Sebelius appoints, reappoints Kansans to Film Services Commission

Governor Kathleen Sebelius has made several appointments and reappointments to the Kansas Film Services Commission.

“Kansas is a wonderful place to film movies. From our beautiful landscapes, business friendly economy and depth of talent at our universities and colleges, Kansas has a lot to offer the film industry,” Sebelius said.

Harriet Caplan, Hays, holds a juris doctorate from Washburn University School of Law and is currently an instructor at Fort Hays State University.

Jessica Davis Cole, holds a degree from the University of Wyoming and is a farmer in Goodland.

Joel Feigenbaum, Leawood, holds a master’s degree from the University of Kansas and has been a writer, producer and director of television series for more than 25 years.

Cynthia Haines, Lawrence, holds a master’s degree from the University of Texas at El Paso, is a former associate professor of film studies, and is currently the film critic on National Public Radio’s Kansas City affiliate, KCUR.

John Holecek, McPherson, has a degree from Kansas State University as well as a master’s of fine arts in cinema from the University of Southern California. Holecek is currently the director of development for renovation and rehabilitation of the McPherson Opera House. 

Greg Hurd, Lawrence, obtained his degree from the University of Kansas as well as a master’s of divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. Currently, Hurd is a multimedia assistant managing editor with Sunflower Broadband.

Jackie Johnson, graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder, is the former editor of Colorado Magazine and Colorado Business Magazine and has served as the chair of the Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute Board of Directors for more than 15 years.

Benjamin Meade, Lenexa, holds a doctorate from the University of Kansas in theater and film and is currently a professor of film and owns a production company.

Henry Mengheni, Pittsburg, holds a juris doctorate from the Washburn University School of Law and is the city attorney for Pittsburg and a partner with Menghini & Mazurek, LLC.

Jason Opat, Wichita, has 15 years experience in production, film, and computer systems and hardware development. Currently, Opat is a managing member of the Integrated Media Group.

Also reappointed to three-year terms on this commission are Barbara Nash of Olathe along with Scott Richardson and Kevin Willmott, both of Lawrence.

The Kansas Film Services Commission advises the Department of Commerce in developing strategies to attract film-making enterprises to the state of Kansas. This commission assists the film services section of the division of travel and tourism in researching locations for use by the movie industry.

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