OUR PEOPLE
Holly Levow
As an attorney and businesswoman, Holly Levow started her career in Silicon Valley high-technology start-up companies performing contract law, business development, human resources, and marketing. Today, Holly is focused on creating social impact through her three social enterprises, Catalyst Studios, Equitas Entertainment Partners, and Foundation (Fashion + Philanthropy). Catalyst Studios and Equitas Entertainment Partners are production companies designed to create films in a socially responsible, intentional, and equitable way, with a focus on providing opportunities for women in film. Foundation is a women’s retail boutique in Portland, Oregon, donating 100% of profits back into community nonprofit organizations. Holly is a member of Women in Film – an LA based organization advocating for and advancing the careers of women working in the screen industries. In addition, Holly is an active Partner with Social Venture Partners Portland, an engaged venture philanthropy organization focused on strengthening Portland nonprofits that are serving our most vulnerable youth. Holly also serves on the advisory boards of The Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Santa Clara University and Five One Labs, a start-up incubator that helps refugees and conflict-affected entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses in the Middle East.
Mark Pennell
Mark is a creative, strategic, and performance-focused executive with 25+ years of innovative, energetic leadership in Australia, the US, and Europe. Mark is an expert in developing products, sourcing and securing financing, leveraging relationships, and presenting complex, large-scale productions. A motivational leader who is known for calm and clear delivery of mission objectives, aligning people and resources, and delivering results that exceed expectations. Mark has written several screenplays and successfully secured funding for numerous large-scale stage shows and feature films. He also delivered the operations for the $35m Australian Pavilion at the world expo (Japan) and turned a significant operating profit for the commercial stakeholders. For the past 12 years, Mark has been at the helm of Beacon Pictures, one of Hollywood’s most successful independent film and television companies.
Paul Kampf
Paul has been developing and applying his craft for over thirty years as an actor, director, writer, producer, and teacher. Paul built his work ethic, aesthetic, and belief in the power of a cohesive team of like-minded artists after a dozen years in the theater. As a founder of Catalyst Studios, he is proud to open doors of opportunity to new voices. Under his Two Ten Productions banner, Paul will soon helm his feature film Harvest, which will lead into a worldwide TV series. He has expanded his production entities into Puerto Rico and Serbia, where these locations serve as hubs for quality, financially responsible international production. He is a fervent believer in equality of opportunity, and relishes the chance to meet artists with passion, dedication, and vision, no matter their current resume.
Andres Ramirez
Head of Production
Andres Ramirez is head of production at Catalyst studios. He has editing experience in different film projects such as: “Pie in the Sky” (additional editor) / (colorist), “Fantasy Island” (TV Series) (assistant editor – 8 episodes) – “Día de los Vivos” (2021) … (assistant editor)- “The Romance & The Bromance” (assistant editor ), – “The Big Five Oh” (assistant editor ), – “Twice in a Lifetime” (assistant editor ), “Once Upon a Time in Havana” (assistant editor ), “Quantum Entanglement” (assistant editor ),- “His and Hers/The Heartbreak Hotel” (assistant editor ), “Hungry Christine/Mel Loves Ruby” (assistant editor ).
Robert Rodriguez
Score Producer
Rob Rodriguez is a first generation American composer, pianist, producer and actor of Cuban heritage. In 2000 and at the age of 22, Rob performed several world tours with Arturo Sandoval and recorded on the music to “For love or country” (HBO). As a performer, Rob has performed and recorded for many legendary musicians including Christian McBride, Richard bona, Charlie Haden, Ray Barreto, Quincy Jones and Emilioe Stafan. As a composer Rob has received commissions and awards from ASCAP, Chamber Music of America and New York foundation for the Arts. He was also nominated for a Grammy for best latin jazz album “Impromptu”, with The Rodriguez brothers. In 2017, Rob served on the faculty at Berklee School of Music and assisted Terrance Blanchard in directing assembles and composition classes. In 2018 he composed for the feature Imprisoned (credited as Robert Rospide) starring Laurence Fishburne. Rob currently resides in LA. His recent film work includes the award winning romance drama Pielcanela, Divorce Bait, and Townhouse Confidential (2023).
Giulia Lupetti
Head of Sponsorship & Festivals
Giulia Lupetti was born in Rome, Italy. She is an experienced Marketing Manager with 10 years of expertise. She got her PhD in “Science of communication and marketing “ at “La Sapienza” university in Rome. Passionate and experienced Marketing Consultant, she provides strategic and practical advice to achieve company marketing efforts. Adept in understanding company and production profiles and operations to successfully carry out sponsorship plans. Equipped with a diverse and promising skill set, conducive to adhering to marketing principles and best practices. Bringing forth the ability to develop and implement winning business plans and sponsorships. Proven ability to establish and maintain excellent communication and relationships with different businesses. Able to effectively self-manage during independent projects, as well as collaborate as part of a productive team.
Ted Gavarkavich
Catalyst Coordinator
Ted Gavarkavich earned a BFA in Theatre Performance from Ohio University. Now based in LA, he has worked as an actor, director, writer and producer on a number of smaller budget productions. Ted is one of the Catalyst’s first employees and quarter backed the development process for the Studios first slate of films. He takes pride in his work and enjoys working with others that share similar passions within the film industry. Ted is also the creative director at Ragtag Pictures, a production company based in Los Angeles. He started Ragtag with his wife, Mary, in 2021. Outside the film industry, Ted aims to rescue abandoned, abused, disabled, and stray dogs. He’d be happy retiring on a ranch with Mary, surrounded by man’s best friend.
Shawn MaHoney
Coordinator Latin America
After spending a few years in finance post-college, Shawn studied at the prestigious William Esper Studio in NYC and was fortunate enough to join the Aisling Arts Theater Company. Shortly thereafter, he spent several years working on fantastic works by creative director Brynn Manion. As an actor, he also had glimpses of success on TV in a guest star role on WHITE COLLAR and co-starring on ALPHA HOUSE for Amazon TV. He shifted from acting to focus more on writing and film production once he left the United States, settling in Medellin, Colombia in late 2019. He is proud to be a part of this wonderful team as the Latin American Coordinator.
Jennifer Webster
Executive Assistant (Los Angeles)
Jennifer is honored to be a part of the groundbreaking Catalyst team. As writer/producer, she was awarded the Grand Jury Prize at the Film Invasion L.A. Film Festival for her first short, “How to Build A Fort”, and is a part of “The World of Steam” writing team with “Dragon Egg Entertainment” where her pilot “The Revolution” is currently in development. As a voice actor, she’s best known for her work with Telly award-winning campaigns for “Boys Town” as well as her narration of dozens of audiobooks for “4books” and “Audible”, and her on-camera work can be seen most recently in the short, “THE MODEL”, produced and written by Tony Award nominee “Cora Vander Broek”.
Kristina Nikolić
Executive Assistant (Serbia)
Kristina was born in Serbia, Leskovac in 1997. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Production in theatre, radio and culture. She is currently working on her Master’s degree in Applied theater at the Art Academy in Novi Sad, and at the Faculty of Drama Artsin Belgrade – Management of Culture and Media. She has extensive experience working in the theatre, cultural management, film & tv production, managing film festivals. Her biggest passion is to one day work on producing documentary films. She is communicative, extroverted, dedicated, responsible and willing to learn.
Melissa Alvarez
Executive Assistant (Latin America)
Highly-motivated professional in communication and audiovisual languages and freelance photographer. Skilled in portrait photography, landscapes, and Editing Software. Seeking to craft memorable images of the people, landscapes, and colors of the natural wealth of my country.