Screenwriters

MYRTON RUNNING WOLF
(Blackfeet/Wasco)

Dr. Myrton Running Wolf earned masters degrees from Tisch School of the Arts at NYU and the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, as well as a doctorate in Theater and Performance Studies from Stanford University. As an actor, he appeared in supporting roles in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The New World, Into the West, several network television shows, and in leading roles on-stage in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Behind-the-scenes, Myrton is also an acclaimed writer/director/producer has led several award-winning film and theater productions. He also worked in Production Management for Walt Disney Studio's ABC Television Group on primetime series LOST, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, Brothers & Sisters, and Criminal Minds and as a Creative Producer for The CW and NBC network television affiliates.

CRYSTAL ENGLISH

Having grown up in a military family, Crystal English enlisted in the U.S. Army after high school where she worked in signals intelligence for nearly four years. Following the military, Crystal earned associates degrees in television/radio production and administration of justice, as well as a bachelors degree in Journalism. She has been a Project Involve Fellow at Film Independent, worked with Urban Insider as a journalist and screenplay judge, and served as a reader for Nickelodeon, screening scripts for the studio's various initiatives and programs. Crystal's interest in law enforcement led her to complete Basic Police Academy in California. She has gone on to earn her certification in Crime and Intelligence Analysis.

Crystal is finishing her doctorate degree in Geography with a focus on computational spatial science at San Diego State University and the University of California at Santa Barbara. She holds a masters degree from California State University, Northridge. 

JASHEIKA JAMES

JaSheika James has had an ongoing love affair with film and television since childhood. It wasn't until college that she decided to pursue a career in film and TV,  graduating with a Bachelor Degree in Telecommunication from the University of Florida's College of Journalism. 

​Upon graduating from the University of Florida, JaSheika went on to work for hit series, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, and DEXTER, and later in post-production at ABC Studios. Her professional experience in the writers' room began on ABC's REVENGE, where she joined the writing staff in the third season. JaSheika is currently a Producer on Fox's hit series, EMPIRE. She is committed to create, develop, and write projects that enlighten, inspire, and entertain audiences around the world. 

ECHO RUNNING WOLF

Echo Running Wolf was born and raised in Northern Nevada, roaming around the exact lands Black Warrior is set on! Her interest in storytelling springs from her extensive training and experience as a musician, singer, and musical theater artist. Coming from an interracial family and following a Mormon mission to the Spanish-speaking areas of Seattle, Washington, Echo strives to tell the stories of those people often found on the margins of American society.

She is a Running Wolf in the truest sense - long road trips to Browning, Montana (the tribal lands of the Blackfeet Indian nation), loving close bonds to her nieces, nephews cousins, ex-mother-in-law, and neighbors - she's seen all of it. From the hilarity of outdoor Rez barbecues, to the ceremonial splendor of powwows, to real confrontations with American Indian gangbangers, Echo knows more about contemporary Native American life than most tribal residents.

MAC CRUTCHER
(Pyramid Lake Paiute)

Mac Crutcher resides with his wife and three children on the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation in Nevada where he has lived since 1975. Mac founded ​Lonedog Productions in the greater Reno, Nevada, area and has produced or helped produce several independent projects.  

Mac lives by the belief, "I think if you have a powerful story, you can turn it into a masterpiece with the right vision. It's always easier to settle for what you have rather than make the most out of life and achieve your dreams." From the untimely death of his father, to a potentially devastating physical disability, Mac has always turned life's hardships into a drive to succeed.

Short Film Cast & Crew

KASSANDRA FUENTES

"My background as a photographer and a graphic designer, I know all of the work that goes into getting the work done. Being part of the crew on this short film has allowed me to learn, respect, and has given me a new appreciation of all the hard work that goes into making a local short film. I'm thankful to have been part of an amazing and thought-provoking project and for the chance to work with such a creative, talented, and professional team."

RICHARD JAMES
(Pyramid Lake Paiute)

"This was a fun film to be a part of as "Charlie" - store owner and wifi thief! The movie has a lot of gory scenes in it ... fact or fiction ? A cool storyline from the mind of Myrton Running Wolf. I think it turned out great."

MICHELLE MCCAULEY
​(Washoe/Shoshone/Pyramid Lake Paiute/Quinault)

"Working on Black Warrior of Pyramid Lake, as Megan Little Valley, was a very fun experience. I had no idea what acting as the main character would look like or be like. I was very nervous before the first read-through with all of the cast members, but as soon as I arrived at the site that went away.

Taking direction from Myrton is something I appreciate and enjoy because he knows exactly what he's looking for and lets us all know. Myrt's way of putting everything together is simply magical and professional. I completely trust him and believe in the script created.

Playing a character that has a contrasting background to my own was something I enjoyed very much. I grew up on the reservation and still live there so that was a huge difference between me and the character that I played. I had to put myself in the mindset of a Native who is registered as a native but doesn't know anything about the rez. Once I heard the director say action, I jumped into a different mindset. When I worked in higher education I came in contact with many students and professionals who had identities similar to that of the main character so I was inspired by that.

I really hope that the entire script can be made into a movie."

ANDREA RODGRIGUEZ

"I had a great time filming this project. I fell in love with the concept immediately as this is a side I'd never been aware of and maybe never would have been otherwise. I had fun playing my part and working with the team. Everyone was great and had good energy and lots of laughs and wow moments."

STAN RUNNING WOLF
(Blackfeet/Wasco)

"From a gang tough guy with two lines, to the body found drawn and quartered in a university courtyard in the original proof-of-concept clips for Black Warrior of Pyramid Lake, I was grateful to just partake in being helpful to any extent needed. 

Fast forward to the present day and our most recent take on the film, I was honored to be progressed to the role of Assistant Director. Being trusted as the right hand man to my Uncle, knowing that he can call me at a moments notice with anything, will always be an indescribable and absolutely unforgettable bond.  The ability to effectively and successfully liaison between cast and crew during the process has helped to improve my communication and projection both on and off set. 

I am ecstatic to continue to witness and be a part of Black Warrior of Pyramid Lake as it grows as well as any other ideas that my Uncle Myrt may have come to fruition. "

CAROLYN WRAY

"Congratulations, Myrt and company [on winning the 'Best of Competition - Narrative' category at the BEA Festival of Media Arts]! This is quite an accomplishment and truly deserving of the award. I am so blessed to have been part of the artistic group."

CHRISTOPHER M. SANCHEZ
(Walker River Paiute/Pit River)

"I was fortunate enough to work on both the original concept shoot 6 or so years ago, and the new short produced over the last couple of years. I know there have been bumps and hiccups along the way, but for me, it's been a blast and a true privilege. Myrt's dedication to this film project is evident and the range of sets, cast, and crew that he pulled together for this has been amazing. I will always hold dear the memories of filming at Pyramid Lake and the historic Nevada State Prison, to name just a couple of the locations we shot at. Myrt is a true visionary and I'm proud to call him my friend. His story has a long way to go and I look forward to continuing being a part of it, lending a voice and helping bring visibility to a world overlooked."