Meet Our Expert Instructors

Learn from award-winning filmmakers and industry professionals at Northern Lights Film Academy.

Our Dedicated Team

At Northern Lights Film Academy, we pride ourselves on having a team of highly experienced and passionate instructors. Each instructor brings a unique set of skills and expertise to the academy, providing students with a comprehensive and well-rounded education in filmmaking. Explore their profiles below to learn more about their backgrounds, filmography, and achievements.

Experienced directing instructor Anya Kovic, smiling and holding a clapperboard.

Anya Kovic

Directing & Screenwriting

Anya Kovic is an award-winning filmmaker and the founder of Northern Lights Film Academy. With over 15 years of experience in the film industry, Anya has directed numerous short films, documentaries, and feature films. Her work has been screened at film festivals around the world, and she has received several awards for her directing and screenwriting. Anya is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with aspiring filmmakers, and she is dedicated to helping her students develop their own unique voices and styles.

Filmography

  • The Frozen Frontier (2018) - Director, Writer
  • Aurora's Embrace (2015) - Director, Writer
  • Midnight Sun Dreams (2012) - Director

Awards

  • Best Director - Alaska Film Festival (2018)
  • Best Screenplay - Anchorage International Film Festival (2015)
  • Audience Choice Award - Fairbanks Film Festival (2012)
Cinematography instructor Ben Carter adjusting a camera lens, looking focused.

Ben Carter

Cinematography

Ben Carter is a highly skilled cinematographer with a passion for capturing stunning visuals. He has worked on a wide range of projects, including feature films, commercials, and music videos. Ben is known for his expertise in lighting, composition, and camera movement, and he is dedicated to helping his students develop their own unique visual styles. He brings a wealth of practical experience to the classroom, providing students with hands-on training and guidance.

Filmography

  • Shadows of the North (2020) - Cinematographer
  • Whispers of the Wild (2017) - Cinematographer
  • The Last Alaskans (TV Series, 2015-2016) - Camera Operator

Awards

  • Best Cinematography - Indie Film Awards (2020)
  • Nominee, Best Cinematography - Alaska Film Festival (2017)
Film editing instructor Maria Rodriguez smiling in front of an editing workstation.

Maria Rodriguez

Film Editing

Maria Rodriguez is a talented film editor with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She has worked on a variety of projects, from independent films to Hollywood blockbusters. Maria is known for her creative storytelling and her ability to craft compelling narratives through editing. She is passionate about teaching her students the art of film editing and helping them develop their own unique editing styles. Her focus is on seamless transitions and impactful storytelling through the power of editing.

Filmography

  • Echoes of the Past (2022) - Editor
  • Beneath the Surface (2019) - Editor
  • Northern Exposure: The Untold Stories (Documentary, 2016) - Editor

Awards

  • Best Editing - Independent Film Festival (2022)
  • Nominee, Best Editing - Seattle Film Festival (2019)
Sound design instructor David Lee working with audio equipment in a studio.

David Lee

Sound Design

David Lee is an accomplished sound designer and composer with a passion for creating immersive audio experiences. He has worked on numerous films, television shows, and video games, and his work has been praised for its creativity and attention to detail. David is dedicated to teaching his students the art of sound design and helping them develop their own unique sonic signatures. He emphasizes the importance of sound in enhancing the emotional impact of a film.

Filmography

  • Arctic Requiem (2023) - Sound Designer
  • The Silent Symphony (2020) - Sound Designer, Composer
  • Wildlife of Alaska (Documentary, 2017) - Sound Designer

Awards

  • Best Sound Design - Golden Ear Awards (2023)
  • Nominee, Best Sound Editing - Academy of Sound Arts (2020)