About Us
Executive Summary for
5 Stage Film Commission
5 Stage Film Commission is a visionary film production company based in Columbus, Ohio, and Cleveland, Ohio. Led by a team of seasoned creatives and executives, the company is committed to producing compelling, diverse, and high-quality content that resonates globally. With a foundation in music, film, and storytelling, 5 Stage Film Commission has established itself as a rising powerhouse in the independent film industry.
Vision and Goals
In the next five years, 5 Stage Film Commission aspires to:
- Expand Distribution: Secure partnerships with major platforms and distributors like A24, Paramount, and Tyler Perry Studios.
- Achieve Global Recognition: Become a household name in the independent and mainstream film industry.
- Foster Innovation: Produce diverse, high-quality films that captivate audiences across genres.
- Champion Collaboration: Build networks with leading talents and organizations in the entertainment world.
Key Achievements
- 1.
Produced films in diverse genres, including What the Maid Made, Luke Wam, Deceptions Web, Possible Love, Hold On, Fragile Bonds, Tech No, Imaginary Friends, and Make It Make Sense: The Documentary.
- 2.
Entered prestigious film festivals, with results for Fragile Bonds and Make It Make Sense and Possible Love receiving 2nd place in the international film festivals in late 2024. TechNo received 1st place in an international film festival. Hosted our first sold-out movie premiere for Luke Warm at the Lennox Theatre in Columbus, Ohio with over 130 seats sold. Luke warm won most inspirational film at the Onirios Film Festival. Growing up a menace won honorable mention at the Urban short film festival 3rd annual Atlanta Tour.
- 3.
Partnered with local and national talents, combining unique narratives with professional production. Secured streaming of 3 films on SDMFlix.
Leadership and Core Team
Brandon McWhorter - CEO
Brandon McWhorter is an American filmmaker, producer, actor, and music creative based in Cleveland, Ohio. With over two decades of experience in the music industry as a musician and producer, McWhorter transitioned into film, bringing a strong sense of rhythm, storytelling, and emotional depth to his cinematic work.
He began his performance career in stage productions with Pieces of Me Productions before moving into film, appearing in projects such as White Boy Rick (2018), Judas and the Black Messiah (2021), Imprint, and Rumble TV. Over time, he expanded behind the camera, establishing himself as a writer and producer through his company, 5 Stage Film Commission.
As a filmmaker, McWhorter has contributed to and developed projects including Unjust, Hold On, A Good Samaritan, Nitro Universe, Deception’s Web, and My Mama’s Ticket. He later wrote and produced original films such as What the Maid Made, Possible Love, Kane, and Luke Warm, further defining his voice as a storyteller focused on grounded narratives and character-driven drama.
McWhorter continues to build 5 Stage Film Commission as an independent production entity, with ambitions of securing major distribution partnerships and expanding into global markets while maintaining creative ownership and cultural authenticity.
Chantelle Richards - COO
Chantelle Richards is a multi-talented filmmaker from Akron, Ohio, now based in Columbus, Ohio, whose work is rooted in authenticity, faith, and emotional truth. She serves as the Chief Executive Officer of RBM Royalty Production and the Chief Operating Officer of 5 Stage Film Commission, where she leads with strategic vision, creative excellence, and purpose-driven storytelling.
With over seven years in the independent film industry, Chantelle has built a powerful presence as a Director, writer, producer, and editor. Her body of work includes Luke Warm, Fragile Bonds, Possible Love, Unjust, Tech-No, and more. Luke Warm received international recognition as the Onirios Best Inspirational Film award winner, further solidifying her commitment to impactful, faith-centered cinema.
Known for her resilient leadership and collaborative spirit, Chantelle believes filmmaking is a team endeavor—one driven by creativity, trust, structure, and shared purpose. Her ability to balance operational leadership with artistic vision allows her to guide projects from concept to completion while maintaining emotional depth and cinematic excellence.
Long before stepping into film professionally, Chantelle carried a deep love for writing, music, and poetry. Storytelling has always been her language. As a child, she was rarely without a camera, instinctively capturing moments and imagining worlds beyond the frame. What began as curiosity evolved into calling.
For Chantelle, film is more than craft—it is assignment. When she directs or writes, she first sees the story visually—fully formed in her mind—then shapes the dialogue and structure to match the vision. Her work is marked by emotional depth, spiritual reflection, and a commitment to narratives that inspire transformation, healing, and hope.
Through both RBM Royalty Production and 5 Stage Film Commission, Chantelle continues to expand her impact—building legacy through storytelling that moves hearts, shifts perspectives, and leaves audiences changed.
Ricardo Vance Jr - CFO
Ricardo Vance Jr. serves as the Chief Financial Officer of 5 Stage Film Commission, where he has overseen the company’s financial operations for over three years. With a strong foundation in business strategy and fiscal management, he ensures the organization operates with structure, sustainability, and long-term growth in mind.
