about us
monica graves
director
Monica is an award winning director who had her first taste of the entertainment industry as a teen, when after being scouted as a model she won several rounds of the Elite Model Look competition. She went on to work in Los Angeles and Tokyo as a model. After which she returned home, got married and spent a decade focusing on family and motherhood. With 8 kids at home she earned her BFA for film production and has spent the last decade working both behind the camera, and on screen. She started off working in network television as a PA including TNT’s Leverage, and NBC’s Grimm. She then moved on to associate producer in reality TV for the Discovery Channel, after which she moved onto work as Director, Producer, Editor on a variety of content including commercials, Music Videos, and Documentary. As an actress she has appeared in commercials, Independent films, IFC’s Portlandia, the Lumineers III visual album, and more.
nat graves
producer
Nat’s journey to becoming film producer is rooted in a lifetime of diverse experiences that blend creativity, technical expertise, and leadership. Beginning as a musician, Nat traveled the country performing with his family as a child, fostering an early passion for the arts. By 19, he earned a degree in recording engineering, sharpening his technical skills, and then worked as a worship leader while writing songs and performing with his band, honing his creative and collaborative abilities. When family life shifted his focus, Nat transitioned to part-time music and successfully owned and operated several businesses, demonstrating entrepreneurial acumen and adaptability. His later move into project management across multiple industries, managing high-value projects and large teams, equipped him with the organizational and leadership skills critical for overseeing complex film productions. Nat’s entry into film production came naturally when his wife, Monica Graves, entered the industry. Here, he found a new outlet for his musical expertise, editing sound and scoring commercials and short films. His work expanded to editing and producing successful podcasts and a top-rated radio show. This blend of technical proficiency, creative talent, has translated into someone capable of handling the multifaceted demands of filmmaking with finesse.
mike durio
producer
Michael has a diverse background and extensive experience in the music and entertainment industry which provide a strong foundation of success as a film producer. His education in music arranging, orchestration, and architectural drafting at UC Berkeley equipped him with creative and technical skills, enabling him to craft compelling narratives and manage complex projects. He worked as music director and manager for Martha and the Vandellas, touring the world with them, honing his leadership, collaboration, and adaptability, essential for overseeing film crews and coordinating productions. He eventually Transitioned to studio recording and songwriting for Motown which sharpened his ability to produce creative content under pressure. Later in life he founded Paris Media Group where he worked as a liaison securing extra funding for big-budget studio films, further showcased his entrepreneurial acumen His music production credits on films like The Little Shop of Horrors, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Dirty Dancing II highlight his hands-on experience in film, blending artistic vision with practical execution. Collectively, Michael’s multidisciplinary expertise translates seamlessly into the multifaceted role of a film producer.
ernie paris
producer
Ernie, originally from San Jose, California, is a multifaceted professional who transitioned from a successful music career to becoming a film producer. Starting as a bassist with the Darrell Mansfield Band world tour, he built a strong foundation in the entertainment industry. His experience expanded into music production with Paris5000 Music & Film, Jumpstart Guitar, and GenRev Productions, where he contributed to projects like “Motown Hitsville USA,” “Christmas Around the World” (featuring Pat Boone, Freda Payne, and Ambrosia), and “Where You Gonna Go?” with Eric Turner. Additionally, he worked on production for the 51st and 52nd Grammy Awards and was part of the team for the “Grammys Person of the Year” events from 2008 to 2014, honoring icons such as Sir George Martin, Sir Paul McCartney, Neil Diamond, Neil Young, and Barbra Streisand. Leveraging his production experience, Ernie transitioned into film production, where he has made notable contributions as a movie producer. His film credits include Canaan Land and Shark Lake, showcasing his ability to apply his creative and organizational skills from music and event production to the cinematic realm. His diverse background in the entertainment industry, combined with his hands-on production expertise, highlights how Ernie successfully translates his talents into his role as a film producer.
