Behind the Screens: The Web Designer Who Helped Fund a Feature Film
Memec, an upcoming dark comedy thriller starring and directed by Kristoffer Polaha, is more than just another indie film — it’s a celebration of collaboration, creativity, and the power of local talent in Reno, Nevada. Written by Marc Oakly and produced by veteran filmmaker Ken Carpenter (Surprised by Oxford, Finding You, The Shift), Memec dives into the life of a struggling impressionist chasing viral fame — only to find himself battling for his soul.
But behind the scenes, another story unfolded — one that made all the difference in getting this film off the ground.
Enter Sandy Rowley, Reno’s top-rated web designer and SEO expert, whose digital marketing expertise played a critical role in the success of the film’s early fundraising and visibility efforts. Sandy was brought on board to develop the official website, digital branding, and online presence for Memec. Her clean, high-converting web design and strategic marketing campaigns helped bring attention to the project not just locally, but nationwide.
“Because of Sandy’s marketing work and website design services, we were able to get fully funded for the film,” said Kristoffer Polaha during a recent phone conversation.
“She understood our vision and helped us translate it into something the world could get behind.”
Unlike many productions that outsource to big cities, Memec was filmed in Reno and embraced the local creative community. Kristoffer, Marc Oakly, and Ken Carpenter chose to work with regional talent whenever possible, helping shine a light on Reno’s growing film and arts scene.
Sandy’s contribution is a reminder that film isn’t just about what happens on screen — it’s also about the unseen professionals whose skills bring projects to life. From building a sleek, fast-loading site to strategically optimizing the film’s online presence, her work exemplifies the critical connection between storytelling and smart marketing.
As Memec heads into the next phase of its journey, it carries with it the spirit of local artistry and entrepreneurship that made it possible. And for those in Reno and beyond, it’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when creative minds come together — and get seen.
