Our Team
We’ve surrounded ourselves with a seasoned team & advisory board that carries vast knowledge and experiences across multiple industries and business disciplines to ensure that the health and sustainability of the company is setup for success “Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision, the ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” — Andrew Carnegie
JOHNNY REMO
CEO & EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Johnny Remo is a filmmaker, entrepreneur, and entertainment executive with extensive experience developing, financing, producing, directing, and distributing independent motion pictures.
As founder and CEO of SkipStone Pictures, the production arm of SkipStone Studios, Remo oversees the company’s creative and business strategy, guiding projects from development and financing through production, post-production, distribution, and release.
Since founding SkipStone Pictures in 2007, he has produced more than 15 feature films and has written, produced, and directed nine. His projects have featured Academy Award-winning and nominated actors Nicolas Cage, John Malkovich, Harvey Keitel, and Graham Greene, along with Stephen Lang, Dolph Lundgren, Christina Ricci, and Billy Ray Cyrus. He has also produced content for Screen Media, Saban Films, and Lionsgate.
Combining creative vision with disciplined business leadership, Remo has built SkipStone around an efficient, cost-conscious studio model focused on producing commercially viable film and television for theatrical, streaming, television, and international audiences.
Known for his hands-on, collaborative approach, he works closely with filmmakers, talent, investors, distributors, and production partners to create ambitious, audience-driven entertainment with global market potential.
DANIEL BACKMAN
EVP OF DEVELOPMENT TEAM Daniel Backman, co-writer and co-producer of the films, Cutback (2010), Hardflip (2012), and Like a Country Song (2014), has reteamed with Johnny Remo and Skipstone Pictures to co-write the series, Saved By Grace (2022) and the soon to be released feature film, Gods Country Song.
Daniel currently has another show, Way Back In The Woods in development and the soon to be produced feature film The Mission, a family friendly WW2 picture. He also recently worked as the Production Supervisor on the soon to be released feature film, Hellfire (2023) starring Harvey Keitel, Dolph Lundgren and Stephen Lang.
LESA CROWELL
PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE Lesa Wolfe Crowell was a parole officer, specialized law enforcement officer, certified law enforcement instructor and the Sex Offender Aftercare Coordinator for North Central Arkansas.
She's worked with SkipStone Pictures for several years and on a multitude of other company projects from being a UPM to Producer and has been an asset to SkipStone Pictures.
Advisory Board
DR. SCOTTY BOLDING
Dr. Bolding, DDS, MS, FACS A native of Arkansas, Dr. Bolding began his educational training at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where he earned his B.S. in 1985. He then attended Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas, where he earned his D.D.S. in 1989. He earned his postdoctoral Master’s in Craniofacial Biology at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, in 1992, followed by his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery certification in 1993.
A Diplomate and former examiner of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Bolding completed his dental education at Baylor College of Dentistry and his residency training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Baylor University Medical Center. Throughout his career, he has combined extensive surgical experience with an orthopedic approach to the bones, joints, and structures of the face and jaw.
A strong advocate for greater awareness and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Bolding evaluates and performs advanced airway procedures designed to improve breathing, sleep quality, and overall health. His work focuses on identifying structural airway problems and providing surgical solutions for patients whose sleep apnea may not be adequately managed through conventional treatments.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Bolding is an educator, published author, lecturer, and healthcare entrepreneur who has helped establish multidisciplinary centers dedicated to oral, facial, airway, and dental medicine.
Dr. Bolding is married to Hilary Bolding and is a devoted father and grandfather.
MICHAEL CURYLO
ENTERTAINMENT ATTORNEY Michael is an entertainment lawyer, with an extensive practice representing producers, feature films, television projects, documentaries, reality shows, distributors, talent, and nonprofit film foundations. He also has a background as a filmmaker and producer and lends his experience to help navigate the entire production to distribution.
Additionally, Michael’s practice extends to technology and film, where he has managed business affairs for streaming video on demand platforms that have $20+ million per year in live streaming technology spend to get their content from a server to your screens.
Michael has a J.D. from Regent Law with a visiting year at Pepperdine University, A.M.S. from SMU in management and a B.S. from Letourneau in computer science.
RHONDA ZIPPRO
PUBLICIST
Rhonda Zippro is a veteran entertainment publicist with over 37 years shaping projects across music, television, and film. Her career includes collaborations with major networks and brands such as CBS, NBC, The WB, The CW, FOX Entertainment, Universal Records, and the Starbucks Music Department. Rhonda has represented and supported a wide range of actors, authors, musicians, and filmmakers, building a reputation for sharp instincts and longstanding industry relationships. She has also worked closely with Johnny Remo for several years, contributing to SkipStone Pictures projects through strategic outreach, visibility campaigns, and industry-driven marketing.
JOE DONALDSON
Business Strategist Joe Donaldson is a business leader, military veteran, and community advocate with deep roots in Northwest Arkansas.
After graduating from Springdale High School in 1996, Joe served 10 years in the United States Army, including deployments to Iraq. His military experience shaped the discipline, leadership, and commitment to service that continue to guide his career.
In 2006, Joe joined his family’s business, Sam’s Furniture, becoming president in 2009. Under his leadership, the company has experienced continued growth and expansion, becoming Arkansas’ largest furniture destination.
Joe believes business success should be measured not only by revenue, but by its impact on people and the community. Through Sam’s Furniture, he supports charitable organizations, outreach initiatives, and mission programs locally and internationally.
He also serves on several state and local boards, including the Arkansas Furniture Association and organizations supporting the Arkansas State Police. His leadership philosophy is grounded in continuous improvement, personal responsibility, and service to others.
Joe and his wife, Larra, are proud parents of two daughters, Destinee and Nevaeh.