CARRIE COAPLEN: Director/Producer/Galactic Starcruiser Superfan
Carrie Coaplen, a four time Starcruiser passenger, fell in love with the Halcyon after her first trip in September of 2022. Like many of you, she immediately began convincing friends and family to return with her to experience the journey. She traveled with suitemates in June 2023, then again with her brother, nephew and husband in August 2023. Her final trip was aboard the third to last voyage, during which she recorded filmed her experience. She views this project as a meaningful memorialization for YOU, and for us, the Galactic Starcruiser community. She is also a native Louisvillian, has been teaching writing for over twenty years, and holds three degrees in English including a Creative Writing MFA from George Mason University and a PhD in Rhetoric and Composition from the University of Louisville. Her love of nonfiction writing connects with this project through a desire to understand who we are by reflecting on profound life experiences such as the Starcruiser. Why do we love it so deeply? How did it change us? What makes the Starcruiser work such powerful magic? And, finally, what happens now that the Starcruiser is closed? What will become of its close knit, fervent community?
Dr. Carrie Coaplen's CV, including publications, appointments, awards, and achievements, can be viewed here.
CARLY KOCUREK: Producer/Lead Researcher
Carly Kocurek researches games and play and has more than 15 years of experience as an interviewer. She has published two books, Coin-Operated Americans (Minnesota, 2015) and Brenda Laurel (Bloomsbury, 2017). While serving as Professor of Digital Humanities and Media Studies at Illinois Tech, she also serves on the research, interpretation, and education board of the Strong Museum of Play. She's an award-winning game designer and has appeared as an on-screen expert for Insert Coin (2020) and The Toys That Built America (The History Channel).
Dr. Kocurek’s bio with active links can be accessed here, on her academic webpage via Illinois Tech
BEN DAUGHTREY: Executive Producer
Mr. Daughtrey is a multi-talented show business veteran whose accomplishments include producing and editing Official Sundance Selection feature film 100 Proof, three Emmy nominations for editing (PBS documentary If I Can’t Do It, the 2002 Academy Awards, and Extreme Makeover- Home Edition), producing, directing and editing a series of post-Katrina documentaries for Arnold Advertising and Southern Comfort entitled New Orleans Stories, and serving as executive producer on the docu-series Bordertown Laredo for the A&E Network, and Breaking Point for Discovery I.D. The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia, a 2009 film Daughtrey edited, was an official selection at multiple film festivals including Tribeca and the L.A. Film Fest. It is now widely viewed on Showtime, Netflix and other media outlets. Most recently he edited the documentary film Scandalous for CNN and Magnolia Pictures, and Telemarketers for HBO, Elra, and Roughhouse Pictures. Mr. Daughtrey's IMDB page.
KENZIE GREER: Director of Photography/Editor
Kenzie Greer, a passionate cinematographer and post-production editor specializing in documentary work, brings a unique touch to storytelling. A proud graduate with a degree in anthropology and film from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where her academic journey laid the foundation for a career which is now based in Louisville, KY. Kenzie excels in independent filmmaking, capturing the raw and authentic aspects of diverse human experiences. As a cinematographer, camera/sound operator, and post-production editor, she skillfully weaves together compelling narratives. Kenzie has collaborated with a wide range of clients, from grassroots projects and organizations to nationally recognized institutions. With a portfolio of over 30 films and participation in multiple film fellowships, her work extends to renowned entities such as the National Holocaust Museum, HGTV, Hallmark, GE Appliances, and numerous non-profit organizations. Kenzie's journey is characterized by a passion for capturing untold stories. Looking ahead, she aspires to continue her impactful work, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and contributing to the ever-evolving landscape of documentary filmmaking. Here is her IMDB page.
JONATHAN B. HAWPE: Producer/Writer
Jonathan Hawpe is a native Louisvillian who works as a visual artist, a high school librarian, and at Carmichael’s Bookstore. He also runs sound for Everything Cinema Productions. Jonathan attended Columbia College Chicago, studying film and creative writing. He also lived in Los Angeles, working in the film and music industries. He holds expertise in writing and editing through professional experience with film pre-production screenplay coverage, music licensing pitches, sales blurbs and trade reviews for book and music retail, as well as published movie reviews, arts criticism, and satirical cartooning. JBH Writing JBH Visual Art
JON BEACHY: Composer
Jon Beachy graduated from Berklee College of Music with a degree in Film Scoring, and is excited to bring those skills to the Halcyon Daze documentary. A life-long Star Wars fan, the soundtracks of John Williams inspired him into taking up music 30 years ago.