tella story
ATHAZAGORA
THE MAKING OF ATHAZAGORA
MEDIA FEATURES
COLLABORATORS
COLLABORATORS
&
COLLABORATORS
"There
Are
No
Excuses,
Only
Solutions"
Former 2Tone Films intern Michael “Dooma” Wendschuh secured a 6 figure deal with Disney for worldwide rights to his treatment for a reimagined live-action adaptation of "The Wind in the Willows."
Former 2Tone Films intern Chris Pegg produced six seasons of The Apprentice and VH1’s I Want to Work for Diddy, and is currently producing the comedy series Before We Get Started featuring Dave Chappelle and other top comedy talent.
Former 2Tone Films intern Maynard Lantimo worked as an additional cameraman on America’s Next Top Model and as best boy electric on "Justice", a Tribeca Film Festival Jury Award nominee.
AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL
2025, Former 2Tone Films intern David Presto was Nominated for an Oscar for Best Achievement in Makeup & Hairstyling for "A Different Man"
MAYNARD LANTIMO
DAVID PRESTO
ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE
INSIDE THE LAB
The Film Lab is not a film school and it is not a traditional course. It is a long standing mentorship system built on real world filmmaking experience, where students learn by developing, producing, and completing actual film projects.
For over 20 years, the focus has been simple: take people with a passion for storytelling and guide them through the real process of making films, from concept to execution.
Students are not treated like students. They are treated like filmmakers in training. That means learning how to think through production problems, build stories that can actually be shot, and understand how creative decisions translate on set, in post-production, and in the real world of film financing and distribution.
The program is designed for people who want to move beyond theory and into action. Every part of the experience is centered around building real work: short films, story development, pitch materials, and production thinking that mirrors professional environments.
There is no passive learning here. Everything is built around doing.
What comes out of The Film Lab is not just knowledge, it is completed work, creative confidence, and a practical understanding of how films actually get made outside of the classroom.
TRIBECA
FILM FESTIVAL
student outcomes
DAVID PRESTO
EMMY AWARD WINNER
DUANE WANDLESS
DEREK KOEN
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Former 2Tone Films intern Duane Wandless went on to Executive Produce feature films including "Love & Suicide" and "The Unseen", following his placement on a Lisa France production.
In 2019, former 2Tone Films intern David Presto earned an Emmy Award in makeup for his work on "Fosse/Verdon".
Former 2Tone Films intern Derek Koen went on to Associate Produce "Rock the Paint", recipient of the Tribeca All Access Creative Promise Award, and direct his own films including "Ghetto Fabulous" and "Beyond the Bricks."
MICHAEL WENDSCHUH
DISNEY
CHRIS PEGG
THE APPRENTICE
THE MICHEAL "DOOMA" WENDSCHUH STORY
Michael Wendschuh didn’t arrive with a title. He arrived as an intern.
It was near the end of my first feature film, Love Goggles. My producer had interviewed him without me. One day, I walked into the production office and saw this fidgety kid trying to look busy.
He met me on one of my most stressful days, so our introduction was quick. Nothing about that moment suggested what was coming.
But almost immediately, I started noticing something.
Michael was taking extremely bold initiatives. The kind I wouldn’t have had the nerve to take when I was starting out. Then one day, my Producer pulled me aside.
“Tony… do you think it’s a good idea that the interns are calling the agent?”
I paused. “What do you mean?”
He said, “I called our agent to give him updates on the production and he asked why I was calling, because Michael already given him the dates days earlier.”
Then Michael came to me with ten pages of a well-researched winning strategy for the Hollywood Black Film Festival. Not just ideas but plans of execution plans. He even had a custom logo designed for the film placed throughout the presentation.
Then he built a press kit… with a team he assembled himself.
I was beyond impressed. But not everyone felt the same.
A few days later, my Publicist came to me furious. She said Michael was stepping on her toes and demanded I speak with him. Now my Producer and Publicist were frustrated. So I called Michael in and I laid out their concerns.
He listened… smiled… and then said:
“With all due respect, Tony, we don’t have time for egos. The festival is in two weeks. The goal is to win, right?”
I looked at him… and returned the smile.
“Do your thing.” And he did.
Days before the festival, Michael and yes, his own personal assistant flew to Los Angeles on their dime. They blanketed Hollywood with posters for my film. Then they walked into an upscale restaurant near the screening venue and convinced the owner that our film was going to win Best Picture… and that he should host the afterparty for FREE. The owner agreed.
At the festival, major press outlets including E! Television were interviewing celebrities. Michael stepped in and told them they should be interviewing me. So they did.
By the end of the festival, I walked away with Best Director and Best Film. When we got back to New York, I made a decision. I had the editor unlock the film and upgrade Michael’s credit from intern to Associate Producer (Festival & Marketing Strategy)
Because that’s what he earned.
