The Team
Mike Stryker
Director & DOP
Mike Stryker, owner of Casting Life Films, is a Four-time Emmy, Grammy-nominated, 13-time Golden Addy Award winner, and two-time silver telly winner for producing, directing, and cinematography.
A few productions that Stryker has worked on include: Paramount Pictures / MTV’s “The Wild Wonderful Whites of West Virginia”, music videos such as CMT country artist Danielle Peck’s “Impossible Dreams” (placing top ten on CMT), Julie Roberts’ “Whiskey and You” (top ten on CMT), Beau Davidson’s “Blessed”, (which became the 2012 campaign video for Mitt Romney, Rick Monroe’s “Just the same” (nominated for a grammy for best Music video category). Stryker has also teamed up with many national organizations, producing films for companies such as Both Hands Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and many more.
Mike Stryker has received numerous awards for short films and commercial work as well. He has produced four feature documentaries narrated by celebrities such as James Denton of “Desperate Housewives”, which received an Emmy. Others celebrities include Chandra Wilson of “Grey’s Anatomy”, and Oscar and Golden globe winner Billy Bob Thornton. In addition his company did the cinematography work on the feature documentary “Two, The Story of Roman and Nero” starring Jon Bon Jovi and Desmond Child, which has received a numerous amount of awards and is currently playing in international festivals. Most recently Stryker created a short film commissioned by the Thailand Tourism Board to help promote Northern Thailand globally. Currently he is in production on his latest feature Documentary “Iron Will” Narrated By Billy Bob Thornton.
Brandon Thomas
Partner
Brandon Ray Thomas (born 19 February 1995) is an American hip-hop artist and producer from Atlanta, Georgia. He is commended for his versatile work approach in music composition and is considered
a pioneer of Atlanta’s trap sound. Early in his career, he produced various works for stars such as Kanye West, Madonna, and Jaden Smith before taking time aborad to focus on his solo projects. Well known for producing OG Maco’s hit song “U Guessed It”, which peaked at number 90 on Billboard’s Hot 100, Brandon changed the musical landscape and had a tremendous global imprint on the music industry. Internationally, his sound inspired a Japanese wave of trap music popularized by artists like Keith Ape. In the states, the single picked up industry cosigns from celebrities including Lil Wayne, J. Cole, Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, and Lupe Fiasco. After being heavily remixed in the EDM community, a new style of hip-hop and trap music became popularized. Brandon’s production style is featured in works still seen today with recent releases from artists like Playboi Carti, Lil Yachty, Trinidad James, and many others. Brandon’s music is said to be heavily inspired by early 80's funk, French house music, and old-school R&B textures. Sonically bridging house along with hip-hop style percussion, Brandon continues to experiment with sound and be an industry influencer. Having traveled to over 15 countries independently, Brandon has created projects with musicians from all over the globe and helped manage the creative development of many rising stars and upcoming talent. As a music innovator, Brandon continues to release new records and produce hits for others. His new album “If Animals Could Talk” was started in Paris, and finished in New York city at Platinum Sound Studios, mixed by Grammy award-winning engineer, Serge Tsai. The project shows Brandon’s range and versatility as an artist as it is an exciting mix of R&B, funk, and hip-hop. His recent crossover single, “Ima Text Her” was mixed and mastered by Leslie Braithwaite, the engineer behind Pharrell’s, “Happy” record. The single reached over 1 million views and received co-signs from music moguls like Diplo and Che Pope.
Micah Ellars
Director & Producer
Micah Ellars is an accomplished director and producer with a diverse portfolio, including work on MTV, music videos for artists like Trace Adkins, and commercials for major brands. His talent has earned him recognition, with nominations for best thriller short film and best trailer for The Killer Postman (2018) at the 2022 Spotlight International Film Festival. Micah’s broad industry experience and creative vision make him a standout in the world of film and video production.
skynnythatswhatsup
Artist & Producer
Skynnythatswhatsup is a highly accomplished producer with over 10 years of experience in the music industry. He boasts a number 1 and number 3 spot on the Billboard charts, along with two platinum plaques and 2 gold plaques. Skynny is accredited for his work with renowned artists such as NBA YoungBoy, Rich the Kid, YSL, Money Man, and for contributions to the anime show Attack on Titan S4. His impressive portfolio extends across hip hop and other genres, making him a standout figure in music production.
XRPvibes
Co-Founder & CEO
XRP Vibes is a visionary tech entrepreneur and blockchain pioneer who has been exploring and innovating in the blockchain space since 2015. With a deep background in programming, he has made significant strides in bridging the gap between multimedia and Web3. As the co-founder and CEO of BelleDreamia Productions, XRP Vibes is at the forefront of transforming the entertainment industry, utilizing decentralized technologies to empower creators, streamline digital content distribution, and provide new revenue models through NFTs and smart contracts. His extensive knowledge of blockchain technology, coupled with years of experience in multimedia production, allows him to lead BDP with a forward-thinking approach, creating a seamless integration of Web2 media and Web3 innovations. XRP Vibes is not only passionate about the future of blockchain but also dedicated to driving mass adoption by onboarding traditional media companies and artists into the decentralized world.
Derek Eldredge
Co-Founder & Creative Director
Derek “Olee” Eldredge is a seasoned professional with over 10 years of experience in film and production, most notably known for his work with Mad Media, The Mint 400 TV show, ESPN and his contributions to the off-road and action sports industry. As the founder of BDP, Derek combines his passion for directing and producing with his vision for the future of Web3 technology, pushing boundaries in both creative and digital landscapes.
