ABOUT US
We are a community-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of local creative professionals dedicated to bridging the past and future of storytelling here in the High Desert and reclaiming our rightful place in Hollywood’s history while building new pathways for those who will shape its future.
From student filmmakers to skilled creative professionals the High Desert has quietly nurtured storytellers for well over a century. Our landscapes have long doubled as Hollywood sets, our communities have been home to countless artists, and our legacy as a hub of cinematic inspiration runs deep.
Now, we stand together to reclaim and celebrate the artistic heritage of our region by elevating future filmmakers’ and performance artists alike to reignite a thriving ecosystem where education, collaboration, and opportunity flourish. Whether you’re a student, a seasoned professional, or simply someone who believes in the power of the arts, this is your community. This is your stage. This is our moment to reignite our place in the spotlight.
MISSION STATEMENT
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to reigniting the High Desert’s legacy as a cinematic and creative powerhouse, our mission is to empower the next generation of storytellers, students, emerging artists, and seasoned local professionals by providing real-world training, mentorship, and access to meaningful production opportunities.
Rooted in a region that has long inspired Hollywood, we aim to reintroduce our unique landscapes and creative talent back into a sustainable local industry. Every production we support is a step toward economic growth, community pride, and cultural revival. Through education, collaboration, and artistic investment, we are reclaiming the High Desert’s place in the performing arts one story at a time.
VISION
We envision the High Desert as a thriving, nationally recognized creative hub where film, theater, and the performing arts are not only celebrated, but to revitalize opportunity, innovation, and community pride. Our goal is to cultivate a sustainable ecosystem where students, local artists, and industry professionals from all backgrounds can access the training, resources, and support needed to build lasting careers in the arts and media.
Rooted in a rich cinematic history and inspired by the storytellers who call this region home, we are reigniting the High Desert’s role in shaping culture and the industry. By fostering local talent and attracting outside productions, we aim to spark economic revitalization, create jobs, and restore the High Desert’s place in the creative spotlight, not just as a location, but as a powerful creative cultural force.
We believe in a future where the arts uplift entire communities—where local stories are told, heard, and celebrated, where the High Desert stands as a symbol of resilience, artistic excellence, and the transformative power of creative expression.
THE FUTURE FILMMAKER'S FUND
The Future Filmmaker's Fund is the cornerstone of our organization, a flagship program designed to empower the next generation of storytellers and champion the voices that will shape the future of film, theater, and media in our region.
Rooted in our mission to reclaim the High Desert’s place in the spotlight, this fund will provide essential support to both emerging student filmmakers and established local creatives. Through community-backed donations, targeted grants, and strategic partnerships, we offer direct funding for local film projects, hands-on training opportunities, and production resources that help turn bold ideas into finished works.
More than just a funding source, the Future Filmmaker’s Fund is a catalyst for cultural revival. It fuels initiatives such as student showcases, regional film contests, industry-led workshops, and public events that celebrate our cinematic legacy while spotlighting our artists of today. By investing in local talent and fostering collaboration, we’re building a self-sustaining creative ecosystem, one that keeps stories rooted in the High Desert and exports their impact far beyond.
Whether you're a student with a fresh perspective or a seasoned artist with a new vision, the Future Filmmaker’s Fund is here to help you bring your story to life, to remind the world of our century-long legacy with the silver screen and show them everything we have to offer in this new age.
MEET OUR BOARD
Joshua (J.A.) Streeter
Founder / C.O.O. / Chairman
Owner/Operator, DawggHouse Productions
Father, son, student, adjunct film instructor, Army veteran and independent filmmaker, with a family history deeply rooted in the golden age of Hollywood.
Joshua is the grandson of two Holocaust survivors who fled Czechoslovakia after WWII and landed in Los Angeles in 1948, where his grandfather, an old world cobbler, worked for Western Costume making shoes for stars like Mae West, Shelly Winters, and Red Buttons.
Within five years, the family opened and operated Max's Shoe Repair for 24 years across from Canter's in Los Angeles.
After relocating to the High Desert in 2017 with his family, Joshua was immediately drawn to its cinematic history, creative professionals, and the desire of the next generation of students and future filmmakers, often with little awareness or support. The High Desert Association of Film, Theater, and Performing Arts was created to meet that need.
As a writer, director, producer, and owner/operator of DawggHouse Productions in Apple Valley and founder of our association, Joshua brings a unique mash-up of leadership qualities from the business world, the military, and fifteen years of production experience both behind and in front of the camera.
Jeff Stalians
Vice Chairman
CG Artist, Network Engineer, Programmer, Instructor
With over 30 years of experience in the CG industry, Jeff Stalians has built a career that bridges the worlds of film, television, commercial advertising, game development, and technology. As a CG artist, network engineer, and programmer, he has contributed to full-length feature productions and independent projects, working with multiple companies to bring digital visions to life.
Having owned and co-operated businesses in gaming, branding, and entertainment, Jeff possesses an intimate understanding of what it takes to build and sustain creative industries. In his "retirement," he continues to shape the future of digital storytelling as an instructor, network administrator, and industry professional, mentoring the next generation of artists and innovators.