Michael went on to found SekretAgent Productions, developing and selling projects to major studios including Disney. After almost a decade in film, Michael pivoted into the gaming industry, helping develop and produce titles such as "Assassin's Creed", " Batman", "Prince of Persia" and more.
CHRIS PEGG
When Chris first entered the program, we instantly clicked. We came from two different worlds, but somehow had an instant connection. One of the first lessons I taught Chris was the power of networking, confidence, and perception in this industry, and he picked it up fast.
There’s one story we’ll never forget.
I brought Chris to an event years ago where the publicist was in full panic mode because The New York Times never showed up. Thinking on her feet, she pulled me aside and jokingly asked if my student Chris could “pretend” to be from The New York Times for the day in order to fulfill her promise to her clients. I told her that was between her and Chris. Without missing a beat , and fully embracing the comedy of the moment Chris stepped into the role like a seasoned media veteran. He played the role so convincingly that by the end of the event, the publicist had impressed her clients and came out looking like a hero.
That day Chris learned a powerful Hollywood lesson: in this business, perception matters.
Chris went on to produce six seasons of The Apprentice, produce one season of I Want to Work for Diddy and worked on The Cut, and even contribute to major studio productions including Spider-Man 3, helping coordinate and secure filming logistics. Chris also worked on films including Enchanted, Taxi, and Bella.
Today, Chris is producing a new comedy series titled “Before We Get Started,” featuring comedy legends and cultural icons including Dave Chappelle, Amy Schumer, John Oliver, Ray Romano, Leslie Jones, Jim Gaffigan, Hasan Minhaj, Roy Wood Jr., and many more.
I’m very proud of Chris, not just for the credits, but because through all the success, he’s remained the same funny, sharp, humble guy I met years ago.
And yes… somewhere out there, over 120 people still believe my former intern was a New York Times journalist that day.
3 Months From Now, You Could Be Premiering Your FIRST Film.
SELECTION
PROCESS
The Film Lab is a selective mentorship program with limited placements each cycle.
We look for individuals who are ready to develop, commit, and execute. Admission is based on clarity of intent, creative direction, and readiness to do the work. Applicants are reviewed through a short written submission and questionnaire. Those selected will be invited to participate in an introductory session.
THE CURRICULUM
This mentorship is designed as a complete, real world pathway from concept to career.
Students begin by developing a strong creative foundation—mastering visual language, subtext, and building their stories into fully realized projects. Here, students will learn the business behind filmmaking, including budgeting, packaging, pitch decks, and creative approaches to financing.
As projects take shape, students are guided through casting, building a crew, and the full production process. Each student will gain hands-on experience on their own films and through select on-set opportunities. In post-production, filmmakers will be guided through editing, marketing, and distribution, while actively shopping their projects. Students will build their personal brand, develop their network, and establish a clear path into the industry.
Throughout the entire process, students receive direct, one-on-one mentorship and ongoing guidance, ensuring they are not only creating work but building a sustainable career.
ADMISSIONS 2026
01 APPLICATION REVIEW
SECURE YOUR
PLACE IN THE
NEXT COHORT
The Film Lab is built for people who are just ready to get it done. For those who want to step away from the social noise and emerge inside their dream.
This is not open enrollment. It’s a selective mentorship process designed for those ready to execute, problem-solve, and follow through.
02 THE INTERVIEW
Selected applicants will meet directly with Tony Travis for a 30-minute conversation.
This is a real working session, not just a screening. Expect to leave with valuable information, clarity, direction, and meaningful feedback on your path forward.
03 FINAL SELECTION
Final decisions are based on focus, commitment, and overall fit.
Once you click Apply Now, you’ll be guided through a short series of questions designed to help us understand your mindset, intent, and whether this program is the right fit.
We’re not focused on credentials or experience, we’re focused on clarity of purpose and a genuine desire to take an idea all the way through to a finished product.
HOW I ACCIDENTALLY RAISED
$1 MILLION for a short film
A collection of real, unique stories from a filmmaker’s journey through the industry—from finessing my way onto sets, to creative financing, real-world setbacks and breakthroughs, and the unpredictable realities of filmmaking. Each chapter blends lived experience with lessons learned along the way.
Told through personal stories and practical insight, this book gives an honest look at what it actually takes to build a career in film.
This book has it all—from witty, think-outside-the-box moments to the time I was threatened by the mafia.
"The Film Lab builds on the principles in my book."
PRODUCTION COMPANY
Independent film production house specializing in cinematic storytelling built on layered narratives for a global audience.
2Tone Films, llc.
Established 1998
New York • Los Angeles
studio@2tonefilm.com