We are incredibly proud to introduce you to our judges for the 2024 Port of Fear Film Festival. Below you will find a team of filmmakers, educators, studio execs, and much more. The diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and areas of study help to make this team a true example of the incredible reach of the cinema arts , and especially...Horror Cinema.
Features
Michael Corcoran
Michael Corcoran is a produced screenwriter and member of the Writer’s Guild of America West. He has been writing feature length screenplays and studying screenwriting for almost thirty years. Originally from Chicago, he holds a BA in mathematics, a MA in Teacher Leadership, and a BS in Educational Administration and Supervision. His original screenplay for the feature film, Righteous Thieves, was shot and produced in Los Angeles. It premiered at the Newport Beach Film festival and was released in theaters and on demand in 2023 by Lionsgate. He has been happily married for 24 years and has four amazing kids.
Features
Michael Thomas Determan
Michael Thomas Determan is a Director, Cinematographer and Producer from Racine, WI. He earned his BS in Finance, Business Administration, and Human Resources followed up with a MSM, Michael has always had a passion for film making, stemming back to a young age where he fondly recalls watching classic movies(primarily Westerns) with his parents. Michael has worked in all aspects of film making for nearly two decades, learning everythingpractically, on many sets. Projects he’s worked on in various film making roles, include feature films, short films, music videos, corporate videos, charitable videos for non-profits and documentaries. An award winning Director of Photography, Michael is also the ownerand operator of Determined Digital, as well as being a freelancer.
Features
Alex Kudrna
Alex Kudrna is the visionary owner of Backyard Dream Studio, a production and virtual production company based in Kenosha, Wisconsin. With a boundless imagination and a passion for storytelling, Alex brings dreams to life through film. He believes in the power of authentic storytelling and strives to create meaningful, emotionally resonant experiences for audiences. Backyard Dream, under Alex's leadership, has become a beacon of creativity, nurturing local talent and inspiring a new generation of filmmakers. Through their dedication and commitment to their community, they have forged a legacy of magic and inspiration, leaving an indelible mark on the world of filmmaking.
Features
Giallo Julian
Giallo Julian — hey, that’s me! — is a writer for Dread Central, primarily working with independent creators and featuring their work in his pieces. He also loves all things horror, to the point where it’s become part of his identity… Which probably isn’t healthy in the grand scheme of things, but oh well. When it comes to monsters and creature features, he can’t shut up, so open that can of worms if you dare. Oh, he’s also a fan of the “Giallo” subgenre, and Italian horror in general, but who isn’t? He’ll continue to fight until “Carnosaur” gets a new release.
Shorts
J. Anthony Ramos
J. Anthony Ramos is a Director, Writer, Producer and Actor whose parents migrated from Zacatecas, Mexico, was born and raised in Southeastern Wisconsin. His love of films and storytelling started at a young age, when his parents would often take him to the movies. The films that inspire him are from all genres, but he is particularly fond of Horror and Science Fiction films.
Shorts
Jason Paul Collum
Celebrating 30 years as a filmmaker and journalist, Jason Paul Collum is a Racine native. Among his 17 writing/directing credits are Screaming in High Heels (SyFy and Chiller), Something to Scream About (Showtime), October Moon 1 & 2 (among the first On Demand titles to air), and Sleepless Nights: Revisiting the Slumber Party Massacre (for Roger Corman & Shout! Factory). He has published over 60 articles and 4 books, and was an assistant editor for Femme Fatales magazine and a one-time editor of Cinefantastique magazine. His new horror/parody Mark of the Devil 777 was released in December 2022, and his horror franchise guide "They Made How Many?!" will be released July 2023.
shorts
BJ Rayniak
BJ Rayniak is a Wisconsin based independent Writer, Producer, Director, Musician, and Artist who studied filmmaking at Columbia College Chicago. After college, while living in Los Angeles, he worked on numerous movies, TV shows, music videos, and commercials. This led to a unique opportunity working for the Hollywood Location Company as an On-Site Representative where he learned the day to day operations of managing a studio.
Years later, BJ moved back to Wisconsin with the purpose of creating films in his home state through his company, Rayni Day Productions. Since then, he has produced the award winning feature film The Rocket, the documentary The Worth of Water: A Great Lakes Story, and most recently the suspense-thriller BLAME.
Shorts
Jennell Jenney
Jennell Jenney is a photographer and amateur filmmaker from Milwaukee. She has been behind a camera in some capacity for nearly 15 years finding success not only as a professional photographer, but also a director of photography and short film producer over the past 6 years. Her film “The Lonely Ones” won the 2021 Milwaukee 48 Hour Film project, and her film “Subtitled” won the Green Bay International film fest for spring 2022. Jennell is an advocate for following your dreams while also maintaining a very healthy weirdness in all things. She is thrilled to be a part of the Wisconsin filmmaking community, and believes its only a matter of time before the whole world really notices the amazing things happening here!