Jeff’s passion for education and creative empowerment makes him a vital asset to the High Desert Association of Film, Theater, and Performing Arts. He believes in nurturing talent and helping students turn their skills into viable careers. Watching his students’ names roll by in film credits is one of his greatest joys, knowing he has played a role in their journey toward success.
As a board member, Jeff is committed to fostering opportunities for emerging filmmakers, supporting local productions, and helping transform the High Desert into a thriving hub for the arts. Through mentorship, collaboration, and his extensive industry experience, he contributes to the organization's mission of creating a sustainable creative ecosystem where stories are made, celebrated, and drive economic growth in the community.
Dan Taylor
Contributing Board Member (non-voting)
President, Inland Empire Film Services, Inc.
Dan Taylor, President of Inland Empire Film Services, has over 20 years of experience working with film productions coming into the Inland Empire. He provides permit assistance and location services, as well as a database of local crew and vendors for hire. His company also contracts with the City of Big Bear Lake, Menifee, San Dimas, Temecula and Riverside County to operate and run their Film Offices and Film Commissions. He also has an arrangement to assist the City of Barstow, The Bureau of Land Management-Barstow Region and the San Bernardino National Forest in all filming operations within those jurisdictions.
Dan also served as the Deputy Director of the Inland Empire Film Commission for 13 years. During that time he successfully assisted thousands of film shoots, from fashion-based still photography sessions to major motion pictures, assisting them with their locations, permitting and crew and service needs.
John Miller
Contributing Board Member
Founder, High Desert Locations
John Miller is the owner and founder of High Desert Locations since 2012. Since then, he has worked with many Location Managers, Production Companies, Producers & Directors in the filming business creating a reputation of consistency, safety & always getting the shot for the clients.
He is always helping the up and comers in the business, helping student films and those who are self funded. He believes in everyone who has a desire to thrive in the filming business.
On a personal note, John is very philanthropic and enjoys supporting local cancer efforts and those in need. He has raised money for locals who have been affected by cancer and those who are down on their luck. Being part owner of the non-profit High Desert Angels, under the umbrella of The High Desert Community Foundation.
He looks forward to seeing the organization grow and help film students thrive and grow as the future of the filming world.
Adrian Barron
Contributing Board Member
Music & Entertainment Professional
Originally from Glendale, Adrian currently resides here in the High Desert.
With a passion for music and live entertainment Adrian is a writer, actor and live event promotional guru as well as a record producer and sound engineer with his own hip hop record label.
As a local communtiy business professional Adrian's passion for bringing entertainment to the High Desert makes him a unique commodity to the community and our association.
Adrian also currently studies acting with the renowned Anthony Gilardi.
Amber Valentina
Contributing Board Member
Actress, Singer, Dancer, Blogger, Director, Multi-hyphenate
Amber Valentina is a passionate multi-hyphenate creative—director, actress, singer, dancer, writer, and educator—committed to telling powerful stories on stage and screen. She has performed in numerous productions, with favorite credits including The Last Five Years, Into the Woods, Sister Act, The Magic of Motown, The Wiz, Seussical, Bye Bye Birdie, Aida, and short films Fast Forward and Love Language.
Amber is a proud graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and The New School in New York City, where she trained under some of the industry's finest. Her experience spans directing dance teams, choirs, and countless theatrical productions—many of which she has also written, costumed, and choreographed.
A dedicated teaching artist, Amber has taught acting at Inland Valley Conservatory and founded the Actors Work Acting Workshop to support and mentor emerging talent. She currently serves as the Creative Director of Phil 413 Productions, where she continues to produce original works and reimagined classics that inspire and uplift.
In addition to her work onstage and behind the scenes, Amber shares her unique voice through her blog, "That’s Just My Face," an honest and humorous take on living with RBF (resting nice-face, thank you very much), and her podcast, "Experiences in Love," where she dives into the many ways love shows up in our lives—raw, real, and unfiltered.
Follow: @AmberVal
Warren Yeager
Board Member (non-voting)
Director of Photography, Camera Operator
With a BA in Mass Communications and Journalism, Warren Yeager launched his career in Washington, D.C., first as a sound mixer and later as a cameraman for international news agencies. In 1991, he relocated to Los Angeles, where he transitioned into narrative filmmaking, establishing himself as a director of photography and camera operator across network television, independent film, music videos, commercials, and documentaries.
Warren’s credits span a diverse range of productions, including network television series such as Curb Your Enthusiasm, Criminal Minds, Charmed, Fat Actress, Halfway Home, Lovespring International, and more. His work in independent film includes Kings of the Evening, The Haunting of Cell Block 13, Darkness Reigns, Malevolent, Circle, and the Biffle and Schuster series. He has also contributed to Rock and Doris (Try to) Write a Movie and various commercial and documentary projects.
Throughout his extensive career, Warren has worn many hats—producer, location scout, assistant director, writer, researcher, armorer, actor, and consultant. His versatility and expertise earned him the title of "Best Director: Music Video" at the 2023 Wild Bunch International Film Festival.
In 2019, Warren moved to the High Desert, continuing his work in Los Angeles while deepening hisinvolvement in the history of San Bernardino County.