PB Film

Kenneth Spillias

Past Chair

Kenneth G. Spillias retired from the active practice of law after a career of over 42 years in law and government service. He is following up his novels, the Widow’s Walk series, with a non-fiction account of a family’s experiences in Greece and Germany during the Nazi occupation of World War II.  Kenneth also remains active in civic and community activities. He has served as a Palm Beach County Commissioner from 1982-1986, chairing the board in 1984.  He is also the former Chair of Palm Beach County's Tourist Development Council, Children's Services Council, and a variety of other governmental and civic boards. He has served on a number of civic and community boards including those of cultural organizations such as the Palm Beach County Council of the Arts (now known as the Cultural Council) and Bob Carter's Actor's Workshop and Repertory Company. Kenneth continues to serve on the board of directors of the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, of which he is a founding member and former President.  Kenneth has been married to his wife Monica for 48 years and has three grown children (one of whom is in the music and entertainment business in Los Angeles) and five grandchildren.

Carol Roberts

Chair

Carol A. Roberts attended Palm Beach Community College, University of Miami and Tufts University. Over the years, Ms. Roberts has held several official positions in Palm Beach County, including: West Palm Beach City Commissioner; Mayor of West Palm Beach; Palm Beach County Commissioner; Member of the Solid Waste Authority; Member of Tri-Rail Board; Board Member and Development Director Palm Beach Photographic Center; City of West Palm Beach Budget Committee; Chair of the City of West Palm Beach Transportation Committee; member of the City of West Palm Beach Comprehensive Plan Review Board; member of the West Palm Beach Cultural Committee; and member and Chair of the Palm Beach Health Care District. Ms. Roberts was married to Hyman J. Roberts for 59 years and is mother to six children and has eleven grandchildren.

Douglas Rill

Treasurer

Douglas Rill is the Owner, Founder and Broker for "CENTURY 21 America's Choice," a full-service real estate company since 1994. Douglas has over 40 Years of experience in all facets of the Real Estate Industry. In 1997, he acquired the "CENTURY 21 Academy of Learning," Real Estate School, operating over 20 years. Douglas began giving real estate advice on Public Radio in 1978, then in 1979, the show was moved to WJNO, where it became the longest running real estate show, ending in 2010.  In 1985, Douglas became the Executive Producer of the video magazine, "House Detective," which aired on WPEC TV-12, for five consecutive years. Douglas has served on several Boards, including The Palm Beach International Film Festival and as President of CENTURY 21 Treasure/Palm Beach Council. Mr. Rill holds a BBA from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton and a Realtor Emeritus designation from the National Association of Realtors. Douglas currently lives in Palm Beach with his wife, Angela Murray, former radio news anchor in Miami and West Palm Beach.

Robert Sanders

Vice Chair

Bob Sanders, one of West Palm Beach's well-known fundraisers and politically adept dealmakers is a leader in his community. An accountant, lawyer and businessman, he gives back to the community that has been so very good to him. Sanders, raised in a Philadelphia orphanage until the age of 8, learned the true meaning of hard work at a very early age. As a teenager, he toiled at a Philadelphia warehouse, loading and unloading pallets. After this enlightening experience, Sanders became determined to excel in school and the  business world, and succeed he did. He graduated from Temple University with degrees in accounting and law. This education became the foundation for his future business successes. After law school and a judicial clerkship with Federal  District Court Judge John W. Lord, Jr., Sanders became a name partner at a Philadelphia law firm and then Vice President and General Counsel of the Goodman Company, a leading national developer, where he supervised real-estate developments, such as the Phillips Point Twin Towers in West Palm Beach and the Esplanade Shopping Via in Palm Beach. After a period of 20 years, he retired in 1990 as the company's president. After relocating to Florida in 1982, Sanders established a reputation as a trusted political advisor to area politicians and notables. Mayor Nancy Graham brought Sanders, a past board member of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, out of his retirement to serve as Deputy City Attorney. In that position, Sanders was in charge of city transactions and pivotal economic development projects. Now involved in city and county politics, Sanders became determined to make a marked difference in his community. Sanders began playing the role of key negotiator and advisor, crafting deals in West Palm Beach, including projects such as the Convention Center, the redevelopment  of the West Palm Beach Auditorium and baseball stadium site, and today's CityPlace, a $500,000,000 development of 72 vacant acres in downtown West Palm Beach. Sanders is a past President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches and is the current Chairman of the Downtown Development Authority. However, Sanders' passionate involvement in his community has never been limited to strictly business deals. With his gracious and approachable nature and his savvy problem­ solving skills, he has volunteered his time as fundraiser and chairman for several worthy causes including the West Palm Beach Library Foundation, the Adam Walsh Children's Fund, the Palm Beach International Film Festival, the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Florida and Cities in Schools, a high school dropout prevention program.

