A group of friends made a pact...
work towards a future where they got paid
for what they love to do
make movies
Tirelessly
they worked up the ladder of LA’s film industry,
despite the traffic, unimagined sets, and prejudice.
Their best work was always together
Ethical, Efficient, Authentic, Fun
What started as a meeting became their next step,
Inland Empire’s First Film Production Co-op.
3 years later…
Future First has become a symbol for independent filmmaking in the Inland Empire.
meet the group
Anthony “Betex” Benitez
President
Executive Producer
Director
Cinematographer
gRip
bEST bOY
Lighting
The glue.
Betex’s decade of production experience brought him to work on the sets of Euphoria, Forever 21, Billie Eilish, and Yellowstone’s series 1883.
Enriching his birds eye view of productions, Betex is passionate about accessibility and has become a strong advocate for workers rights.
His dedication to reclaiming equity for creatives led him to creating Inland Empire’s premiere film production co-op.
Araceli Milian
Treasurer
Director
Producer
Screenwriter
Sound
Working in a creative field is not something Araceli takes for granted.
Cal State Fullerton graduate, she’s worked with talents such as John Hamm, John Legend, and Victoria Pedretti.
Production Sound Mixer, Director, and Producer; Araceli teaches us to work hard and never forget to enjoy the little moments.
Isabella Marenco
Chief Marketing Officer
Director
Producer
Screenwriter
Scripty
After pivoting her career from marketing to screenwriting Isabella moved back to her hometown of San Bernardino, CA after living in Portland, Oregon for 8 years.
It was then we she was first introduced to Future First Entertainment.
Newest to the group, her passion for screenwriting, directing, and marketing can be felt throughout the group.
Griff
Creative Director
Director
Cinematographer
Editor
1st AC
Griff’s integral in shaping the group into ever-inventive fast turnaround filmmakers.
Making music videos since he was a kid, he looks at Future First like a misfit group that went from D.I.Y to do it together.
His portfolio includes touring with artists such as Sundiver.ca, DP’ing commercial campaigns, and coordinating live sessions.
Sonnie Solace
Head of Productions
Director
Screenwriter
AD
“It must be made with intention and purpose.”
Our grounding voice inside a production hurricane. Sonnie is able to see our mission and through line within every project Future First takes on.
They have inspired us all with their passion towards authenticity as a trans-filmmaker.
Prop Master
Shelby S.
The Fisherman
Shelby’s positive spirit can be felt on every Future First production set.
Our singing G&E.
Shelby has become instrumental in growing our prop collection and making the most radical visual fantasies come to life on screen.
Production Designer
Best Boy
G&E
Lighitng
Project Manager
Ricky Lozano
Director
Screenwriter
Producer
Rumor has it, the first member of Future First.
Ricky’s devotion to filmmaking has lead him to write and direct several award winning short films.
At the heart of what drives Ricky’s passion for productions is creating safe spaces on sets for friends to be creative.
more members
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Alex
Lead Editor
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Jack
Post Production Coordinator
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Bertha
Task Manager
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Brymer
YouTube Team
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Andie
Youtube Team
