Meet Our Team
Tony Gonzales
CEO / ProducerTony Gonzales is the founder and CEO of Shadow Banned Productions, an independent film and television company developing original narrative IP across live-action and animation. A producer, casting director, and creative executive, Tony brings over two decades of experience working at the intersection of talent development and storytelling.
After spending eight and a half years at The Walt Disney Company, Tony founded KidsVO, which has become one of the industry’s leading training programs for young and award-winning voice actors. He is also the founder of RecordVO, a professional talent casting and discovery platform. Throughout his career, Gonzales has worked closely with agents, managers, producers, and casting directors, directing and mentoring talent across major studios and networks including Disney, DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Netflix, and numerous feature and television animation projects. His collaborations include performers whose work has earned Emmy, Academy Award, NAACP, and BAFTA recognition.
In 2020, Tony wrote and produced ISO-CON, a live-streamed fundraising event created to support first responders by raising funds for personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this initiative, he established key creative partnerships that expanded his focus beyond talent mentorship and into original content development.
Under the Shadow Banned Productions banner, Tony is currently developing a slate of feature films and series, including the psychological thriller A Murder in Isolation. His work is grounded in character driven storytelling, emerging voices, and strategic project development, with a continued commitment to building meaningful, market ready stories across film, television, and animation.
Robert Benoit
Head of DevelopmentRobert has had a passion for film and storytelling since his youth. Alongside his twin brother, Trevor, they strived to hone their writing abilities in narrative development. For more than a decade, they’ve had the amazing opportunity to work on incredible projects (“Bendy and the Ink Machine,” etc.).
Robert also published a mystery novel, “A Murder in Isolation.” Bringing a story to life in a different medium, with talented David Liu (D.SLOOGS) designing the cover art. Soon to be the first major feature film for Shadow Banned Productions.
The newest venture he’s excited to pursue is beginning a production company alongside friends and partners, Tony Gonzales and Mikel Cravatta.
In starting this next step, he looks forward developing and sharing many new projects ahead with the world. With each new project, he hopes to make incredible pieces of media with skilled artists who enjoy the challenging and rewarding process of creation.
Trevor Dylan Benoit
Head of CreativeDuring his decade long journey in the film industry, Trevor has collaborated with his twin brother, Robert, on dozens of scripts. Their work ranges from writing “on spec” as well as adapting the works of popular intellectual properties.
He is also a co-writer, alongside friend and director, Mikel Cravatta, of the award-winning short film, “Watchful Eye.”
Upon meeting voice coach, Tony Gonzales, they instantly connected with their focus being to tell creative stories across various mediums.
As the Head of Creative at Shadow Banned Productions, Trevor is looking to push the boundaries of how stories are being told in film and television. With an emphasis on teamwork and experimentation from concept to creation, he is excited to work with a passionate collection of artists.
Mikel Cravatta
Interim COO / DirectorMikel is an award winning American film director with an artistic voice which thrives in social and existential reflection. His experience in narrative storytelling and visionary leadership in film production shapes him as a valuable creative that drives a project from concept to completion. With creative writing, producing, cinematography, lighting, audio design, animation, video editing, color grading, and project management all under his belt, he achieves his creative vision through the wealth of diverse technical and operational knowledge acquired during his freelance filmmaking journey.
As a lead member of Shadow Banned Productions, Mikel governs an efficient, high-morale set with effective communication and an inclusive mindset. Always striving to challenge himself with every project, he's improving his storytelling capabilities and exploring new ideas delivered in a form which is uniquely thrilling and digestible for audiences. Overall, he embraces stories told with a heart of sincerity.
