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1-36 of 36
- Producer
- Director
- Writer
A preeminent force in television entertainment, Paris Barclay has directed nearly 200 episodes of television and was active as a Director/Producer for series including: Station 19, Pitch, Sons of Anarchy, In Treatment, Cold Case, City of Angels and NYPD Blue. He also has directed episodes of a wide variety of series including Scandal, The Good Wife, Empire, House, NCIS: Los Angeles, CSI, Lost, The Shield, The West Wing and ER; as well as three films: the feature Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood; and the movies for television The Cherokee Kid and The Big Time.
He earned two Emmy Awards and the DGA award for Outstanding Direction of a Drama Series for NYPD Blue, received seven additional Emmy nominations for both producing and directing, and garnered ten other DGA Award nominations for shows as diverse as Glee, In Treatment, The West Wing, House, and most recently Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. With that last nomination, he become one of only a handful of directors who have received Emmy nominations in every narrative category - drama, comedy and limited series. He was inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame in 2014, and was made an Honorary Life Member of the Directors Guild in 2021.
A DGA member since 1992, Barclay was the first African-American and openly gay President in the Guild's history. In addition to his two terms as President of the Guild, his service includes numerous terms on the National Board, the Western Directors Council and chairmanship and participation in several committees, including co-chairing the Television Creative Rights Committee, the Return to Work Negotiations Committee, and the African-American Steering Committee. He was honored with the Robert B. Aldrich Achievement Award in 2007, which is given for providing extraordinary service to the DGA, and in 2021 was given the Honorary Life Member Award, the Guild's highest honor for both service and career achievement. He currently serves as the Guild's Secretary/Treasurer.
A WGA member before he was a DGA member, Barclay co-created and wrote for the CBS series City of Angels with Nicholas Wootton and Steven Bochco, which ran for two years on the network. He co-wrote with James DeMonaco the Showtime pilot Hate, and has written other pilots for CBS and NBC. He wrote with Dustin Lance Black (on his first WGA-credited project) Pedro, a film about the life of AIDS activist Pedro Zamora for MTV, which received a Writers Guild nomination. As a playwright and composer, he has had musical dramas produced by Soho Rep, The Village Theatre, the Signature Theater, and the North Shore Music Theatre among others - including One Red Flower - adapted from soldiers letters written during the Vietnam War. Prior to his career in television and film, Barclay was a sought-after music video director. He created groundbreaking videos for Bob Dylan, the New Kids on the Block, Janet Jackson & Luther Vandross, Harry Connick, Jr. among others. His eight videos for LL Cool J, including the MTV, Billboard, and Grammy-winning "Mama Said Knock You Out," are still widely viewed and imitated today.
In 2022, Paris had six episodes he directed premiere in collaboration with Ryan Murphy: two episodes each of Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, The Watcher, and American Horror Story:NYC. In 2023, he filmed two episode of the upcoming Aaron Hernandez biopic series for FX, American Sports Story: Gladiator. He recently wrapped post production on a feature documentary he co-wrote and directed about the famed musician Billy Preston, with interviews from Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, Olivia Harrison, Sandra Crouch, and Merry Clayton among others. He is currently in production on two episodes of the second season of the Netflix series of Monsters: The Erik and Lyle Menendez Story.- Actress
- Soundtrack
Darlene Conley has received two Emmy Award nominations as Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Sally Spectra on The Bold and the Beautiful (1987), a role she has played since December of 1988. She was also nominated for two Soap Opera awards from Soap Opera Digest as Outstanding Comic Performer in a Daytime Drama. She is of Irish-German heritage and grew up on Chicago's south side. At the age of 16, Darlene went on tour with the Chicago Uptown Circuit Players and the Playwrights Company. Her first leading man was Basil Rathbone, of Sherlock Holmes fame, and her first feature film was Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece, The Birds (1963). She also appeared in prime-time series including Gunsmoke (1955) and The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970), and in the mini-series Robert Kennedy and His Times (1985). Darlene's feature film credits include Faces (1968) and Tough Guys (1986), and stage credits include "Cyrano de Bergerac" and "Night Of The Iguana." She began her daytime drama career as bad girl Rose DeVille in The Young and the Restless (1973) on CBS before moving onto Capitol (1982), General Hospital (1963), and Days of Our Lives (1965). Darlene has one son and two stepsons.- Writer
- Producer
- Additional Crew
Matt Fraction was born on 1 December 1975 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA. He is a writer and producer, known for Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023), Casanova and Iron Man 2 (2010). He has been married to Kelly Sue DeConnick since 29 September 2002.- Writer
- Additional Crew
- Actor
John Stossel was born on 6 March 1947 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA. He is a writer and actor, known for 20/20 (1978), Are We Scaring Ourselves to Death? with John Stossel (1994) and The Blame Game: Are We a Country of Victims? (1994). He has been married to Ellen Abrams since 16 January 1983. They have two children.- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Perhaps best known as "The Rock Father," James Zahn is a multi-hyphenate with work spanning a multitude of areas across entertainment, business, and publishing. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book - the leading trade publication serving the toy industry - in addition to serving as Senior Editor of The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider.
