Jet Ryder

Producer, Writer, Director, & Cinematographer

Jet Ryder is a multidisciplinary creative professional with over a decade of experience collaborating with top-tier studios and talent, including Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way, Johnny Depp's Infinitum Nihil Productions, the television series Crowded, Taylor Swift, Nick Cannon, Nichelle Nichols, Natalie Portman, Charles Kelley, Kat Dennings, A&E, ADIDAS, BET, Latino Films, Gnomon University, and KIA.

He is mentored by Eddie Barber, a multi-Emmy and Academy Award-winning innovator, and partners with him on the Summer Film Academy and various productions. Barber's pioneering work helped shape today's jib/crane technology, and he has guided Ryder for over 12 years. Together, they recently collaborated on Breaking Silence: Faces of Hate with the Asian Civil Rights League and are currently developing additional productions, including advanced online education for high school students through a school featured in The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg.

A recipient of both the State of California Humanitarian Award and the San Luis Obispo County Humanitarian Award, Ryder combines elite industry experience with a passion for mentorship, teaching students through programs connected to USC, UCLA, and the LA Film School.

Jesse Dombrowiak

Growth Strategist & Brand Executive

A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and Inc. 5000 executive, Jesse brings over 14 years of experience scaling high-growth brands across tech, health, and lifestyle sectors. As a founder and Chief Growth Strategist, he has driven companies to $5M+ in annual revenue and led national marketing campaigns with measurable ROI.

Jesse bridges the gap between commerce and education through keynote lectures at institutions like Cal Poly Pomona and FIDM.

Eddie Barber

Honorary Guest & Multi-Emmy Award-Winning Creator

Eddie Barber is a legendary, seven-time Emmy Award-winning innovator, Academy Award recipient, and inventor of the jib/crane, whose work helped shape modern cinematography, including advancements associated with the industry-standard 24fps format. His career spans film, aerospace (NASA/JPL), and automotive design, with credits including the Academy Award-nominated Stand and Deliver, collaborations with Madonna on True Blue, and work with Michael Jackson.

Through the Eddie Barber Foundation, his 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Barber continues to lead humanitarian efforts and mentor the next generation of filmmakers. He serves as Honorary Guest of the Summer Film Academy, where he will capture behind-the-scenes footage and the Academy's red carpet event on the final day, where the top two micro-short films will be awarded and advance to the film festival circuit.

Joel Deutsch

Director of Photography

Joel's extensive cinematography career ranges from studio features like Fantastic Four: First Steps and She-Hulk to major TV hits like American Idol and Jimmy Kimmel Live. Honored by the Society of Camera Operators and the International Cinematographers Guild, Joel brings a wealth of global experience, having filmed in over 30 countries. As the owner of Evidence Cameras, he provides students with direct access to current industry technology and real-world production insights.

Travis Prow

Director of Photography

Travis is an accomplished DP and Camera Operator with a versatile portfolio spanning Netflix, Amazon, Apple, and Warner Bros. Known for his mastery of lighting and a calm, collaborative leadership style, he translates complex creative visions into polished cinematic visuals. A Central Coast native, Travis focuses his instruction on technical expertise and the storytelling instincts required to excel in high-pressure, professional environments.

Editor Instructor

Have you been an Editor longer than 5 years? Do you teach? Reach out to us for opportunity to Edit for our Program this Summer! info@summerfilmacademy.org

David Salsa

Actor, Director & Founder of Gift of You Acting Studio

With over 20 years of experience, David is an MFA-trained actor (Actors Studio Drama School) and former Head of Film/TV at the Lee Strasberg Institute. His credits include Criminal Minds, Superstore, and Loot, alongside five seasons at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. David's teaching combines Meisner and Method techniques with a focus on authenticity, helping actors deliver grounded, spontaneous performances for the screen.