Producer

Over my career as an independent filmmaker, I have most often been the producer: the one in charge of figuring out how much money we need, creating the film budgets, writing proposals, and then managing the money and reporting on it when the film is wrapped. I have raised over $12 million, most of it from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Currently I am producing a six-episode series about the Fleischer brothers (CARTOON KINGS), and am awaiting funding for a new series about American comics (GUTTER ART). I have produced fifteen hours of programming for PBS, written and directed several short films, and been an executive producer for other directors. For the past seven years I have taught at Emerson College, where I help my students get practical about the business side of filmmaking. Previously was executive director of Filmmakers Collaborative, a board member of the MPC, and a Visiting Artist at Tufts University. 

Partner, CohnReznick Advisory LLC

John D. Lanza is a Certified Public Accountant and lead partner in the firm’s Business Tax Credits & Incentives Group. John has assisted businesses during the site selection phase; identifying potential domestic tax credits and low or no-interest loans while providing other assistance to businesses looking to expand or retain employment levels. His experience includes leading on behalf of business negotiations with state and local development agencies on incentive agreements. John is also a member of the Firm’s SBA Task Force. He has significant experience guiding businesses through the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) as well as the Main Street Lending Programs and has participated on several webinars and panel discussions.

John concentrates his time working in the film, television, and digital media industry. He works with companies developing content by providing business consulting, incentive assistance, and tax planning. He has helped agencies in several states draft regulations and develop reporting models for their film and television tax credit programs and is an approved auditor for New York, Connecticut, North Carolina, and others. He is a frequent speaker at film finance conferences. cohnreznick.com

Executive Director, SAG-AFTRA New England

Jessica Maher is the Executive Director of SAG-AFTRA New England and has been with the union in various roles since 2008 after previously working for AFTRA/SAG Boston in the late 1990s.  Her recent attention has been on contract enforcement, member education, and set safety while guiding the local through the 2023 TV/Theatrical Strike. 

Jessica currently serves as a board member of the Massachusetts Production Coalition and played an important role in the elimination of the sunset of the Massachusetts Film & Television Tax Incentive which passed in the summer of 2021. Prior to her return to the union, Jessica worked for the PBS science series NOVA. She is a graduate of Northeastern University’s Music Business program and lives in Quincy with her husband, Tom, and three sons. sagaftra.org/NE

Line Producer

Alecia Orsini Lebeda is an experienced Line Producer with 18+ years in the film industry, specializing in bringing productions to life efficiently and creatively. Based in New England, she has worked on numerous projects, including High Tide, Hello Beautiful, and The Arborist, premiering at the Independent Film Festival Boston.

Her deep knowledge of production logistics, budgeting, and crew management has made her a sought-after collaborator. Committed to strengthening Massachusetts' film industry, Alecia is President Emerita of Women in Film and Video of New England and organized efforts supporting local production infrastructure and tax incentives.

Beyond producing, Alecia has worked in various capacities, from Director to Audio Engineer for PRX’s The World. She also teaches as an Adjunct Professor at Lesley University, mentoring the next generation of filmmakers. Recognized as an Imagineer by Imagine Magazine for her contributions to the industry, Alecia is passionate about fostering an efficient, inclusive, and thriving film community.