Alex MacDonald, a member of the Cinematographer’s Guild, Local 600, began programming, building, and operating all types of motion control equipment for commercial production in New York City over 25 years ago. In 2002, he co-invented, built and operated the Cablecam 3D aerial photography system which went on to win two Scientific & Technical Achievement Oscars for extensive film work. He is a veteran aerial operator for the NFL, NBA, PGA, NHL, MLB, the Olympics, the Super Bowl, the Australian Football Championship and events such as the Oscars at the Kodak Theater, Carnaval in Rio, Taylor Swift’s the Red Tour, and countless concerts and commercials.

Alexandra Menapace has worked in the film industry since 1987 while attending CalArts, a 23 year member of Local 600 with background in visual effects camera and motion control. She also works alongside SPFX, using her motion control/visual effects knowledge and experience to operate hydraulic and/or servo controlled machines. She was asked and served as a committee member for the Academy Sci-Tech Awards 2018. She ‘moonlights’ as a freelance musician, occasionally playing upright bass in and around the LA area.

Bonnie L. Gerard, Office Manager and Bookkeeper for NAC Effects, LLC since 2002. Six years of college, a USAF Veteran, C-141 and C-5 aircraft mechanic, mother, goat herder, gardener, world traveler and Jill-of-all-Trades. Enjoying life on 21 acres in Southern Oregon with her husband Pete.

Casey Noel is a card carrying special effects supervisor, former Marine Corps Sergeant and combat veteran. He has over 10 years’ experience as a supervisor and has been in the special effects field since 2004. Casey has worked all over the world as a professional in the film business. He has vast experience in hydraulics, rigging, RC and pyrotechnics. Casey, his wife Lucia, and two daughters live in Burbank.

Jesse Noel is a Special Effects Supervisor for Film, Television and Commercials. Jesse has over 20 years of experience in Special Effects, and has worked on a wide variety of incredible projects with a focus on safety and spectacular results. He has a California Pyrotechnician 1st Class (One Card), and is an IATSE Local 44 Special Effects cardholder. Jesse currently serves on the Special Effects Qualification Committee, and is Vice President of the Alliance of Special Effects and Pyrotechnic Operators.

Mark David Noel is a SPFX Tech with a diverse background. After a stint in the Navy where he worked as an electrician, he used his GI Bill benefits to attend college and gained both a Bachelors in Illustration Art as well as a Masters in Studio Art. He often draws upon his skills as an artist in the creation of effects and greatly enjoys the variety that comes from working in special effects. He is also a card carrying pyrotechnician. In his downtime he’s an avid plein air painter, he’s often hiking around Los Angeles with his partner Gabbie looking for a view to paint.

Nic Nicholson has worked on films from ‘The Army of Darkness’ in 1990 to the Avatar sequels in 2019. He works as a Motion Control Operator on either Kuper or Concept Overdrive’s ‘Overdrive’ system. He brings with him skills such as Solidworks modeling, machining, and electronics.

Troy Dederick has a background in automotive and motorsports racing fabrication. Building roll cages, chassis and suspension systems and doing complete auto body modifications. He has been working in Special Effects since 1996 where he specializes in metal fabrication, prototype machining, hydraulics and complete automotive fabrication. Troy has over 16 years of experience with NAC’s Motion Base Systems doing installation, set mounting to the Motion Base, and on set operation. He lives with his wife Shannon and two daughters in Newbury Park, California.