PHOENIX, Ariz. (November 15, 2026) — A Phoenix-based film and media organization is celebrating a major achievement while preparing to expand opportunities for the next generation of entertainment professionals.
The Glow-Frame Initiative has announced a new chapter that includes a 2026 Rocky Mountain Regional Emmy Award, a new Phoenix location, expanded film and television productions, upcoming technology classes, and new organizational leadership.
The announcements were shared in the inaugural edition of Glow-Frame News, highlighting the organization’s continued commitment to connecting emerging creatives with experienced industry professionals.
Through mentorship, workshops and professional productions, Glow-Frame aims to give aspiring filmmakers, actors, editors and production crew members practical experience and portfolio-building opportunities.
Glow-Frame Celebrates 2026 Rocky Mountain Regional Emmy Award
One of the organization’s biggest accomplishments came when The Darrell Show, executive produced by Glow-Frame Initiative, received a 2026 Rocky Mountain Regional Emmy Award for Sports Story – Long Form Content.
The award-winning production features Bridget Pettis, a two-time WNBA champion whose contributions extend beyond professional basketball into community development, gardening, and wellness.
The program highlights Pettis’ continued commitment to making a difference through her work outside the basketball arena.
The award-winning production team included Darrell J. Cunningham as host and producer, Irin Daniels as director and photographer, Kristi Lawley as producer, and Jason Lawley as drone photographer.
Glow-Frame also recognized Jonathan Diaz, Mark Thompson Jr., and Johnathan Rodriguez for their contributions to the production.
For the organization, the recognition represents more than an entertainment industry award. It demonstrates the potential of its workforce development model, which places apprentices alongside experienced professionals on actual productions.
Participants gain practical experience while contributing to projects that meet professional standards.
Glow-Frame Opens New Creative Home in Phoenix
The organization has relocated to a new facility at 3811 North 24th Street in Phoenix, Arizona.
The move provides a new home for workshops, educational programming, and collaborative creative projects.
The facility will serve as a gathering place where emerging filmmakers and performers can connect with mentors, develop technical skills and participate in hands-on productions.
Glow-Frame plans to provide registered workshop participants with arrival information, parking instructions and other logistical details before their scheduled classes.
The new location represents another step in the organization’s efforts to establish a sustainable creative training environment in Phoenix.
New Episodes of Façade and The Darrell Show Enter Production
Glow-Frame is beginning production on new episodes of two television projects designed to combine professional storytelling with workforce development.
Façade — Episode Three
The scripted series Façade is preparing to begin production on its third episode.
Unlike a traditional television production, the project also functions as a live filmmaking practicum.
Apprentices work directly with experienced industry professionals throughout the production process, including script development, rehearsals, blocking, cinematography, lighting, sound, continuity, editing, and post-production.
The program is designed to provide actors and production crew members with professional experience and demo-reel material they can use when pursuing future opportunities.
The Darrell Show — Episode Three
Following its Emmy recognition, The Darrell Show is also moving forward with its third episode.
The unscripted television project provides apprentices with experience in documentary storytelling, interview preparation, camera coverage, location sound, lighting, and editing.
Participants receive guidance from experienced professionals while contributing to an actual television production.
The organization views the show’s Emmy recognition as evidence that meaningful opportunities can emerge when new talent has access to professional mentorship and real production environments.
Wednesday Night Filmmaker Incubator Creates Opportunities for Emerging Talent
Glow-Frame is introducing a recurring Wednesday Night Filmmaker Incubator designed to bring together aspiring filmmakers and performers.
The program will provide opportunities for writers, actors, directors, camera operators, editors, and other creatives to collaborate on short-form productions.
Participants will be encouraged to practice their craft, develop new skills, and produce material for professional portfolios and demo reels.
The incubator also allows participants to learn about multiple aspects of filmmaking, from performing in front of the camera to managing production responsibilities behind the scenes.
Specific meeting times and enrollment details have not yet been announced.
New Technology Classes Coming January 2027
Beginning in January 2027, Glow-Frame plans to expand its educational offerings with hands-on technology classes covering widely used creative software.
