A Spark Forge Production
Alkaio Thiele
Theo
Alkaio Thiele is an Emmy and Annie Award-nominated actor best known for his role as quick-witted Roman Russo in Disney’s Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.
A versatile young performer, Alkaio has built an impressive voice acting résumé, lending his voice to title roles in The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball and Spidey and His Amazing Friends.
He is also currently recording lead roles in two upcoming Disney animated feature films set for release in 2027.
Alkaio began his performing career in musical theater where he earned high praise for memorable performances in regional productions with Ogunquit Playhouse, 5-Star Theatricals, and The Wallis. He hopes his vocal talents and passion for live theater will one day take him to Broadway.
When he isn't on screen or behind the mic, you can find him biking, learning musical instruments, seeking out new adventures, and going to great lengths to make you laugh.
Trinity Jo-Li Bliss
Maya
Trinity Jo-Li Bliss is an actor and storyteller who has grown up in front of the camera. She is best known for playing Tuktirey “Tuk” Sully in James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water and Avatar: Fire and Ash, a role she began working on at age seven. Her television credits include Gabriella in Apple TV+’s Best Foot Forward and Alexa Huh Garcia in HBO Max’s The Garcias, where she also served as narrator and contributed the end-credit song “Paradise”.
Now sixteen, Trinity continues to explore her love of filmmaking through short films, including They Haunt Us, a comedy about three social-media-obsessed teenagers whose encounter with a ghost takes an unexpected turn. She also co-wrote the film’s end-credit song with castmates Tim Johnson Jr., Alkaio Thiele, and Thomas Glasgow.
Having worked with filmmakers since childhood, Trinity has developed a particular love for collaborative, character-driven storytelling and coming-of-age stories that capture the funny, messy, uncertain moments of growing up.
Alongside acting, Trinity is a singer-songwriter. For her, acting and songwriting spring from the same instinct: finding the small, specific, deeply human moments that make a story feel real.
Thomas Glasgow
Sammy
Thomas started acting at the age of seven in theater productions. After attending a New York Film Academy Camp, he quickly realized his love for film and tv. Before moving to Los Angeles, he studied with the Bay Area Acting Studio under Christy English. He’s also studied with Ria Pavia and Lisa Picotte at the Young Actor Workspace. Thomas is premiering his first short film They Haunt Him at HollyShorts 2026 and has another short in post production.
When not pursuing acting, you can find Thomas on any slope snowboarding, swimming in the ocean or pool, gaming, building LEGO or hanging with his black Lab.
Tim Johnson Jr.
Wade
Philadelphia native Tim Johnson Jr. has established himself as a an actor dynamic singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist.
His acting career has continued to flourish with roles in Everybody Still Hates Chris (Paramount), High Potential (ABC), Saturdays (Disney), Ballers (HBO), Meet the Blacks 2, Fist Fight (Lionsgate), FBI (CBS), and critically acclaimed films such as We Were Meant To (Sundance 2023) and Pens and Pencils (2023 NAACP Image Award nominee). His commercial credits include major brands like Nike, Apple, Verizon, Baskin Robbins, and Sprite.
Israel Johnson
Elijah
Israel Johnson was born on Friday, July 22, 2005, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He began his acting career at the age of four as an extra in the film Night Catches Us, starring Kerry Washington and Anthony Mackie.
Israel Johnson later relocated with his family to Las Vegas to support his older brother, Tim Johnson Jr., who was performing as Young Simba in Disney’s Tony Award-winning musical The Lion King. Watching his brother perform on stage inspired Johnson to pursue entertainment himself.
At age six, Israel Johnson moved with his family to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of becoming an actor and entertainer. He soon became a hip-hop dancer on a young-talent reality show featuring Dyan Cannon. At eight, he appeared as a dancer in the film Son Shine, directed by Katrelle N. Kindred. His career continued to grow through appearances in several national commercials.
