The Crew

Justin Shepherd

Director/Filmmaker

My passion for this film comes from being a father and wanting all children to have the best developmental outcomes in life. Being married to my wife who is an academic focused on understanding teratogenic effects of alcohol on development, and having the a-ha moment that frequent high dose drinking is at an all time high now because of the pandemic and this film could help reduce the future surge in FASD.

Justin has BFA in Performing Arts with concentrations in Writing, Directing, Acting and Set design and has performed as a stand-up comedian for 20 years. In addition to a British Arts Tour, Justin has worked crew in sound and lighting, been a voice over actor for commercials, video games and narration, and has made guest appearances on shows on Showtime, Netflix, ABC, CBS, History Channel, Lifetime as well as made feature film appearances. Justin is the Creator and Director of TV pilot Stiffed, the Creator and Owner of ViniVidi Productions and the Co-creator/co-owner of Reel Creators Production Company. Find him and his work on IMDB here.

Jeff Beals_Crew.jpg — Jeff Beals

Jeff Beals is part of the film crew. From Oregon, Jeff loves nature and his 6 nieces and nephews. He is very excited to be a key part of this hugely important project, and to join his brother, Justin the Director, to form a crew of two and bring this project to light.

The Rust Bucket

The fifth-wheel (affectionately named the Rust Bucket) that will be used by the film crew to travel across country to avoid COVID-19 exposure and keep production costs down.

Make It Better Productions

An innovative film company with a desire to do good in the world.
www.makeitbetterproductions.org

Co-Producers

Our producers are collaborative group of professionals and advocates in the FASD world working together in the round table spirit of cooperation and support. All producer time is gifted to the film pro-bono.

Dr. Kristina Uban, Developing Brains Laboratory

The Developing Brain Laboratory is located at the University of California Irvine, and in association with Public Health, IISBR and FIBRE.

https://faculty.sites.uci.edu/developingbrain/

Gigi Davidson and Teresa Conboy, FASD Communities

After years of structure and support — both at home and at school – that protective scaffolding falls away when our kids reach age 21. As a result, it’s not uncommon for many individuals with FASD to grapple with unemployment, substance abuse and homelessness.

Our program meets the needs of the adult FASD population. Through our supported housing, we provide the tools needed to achieve self-reliance including duties such as preparing dinner, participating in the local farmers market by creating crafts and baked goods, or tending to our farm animals. This provides our residents with a sense of responsibility, collaboration and productivity.

www.fasdcommunities.org

Spencer R. Munns, Partner, Bogin, Munns & Munns

Spencer is a Partner at the law firm of Bogin, Munns & Munns, a full-service firm with over 125 attorneys and staff members. Spencer’s desire to contribute to FASD causes stems from his personal exposure to families impacted by FASD, including his own. He knows first-hand the struggles and challenges endured by kids having FASDs as well as the ripple effects of FASD on families, caretakers, and communities. Bogin, Munns & Munns is purpose driven, and Spencer is proud that his firm stands uniquely positioned to offer its resources to various FASD causes, including #theFASDproject.

Marissa Lang, Proof Alliance

Proof Alliance is a national leader in promoting awareness about the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). We’re expanding our influence by disseminating our signature programs nationally and creating an alliance of partners and experts in the field.

Since 1998, we have had a dual purpose: providing education on the impact of alcohol use during pregnancy, which can encompass a lifetime of physical, mental and behavioral disabilities, and championing efforts to enable individuals living with an FASD to reach their full potential. Proof Alliance works to eliminate birth defects caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy and to improve the quality of life of the individuals and families affected by FASD by providing resources and support. By building partnerships and improving services, Proof Alliance generates awareness of the importance of alcohol-free pregnancies.

www.proofalliance.org

Jennifer Wisdahl, NOFAS Washington State

NOFAS Washington State is a nonprofit alliance of families and professionals supporting individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, the families that care for them, and the systems that serve them through prevention, education, intervention and advocacy. Since 2005, NOFAS Washington State has been working within the State of Washington to provide resources and support to individuals impacted by FASD and to support and create community for them and their families.

www.nofaswa.org

Post Production Support

Freelance Photography (Stills) Generously Donated by Kathryn White Photography

https://kathrynannewhitephotographykc.com/

Editing Support gifted by the great crew at Our Small Majority Podcast

https://www.oursmallmajority.com/