Arizona Production Association

Arizona Production Association The Arizona Production Association is a non-profit trade organization.

Its mission is to promote, encourage and advance the growth of the film, theatre & television industries in Arizona and to improve the status and skills of its members.

APA Member Spotlight: Krista Cooper-Schmidt, Prescott, AZ

* Primary production role/s:  Actor, Screenwriter* What is yo...
07/15/2026

APA Member Spotlight: Krista Cooper-Schmidt, Prescott, AZ

* Primary production role/s:  Actor, Screenwriter

* What is your professional background (major job positions you’ve held and where)?

Actor, known for “Moon Valley Quest,” “Eyes Within the Shadows” (PoC), and “Where She Stayed” (Short).

* How and why did you start working in production?

I started acting classes in 2022, after a lifetime longing to do so. My first experience on a film set was as background for a feature shortly after that, and it was love at first sight. Subsequently, I moved on to supporting and lead roles in both features and shorts across Arizona. I am now signed with Dani’s Agency and have plans in the coming year to star in and direct my own short screenplay, which will be submitted to festivals. While I know I’ve just scratched the surface of this industry, I can’t wait to learn, grow, collaborate, and experience all that film has to offer here in Arizona.

* What are some of the favorite projects you’ve worked on?

This would actually have to be the teaser trailer I produced for my novel, “Rise and Fall.” It was my first foray into filmmaking (I wrote, directed, starred in, and edited it), but it was the project that really cemented my love and appreciation for the entire filmmaking process. The experience was invaluable and I will be taking all I learned into my upcoming short.

* Why should people film in Arizona?

Arizona is beautiful! And the versatility of the landscape is unmatched. As a Prescott native, I would encourage any productions to also consider Prescott when location scouting. We’re a film friendly town with a lively art scene, mild weather, and plenty of local talent. But really, Arizona in its entirety just has a phenomenal pool of both cast and crew. I’ve already met so many amazing people, and you can tell everyone has a deep love for the art.

For more info on Krista, check out his listing in the Arizona Production Guide at azproduction.com

APA MEMBERS! If you want to be featured in a Member Spotlight, complete the questionnaire and submit it with a headshot or BTS photo, LINK IN OUR BIO!

06/24/2026

We’re “mixing” up the format for this month’s mixer - with guest speakers from SAG-AFTRA!

Join us on Thursday, June 25, from 6:00 - 9:00 pm Spinato's, 5509 N. 7th Street in Phoenix for some great info on SAG-AFTRA contracts, followed by our usual mingling.

This event is for ages 21+ only. It’s free to attend, and no RSVP is needed! See You There!

Help us spread the word!

Due to the unexpected closing of the Mesa location of 12 West Brewing, our June 25 mixer has moved to SPINATO'S CENTRAL ...
06/24/2026

Due to the unexpected closing of the Mesa location of 12 West Brewing, our June 25 mixer has moved to SPINATO'S CENTRAL PHOENIX LOCATION at 5509 N. 7th Street!

We’re “mixing” up the format for this month’s mixer - with guest speakers from SAG-AFTRA!

Join us on Thursday, June 25, from 6:00 - 9:00 pm Spinato's, 5509 N. 7th Street in Phoenix for some great info on SAG-AFTRA contracts, followed by our usual mingling.

Find out how simple and affordable it can be to hire professional SAG-AFTRA performers for your next commercial or industrial project. Information about SAG-AFTRA low-budget contracts will also be available.

Whether you produce broadcast spots, digital campaigns, social media content, local commercials, corporate/educational videos, or independent films, SAG-AFTRA offers flexible agreements with easy paperwork, affordable rates, and professional performers ready to elevate your project. Come ask all your burning questions, connect with SAG-AFTRA representatives, and learn about contract options for productions of every shape, size, and budget!

Complimentary appetizers provided by SAG-AFTRA (while they last); a no-host bar and additional food is available for purchase. Presentation begins at 6:00 p.m. Networking begins at 7:00 p.m.

This event is for ages 21+ only. It’s free to attend, and no RSVP is needed! See You There!

APA June Mixer
Thursday, June 25, 6-9 pm
Spinato's, 5509 N. 7th Steet, Phoenix, AZ 85014

Help us spread the word!

June Mixer on the 25th @ 12 West Brewing!We’re “mixing” up the format for this month’s mixer - with guest speakers from ...
06/23/2026

June Mixer on the 25th @ 12 West Brewing!

We’re “mixing” up the format for this month’s mixer - with guest speakers from SAG-AFTRA!

Join us on Thursday, June 25, from 6:00 - 9:00 pm at 12 West Brewing located at 12 W. Main Street in Mesa for some great info on SAG-AFTRA contracts, followed by our usual mingling.

Find out how simple and affordable it can be to hire professional SAG-AFTRA performers for your next commercial or industrial project. Information about SAG-AFTRA low-budget contracts will also be available.

Whether you produce broadcast spots, digital campaigns, social media content, local commercials, corporate/educational videos, or independent films, SAG-AFTRA offers flexible agreements with easy paperwork, affordable rates, and professional performers ready to elevate your project. Come ask all your burning questions, connect with SAG-AFTRA representatives, and learn about contract options for productions of every shape, size, and budget!

Complimentary appetizers provided by SAG-AFTRA (while they last); a no-host bar and additional food is available for purchase. Presentation begins at 6:00 p.m. downstairs in “The Cellar.” Networking begins at 7:00 p.m. upstairs in the “Mezzanine.”

This event is for ages 21+ only. It’s free to attend, and no RSVP is needed! See You There!

