The Film Panel Notetaker

Brian Geldin – Founder/Editor/Chief Notetaker

Brian founded The Film Panel Notetaker in 2005 after wondering what to do with the notes he took at film panel discussions. What began as a simple blog has blossomed into one of the industry’s foremost resources for independent film and documentary discussions. Brian is also an experienced communications professional with demonstrated success in film publicity. He has led media relations and outreach for independent films, film festivals, musicians, and other arts, media, and entertainment organizations. Brian most recently worked as the Press Liaison for the Cinema Eye Honors and DOC NYC, and as the Publicist for the Royal Flush Festival. He also represents filmmaker Michael Stever, whose documentary, “Saturday Nightmares: The Ultimate Horror Expo of All Time!” is now available on DVD. For more information on Brian’s public relations services, visit www.briangeldin.com.

Erin Scherer – Associate Notetaker

Erin Scherer first came to the attention of the Indie Film Blogosphere in 2007 when she posted her video, “How Mumblecore Saved My Life,” to YouTube.  She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Art from SUNY Oneonta.  In 2005, Erin shot the documentary Are You From Bingo, soon to be out on DVD.  She is currently developing two feature projects: a narrative feature, and a documentary.  As of April 2010, Erin is still looking for a job.  If you want to hire her (or just say hi), please contact her at erin at erinscherer dot com.

Liz Nord – Associate Notetaker

Liz Nord is a producer and documentary filmmaker. She recently shot a short documentary on-location in Haiti for musician Wyclef Jean’s charitable organization, Yele Haiti. In 2008, she ran MTV’sStreet Team ‘08—an Emmy Award-winning project wherein 51state-based citizen journalists covered the 2008 presidential election from a youth perspective, across all media platforms. In 2006, she toured the world with her critically acclaimed film about rebellious young Israelis, “Jericho’s Echo: Punk Rock in the Holy Land.” When she’s not gallivanting around the globe with film projects, she is a media educator, lecturer, and columnist. Liz moved to New York from the San Francisco Bay Area, where she ran an organization teaching filmmaking skills and media literacy to underserved youth. She also served on the Board of Directors of the Bay Area Women in Film and TV. Visit Liz’s website at www.liznord.com.

A.M. Peters – Contributing Notetaker

AMPeters has helmed projects that include the feature documentary, “NO Cross, NO Crown” and the award-winning animated shorts “Jack Quack (The Path)” and “Corporate Whore.” Peters previously worked as the Assistant to Academy-Award nominated director Nanette Burstein on “American Teen” and a pilot for AMC, “Autobiography” staring Dennis Hopper. She has also produced recruiting videos, live television, and profile pieces with clients such as Smith Barney, Merrill Lynch and the United Nations Population Fund. She most recently is an assistant editor for “The First 48″ in its tenth season on A&E television and new shows “Steven Seagal, Lawman” and “Runaway Squad.” Visit her production company website, dinomonster films, at www.dinomonsterfilms.com.

Jennifer Warren – Contributing Notetaker

Jennifer is a New York-based film consultant for independent content producers and media companies. Working on marketing strategies from the business plan stage to distribution. Strategizing to find audiences, strategic partnerships and sponsorship opportunities for client’s films that include multiple platform releases to smaller local community, special interest films. Visit her website at www.jennifer-warren.com.

Kelly Deegan – Contributing Notetaker

Kelly resides in  Brooklyn. She is very happy to be a correspondent for The Film Panel Notetaker at super special events.  Check out her site, I Know What Kills Me, for text, pictures and videos about random and crazy shenanigans including but not limited to NYC, film, art, parties, dancing, cosmetics, music, bargains and more. You can see a short-short documentary she made many years ago, using actual film – which was featured on Last Exit Magazine.

Erin Essenmacher – Contributing Notetaker

Erin Essenmacher has spent the past 10+ years resetting her watch between timezones in places New York, San Francisco, London, New Orleans, Miami, and Johannesburg, as writer/producer/director, chasing the story for broadcast outlets, non-profits, and Fortune 500 clients.  She’s followed jazz great Dave Brubeck to a dude ranch in rural California, hit the beat with cops in South Dakota and worked with a wide range of animals from an animated panda, to escaped emus to actor Richard Dreyfuss. But she’s best known for her unparalled skill at herding cats.  Fresh off the Audience Choice Award for best documentary at South by Southwest and a successful theatrical run for her latest documentary MINE, Erin currently splits her time between a tiny but well situated New York City apartment and the corridors of power in Washington, DC.  She can be reached via her website: www.erinessenmacher.com.