MEET   THE   TEAM

RYAN   S.  PORUSH
Director / PRODUCER

Ryan Porush is an award-winning filmmaker and journalist. He has produced, filmed, and edited documentaries and short films around the world, telling dynamic, character-driven stories. He received a B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and completed a Master’s in documentary journalism at New York University. He has collaborated with Endeavor Films, Mandalay Sports Media, Vocativ, New York Mag, VICE, and National Geographic.

JACK  polson
Executive  producer

Jack Polson, a Los Angeles native, received a B.A. in International Relations from the University of Southern California. He is currently a strategy consultant for an LA-based financial technology startup, FastPay. Jack previously served as a Board Member at Ilan Ramon Day School, and elementary school in the Conejo Valley. Jack's Los Angeles roots, passion for storytelling, and strong belief in the importance of education all drew him to the inspirational story of Watts Learning Center.

SCOTT  SALAS
Cinematographer

Scott Salas, born and raised in Malibu, California, studied film at Pepperdine University. Along with his numerous outside projects, ranging from commercials to short films, Scott’s ability to capture an unfolding story is undoubtedly one of his greatest strengths. Scott’s deep love for documentary stems from his ability to infuse strong narrative elements into a traditionally formulaic genre. He currently lives in L.A., working on various music videos, short films, and the occasional long-form project as a freelancer.

MARJAN  RIAZI
production  assistant

Marjan Riazi, originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota is an Alcohol and Drug Educator at the University of California, Santa Barbara where she studied human-environmental relationships, educational systems, and applied psychology. She has worked across all youth age groups and school types throughout her career as an educator, and has developed educational materials through diverse media platforms in hopes of engaging youth and millennial students.
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