Justin Giddings is a seasoned actor, filmmaker, and crowdfunding expert with over 36 credits to his name. Known for his roles on shows like Nashville and Shameless, he has successfully transitioned into a filmmaking career through the power of crowdfunding. As The Kickstarter Guy, Justin has helped raise over $11 million for indie film and television projects, boasting a 97.6% success rate across platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and Seed&Spark. His experience as a filmmaker gives him unique insight into the challenges of independent production, making him a vital resource for creatives looking to take control of their financing.

Justin’s expertise in crowdfunding and film production offers invaluable knowledge to anyone looking to navigate the indie film world. His approach to campaign coaching is not just about raising money—it’s about empowering filmmakers to take charge of their careers, just as he did when he crowdfunded his debut film. By turning his passion into a full-fledged career, Justin provides a clear roadmap for aspiring filmmakers looking to achieve similar success. His work with LFS Master Classes provides attendees with a behind-the-scenes look at the strategies, challenges, and triumphs that come with independent filmmaking.

Ben Sollee is a celebrated composer, singer, and songwriter with over two decades of experience spanning film, television, and interactive media. Known for his genre-defying cello style, Sollee’s work has appeared in popular shows like Weeds and Parenthood, as well as in Robin Wright’s directorial debut, Land. A native of Kentucky, Sollee blends his passion for music with his commitment to social and environmental advocacy, having collaborated with organizations like Oxfam America and The Nature Conservancy. He’s also the creative force behind the theme music for the Kentucky Call Sheet podcast, showcasing his connection to the region’s artistic community.

At the Louisville Film Society’s Master Classes, Ben Sollee offers attendees a rare glimpse into the intersection of music, technology, and activism, using his platform to explore how art can drive social change. His body of work, from scoring films to his solo albums, is a testament to his belief in the power of music to foster togetherness and community. Whether discussing his Emmy Award-winning score for Base Ballet or his innovative virtual reality projects, Sollee’s insights provide a valuable resource for anyone interested in the creative possibilities of blending traditional and modern media.

Doug Abel, ACE, BFE, is an acclaimed film and television editor with a career that spans over two decades. Based in both NYC and Louisville, Doug has worked on some of the most influential documentaries and series in recent memory, including the Academy Award-winning The Fog of War and the cultural phenomenon Tiger King. His editing credits also extend to popular scripted series like 30 Rock and Louie, showcasing his versatility and skill in shaping narratives across genres. With an eye for storytelling that balances both emotion and structure, Doug has earned a reputation as a go-to editor for both documentary and scripted projects.

At the Louisville Film Society’s Master Classes, Doug Abel shares his deep expertise in the art of editing, offering filmmakers an inside look at how to craft compelling visual stories. From shaping award-winning documentaries to refining scripted television, his insights provide invaluable guidance for both emerging and seasoned filmmakers. Whether discussing his work on Metallica: Some Kind of Monster or NBC’s The Sinner, Doug’s contributions to the craft of editing make him a pivotal figure in the world of visual storytelling.

Timothy Bates is a multi-talented film commissioner, actor, voice-over artist, and media producer with over two decades of experience in the film and television industry. As a key figure in Kentucky’s entertainment landscape, Timothy serves as Film Commissioner, where he plays an instrumental role in shaping the state’s thriving film community. His diverse career includes contributions to iconic television shows like Friends and The Drew Carey Show, as well as feature films such as Freaky Friday and Red Dragon. His versatility extends beyond production roles to voice work for regional ads and leading efforts in digital distribution.

At the Louisville Film Society’s Master Classes, Timothy brings a wealth of knowledge, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of film production and regional filmmaking incentives. His experience as a producer of the acclaimed film Sixth Man: Bluesanity, featured on major platforms like Amazon and Netflix, provides aspiring filmmakers with invaluable insights into the world of media production, distribution, and promotion. Timothy’s multifaceted career and commitment to elevating Kentucky’s film industry make him a powerful voice in both local and national filmmaking circles.