Kourtyard Cast & Crew
Kourtny Leia OttoFounder of Kourtyard Film & Photography. My dreams of storytelling through filming have been made possible by a group of amazing people! All of my filming experiences have been life changing for me. Every story and every film I have been a part of brings me to a new stage in being a film maker.
Before Through The Valley, I've mainly worked behind the camera doing cinematography. Or in the editing room working on clipping scenes together or color correction. But now I've had the wonderful opportunity to run as the Director. No better way to learn my place in the film world than to work in all areas! All in all, my main goal is to keep my eyes set on the goal. Tell stories with a meaning, to make a difference, and make people think! With God all things are possible. |
Brendan EasonBeing an experienced film maker himself, Brendan is always a great person to have around. Over the years we've helped each other on various projects. Now working very closely on our latest project, Through The Valley. He's my producer, script editor, actor, and go to guy. Not to mention a great friend. He's been there for me every step of the way. Fight choreographing, and weapon knowledge is a huge addition! Always going the extra mile to make sure I learn it as well. He's professional, and honest. A joy, and a goof to be around. I'm very blessed to be working with him. I could not do what I'm doing without him. Brendan has given so much to make sure everything goes well, and everyone is comfortable and safe. I've never met a more passionate and dedicated person. I think everyone who worked with him on Through The Valley will agree with me.
Brendan's Roles: Asher Holbrooke, & Producer for "Through The Valley" Victor Massey in "Rampage By Definition" Andrew in "Monday Challenge: Interrogation" |
Faith OttoNot only is she my little sister, she is a growing star! Faith is a fast and willing learner. I'm very proud of her. She blew us all away with her acting in Through The Valley. She has had no formal acting training. This girl is a natural! Her maturity goes far beyond her years. She's the lil sister for everyone on set. Her spunk makes her not afraid to say/do anything. She'll catch you off guard and say something completely out there! Faith and Brendan have an entertaining brother/sister relationship. They made the set exciting! I think you all will be seeing her in the future!
Faith's Roles: Dani Collins in "Through The Valley" |
Sarahlynn IrishA multi-talented sweetheart! Sarah has an eye for all things art! From painting to acting. She has done a lot of hair and makeup work for us. Sarah has a history of theater, though she is a natural actress! She was the first person who I thought for the role of Allison in Through The Valley. She blew us all away in her performance! I'm thrilled she was able to be a huge part of this project. She's been a big support through my films. Glad she got to act in this one! She is working on graphic design, building web sites, and now a hair braiding business on the side.
https://www.facebook.com/MaidenFaireBraiding Sarah's roles: Allison Strouse in "Through The Valley" Graphic Designer Makeup artistere to edit. |
Amy EllerbeAs a fellow photographer and great friend, it was a no brainer that she'd be perfect for the team! Amy stepped it up in many areas of the film. Starting out she would be helping me out with B camera. Though I needed more help she was always there. We'd get together before a big weekend and she helped me storyboard. She's got an eye for this kind of thing that I really trust. Right before principle shooting we had an actress back out. Amy has always been there, and willing to do whatever we needed help with. With that said, she was happy to step in as Rachael Monroe. I would not have had it any other way. She really added lots to the character. Amy gave so much to this film. She's always there for me, I don't know what we would have done without her.
Amy's Roles: Rachael Moroe in "Through The Valley" |
Hannah PochThis girl has been on my director's radar for a few years now! Starting with an air soft match, Hannah and I have always had a respect for each other. I knew she had talent, and I was always looking for a way to work with her. Being an extra in Rampage and doing auditions for another film, she was always to ready and willing. Finally the role of Andrea Petrella in Through The Valley came into action. She made the role what it is. We could not imagine anyone else as the Bad Ass female solider she plays! Hannah has a heart that I really admire! I'm more than proud to call her my friend and part of the film family! And dang, can that girl scream!
Hannah's Roles: Andrea Petrella in "Through The Valley Screaming party girl in "Rampage by definition" |
Benjamin MeansGuy of many talents, voices, character, and charm! Ben added a whole new element to the group! We had never met him before, and he was the first to audition. He's a full on goofball. Which is a MUST on a film set. He always knew what to say. Aside from being the jokester, he gave a slamming performance! He was perfect for the role of David Strudwick in Through The Valley. Ben has an extended history of stage acting. We were excited to help him jump into film. This guy has a passion for acting and you can tell! Not only can he act, but we got to train him on sound and set dressing. I can't imagine the film experience without him. And waffles!
Ben's Roles: David Strudwick (aka Davey Jones) in "Though the Valley" Boom operator for "Through The Valley" And Selfie Extraordinaire |
Chris KellyThis guy is a "slow baked ham"! Chris never had a hard time getting us all laughing. Set would not have been the same without his sense of humor. Though his acting skills are something else! He really made his character, Ian James come to life. This guy has some of the best facial expressions I've ever seen. Funny thing I never really notice them until days later when I'm looking at footage. He's always ready to jump up and help with any task that needs done on set. Also part of the muscles on set. He's a real cool guy, and I'm glad he got to be a part of this!
