Chris Reis is a multi- industry producer, and brand architect with over 20 years of experience producing sports entertainment television, live events, and celebrity-driven experiences. A skilled dealmaker in television, distribution, sponsorships, brand integrations, and strategic finance. Chris leads OPTIX and the Future of Film Association’s mission to create innovative programming and immersive events that position Las Vegas as a premier destination for the future of cinema. He has built a career at the crossroads of media, finance, and culture.
Javier C. Ortiz, veteran film producer and entrepreneur, his credits reflect a commitment to quality, commercial viability, and strategic deal-making. Javier leverages his industry expertise to create high- impact media and an inclusive platform that bridges creators, brands, and audiences. His approach combines an instinct for identifying value with a disciplined, results- driven business mindset-building partnerships based on trust, transparency, and shared opportunity.
Industry talent and partners us shape the future of film.
Future of Film Association Advisory Committee member, Rachel Smith is a 3x Emmy Award winning TV host who’s been an anchor in Las Vegas for 20 years. She also covers Vegas for KTLA in Los Angeles, E! News & The Advocate. As a film critic and voting member of the Critics Choice Association, Rachel has covered every major movie event along with the Toronto, Sundance, SXSW and Cannes Film Festivals. She’s also on the board of the Women’s Committee and helped create the “SOFEE SEAL” honoring movies that focus on female empowerment.Just this summer Rachel was featured in the national book “Slaying Vegas”, which became a #1 best seller.
FOFA Headquarters will function as a creative campus and industry networking space, giving Nevada filmmakers a professional home base for collaboration, workshops, and industry events.
Through Optix Productions, FOFA will fund, co-produce, and license films, shorts, and series with local creators, ensuring that Nevada talent develops projects that can reach global audiences while keeping value in-state.
FOFA brings Hollywood talent, distributors, financiers, and brands directly to Las Vegas. Local filmmakers gain direct access to decision-makers at festivals, premieres, and networking dinners that previously required leaving Nevada.
Optix Academy will provide training in screenwriting, directing, editing, and emerging technologies. Sponsor- backed scholarships and fellowships will ensure Nevada students and independent filmmakers are included.
FOFA productions will hire Nevada-based crews, performers, and vendors, directly boosting the state's creative economy. Events and festivals will also generate tourism dollars and national visibility for Las Vegas.
Position Las Vegas as a global filmmaking destination— comparable to Sundance in Utah or TIFF in Toronto- anchored by FOFA's unique blend of film, technology, and live event culture.
We’re proud to partner with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Department of Film, a nationally recognized program shaping the next generation of bold, inclusive storytellers. Through hands-on training in every aspect of filmmaking -- from directing and producing to editing and cinematography -- UNLV Film empowers students to turn vision into craft.
Their groundbreaking Filmmaker Vision Lab brings rising filmmakers to campus to collaborate with students on short films, bridging education and professional practice in an innovative way.
Learn more at unlv.edu/film
Support the Filmmaker Vision Lab at unlv.edu/film/visionlab
We are proud to partner with Film Nevada, the state’s official film office and a leading resource for filmmakers, studios, and production companies working in the Silver State. Experts in production support, location services, and Nevada’s film tax incentive program, Film Nevada helps creators bring their projects to life while fueling the growth of Nevada’s entertainment industry.
Discover more at Film.NV.gov
We are proud to partner with Goldman Penn Entertainment, offering acting classes in Las Vegas that provide everything you need to turn your dreams of acting into reality.
Learn more at goldmanpennentertainment.com