About Us
So, Who Are We?
Mad Wife Productions was founded in 2020 by Andrew Arguello. We are an award-winning, full-service film production company specializing in high-quality storytelling.
We produce scripted narrative films, including features, shorts, TV shows, web series, and proofs of concept. Our team manages all phases of production to deliver a distribution-ready product. Our films have been screened at festivals and distributed on various online platforms, including Apple TV, iTunes, Tubi, Google Play Movies, Vudu, YouTube Movies, Amazon Prime Video, Eclipse 24/7, Plex, and Vimeo on Demand, among others.
Where Did the Name “Mad Wife” Come From?
The name “Mad Wife” has several origins, primarily stemming from the fact that our founder and CFO are married. Our founder often jokes that, given the film industry’s long and expensive days, he always considers, “Is this going to make my wife mad?” before making any business decisions.
What makes us unique?
Here are just a few things that set us apart from other production companies:
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Self-Sufficiency: We are fully self-sufficient, 100% of the time. We have all the crew, gear, cast, and locations needed to start production today.
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Our Mission: Madwife Productions was founded with the ideal of creating the highest quality films without compromising the integrity of the people involved.
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Equal Opportunity: We are an equal opportunity production company. We truly embrace diversity and welcome everyone for who they are.
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Flexibility & Problem Solving: “No” or “Can’t be done” isn’t in our vocabulary. We are incredibly flexible and work well with everyone, allowing us to think outside the box when solving problems.
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Community & Growth: We believe in the success and growth of everyone involved. As a filmmaking community, we rise and fall together, like the tides.
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Commitment to Excellence: We put 100% into every project and believe that rest and mindful scheduling create the best possible films.
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Prime Locations: Based in Northern Nevada, we have deep roots and great connections with amazing locations, including a full-size prison, a hospital, a university, high schools, street closures, Lake Tahoe, mountains, sand dunes, forests, deserts, mansions, lake houses, cabins, casinos, warehouses, ghost towns, and Virginia City—all within an hour’s drive from the international airport. We frequently use these locations and maintain strong relationships with them.
DO YOU OFFER PRODUCTION SUPPORT SERVICES FOR PROJECTS YOU ARE NOT THE HEAD PRODUCERS OF?
Absolutely! Our primary goal is to create and support exceptional films. We offer our services a la carte, allowing you to hire us for any specific needs you may have. We are dedicated to supporting and fostering the growth of the film community, with a particular focus on enhancing the film industry in Nevada.
Pre-production
- Writing Services
- Budget Breakdowns
- Script Breakdown
- Storyboard Creation
- Scouting and Securing Locations
- Casting Talent
- Art Department Preparation
- Permitting and Insurances
- Shoot Scheduling
- Crew Breakdown and Hiring
- Shot List Creation
- Tech Scouting
- Gear Build Up and Prep
Production
- Crew (Can provide all roles above and below the line)
- Camera
- Camera Support
- Crane’s, Jibs, Dollies, and Gimbals
- Lighting
- Lighting Support
- Lighting Power and Generators
- Transportation
- Location Management
- Craft Services
- Meal Services
- Sound Recording
Post-production
- Assembly
- Syncing
- Editing
- Color Correction
- Color Grading
- Sound Editing
- Re-Recording
- Sound Mixing
- Stereo and 5.1 Mixing
- Storage and Server Management
- DCP Creation
- Final Delivery Management and
Exporting
Distribution
- Delivery of Film Deliverables for Theatrical and Streaming
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Partnerships with
- Distribution and Aggregator companies
- Self-Distribution
- Poster Creation
- Trailer Creation
- Social Media Marketing Creation
- Print and Advertising
Deliverables to P&A Firms - Experience with Advertisers such as –
- Billboards
- TV ads
- Facebook, Instagram, TikTok,
YouTube Marketing
Product Placement & Sponsorship Opportunities
Product placement is a great way for your business to be seen in an organic fulfilling way. Brands such as Coke, Disney, Pepsi, Apple, Sony, etc. have used product placement to reach more end users more effectively than just about any other type of marketing. If you have a product or brand and would like to see it on the big screen, please reach out for more information.
