Our Team
Our management, partners and top tier advisors have strong financial and operational expertise across all sectors of global media, web3, entertainment, and global media sales with deep access and expertise in both Domestic & International Media markets.
Steve is a former Walt Disney executive with 30+ years of major media experience. He has produced, executive produced, or been senior or corporate management on more than 60 feature films, television programs, music specials and digital multi-media projects. He has many key, senior level relationships with top tier media companies, law firms, talent agencies, sales companies, producers, and studios.
He is also a founding principal of Primary Entertainment LLC. formed in 1999, and through which he and his team produced cross platform content and advised clients in key areas of media financing, including film and television production, distribution, post production, music supervision, media acquisitions, and global corporate sponsorships.
Steven now splits his time between his homes in both Pasadena, CA. and Las Vegas, NV.
Justin brings over 20 years experience as senior executive, and management and sales consultant across entertainment, media, technology, and financial services. For the last ten years he has helped clients both large and small create double digit growth by implementing high performance programs for business strategy alignment and development, leadership and organizational development, capital raising, business development execution, and technology automation. Previously, he was the Head of Corporate Operations & Development for Inspired Corporation, which distributed wellness and youth entertainment products to all distribution channels including retailers such as Costco, Target, and Best-Buy, and Wal-Mart. Justin served as a Head of Business Development at Mainspring, which provided digital strategies to global corporations such as AT&T, IBM, NewsCorp, Reuters, Sony, and Time Warner. Prior to Mainspring, Justin was Founder and CEO of UniverseONE, which created premium online music and sports fan clubs. Before UnivereseONE, Justin began his career working for Mushroom Records/Frontier Touring producing and promoting live global music tours and online services for artists such as Crowded House, Garbage, KISS, Midnight Oil, No Doubt, REM, and Sting. Justin brings more than 14 years experience in entertainment, media, and marketing services.
Blaine McManus is an award-winning entertainment industry professional, entrepreneur and business development professional living and working between Los Angeles and Louisiana for the past 25 years. His experience includes writing and packaging sitcoms and reality television, production designing and art directing numerous films, commercials, television specials, and music videos, and producing feature films and television shows.
McManus was Executive Creative Director at world famous “Record Plant” recording studio in Los Angeles where he worked with senior studio executives to determine and create new business and creative expansion opportunities for the studio.
McManus served as business development executive and project manager at International Growth Capital, a consulting firm providing foreign investment, management, and immigration consulting services and was instrumental in organizing, executing and attending international marketing tours in Asia and South America.
Most recently, McManus has been focused on live sports & music events and on launching Animal Refuge Network. McManus currently resides between Los Angeles, CA and New Orleans, Louisiana with his wife and dog Peeti.
Amile is a native of Jackson, MS, and an award winning director, choreographer, and producer. He has Bachelor's degrees in theatre and philosophy from Belhaven University and did his graduate work in New Play Development from Hollins University's Playwrights' Lab. He is a nominee for Film Independent's John Cassavetes award, has been recognized by the National Foundation for Advancement of the Arts, and has produced work throughout the United States, Africa, Asia and Europe.
Amile is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and the Directors Guild of America. His work includes not only supervising physical production, but also budget analysis, film production incentives, and creative consulting.
Frank Merle is an award-winning filmmaker and screenwriter who served as Artistic Director of Chicago's critically-acclaimed Keyhole Theatre Company and directed over 30 professional stage productions before turning his attention to film.
Since then, he has written five feature-length screenplays and has written and directed several award-winning films, including the critically-acclaimed feature thriller The Employer, starring Malcolm McDowell, and the found-footage horror film From Jennifer.
His work has won awards at numerous international film festivals. He is currently living in Los Angeles and has several film projects in development.
Denise comes to Empire Media Partners with 20+ years of experience as a marketing executive in the promotional products and decorated apparel industry. Additionally she spent 10 years as a logo soft goods buyer for MGM/Mirage Resorts in Las Vegas.
These combined years of experience give Denise an excellent grasp on the key elements of brand integration and marketing dynamics. She now provides support to all branding and project deals across all Web2 & Web3 platforms as well as all execution of deals for our global branding / media partners.