Meet "The CO-OP"
Who We Are
Javon Bates
Founder & Director
A Cleveland native, entrepreneur and award-winning filmmaker, is the visionary founder of the Reel Opportunity Bridge Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underrepresented artists and technicians in the entertainment industry. His passion for storytelling began with music production, radio, poetry, and book writing before transitioning into film in 2017.
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As the creative force behind Javon Bates The Legacy Films, he has written, directed, produced, scored, and sound designed acclaimed works including Common Creed: The Epidemic (2019), Dark Ether (2022), The Last Song: Maxi’s Revenge (2023), The 40th (2023), and Common Creed: Trafficking (2024). His bold storytelling and cultural impact have earned recognition in Chicago and beyond.
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Currently, Javon is developing Dying to Live (2025) and My Deepest Pleasure (TV series), continuing his mission to inspire change through powerful narratives. Beyond film, he is also a composer, poet, and advocate for community development, driven by the belief that stories have the power to transform lives.
Monique Bates
Vice President/ Partner
Bio and Picture coming soon
James Dobra
Secretary / Partner
An U.S. Army veteran with eight years of service as a Communications Specialist, James also holds a background in Petroleum Engineering, a Master’s in Occupational Health and Safety, and training in live sound and production.
James has built a multifaceted career as a public speaker, safety professional, and entertainer. His achievements include a starring role in Common Creed: Trafficking, stand-up comedy performances, and contributions to production teams across film and media. He has also been featured at the Buffalo Common Creed: Trafficking premiere and in various media outlets tied to both his creative and professional work.
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Deeply committed to service and leadership, James volunteers with Legacies of Success, holds HazMat Tech certification, and supports community development initiatives. Known for his problem-solving mindset and “superhero syndrome” approach—always willing to give the shirt off his back—James is pursuing further training in acting and improv while developing new social media series to expand his impact.
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Outside of work, he enjoys knife and sword forging, a creative craft that reflects his passion for discipline, artistry, and precision.
Anthony Millier
Treasure
My name is Anthony Miller.
Most people call me Tony. I was raised in
Akron, Ohio. I currently live in Cleveland, Ohio. By trade, I am a Professional Clinical Counselor. I obtained my clinical license in
2002. I started my private practice in 2011. I specialize in helping. Entrepreneurs overcome their sub-conscious roadblocks so they can
choose well on the front end of marriage and build a life of happiness, health and wealth.
I am currently the treasure for the
REEL Opportunity Bridge
Foundation.
I am focused on using my work in film and music to contribute to the forward flow of humanity.
Anthony D. Phillips Sr.
Partner
A proud husband of over 33 years, father, and grandfather, is a lifelong Cleveland native whose journey spans business, sports, and the arts. A graduate of John Adams High School, where he excelled as MVP of the wrestling team, Anthony went on to study at Cuyahoga Community College, making the Dean’s List multiple times.
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For more than 25 years, he has successfully run Tony’s Land Co., while also founding Shut’em Down Entertainment, a film company he launched four years ago. As an actor and filmmaker, Anthony has starred in and contributed to several productions, including Dark Ether (Fred Bolton), The Last Song: Maxi’s Revenge (Darnell Money), Common Creed: Trafficking (Steve Rivers), Roofied, and The Last Song 2: Money Problems, which he also wrote and co-directed. He is currently developing multiple new screenplays and collaborating on projects with other writers.
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A multi-sport athlete, Anthony also played semi-pro basketball with the American Old Timers, winning more than 100 championships across Ohio and competing alongside NBA players. His passions include basketball, acting, and writing movies—pursuits that showcase both his competitive spirit and his creative drive.
Tee Hopkins
Partner
Tequila Hopkins is a professional and emerging actor who thrives at structure and creativity. As
an administrative guru, she specializes in developing templates, streamlining workflows, and
creating policies that empower organizations to operate more effectively. Beyond the office,
Tequila brings her passion for storytelling to life through acting, appearing in local film projects
and continuously expanding her craft.
She currently serves on the Black Professionals Association Foundation’s Engage Committee and
leads the Project Committee for the Homeless Care Package Project, which has raised over
$10,000 to support the unhoused community.
Tequila holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Bryant & Stratton College
When she isn’t serving her community or deep in her studies, you’ll often find Tequila swimming
at her local YMCA, reading inspiring works like The Leader Lab by Tania Luna, or on set—bringing
characters and meaningful stories to life through performance.
Ryan Polk
Partner
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Ryan Polk has always had a passion for entertaining and connecting with people. A graduate of Charles F. Brush High School (2011) and Youngstown State University (2016), Ryan also participated in the Disney College Program in 2014, which further fueled his love for movies and performing.
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Since 2017, Ryan has actively pursued his dreams as an actor, comedian, and content creator. In 2018, he launched his YouTube channel, Ryan Polk, where he shares movie reviews and comedy skits, and by 2019, he added stand-up comedy to his growing repertoire. That same year, he earned his first acting nomination at the Ohio Entertainment Awards for Best Actor for his role as Terrence in R&A Production’s film Squad.
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A proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Ryan continues to expand his craft and embrace new opportunities across film, comedy, and entertainment.