Development & Mentorship
Are you an aspiring filmmaker?
We offer internships, workshops, and mentorships in filmmaking and screenwriting.
We offer full screenwriting, editing and script development services.
We have worked with writers and producers around the world and developed content all the way from an idea to a finalized screenplay.
Whether you are looking for mentorship or final polish and budget, we provide individualized service with award-winning writers and filmmakers.
Do you fund movies?
At Mad Wife Productions we want to see everyone get to create their dream project. If you have a concept, idea, or project with at least some funding please reach out as we may be interested in helping fund or create your project.
Some of the companies we have partnered with
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Meet the Team
Andrew Arguello
Owner / Cinematographer
Andrew’s journey in the world of filmmaking is a testament to resilience, passion, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. His career began at the age of 18 when he joined Walt Disney straight out of high school. Working across Disney’s operations in Florida and California, Andrew immersed himself in animation but ultimately discovered his profound love for cinematography and storytelling.
In 2015, he founded Reno Tahoe Graphics, a company specializing in commercial videography. Fueled by a desire to create impactful narratives, Andrew expanded his horizons in 2020 with the launch of Mad Wife Productions. This new venture became a platform for him to produce high-quality films, all from his beloved hometown of Reno, Nevada.
Andrew’s approach to filmmaking is characterized by a deep appreciation for collaboration and a commitment to entertaining audiences. His extensive experience on countless sets in various roles has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of production dynamics, enabling him to lead his team with insight and empathy. As a Director of Photography, Andrew places paramount importance on communication, recognizing that effective dialogue with the team is the cornerstone of a successful production.
Beyond his professional achievements, Andrew’s generosity shines through in his role as a mentor. His first question to anyone he meets is, “What’s your dream?” This simple yet profound interaction opens a dialogue for individuals to share their ambitions and creative aspirations. Throughout his career, he has selflessly shared his knowledge and expertise, opening doors for countless individuals eager to enter the industry.
Looking ahead, Andrew envisions a bright future for the film community, particularly in Nevada. His dedication and hard work have earned him the admiration and respect of his peers.
MJ Palo
Writer / Producer / Director
MJ is an award-winning screenwriter, director, and producer. She has either written, produced, directed or a combination of the three on many films.
Amanda Arguello
CFO / CPA / Producer
Amanda has been on this journey with us since day one. She has been a crucial part of our success in managing the business side of things. She graduated from UNR with her Masters in Business and Accounting and is a certified CPA.
Gregory Klino
Key Swing / Crane Op
Gregory has been a part of the local Reno film community for more than 15 years.
He began his career as an Actor and over the years has had the opportunity to learn many of the other roles on a film set, settling comfortably as a guide and mentor to many on set.
He also works as a Traveling Teacher with the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival.
We are so incredibly lucky to have this talented guy on our team!
Krystal (with a K)
Assistant Director / Actor / Artist
Krystal (with a K) is a multidisciplinary artist known for her spoken word poetry, acrylic and ink artworks, and more recenlty her acting. After acting in several Mad Wife films Krystal also found a home behind the camera as one of our Assistant Directors, Set Designers, and Set Artists.
Chandler Murphy
Gaffer
Chandler has a passion for learning new skills most notably in technology he currently has certifications in many different fields of tech and construction. You can find him either at his Computer, flying drones, or even on a construction site. Chandler has enjoyed his time as a grip and working on Mad Wife Production films such as “Target List”, “Final Girl”, “Nidstang” etc.
leif Oberth
Sound Mixer
Brie Albright
Assistant Camera
Brie Albright graduated from UNR with a bachelor’s in Theater and a minor in Cinema Studies. During their time in college, they directed a play in the One Act Festival as well as acted in The Power of One. They also directed several short films and was the President of the UNR film club their senior year.
