About
The Dam Short Film Society
Board of Directors
2011-2012
Lee Lanier, Executive Director
Lee Lanier is an award-winning animator and short film director whose work has played over 200 festivals, galleries, and museums worldwide. Before forming his own animation company, BeezleBug Bit LLC, Lee served as a Senior Animator at Dreamworks/PDI on the films Antz and Shrek. When he’s not busy with the festival, lee also writes software books. Lee is a co-founder of the Dam Short Film Festival, and serves as the festival’s Executive Director.
John LaBonney, Director
John LaBonney is a writer and director of short films and holds a BS in Broadcasting and Film from Boston University. His work has appeared in film festivals in North and South America and on television. John’s short film Barn Dance was an Official Selection at the Dam Short Film Festival in 2009. John was appointed Director of the festival in March, 2011. See his other project here.
Ken Cioe, Board Member
Ken Cioe is an animation instructor at the Art Institute of Las Vegas. Before moving to Southern Nevada, Ken worked at 20th Century Fox on the animated features “Anastasia” and “Titan A.E.” Ken serves as a student liason for the festival and produces the annual Art Institutes Showcase.
Art Lynch, Board Member
Art Lynch is a member of the National Board of Directors of the Screen Actors Guild. In addition to acting and voice work, he is a broadcaster (currently on Nevada Public Radio), journalist and marketing professional. Lynch coaches acting in Boulder City and Las Vegas and is a communication instructor at the College of Southern Nevada. He is ABD on his PhD in Education from Capella University. Art oversees the festival’s social media.
Leslie Paige, Board Member
Leslie Paige, a Boulder City resident, is the Creative Director for the National Park Service at Lake Mead. She has served as a judge for the National Association of Interpeters Association Multi-media awards, Clark County Art Guild awards, and Art in the Park. She writes, produces and directs podcasts for the National Park Service. Leslie recieved a BA in telecommunications at UNLV and has a background in television and studio work. Leslie programs the Family block of films.
Michelle LaBonney, Board Member
Michelle LaBonney holds a BA in Accounting from The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and currently works for KNPR Nevada Public Radio. She has also worked in the television industry for Las Vegas ABC Affiliate KTNV. An enthusiastic supporter of the Las Vegas film scene, she has served as Producer on several short films with her husband. She serves as Volunteer Coordinator for the festival. Michelle likes to drink Frappuccino.
Anita & Lee Photo from the first newspaper article to feature the festival, 2004
The Dam Short Film Festival was founded in 2003 by Lee and Anita Lanier. They developed a love of short films while traveling to numerous film festivals in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Lee has worked in film production and computer animation since 1989 and directed a half-dozen short films. Founding board members also included Nicky Collins, a Boulder City videographer, and Kae Pohe, owner of the Hoover Dam Store.
