Staff Bios
Deborah is a writer, producer, director and editor for PWP. Deborah received her degree in Anthropology and History from Hofstra University and
later attended the Anthropology Film Center where she was trained in documentary filmmaking. Deborah has had her work aired on the local PBS series
Philadelphia Stories and chosen as an official selection for The New York Independent International Film Festival. Beyond documentary and historical
documentary, Deborah's work included nonprofits, even prior to joining the PWP team in 2008.
Pat Ganley is PWP’s Director of Postproduction. Pat has been working with PWP since 2005. He is the lead editor for all
of our in house projects. Pat's production experiences include working as an assistant director, camera operator, and as a sound recordist.
Pat's postproduction palette includes editing a wide variety of projects, including short form fiction pieces, documentaries, and promotional
videos. His technical abilities include editing, graphic design, and DVD authoring. Pat holds a degree in film and media arts from Temple
University's School of Communications and Theater.
Meghan has worked full time at PWP since 2009. Starting out as a Production Assistant, Meghan now serves as either camera operator or grip on set. While in the office, Meghan manages all acquired media, equipment, and
general assets. She also provides valuable post-production support to her co-workers. Meghan received her degree in Film and Media Arts from Temple University with a focus on Screenwriting and Directing.
Dave became the Director of Production at PWP in 2008. He is an experienced camera operator and editor, and he does 2D and 3D graphics and animation.
Dave received his Film and Video degree from Penn State, and ever since has worked both freelance and full-time for motion picture and production companies
in the Philadelphia area. He approaches each project from a fresh creative and technical perspective, but is never afraid to get his hands dirty in the
process. He tries to be the Mike Rowe of production and post!
Collin took part in an intense one year film program at Compass Film Academy. After graduating in August '09 with a focus on screenwriting and sound work, he interned with Primitive World from November '09-January '10. His
work ethic impressed them enough to allow himself to quickly grow from intern to part-time to full-time staff. When on set, he's constantly on the go moving in equipment, gripping, and assisting in any other way to keep
everything on track. While in-house, he remains multifaceted working on a range from pre- and post-production to general in-house needs.
Tom started working at PWP as an intern in early 2006, and was so skilled that he was asked to stay on as part time staff. He now works as an editor,
cameraman, and network guru for the company. Tom received his degree from Drexel University with a focus on camera work.
Abby is the Production Office Coordinator for Primitive World Productions. She is a transplant from the Midwest, having moved to Philadelphia from Michigan in 2004. For the last few years, she has freelanced in the
commercial and feature-film world, and is happy to be joining the staff full time at PWP.
Michael Schweisheimer, owner and Executive Producer of Primitive World Productions, is an award winning Philadelphia-based filmmaker
with 18 years experience behind the camera. He has been involved in the creation of over 100 films and videos ranging
from corporate training and promotional projects to music videos and feature films. Michael founded Primitive World Productions in 2000 with an
emphasis on nonprofit organizations, helping them to convey their missions to the public through video communication. He enjoys consulting, speaking, and teaching about the intersection between nonprofits, education, and green
organizations with video production, and advocates for its most judicious and effective uses. Michael holds a degree in
film and media arts from Temple University's School of Communications and Theater. Michael's own volunteer work includes serving on several boards of directors. He is
the Treasurer for nonprofit organizations the Concord School House and the Hood Cemetery. He is also
the Secretary for the Mt. Airy Business Improvement District, as well as a board member of Historic Germantown.
Melissa has been working for PWP since 2001 focusing on all things visual: Art Direction, Styling, Costume Design, and Hair/Makeup. Melissa has over 25 years of professional
experience as a designer in theater, dance, and more recently video. Melissa has an MFA from Syracuse University and a BS from Skidmore College, both in Design and Technical Theater. In
addition to visuals, Melissa also spends a great deal of time in the office, assisting Michael, and using her research and writing skills as well as her visual talents to lend a hand
on an assortment of tasks.