Israel Johnson landed his first major television breakthrough with the recurring role of Ed Morris on ABC’s Schooled, the spinoff of the popular period sitcom The Goldbergs. He continued building his television résumé with the role of Noah Lambert on Disney’s Bunk’d the longest running Disney Channel Show and Terrell on Peacock’s Bel-Air.
Israel Johnson most recently expanded his body of work with the role of Malcolm Tidwell in Electric Bloom. He is also set to appear in the upcoming film Inauguration Day, marking another exciting chapter in his growing career.
With experience spanning television, film, commercials, and dance, Johnson continues to establish himself as a versatile young actor and entertainer, taking on new roles and challenging himself creatively with each project
Ember Ambrose
Becca
Ember Ambrose is a 10-year-old actress who has been performing for family and friends since she could speak. With her curious nature and sparkly spirit, Ember fell in love with storytelling at an early age and began performing in musical theatre productions such as The Sound of Music and Annie when she was 7 years old.
Ember recently portrayed the young version of Renate Reinsve’s character “Mary” in A24’s mega hit directed by Kane Parsons - “Backrooms”. She has appeared on the ABC series “High Potential”, Disney’s “Care For Your World” web series, was featured in the opening of the 98th Academy Awards alongside Conan O’Brien, and will make a recurring appearance in the upcoming season of Ryan Murphy’s “Monster” on Netflix. Ember will also star in the upcoming independent films “Jackrabbit” and “Forgotten Moisture”.
She loves discovering new places, perspectives, and emotions through acting and the characters she plays and hopes to continue growing with her craft.
Cyrus Hobbi
Ghost Bro
Cyrus received his bachelors degree from the USC drama/theatre program. He’s appeared on television for numerous appearances including HBO’s BALLERS, NCIS: Los Angeles, HULU’s Welcome to Chippendales, and currently portrays ‘Yuri’ on ABC’s daytime television show General Hospital.
His feature film debut was as a USC football player in Damien Chazelle’s BABYLON, sharing the screen with Margot Robbie and Brad Pitt.
Cyrus currently trains and directs out of the Slauson Rec. Theater program in Los Angeles, CA.
Ria Pavia
Director/Producer
Ria Pavia is a director, producer, writer and acting/dialogue coach. Her film directorial debut, Second Team, nabbed 16 awards at various prestigious festivals, wrapping up at the American Pavilion’s Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at Cannes. She returned to Cannes for another film she produced: Benny & James. Pavia was selected as one of 15 helmers for Sony’s Diverse Directing Program. She directed the 100th episode of Freeform's Grownish, as well as General Hospital for its 60th season. Pavia also helmed a music video for artist Trevor Jackson, in partnership with TikTok and Apple.
Her career in the entertainment industry launched with performing gymnastics in a tampon commercial in the ‘80s. This stint propelled her into acting in TV commercials, guest spots, and film roles. Back in the day, she recurred on Who’s the Boss, The Hughleys, and the soap opera Santa Barbara. Her career then segued into casting associate on such movies as Twister, Dead Presidents and Flirting with Disaster. Next, she donned her scribe hat, working as a staff writer on Ask Harriet (starring Ed Asner) and Pauly (starring Pauly Shore) for FOX.
Pavia attended Interlochen Arts Academy for high school as a Theatre Major, studied under the late great Sanford Meisner in the West Indies, and finished up at UCLA focusing on Theatre, TV & Film. Her most rigorous training revolves around the title of Mother to Adrianna (23 years old) and Dominic & Rocco (21 year old twins).
Robert E. Arnold
Cinematographer/Producer
Cinematographer Robert E. Arnold is an accomplished DP who’s worked on high art, drama and VFX productions, all while producing films that have been accepted to Oscar-qualifying festivals and developing series. From studio to independent productions, Arnold is admired for his skill with lighting diverse skin tones and his warm, collaborative approach to filmmaking.
