films, Christian dedicates his talents exclusively to Republic National Distributing Company, the second-largest alcohol distributor in the nation. Beyond the camera lens, Christian's passions include savoring coffee, conquering climbing adventures, and indulging in a love for jackets. Notably, he also has too many shoes.

DANIEL PORTILLO

Job Titles:
  • Graphic Designer
Daniel was born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras where his family soon after immigrated to the United States, looking for opportunities to grow and prosper. For Daniel, it meant the opportunity to pursue a creative field and explore his artistic talent. He turned his casual hobby of doodling in a notebook to a full career. Through a diverse school program, freelance projects, job experience, and genuine curiosity, Daniel has collected a wide range of skills and abilities. From brush strokes to fine lines, each design Daniel produces expresses balanced tension, intricate detail, and creative structure.

Diego Noriega

Job Titles:
  • Director of Photography
Diego Noriega is an award-winning Director of Photography whose work spans major brands like eBay, Sephora, and American Airlines. Bringing his keen eye and technical mastery to each project, he's collaborated with a diverse client roster that includes Crown Royal, Uncle Julio's, and Public Citizen. Diego's talent has been recognized with prestigious ADDY Awards and the honor of crafting the show opening film for the 2024 Dallas American Advertising Awards. A graduate of the University of North Texas with a B.F.A. in Media Arts, Diego has built a career combining cinematography, editing, and content production. His passion and expertise make him a powerful addition to the DHD Films team.

EMILY HIOTT

Job Titles:
  • Multimedia Specialist
With her diverse skill set and industry experience, Emily is adept at wearing many hats in the world of video production, both figuratively and literally. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Radio-Television-Film, Emily began her career as a staff show-runner for New Sky Pictures, an Austin-based production company. During her time at New Sky, she wrote, directed, and edited over 85 episodes of original series for the company YouTube Channel, which gained 2.4 million subscribers and 2.6 billion views. Her rise to Creative Manager saw her leading teams and directing projects for renowned brands like Mattel and Hasbro. Beyond her full-time roles, Emily's versatility has expanded into a variety of freelance projects, including award-winning independent films, national ad campaigns, sketch comedy, and branded TikTok content. Currently, she is a multimedia specialist at DHD Films, dedicating her skills over the past two years to The Dallas Regional Chamber as an in-house videographer and editor.

EVAN DENTON

Job Titles:
  • Associate
  • Creative Director
Evan has spent more than a decade honing his skills in almost every creative arena - from filming cooking shows in a backyard to editing a concert introduction for Katy Perry. He's a jack of all trades but a master of one. Leading with informed creative risk and a high level of emotional intelligence has helped him build stellar teams and client relationships. While editing will always be his greatest love, the blinking cursor on a blank document has just as much potential for him as a new timeline in Premiere. Whether he's wrangling pixels or penning scripts, to him, there's never a dull moment if the story is being told right.

HUSSAIN MANJEE

Job Titles:
  • Chief Success Officer
Featured in CNN Money, Inc. magazine and Yahoo Finance, Hussain Manjee is an accomplished entrepreneur whose strategic approach and business acumen has propelled DHD Films from a start-up to a thriving business. Hussain thoughtfully charts the vision and growth strategy of the company, while managing a team of creative artists. DHD Films was honored by the US Chamber of Commerce as one of the Top 7 Small Businesses in America in 2017. Hussain earned his MBA from America's most preeminent entrepreneurship program at Babson College and is an alum of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business program. The Dallas Business Journal has recognized Hussain with two honors; The 40 Under 40 Award and a Minority Business Leader Award. As a committed servant leader, Hussain is devoted to community involvement and service. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Dallas Regional Chamber and the Irving/Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce. Hussain's passion and dedicated service have afforded him multiple opportunities to discuss President Obama's economic priorities at the White House with senior administration personnel.

JAYE JACOBSEN

Job Titles:
  • Senior Editor
As a seasoned Senior Editor with 11 years of industry expertise, Jaye Jacobsen brings a unique blend of creativity and storytelling to every project. A graduate of Ai Dallas, he's had the privilege of collaborating with renowned industry leaders and individuals from all walks of life, crafting engaging and impactful narratives that transcend the ordinary. Hailing from California but now residing in Texas, Jaye's innate talent lies in weaving together disparate sound bites into a seamless and compelling story, making him more of a storyteller than just an editor. His passion for transforming raw content into captivating narratives is at the core of his professional journey, and he continues to strive for the perfect story, not the perfect edit.

Jonathan Mendoza

Job Titles:
  • Director
Jonathan is a skilled Director with a passion for creating compelling and meaningful content. While he initially stumbled into the world of filmmaking, it was during his college years that he discovered his deep love for the art. Jonathan's creativity and passion for storytelling began during his years as a musician, which he has now translated into his work as a filmmaker. He has had the opportunity to collaborate with high-profile brands such as Nike, YouTube, and Toyota, as well as prominent churches like Gateway, Elevation, Bethel, and Church of the Highlands. Jonathan has achieved significant success and looks forward to continuing to grow his career and create impactful content.

JOSE MEDINA

Job Titles:
  • Head of People & Technology
With over 6 years of leadership experience, Jose brings a proven track record in driving team performance and implementing strategic HR initiatives. His leadership style is marked by independence, a clear vision, and a proactive approach to achieving goals. As the Head of People and with previous roles as Product Manager and Head of Production, Jose has honed his skills in design thinking, performance management, and effective team leadership. Jose excels in fostering positive team dynamics through open communication, group recognition, and ensuring every team member feels heard and valued. Comfortable in high-pressure situations, he prides himself on adaptability, focus, and a commitment to upholding standards and compliance within his teams. His decision-making is grounded in facts and analysis, contributing to successful outcomes. Jose fosters a culture of continuous learning, emphasizing individual and team potential.