Beyond finance, Ricardo plays a vital creative role within the company. He has served as Executive Producer and co-writer on major projects alongside his wife, Chantelle Richards, including Techno and Luke Warm. His ability to merge business strategy with creative development makes him a key architect behind both the artistic and operational success of 5 Stage Film Commission.
A Columbus, Ohio native, Ricardo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and brings expertise in sales, negotiation, marketing strategy, deal closing, accounting services, contract negotiation, and film development. His leadership bridges the gap between creativity and commerce—securing partnerships, structuring contracts, and positioning projects for sustainable success.
Ricardo remains committed to expanding the company’s reach while building a solid financial and strategic foundation for continued growth in the film industry.
Ohio Shaquanna - Executive Member, Head of Casting
As a native of Columbus, Ohio Shaquanna “Ivy” Cummings graduated from Wilberforce University in 2010 with a Bachelors degree in “Mass Media Communication.” Six years later Shaquanna graduated from Ohio Media School with a diploma in Radio & TV Broadcasting in 2016.
Four years later, Shaquanna teamed up with a childhood friend and his record label Finito Productions birthing “Fort K.N.O.X” a 10 episode YouTube series that gained thousands of views collectively as it was nominated for multiple categories by the Ohio Entertainment Awards in 2021. And with that the film’s just kept coming.
Cummings is the author of “Life has no handbook, life is no movie set” published in 2021 along with films directed, produced and written by Shaquanna such as Imaginary Friends, Much N Common, Skip The Games, A Change Going Come, Bullies, Carry On and the latest project NO ID the series.
Becoming one of the first executives of 5 Stage film commission has been one of my greatest accomplishments. Being a part of a collective of young black film makers have always been a goal of mine. Together we have created a plethora of films Imaginary Friends, Unjust, My Mama’s Ticket, A Good Samaritan, Fragile Bonds & Make it make sense the documentary.
The sky is the limit for 5 Stage. As they collectively reach for the stars making their name known throughout the film festival scene, networking and working with power house names such as A24 Paramount and film companies & distributors.
Redrick Shamall Dean - Head Cinematographer
Redrick Shamall Dean is a dedicated filmmaker and cinematographer with three years of hands-on experience in visual storytelling. His work reflects a deep commitment to perspective-driven filmmaking—capturing powerful narratives while bringing authenticity and emotional depth to every frame.
Redrick has contributed to several independent film projects, including Luke Warm, Kane, Growing Up a Menace, Located, and A Foolish Woman. Through each production, he has sharpened his creative voice and strengthened his technical expertise behind the camera.
With a passion for cinematography, Redrick views filmmaking as more than production—it is an opportunity to shape how stories are seen and felt. He believes the lens is a bridge between perspectives, allowing audiences to experience the world through his vision while elevating the voices and stories of others.
Originally from Lorain, Ohio, and raised primarily in Elyria, Redrick now resides in Jacksonville, North Carolina. He furthered his education at South Carolina State University and Full Sail University, where he developed both the creative and technical foundations that support his growing career.
Redrick’s long-term vision is to expand his company across multiple genres, pushing creative boundaries and building a diverse body of work that resonates across audiences and platforms.
Sean Bell - Executive Member, Head of HR
Sean Bell is a Cleveland-raised creative executive and multi-disciplinary artist with nearly 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. From his roots as a music producer in 2006 to his work today as an actor, director, and filmmaker, Sean has consistently pushed the boundaries of independent media.
As the founder of Celston Studio Project and the Head of Human Resources for 5stageFC, Sean combines artistic vision with executive leadership. Known for creating the sketch comedy series Telephone and producing a vast catalog of music and film, he is driven by a simple philosophy: Determination, Dedication, and Drive. Sean is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity while developing world-class talent and products.
Jamire Marqua O’Neal-Scruggs - Executive Member, Production Assistant
Jamire Marqua O’Neal-Scruggs was born in Ashtabula, Ohio, and relocated to Columbus at the age of ten. After attending Eastmoor Academy, he completed his high school education at Focus Academy North. From an early age, Jamire developed a deep passion for music and media—an interest that evolved into a dedicated pursuit of audio production, engineering, acting, and film production during his high school years.
While at Eastmoor, Jamire was actively involved in theater, contributing both onstage and behind the scenes. He performed in productions such as The Wiz, Fences, and Our Town, while also serving as a member of the stage crew. During this time, he formed and performed in his first R&B group, further expanding his artistic expression.
Jamire gained valuable industry experience through an internship with 1st Born Music Group/Barefeet Entertainment, where he shadowed and learned directly from CEO Tim Waller. Since 2018, he has been acting on screen, continuously refining his range and craft as a thespian.
He is the Founder and Sole Proprietor of Dope Mvgic Entertainment, LLC, and a Co-Founder of Five Stage Film Commission, LLC. Within Five Stage Film Commission, Jamire plays a critical role in audio production and also serves as a Production Assistant, contributing to the technical and operational excellence of each project.
In January 2022, Jamire attended The Ohio Media School. After graduating later that year, he became an Instructor Assistant and now serves as the Audio Emphasis Instructor. Through education, production, and performance, Jamire continues to elevate his craft while pushing creative and technical boundaries within the media industry.
