-Co-founded the Los Angeles-based collective specializing in immersive and experiential entertainment, games, activations, and live events-Clients include Two Bit Circus, Alamo Drafthouse, The Santa Monica Pier, and more

Game reviewer for escape rooms, VR, AR, web, and mobile games

-Produced VR, 2D + 3D Holograms, and virtual events on both AltspaceVR and Microsoft Mesh-Worked with Engineering and Product Design teams to develop features and resolve bugs in existing and new products-Developed strategy for Metaverse experiences for top Consumer and Enterprise clients-Effectively led product lifecycle for new feature sets, from ideation to ship, within narrow product sprint timeframes-Managed product documentation for early access customer personas

-Head of Story Experience Department-Led a team of 14 multidisciplinary writers, producers, developers, and experience designers through production of the Las Vegas (Omega Mart) and Denver (Convergence Station) exhibitions -Provided creative oversight for content including live action and animated video, interactive technologies, augmented reality experiences, immersive performance, mobile apps, and more -Produced AR activations for the Santa Fe exhibition (The House of Eternal Return)

-Oversaw the development and execution of participant experience for Meow Wolf Exhibits worldwide-Responsible for experiential deliverables including (but not limited to) mockups, prototypes, playtests, media assets, interactive technologies, immersive performance, and alternate reality gaming-Collaborated closely with Exhibition Content to help manage the development, production, and integration of immersive media content in-exhibition-Functionally managed the Experience Team with 14 direct reports

-Responsible for overseeing the creative resources, project management processes, and interdepartmental workflows to extend Meow Wolf’s immersive experiences onto digital entertainment platforms, distributed primarily via exhibition companion app and through in-exhibition content delivery devices

Oversaw the Interwoven Immersive team of narrative and puzzle designers for Codename Burg3r’s at-home puzzle/food delivery experience.

-Curated and co-produced the experiential game offerings for the 2021 Reality Escape Convention-Handpicked a selection of limited run or Recon-exclusive games for games package ticket holders as well as an assortment of free-play games for the virtual game hall

From the press release:IMMERSIVE SHOWCASEHarkening back to the Satanic Panic Escape Room, VR debuts and Mondo Games First Looks of years past, this year features hand-picked selections of the best virtual escape rooms from around the world, curated by Cara Mandel (Story Experience Producer, Meow Wolf and Co-founder/CEO, Interwoven Immersive, Inc.) and Rachel Walker (Head of Programming & Creative, Drafthouse LA)."As someone who was on track to completing 120 physical escape rooms, I was initially skeptical of how this beloved artform could be adapted to virtual play.” Says Mandel, “but I can now confidently say that these remote escape rooms are emerging as an exciting new artform unto itself. It has opened up this world to players internationally and is proving that innovative creators will thrive in any format. I'm so excited to be able to shine a spotlight on just a handful of the many wonderful online experiences available right now."Adds Walker, "The five selected experiences represent how escapes have adapted to the virtual space, in many cases providing an experience that simply could not be replicated in a physical room alone. It's a thrill to be able to highlight them and support an industry going so outside of the box with narrative storytelling.”

-Video journalist for immersive activations, film festivals, red carpet premieres, immersive theater, brand activations, escape rooms, VR/AR gaming, and experiential storytelling-Responsible for filming, editing, interviewing, photography, and written coverageSelect work samples below.

-Freelance AV Journalist/Interviewer for several websites covering live events in both written and video form-Coverage includes, but is not limited to: Film festivals, red carpet premieres, immersive theater, brand activations, escape rooms, virtual reality, alternate reality gaming, and experiential storytelling-Responsible for filming, editing, and written coverage

-Founded the Content division of Outpost Media-Wrote, directed, and produced special features content and live action custom shoots for clients including Sony, DreamWorks, Disney, Netflix, Lionsgate, and AWS

From the press release:"The studio that brought you PARANORMAL ACTIVITY, THE PURGE, and GET OUT is breaking out the 20-sided dice for its newest podcast FEAR INITIATIVE. Fear Initiative will be a weekly podcast hosted by Game Master David Ian McKendry. McKendry will take role-players Morgan Peter Brown, Megan Duffy, Josh Forbes, Cara Mandel, Jeff Seidman, Rob Schrab, and Clarke Wolfe through a frightening world of demons, ghouls, and killers. Season 1 will follow a more traditional Dungeons & Dragons storyline using D&D’s 5th edition rules with future seasons exploring a wide variety of RPG’s. In true Blumhouse fashion, this podcast will focus on bringing the horror to role playing games while providing listeners with chilling storylines and compelling characters."

Founded Audio/Video division for immersive entertainment website that had previously only covered events in written form.

Content Producer-Produced special features content for a multitude of formats including DVD, Blu-ray, theatrical, social media, iTunes, and more-Responsible for creative content from concept to completion including pitching, budgeting, scripting, directing, overseeing post production process, and delivery Previous: Menus and Interactive Content Producer-Produced menus and interactive content for hundreds of Fox Home Entertainment DVD and Blu-ray titles both domestically and internationally

-Oversaw daily progress for special features, interactive games, and menu materials for a multitude of DVD and Blu-ray titles-Provided creative feedback to 3rd party vendors -Liaised with film and TV directors, show runners, producers, and production companies as well as other Fox departments including Theatrical/Television Production, Marketing, Music, Legal, Publicity, and Post-Production-Other responsibilities included international localization of menus, legal clearances and tracking, department billing, retail specific project management, and event coordination

Established a production company to produce promotional reels and short films. Responsibilities included business development, client interfacing, project management, filming, editing, invoicing, billing, and DVD production. Produced demo reels for stand-up comedians, bands, and actors as well as several short films and music videos.