Meet Our Judges!

Jayson Warner Smith

Jayson Warner Smith is an award-winning actor known for his roles as Wendall Jelks on Rectify and Gavin on The Walking Dead. His film credits include The Birth of a Nation, Where the Crawdads Sing, American Made, and 99 Homes. Based in Atlanta, Jayson has also appeared in numerous Sundance premieres and teaches acting.

Akilah Waldon-Bryant

Akilah, a veteran of the adult film industry, captivating dancer, intuitive artist, and spellbinding singer. With over two decades of experience, she’s won awards in acting and modeling, led global productions, and trained with top pros. In Atlanta, she tells stories that uplift sex workers and redefines intimacy.

Marcella caudill

Marcella Caudill is a costume designer with credits in film and TV. Notable projects include Blue Beetle, Ozark, the Emmy Award-Winning show Wandavision, On the Come Up, and Hidden Figures. She’s worked on major films like I, Tonya, The Originals, and Zombieland: Double Tap

olubajo Sonubi

Olubajo Sonubi is an award-winning director, producer, and casting director known for Clean Slate, The Earth Will Not Swallow Us, and TV hits like Cobra Kai, The Vampire Diaries, Containment, and Legacies. As a senior partner at KSQD Media, he produces films and teaches at Georgia State, inspiring new artists.

Jennifer Reeder

The Trick-or-Treat Film Fest is thrilled to welcome Jennifer Reeder as this year’s judge! Reeder is an acclaimed filmmaker, artist, and screenwriter from Chicago. Her film A Million Miles Away was nominated for a Tiger Award at IFFR and screened at Sundance. She’s earned over 40 awards worldwide, including at SXSW and Berlin.

Ricardo Yanis

A retired NYPD detective, Ricardo holds a master’s in forensic science from the University of New Haven with certifications in crime scene investigation and forensic microscopy. He is currently the Director and Assistant Professor of Forensic Science at Edward Waters University, and founded their forensic science degree program in 2022.

Hillary Warren

Hillary Warren is a seasoned expert with nearly two decades in scenic design, prop fabrication, and beauty/SFX makeup across film, TV, stage, and more. Collaborating frequently with pro SFX artist Brad Shier, she brings creative visions to life with precision and skill, honed through formal training and extensive hands-on experience on sets and productions.

Brad Shier

Brad Shier is an award-winning SFX makeup artist and creative scenic artist known for his work on American Exorcist and the award-winning film Back to You. With expertise in custom prop fabrication, Brad specializes in screen makeup effects like injuries, blood rigs, puppets, and creature suits, making him a dynamic force in the industry.

Rob Mello

Robert Mello is a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, with over two decades of experience as an actor, improviser, and coach. He was an on-set coach for MTV’s Finding Carter and served as VP of Development at Hazy Mills (Grimm, Hot in Cleveland) in Los Angeles. Robert’s impressive acting credits include sharing the screen with Tom Hardy in Venom, Ed Helms in Father Figures, and Hugh Jackman in Prisoners. As the founder of Atlanta’s renowned Robert Mello Studio, a Meisner-based acting studio, he has cultivated top-tier talent that has gone on to win Tony awards and Golden Globes. Additionally, he served as producer for award-winning films like Coffee and Kill Boss. He’s a true pro both in front of the camera and behind the scenes, and we’re thrilled to have him on our judging panel this year.