Ricardo McCrory - Head Cinematographer
Ricardo “Rick” McCrory is a multifaceted filmmaker with over six years of experience spanning cinematography, editing, writing, and directing. A Cleveland, Ohio native, Rick has built his creative foundation on authenticity, discipline, and a deep understanding of visual storytelling.
He has contributed to a range of film projects, including What the Maid Made, Pick Me Up, and A Foolish Woman, in addition to directing and shooting multiple music videos. His work reflects versatility across genres while maintaining a strong, distinct visual style.
Rick believes cinematography is rooted in perspective—everyone sees the world differently. When he steps behind the camera, his goal is to capture stories through his unique point of view while honoring the emotional truth of the moment. Through intentional framing, lighting, and movement, he transforms ideas into cinematic experiences that resonate with audiences.
With a commitment to growth and creative excellence, Rick continues to refine his craft while expanding his impact across film and visual media.
Phillip E. Roberts, Jr. - Brand Ambassador
Phillip E. Roberts, Jr. was born on September 10, 1969, in Springfield, Ohio. He graduated from Springfield South High School and went on to attend Central State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science in 1992.
Following college, Phillip relocated to Denver, Colorado, where he began his professional career as a teacher. In 1993, he returned to the Springfield/Dayton, Ohio area to continue teaching. By 1994, he secured an independent contract with Dayton Public Schools as an IT Consultant, expanding his consulting services into Cincinnati and Kentucky. His growing client base and entrepreneurial vision led him to establish his own technology firm.
In August 1995, Phillip founded Computer Consultants, Inc., an IT firm dedicated to providing high-quality personal computer support and technology solutions. Under his leadership, the company built a reputation for reliability, professionalism, and technical excellence.
In 2024, Phillip expanded his professional portfolio into the entertainment industry. He starred in the short sci-fi film Tech-No, a project centered on the future of A.I. robotics. Following his performance, he was offered additional roles in multiple film productions. That same year, he portrayed a detective in Fragile Bonds. In December 2025, he took on the role of a Pastor in the inspirational feature film Luke Warm. He is currently rehearsing for his latest project, A Foolish Woman.
In addition to his acting contributions, Phillip currently serves as a proven Brand Ambassador for 5 Stage Film Commission. Through his leadership, industry relationships, and strategic advocacy, he has played a key role in helping the team secure major streaming platforms for their content, expanding the company’s distribution reach and audience visibility.
Phillip’s passion for acting began in high school, where he starred in school plays and talent shows. Today, he brings the same dedication, discipline, and professionalism to every role he undertakes. Throughout his career—both in technology and film—Phillip has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence, growth, and long-term success.
Mya Walker - Production Assistant
Mya Walker serves as the Executive Head of the Production Assistant Department at 5 Stage Film Commission, where she oversees on-set coordination, departmental logistics, and production workflow with precision and leadership. With more than 15 years of experience in the music industry, she brings a seasoned understanding of performance, branding, and creative execution to every project she touches. Her transition from music to film has strengthened the company’s operational structure while elevating its artistic output.
As a recording artist, Mya is a member of the group Team Ultra, expanding her presence in the industry through collaborative artistry. Throughout her music career, she has worked alongside respected names including N.O.R.E., Che Noir, Twista, Krayzie Bone, and R&B vocalist Summer Walker, demonstrating versatility across hip-hop and R&B platforms.
Within 5 Stage Film Commission’s growing film catalog, Mya has established herself as a notable and recurring on-screen talent. Her acting credits include:
• Hold On: A Suitime Story
• Growing Up a Menace
• C-Nugz
• The Ritual
• What the Maid Made
• Deception’s Web
• Possible Love (romantic comedy)
• Shadows of Gotham
In addition to her film work, she made significant creative contributions to the sketch comedy series Telephone, helping shape its tone, delivery, and comedic timing.
Blending executive leadership, performance experience, and musical artistry, Mya Walker continues to be a driving force within 5 Stage Film Commission—both behind the scenes and in front of the camera.
Ricardo Johnson - Cinematographer
Ricardo Johnson, also known as “Super Saiyan Slick,” is a versatile Director, Producer, and Writer recognized for his ability to connect with diverse audiences across multiple genres. With a sharp creative instinct and an understanding of audience psychology, Ricardo crafts compelling visuals designed to inspire, captivate, and leave lasting impact.
His storytelling approach focuses on immersion—creating projects so engaging that viewers are locked in from beginning to end. Ricardo strives to produce work that not only entertains but motivates, encouraging audiences to see success as attainable and creativity as powerful.
Throughout his career, Ricardo has collaborated with platforms and networks such as My TV Columbus and Bounce TV. He also contributed to the award-winning film Luke Warm, further demonstrating his commitment to meaningful, high-quality storytelling.
Driven by vision and creative discipline, Ricardo continues to expand his influence in film and media, building projects that resonate emotionally while elevating the standard of independent production.