About Werc Werk Works
Founded in Minneapolis in 2008, Werc Werk Works is a company of like-minded partners based on the idea that success and profit in the film business can be achieved in new ways. We believe that financing, marketing and distribution can be creative, transparent and forward-thinking. We are based on a new economic model that recognizes, champions, honors and rewards artistic efforts.
Werc Werk Works is a company of passionate filmmakers dedicated to real and dynamic collaboration. The illusion and magic of film should be limited to the screen and not in the treatment and compensation of artists and other valued profit participants.
Werc Werk Works is a catalyst guiding distinctive high quality projects. We embrace new and emerging technologies and utilize them to achieve artistic and economic success.
The principals behind this company have diverse talents and complementary experiences, while sharing a lifelong passion and deep love for great film.
And what about our name? Werc – the initials of our founding principals. Werk – our diligent, hands-on process. Works – the results.
CEO / Producer
Elizabeth Redleaf's love of film led her to co-found and become CEO of Werc Werk Works, a film finance and production company built on a vision of supporting independent filmmakers and rewarding its profit partners. Elizabeth has produced six independent films, which have shown in the Berlin, Venice, Telluride, Toronto, Sundance and New York Film Festivals. She is a Producers Guild of America member and is the producer of HOWL, directed by Rob Epstein and Jeff Friedman, THIN ICE by Jill Sprecher, and Werc Werk Works' latest project, DARLING COMPANION from director Lawrence Kasdan.
Vice President of Production
Mark brings an extensive background in media, technology and operations to his position as leader of post-production at Werks. He began his career in engineering but with his life-long passion for film and media became both a core team member of Telluride and Sundance operations as well as a leader in interactive businesses. He eventually became the Director of Operations for Tribeca Film Festival. While there he directed the physical execution of the annual film festival and year-round projects – a multi-million dollar international arts and media brand.
Controller
Doug brings to Werks his longtime studio experience and a genuine interest in helping independent film thrive while looking out for the bottom line. He began his career in accounts payable at the New York offices of Miramax Films, eventually becoming their VP of Production Finance. Doug was then handpicked to co-head the Production Finance department at the inception of The Weinstein Company and worked out of their Los Angeles offices. During his career Doug has managed hundreds of films in development; and up to thirty five films at a time in prep, production and post-production.
Executive Assistant
After graduating with a film production and theory degree in 2010, Mariko has worked with documentary and narrative filmmakers to develop and create content. Her involvement has ranged from working in a rental house to shooting, editing and producing both work of her own and assisting the work of others. At Werc Werk Works, Mariko has been a part of the THIN ICE and DARLING COMPANION productions and currently acts as Elizabeth's executive assistant and the team's festivals and events liaison.
Co-Founder
One of the original founders of Werc Werk Works, Christine Kunewa Walker is an award-winning producer of artist-driven independent film. She is producer of LIFE DURING WARTIME, a Todd Solondz film, HOWL, starring James Franco as poet Allen Ginsberg, THIN ICE with Greg Kinnear and Alan Arkin, and executive producer of DARLING COMPANION, directed by Lawrence Kasdan.
