In a world where everyone with a laptop and a dream calls themselves a producer, 2024 has been all about separating the pretenders from the real deal.
Whether they’re creating chart-topping beats, directing cinematic masterpieces, or engineering the next big tech innovation, these producers are the ones who’ve actually produced—and we’re not just talking about another overrated TikTok trend. These five visionaries didn’t just follow the script; they rewrote it, turning wild ideas into reality and redefining what it means to be a producer in today’s fast-paced, content-crazed world.
From the studio to the boardroom and even into the metaverse, these are the creatives who’ve made their mark and then some. So give a digital round of applause to the minds behind 2024’s biggest moments—the producers who turned ambition into action and ideas into pure, undeniable gold.
Mon Castro
At just 26, Mon Castro is a multi-talented filmmaker turning heads. This self-made hustler and resourceful producer has almost a decade of experience and an impressive awards resume under her belt. Her unique selling point is bringing an unmistakable flair and distinct voice to every genre she touches – blending absurdist visions with sharp social commentary.
From mind-bending sci-fi to campy comedies, Mon’s unique projects have gotten major acclaim across Mexico and the US. Her work champions feminism, LGBTQIA+ stories, and raising visibility for underrepresented communities. As an asexual filmmaker, Mon is currently developing a feature documentary to raise visibility and debunk myths around asexuality, which is set to begin production at the end of the year.
Mon’s credits are stacked with hits and honours. Among others, her film Cuando Volvimos A La Tierra was a finalist at SXSW’s McDonald’s Spotlight Dorado competition. Im Finstern won the coveted Owen Roizman ASC award and is currently a CineGear Expo 2024 finalist. The Physicist in Outer Space took the Special Jury Prize and “Best Indie Filmmaker” at Top Shorts, and “Best Comedy” at the Hollywood Verge Film Awards, and Bajo La Tierra is nominated for the LOLA Award at the Philadelphia Latino Arts & Film Festival.
The Filmmakers Connect 30 Under 30 honoree Mon Castro is injecting new life into the industry, and is not planning to stop any time soon. Her ultimate dream is to create projects that deeply inspire and entertain on a personal level – just like films and television series did for her growing up.
Dana Michell
When Dana Michell started Salt and Lime Media eight years ago, she turned her 20 years of production expertise into a globally recognized powerhouse. She’s not just any producer; Dana is a storyteller who brings real people and their incredible narratives to the forefront. Her global agency, renowned for casting everyday people in marketing campaigns and TV shows worldwide, thrived during the pandemic by quickly going 100% remote, proving Dana’s ability to adapt and innovate.
With several Emmy-winning TV shows and documentaries under her belt, Dana’s accolades are impressive. This media maven understands the needs of production companies, marketing managers, creative agencies, streamers, and real people talent, making her a juggernaut of production.
And when it comes to social responsibility, Dana’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident. Her company’s remote, international and bilingual workforce ensures a small carbon footprint and an inclusive approach. When casting and pitching globally, she keeps DEI at the core of her presentations and operations.
But she’s not stopping here. Dana’s latest venture, Salt and Lime Studios, is where things get even more exciting. Here, she’s now funding and producing authentic stories in documentary form, starring and narrated by real people. Imagine a story of a group of global women all duped by a con artist online, who have united to seek justice. Salt and Lime Studios is currently in production following this incredible story as it unfolds. It’s not just compelling; it’s groundbreaking.
Dana Michell isn’t just a producer; she’s a visionary making waves in the industry. Her unique approach to real people stories and her ability to turn them into captivating media projects set her apart.
With a keen eye for talent and a passion for authentic narratives, Dana continues to shape the future of content creation, one real story at a time.
Shalina Baysan
If you haven’t heard of Shalina Baysan yet, you’re missing out on one of the sharpest minds in indie filmmaking today. Residing in Arizona, Shalina has carved out a niche by producing films that aren’t just visually compelling but emotionally gripping.
