The Maine Film Association Announces New Board Members
Erik Van Wyck, Barbara Cray, Manette Pottle, Daniel Stevenson, and Alessandro Chillé elected to the Board of Directors
PORTLAND, ME (March 25, 2024) - The Maine Film Association (MFA) is pleased to announce the addition of several accomplished film and media professionals to its Board of Directors. Joining the board are Erik Van Wyck, Barbara Cray, Manette Pottle, Daniel Stevenson, and Alessandro Chillé.
Erik Van Wyck is an actor, writer, and filmmaker. He has appeared in numerous commercials, TV series and films, as well as globe-trotting travel show host. His work has screened at various prestigious festivals, and recently he produced the Maine-set (and filmed!) “Holly Star” (Netflix). He is president and co-founder of Picture Maine, an organization working to promote media making production in the state.
Barbara Cray is an attorney practicing in Maine and the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as the owner of Barbara Cray Entertainment which produces diverse film, TV, and media projects. She brings over two decades of legal expertise in the entertainment industry, and is an accomplished litigator with over twenty years of successful first-chair jury trial defense of complex commercial matters. As a passionate Maine filmmaker, she has participated in the Maine Film Association’s Winter Film Challenge for the past three years.
Manette Pottle is an Emmy-nominated documentary film producer whose feature documentaries include The Arc of Oblivion (2023), Picture a Scientist (2020), and Behold the Earth (2017). She has served as the producer of the Camden International Film Festival and as President of the Board of Directors for the Rock Coast Rollers, Rockland's roller derby league, as well as developing and producing the Future of Science Film Fellowship, a program for emerging filmmakers to develop new documentaries about making science more equitable and inclusive.
Daniel Stevenson currently serves as the Economic Development Director for the City of Westbrook, Maine. He has extensive experience in the field, with over 25 years spent working in economic and community initiatives at the state and municipal levels, and a strong passion for seeding community growth through the arts.
Alessandro Chillé is a filmmaker, actor, and marketing professional. With over 2 billion views online and recognition from festivals such as Dances With Films, The Big Apple Film Festival, and The Phoenix Film Festival, Chillé brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the board. He was an executive producer on the Cinequest feature film “Continue.” His acting credits include popular shows like “Black Jesus” (Adult Swim) and “Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll” (FX). He has worked with industry leaders such as Amazon Fire TV, Dolby, ATTN: and Shots Studios.
"We are thrilled to welcome this group of incredibly talented individuals to our board," said MFA Co-President Geoffrey Leighton. "Their diverse expertise and shared passion for advancing filmmaking in Maine will be invaluable as we continue to grow our organization and support our creative community."
"I look forward to collaborating with our new and existing board members to expand MFA's reach and impact," added Co-President Louise Rosen. "Together we will work to advocate for Maine's film industry, foster connections, provide professional development, and build a strong foundation for current and future generations of Maine filmmakers."
