DONNIE RAY BANKS: FILMMAKER

FILM  E X P E R I E N C E

MY GIRL (SHORT) Greensboro, NC

Writer, June 2017

·Collaborated with team to develop story. Wrote the script for 48 hr film competition. Film won Best Graphics award.

LUNCH DATE (SHORT) Winter Park, FL

Director, Writer, April 2017

·       Wrote and pitched the script to thesis selection committee. Decided the look of the film. Collaborated with DP on camera placement and shot selection. Hired 4 lead actors. Managed crew of 50 on set. Hired and supervised VFX artists and composer. Film came in on time and under budget.

D20 (SHORT) Winter Park, FL

Dolly Grip, Jan 2017

Set up the dolly and track. Collaborated with team to create compelling dolly shots.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX (SHORT) Winter Park, FL

Writer, Producer, Editor, Jan 2017

Co-wrote the script, assembled the crew, location, handled the paperwork, and edited.

AN APPLE A DAY (SHORT) Winter Park, FL

Writer, Producer,

Co-Director, Dec 2016

Wrote the script, created shot lists, camera plots, decided the shots, assembled the crew, acquired the location, and handled all the paperwork.

ALL SOULED OUT (FEATURE), Morganton, NC

Writer, Oct 2016 – Dec 2016

Collaborated with a team to develop the story and co-wrote the script. Film was produced and created by 3 teams of filmmakers across 3 countries.

BOTTOM OF THE BOTTLE (SHORT), Baldwin Park, FL

Director, Sep 2016

Drew the storyboards, decided camera placement, directed the talent, and developed my vision for the project.

ALL MADE UP (SHORT), Asheville, NC

Director/Writer, Jun 2016

Collaborated with team to co-write script, cast parts, decided camera placement, and kept the project on schedule. Film was made for the Asheville 48 Hr film project. Won awards for Best Makeup, Best Actress, and Audience Favorite.

FILM FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

WINTER FILM AWARDS NY, NY

Volunteer Judge, and Awards Staff, Sep 2015-Feb 2016, Sep 2016-Feb 2017, July 2017- Feb 2018

Watched and judged 3 hours of submissions a week from Sep-Dec, and judged the winners in Jan-Feb. Sold tickets and ushered guests to their seats for 4 screenings. Distributed credentials and gift bags to filmmakers. Wrangled press and distributed credentials. Greeted guests at awards ceremony.

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W O R K  E X P E R I E N C E

NEW PLAZA CINEMA, New York, NY

Assistant Manager, February 2022 – present.

Greet guests. Sale and check tickets. Introduce films. Work with the film curator to plan schedule. Update promotional materials. Open and close box office. Operate projection equipment. .

WESTERN PIEDMONT COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Morganton, NC

Adjunct Theater Instructor, August 2018 – May 2022

Teach Theatre classes, including performance, history, and technical. Build course content. Taught class at a prison for college credit. Assign homework. Grade tests and papers. Lead in class discussions. Choose, cast, and direct school theater productions. Perform outreach to community. Teach classes at local high schools for college credit. Built an Open Educational Resource (OER) to replace the textbook for a Theatre Appreciation class. Choose class offerings each semester. Assist in advising Theatre students. Record attendance and grades.

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CITY OF MORGANTON MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM, Morganton, NC

Stage hand/set builder, Nov 2012 – Jul 2013

 Loaded in and out equipment, set pieces, etc. and changed set pieces during productions of multi-million dollar productions such as Shrek the Musical and The Addams Family Musical. Rigged lights and operated spotlights during concerts.

STAGE RAGE, Morganton, NC

Set builder,   Jun 2013 – Jul 2013

 Built a functional and aesthetically pleasing set for the stage musical, Anything Goes.

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UNITED STATES ARMY, Fort Bragg, NC

Motor Transport Operator,          Jan 2001 – Apr 2005

    Drove various vehicles, including Humvees, 5 Ton trucks, and Tractor Trailers, in all types of conditions, on all types of terrain, carrying all types of loads. Training in marksmanship, leadership, teamwork, land navigation, guerilla warfare, and basic first aid. Deployed to Iraq 2003-2004 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Conducted over 75 combat and humanitarian missions.

E D U C A T I O N

MFA, Film Production, Full Sail University, Winter Park, FL; August 2017

• Valedictorian

• Course Director Awards- Screenwriting and Script Analysis, Directing Talent

• Advanced Achievment Award

BA, Film Studies, Columbia University, New York, NY; May 2016

AFA, Drama, Western Piedmont Community College, Morganton, NC; May 2013

• Member of honor society, Phi Theta Kappa.

• Member of Drama and Natural Science clubs.

• Outstanding Drama Student Award. President’s list – 4 semesters.

• Graduated High Honors.