05/17/2026
It's Nappies season, and we just wanted to take a moment to showcase the Best Local Filmmaker Nominees and share a little info on each of these creatives.
Drew Hall is a University of South Alabama Alumni and the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Craftshow Digital. He has dedicated his career to pushing creative boundaries while uplifting the local film community. Drew has directed five feature films—SkyHook, The Phoenix Rises, Sons of Liberty (starring Tamer Hassan, Keith David, and Mark Sheppard), Convergence (featuring Clayne Crawford, Ethan Embry, and Mykelti Williamson), and Nigel and Oscar Versus the Sasquatch (with Paul Brittain, Adam Herschman, Neil Flynn, and Tim Meadows). He continues to make an impact in the commercial and advertising industry.
D'Ambro Chatman is a University of South Alabama Alumni, Co- Owner of 3130 Media, and a Christian filmmaker. His short film "The Day I Met Elijah" was nominated at the International Christian Film & Music Festival (ICFF), which is the largest Christian Film Festival in the world. He is also the Creative Content Manager for the City of Mobile.
Kris Skoda is a University of South Alabama Alumni and owner of Skodaworks Media and Marketing. He is known for his comedic approach to advertising, which you can see in spots for local businesses Roosters and Rich's Car Wash. As well as the yearly Nappies video. But Skoda can also be serious with spots for Visit Mobile, politicians, and more. He is also the director of photography for the feature films "Demon Squad" and "Demon Squad Tooth and Claw".
Jesse Starling is a current student at the University of South Alabama and a member of the MFO Shadow Program. He is the youngest nominee on the list. His YouTube channel has over 2,000 subscribers, and he is always working to grow his craft. Currently, he is working on a mental health and drug overdose awareness film called "UnSteady," which is currently filming in Lower Alabama.
Michael O'Sullivan is the founder and Creative Director for Motivation Media. His company has been around for over 10 years. They help marketing teams and nonprofits tell stories that move people. His company has created commercials and content for local businesses such as Yellow Hammer Coffee, Southwest Mobile Co Chamber, Harper Tech, to name a few. As well as filming live events for local businesses and organizations.
Israel Rodriguez owns IRG Productions, a full-service video production and development company founded in Orlando, FL, but based in Mobile, AL. His company produces professional video content, including documentaries like Katia Garza: My Life in Dance and project projections for the Mobile Ballet. He is also a member of the Mobile Ballet faculty in the position of Ballet Master.
Thomas Smith is a University of South Alabama Alumni and owner of Fighting Owl Films. He has written, directed, and produced Demon Squad: Tooth and Claw, Demon Squad, and The Night Shift. As well as a number of short films. His films have been featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000, and through successful crowdfunding campaigns, he and his wife have been able to fund their films through the support of their films' fans.
Vashawn Dixon is the owner of Control Overdose Films LLC. He writes, directs, produces, and edits his own films. Some of his films are P.O.V and Gunned Down. He also does commercial work for some local businesses and organizations.
To vote for any of these talented filmmakers, visit the link below.👇
https://www.votenappies.com/
