Jaymes Thompson - Writer/Director

Jaymes is "the pride and joy of Camarillo." Jaymes graduated from U.C.L.A with a B.A. in English Literature and studied in The Moving Image Arts program at The College of Santa Fe. Jaymes is currently completing his M.A. in Film, Television and New Media at San Diego State University. "Fruitcake" is Jaymes' third short feature as writer/director and producer. His second short feature "Cake" (Jaymes seems to have an obsession with baked goods and film) was recently featured on The Fox News at Noon in San Diego. Jaymes has been profiled as one of San Diego's up and coming new filmmakers. He is the creator of "Murder at Shady Palms," a murder mystery game, and was the associate producer of the 2001 Outfest Film Festival in San Diego. Jaymes has acted in several stage and independent film productions and is most proud of his work as Camp Kid #3 in the immortal classic, "Meatballs Part Two." Jaymes' turn-ons are sunny days, hearty smiles and subtext. His turn-offs include hardwood floors, social injustice and stickers on fruit. Jaymes thanks all of his wonderfully talented friends who worked so hard and supported "Fruitcake."

Daniel Mach - Assistant Director

Daniel started his filmmaking career studying film theory at the University of Minnesota. After a brief stint in the military, Dan returned to school to study film production and has written and shot several student films while in San Diego. By working on Fruitcake, Dan now realizes how hideous a Kimball organ sounds at 6 AM, after a full day and night of shooting. Now at San Diego State University, Dan plans on completing his degree and attending graduate school for writing.

Joel Deutsch - Cinematographer

Joel is a skilled, well trained cinematographer and world traveler. A graduate of San Diego State University, Joel will go anywhere to capture his subject on film. Joel has shot an array of films ranging from black and white art pieces like "In Darkness" to cutting-edge documentaries to "Hollywood" type commercials and major productions such as "Dante's Peak", where Joel got his start in the production staff. Joel has also filmed several independent features such as "Boundaries", the 2001 Jury Award for Best Short at Slamdance Film Festival. Joel's thoughtful work also won him the 2000 National Student Emmy for the short film drama "Killing Time". Joel has just recently completed filming of the short dramedy "Fruitcake", and is looking forward to its sequel, Cheesecake.

Being an astute observer "of all things film," Denise trained extensively for her role of Production Designer/Prop Nazi. Prior to the shoot she prepared herself for the rigors of set design by running up and down stairs with a large tool box - around camera dollies and C-stands, zigzagging under and over christmas lights and could be heard yelling things like "Don't Eat The Props!!" and "Where's My Double-Sided Tape!!" This training served her well and with the aide of trusty-side-kick roommate, Denise Chlebik, the set started to feel a lot like Christmas in (nearly) no time at all! In one of her proudest moments, Denise was unexpectedly awarded the coveted role of Vegetarian Chef by Craft Services. Lessons learned? Thou shalt not trust frozen turkey-pot-pie and Love that Trader Joe Bean Soup! Native to the Washington DC Metro area, Denise Heller is an experienced production designer/decorator who is not afrad to act! She has worked extensively behind the scenes with Tsunami Theatre Company and more recently with Writer/Director Rohit Colin Rao. She has been seen in a variety of plays, (Othello, Tangled Wings and Dancing with the Devil) and is actively transitioning to a career in film. Whether that career be in front of the camera or behind it, Denise is ready for whatever "Fruitcakes" may come her way.

Catherine M. Johnson - Editor

Catherine has served in a number of capacities for film and television editing departments, including apprentice, assistant and editor. She has worked on corporate videos for clients such as Mitsubishi Motors and television series such as USA’s Arrest and Trial hosted by Brian Dennehy and the upcoming Fox series The Last Resort. In addition, she has worked on a high definition project for Val Kilmer’s production company titled Beyond Red Planet. Most recently, she was the 1st Assistant Editor on the independent feature films, All You Need which starred ER’s Kellie Martin and was directed by Emmy award winner Randy Ser and Los Patriotas. Her next project is as 1st Assistant Editor on the Rugrats 3 movie for Klasky Csupo and Paramount.

Anthony Gordon - Hair & Makeup

A Hollywood native, Anthony Gordon grew up on the various movie lots in Southern California. From MGM to Paramount, his father was an Acadamy Award winning sound engineer, "Midnight Express," and his grandfather an accomplished actor featured in such classics as "Bonanza" and Billy Wilder's "Some LIke It Hot." Anthony began his career in high fashion working with top models and designers. His segue into film was a natural progression, creating looks for top models such as Kathy Ireland, and Hollywood legends such as June Lockhart. He has also worked under the the direction of noteables such as John Landis. Anthony's work has been showcased in feature films, television shows and commercials. His work has also appeared on magazines and C.D. covers, as well as the fashion runways.