Meet the Team Behind the Lens
Courtney Hanna - Executive Producer
Growing up in Framingham, MA and graduated from Boston College, where she studied Psychology and Communications. During her studies, she took some film classes and had her first experience as a movie extra in the Sony Pictures film, 21. Since then, she has been fascinated by the art of film-making. However, she followed a more "sensible" career and attended law school at GW in Washington, DC, where she focused on human rights law and civil litigation. She practiced law for three years in D.C., but ultimately decided it was not the right career for her. She moved back to her home state of Massachusetts, where she lives outside of Boston with her husband and three children. After several years as a stay-at-home mom, Courtney decided that she wanted to know about pursuing a career in film, either through acting or producing (or both!) In the spring of 2024, she began taking acting classes at Boston Casting and has had some small successes with acting gigs. The unexpected bonus of these gigs is that it led her to some very talented and inspiring people in the film business, including our director and editor, Joe Sandoval. Through Joe, Courtney was connected to Marathons Across America, which has been a huge inspiration to Courtney in terms of both Tomasz's incredible journey and through the talent and hard-work of this team.
Alexander Klymko – Senior Producer
With over three decades of experience in the film industry, Alexander Klymko brings a wealth of expertise to Marathons Across America as Senior Producer. His career spans producing, directing, cinematography, and executive management, making him a driving force behind high-quality, impactful storytelling.
Alexander began his journey working in field production for ABC’s 20/20 and later expanded into independent feature films. He wrote, produced, and directed A Killing (1998), an award-winning festival favorite, and went on to direct Spy (2011), starring Vincent Pastore and Frank Vincent. His producer credits include A Perfect Fit (2005) and Shanghai Hotel (2011).
Beyond producing, he has worked in technical roles such as sound mixer, gaffer, and camera operator for TV series like 48 Hours and American Masters. As Vice President of Field Operations at RX Media, he managed large-scale productions for pharmaceutical companies, showcasing his leadership and ability to execute high-stakes projects. Additionally, his work as an Adjunct Professor teaching cinematography, sound recording & design, and digital video reflects his deep industry knowledge.
As Senior Producer of Marathons Across America, Alexander’s extensive background in both creative and technical aspects ensures a high-production-value documentary that captures the raw emotion, endurance, and inspiration behind Tomasz Sobania’s journey. His experience in producing, post-production, and distribution makes him a critical asset in bringing this ambitious, visually stunning, and deeply human story to global audiences.
Joseph Sandoval — Director & Editor
A cinematographer with a passion for storytelling that captures the depth and nuance of human experience. Raised in Las Vegas, NV, he began his academic journey at the University of the Pacific in California, where he studied Theater and Film Studies. A semester abroad in London broadened his artistic perspective, but his desire for more hands-on filmmaking experience led him to transfer to NYU’s Kanbar Institute of Film & Television, where he earned his BFA in Film & TV Production.
Starting his career working with 16mm and 35mm film, Joseph developed a strong foundation in the principles of cinema, later expanding his expertise into digital production. His extensive experience spans both production and post-production, allowing him to take on a variety of roles across a diverse range of content.
An intuitively creative filmmaker, Joseph combines his technical proficiency with a keen sensitivity to human connection. His work is driven by a fascination with the subtleties of people’s lives—their environments, emotions, and interactions—and how these elements shape the stories he brings to the screen.
This makes Joseph the perfect fit for Marathons Across America. His ability to visually and emotionally translate the endurance, resilience, and human spirit behind Tomasz Sobania’s journey is unparalleled. With his keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of how individual moments build a larger narrative, Joseph ensures that the documentary not only captures the physical feat of running across America but also the personal stories, struggles, and triumphs that make this journey so powerful.
Linda Brown — Publicist
Linda’s Publicity and Marketing experience is diverse and impressive, garnering her a nomination for Outstanding Career Achievement by the International Cinematographer's Guild. Brown has worked in the arenas of Unit Publicity, Broadcast & Release PR for TV and Film, and Film Festival publicity.
