Meet the 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.
Melissa Gagliardi – Director of Photography & Producer
A new-age filmmaker with a passion for heartfelt storytelling, Melissa Gagliardi brings both cinematic artistry and production expertise to Marathons Across America as Director of Photography and Producer.
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. As Production Manager of Outen the Light (SAG Feature Film), she successfully managed all departments, ensuring the film stayed on schedule and under budget. 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/Producer for ABC’s Good Morning America and World News Tonight 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.
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.
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.
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.