Brie’s passion and profound love for story telling led them to the world of entertainment and they haven’t looked back since. They are very driven in their craft and always looking to expand their skill set. They have been placed in many roles on MadWife’s sets such as PA, AC, boom op, and has even made an appearance in front of the camera, despite Brie’s own objections. Thankfully, Brie can mostly be found behind the camera where they are excited to learn and grow as a filmmaker.
MP Poole
Assistant Producer
Melissa is an Assistant Producer at Mad Wife Productions. She specializes primarily in content acquisition and marketing and is also the administrative assistant of the Reno-Tahoe Screenplay Contest.
Quinn Cooper
Post Production Sound Lead
Have you noticed just how good our movies sound? Quinn and his team at Enhanced Media are our go to team for all Mad Wife’s post production audio needs. The movie truly comes to life once their teams work is done.
Check them out at https://enhanced.media
Kendall Mann
Assistant Editor / Assistant Camera
When Kendall’s not watching movies, she’s helping make them!Kendall is often found hunched over a computer bringing movies, advertisements, designs, videos and anything else you can think of to life. She has an associates degree in editing and animation, and is constantly creating with her bearded dragon, Ghibli, by her side.A writer, an editor, a boom op and a PA, Kendall is always there to help you make the perfect movieor to at least pet dogs on set to keep them from barking during a take!
Stephen Zideck
Sound Mixer
Steve is our veteran sound mixer. When not enjoying time with his family at his cabin he can be found on set teaching and guiding crew. (Always trying to guide them towards audio!)
Steve has been working with audio in film and video for over 20 years.
Steve’s brightness and amazing attitude always keeps the set feeling warm and fuzzy!
Aiden Melendez
Key Grip
Aiden is President of University of Nevada, Reno’s film club, and is excited for the future of filmmaking in Reno. Even though he’s studying as an English major, it’s all for the goal of being a student and participant in filmmaking. Aiden started with film in by working with Mad Wife Productions, which has inspired him to begin making his own short films. Aiden can’t wait to keep helping Mad Wife Productions and film in Northern Nevada grow!
Jennifer McWhirter
VFX Supervisor / Compositer
Jenn is a vfx artist / compositer. She has her AAS for Graphic Communications and Design. She’s a Painter, Artist, and an avid self learner. If she doesn’t know it, she is happy to figure it out. When she’s not working or creating, she’s spoiling her dogs.
Jennifer Bunn
CCO / Set Dec
Jennifer assisted behind the scenes on a horror film in 2020 out in Fallon, and has been hooked on helping behind the scenes ever since. Starting out as a volunteer production assistant, she has shown an eagerness to work in any position that is thrown at her. When she is not helping to set up, working sound, producing, working on her own screenplay or making some delicious coffee, she’s running around with her camera trying to capture as many behind the scenes moments as she can.
Stephen Bunn
Journeyman Electrician
Stephen Bunn is a Journeyman Electrician, actor, writer, producer and Nevada native. His drive for learning new skills and passion for art makes him an asset on any project. Most notably he’s worked on Feature-films “Dollface: Terror on Route Nine”, and “Carp-e Diem”, as well as shorts “Waking up Eighty”, “Target List”, “Working Stiffs” “Cannibal Mukbang”, “Tree O’Mine” etc.
NICK JOSTEN
Actor / VO Talent / Writer
Nick Josten has had a very logical career progression: English teacher in Japan, librarian in Canada, actor/comedian/writer/director/producer in Reno. If it’s fun and creative, Nick will most likely be somewhere nearby cracking dumb jokes.
Lynzie Ruecker
Special Effects Master of Gore
Lynzie is another amazing find Mad Wife Productions (MWP) feels so honored to have teamed up with.
Lynzie among many businesses she owns specializes in creating ultra-realistic gore and wounds for EMTs in training. That way they can practice what it will be like to work with the real injuries.
Naturally, these skills work amazingly for our industry! Oh, and she also is amazing at makeup!
Justine Reyes
Casting Agent
Justine is the owner of Tru Talent Agency and we are so lucky to be partnered with her!
Justine brings to the table the highest quality actors and actresses in the area.
She is a trusted name in Northern Nevada offering Acting, Modeling, and other classes while also being an amazing casting agent.
