Shelley Waggener
Founder | Co-CEO | Actress | Screenwriter | Producer | Legacy President SAG-AFTRA Missouri Valley
Shelley Waggener is an award-winning actress, writer, and producer whose career spans more than three decades across film, television, and digital media. An Ozarks native, she is widely recognized for her breakout role in the Oscar-nominated Winter’s Bone, along with standout performances in Punch Drunk Love, The Last Movie Star, and Above Ground. Known for her versatility, Shelley moves effortlessly between drama and comedy, earning both critical recognition and a loyal audience.
Her career began in the performing arts, where she developed a deep understanding of storytelling from the ground up—an experience that continues to shape her work today. As a creator, Shelley wrote and starred in the comedy web series Random Acts with Shelley and is currently writing and producing a slate of original film and television projects under Storyville Studios.
She previously served as President of the SAG-AFTRA Missouri Valley Local, where she advocated for performers, supported independent creators, and helped expand opportunities for artists across the region. A strong proponent of arts education, Shelley continues this work through The Storyville Foundation for the Arts and Storyville Studios, helping build a new model for independent filmmaking that prioritizes creators, champions authentic storytelling, and creates meaningful pathways for emerging talent.
Shelley’s creative philosophy is rooted in character-first storytelling, stories grounded in emotional truth, human connection, and a balance of depth and humor. This perspective serves as a foundation for Storyville’s mission and its commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for artists.
Gena Burchette
Founder | Co-CEO | Executive Producer | Screenwriter
Gena Burchette is a producer, screenwriter, and creative executive whose work spans film, television, and emerging media. A Branson, Missouri native, she brings a distinctive blend of Southern resilience, artistic depth, and industry insight to her work as co founder of Storyville Studios.
A classically trained soprano and dancer, Gena is a two time graduate of Stephens College, earning a BFA in Dance and an MFA in Television and Screenwriting. Her career began in the performing arts before expanding into writing, development, and producing, giving her a comprehensive and intuitive understanding of storytelling from concept through production.
Gena recently served as a producer on the feature Dismantle the Sun, which wrapped production in Los Angeles. Her work as a producer reflects a strong ability to guide projects from development through execution, balancing creative vision with the practical demands of production. She is currently developing a slate of original film and television projects through Storyville Studios, focused on creating premium, emotionally resonant content for global audiences while remaining grounded in authentic, place based storytelling.
In addition to her work in entertainment, Gena is a breast cancer survivor and dedicated advocate. She brings that experience into her work with purpose, supporting philanthropic initiatives including leadership roles with the Hands and Heart of Hope Foundation and efforts benefiting the Pink Lotus Breast Center.
With experience spanning production, writing, and large scale event development, Gena is deeply committed to empowering creatives and expanding opportunities for storytellers in emerging markets. Through Storyville Studios, she is helping position the Ozarks as a dynamic and competitive destination for film and television production.