APA June Mixer
Thursday, June 25, 6-9 pm
12 West Brewing, 12 W. Main St., Mesa

SUMMER BANNER AD SALE!We’re having a sale on Banner Advertising on our website! Receive 20% off of the published rates f...
06/19/2026

SUMMER BANNER AD SALE!

We’re having a sale on Banner Advertising on our website!

Receive 20% off of the published rates for all new banner ads purchased or existing ads renewed from now through Labor Day!

Banner Ads are the rotating pieces of artwork seen on the bottom of our home page, and on the top and bottom of most of the other pages on our website. They are NOT connected to memberships or listings in the Arizona Production Guide, so they can be purchased by both members and non-members.

Advertisers are responsible for supplying their own artwork. Minimum ad run time is three months; the most popular is one year. You select a specific spot for your ad to appear. In addition to your dedicated spot, your artwork will rotate through ALL of the unsold spaces on our site for no additional cost, getting your ad maximum exposure for a limited cost!

For more information or to purchase a new ad, visit the Advertise page (LINK in our BIO!) of our site or contact Ad Sales Manager Traci Langston at 602-488-3153 or [email protected].

Existing Advertisers can also RENEW their banner ads by logging into their member pages and selecting the “My Banner Ads” tab.

APA Member Spotlight:  Matt Pearson, Chandler, AZ * Primary Production Role: Student * What made you decide to study pro...
06/01/2026

APA Member Spotlight:  Matt Pearson, Chandler, AZ
 
* Primary Production Role: Student 
* What made you decide to study production? 
From a young age I was obsessed with film and tv. It wasn’t until that realization that I should follow something I loved rather than something that provided stability and comfort that I decided to pursue film & media production. I believe that with enough persistence, hard work and love, anything can happen.
* Primary production role/s you’re currently interested in/pursuing:
Over the past few years, I’ve found a specific love and interest for camera and g&e work. Whether that be an assistant position or the Director of Photography. All of the capabilities and ways to tell a story through the technical side is what I’ve had the most enjoyment doing, and what I will continue to pursue.
* What type of stories are you most interested in telling as a filmmaker?
I’m most excited to tell stories that reflect the human experience. Ones that feel real and intimate and leave something further to be desired. I love stories that focus on making characters feel like real living beings, and their experiences are some that we all face, but on a heightened level.
*What project are you currently working on that you’re most excited about?
I have written and directed my senior capstone project at Arizona State University, and we are currently in post production. Check us out at for more info.
Additionally I just wrapped up dp-ing .film for that I’m excited to share with you all.
* Why should people film in Arizona?
People should film in Arizona because it’s a growing industry that’s often overlooked by professionals. We are a fast-growing film community with an easier permitting process, and lower costs for locations. I think businesses here are often eager to support productions, which makes it a great place for filmmakers to bring their projects to life.
For more info on Matt, check out his listing in the Arizona Production Guide at azproduction.com

“It’s a WRAP on Setiquette 2026Thanks to all of the great APA Member volunteers who pitched in to make our “Setiquette” ...
05/27/2026

“It’s a WRAP on Setiquette 2026

Thanks to all of the great APA Member volunteers who pitched in to make our “Setiquette” workshop on May 16 a success!

A huge THANK YOU to our Co-Sponsor and Host venue, Arizona Camera Rentals & Studios, (which also provided cameras) and to ACR staff Jordan Pillar, Lexi Wiggins and Thomas Stahl for all of their assistance!

The event was produced and moderated by our Events Chair Jared Mercier and co-produced by our Professional Development Chair Sheri Kerr, who also provided craft services.

Our incredibly talented panel consisted of Art Director and Production Designer Sam Gutierrez, Director of Photography Quinn Taplin and Assistant Director Sean Hobin.

Courtis Merry provided assistance for set up and tear down and ran one of the cameras provided by ACR, and APA Intern Matt Pearson took stills and helped set up, tear down, and man the registration table.

Thank you all for generously donating your time and talents!”

FEBRUARY FILM MIXERTuesday the 17th from 6pm - 8pmAmerican Eat Company - Tucson’s first all local food court!1439 S 4th ...
02/11/2026

FEBRUARY FILM MIXER
Tuesday the 17th from 6pm - 8pm

American Eat Company - Tucson’s first all local food court!
1439 S 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85713

Join us for the 2nd of many mixers this year! A fun night to enjoy food and drinks and connect with the film community.

Free to attend—No RSVP needed, just show up!

✨ Member Spotlight on Richelieu Hoff Jr ✨🌐 Website: richelieuhoffvo.com🎥 Primary Production Role: Voice Actor for Non Br...
12/05/2025

✨ Member Spotlight on Richelieu Hoff Jr ✨

🌐 Website: richelieuhoffvo.com
🎥 Primary Production Role: Voice Actor for Non Broadcast Projects, Commercials, Video Games, Animation, & Dubbing.

ℹ️ Background:
Some of my most prominent clients include: Mattel Toys, Amazon, Popeyes, Texas Army National Guard, The Smithsonian, & The Farmer’s Dog.

🎥 Why Production?
Voice acting has fascinated me since I was a kid! Its demanding, but creatively rewarding.

🔥 Favorite Projects:
Games such as Ascendant & Holy Shoot really challenge my creative limits. I’m really proud of my Memphis P.D. recruitment ad got over a million views. And I’m the training guide for Truist Bank customer service onboarding!

🌵🎬 Why Film in Arizona?
I’ve known & interacted with Arizona talent (homegrown and transplants) since I moved here over 20 years ago! I truly see it as a haven for creatives in every sector – from interactive media to stage and screen.

Address

132 E. 6th Street , #B9
Tempe, AZ
85281

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