KAMERON HAMPTON

Job Titles:
  • Editor
Growing up in a small town, Kameron Hampton was a self-taught editor who would later graduate from the University of North Texas with her Bachelor of Arts in Converged Broadcast Media in 2021. She began using Premiere Pro in Middle School and would become the only senior in her Highschool's Advanced Video Production course, earning her responsibility for most of the school's production needs and mentoring teachers and students. After moving to further her education at the University of North Texas, she learned how to use Avid Media Composer, and Adobe After Effects, and became a News Producer for NTTV. Before graduation, she earned her Television News Producing Certificate and became a full-time editor for DHD Films.

KELLI ANN PISTOKACHE

Job Titles:
  • Senior Producer

LISA "DASH" DONATO

Job Titles:
  • Writer
Lisa is a writer and filmmaker who is passionate about producing films that highlight marginalized communities.

NADIA CORTEZ

Job Titles:
  • Art Director
A seasoned graphic designer turned art director, Nadia brings a diverse skill set and a wealth of experience across various design mediums. With a solid foundation in video graphics, print, digital, and environmental graphics, she has honed in her expertise through practical application and creative problem-solving, embracing new technologies and design trends to deliver impactful and visually compelling solutions. Nadia's journey began at the University of Texas A&M Commerce, where she cultivated a strong passion for art and design. Transitioning into an art director role has allowed Nadia to not only channel her creative vision but also to mentor and guide aspiring designers. Her commitment to continuous learning and creative exploration fuels her ability to deliver innovative, engaging, and meaningful designs across diverse projects and platforms. Outside of her work, Nadia is an avid movie watcher and is in theaters with her 2 daughters almost every weekend. She is also an avid coffee cup collector - the weirder the better!

NADIA LAKHANI

Job Titles:
  • Accounts Manager

PETER JOHNSON

Job Titles:
  • Senior Editor & Tech Specialist
After graduating from Indiana University, Peter started working in Broadcast News where he gained experience working in a fast paced, team environment. He later moved to Texas and worked as a Multimedia Specialist at Dallas Market Center for five years. During this time, he honed his skills in every aspect of video production; Scripting, Shooting, editing, and animating. For the past six years, Peter has been working at DHD Films, where he has continued to excel in editing. His years of experience have made him an expert in video editing, and his passion for the craft is evident in every project he works on. Peter also has a lovely wife and a rambunctious Australian Shepard. When he's not out walking his dog, you can find him training for his next 5-15k race, playing video games with his wife, or putting together Lego sets. Peter also has a collection of board games that are getting out of hand.

SAM SCHACHTER

Job Titles:
  • Executive Producer

SCOTT JORDAN

Job Titles:
  • Director of Photography
Growing up in Houston, Texas, Scott Jordan began filmmaking at a young age. He graduated from the University of North Texas in 2021 earning a Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts. While he was in school, he undertook a diverse range of projects, including creating wedding videos, producing short films, and capturing sports events for the university through videography. Since graduating he has been working with DHD in the production department diligently advancing his career towards the role of director of photography.

SHEZAD MANJEE

Job Titles:
  • Creative Director
Shezad Manjee is an award-winning filmmaker, who has traveled across five continents to tell great stories for some of the most prestigious organizations and global brands. His creative direction has brought many accolades to DHD Films, including the Telly Awards, AVA Awards, Hermes Creative Awards, and most recently, an Emmy nomination. A third generation filmmaker, Shezad studied photography as an undergraduate, and completed his graduate studies in marketing from the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University. Unlike most creative directors, Shezad does not shy away from being in front of the camera. He is a sought-after speaker on all things marketing and advertising. Shezad's expertise and industry knowledge provide him the ability to go beyond just creating great content. He guides his team on how to best position client campaigns for maximum impact. Together, Shezad and his team create a platform that propels their clients' business forward.

TOMMY DE ABREU

Job Titles:
  • Motion Graphic Designer
With more than 10 years of experience in the field, Tommy brings a wealth of knowledge in Adobe Creative Cloud, Cinema 4D, and UX/UI design to the table. His passion for storytelling and commitment to client satisfaction are evident in his work, and he consistently delivers high-quality designs that effectively communicate the intended message to the target audience. Tommy's experience in multi-media marketing campaigns, both as part of a team and independently, has allowed him to develop a strong portfolio that includes brochures, newsletters, logos, posters, and business cards. When he's not behind the computer screen, you can find Tommy out riding his motorcycle or in nature camping and hiking - there's nothing like a good adventure to recharge the creative batteries!

TRAMAINE TOWNSEND

Job Titles:
  • Artist
Tramaine is a seasoned visual artist whose work merges aesthetics with storytelling. He adopts a minimalist approach, aiming for impactful narratives through carefully selected imagery. His diverse skill set, including photography, filmmaking, and directing, has led him to work on a variety of projects from fashion films to commercial directing. Beyond his professional achievements, he actively contributes to the art community through exhibitions and events, both locally and internationally. Tramaine is a visual storyteller weaving impactful narratives through minimalist aesthetics.

TRAVIS JOHNSON

Job Titles:
  • Editor
  • Head of Production
Travis has been in media production for over 20 years and has worn many hats through the years. He's originally from Dallas, but spent many years in Oklahoma as well as Milan, Italy (it's a long story). Travis got his professional start there, then headed back to Texas. Through the years, Travis has been an editor, motion designer, programmer, learning strategist, producer, and other roles he can't even remember.
He's worked for large companies, small companies, ad agencies, and magazines, creating every type of media imaginable, from DVDs to product packaging, social marketing to documentaries, live events to learning campaigns for hundreds of thousands of employees.

Vincent Powell

Vincent is a highly respected film and TV Director with over 15 years of experience.