ABOUT US
CaliWood Pictures is a production company with a focus on developing exceptional content and cultivating thought provoking and socially relevant dramas and comedies. Since its inception just two short years ago, CaliWood has moved quickly with excitement and tenacity to build a slate of projects that reflect their sense of style, humor, gratitude towards those who “inspire us everyday to know better, do better and have a voice for all” CaliWood's slate includes: rom-com A Nice Girl Like You, starring Lucy Hale, Lansky, starring Harvey Keitel and Sam Worthington, Mack & Rita, a coming of age rom-com starring Diane Keaton and Elizabeth Lail, Shriver, starring Michael Shannon, Kate Hudson and Don Johnson, Michael Shannons' directorial debut Eric LaRue, and several Docu-Lifestyle series, releasing 2022.
MEET THE TEAM
JINA PANEBIANCO
PARTNER
John Straley is the President and Founder of Chicago based Infinity Wealth Advisors, LLC; a premier financial and estate planning firm. He has been awarded the prestigious Five Star Wealth Manager Award 7 times in the last decade and has been recognized in Forbes magazine, the Wall Street Journal, and Chicago Magazine. Through friendships and common interest in the big screen, John served as Executive Producer, investing in several movie and television projects which ultimately led to the creation of CaliWood Pictures.
Outside the office, John is a family man. He enjoys spending time with his wife of 30 years and their 3 adult children. He is also involved in his community as a
member of the Bridge Youth & Family Services, helping young people and families achievesocial and emotional health. John likes to golf, play guitar, and enjoy live music.
R. WESLEY SIERK III
PARTNER
R. Wesley Sierk III joined forces with producer Jina Panebianco to executive produce high-quality, independent films. As the President and Co-Founder of the highly successful company, Risk Management Advisors, he brings a wealth of financial and risk management expertise to film and TV productions. His recent producing credits include Havenhurst, Romper Room Gang, the documentary Mac Dre: Legend of the Bay, and A Nice Girl Like You.
JINA PANEBIANCO
PARTNER
Jina Panebianco is an award-winning film & television producer experienced in development, budgeting, raising funds, and physical production. She is at home on set, handling the day to day logistics and the fine details to get to the big picture and always does so, with a wicked sense of humor and strong work ethic. In addition to A Nice Girl Like You, her current projects include the co-production bio-pic Lansky; Shriver; Mack & Rita and the upcoming Eric LaRue. Past projects include: The Matchmaker’s Playbook; the thriller Havenhurst; Jessica Darling’s IT List; and A Cinderella Christmas. She is also a co-founder of PassionFlix, an OTT Digital Platform for romance novels.
AUDRA GRICIUS
DEVELOPMENT
Audra Gricius joined CaliWood Pictures from its inception, going back to her film production roots after over a decade in management. Her speed reading and attention to detail leaves no script typo allowed, much to the chagrin of many screenwriters. She believes in putting forth your best work at all stages and is thrilled to be helping filmmakers bring their visions onscreen.