She recently served as a Unit Publicist on the Netflix/Shondaland production THE RESIDENCE by Paul William Davies. Other work includes the original anthology series GASLIT starring Sean Penn and Julia Roberts for Universal Content Productions/STARZ; and the original series SHINING VALE starring Courteney Cox, Greg Kinnear, and Mira Sorvino for Warner Bros Productions/STARZ (both seasons) created by Jeff Astrof. Brown served as Unit Publicist for Shining Vale and remained on for its broadcast premiere. Other recent work includes Season 3 of the cult hit PARTY DOWN for STARZ/Lionsgate, created by Rob Thomas and starring Adam Scott, Ken Marino, Jane Lynch, Ryan Hansen, Megan Mullally, Martin Starr, and Jennifer Garner.
As a unit publicist Brown not only performs traditional publicity work but serves as a field producer for the project's EPK, and a coordinator for marketing shoots, press days, and virtual panels from the set. She also produces and shoots BTS and digital social media content.
Brown has worked as a unit, festival, and release publicist on countless films (partial list attached). Highlights include THE PERFORMANCE, originating from Arthur Miller's final works directed by Shira Piven and starring Robert Carlyle and Jeremy Piven, TESLA starring Ethan Hawke, Jim Gaffigan, and Kyle MacLaughlin, by Director: Michael Almereyda; THE OUTPOST starring Orlando Bloom, Scott Eastwood, and Milo Gibson, by Director: Rod Lurie; the RESIDENT EVIL films, EXPERIMENTER directed by Michael Almereyda and starring Peter Saarsgard, Taryn Manning, Kellan Lutz, Winona Ryder, and Jon Leguizamo; and MGM’s theatrical remake of the 1980’s musical classic VALLEY GIRL.
Brown spent six years at the prestigious PMK Public Relations during which time she spearheaded unit publicity and release campaigns for film and television projects. One of the most successful campaigns includes the launch and subsequent years as a unit and campaign strategist for the critical sensation THE SIMPSONS with James L. Brooks for 20th Century Fox Television. From there she initiated and developed the motion picture department at Bragman Nyman Cafarelli (BNC/HBH) and went on to serve as Sr. Director for the famed Rogers & Cowan. Brown created Indie PR as a means to bring publicists working independently together to share ideas, resources, and information in a cohesive daily office experience.
Brown works closely with the publicity and marketing departments of streamers, studios, and networks; creating marketing materials, garnering press, and producing visuals. When working as a Union Publicist, Brown separates herself by bringing an added layer to her work if desired. In addition to collaborating with the streamer, network, and studio on the project's publicity needs, she uses her experience and talent for shooting behind-the-scenes supplemental social media and EPK footage, which has proven to save her clients thousands of dollars per show and deliver personalized and intimate interviews with talent and filmmakers in the project's environment. Brown has served as visual content manager on a variety of projects and is an IATSE, Local 600 member, enabling her to shoot on set.
Brown has been recognized for her work at film festivals both domestically and internationally for her ability to navigate festival waters for indie filmmakers through well-thought-out publicity and marketing campaigns with the goal of a sale. She was singled out and featured in ICG Magazine four years in a row as one of the best festival publicists in Hollywood. The Sundance Film Festival dedicated a chapter to Brown in its Sundance: A Festival Virgin’s Guide, in which they named her one of the best publicist choices to work the Sundance Film Festival. She is also featured in Chris Gore’s Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide where she explains the do’s and don'ts of festival publicity.
Melissa Gagliardi – Director of Photography Second Unit Director & Co-Producer
A new-age filmmaker with a passion for heartfelt storytelling,
With experience spanning major productions for Paramount, Hulu, and the nationally recognized Matter of Fact: Listening Tour with Soledad O’Brien, she has developed a keen eye for crafting visually compelling narratives. She honed her craft as a techno-crane technician and operator, working alongside industry-leading Directors of Photography, mastering advanced camera techniques and cinematic movement.
Melissa’s leadership extends beyond the camera. She successfully managed all departments. Additionally, her work as Writer, Director, and Co-Producer of Lines of a Woman earned multiple awards, including Best Director and Best Cinematography, solidifying her talent for both storytelling and production.
