Director / Writer / Producer

John Franklin Rinehart is a Texas-born filmmaker whose storytelling is deeply rooted in the heritage and history of Gonzales, Texas. Growing up on a ranch near Gonzales provided him firsthand insight into rural life, strongly influencing his visual style and narrative approach. After studying music in Sydney, Australia, John transitioned to filmmaking, blending his musical sensibility with cinematic storytelling.

He founded Austin Film Crew, where he's directed, written, and produced projects for notable clients like Walmart, Dell, Intel, Keller Williams, and Payless. John’s diverse portfolio includes compelling narrative films, commercials, and historical projects, each marked by authenticity and emotional resonance. With Texas Legacy in Lights, John returns to his roots, crafting a dramatic and historically accurate portrayal of Gonzales during the Texas Revolution. His deep personal connection to the material ensures a passionate, genuine depiction of Texas heritage.

Alison Freer
Lead Costume Designer

Alison Freer is a Texas-born costume designer based in Los Angeles, with over two decades of experience in television, film, commercials, and music videos. Her notable credits include designing costumes for Nickelodeon's True Jackson, VP, Amazon's Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street, and The Kicks. She has also contributed as a key costumer on major productions like Captain America: Brave New World and Rebel Moon.

Alison is the author of two books: How to Get Dressed: A Costume Designer's Secrets for Making Your Clothes Look, Fit, and Feel Amazing and The Accessory Handbook. Her writing emphasizes practical advice for real-world fashion challenges, reflecting her belief that fashion should be accessible and personal.

In addition to her design work, Alison has been a fashion writer for xoJane and a contributor to Food52 and New York magazine’s The Strategist. Her diverse background and commitment to authenticity make her an invaluable asset to any production.

Head Hair & Makeup Artist

Jessica Isam is an accomplished makeup artist with over two decades of experience in film and television. Her notable credits include serving as the key makeup artist for the acclaimed series The Chosen, where her precise character-driven artistry was widely praised. Jessica has also contributed her skills to Fear the Walking Dead, Day 5, and feature films like Transpecos and Reagan. Her expertise covers men's grooming, natural beauty, character makeup, and detailed tattoo cover-ups. Jessica's fine arts background informs her meticulous approach, ensuring every character she designs feels authentic and impactful on screen.

Head of Special Effects

Wes Aylor is a veteran special effects artist with over twenty years of experience creating memorable, immersive visuals for film and television. His impressive portfolio includes blockbuster films like Alita: Battle Angel, Brightburn, Zombieland: Double Tap, and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, showcasing his skill in mechanical effects, atmospheric visuals, and dynamic pyrotechnics. Wes has also made significant contributions to popular television series, notably the acclaimed sports drama Friday Night Lights and Scream: The TV Series, demonstrating his versatility across genres. Known for meticulous planning and execution, Wes brings practical realism and creative ingenuity to every project. His commitment to visual storytelling and technical excellence will ensure Texas Legacy in Lights delivers unforgettable cinematic experiences.

Field Producer

Pat 'Shaggy' Welsh is a seasoned field producer with a rich background in both the music and film industries. In the 1990s and early 2000s, he was a prominent figure in the music video scene, collaborating with major hip-hop artists such as Snoop Dogg and DMX. His work during this era contributed to the visual storytelling that defined a generation of hip-hop culture.​

Transitioning into film, Pat founded Empact Films, focusing on cause-driven narratives in partnership with nonprofit organizations and community groups. His film credits include It Got Out, Breaking the Loop (2022), and Cabin Crew (2017). Pat's extensive experience in high-pressure, on-location shoots, combined with his commitment to impactful storytelling, makes him a valuable asset to Texas Legacy in Lights.

Co-Writer

Lukcy Charms is a writer, singer, and songwriter whose work centers on identity, adventure, and the power of human connection. In 2019, she embarked on a self-funded journey across the United States, collaborating with musicians from diverse backgrounds to co-create original songs that reflected their unique stories, experiences, and voices. The genre-spanning project highlighted her deep commitment to storytelling through both music and meaningful relationships.

With a background in writing and a deep passion for making the world more vibrant and inclusive, Lukcy blends artistry with authenticity in everything she creates. Driven by a profound sense of curiosity, her work—whether through lyrics, writing, or community-driven collaborations—invites people to reflect, find joy, and envision new possibilities. Lukcy believes in the transformative power of creativity as a tool for change, embracing courage and connection as essential elements for fostering positive transformation.

Historian / Armorer

Kerry Hellums is a seasoned historian and armorer with a career spanning over three decades in film and historical reenactment. Raised in West Texas, he developed a deep appreciation for history early on, which led him to study art and ranch management at Southwest Texas State University. His expertise in mounted cavalry, artillery, and infantry tactics has been honed through years of living history reenactments and film work.​

Kerry's film contributions include roles in The Patriot, Gettysburg, and The Last of the Mohicans, where he provided historical insight and ensured the authenticity of weaponry and military protocols. His commitment to historical accuracy has made him a valuable asset in bringing period pieces to life.​

Beyond the screen, Kerry has been actively involved in educational outreach, offering first and third-person historical portrayals in schools, churches, and museums across Texas and New Mexico. He has also held leadership positions in various historical organizations, emphasizing the importance of preserving and educating others about our nation's heritage.​

Currently residing near Fredericksburg, Texas, Kerry continues his work in historical education and ministry, alongside his wife, Toni. Together, they have dedicated their lives to serving communities through various outreach programs and initiatives.

Frances “Franny” Stafford is a seasoned assistant director with a strong background in major studio productions. Her credits span high-profile action and sci-fi films, where she has contributed to both second unit and assistant director roles. Her credits include:

Skeleton Crew (2024)
Extraction (2020)
Bumblebee (2018)
Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)
Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)

Franny Stafford's consistent presence in large-scale productions highlights her expertise in coordinating complex shoots and managing high-pressure environments. Her contributions have been integral to the successful execution of numerous major film projects.

In 2025, Stafford joined the creative team behind Texas Legacy in Lights, an immersive historical project in Gonzales, Texas. This initiative transforms the Gonzales Memorial Museum into a dynamic storytelling canvas through 3D projection mapping and cinematic reenactments, bringing pivotal events of the Texas Revolution to life. Texas Legacy in Lights

Her involvement in both large-scale productions and community-focused projects underscores her versatility and commitment to impactful storytelling.