We Love Dreamers

Jason Waggenspack

Head of Possibilities

Jason A. Waggenspack is the founder and CEO of The Ranch Film Studios and partner in Neutral Ground Films. He is a Baton Rouge native who is a graduate of film from the University of New Orleans, where he was the George Wood Memorial Award winner. He is a Leadership St. Bernard graduate, the current Treasurer of Louisiana Film Entertainment Association, sits on the board of The Cool Cooperative and was the recent recipient of the Champions Award as Ambassador of Tourism from the Lt. Governor of Louisiana.

Jason has played an integral part in landing some of Louisiana’s biggest movies (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes, Terminator Genisys) and gone on to produced iPhone Apps (So You’re Dating A Vampire), web series (Below Sea Level, Arceneaux: Melpomene’s Song) and feature films (The Lookalike, Maggie, The True Don Quixote, Abby’s Joy).

His title at The Ranch is “Head of Possibilities” which reflects his extremely optimistic attitude about taking on just about anything!

Justin Hamilton

Curator of Calm

An Industry Vet and Recovering Locations Scout- Justin’s stripes were earned and his title confirmed on the streets.

From coordinating DOT interstate closures, downtown pyrotechnics, and landing creature comforts to cast and crew in the swamps, to operating a full-service movie studio, at an active NASA facility – Justin finds peace in the middle of storm and is committed to keeping the show on the road and between the lines.

In 2003, coupled with Louisiana’s tax incentive and University of New Orleans’s burgeoning film-school, Justin brought his talents to NOLA, from his hometown of Oklahoma City.

Credits include: Richard Jewell, The Hate U Give, Ford v. Ferrari, Venom, Respect, and Jurassic World.

Justin now serves as Director of Operations at The Ranch and is also an active member of the Location Managers Guild International and International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

Jimmy Hornbeak

Director of Amazement

Jimmy worked for Levi Strauss and Company for many years. In his last position, he served as Creative Director/Curator of Global Environments. In that role he acted as creative lead in the Levi’s brand building its first ever flagship store on San Francisco’s Union Square. He also served as Levi’s Marketing/Brand manager for 5 years. He believes that great brands are built through strong narrative and with keen insight for the consumer. Jimmy, at his core is a storyteller but… he will always be a brand guy.

Several years ago, Jimmy stepped off the Levi’s corporate ship to embark on a calling to be a filmmaker. He completed a Director’s program at NYU Film School where he later went on to form a story incubator/production company called, IAM/theclay. Through this production company he worked to package and market reality TV series and Independent films.

Jimmy would later be invited to help architect The Ranch Film Studios brand with the CEO, Jason Waggenspack. His current job as Chief Marketing Officer combines his love of marketing, branding, building meaningful spaces and story.

Jimmy’s title, Director of Amazement, reflects a small piece of his heart. He is always searching for the amazing and attempting to help others find their amazing. He still marvels at the absolute wonder and amazement of a great story. Jimmy has long held the belief that stories can and do change people’s lives.