Her expertise as a Shooter ABC has given her a deep understanding of fast-paced, high-impact storytelling—skills she brings to this documentary.
Now, as both Director of Photography and Producer for Marathons Across America, Melissa is instrumental in shaping the film’s breathtaking visual identity through stunning drone cinematography, intimate handheld storytelling, and a strong production strategy, she is helping bring this inspiring journey to life for audiences worldwide.
Rob Pohle — Post Production Supervisor
Rob brings more than 30 years of experience in the media industry to this project. His international production experience spans from broadcast television to documentaries to local and national advertisements and gives this award winning Director of Photography & Editor a broad world-view that continues to serve him—and those who work with him—to this day. His career credits include producing, directing, editing and production and post-production management.
Rob's most recent work was as the Director of Production for Matter of Fact, with Soledad O'Brien. A show produced by Hearst Television and Hearst Media Production Group enjoyed a successful 10 season run in national syndication with well over 1 million weekly viewers. Rob is also the principal of Streamline Productions, Inc / Streamline Creative, a new media company that works in all forms of media, from print to video to web.
His passion for the moving image drives him in the pursuit of not only those images which are beautiful, but also those that need to be shared. His work has literally taken him around the world and he considers himself, blessed and fortunate, to see and capture images on every continent but Australia and Antarctica.
Rob's attention to the smallest detail in both picture and sound makes him an ideal and valuable fit for the role of Marathons Across America Post-Production Supervisor.
Rich O’Keefe — Head of Strategic Technologies and Visibility
A business focused Information Technology leader with over three decades of experience working with small, midsize and enterprise level organizations across various industries. In addition to a more than two and a half decades career in the corporate world, and a stint as a Management Consultant for multinational organizations, Rich founded an IT Managed Services Provider business which provided complete IT services for its clients.
Rich's focus as an IT professional has always been on ensuring that the IT solutions recommended for employers and clients, are appropriate for the business goals, business processes, and budgets of each organization, while also ensuring that information security, systems availability, and business continuity needs reflect the needs of the respective organization.
Austap Wolfgang — Drone Operator & Associate Producer
A multi-talented filmmaker, photographer, and aerial cinematographer, Austap Wolfgang brings a unique visual perspective and dynamic storytelling ability to Marathons Across America as Drone Operator & Associate Producer.
Austap’s journey in the creative world began at the age of three, making history as the youngest actor to appear on Blue’s Clues: You’ve Got Mail. He later starred in films and television, including A Killing, Spy, Wise Guys on Texas Hold’em, and F the Movie. At 15, he shifted into the world of professional ballet, training and performing with Joffrey Ballet and American Repertoire Ballet, developing a deep understanding of movement, precision, and visual composition—skills that translate seamlessly into his cinematic eye.
His transition into photography and filmmaking was discovered by legendary CBS producer Susan Zirinsky, who recognized his talent while he was capturing behind-the-scenes moments on 48 Hours. She made him the official still photographer for NCIS: The Stories They Will Never Forget and the CBS reality series Whistleblower. His photographic work has also taken him across the globe, covering the Hong Kong riots, a travel documentary through Peru and Asia, and The Great American Solar Eclipse (2017) in Oregon.
A licensed Private Pilot and a highly skilled Drone Operator, Austap combines his passion for aviation and cinematography to create breathtaking aerial footage. His precision, artistry, and ability to capture movement from above bring a unique, immersive visual experience to Marathons Across America, framing Tomasz Sobania’s endurance journey against stunning landscapes, bustling cities, and vast open roads.
As Associate Producer, Austap also plays a key role in production logistics, location scouting, and on-the-ground coordination, ensuring the film runs smoothly from both a creative and operational standpoint. His diverse experience in acting, photography, filmmaking, and aviation makes him an invaluable asset in bringing this documentary to life.
Piotr Niemczewski — Camera Operator & Drone Operator Is a Polish cinematographer, documentarian and online video creator. He holds a bachelor's degree in Filmmaking from the New York Film Academy. He has studied and worked in Los Angeles for over 4 years, gaining experience in feature films, documentaries, music videos and commercials. Piotr has been creating travel content for over 6 years, garnering an audience of over 100,000 viewers on Youtube. Film Projects shot by Piotr have been featured in numerous international film festivals.
