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Northern Virginia District

The Northern Virginia District is the newest region of the state to hold official district designation, however it's quickly become a strong outpost for VPA members. 

Northern Virginia is often considered to be part of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, but it has a long and rich history in the production of film, television, news, cable series, and educational videos in its own right. Anyone filming in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia) will find that Northern Virginia is well-supplied with crew, production companies, studios, equipment suppliers, and talent and casting companies.

The proximity of Discovery Communications (The Discovery and Learning Channels), PBS and the National Geographic Television has helped to elevate the local production industry.

Located in Fairfax, George Mason University is home to an exceptional film & video studies program with many filmmakers and production professionals that contribute to the region’s creative community.

Upcoming events

  • AI for Good with Craig Martin

    • 24 Mar 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Visual Arts Center - 1812 W Main Street Richmond, VA
    Register


    These are interesting times for creatives. We are facing all kinds of obstacles, yet we are resilient as storytellers and have been for millennia. Artificial Intelligence is the latest technology threatening our ability to earn a living as a media professional. But, just like every other God-inspired tool since the beginning of time, as human creators we make choices with how to use the instruments we have been given. Will we use AI in a pursuit to inspire humans to do better? Will we challenge the growing usage of AI as a tool for manipulation and propaganda or will we use AI for good? At Belltower Pictures, The Good Road and Shockoe Records, we are exploring the possibilities. I am looking to the Infinite Transcendent and tapping into the "Wisdom Economy."

    About the Presenter:


    When Craig Martin yells, “stop the van!” his The Good Road co-host, Earl Bridges, gets worried. It usually means Craig wants to get out and film something potentially bizarre happening by the side of the road. Craig is almost always unfazed in dangerous environments because he has spent the past 30 years filming in war zones, disaster zones and remote villages in more than 85 countries.

    Craig Martin is an experienced visual storyteller, film-maker and writer with more than 30 years of experience. As a video/film producer, director, writer and editor, Craig has produced hundreds of projects both long and short form. With an MA in Communications from Baylor University, Craig has explored a variety of formats including dramatic and journalistic storytelling with a focus on documentary. In addition to his film accomplishments, Craig has contributed multiple articles for national publications. He produced the feature length docudrama The Insanity of God distributed internationally by Word Films and screened in more than 500 theaters through Fathom Events. This film had a national theatrical release with a viewership of 88,000 and sold $1.2M in tickets. He is Executive Producer on Free Burma Rangers, a Fathom/LifeWay documentary that screened in theaters nationally in February 2020. He Executive Produced Anahita: A Mother’s Journey airing on PBS and won an Upper Midwest Emmy. Phil Cooke, a nationally renowned filmmaker, writer and founder of Cooke Media Group in Burbank, CA, says “Craig has been in demand internationally as a media producer and executive, and as a result is particularly experienced working in diverse cultures, leading highly skilled teams, and dealing in high stress situations..”

    Currently, Craig is the co-host and producer of a Daytime Emmy nominated TV docu-series called The Good Road. This series explores the world of philanthropy and Season Five is airing through American Public Television and World Channel with Season Six coming in the fall of 2025. Craig lectures on Artificial Intelligence and has written two books on the topic; 1:0 Commandments: You May Never Yield a Return and 1.0 Commandments: Home is in My Head. Craig has also produced a podcast called Philanthropology and written a memoir called Confessions of a Philanthropologist.

    Craig lives with his wife and twin 22-year-olds in Richmond, Virginia.

    Show details

  • Headshot Masterclass: Elevate Your Look

    • 30 Mar 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Adrenaline Studios 289 Sunset Park Drive Herndon, VA 20170
    Register


    A great headshot can make all the difference. But what separates a professional, casting-ready headshot from one that misses the mark?

    Join us for an informative evening focused on helping performers understand the power of a strong headshot and how to make sure yours works for you.

    We are excited to welcome special guest Guido Venitucci, a renowned headshot photographer from New York City, along with another industry professional who will share expert insights on creating headshots that stand out.

    During this interactive session, Guido will photograph sample shots to demonstrate:

    • What colors photograph best

    • Wardrobe choices that enhance your look

    • Background options for commercial vs. theatrical submissions

    • Key elements that make a headshot look professional and casting-ready

    Whether you're updating your portfolio or just getting started, this session will help you understand how to level up your headshot game.

    Light snacks and beverages will be served.

    Free for all VPA and SAG-AFTRA members.

    Show details


DISTRICT CHAIR

LARS SANDVIK

Lars is President and co-owner of ThunderShot Studios. Starting out in the industry on national automotive advertising projects, Lars learned the value of working for different types of directors and experimented with a broad range of visual techniques. He is now a multiple Emmy Award-winning cinematographer and his expertise as a director of photography, lighting designer and jib operator keep him in demand with producers from HBO, Discovery Communications, Bravo, PBS, and the History Channel. Lars is a founding member of the Northern Virginia District where he serves as Chair and has served on the VPA's Executive Board of Trustees since 2017.

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