Meet Our Judges
We cannot guarantee they’re niceness or naughtiness, but we did the best we could do!
John Mahoney
An accomplished teacher, sculptor, concept designer, writer and independent filmmaker, John’s passion spans both practical and digital art. With a prosperous career, he has contributed his talents as a visual development artist for Disney Feature Animation on iconic films such as Atlantis, Treasure Planet, and The Emperor’s New Groove. His creative touch has also graced projects for Lucasfilm, Miramax, and Warner Bros., including Avengers, Jurassic World, Frozen, and Ghostbusters. Based in L.A., John is not only an esteemed professor at CalArts, USC, and Gnomon but also frequently imparts his knowledge in classes on Film Design, Sculpture, and Animation at the Stan Winston School. His diverse teaching portfolio encompasses figure drawing, sculpture, film design, storyboards, stop-motion animation, and character design. Beyond academic environments, John has led creative training, including sculpture and zBrush classes, at VFX and Game studios like ILM and Blizzard. His illustrations, featured in Spectrum and Erotic Signature and exhibitions in LA, include a solo show at the Pacific Asia Museum, further highlighting the depth of his artistic contributions!
Galen Howard
Galen Howard is an award-winning actor from Davis, California, with a rich background in theatre and film since his early years. Based in Los Angeles, Galen has established himself as a versatile performer across various mediums and genres, accumulating an impressive resume of over 150 credits in television, film, commercials, music videos, and more. Known for his character actor versatility, Galen Howard is recognized for portraying offbeat, strangely likable characters with a dark underbelly. His formative acting experiences include studies in Northern California, an internship at Timothy Busfield’s B Street Theater, and training with world-renowned acting coach Ivana Chubbuck. He gained early acclaim for sketch characters on Smosh’s groundbreaking YouTube channel and has collaborated with notable web entities like Buzzfeed, Rooster Teeth, New Form, and FacebookTV. Galen’s unique persona shines through in music videos for Justin Timberlake, Weezer, Elle King, Lil’ Dicky, and Smashing Pumpkins. During his illustrious career, Galen has collaborated with directors such as Jon Favreau, Robert Rodriguez, Jared Hess, John Hillcoat, Mark Romanek, and Rusty Cundieff. Some of his career highlights feature roles in prominent productions such as The Book of Boba Fett, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Henry Danger, American Nightmares, Children of Sorrow, Moon Manor, and Saving Flora, starring Jenna Ortega, Martin Martinez, and David Arquette.
Nez Wilburn
A distinguished and highly regarded designer, Nez Wilburn has spent years honing her craft and has emerged as a prominent figure in bespoke fashion. As the lead designer, accomplished seamstress, and proud owner of DarkSpectre Custom Couture, Nez is a testament to the transformative power of creativity and skill. At DarkSpectre, she has mastered the delicate art of translating ideas into exquisite, wearable pieces of art with beautifully crafted custom garments, costumes, corsets, and more! For Nez, costuming is not just a profession; she passionately declares, “Costuming is the way I express myself, and my favorite craft. I love the art of taking fabrics and creating that perfectly sculptured piece for my customers.” Her dedication to her work is evident in the meticulous attention to detail she devotes to each project, ensuring that every creation is a masterpiece tailored to perfection. Specializing in various custom-designed and constructed costumes, Nez Wilburn’s portfolio spans diverse genres, including Cosplay, Renaissance, Horror, Anime, Sci-fi, and more. Her versatility and ingenuity shine through in every piece, reflecting a profound understanding of the nuances of each genre and a commitment to bringing characters to life through the art of costume design. What sets Nez apart is not only her exceptional talent but also her commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Beyond fashion, she channels her passion into philanthropy, allocating a percentage of each purchase to the Wounded Warrior Project. Nez Wilburn’s dedication to giving back adds a profound and meaningful dimension to her work, showcasing her as a socially responsible and compassionate professional and sought-after artisan in costume design!