Monte Young

Monte is a producer/writer, producing a number of feature films, including Billy Todd's War, Hitters Anonymous, and Gasp (filmed in Beijing in 2009). Most recently, in 2018, Monte produced The Wave, starring Justin Long and Tommy Flanagan, and Survivors (short), produced with Marco Shepherd at Centropolis Entertainment. Both films will be released in 2019. Further, in 2020 Monte is scheduled to produce the feature films, Scarlettville, and The Old Way. Monte is also developing television, including Shanghai, Queens of the Ring, Frank, and Stone Age, and is currently producing a reality medical show, Dr. East meet West, which explores the best of both Chinese and Western medical practices. In 2018 Monte partnered with Mana Animation, headed by VFX professional Dean Lyon, developing children’s animated educational series including Sparx, Bookends, Earth 101 and First Pets, as well as a live-action feature film trilogy, Dragon Wars. Prior to entering the entertainment industry, Monte worked as a finance attorney, developing and structuring infrastructure investments in Asia.

Paul Noble

Paul Noble, a 5-time Emmy award winner, was in television work for over 45 years.  Today, he’s an author; his latest book is ‘My First 83 Years,’ which is a review of his career. Paul began his career at WGBH-TV Boston as producer and director.  He produced Eleanor Roosevelt's NET series "Prospects of Mankind", "Invitation to Art" from the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and many specials and series.  At Channel 5 in New York, first for Metromedia and then for Fox, he produced or executive produced "Midday Live," "Dr. Ruth," "The Alan Burke Show," and "The Bishop Sheen Show."  He also hosted "The Fox 5 Movie Club."  For eleven years, he acquired and scheduled movies for Lifetime, Television for Women.  He is a past president of the New York chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (the Emmys), a member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.  He is a graduate of Cornell University and has a Master’s Degree in Communications from Boston University. He has also co-authored four books with his wife, Paulette Cooper, the "Pet Set" columnist of the Palm Beach Daily News. Noble and his wife are retired co-presidents of the Palm Beach chapter of the Circumnavigators Club.

Suzanne Niedland

Suzanne Niedland is the Managing Director of BusEye Films, LLC, Actor and Broadway producer, based in Jupiter, Florida. In addition to serving as a Director for The Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission; a member of the National Committee for the Performing Arts at the Kennedy Center; The President’s Advisory Council at The Kennedy Center and an Advisory Committee Member for The DeVos Institute for Arts Management. Suzanne earned her Master’s degree in Documentary Filmmaking from the University of Florida. She is involved in developing and producing feature narratives, documentaries, and theatre productions, including the current production of “Here Lies Love” on Broadway. She is happily working as a voice over actor for the upcoming pilots, “BookEnds” and “Emergen-Sea” produced by fellow FTC Board Director, Monte Young. Besides her passion for the arts, Suzanne is an owner of the Washington Spirit Women’s professional soccer team.  She devotes time to create awareness for Breast Cancer and founded the Margaret W. Niedland Breast Center at Jupiter Medical Center. She is a member of Go Red for Women of the American Heart Association and the Tiffany Circle of the American Red Cross. Suzanne began twirling around in ballroom dance lessons a few years ago, which led to her joyfully competing around the country in the Pro/Am division.

