ABOUT US
Two Founders & creatives
Jamie Eckhoff
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Hailing from Monmouth County, New Jersey, Jamie Eckhoff was raised in a family that quoted movies more than they said anything original. Okay, maybe that is an exaggeration, but movies have been a part of her life for as long as they can remember.
Originally majoring in Psychology at James Madison University, it was the Spring Semester of her Sophomore year when they changed their major to Media Arts and Design. Jamie has always believed in the power of film and the importance of accurately depicting mental health in the media. It was in the Digital Video and Cinema concentration where her love for film began to flourish. Combining the film theory she learned from Dr. Dennis Lo through her English minor and the practical skills from their major, Jamie knew that her future looked promising – even more so when she met collaborator and lifelong friend Ryan Evelynn Garner.
Growing up surrounded by an incredible arts scene, Jamie found herself immersed in theatre, music, and film. Inspired by the passion and drive of independent and local artists, they are looking forward to bringing that same energy to Good Fortune Pictures.
Ryan Evelynn Garner
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Ever since her grandfather clicked “play” on the 1993 film Jurassic Park, Ryan Evelynn Garner knew she wanted to make movies. Maybe it was the spectacle of it all, her love for dinosaurs, or the fact that Laura Dern was an absolute badass; this movie ignited that passionate flame for storytelling.
Born in Leesburg, Virginia, Ryan was always involved in the arts; from art and theater camps to photography clubs, she constantly sought to learn, create, and meet like-minded artists. But her goal was to combine her passion for art with psychology, the human experience. Mental health has always been a driving force in Ryan’s life, and she wanted to continue her studies in college. So, when she heard that James Madison University not only offered a psychology major but also a film minor, she was hooked. But what she never imagined was for that school to “do her one better.” In her freshman year, Ryan found the Media Arts and Design program, where she was able to focus her talents in the Digital Video & Cinema concentration and continue a double major in psychology. It was thanks to this program that she was able to write and direct Waiting Room, where she met collaborator and lifelong friend Jamie Eckhoff.
The team, community, and talent behind Waiting Room emboldened Ryan and Jamie to create Good Fortune Pictures and continue telling stories. With her excitement, dedication, and collaboration, Ryan is ready to bring her all to this production company and follow her passion for filmmaking.
Co-founders Jamie Eckhoff and Ryan Evelynn Garner met at James Madison University in the School of Media Arts and Design. There, they created their first film, Waiting Room, with fellow students Kevin Pizano and Sam Rhinard in their senior capstone class. It was with this film that their passions seemed to align. Jamie and Ryan focused on creating a space that was both professional and personable, valuing each creative as a key member of the team. With Waiting Room containing a very heavy subject matter, they prioritized open communication between the crew and talent, which allowed a more collaborative experience for everyone on set to grow and learn. They knew to be serious when the cameras were rolling, but created a space where people could have fun; they never shied away from a good laugh! When actresses Caroline Bunner and Chrystal Holmes shared a similar sentiment about the positive experience with the film, Jamie and Ryan knew that they wanted to continue pursuing their journeys in film together. Enter, Good Fortune Pictures.
Established in the fall of 2025, Jamie and Ryan founded Good Fortune Pictures as the place where they would continue to bring stories to life as a team. As filmmakers who are new to the industry, they are looking to learn and grow alongside other new filmmakers. Together, their production company’s values are rooted in what is most important to them. Good Fortune Pictures strives to showcase stories from different perspectives, creating a space where all voices are heard. They believe that stories should be told by everyone and for everyone, as film is an art that brings people together.
With a successful first film and an exciting pending project, the two are ecstatic to share their passion with the world. They look forward to working together and taking the next steps in their creative journey.
on the name
Before the Waiting Room script was chosen for their senior film production class, co-founder Ryan Evelynn Garner opened a fortune cookie for good luck; it read, “You will be surrounded by true friends.” Ever since that moment, Good Fortune Pictures didn’t just feel like a dream; it felt like a tangible project, a goal. So, Jamie and Ryan made it a reality.