Alec Asten is an award-winning director, documentarian, and narrative filmmaker with over 30 years of experience. His love of cinematic storytelling began at age twelve. He earned a BFA in Cinema from the University of Bridgeport in 1990, then worked as a freelance director across the Northeast. In 1995, he joined Sonalysts Studios as a staff director and editor, creating projects for clients, such as Pfizer, Fleet Bank, GTECH, Harley-Davidson, Smith & Wesson, Mohegan Sun, Foxwoods, NBC, ESPN, The History Channel, Discovery Channel, and the U.S. Army and Navy. In 2008, he founded Firesite Films, producing corporate videos, commercials, music videos, documentaries, and feature films. Since then, Firesite Films has been trusted by clients such as Hasbro, RI Lottery, Deepwater Wind, Gloria Gemma Foundation, Newport Historical Society, The Hartford, CIGNA, UCONN, Staples, Biogen, Yale New Haven Hospital, Smilow Cancer Center, Saucony, Fuse TV, Cinedigm, and Legendary Pictures.

Shareen Anderson is a filmmaker who loves spotlighting the people and projects that give Mystic its character. As one of the creators, hosts, and executive producers of the Mystic Mash Podcast, she takes listeners behind the scenes of the region’s film, arts, food, culture, and events through conversations with the people who make it all happen. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Mystic Film Festival and a founding board member of the Mystic Film Institute, helping create spaces where artists and community voices are seen and heard.

Wendy S. Wilkins is a filmmaker, director, and writer, as well as the founder of Wilkidoos Productions, an independent production company dedicated to creating compelling, diverse projects that resonate with audiences. A dynamic leader in the film industry, Wendy also serves as Vice President of Women in Film & Television US (WIFT-US), Vice President of Women in Film and Video New England (WIFVNE), and Co-Executive Director of the Mystic Film Festival in Mystic, Connecticut. Driven by passion and purpose, she champions meaningful storytelling, elevates women filmmakers, and leads with creativity, integrity, and vision.

Charlie Kehr is from Westchester, New York, and is a Film major at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. Currently in the second semester of his sophomore year, he is nearly halfway through his college experience. Charlie is especially passionate about writing and directing and is eager to contribute to any film project he has the opportunity to be part of. As one of the podcast’s editors and producers, he brings both enthusiasm and creativity to the team.

Simone Heinze is from Maplewood, New Jersey, and is majoring in Screen Studies with a minor in Philosophy. She is passionate about deep analysis and storytelling across a wide range of creative forms, including filmmaking, literature, and music. As one of the podcast’s editors and producers, Simone is excited to embrace every creative opportunity that comes her way.