Meet the Phase 2 Productions Team
DON BARFUSS, Phase 2 Director (he/him/his)
As a filmmaker and storyteller, Don is dedicated to creating a powerful audience connection with every project. His personal productions have included festival-winning short films and music videos featured in international publications, while his professional marketing video work includes more than 150 projects for everyone from small businesses and nonprofits to major corporations like Intel, Oracle, and Amazon. His passion for mentorship stems from the exceptional mentorship he’s been lucky enough to receive in his own pursuits, including during his time at Utah Valley University where he earned his BS in Digital Cinema Production.
Meet the Phase 2 Crew
DANIEL MORANTE (He/Him)
What are you up to these days? I’m a Recording Artist / Audio Engineer currently studying Music Recording Technology at Salt Lake Community College. As an artist, I strive to be creative on a daily basis whether that be writing Poetry and Lyrics for my music or helping my peers record their music. I spend a lot of time in different recording studios learning from my mentors. I take pride in my culture as a Chicano and express myself through hip hop.
What is your favorite Phase 2 project you’ve worked on: My favorite phase 2 project was operating sound for a film set on a Vincent Van Gogh scene I did at Spy Hop alongside our crew. Being able to use new equipment and microphone techniques for film was a positive experience and challenge that I appreciated.
What are your creative goals? As an up-and-coming independent Artist and Engineer, I would like to be self-sufficient and pave the path for other independent artists of color that come after me. I aspire to acquire the adequate knowledge and experience I need in order to run my own recording studio in hopes to help myself and others record and relay an authentic message.
What are you currently watching, reading, or listening to: I am currently re-reading “ The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton and I’m listening either listening to Tupac, Nipsy Hussle, Mozzy, or Kendrick Lamar.
What’s your favorite snack: any type of fruit
CALVIN MUMM (he/him/his)
What are you up to these days? I am a filmmaker studying at Sarah Lawrence College where I am taking classes on literature, documentary filmmaking, and community engagement through media.
What is your favorite Phase 2 project you’ve worked on: My favorite Phase 2 project I worked on was SLC Library’s Digital Navigator Program because I enjoyed editing for a project that I thought provided a very unique and valuable resource for Salt Lake City residents that are often ignored.
What are your creative goals? I hope to become an editor and documentary filmmaker because I think creating films can be an impactful and personal way of connecting with the identities we value and the communities that surround us.
What are you currently watching, reading or listening to: Recently, I’ve been watching It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, reading My Heart is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones, and listening to the tabletop role-playing podcast Dungeons and Daddies.
What’s your favorite snack: peanut butter and apple slices
Find me at: www.calvinmumm.com
Nate Sanders (he/him/his)
What are you up to these days?
I am currently working on forwarding my career in film/videography and taking any opportunities in any way I can to improve. Outside of film, I like being outdoors, being a gamer, listening to music, and hanging out with friends.
What is your favorite Phase 2 project you’ve worked on?
My favorite project I’ve worked on so far was the Ballet West 2022 spring performance as I used to be a Ballet West dancer when I was in 4th-5th grade. I had a ton of fun then and seeing how it’s evolved and expanded, it was cool seeing how the performances were done nowadays.
What are your creative goals?
Either being a director, script writer, or actor. Preferably creating/contributing to media that impacts people in a positive way, whether that be a movie, TV series, online content, etc.
What are you currently watching, reading or listening to:
Just finished watching Moon Knight and about to get into the new Stranger Things, as well as having Kendrick Lamar’s “Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers” on repeat.
What’s your favorite snack:
Nature Valley granola bites.
MAYA HARDIE (she/her/hers)
What are you up to these days? I am a filmmaker studying at Sarah Lawrence College where I am taking classes on literature, documentary filmmaking, and community engagement through media.
What is your favorite Phase 2 project you’ve worked on: My favorite Phase 2 project would have to be the Folk Arts Videos for the Utah Division of Arts and museums because of the inspirational artists they spotlight.
What are your creative goals? Fiction or nonfiction, I have always dreamed of directing a feature film.
What are you currently watching, reading or listening to: Lately, I’ve been enjoying Dominique Fils-Aimé’s 2019 album, Stay Tuned!
What’s your favorite snack: My favorite snack is dried mangos.
CAMERON BAER (he/they)
What are you up to these days? After finishing a documentary feature film, I’ve been returning to my Etsy shop where I’m upcycling old clothes and turning them into new pieces. As well as working on posting to my YouTube channel again!
What is your favorite Phase 2 project you’ve worked on:My favorite Phase 2 project was animating for the Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement to announce their new logo.
What are your creative goals? My creative goals are to write for film and television, develop a community where we create and sell art together, and keep expressing myself through my silly little videos I love to make.
What are you currently watching, reading or listening to: I’m currently rewatching Better Call Saul for the billionth time, reading The Shining for the second time, and listening to DJO for the first time!
What’s your favorite snack:My favorite snack is Kettle Salt & Vinegar chips.
ZEALAND DESPAIN (he/him/his)
What are you up to these days? Film school at UVU, traveling, Student Mentor for Pitchnic, therapy, writing a mini series, directing a short film, working 4 jobs, playing Elden Ring, developing a pitch for a Redford Center project, Axe Throwing, and most importantly…napping.
What is your favorite Phase 2 project you’ve worked on: My favorite project was working on the Immersive Van Gogh experience exhibit for the Leonardo Museum.
What are your creative goals? I would love to direct a feature film someday.
What are you currently watching, reading or listening to: I watched Nope (directed by Jordan Peele), it was pretty dope.
What’s your favorite snack: My favorite snacks are Costco Muffins.
Find Zealand at saggybenchproductions.com
ELIZABETH “KATHY” MARTINEZ (she/her/hers)
What are you up to these days?Other than moving and now living in Chicago, I recently went to Sundance to go see the premiere of “I Have No Tears, and I Must Cry,” a film I was an assistant producer for. These days, you can find me editing, at the gym, or bar hopping.
What is your favorite Phase 2 project you’ve worked on:Van Gogh because it was my first time being a Production Designer.
What are your creative goals?I would like to work as a producer, maybe for a studio one day or even for independent films. I love traveling so hopefully I can get more projects that take me around the world.
What are you currently watching, reading or listening to:I’m currently reading a Clockwork Orange and I plan to rewatch that. I finally had time to watch Speilberg’s “The Fabelmans” and I cried a few times.
What’s your favorite snack: I’m addicted to Ruffles.
Find Kathy here!