Arnold recently completed DP duties on the first two seasons of REASONABLE DOUBT, the first scripted drama from the Onyx Collective produced by ABC Signature / Disney Television Studios. As actor Kerry Washington says: "Rob is a visionary cinematographer and a stellar human. His awareness of tone and attention to detail is fundamental in elevating scripts to screen. It’s an honor and delight to work with him."
Arnold’s cinematography/ producing work on Second Team, nabbed 16 awards at various prestigious festivals, wrapping up at the American Pavilion’s Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at Cannes. Rising and repeating his festival success, Benny and James has received multiple prestigious awards, including Arnold’s return to the American Pavilion’s Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at Cannes.
Not only did Arnold receive his Bachelor of Arts in Cinematography, his passion for the craft led him to the prestigious American Film Institute where he was awarded a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Cinematography. His drive as a filmmaker has influenced all of his producing success.
Arnold is based in Los Angeles, with Chicago being his hometown.
Jill GlasgowExecutive Producer
Bringing a fresh perspective, Executive Producer Jill Glasgow has a passion for developing meaningful stories and bringing together the team that can make that happen.
With a background in education, Jill has taken a non-traditional path. Collaboration is key and she believes that a strong team and a clear creative vision are what makes the project come alive.
Jill is drawn to stories that have something to say and stay with you long after the credits roll. Her producing work includes They Haunt Him, which is premiering at the 2026 HollyShorts Film Festival and another one currently in post-production.
At Spark Forge, Jill continues to seek out projects she believes in. Her philosophy is simple: build a great team, trust the process, and have a clear vision and fun along the way.
Dane Morck
Dane Morck is a producer, director, and creative executive with extensive experience developing and producing unscripted, documentary, sports, and branded entertainment. He helped create the hit series All American for The CW and Netflix, now in its eighth and final season.
His work spans television, film, sports, and branded storytelling, with projects developed and delivered for Warner Bros., Netflix, Animal Planet, HBO, Real Madrid, UCLA Athletics, and Wilson Sporting Goods.
Dane’s producing and directing credits include The Duke: From Factory to Field, a Wilson Sporting Goods documentary that premiered during Super Bowl 2022; Real Madrid’s Football v. Futbol, released during Super Bowl weekend in 2024; the Oscar-shortlisted film Panorama; Sublime’s Smoke Two Joints music video; UCLA Football’s Building Bruins; and Animal Planet’s Into Alaska. He has also served as a creative consultant on All American throughout its run.
Beyond production, Dane is committed to developing the next generation of storytellers. He mentors emerging filmmakers through the Rio de Janeiro Film Festival and has developed creative arts curriculum for the Inglewood School District.
Spencer Paysinger
Spencer Paysinger is a Los Angeles native and former NFL linebacker. After going undrafted in 2011, he signed with the New York Giants and went on to win Super Bowl XLVI in his rookie season. Paysinger played seven seasons before retiring to pursue a career in television and film
development. His personal journey inspired the CW hit drama All American.
In addition to All American, Paysinger produced the 2023 HBO documentary BS High and directed the 2024 UCLA Football in-season digital series Building Bruins. Under his Moore Street Productions banner, he has developed original scripted and unscripted projects with Imagine Entertainment, Disney, HyperObject, HBO, Uninterrupted, and others. Paysinger is expected to graduate from Loyola Marymount University in May 2026 with a Master’s in Entertainment Leadership & Management
Sean Beeson
Sean Beeson is a composer, sound designer, and UX/UI audio designer with over 20 years of experience.
His music and sounds can be heard across films, games, tv shows, advertisements, and trailers, as well as concert works and a ballet. His scores can be heard in the film Heaven in Stone and Glass, and Mother Theresa: No Greater Love, and the games Millenia, Slap-Out-of-It, Galactic Civilizations 4, and Blade Runner Revelations.
He originates from, and is located in the middle of nowhere Ohio, raises chickens, and is a father of 8.