Board of Directors & Staff
Janna Emmel, President
For more than 20 years Janna has worked in research and development for MacGilivray Freeman Films of Laguna Beach, California, producers of more than 30 IMAX® films, including the box office hit Everest, and the Academy®-award nominated films Dolphins and The Living Sea. Back home in South Dakota since 1994, in addition to continuing to work in film, she owns an art gallery in Hill City with her husband and has helped organize arts and film-related non-profit organizations.
Rick owns Crow Ridge Productions with his wife Chris. The company provides crew and equipment to movie and television companies filming in South Dakota. The company also produces short films and TV commercials for regional and national clients. Rick was Assistant Location Manager for National Treasure II, has recorded sound for many film and television productions and oversees all of the technical requirements for the Black Hills Film Festival.
Barry LeBeau, Secretary
A South Dakota actor, Barry has worked in theatre since the 1980’s and provides voice talent to documentaries and commercials, including for the award winning short film Ghost Dance. He is a consultant and narrator for the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra’s Lakota Music Project and works for United Sioux Tribes Development Corporation in Pierre. Barry was Master of Ceremonies for the 2010 Black Hills Film Festival.
Kim Krull, Treasurer 
Kim and husband Dennis own and operate Krull’s Market in Hill City. They have lived in the Hill City area since 1992 and been active volunteers and supporters of many area organizations. Kim was an EMT with the Hill City Volunteer Ambulance Association for 10 years and was also a member of the Hill City Volunteer Fire Department for some time. She and Dennis were named Hill City’s Volunteers of the Year in 2010 and are “Star” sponsors for the 2010 and 2011 Black Hills Film Festival.
Sean Covel, Director
From Edgemont, SD, Sean pursued his passion for film-making with the Peter Stark Producing Program at USC. He teamed with Chris Wyatt, to produce Napoleon Dynamite in 2004 which went on to score $46 million at the box office and $120 million on DVD, making it one of the most profitable independent films in history. The duo has since produced six films, most recently finishing production on Broken Hill and Café. Sean, now living in Los Angeles, will conduct seminars at the Black Hills Film Festival. His wife, Alexa Vega of Spy Kids fame, will teach the acting workshops for the Festival.
Chris VanNess, Staff – Festival Coordinator 
As a volunteer working with the Hill City Chamber of Commerce and Hill City Arts Council for the past several years, Chris VanNess has conceived, organized and marketed some of Hill City’s most successful arts and culture events. Chris owns Crow Ridge Productions with her husband Rick VanNess. Their company has won multiple National Telly awards and local ADDY awards for television commercials. Chris is one of the original founders of the Black Hills Film Festival and now as a part-time staffer, coordinates and markets the growing event.
