Team

Suzanne Luna

Director & Producer

Suzanne Luna is a six-time Daytime Emmy Award-winning Latina director/producer, celebrated for her expertise in comedy, documentary, branded content, and narrative fiction. Best known for her 15-year tenure at The Ellen DeGeneres Show, her work garnered more than 750 million views across platforms. She also helmed six seasons of the Emmy-nominated Momsplaining with Kristen Bell, earning three Webby Awards and 285+ million views. From small crews to large-scale productions, directing nationally and internationally, Suzanne is renowned for her sharp instincts, lightning-fast execution, and ability to engage with talent. Across all genres, she believes in the power of humor to uplift, connect, and heal.

Albie Hecht

Producer

Albie Hecht is an award-winning producer. As president of Nickelodeon, he oversaw the development and production of “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Dora the Explorer,” “Blue’s Clues,” and “All That,” co-created and executive produced “The Kids Choice Awards,” and produced the Oscar nominated movie “Jimmy Neutron.” Hecht became creator and President of Spike TV and General Manager of CNN’s Headline News Network before joining pocket.watch as Chief Content Officer, where he created and executive produced Emmy nominated “Ryan’s Mystery Playdate.” Hecht co-founded and Chairs the nonprofit Shine Global, where he produced Oscar nominee and Emmy Award winner War/Dance, and Oscar-winning documentary short, Inocente.

Corey Martin Craig

Executive Producer / Film Protagonist

Corey Martin Craig is an award-winning producer, director, and the founder of Cool Beans Comedy, Los Angeles’ premiere stand-up comedy brand. As an expert comedy coach, he has helped performers of all ages—from 8 to 80—refine their craft, find their unique voice, and elevate their stage presence. Corey is a champion for the underdog, believing in the power of heartfelt and hilarious comedy to connect with people and heal through laughter. A three-time TEDx speaker and accomplished performer, Corey has appeared on top-tier networks and streaming platforms, including Nickelodeon, FOX, ABC, NBC, Showtime, TNT, and Netflix. With a career that spans multiple facets of comedy and entertainment, Corey Martin Craig continues to shape the future of comedy by inspiring the next generation of performers to find their voice.

Kevin Kay

Executive Producer

Kevin Kay is a writer/producer and creative executive responsible for creating and developing award-winning, culture-driving, distinctive global franchises that entertain millions. He is currently President of DJKay Entertainment, a full-service multi-platform production company focused on scripted and non-fiction programming. Recent series include Nickelodeon’s “All That” and “Warped” as well as the documentaries “Comedy Against the Odds,” “#MySocialTruth” and the upcoming series “Ultimate Pickleballers.” Previously, Kay served as President of Paramount Network/Spike TV, CMT, and TV Land and as SVP Development of Nickelodeon. Among the enduring franchises he shepherded during his long tenure at media-giant Viacom/Paramount are “Yellowstone” “The UFC”, “Lip Sync Battle” and “SpongeBob SquarePants.”

Susan MacLaury

Executive Producer

Susan MacLaury is the co-founder of Shine Global. She has a dual degree in social work administration and health education and was an associate professor of health education at Kean University from 1994 through 2013. She completed two years of post-masters training in clinical social work and had a private practice for several years. Susan was executive producer of Emmy Award®-winning, Academy Award®-nominated documentary War/Dance, Academy Award® Winner Inocente, The Harvest (La Cosecha),1 Way Up in 3D, The Eagle Huntress, Liyana, From This Small Place, Comedy Against the Odds, Home Is Somewhere Else, and Tre Maison Dasan, along with producing The Wrong Light and Virtually Free.

Alexandra Blaney

Executive Producer

Alexandra Blaney is the Co-CEO, Creative Director at Shine Global. Alex produced the Oscar-nominated live action film Anuja, Through Our Eyes: Homefront (HBOMax), Virtually Free, and episodes of the Webby-nominated digital series “The Election Effect.” She also Executive Produced the documentaries From This Small Place, Comedy Against the Odds, co-produced the Ariel Award-winning Home Is Somewhere Else, The Wrong Light, and 1 Way Up in 3D, and served as Associate Producer on the Academy Award® winning short documentary film Inocente. She also develops and manages the outreach and engagement programs for Shine Global’s films and created Shine Global’s Resilience Awards.

ABOUT SHINE GLOBAL

Shine Global is a non-profit media company that improves children’s lives by telling powerful stories that raise awareness, promote action, and inspire change. We produce inspiring films and compelling content about underserved children. Through tailored distribution and outreach, we connect with our audiences in communities, classrooms, museums, and on Capitol Hill as part of a powerful engagement campaign to encourage social change.

Since its founding in 2005 by Albie Hecht and Susan MacLaury, Shine Global films have won more than 100 major awards, including an Academy Award® for Best Documentary Short Subject for Inocente, an Academy Award® nomination Best Live Action Short for Anuja and an Academy Award® nomination and two Emmys® for War/Dance. Recent films include the documentary-animation hybrid Liyana, the hit documentary The Eagle Huntress, Through Our Eyes: Homefront which is available on HBOMax and PBS, and Home Is Somewhere Else.

For more information visit www.shineglobal.org.

Cool Beans Comedy

Founded in 2009, Cool Beans Comedy is proud to be recognized for its contributions to the comedy community, having won two Webby Awards for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. With over 100 million views on social media for its stand-up comedy clips, Cool Beans has become a powerhouse of laughter, inspiration, and entertainment—reaching audiences around the globe and helping to elevate diverse voices in comedy.

At its core, Cool Beans Comedy believes that comedy is a universal language that transcends barriers and brings people together. Under the expert guidance of Corey Martin Craig, founder and coach, and the creative direction of Suzanne Luna, producer and director, Cool Beans has earned a reputation as the most supportive and encouraging brand in the comedy world. Here, comedians of all levels can refine their craft, build confidence, and find their authentic voice in a positive, nurturing environment.

For more information visit www.coolbeanscomedy.com 

DJKAY Entertainment

Launched by Kevin Kay, DJKay Entertainment is a full-service multi-platform production company focused on scripted and non-fiction programming. Recent series include Nickelodeon’s “All That” and “Warped” as well as the documentaries “Comedy Against the Odds,” “#MySocialTruth” and the upcoming series “Ultimate Pickleballers.”

Derek & Martha Productions

Founded in 2023 by Suzanne Luna, Corey Martin Craig, and Kevin Kay, Derek & Martha Productions is a creative powerhouse dedicated to exploring the transformative power of comedy. The company produces projects that showcase how humor can heal, connect, and inspire. Suzanne Luna, a six-time Daytime Emmy® Award-winning producer and director, brings decades of experience in comedy and television to the team. Corey Martin Craig is a multi-talented producer, performer, and founder of Cool Beans Comedy, where he teaches and mentors emerging comedians. Kevin Kay, an industry veteran, is the visionary behind iconic platforms Nickelodeon, SpikeTV and Paramount Network where he helped develop beloved hit franchises such as SpongeBob SquarePants, The UFC, Lip Sync Battle and Yellowstone.bTogether, these three creatives have joined forces to create meaningful, laughter-filled content that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Film Credits

Shine Global Presents

A Derek & Martha Production

In Association With

DJKay Entertainment

Cool Beans Comedy

Directed and Produced By
Suzanne Luna

Produced By
Albie Hecht

Executive Producers
Corey Martin Craig
Kevin Kay
Susan MacLaury
Alexandra Blaney

Editor
John Rantz

Director of Photography

Tyler Henderson