Bill Metzger

Bill Metzger is the former Chair of the FTC. Bill has been on the FTC Board since its inception in 1989.  Bill also helped initiate the Palm Beach International Film Festival.  He co-founded and serves as the Chair of the PBC Film & Television Institute.  Bill co-owned a film and television production company and has over 30 years’ experience in various aspects of development, production, and financing in the film and electronic media industry.

Jacqueline Journey

Founder & CEO of JAQ JOURNEY. Author of The Diva’s in the Details. Host and producer of the luxury/lifestyle series Passport to The Palm Beaches. Formerly COO of Carolco Pictures and VP/Executive Producer of M*E Television. Writer/Director and star of Hidden Assets. Award winning producer and actress.  In addition to appearing on Friday Night Lights and several independent film projects, she has produced, directed, and hosted hundreds of hours of entertainment programming and news shows. Journey has interviewed scores of celebrities and hired and trained on air talent for three entertainment networks. 

James L. Bearden, Esq.

Secretary

James L. Bearden has more than 20 years’ experience in corporate, communications and entertainment law. Currently, Mr. Bearden is the Managing Partner of the CBR Law Group, LLLP in Boca Raton, Florida.  Mr. Bearden's current practice emphasizes the representation of individuals, corporate and business entities involved in the entertainment industry. Mr. Bearden has extensive experience in the negotiation, preparation and administration of a wide range of contracts involving music/television/film production and distribution companies, artist and entertainers, publishing, Internet companies, radio networks, boxing promotions, concert and sporting event sites and venues. Transactions in which Mr. Bearden has participated include corporate mergers and acquisitions, real estate development, civil litigation, the representation of radio and television stations, cable and broadband systems.  Also, Mr. Bearden has held the positions of Associate General Counsel at Don King Productions, Inc. in Deerfield Beach, Florida, of counsel at the law firm of Akerman, Senterfitt & Eidson in Miami, Florida and of counsel at The Thomas Law Group, PA, in Boca Raton, Florida. He is a graduate of the University of Detroit and of the Howard University School of Law. At the University of Detroit, Mr. Bearden majored in radio, television & film production. Mr. Bearden holds memberships in the Federal Communications Bar, the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association, and is also an agent/signatory of the Writers Guild of America, East and West. Mr. Bearden is admitted to practice law in the State of Florida, the District of Columbia, before the US District Court for the District of Columbia, the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, and the US District Court for the District of Maryland. 

Alexandra Flugel

Alexandra Flugel is an accomplished Producer and Director in the international division of Swift Response, renowned for the brand "Flex Seal," located in South Florida. With extensive experience in the TV and Digital content industry worldwide, Alexandra has excelled as a producer, writer, and director. Her portfolio includes numerous successful national and international TV shows, such as "Inside the Blueprint," "The Franchise," "Military Makeover Career Edition," "Designing Spaces," "Inside Edition," as well as various Discovery ID and "O" documentaries where she has conducted interviews with high-profile CEOs and celebrities.

Additionally, she has produced several international TV commercials and infomercials, including the notable "Dermawand." Alexandra's expertise has also been sought after by esteemed platforms such as Latin MTV, MTV 3, Preston Bailey's Celebrity Wedding, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Dr. Phil, etc.

Beyond her professional achievements, Alexandra has actively contributed to her community, serving on various civic and community boards, including cultural and educational organizations like the Boca Raton Children's Museum and as a Student Advisory Board Member in the Department of Communications at FAU.  Her involvement in local universities and city events has fueled her determination to make a positive impact in her community. A passionate mentor to students and recent graduates. Alexandra's fluency in both Spanish and English allows her to work effectively and help across diverse cultural contexts and Corporations.

