Our Team

• John Koop, B.A., M.Sc., PT

  Executive Producer, Director

  Accomplishments/Education:
  • COO Arizona Virtual Studios
  • CEO and founder of VirtueGraphics, LLC
  • M.Sc. in Physical Therapy with over 6 years of experience in medical field
  • B.A. in Multimedia
  • Assoc. Degree Electrical Engineer, Holland
  • Fluent in three languages
• John Koop’s credentials include over 8 years of experience in the field of 3D animation and video. He has done Special Effects for the full feature movie: “Kingdom under the Sea”. John, a Physical Therapist, Electrical Engineer and entrepreneur, is the co-owner and coo of Arizona Virtual Studios.
  
  His has produced several ground-breaking videos and 3D animations for international clients in the areas of nautical engineering, The U.S. Military, The Navy as well as large medical companies and large airplane manufacturers.
  
  John has created many 3D animated graphics and designs for a number of international magazines, worked on television shows such as Good Morning America and the Travel Channel and produced for original productions on The Discovery Channel, The Military Channel and Wealth TV.
  
  John has sponsored many events such as the Arizona Bio-Industry Association (ABA), Greater Phoenix Association (GPEC) as well as the Tech Counsel where he covered media segments and. He also has been a sponsor for the Ambassadors Ball for four consecutive years.
  
  Mr. Koop, a native from Holland, graduated Suma Cum Laude from the University of Advancing Technology where he holds a B.A.. He also has a Masters degree in Physical Therapy and has an Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering. His many years of education in three different fields have made him versatile and multitalented.

• Kevin Mayer

• Kevin Mayer has been an entrepreneur for 16 years. He started mowing yards on weekends and after school and he currently owns 5 companies and employs over 70 people. The obstacles he faced along the way were no match for this business genius. His true passion has always been in production and directing. He also has done stand up comedy at the Laugh Factory/Melrose Improv in Los Angeles, CA, the Funny Bone in Tucson, AZ, Tempe Improv in Tempe, AZ. He is smart, intelligent, has a great sense of humor and loves to make people laugh. As Kevin Mayer would say "Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go".

• Lance Frank

  Co-Creator, Co-Developer, Supervising Producer

• Lance has a very different background than most producers in Hollywood, but that is a good thing. He learned an ineffable work ethic while serving in the United States Air Force from 1998-2002. He was recruited out of his military service to become one of the first Federal Air Marshals under the newly formed, Department of Homeland Security, after 9/11. Lance was promoted to the top pay grade, until he could no longer be awarded a promotion without a Presidential nomination. He remains the youngest Special Agent in the history of the Department. Lance is also an accomplished technical advisor, actor, director and producer with several very recognizable credits to his name on top of an impressive array of independent features, commercials, vignettes and documentaries. Recently, he was named in the top five writers in the state of California by the JAC, recognizing the states best journalists. His first book, “Deluded Angels” is slated for publication on September 10, 2009. His most recent series of documentaries entitled, “Perversions” will air in summer 2010.
  
  Lance has trained with some of the top sketch comedy and improv troupes in the country including The Groundlings. His experience in sketch comedy is on par with some of the best in the nation. The writing expertise and charisma he brings to the screen is irreplaceable. He is a true professional who works at mastering every aspect of film making.

• April Caudill

  Office Coordinator

• From human resources, to accounts payable/receivable and even to maintaining good relationships with all clients and vendors, April seeks the importance to achieve all areas, into the realm of excellence. Full force, April makes a new trail everyday improving where needed. Serving the company since “El Dia Uno” April makes the day a little brighter for everyone who enters the Studio Doors. Meeting new challenges along with the great support that her fellow staff provides, keeps April content and eager to come back for more.

• Robert

• Robert brings many talents to the organization with several years experience in creative development for an array of clients. Rob’s brilliant ideas have helped clients make their visions a reality in his role as Creative Director for Arizona Virtual Studios. Robert does everything from script writing to stage productions, and continues to increase his knowledge of the industry and ways to improve the visual impacts of HD video and 3D Animation.  His many years of standup comedy complement his energetic and outgoing personality. His passion to help people promote their products and services with creativity that stands out from the rest shines through in his amazing communication style. Rob enjoys perusing his comedy passion to help the community by assisting with charitable shows held at the Arizona Virtual Studios sound stage theatre.

• Krysten

• Krysten comes to us as a graduate of Collins College. Her media educational background encompasses pre-production, production, and post-production. She spends most of her time in our editing bay, working on editing clips together as well as adding visual effects to them. Krysten is ecstatic to be part of the AVS family and looks forward to many, many, many wonderful years to come with AVS.