Our Team

Jim Russell Mountain Air Productions

Jim Russell

CEO - Owner

Award winning Director, Screenwriter & Producer with a passion for everything film and a drive to get things done right! Extensive background in film production, screenwriting and marketing. Fusing these elements, he provides clients with a unique style of motion design combining photographic elements with modern technology and the best cinematographic team to bring ideas to reality.

Mountain Air Productions Team

Kathy Russell

Executive Producer - Partner

Kathy is the Five- Star General of production from makeup to catering and organizing talent or auditions she is the go-to for everything production. Not afraid to get dirty and mix it up with the cast or crew she earns the respect of everyone. She is experienced in film production of all types and yes the wine glass she is holding does say “REDRUM” straight from the set of “The Shinning”.

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Mario Garciduenas

Cinematographer - Director of Photography

Leading our LA office is Cinematographer extraordinaire, Mario.  Only delivering the absolute best of motion images.  Master of the one take shot and working the steady-cam with agility and ease like the stealth of Michael Jordan weaving through the opposing team on a basketball court.  With a work ethic that matches his enthusiasm Mario is an exceptional Cinematographer and DP.

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Maddie Russell

Director's Assistant

When you think of joy you think of Maddie. The socialite of the production team always making sure everyone is happy and helping out wherever needed. On her days off you can find her volunteering to assist the physically and mentally challenged or outdoors riding or working with horses. She’s never met a stranger and she has a heart of gold. Adorable inside and out.

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Parker Russell

POST PRODUCTION EDITOR - ORIGINAL MUSIC

Parker Russell is blessed with the powers of Post Production and an instrumental part of the team working his magic behind the scenes. Rarely seen but his work is never unnoticed. Always eager to help and contagious with humor. He is musically gifted and creates his own original music. With a sharp mind and sharp wit he can solve your problem and make you laugh at the same time.

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Professional Crew

Cinematographers - Directors of Photography - Drone Operators

We choose only the best crew to work on our projects. We work with professionals from across the US with years of experience behind the camera and unique abilities to capture beauty in motion. It is essential to understand how important framing is when telling a story through film. Our experienced crew is never afraid to move the camera and get that perfect shot.

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Nihan Yesil

Sound Editor

Nihan Yesil is a composer and sound designer currently working for film and stage.
Some of her Kansas City credits include Lasso of Truth (Unicorn Theatre, 2015), Jesus on Toast (KC Fringe Festival, 2015), Caucasian Chalk Circle (Spencer Stage UMKC Theatre, 2014) and Ten Thousand Camels (Best Local Film, Outlaw Film Festival, 2016)

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Don Stoll

Aerial Drone Operator Extraordinaire

Don is a master of the aerial drone and he is also a licensed pilot. Like an eagle flying high above the fruited plains Don is able to capture scenic video motion from the vast skies of America. He has a solution for just about any situation and is adored by the cast and crew. In a previous life he was a mergers and acquisitions guru. Never short of talent and don’t let the photo fool you – he always comes with a smile.

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Mishka Green

Makeup Artist

Mishka is a trained makeup artist working her magic on the faces of many talented actors. Armed yet not dangerous with makeup brush in hand she gets the talent looking their best for the big screen or any size screen. From beauty to blood she always brings her A game.

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Stephen Barrett

Marketing Consultant

Steve is a marketing master having spend time as the Chief Marketing Officer at a multi-billion dollar company to being co-owner of his own marketing company he has literally been there done that. A key member of our team, Steve, brings the all so important marketing factor that every production needs.

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Johnny Green

Singer-Songwriter-Guitarist

Jonny Green is a singer-songwriter and guitarist based in Kansas City, MO. His influences range from Paul Simon and Bob Dylan, to Lightening Hopkins, and Radiohead. He is both a traditionalist, and simultaneously an innovator in the world of independent music.

Rich Machin

Rich Machin

Writer - Singer - Songwriter

Rich Machin is a versatile writer who works in fiction and non-fiction, comedy and drama. He cut his teeth as a writer in advertising, working for a national agency for five years on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. His humor can be biting and satirical, and, yes, even sophomoric at times, but never is it milk toast. Rich is also a singer/songwriter.