Denise-Marie Nieman

Alternate

Denise-Marie Nieman was with the Palm Beach County Attorney’s Office since her graduation from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law in 1986, she retired in October, 2021, after 35 years of public service, with the last 25 years as the County Attorney. One of her earlier assignments was representing the Film & Television Commission, so she has been a fan of the mission for a long time. Active in various professional organizations, including the Florida Association of County Attorneys, serving as president, and the National Association of County Civil Attorneys serving as vice-presidency, Ms. Nieman's community involvement included past-Chair of the Town of Jupiter’s Beach Committee and the St. Mary’s Medical Center where she served as Chair of the Board of Governors, recently reappointed to the Board. Ms. Nieman was also a member of the Board of Directors of SunFest of Palm Beach County, Inc., serving as president in 2010. One of her most rewarding volunteer positions is serving as a certified pageant judge through the Miss America Organization. Ms. Nieman has enjoyed many competitions in that capacity, playing a role in providing scholarships to many amazing women over the years. Ms. Nieman is an officer in the France Florida Foundation of the Arts, having served as a member of its Board of Directors since 2013. She’s a member of the French Heritage Society, La Société des Filles du Roi et Soldats du Carignan, Inc., and The American-French Genealogical Society. Ms. Nieman was also inducted as an Ambassadeur of the République de Montmartre, and is a member of the American Club of Paris NYC. Her passion is writing and all forms of creative expression, which includes supporting a variety of cultural and arts organizations. Ms. Nieman is a member of the Palm Beach County Cultural Council, the Dali Museum, the Norton Museum, The Flagler Museum, Société des Amis de Versailles, and l’Arop—Les amis de l’Opéra. Ms. Nieman is the author of Christmas Party Celebrations (1997) and Rock the World Rehab: a 4-step get red carpet ready detox adventure (2012), which became an Amazon #1 bestseller.  She currently shares inspiration on social media @Glitter.the.Globe and will be releasing a new book, You’re More Than Your Day Job in October 2022. Ms. Nieman’s faith is very important to her. She’s an active parishioner of St. Edward Catholic Church, enjoying her involvement as a Eucharistic Minister and membership in the church’s guild. She’s currently in her year of formation for the Order of Malta with her investiture taking place in November 2021, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC. Ms. Nieman splits her time between Paris and Jupiter, enjoying la joie de vivre with her husband, Joe, and their three dogs Félix, Cocoa and Oscar.

Michael E. Gauger, MSW

Before becoming a true-crime production consultant for Bunim and Murray, former Chief Deputy Michael E. Gauger had a decorated and decades-long career in law enforcement. Gauger began as a Special Deputy Sheriff in 1970 and was later promoted up the ranks to Major of the Investigations Division. Gauger retired in 2004 but continued to volunteer at the State Attorney’s office working on cold-case homicides. A year later, in 2005, Gauger returned as Chief Deputy for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, serving as Sheriff Ric Bradshaw’s second in command. Gauger retired in 2021 with 50 years of service with PBSO. Gauger has also been a Guest Lecturer for the Palm Beach County Community Oriented Policing Association and taught as an Adjunct Professor at Palm Beach Community College. Gauger served as Chairman of the JFK Medical Center’s Board of Trustees. In addition to working with the Searcy Denny Scarola Barnhart and Shipley Law Firm, in April 2023 he filed to compete for the political position of Sheriff of Palm Beach County.

