Our Team

JOHN HAMARIC

VICE PRESIDENT, STUDIO OPERATIONS & TECHNICAL ENTERTAINMENT

JULIE GIBSON

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT / MARKETING COORDINATOR

JULIE GIBSON

The liaison between the resort and the production client's marketing and public relations staff. Julie works with the shows on opportunities to market the production and is the division champion for social media marketing.   Julie is also Pamela Tuscany's executive assistant.  Julie began her career with Universal Orlando Resort in 1999.  While attending Valencia College, she freelanced as a script supervisor.  

KATRINKA VANDEVENTER

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, STUDIO OPERATIONS

KATRINKA VANDEVENTER

As Assistant Director of Studio Operations for the Universal Studios Florida Production Group, Katrinka VanDeventer oversees our Universal Studios Florida production business unit, hosting companies that produce film, television, music videos, and commercials at Universal Studios Florida.

The Universal Studios Florida facilities include the Broadcast Center, Soundstages, more than 100 Backlot locations, the Producer's Building 22A, and Building 17 support space.

With a degree in Film and Television from the Universal of Central Florida, Katrinka set out to pursue a career in her community.  During her eight years at the Metro Orlando Film Commission, her credits included Superboy, My Girl, Problem Child 2, Rosewood, and From the Earth to the Moon.

Katrinka is a liaison to the state film community and serves as a member of Women In Film and Television and Film Florida.

DANA PELLERIN

SALES MANAGER, PRODUCTION AND EVENTS

DANA PELLERIN

Began his career with Universal Studios Florida Production Group (USFPG) in 2014. Prior to Universal, he freelanced as a production assistant and coordinator on numerous commercials all over Florida. Dana is responsible for client relationships and packaging bids for studio facilities, the backlot, offices, and other production service rentals on the lot. At the University of Central Florida, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Film. When not pursuing the next big production, he enjoys traveling the world (23 countries and counting) and playing the sport of curling. 

Dana has been appointed to the Board of Directors for WIFT/Florida. 

JACKIE MANESS, JR.

SENIOR MANAGER, PRODUCTION

JACKIE MANESS, JR.

Manages production logistics for clients filming in the soundstages, or on the backlot. He scouts and location manages commercials, still photo shoots, television shows, live events, and feature films. Jackie began his career as a freelance producer and joined USFPG in 2000. Since then, he has worked with many clients, including WWE, MTV, Food Network, Horizon Scripted, Telesis Productions, Golf Channel, and NBC Sports. Jackie attended Auburn University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Media and Communications Management. When not on set, he can be found enjoying the great outdoors with his wife and dogs.

JENNIFER BELAWSKI

MANAGER, STUDIO OPERATIONS

JENNIFER BELAWSKI

Jen is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the Central Florida production and entertainment industry.  Shortly after graduating from the University of Central Florida, her career began at here at the Universal Studios Lot as a Studio Operations Supervisor at Nickelodeon Studios Florida.

Subsequently, she held a critical leadership role managing the Broadcast Technology and Services department for the Orlando Magic for ten years, demonstrating her ability to excel in dynamic, high-profile settings.

In her current role with USFPG she manages Studio Operations revenue client contracts, insurance compliance, billing, and cost tracking for sound stages, offices, and backlot rentals and business leases in partnership with the sales team. She also works in tandem with Studio Operations management in scheduling staff production assistants, internal divisional support, and services and well as overseeing production vendor negotiations, scheduling, and payment processing.

 

SCOTT WAGAHOFF

SUPERVISOR, PRODUCTION & BROADCAST CENTER

SCOTT WAGAHOFF

Scott began his career in radio in 1998 out of the Jacksonville and Dallas markets as the producer of the Lex and Terry Show. In 2009, Scott continued his board operation and on-air management with his move to Cox Media Group in Orlando.

In 2011, Scott obtained his start with Universal Orlando through the Event Operations team and transitioned to the role of Event Manager in early 2015. In this role, Scott managed all TVD (Television Development) productions through Global Promotions. His partnership with Production Services was key to the multiple television episodes highlighting the resort, and lead him to join the USFPG team 2021. 

In his role, Scott will expand his current responsibilities to oversee the Broadcast Center as our key communicator and client services liaison, and supervise the internal and external client filming logistics for the resort.

MICHAEL HETCHLER

SENIOR MANAGER, STUDIO FACILITIES

MICHAEL HETCHLER

Leads the team responsible for maintaining all systems in the soundstages and office buildings, such as the recent replacement of the sound stage elephant door motors, HVAC installations, and high efficiency lighting. These improvements have impacted the company's ambitious green initiative by improving efficiency and utility costs. Michael earned degrees at Michigan State and ITI (mechanical engineering) and spent the next 20 years applying and expanding his skills. Before joining Universal, Michael was employed by Del-Air Company where he developed skills specific to HVAC installation and maintenance. Michael pioneered the launch of "Gumbopalooza" to benefit Give Kids the World. He was recently awarded for his volunteering and is a member of the prestigious Club 52, a program recognizing outstanding volunteers at Universal Orlando Resort.

EARFIELD ROWE

SENIOR UTILITY, STUDIO FACILITIES

EARFIELD ROWE

Has been one of the most valued employees at USFPG for 25+ years. Earfield is responsible for maintaining all aspects of the sound stages and office spaces to make sure everything is working correctly and readied for the next production.

JULIE DIETZ

SENIOR COORDINATOR, FACILITIES AND PRODUCTION

JULIE DIETZ

Has been working at Universal Orlando for more than 20 years.  During that time, she oversaw entertainment content planning, budgeting, and execution as a production manager for multimillion-dollar marquee events like Halloween Horror Nights, Mardi Gras and Concert Series with A-list artists, as well as managed pyro/rigging/lighting teams, daily show operations, and a night time entertainment complex. In her current role, Julie coordinates space usage logistics, assists with capital and facility projects, and client facility usage.  Julie graduated from Lycoming College in PA.  Her passions are traveling and scuba diving.