Elise Abdalla - Assistant Editor
Born in Manhattan, NYC, Elise has always had a passion for the arts, whether it be film, photography, theater, music, fine arts or design. She attended NYU and FIT, where she studied video editing, graphic design, marketing and advertising. She received a BFA in Graphic Design as well as Associates degrees in Communication Design and Liberal Arts.
Elise got her professional start in 2008 working at Live Nation in NYC for music artists as a video editor, videographer and graphic designer. This path eventually led her to relocate to Los Angeles, CA in 2011 to work for a variety of clients and entertainment companies such as Disney / Hollywood Records, AOL, Relativity Media, Hello Sunshine and more.
Specializing in incorporating all sides of production from conception to marketing to execution, Elise strives to create unique, original content that stands out and reflects an artistic vision from a wide range of perspectives and styles. She currently resides in Long Beach, CA, where she works with clients from all over the world.
Filip Pianowski (aka Fumo) — Original Composition“Show Me This World”
Is a classically trained musician and contemporary songwriter whose diverse background spans piano, violin, and opera vocals. With over a decade of formal training and live performance experience—including U.S. tour appearances with Paktofonika and numerous concerts in Poland—Filip blends pop, rap, and cinematic elements into emotionally resonant soundscapes.
As a contributing songwriter and composer for Marathons Across America, Filip is developing a dynamic, cross-genre soundtrack that fuses modern pop with folk and Americana influences. His work draws inspiration from artists like Imagine Dragons and Kwiat Jabłoni, aiming to reflect the emotional depth and cultural journey of Tomasz Sobania’s 3,300-mile run across the United States.
Devan Saez - Composer
A senior at Hofstra University studying Music Theory & Composition, with plans to pursue a master’s in Music Education. Devan is a passionate composer and performer, his works have been featured in projects such as Yours Truly Conversations and the Percussion on the Sound seminar.
As a percussionist, Devan also performs with multiple bands, appearing at venues across NYC. With a strong foundation in music theory, performance, and education, Devan continues to build a career dedicated not only to his own creative growth, but also to aspiring artists.
Artur Jakobik — Embedded Cameraman & Drone Operator & Associate Producer
Hails from Poland, bringing a unique fusion of scientific precision and artistic vision to filmmaking. With a Master’s Degree in Acoustic Engineering, Artur applies his deep understanding of physics, mathematics, and problem-solving to the creative world of visual storytelling. His engineering mindset fuels his hands-on approach—whether he’s rigging equipment on the fly or finding innovative ways to capture compelling narratives, he thrives in the raw, unpredictable nature of adventure filmmaking.
Artur is more than just a filmmaker; he’s a relentless seeker of stories, dedicated to making the extraordinary feel tangible and the everyday feel cinematic. His ability to blend technical expertise with emotional depth ensures that every shot has purpose, every frame is intentional. His no-nonsense attitude and unwavering commitment to his craft make him an invaluable force behind Marathons Across America.
For a project that demands endurance, adaptability, and an eye for both scale and detail, Artur is the perfect fit. His experience capturing fast-paced, high-stakes environments allows him to translate the physical and emotional intensity of Tomasz Sobania’s journey into powerful, immersive visuals. Whether highlighting the grandeur of the American landscape or the quiet, personal moments of struggle and triumph, Artur ensures that Marathons Across America isn’t just seen—it’s felt.
Max Wexler - Graphic designer, Promotion Editor
A post-production wizard who has been working as an editor and assistant editor since 2017. In television, Max has worked on major streaming series for Apple TV and Prime Video. He has also produced and cut countless ads and promos for commercial clients. From 2020 to 2025, he maintained a close working relationship with the health news outlet SurvivorNet, serving as both a lead editor and digital asset manager. Additional skills include graphic design, motion design, and illustration. Max handles the creative side for much of Marathons Across America’s promotional and marketing material.