The courses will focus on practical skills applicable to film, television, music production, and digital media.
| Software | Training focus |
|---|---|
| Adobe Premiere Pro | Video editing, organizing footage, cutting scenes, and exporting projects |
| Adobe Creative Cloud | Graphic design, image creation and video production tools |
| DaVinci Resolve | Video editing, color grading and finishing |
| Pro Tools | Audio recording, editing and mixing |
Additional software programs and specialized workshops are expected to be announced as the organization finalizes its schedule.
The expanded training opportunities are intended to help participants build technical skills that can translate into professional work.
Jaron Ikner Named Program Coordinator
Jaron Ikner
Program Coordinator, Glow-Frame Initiative
Ikner brings approximately 20 years of multimedia experience to the organization, including work as a musician, director, and producer.
His professional background includes two feature films and eight studio albums.
Ikner founded Starstruck Multimedia and previously spent two years serving as director of the nonprofit Soul Revival Inc.
In his new position, Ikner will help coordinate educational programs, productions, and workshops as Glow-Frame expands its activities.
His responsibilities will include helping create a more consistent experience for instructors and participants.
Lloyd Hopkins Appointed Chair of the Board
Lloyd Hopkins
Chair of the Board, Glow-Frame Initiative
Hopkins is the founder of the Million Dollar Teacher Project, an organization focused on supporting educators and improving educational opportunities.
Hopkins brings experience in education, youth advocacy, and dropout prevention to his new leadership role.
His work has emphasized the importance of providing students with access to quality educators and meaningful learning opportunities.
Glow-Frame believes that commitment aligns with its mission of creating pathways into the film and media industries through mentorship and hands-on education.
As board chair, Hopkins will help guide the organization’s continued development and long-term direction.
Brytwauna Tang Brings Financial Leadership to Glow-Frame
Brytwauna Tang
Board Treasurer, Glow-Frame Initiative
Known professionally as “Tangmade the Tax Lady,” Tang brings more than 15 years of financial experience.
Tang serves as CEO of Tang & Co. Financial Management, founder of Crown Up, and Arizona Ambassador for the Association of Black Tax Professionals.
She holds a master’s degree in management and has experience in tax compliance, nonprofit accounting, financial literacy, grant writing, and business development.
Her work focuses on strengthening organizations, expanding economic opportunities and supporting sustainable generational wealth.
Her financial and nonprofit experience will support Glow-Frame as the organization continues developing its educational programs and creative initiatives.
Free Film and Podcasting Workshops Scheduled for November
Glow-Frame has announced two upcoming free workshops for individuals interested in filmmaking and digital media.
Beyond Film Festivals
Friday, November 20, 2026 · 7 p.m.
Led by Laura Muñoz-Bottini, the free workshop will explore opportunities for filmmakers beyond the traditional film festival circuit.
Podcasting 101
Saturday, November 21, 2026 · 9 a.m.
Led by Wesley Franco and Chris Smith in partnership with House of Broadcast, this free workshop introduces participants to podcasting.
Each workshop has a separate registration process.
Participants will complete a brief pre-workshop survey and receive an email containing the event schedule, location, entrance and parking instructions, and materials they may need.
Glow-Frame will also send reminders before each class and collect feedback afterward to help evaluate and improve its educational programs.
Community Sponsors Support Creative Workforce Development
Glow-Frame also recognized the individuals and organizations supporting its programs and productions.
The organization’s supporters include Chris and Damerta Grimsley, Melissa June, Melanie Tovar, Ivory Strong Foundation, Jeff Reynolds Productions and The Leadership Consortium.
Glow-Frame additionally welcomed the Law Office of Bertrand Russell Jr. as a new sponsor and recognized House of Broadcast for its partnership on the Podcasting 101 workshop.
These contributions help the organization provide educational opportunities and professional experiences to emerging creatives.
Building the Next Generation of Arizona Film and Media Professionals
As Phoenix’s creative community continues developing, organizations such as Glow-Frame Initiative are working to make professional training and industry experience more accessible.
The organization’s combination of award-winning productions, technical education, mentorship, and collaborative filmmaking creates opportunities for individuals seeking careers in entertainment and digital media.
With an Emmy Award now among its achievements, a new facility in Phoenix and additional programming planned for 2027, Glow-Frame is entering a new phase of growth.
Its central mission remains focused on helping emerging creatives move beyond classroom learning and gain the practical experience needed to pursue professional opportunities.
Source: Glow-Frame Initiative, inaugural edition of Glow-Frame News, November 2026.
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