About Us

Jim Gill - President, Owner

A SAG Puppeteer, precision driver, pyro technician, inventor, mentor, and more. Jim oversees all special effects at Reel Efx. Jim also oversees the Research & Development Department, which is constantly challenged by film industry needs. He holds patents for the DF-50 Diffusion Fogger, Aerosol Diffusion Fog, Fan-Mount Mechanism, DAC Fan, Omni-Direction Treadmill, and the Man-Made Tornado. Jim is a member of ESTA & IATSE, has been a guest lecturer at UCLA for courses in film production, and serves as a mentor to aspiring patent holders.

Susan Milliken - Vice President, Owner

IATSE 44 Member, SAG Puppeteer, multi-media artist, pyro 3 card holder, and occasional stunt performer involving fire and tall buildings. Susan coordinates the special effects commercials, including bidding, procurement and implementation of effects jobs. Susan is the first point of contact for a director and team; working from concept to finished product. She attended the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, was a private gallery artist from '85 to '95, and is a worldwide muralist.

Rosy Romano - CFO

As Chief Finanical Officer, she is is responsible for all the financial and legal aspects of the corporation, as well as a key participant in the everyday operation of the effects jobs development. In addition, she supervises the manufacturing side of the corporation, from purchasing to sales, and new product development decisions. She has been working in the financial field since 1986, six years of which were spent in a reputable CPA firm. She joined the Reel Efx team in 1994.

Mark Ritner - Sales/Rental Manager

Responsible for all equipment sales and oversees the manufacture of new and existing products. He has a degree in electronic engineering from ITT and has been in sales and management for over 14 years. His first priority is to make sure that the customer is always satisfied with their product and the service they received.

Karyn Beaman - Stage/Facility Manager

In charge of all effects equipment rentals and maintenance. Karyn oversees loading of equipment for effects jobs and takes care of building maintenance. She is extremely knowledgeable in the needs of the customer and specifics for achieving their desired effect. She has been in the special effects industry for over 20 years.

Tristan Verstraeten - R&D/Mfg

Tristan takes part in the processes of communicating with clients, R&D, manufacturing, repairing, rentals, sales, and ordering equipment for the shop. He is also a member of the USCG (United States Coast Guard), a licensed masters 100 ton captain, a maritime safety coordinator, and a certified diver.

Tino Chicas - Manufacturing Supervisor

Tino manufactures and repairs Reel Efx's products. He has been with the company for over 20 years.

Jose Campos - Manufacturing

Jose manufactures and repairs Reel Efx's products.

Amber Milliken - Social Media Developer

Amber is a production assistant, social media developer, and stage director. She also utilizes scrap metal and other materials from the shop at Reel Efx to create original artistic pieces including jewelry and private gallery art. She attends USC for visual anthropology, is an equestrian, and enjoys yoga.