Her work spans various genres, with a particular flair for psychological horror, like the upcoming Headspace (2024), and introspective short films such as Work in Progress (2019), Dr. Gift (2023), and Detroit Evolution (2020). each showcasing her talent for capturing complex human emotions.
Her productions, such as Borders, a film about a tribe facing moral dilemmas, highlight her skill in blending intricate storytelling with sharp production values. Shalina’s projects don’t merely entertain; they challenge audiences to think, making every film a deeply immersive experience. Whether it’s psychological horror or drama, her films are infused with emotional depth that leaves a lasting impression.
What sets her apart is her dedication to nurturing new talent through Kabayan Studios. This creative space allows her to collaborate with emerging filmmakers, producing short films like Nightmare (2019) and Charly (2017). With Shalina at the helm, Kabayan Studios is quickly becoming a hub for indie creators eager to push boundaries in filmmaking.
Shalina Baysan isn’t just producing films—she’s building a vibrant community. Her portfolio reflects versatility and depth, positioning her as more than just another producer. She’s actively shaping the future of indie filmmaking, and trust me, this is just the beginning.
Greg James Blount
Renowned for his award-winning films and TV shows, Greg James Blount is a distinguished producer who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. He is the mastermind behind Sound Tree Entertainment, a prominent production company contributing to film and television.
Adding to his portfolio, Greg is the Director of Talent Development for the Green Room Acting Studio. One of the premier online acting studios dedicated to nurturing talent in the acting world. The studio plays a pivotal role in helping thousands of actors build successful careers.
With three decades of industry experience, Greg’s mentorship has been transformative, contributing to the success stories of individuals such as Amber Heard, Kira Kosarin (The Thundermans), Kayden Muller (Disney’s Villains of Valley View), and Colin O’Brien (Wonka, Dear Edward).
His accolades include the Best Shorts Competition 2023 winner for The Coffee Shop, nominated for Best Film Poster at the Cannes World Film Festival, and winner for Best Film Short for The Audition at the Indie Night Film Festival, which the film premiered at the iconic Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Los Angeles.
Greg continues to scout talent, meanwhile, he has five films in development for 2024. Explore his website and socials for a glimpse into the world of talent nurtured in film, TV, and commercials.
Alex Gonzalez
Alex Gonzalez, a seasoned entrepreneur and creative genius behind Alana Production, is Spain’s fashion and commercial photo and video shoot extraordinaire.
Hailing from Venezuela, Alex made her mark in Spain, founding Alana Production, a dynamic powerhouse in fashion and commercial content production, alongside her partner Ana Ramirez. With an impressive portfolio that includes collaborations with fashion giants like Gucci, YSL, and Nike, Alex stands tall as a top-tier Creative Producer for Fashion and Commercial shoots.
What sets Alex apart is her knack for transforming visions into stunning reality, and the staggering proof of her dream-curating skills is her company, Alana Production. From a modest two-person startup in 2016, Alana Production has blossomed into a flourishing team of 14 by 2023.
Gracing the pages of esteemed magazines, including Vogue Paris, Vogue Spain, and T Magazine, Alex has cemented her position as an authority in the fashion and advertising sectors.
Beyond the camera, she’s also a champion of the arts, tirelessly working to support Latino artists and underrepresented minorities throughout Europe. Her ambition knows no bounds, with plans to expand across the EU and reignite Alana Production LLC in the US.
In an industry filled with dazzling lights, Alex Gonzalez shines as a beacon of talent, determination, and inclusivity. Check out her journey on Instagram, take a peek at her impressive portfolio, or visit her website to see Alana Production’s magic.
Dianne is an adventurer who grew up traversing the globe, first through the pages of books, and then in reality. She lives the clichéd life of working at a cafe and writing. When she’s not surrounding herself with words you can find her visiting art musuems and historical places .Dianne lives in Boston.