John E. Oxendine

Alternate

Mr. Oxendine has been an entrepreneur, operator, investor and lender in the communications industry for over 30 years. In these positions, Mr. Oxendine has been responsible for selecting, investigating, performing due diligence, analyzing, structuring, negotiating and closing on potential investments for the companies he has owned, operated and served. Mr. Oxendine has provided portfolio management and administrative services to these companies, including monitoring the performance of their portfolio companies, developing exit strategies, and advising them regarding the disposition of investments. Mr. Oxendine is currently Chairman, President and CEO of Blackstar, LLC and Blackstar LP, both management companies which provide consulting and management services to the communications industry. Mr. Oxendine served as interim CEO and a member of the Board of Directors of Equity Media Holdings Corporation (“EM”) from June 2008 through January 2009. EM was a publicly held media company that divested its assets in April 2009. Mr. Oxendine served as Chairman, President and CEO of Blackstar Communications, Inc. (“BCI”), a company he formed in 1987 that acquired, owned and successfully operated commercial television stations in the U.S. Mr. Oxendine formed BCI with an original investment of $100,000 in common equity and $5 million in preferred equity, and eventually bought 5 television stations at a cost of nearly $30 million. When the sale of all the stations was completed to USA Broadcasting, Inc. in 1998, the total sale value was $96 million, yielding a significant return on investment of over $35 million to Mr. Oxendine and his investors, which included Fox Television Stations Inc. (“FOX”), and Home Shopping Network, Inc. (“HSN”). From 1981-1995, Mr. Oxendine served as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Broadcap Capital, Inc. (“Broadcap”) and it’s then parent company, Broadcast Capital Fund, Inc. (“BCFI”). Broadcap and BCFI were companies that were mandated by their investors, large publicly held broadcast companies, to invest in minority controlled communications businesses. Broadcap was essentially a lender of last resort to new minority entrepreneurs in the media industry. Additionally, as part of the mandate, Broadcap and BCFI provided managerial and financial training to over 3,000 radio and television industry professionals.  As Chairman and President of Broadcap and BCFI, Mr. Oxendine oversaw the companies’ strategic development, management, capital raising efforts, portfolio-company monitoring, and all investment decisions. Under Mr. Oxendine’s leadership, Broadcap and BCFI committed approximately $17 million to over 47 companies to acquire or construct broadcast properties, leveraging total capitalization in these companies to an amount of nearly $80 million. Included in the companies receiving funding and other support from Broadcap were eight Hispanic owned and operated entities, several of which were seeded by Broadcap’s investments and subsequently became significant companies in the Hispanic media industry. Mr. Oxendine was also a member of the board of directors of Paxson Communications Corporation, a large publicly held media company, and Lockhart Companies Incorporated, primarily a real estate company. Mr. Oxendine served in the U.S. Marine Corps on active duty from July 1967 to December 1968 and in the active reserve from December 1968 to July 1973. Mr. Oxendine earned an M.B.A. from Harvard University, Graduate School of Business in 1971. He received a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology from Hunter College in 1965. He has a working knowledge of Spanish and French, and some familiarity with Russian. Mr. Oxendine has written several articles on venture capital and media investing that have been published in the Bar Association Law Journal, Duke University Law Review, Journal of Minority Business Finance, and Sound Management. Mr. Oxendine currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida.

Glenn Jergensen

Glenn Jergensen has served as the Executive Director of the Tourist Development Council for eight years.  He assumed this tourism industry role after spending a year as Senior Vice President of Operations with Discover Palm Beach County, Inc. managing the financial, administrative, contractual, research and visitor-related service functions.  Mr. Jergensen received a degree in Business Administration from Bryant University in Providence, Rhode Island before joining Collyer Insulated Wire in 1977.  In 1981, he joined Motorola Inc.  With 30 years of business administration and operational expertise in similar capacities at two Fortune 100 companies, he assumed a non-profit position as President and CEO of the Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce for nine years.  In his current tourism role, he provides business and technical expertise to the Palm Beach County Convention center, as well as oversight and development support for one of the largest industries in Palm Beach County, tourism.  His leadership, through management of the County agreements with Discover Palm Beach County, Inc., the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, the Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission, and oversight of the Palm Beach County Convention Center has resulted in increasing visitation to the county through a growing and intensive collaborative marketing program.

Carla Bryant

Ms. Bryant is a returning member of the Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission Board of Directors and an enthusiastic cinephile. For over 35 years, she has successfully managed project and training initiatives in a variety of industries including technology, aerospace, intelligence, engineering, nonprofit, education and government. She currently provides human capital consulting services to several federal agencies, engaging in highly complex resource projects involving various stakeholders. She delivers effective human capital solutions within budget by applying both a rigorous analysis of qualitative and quantitative data and a vast knowledge of industry best practices. Her additional expertise includes defining challenges and articulating complex ideas for stakeholders to achieve buy in and promote effective decision making. Her hobbies include golf, puzzles, travel and of course – film!