Kirk Findlay, Writer, Producer & Director
Kirk Findlay
Writer/Producer/Director
Kirk Findlay, a versatile filmmaker based in Portland with roots in Vancouver, WA, has built a distinguished career as a Director, Writer, and Producer of independent documentaries. His journey into filmmaking began in his teenage years with a Kodak Super-8 camera, capturing his love for baseball and sports through the lens. This early passion was complemented by his involvement in writing a weekly column for his school newspaper, furthering his storytelling abilities.
A graduate of Washington State University in Pullman with a major in Broadcasting and Film, Kirk started his professional journey with an internship at ABC-TV station KATU. This opportunity allowed him to refine his skills in broadcast journalism and paved the way for his extensive career.
Over the years, Kirk worked at numerous regional news stations across the mid to western United States. He excelled in various roles including on-air host, field reporter, feature reporter, and sports and weather anchor. These diverse experiences not only honed his storytelling skills but also provided him with a broad, immersive understanding of local communities and their narratives.
Kirk's filmmaking career took off with his first documentary, "The Jack Matlack Story," which was regionally televised and marked the beginning of his successful journey. He went on to produce "Farewell Beavers," a critically acclaimed documentary that aired on CBS after game two of the World Series, capturing the history and spirit of the Portland Beavers baseball team. His portfolio expanded with the creation of "Rose City Hockey," aired on FOX, and the direction of the short film "Winterhawks."
Career Achievements:
"The Jack Matlack Story," his first documentary, regionally televised.
"Farewell Beavers," aired on CBS after game two of the World Series, received critical acclaim.
"Rose City Hockey," aired on FOX.
Directed the short film "Winterhawks."
Currently, Kirk is working on "Pioneers of the Pacific," a comprehensive documentary exploring the baseball culture in the West, tracing back to the pioneering team of 1866. This project is a testament to his dedication to preserving the rich historical narratives of baseball and its impact on the region.
Personal Interests:
Scouting filming locations
Silent movies
Listening to music
Kirk's extensive background in broadcast journalism and his passion for filmmaking have equipped him with a unique ability to tell compelling stories.
A fun fact about Kirk: he has a movie line for every occasion, adding a unique and engaging dimension to his personality. Kirk Findlay's films not only entertain but also serve as valuable historical records, capturing the essence of the settings and subjects he passionately brings to life.
A fun fact about Kirk: he has a movie line for every occasion, adding a unique and engaging dimension to his personality. Kirk Findlay's films not only entertain but also serve as valuable historical records, capturing the essence of the settings and subjects he passionately brings to life.
Executive Producer, Lucy Ramsdell
Lucy Carrier
Executive Producer
Originally from Southern California, Lucy has led a diverse and impactful life journey. Growing up, she had a passion for sports. Her athletic talents also shone through in track and field. As she delved into her artistic pursuits of photography and sketching, she honed her unique style and creativity.
Known as the 'fastest fingers' in the West during her time as a grocery checker, Lucy's efficiency and dedication led her to take on the roles of shop steward and later as a union representative in Portland, Oregon. Her organizational skills and ability to resolve grievances effectively showcased her as a shining leader within the union.
Lucy's exceptional listening skills and forward-thinking ideas proved invaluable in problem-solving and leadership. For 28 fruitful years in the Pacific Northwest, she raised her sons and deeply appreciated the region's natural beauty and opportunities.
Following her early retirement, Lucy delved into authorship with her first book, "Ball n’ Chains," which explores themes of prison reform and baseball at Walla Walla State Prison. Through meticulous research she is bringing to light compelling narratives and images from the past.
Lucy's creative talents also extended to her role as Executive Producer for "Pioneers of the Pacific," a new documentary nearing completion from Findlay Films.
Currently based in Palm Springs, Lucy is the proud mother of two grown sons, both actively contributing to their community in Vancouver, Washington. Her journey continues, making contributions to art and society.
Stephanie Bell Veneris - Producer
Stephanie Bell Veneris
Producer
A member of the Producers Guild of America, Stephanie is an Emmy nominated & multi-award-winning producer and line producer with over 25 years experience in film, TV & digital content. Her films (both features and shorts) have screened in over 75 film festivals around the world, garnering more than 50 awards, including 14 for “Best Feature”.Stephanie’s goal is to tell daring and provocative stories that spark a dialogue about the human condition and how our actions impact it.She is the founding partner of three production companies, BelLipoma Entertainment, HatLine Productions, and Remote Films. She is a member of the Producer’s Guild of America. Stephanie is also an adjunct professor at College of the Desert in Palm Springs, CA, where she teaches producing and line producing. She also serves as a casting director through her casting company, 2 Tall Dames, based in Palm Springs.In addition to her teaching, Stephanie has served as a mentor to high school and college students in the Coachella Valley. As a member of the Palm Springs Women in Film & TV (PSWIFT), Stephanie served as Co-Chair of the Events Committee. Stephanie also has a background in business and legal affairs, having worked in the legal departments at Paramount Picture, Interscope Communications, and Franchise Pictures.Stephanie began her career in the entertainment industry as an actress, performing Off- Broadway and regionally. She had the honor of studying in New York City under the tutelage of the Oscar-winning director, Mike Nichols.
Scott Colwell, Editor
Scott Colwell
Editor
Scott has worked in film and video production since 1996. Although he often refers to himself as an editor due to his preference for that role, his extensive credits include producer, director, cinematographer/DP, and executive producer, among others. He dedicated 23 years to Mississippi Public Broadcasting, contributing to a variety of projects, including award-winning documentaries and children's television.
Some personal highlights from these projects include traveling across three continents, gaining access to facilities typically closed to the public, and camping on uninhabited islands to shoot wildlife. In addition to his production work, his career has encompassed post-production workflow, file management, IT/networking/SAN management, and engineering.
For the past 16 years, Scott has also operated his own production company, which allowed him to freelance on episodic projects, indie features, short films, and live sports.
In his free time, he enjoys gadgets and technology, often playing with the newest devices as well as attempting to repair old, broken equipment. A car enthusiast, Scott has a particular fondness for older Japanese domestic vehicles, having driven right-hand drive cars exclusively for years before relocating to California in 2019. Additionally, he is a drummer and enjoys spinning vinyl when DJing.
