Meet The Team
Producer | Writer | Director
Dave Haws
Award-Winning Filmmaker & Founder of the Santa Barbara Indie Film Festival
Dave is a veteran filmmaker with over two decades of experience in TV and film production. A passionate storyteller, Dave’s career began in the projection rooms of movie theaters, where screenings of iconic films like Braveheart and The Shawshank Redemption inspired his journey into the entertainment industry.
Education & Early Career
-
Earned a Cinema and TV Arts degree from California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
-
Began as a camera operator and lighting technician for high-profile events like the 2002 Winter Olympics and 2004 NBA All-Star Game.
-
Worked as a Director, Cinematographer and Gaffer on indie films, honing his craft in cinematography and lighting design.
Hollywood Credits
As a proud member of IATSE Local 728, Dave has contributed to blockbuster films and critically acclaimed TV shows, including:
-
Feature Films: Rush Hour 3 (2007), Star Trek (2009), Little Fockers (2010).
-
TV Series: Criminal Minds, CSI: Miami, The Shield, Westworld, Bosch: Legacy, Snowfall, and Star Wars: Obi-Wan.
-
Lighting Expertise: Served as gaffer on Emmy-winning shows like Insecure (HBO) and Homeland (Showtime).
-
Santa Barbara Indie Film Festival
In 2023, Dave channeled his passion for independent filmmaking into founding the Santa Barbara Indie Film Festival, a platform dedicated to showcasing emerging talent and innovative storytelling.
Connect with Dave
Explore his full IMDb credits here.
Post Producer | Editor
Nicole is a seasoned post-production producer and editor with a career spanning Super Bowl commercials, iconic ad campaigns, and music videos for chart-topping artists. A graduate of the prestigious Brooks Institute of Photography, Nicole combines technical precision with creative vision to deliver compelling visual narratives.
Commercial Success
Nicole’s expertise in commercial post-production includes work on some of the most recognizable campaigns in advertising:
-
Super Bowl Commercials: Edited Budweiser’s beloved Clydesdales spots and Taco Bell’s viral Chihuahua campaign.
-
Automotive Brands: Produced post-production for Cadillac, Lexus, and Kia (including Kia’s Super Bowl ad).
-
Corporate & Editorial: Collaborated with The New York Times and brands like AT&T, Coors, and Hotels.com.
Music Video Expertise
Nicole’s work in music video production bridges storytelling and rhythm, with credits for:
-
Rock Legends: Edited videos for System of a Down and Tool.
-
Award-Winning Artists: Produced post-production for Pink, Snow Patrol, and Faith Hill.
Education & Career Growth
-
Earned her degree from the Brooks Institute of Photography, renowned for its focus on visual arts and technical excellence.
-
Began as an assistant editor at a top-tier commercial post-production house, mastering the nuances of cutting-edge editing software and workflow optimization.
-
Transitioned to post-production producing, leading teams on projects for Healthnet, HealthNet, and fast-paced Super Bowl campaigns.
Nicole Haws
_edited.jpg)