Joan Philo
PRESIDENT
Joan Philo is writing, I swear, she is not casting the extras for Chicago Fire right now (totally watch Wednesday nights, she totally cast that show!). Sure, she has cast the extras for The Dark Knight, Nightmare on Elm St, and worked on multiple sketch comedy pieces as a graduate of Chicago’s Second City Comedy writing program. She has crisscrossed the US casting and collaborating with legendary filmmakers like David Lynch, Rupert Wyatt, and Michael Mann. However, the pulse of her very being is entrenched in the world of writing, as a member of Max Adam’s 5150 professional screenwriting forum and a proud graduate of her Academy of Screenwriting.
Joan is an active member of the screenwriters community and has won accolades such as the Madison 48 Hour “Best Writing” for the dramatic film short “The Roof,” the GAIA award for her short script “Sidewalk Chalk,” and the First Heat Winner of the 24 Hour Midnight contest with “You Hurt Sissy.” She is also huge into trying to get into Heaven, leading “Team Film” with Kiva loans (raising over $12,000 in microloans for 3rd world business owners), and has raised over $4,000 for Ignite the Spirit, The American Red Cross, and The One Hundred Club. Additionally, she is the author of Decode The Mystery Of Working as an Extra – Chicago Style!, with proceeds donated to Heifer International. Through her work, Joan actively fosters a supportive performers network, connecting those in the industry.
Gretchen Philo
SECRETARY
Nature lover living in California. I have worked as a surveyor and with non-profits that provide services for Senior and Differently Abled People, as well as for The National Park Service. In addition to my professional background, I am passionate about fostering a filmmakers support community and engaging with a performers network. When not outside enjoying nature's beauty, I spend most of my free time creating and being a maker: woodworking, carving, ceramics, mosaics, tile work, beadwork, felting, and stained glass—and playing with my beloved doggies.
Galina Emmerich
I immigrated from Bulgaria and came to the United States in 2005. I have been writing and daydreaming since I was 12 years old. My experience in film for over 8 years has taught me valuable insights from both new filmmakers and well-known ones. I am passionate about being part of a strong screenwriters community and providing filmmakers support whenever I can. I love taking photographs, especially when no one is looking. Helping others in need and creating new things has always been my passion, and I enjoy connecting within the performers network to share ideas and inspiration.
TJ Tarek
BOARD MEMBER
I was born and raised in Illinois. I’m constantly on the lookout for something fun to do or new to try, which led me to meet these great people that included me in this project. I’m a Chicago paramedic, and some good luck and great timing led me to meet Joan and her friends, who are part of a supportive network of filmmakers. I was fortunate to work on Chicago Fire and Chicago Med for several seasons, connecting with a fantastic performers network. I really enjoy being a part of this community and am thankful for the opportunity to engage with the screenwriters community. In my free time, I enjoy flying and sightseeing from the sky.
