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
A Branson, Missouri native, Gena Burchette brings a unique blend of Southern resilience, artistic depth, and industry insight to Storyville Studios. A classically trained soprano and dancer, she is a two-time graduate of Stephens College, earning a BFA in Dance and an MFA in Television and Screenwriting. Her creative career spans performance, storytelling, and executive leadership.
Gena began her career as a dancer before transitioning into television and film development. She has since expanded her work into producing and developing film and television projects, guiding creative concepts from development through production.
She is currently developing a slate of film and television projects through Storyville Studios, including the feature Dismantle the Sun, which is currently filming in Los Angeles. Through Storyville Studios, she is building a slate of premium film and television projects designed for global audiences while rooted in the creative spirit of the Ozarks.
In addition to her work in entertainment, Gena is a breast cancer survivor and passionate community advocate. She channels that experience into meaningful storytelling and philanthropic initiatives, including leadership roles supporting 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 passionate about empowering creatives and building opportunities for storytellers in emerging markets. Through Storyville Studios, she is developing artist-driven film and television projects while helping position the Ozarks as a vibrant new destination for entertainment production.