Supporting the filmmaking community

About Lane County Film Society

Our Mission

Our mission is to support Eugene's filming community by providing education, resources, promoting a sustainable filmmaking industry in Lane County.

Giving back to the community

LCFS is currently working on organizing various events in the Eugene community, such as workshops, seminars, networking, and festivals. Our goal is to bring together the Eugene filmmaking community to create an inclusive environment that fosters creativity. We believe in promoting a sense of unity, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration within the Eugene community through these gatherings.

The future of LCFS

We believe that making films requires a hands-on approach.  So we are developing a curriculum of topics that we feel are integral to the art of filmmaking.  We have a partnership with Community Television of Lane County to use their studio space and gear. Classes will be available to take soon!

Board of Directors

  • Rick Gates

    FOUNDER & BOARD MEMBER

    Rick is the founder of Lane County Film Studios. Rick is also the president of Tendrile Productions. Rick is the showrunner for the 12 episode anthology of local films called “Scene In Eugene”, which is available on Youtube. He is also found frequently on local productions where he typically serves as the chief lighting technician, popularly known as a gaffer.

  • David Mort, president of LCFS

    David Mort

    PRESIDENT

    David Mort has been creating art in the PNW for over 12 years, working as an actor, director, teacher, and puppeteer. He has worked as an actor/director all over the US for the past 20 years, with extended stays in New York and Chicago. One of his greatest joys in life is helping others tell their stories.

  • Mark Maricle

    TREASURER

    With a foundation rooted in music, culminating in a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Oregon (and later a law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School) Mark possesses a profound appreciation for various art forms. Cinema holds a special allure for him, combining multiple mediums to convey narratives that delve into the essence of being. Mark’s eclectic interests extend to seeking obscure Italian films, reflecting a passion for cinematic exploration. Leveraging his creative background and legal expertise, Mark aspires to contribute to the growth of Lane County Film Studios, aiming to enhance the local film community's vibrancy and impact.

  • Simon Baum

    BOARD MEMBER

    With a background in audio, photo, and video production Simon has learned the ins and outs of each aspect of filmmaking. His work in the community ranges from cinematic music videos, to promotional content for businesses, and documentaries for non-profit organizations. His philosophy is to create projects with both intention and impact.

  • Daniel Martinez

    Daniel Martinez

    BOARD MEMBER

    Daniel, the Treasurer of Lane County Film Studios, began his filmmaking career at 15, crafting skate videos before honing his commercial video skills at an Oregon-based marketing agency post-MBA. Amidst the Covid pandemic, he shifted from commercial to narrative filmmaking, engaging in multiple projects annually within the Eugene area. Though experienced in various film roles, from Grip to Director, Daniel is most fulfilled as a Director of Photography, driven by a profound passion for filmmaking and set life.

  • David DeRienzo

    BOARD MEMBER

    David is passionate about education, the arts, and the environment, as well as how technology can be leveraged to protect and improve those ideals. He is an avid filmmaker and photographer, and never misses an opportunity to explore the landscapes afforded to him in Oregon and beyond. David has worked in adult education for 15 years, starting as a tutor in math, science, and social studies for a TABE program at his college. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Film and cinematography from The University of Central Florida, and he combines his experience as the head of a learning & development organization with his storytelling capability to engage and empower his community.

  • Cat Frink

    BOARD MEMBER

    Cat Frink is the co-founder and graphic design nerd behind Octavus Media—a creative agency specializing in media for nonprofits and mission-based businesses. As a board member of LCFS, Cat lends her support with marketing, web design, and graphics (including this website!). While she may not be well-versed in the technical intricacies of camera gear, lighting, and filmmaking, Cat does share a passion for supporting independently-made media.

  • Quinn Larson

    BOARD MEMBER

    Bitten by the acting bug at an early age, Quinn Larson has enjoyed entertaining audiences on both stage and screen. Moving to Hollywood to be discovered as an actor, Quinn discovered that he enjoyed all aspects of filmmaking and that you don’t need Hollywood to make movies. Still an actor, Quinn has developed a love of practical SFX, props, and set design and continues to write and produce his own work at Off Kilter Flicks.

  • Taylor Morden

    BOARD MEMBER

    Taylor Morden is a former third-grade spelling bee champion who spent years as a professional trumpet player before becoming an award-winning indie filmmaker. He is best known for directing the #1 Netflix documentary 'The Last Blockbuster' and has also made several other fun movies including the definitive documentary on 90s ska music and the official story of Build-A-Bear workshop.

  • Kathryn Solerbeer

    Meet Kathryn, a multifaceted creator with experience as a roadie, filmmaker, writer, and event planner who thrives on human connection and kindness. Her diverse background spans from serving VIPs as a corporate flight attendant to producing films and supporting humanitarian efforts, alongside being an active Eugene Metropolitan Rotary Club member and a scriptwriter for the Cinequest screenwriter contest. Now based in Eugene, Kathryn is a global traveler known for her optimism, creativity, generosity, and a love for piping hot morning coffee.

  • Zoë Wassman

    BOARD MEMBER

    Zoë Wassman spent twenty, very formative years in rural Alaska, an experience that developed her gritty yet humorous sensibilities. Since returning to Oregon, she has focused on writing for the silver screen, her first feature-length film entitled “BAMPIRE” being a result of her lifetime in the woods, and a quirky love letter to the shelves of 90’s films stocked in her local movie store. Filmmaking is a collaborative effort, and due to the unending support of her incredible film community, she feels prepared and excited to bring bigger and better opportunities to Eugene’s talented artisans through her involvement with Lane County Film Studios!

Looking for ways to get involved?

Do you have some filmmaking experience?  Would you like to help others with their own storytelling journeys?  Then please consider joining our educators to provide hands-on courses in those aspects of filmmaking that you feel you know best!