History
It’s a Wrap Studios was birthed during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Andree Harris was constantly thinking of ways that the artistic community could still thrive in a cost-effective manner. As a screenwriter, she encountered location, parking, and funding issues. After having conversations with independent filmmakers, photographers, and other artists (singers, rappers, etc.), she knew that a staged studio space could benefit many. Andree drew amateur floor plans and sketched ideas. Andree took a trip to LA and was in awe when she witnessed the dream in action. Andree had the privilege of not only being on a 7k square feet set, but was able to share with staff about bringing the vision in her area. They were equally as excited as Andree. She met with several people in other states that had staged sets on a larger scale. All of which fueled her drive to move forward with the vision.
Studio Team
Andree M. Harris
CEO/Studio Manager
Andree Harris- is a self-taught screenwriter. She is also an evangelist, actress, speaker and a author. Andree started her journey as a playwright and was later was introduced to TV and film. After working for several people, she adapted the ‘Validate Yourself’ attitude from filmmaker & director Antoine Allen. He constantly pushed Andree to pursue her passion, no matter what obstacles got in the way. She is the CEO of www.andreeharrisproductions.com, a minority-owned production company that partners with people in the community to bring their films, books & dreams to life.
Not only has Andree written short films and features, but she’s also directed & cast for films. She knows all too well how difficult it is at times, to get support or good help towards a vision. She prides herself in supporting and networking with independent filmmakers.
Gabby Richmond
Photographer/Studio Manager
Gabrielle Richmond, or Gabby, is the owner and lead photographer of Rich Creatives Media. She was born and raised in Chicago, IL. Besides photography, Gabby enjoys modeling, anything personal development, and a good Netflix show.
Her why is to be a catalyst for others to get unstuck, continuously listen to the Whisper, and be who she needs to be to arrive at the doorsteps of her dreams. She lives her life as the possibility of faith, wisdom, and encouragement. Clients have commonly described Gabby as being able to bring their visions to life! She has the ability to help clients understand their end-goal, create an effective plan, and do what it takes to have a “satisfied client”.
She earned an undergraduate degree in Marketing and a master’s degree in Business Administration from St.Bonaventure University where she also played Division I basketball. After graduating, she discovered she was creative at heart while interning with Chicago Public Schools Sports Communications Department. During that internship, she was exposed to videography, photography, graphic design, journalism, reporting, and social media content creation. She completed that internship then started Rich Creatives in a coffee shop in Chicago. She used her savings from that internship to purchase her first camera and lenses.
Matias Purnell
Cinematographer/Videographer
Matias Purnell is the lead videographer for Rich Creatives Media. He was also born and raised in Chicago, IL,. If Matias is not shooting videos or a basketball, you will catch him bonding with with his nieces, nephews, and younger. He truly values family, mentorship for the youth, and spreading love in the world.
Matias has nearly 10 years as a videographer and cinematographer. He is what one would consider a versatile shooter as he has the knowledge, experience, and ability to shoot a fast paced, high-energy promotional video or slow it down and produce a well-told cinematic wedding film. Matias’ passion, quality of work, and unique angle selection combined has a way of “wowing” clients when they see the final product. It’s not unusual to hear “I shedded a tear” while watching his videos.
Malachi Johnson
Cinematographer
Malachi Johnson has always had a mind for storytelling and an eye for film. He got his first camera from his father at 14. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity INC. He has a degree in English Literature. He has his own film production company, yet he works with It’s A Wrap Studio. His goal is to see that creators vision come to pass. Malachi’s Cinematography/Production work includes 5D Love, She God, Beauty Shift, The Math Problem, Grandmas House, Mirage, Hidden Colors 5, The Player (IWAS) and Vita.
Although Malachi has his own production company, he is an important piece of the studio’s puzzle. One can always rely on Malachi and his production team to bring their vision to pass.
Victor has written, Games People Play, Supernatural, and A Long Goodbye. In 2020, Victor expanded his capabilities to film. He’s worked on films such as Vengeance is Mine, Through His Eyes, and Under His Control. His latest development is an app called Upstage. This app supports playwrights, filmmakers, all over the world opportunities to list production information of all sorts.
Nakia Dillard
Acting Coach/Studio Support Team
Nakia is an actor, writer, director and entrepreneur. Nakia, a Philadelphia native, is known for Black Lightning, The Wire, The Wonder Years, Lola, etc. Nakia has worked alongside Bill Duke, Gerald Butler, Jamie Foxx, Anthony Mackle, Wendell Pierce, Kerry Washington and many others. Nakia also serves as the dialect coach to Actor Idris Elba.
Nakia is the founder of AIKAN Entertainment Solutions and AIKAN Acting Academy. Aikan Entertainment Solutions is an organization that empowers and challenges the entrepreneurial spirits of the youth. Aikan Acting Academy trains and prepares students of all ages and levels in the arts of acting.
Nakia brings onsite acting support and coaching to productions held in the studio. Nakia is also responsible for scheduling student films and directing various films at It’s A Wrap.
Victor Gulley
Cinematographer/Studio Assistant
Victor Gulley, an Illinois native and graduate in Business at Howard University is Washington, DC was born and. After high school, he went to Howard University to pursue a business degree. He founded The After Work Program, which is now, A Taste of Theater. In this, he, incorporated Acting with the Stars. It affords playwrights all over the world the opportunity to showcase their productions, meet and network with other playwrights. Acting with the Stars was a training ground and opportunity for actors to perform a scene with actors in the film industry. Victor had the pleasure of having the talented Shelly Garrett, the late Tommy Ford, Drew Sidora and Cynda Williams, Leon, Robert Townsend, Eric Lane, DeEtta West, and Thea Camera.
Victor has written, Games People Play, Supernatural, and A Long Goodbye. In 2020, Victor expanded his capabilities to film. He’s worked on films such as Vengeance is Mine, Through His Eyes, and Under His Control. His latest development is an app called Upstage. This app supports playwrights, filmmakers, all over the world opportunities to list production information of all sorts.
Antoine Gomire
Cinematographer
Antoine Gomire is an actor , writer, editor and director. A Chicago native, Antoine is a self taught filmmamker who prides himself with knowing the how to’s. Whenever he wanted to know something, he didn’t wait around for someone to give him answers, he sought them out himself. Antoine’s humilty and willingness to see everyone win has earned him a home at Its A Wrap Studio. In fact, his film “A Toast to Forever” was the first film shot at the studio. Antoine is alway networking and eager to meet new people and help your dreams to come true. Movies that he filmed are A Bad Mistake , A Hostile Nation, Happy Birthday, A Toast to Forever, Her Last Breath, Entreprenuers,, Forgive us our Sins, etc.
As a partner of cinematographer to It’s A Wrap Studio, Antoine has no problem coming to DMV to help a filmmaker bring their vision to life.
Victor has written, Games People Play, Supernatural, and A Long Goodbye. In 2020, Victor expanded his capabilities to film. He’s worked on films such as Vengeance is Mine, Through His Eyes, and Under His Control. His latest development is an app called Upstage. This app supports playwrights, filmmakers, all over the world opportunities to list production information of all sorts.