Our Team

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Stephanie Garvin, our Founder and CEO, is an international filmmaker based in Los Angeles, Arizona, and Chicago.  As Founder and CEO, Stephanie created HEC to modernize entertainment by adding enterprise-level governance, risk mitigation, and recurring revenue streams to film, television, and streaming. The company integrates shoppable content, brand-embedded commerce, advertising, and asset-backed production models, allowing product placement and advertising success to be monetized transparently and measurably—often generating revenue well before traditional distribution recoupment timelines, mitigating risk for filmmakers and investors alike. 

Under her leadership, Hollywood Expansion Corporation is building the first shoppable streaming platform, scheduled to launch in Summer 2026, enabling viewers to seamlessly purchase products seen on screen while creating new economic alignment between creators, brands, and investors. This model is designed to reduce investor risk, diversify filmmaker income, and unlock value that has historically been lost within legacy distribution structures. She transitioned from a career in finance and entrepreneurship to fulfill her lifelong dream of creating movies in 2013. While studying at UCLA, UCB, and the Margie Haber School, she gained hands-on experience in filmmaking, eventually founding ETM Pictures Inc. and ETM Distribution LLC. Currently, Ms. Garvin is an executive producer on Maserati; The Brothers, and developed a strategic affiliation between the Maserati production and HEC. Her first fully original feature, Holiday Twist, marked a major creative milestone. Stephanie wrote, directed, and produced the film, which achieved a theatrical release and is now distributed worldwide. The project also showcased her lifelong passion for music—an art form she has pursued since the age of five. Stephanie wrote and co-wrote three original songs for the film’s soundtrack, which was released globally. One of those songs, “I Got You,” received Best Song for an Independent Film at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards (HMMA). She previously co-executive produced the award-winning The Trial of the Chicago 7 and co-produced the documentary Mr. Nelson on the North Side.. A passionate advocate for family-oriented storytelling, Ms. Garvin’s mission is to create meaningful films that resonate with audiences of all ages. 

Michael Holder is an accomplished executive, board director, and investor with over three decades of leadership experience, including significant achievements in the film and entertainment industry. As Executive Chairman of Hollywood Expansion Corporation, he brings both Wall Street discipline and Hollywood vision to the global entertainment stage.

Holder has served as Executive Producer on three feature films with powerhouse casts: Maserati: The Brothers (Al Pacino, Anthony Hopkins, Jessica Alba, Andy Garcia), What About Love (Sharon Stone, Andy Garcia), and Holiday Twist (Neal McDonough, Sean Astin). His work champions family-friendly, uplifting content with enduring audience appeal. His leadership track record spans ten corporate boards, four CEO roles, five CFO appointments, and senior roles in private equity and venture capital. Across industries from entertainment to biotech to medtech he has raised nearly $1 billion in equity and over $1 billion in debt, steering two IPOs, a reverse merger, multiple venture financings, and three successful exits.

Holder’s love affair with cinema began as a boy in Charleston, South Carolina, watching classic films in the grand old theaters managed by his grandmother. That early magic still fuels his mission today: to create commercially strong projects that inspire, entertain, and endure. He holds an M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a B.S. in Business Administration from UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, where he served on the Board of Visitors. He completed corporate director education at Harvard Business School, executive programs at Stanford University, and continues his studies in artificial intelligence. 

Marie’s career is highlighted by 30 years of product innovation development, marketing, distribution, and web expertise as a top-tier professional. A seasoned executive, Marie possesses extensive experience in product development and distribution, as well as strategic  branding and product placement. Marie was instrumental in the success and launch of products on QVC, the original sales channel for product sales. Through her thorough understanding of product development and marketing, she has assisted hundreds of business enterprises to elevate their visibility while substantially increasing revenues and profits. She is also well versed in traditional and digital marketing.  She possesses strong relationships including buyers, distributors, media execs, and dignitaries in China, Central, and S. America. She is also Bi-lingual in English/ Spanish.

Michelle Alexandria, an LA native, began her career as Finance Director for Jaguar Cars, where she worked closely with high-net-worth individuals and major financial institutions. Her years living in Paris further expanded her global network and shaped her perspective on international cinema. Since 2002, Michelle has been an active presence at major film festivals and markets including Cannes, AFM, Berlin, Buenos Aires, UniFrance, and Sundance, cultivating an extensive international network. 

In 2020, she founded Light Year Pictures, a production and distribution company through which she develops, finances, and distributes genre-driven feature films in collaboration with investors and creatives worldwide.Her producing credits include the equestrian family drama Kaitlyn’s Chance starring Sean Patrick Flanery (The Boondock Saints, Nefarious) and Jaime King (Hart of Dixie), the faith-based feature Reason to Believe starring Jen nifer Taylor (Two and a Half Men), the dark comedy The Tale of Nicky Newark with Frank Whaley (Pulp Fiction, Swimming With The Sharks) and Kelly Stables (Two and a Half Men), and the sci-fi thriller Sideslip starring Chase Coleman (The Originals) and Bruce Locke (Mortal Kombat series). Most recently, she produced the arthouse film A Silhouette of a Woman in Tuscany, Italy, starring Hungarian actress Lili Bordan. 

Beyond producing, Michelle has acquired and distributed hundreds of films worldwide. She is a member of the Producers Guild of America (PGA), serving on the Producers Council, and is frequently invited to speak on festival panels, including the Producers Network at the Marché du Film in Cannes. Passionate about supporting the next generation of filmmakers, she also mentors and consults emerging talent through workshops on financing, production, and distribution. With her combined expertise in finance, production, and global distribution, Michelle Alexandria brings both strategic insight and creative vision to every project she champions.

Lisa Marks-Canty is a progressive entrepreneur and disruptive technology expert with over 25 years of experience in data monetization and strategic revenue growth. With a 20-year foundation, building two successful service company's and a successful tenure on Wall Street, Lisa specializes in bridging the gap between high-level innovation, creative direction and fiscal reality. At HEC, she leverages her deep expertise in data analytics to drive informed decision-making and ensure sustainable value for investors. 

Lisa’s professional success is fueled by a deep commitment to social responsibility. She leverages her platform to aligning social impact and film to create awareness of of issues such as mental health, child trafficking prevention and social advocacy.  

Current Film & Strategy Portfolio:

* Executive Producer: Red Card (starring Halle Berry) and Maserati: The Brothers with HEC. 

Anna McNiven (Maybury) is an accomplished film and media producer with over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry. Originally from Australia and now based in Los Angeles, Anna currently serves as the President of the Burbank International Film Festival (BIFF), where she leads the strategic vision, programming, and year-round event planning for one of Southern California’s premiere film showcases. Prior to being nominated President in 2024, she served as a BIFF board member and Social Media Director since 2015, as well as Secretary for two years, spearheading fundraising, crew management, and event execution. 

Anna’s production credits span feature films, music festivals, and media projects. She recently served as Line Producer on the feature films My Little Moon (2023), Charlie Buster (2024), and The American Protocol (2024), and worked as Associate Producer on the thrillers Level 3 (2020) and Followed (2018). 

In addition to narrative filmmaking, Anna has worked as a Field Producer for large- scale live events with Insomniac and Live Nation, and a Media Producer at The Weather Co-Op, where she has brought stories to life through compelling visuals and storytelling. 

Known for her sharp logistical acumen, creative leadership, and cross- disciplinary ability, Anna brings a unique blend of vision and precision to every project. She continues to champion independent film, diverse voices, and meaningful storytelling across all platforms. 

Anna is running as a Producer and Line Producer at HEC.