Governor's Office of Film & Television

Gordon Sondland is President and CEO of the Aspen Companies (“Aspen”). Aspen is engaged in sub-prime mortgage and mezzanine lending, real estate development and ownership (for its own account), lodging and heavy equipment manufacturing. Aspen and its predecessor companies were founded in 1986 and employ through their subsidiaries and affiliates approximately 1,100 people in Washington, Oregon and California. Past board service includes WestCoast Hotels and South Fork Hydroelectric Company.

Screenwriter Cynthia Whitcomb has been a successful television screenwriter and producer for over 20 years, and also serves as president of Willamette Writers. Cynthia has written scripts for Television and screen including, “Buffalo Girls”, “I Know My First Name is Steven”, “Degree of Guilt”, “Sinatra”, “Tenn/P.I.”, “A View from Saturday”, and “Selma, Lord Selma” among others. She also has written a book titled “The Writers Guide to Writing Your Screenplay” and teaches screenwriting workshops in the Portland area.

Van Sant is perhaps Oregon’s best-known filmmaker, and counts many award wins and nominations in career, including a sweep of the top awards for best film and best director at Cannes Film Festival 2004, and a 1998 Oscar nomination for best director for “Good Will Hunting.” Oregon itself has starred in many of Van Sant’s films, serving as the backdrop for “Mala Noche,” “Drugstore Cowboy,” “My Own Private Idaho, “ “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues,” and “Elephant”. Van Sant also directed the acclaimed films “Finding Forrester” and “To Die For.” He has guided both independent and studio films and brings a wealth of experience and contacts to the Oregon Film Office Board.

Perhaps best known for his comedic and dramatic crossover as the gruff but soft-hearted journalist Lou Grant, the role he originated on the landmark TV news room comedy The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Ed Asner is one of the most honored actors in the history of television. Mr. Asner has been the recipient of seven Emmy Awards and 16 nominations, as well as five Golden Globe Awards and served as National President of the Screen Actors Guild for two terms. He has consistently served and committed himself to the rights of the working performer in addition to advocating for human rights, world peace, environmental preservation and political freedom. A passionate and informed spokesperson for the causes he supports, Asner is a frequent speaker on labor issues and a particular ally for the acting industry's older artists.

Before moving to Portland, Oregon in 1999 Steve lived in Los Angeles and worked as a film/television producer for 20 years. He produced over 200 hours of television as well two feature films and his experience includes projects for CBS, ABC, NBC, HBO, PBS, Paramount Pictures and 20th Century Fox. Steve was the supervising producer of "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine", a show which earned 32 Emmy nominations and won five, and was a consulting producer on the HBO series "Carnivale".