Chris' Roles: Ian James in "Through The Valley" |
Smokey DeinesA new addition to the film family! We first met Smokey at auditions for Through The Valley. He fit the role the moment he walked in the door. He was a blessing for sure! His heart was really in it and everyone could tell. He was always helping people with their lines, or giving encouragement when needed. He brought his humility and joy to set every time he was there. Also a head full of tactical knowledge. Not to mention the 3+ hour drive he had to get to set most days. Smokey nailed the role of Tomlin and is a blessing in many ways!
Smokey's Roles: Sir Theodore Alexander Tomlin III in "Through The Valley" |
Matthew EricksonSometimes Matt has to sit down with a bucket of rocky road and talk about his feelings with the rest of the girls! Seriously though! Even though we didn't get Matt every weekend, the days he was there was a big help! He's our explosive provider. He has a history of film, so the advice we got from him was greatly appreciated. He helped keep things moving and on track. The character he added to Patrick Foye was perfect. The fireteam really feels real!
Matt's Roles: Patrick Foye in "Through The Valley" |
Nikki JamesWhere to begin about this girl? I worked with Nikki on the short, Two Below. She showed allot of enthusiasm about helping out in Through The Valley. She started out as my Director's Assistant. With having my B camera operator now a role in the film, I found myself in need of another camera person. I was not realizing how much I would be using two cameras until we started. Nikki is a fast, and willing learner. All of us knew that we could always count on her for anything. I was able to relax knowing that we got double coverage for most of our shots. She really got her style and nailed it! Safe to say we were in sync! I'm so proud of her. I think she can make it just fine in the film world. And I'd be more than thrilled to work with her in the future! Gotta have our New Jersey, she is a trooper!
Nikki's Roles: B Camera Operator Director's Assistant |
Butch Theodore DywanIt's good to have a perfectionist as your sound guy! Butch would always be in some strange position while holding the boom mic. Though some of the time left to us catching a glance of him in a monkey pose in a dark corner and cracking up! But he did an awesome job with sound! I knew I could trust his ear. Butch had a few more roles on set. He played three different Russians! One day we didn't even plan for him to jump in but it worked perfectly. Having that Russian look to him really was a plus. He and Brendan worked allot on the weapons and fights. He helped supply us with some of the gear you will see! He and his wonderful girlfriend (Amy Ellerbe) were a great addition to set!
Butch's Roles: Boom operator for "Through The Valley" 3 Russians in "Through The Valley" |
Nikki KnightEven though Nikki is a new member to the film family, she's one of my dearest friends. I've known her 8 years so far. Sadly she lives in Colorado Springs, though not for long. She'll be moving in with my family soon. This means she'll be a part of more films! Though she was a few miles away, she was always there for me. To go over ideas. Proof read. Encourage. Or just someone to rant to. Filming can be pretty dang stressful. She got to be there for a weekend of filming and got to see what it was all about. She was up for anything! She is an all-around wonderful person! Always there, always making me smile and always honest! Nikki is a brilliant artist, and fantastic writer! She's very real and passionate in all she does. I can't wait for many more years to go through crazy life with her!
Nikki's Roles: Co-Thinker A little bit of everything Awesome. |
Amanda Rachael DudleyThis girl is very dedicated and supportive! Amanda has been around for a while, working with us here and there in films. She had a part in Rampage. And also showed up for other auditions we held. I would love to keep working with her. She is always so willing. Acting is in her heart and I love that about her. She loves stage and is starting to really enjoy film! Fun to be able to work with her again as she played Mika in Through The Valley. She's a sweetheart for sure. Keep an eye out for this one!
Amanda's roles: Mika in "Through The Valley" Party girl in "Rampage by Definition" |
Cullen Eason A joy, and a pain to work with. In all the best ways. The little brother to Brendan Eason. He was a big help on multiple sets. I hope to be able to work with him on future sets. He's one of the most talented actors I have worked with. Can play a multitude of characters. Within breaks he was the comic relief. Would easily have us all in stitches every set. Even being in school and working full time, he dedicated allot of time. Also got engaged during the span of filming Rampage by Definition.
Cullen's roles: Robert Matthews in "Rampage by Definition" TJ in "Two Below" |
Melanie PetersonA talented actress and director. Melanie was working with us on sets while in nursing school. And is now officially a nurse. We are all proud of her. Her directing, and writing skills were shown in Lost Hope!
Melanie's Roles: Elizabeth Hawkins in "Rampage By Definition" Dorothy in "The Squall" Director of "Lost Hope" |
Jessica CunninghamShe is the founder of Providential Starlight Productions, LLC. Screenplay writer for Rampage by Definition, and The Squal. Producer for Two Below, The Squal, Rampage by Definition. Jessica has played many roles. Not only different characters, but worked as Director/producer/writer on multiple shorts. Her strength in, organization.
Jessica's roles: Gabby in "Lost Hope" Angie Connors in "Rampage By Definition" Desi in "Two Below" Holly in "The Squall" |
Natalie DokterA little ball of talent! Acting, writing, you name it she could possibly do it. She's very helpful on set. And takes direction well. Worked with her on numerous sets. She's a great actress for sure! Very expressive! She also wrote Two Below. Natalie's roles: Lily Massey in "Rampage by Definition" Cassandra in "Two Below |