Principle Crew
INSUNG HWANG (Writer/Director)
Born in South Korea, Insung Hwang grew up in Los Angeles. His father worked as a Tailor then later became a garment contractor in the fashion industry. Before receiving his MFA in Film Production from Chapman University he has studied at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. Part of Ovation TV’s 2010 lineup, his short Donnie’s Tree was awarded Panavision’s New Filmmaker Grant, Eastman Kodak product grant and was a finalist at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival and Kansas City Filmmaker’s Jubilee. Before turning his love of art towards film, Insung worked as a graphic designer in the entertainment industry with clients such as Sony Pictures and Walt Disney. Justify represents his debut for a feature length film.
MICHELLE ORITZ (Producer)
Having graduated with a BFA in film production, Michelle has produced dozens of short films and documentaries that have circulated film festivals, winning awards and acclaim. She went on to study at the American Film Institute. Michelle was the recipient of Chapman University’s Location Film-making grant, Eastman Kodak Women in Film scholarship, and Panavision’s Filmmaker’s Grant. She also had the honor to study under directors John Badham Saturday Night Fever) and Mark Rydell (On Golden Pond) as a Marion Knott Scholar. Michelle moved throughout her childhood. Her diverse background draws her to producing unique projects.
WILLY WALTZ (Director of Photography)
WILLY has graduated from the prestigious cinematography program at the American Film Institute. He was the recipient of the Corwin Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement and is the Director of Photography on nine feature films. His most recent film, White on Rice, has been nationally released and is receiving awards and acclaim. Other features under his belt include, Mulberry Park, Big Dreams Little Tokyo, and Road to Red. While he is not shooting, he enjoys listening to music on his extensive vinyl collection and an occasional soft rock hit by Christopher Cross (on cd of course). Willy Waltz resides and works in the Los Angeles area.
BRAD KAGENO (First Assistant Director)
Brad Kageno earned a BFA in film production at Chapman University. In 2003, he directed Boyz’ Day, a musical short prominently featured at the San Diego Asian Film Festival and other showcases. Brad studied filmmaking under the guidance of directors William Friedkin (The Exorcist) and John Badham (Saturday Night Fever). He has also assisted in the productions of The Death and Life of Bobby Z and other projects for Millennium Films. Endlessly fascinated by the nature of relationships, Brad continues to write and develop projects that explore the intricacies and absurdities of human behavior.
SERGE DJANG (Post Production Sound Supervisor/Sound Designer)
Serge Djang is an artist, composer and internationally acclaimed bass player. Born in Cameroon and raised in Paris, France, Serge’s natural ability for music was discovered at a very young age and nurtured from thereon. Having played several instruments such as the flute, piano and the violin, he discovered the bass at age 16 after listening to a Level42 album and fell in love. Influenced by such luminaries as Mark King, Jaco Pastorious, Stanley Clarke and El Hadj Toure, he immediately began studying bass. Starting in small bars and concert halls in Paris and various European cities, he has played internationally between Europe and Los Angeles. He subsequently began working as a session bass player in the Los Angeles area, playing for multiple commercial productions and becoming the key bass player for Red Cola Records in 2003. Serge is currently composing and producing music with various LA and New York artists as well as composing for TV and theatrical productions.