Jeremy O'Keefe
A versatile talent and graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Jeremy O’Keefe stands as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, excelling as a writer, producer, award-winning filmmaker, and casting director. Jeremy’s journey in the arts began at the Wilmington Drama League, and by the age of 16, he embarked on his career trajectory with an internship on Broadway under director Mike Ockrent. His directorial debut, Wrestling, followed by the critically acclaimed Somewhere Slow, starring Jessalyn Gilsig, won the Best Narrative Feature prize at the Brooklyn Film Festival. Jeremy’s award-winning body of work also includes the short films Closure and Finale, as well as a music video for Brendan James’ Nothin’ But Love. His contributions extend to the theater, where he directed successful readings and productions, including Hit the Wall and The Boys Upstairs.
He spent nearly a decade as a casting associate at the prestigious Greenstein/Daniel Casting, a renowned SITCOM casting office in Los Angeles. He has been engaged in a spectrum of noteworthy projects including The Bellkeeper, Never Have I Ever, American Housewife, Sprung, Beverly Hills 90210, Punky Brewster, and A Southern Haunting. With a rich portfolio spanning film, theater, and television, Jeremy O’Keefe continues to make significant strides, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
Shaughnessy Hare
Shaughnessy Hare stands as a seasoned sound designer and re-reording mixer, marking an illustrious two-decade career in the realms of film and television. His remarkable journey is punctuated by two prestigious Primetime Emmy nominations, a testament to his unparalleled expertise. In 2020, Hare garnered recognition for Outstanding Sound Editing in HBO’s Westworld, adding to his accolades earned in 2017 with a nomination for Starz’s Black Sails. Beyond the Emmy spotlight, his sonic mastery has reverberated across both the small and large screens, imprinting his signature on an array of distinguished projects, including Lost in Space, Jumanji, Friday Night Lights, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, The Dukes of Hazzard, Jack Ryan, The Rundown, Dreamcatcher, The Orville, Beerfest, Curious George, Me, About a Boy, Hancock, You and Everyone We Know, Battleship, Bad Teacher, 42, Ali, Booksmart, and Jane the Virgin. Endowed with an extensive body of work and an unwavering passion for his craft, Shaughnessy Hare remains dedicated to contributing his exceptional talents to the ever-evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.
Annette Delorean
Annette Delorean, a dynamic force in the world of visual and performing arts, brings a unique blend of skills and creativity to her craft. Originally from Detroit and now based in Italy, she seamlessly navigates the realms of design, animation, and music. An accomplished musician proficient in piano, guitar, and vocals, Annette is recognized for her original voice and a visionary approach that transcends artistic boundaries.
As the founder and producer of the Flanimation Film Festival, she has made significant strides in promoting animated storytelling on an international stage. A graduate of Wayne State University, Annette views her true education as having unfolded within the vibrant landscape of indie pop bands.
This experience not only honed her musical talents but also served as a crucible for producing new and innovative content. With a multimedia approach, Annette weaves animation, comedy, and music into a captivating tapestry, reflecting her innermost desires and pushing the boundaries of pop culture. Her journey is a testament to the power of collaboration, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence.
Her most recent collaborations have been with Comedy Central, Detroit Contemporary, and Planet Ant Theatre.
Justin Lawson Isett
Renowned filmmaker, screenwriter, and playwright Justin Lawson Isett is celebrated for his profound impact on both cinematic and theatrical realms and for transforming groundbreaking historical research into compelling dramatizations. A graduate of Theatre from the esteemed University of Maryland, Justin has played pivotal roles in the industry, serving as the festival coordinator for Baltimore’s Premier Short Play Festival, a board member of the Fells Point Corner Theatre, and the program coordinator for Act for a Change. Justin’s unwavering commitment to inspiring change through the transformative power of art is evident in his rich background and profound passion for the arts. His multifaceted contributions uniquely position him as a driving force in the Atlanta arts community, embodying the spirit of creativity, innovation, and positive impact.
More Judges TBA!
Judges from Christmas Past
Chris McKay
Tom Luse
Michael Burnett
Adam Hall
Jayson Warner Smith
Gabino Iglesias
Randy Havens
Chase Paris
Jessica Fox
Onye Eme-Akwari