Michelle Stuper
Partner
Is a seasoned, award-winning actor with a diverse career spanning film, television, stage, industrials, and voiceover. She has shared the screen with acclaimed talents including Julianne Moore and Bette Midler, bringing depth and authenticity to every role.
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Passionate about continuous growth, Michelle has trained intensively for six years with Hollywood acting coach Billy Hufsey to refine her on-camera craft. She recently expanded her focus to voiceover, enrolling in specialized training to further her range and pursue new opportunities in the field.
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Her latest film is set to premiere on streaming platforms early next year, marking another milestone in a career defined by versatility, professionalism, and dedication to storytelling.
Bruce Ballard
Partner
Bruce Ballard, a Shaker Heights native now residing in Cleveland, is an educator, counselor, author, and community leader dedicated to personal development and empowerment. He holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Kent State University and leadership training from Landmark Education, in addition to serving seven years in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he rose from Private to First Lieutenant through ROTC. Inspired by his childhood belief in “No Ceilings” for students, Bruce built a career committed to education and mentorship.​
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As an author, Bruce co-wrote the children’s book Uncle Freddy’s Neighborhood with Javon Bates. He is also CEO and director of EducMission, a nonprofit dedicated to youth and adult enrichment. His leadership roles include co-hosting the Sports Pop Up podcast and Against All Odds Sports Radio Show, serving as program director and Saturday School Mentor for the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, and co-founding Tomahawk Entertainment Group. Throughout his career, Bruce has coached basketball, chess, and golf while serving as a teacher and educational leader across multiple schools.
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Beyond his professional work, Bruce is the male lead vocalist of The Akron Big Band and enjoys golf, martial arts training, and performing arts. His future goals include writing an action screenplay and continuing to inspire others through education, wellness, and storytelling.
Keith Collins
Partner
Is an award-winning filmmaker, stunt coordinator, and fight choreographer raised in Cleveland, Ohio, with a lifelong foundation in martial arts beginning at age three under his father, Sensei Keith Collins I.
His acclaimed films, including Lions & Wolves and Rumble TV, have earned recognition at international festivals and are streaming on Prime Video, Tubi, and his own platform, Thrilliflix. Keith’s dynamic fight choreography is featured in globally distributed films such as Maximillian (Assassin’s Game) and Wu Xia: A Martial Arts Tango.
Feliciano Dejesus
Partner
An emerging actor, filmmaker, and creative talent with a growing presence in the entertainment industry. Standing 6’3” with green eyes and a commanding on-screen presence, Feliciano is a 2024–25 graduate of Ohio Media School and is currently training with the Reel Opportunity Bridge Foundation to become a director, producer, actor, and writer.
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Fluent in Spanish, skilled in sign language, and versatile with multiple accents, Feliciano also brings a strong musical background as a songwriter and beatmaker. His film credits include roles in Common Creed 2: Trafficking (as Abel), Snapped (as Eric Washington, delivering a eulogy scene), and Hood Hero (as a street hustler).
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With his diverse skills and dedication to storytelling, Feliciano is building a career defined by creativity, discipline, and authenticity.
Michael Bradley
Partner
is an actor, comedian, rapper, and on-air personality from San Francisco, raised in Fresno. Since 2023, he has appeared in projects including Heroin Ave, The Connected, Common Creed: Trafficking 2, and 4 Bloc Boys, with several more in production. Known for his versatility and charisma, Michael is quickly emerging as a rising star in film and entertainment.
Jamico Barnes
Partner
Is a versatile creative and entrepreneur whose work bridges technology, design, and performance. As the founder of 3DWe Print, he specializes in transforming concepts into reality through high-quality 3D-printed products, custom computer builds, and digital design. Known for his innovation and precision, Jamico has built a reputation for blending technical expertise with artistic vision.
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In addition to his success in technology and 3D printing, Jamico is also an accomplished actor with roles in films such as The Last Song: Maxi’s Revenge and Common Creed: Trafficking. His ability to bring characters to life on screen reflects the same passion and creativity that fuel his work behind the scenes.
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Whether designing cutting-edge tech or stepping into a film role, Jamico approaches every project with discipline, imagination, and a commitment to excellence—proving that technology, art, and storytelling can create lasting impact.
Diamond Rai
Partner
Diamond Rai is the Founder and CEO of Loud Diamond, LLC. She is the lead writer and director of her media and entertainment company. Diamond Rai is passionate in bringing inspiration to those who are hidden in talent, but interested in Creative Arts. She believes that everyone has a powerful story to tell that needs to be expressed to the world. Diamond Rai has worked alongside some of the greatest and most successful Indie Creatives in Ohio—and beyond.
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With a background of studying Writing and Creative Arts, she uses her knowledge to empower other upcoming creatives with one-on-one mentoring, inspiration and direction—to pursue their dreams. Diamond Rai has been nominated for Best Female Director for the past three years and was grateful to receive the “Leadership Award” for inspiring change given by the Renounce Denounce Gang Intervention Program, the “B.O.S.S award" from Teg Media and the “Improvisation Award" given by Kulanu Camp of FC. In addition, she has also been featured in Voyage Magazine (Ohio and L.A) and have made appearances on WOVU 95.9 Radio, Voiceit Radio, Nostatic Radio and several podcasting networks—to share her success journey. Diamond Rai is all about leading you on your journey to DREAM, CREATE & INSPIRE.