He is a writer, media personality, commentator, director, actor, adventurer, raconteur, and overall pop culture and toy enthusiast.
Zahn is frequently called upon for expert commentary on the toy industry, retail, and pop culture, and has been seen on or quoted in Yahoo! Finance, CNN, FOX Business, MarketWatch, Forbes, NBC, ABC, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The NY Post, The Chicago Tribune, PopSugar, and many more.
James spent much of his youth growing up in the South Suburbs of Chicago. Obsessed with pop culture in its many forms, he spent much of his time drawing, writing, and focusing on becoming a performer of some sort.
In 1987 his original short story "The Little Champ" became an Illinois Young Author Award winner, and the seeds for a career as a writer were planted. Less than two years later, the budding filmmaker would also emerge.
Having grown up in front of a camera, with his childhood exploits captured by his parents on Super 8mm home movies, Zahn shot his first short film "Art Attack" using the very same camera in early 1989. The film made its debut for classmates at his school.
By the time high school rolled around, all of James' interests were actively being pursued. After moving to Davenport, Iowa in the spring of 1992, he began work on a cable-access program that was quite ambitious for a 15-year old. "ZTV" made its debut in the summer of 1992 and became a cult hit in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. Practically overnight, the show was featured in the local news media and attracted musical guests such as Faith No More, Megadeth, Stone Temple Pilots, and more. In the spring of 1994, after 40 Episodes, "ZTV" came to an end with a 30-minute special featuring the band "White Zombie."
While "ZTV" was on the air, Zahn was also actively writing and taking photographs for three regional arts magazines. His published work would include interviews with artists such as Pantera, Dr. John, and Genitorturers, and led him to serve as a photographer for the Des Moines installment of Lollapalooza '93.
The mid-90s was a time of experimentation on the musical front. Zahn was soon fronting the rock band "Odlid!", performing guitar and vocals. The band appeared on numerous compilation CDs, and recorded one full-length album, before breaking up in early 1998. In addition, they performed at famed venues such as Gabe's Oasis (Iowa City), RIBCO (Rock Island, IL), and Chicago's historic Riviera Theatre, sharing the stage with acts such as Demolition Dollrods, Johnny Socko, and more.
In 2000, Zahn returned to music with a series of unreleased demos, followed by one Internet cult favorite (Darth Vader is A Real Cool Guy), and a track for Artisan Entertainment's "Blair Witchmix", an online soundtrack to promote the ill-fated "Blair Witch 2". His track, "Burkittsville" was featured along with 12 other tracks, by artists such as Jane's Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins, and Marilyn Manson, being performed as a part of the [link=tt0292977 .
In 2001, Zahn delved further into the film business. He and his wife founded FMFE as an outlet for his creative endeavors. During that time, James directed numerous short films, music videos, industrial videos, and much more. In addition, acting had become a main passion.
Keeping the music going as well, Zahn entered Kenosha, Wisconsin's Renwood Messenger Studios in February of 2004 to begin work on a concept project called "Saturday Action Theatre", producing four acoustic tracks from those sessions. In July, he entered Bombshelter Studios in Chicago, with Producer Dan Precision (Break The Silence, Rise Against) and cut 3 electric tracks, completing what would become the "Remakes and Sequels EP". The disc hit stores on August 17, 2004.
Forging ahead into a bigger cinematic realm, Zahn began work on the screenplay for the crime-horror mashup "Death Walks the Streets" in late 2004. Completed in February 2005, the multi-genre epic spent several years in "development hell," all while gaining a global fan base. Early casting attachments included Christian Kane (Angel, Leverage), Larry Thomas (Seinfeld), and the late Justin Mentell (Boston Legal). Set and prop concepts were developed by Gregory Hill (Law & Order) as early FX tests began under the direction of Robert Kurtzman (From Dusk 'Till Dawn, Wishmaster) and score demos were completed by John Roome aka Witchman. Nominated for a SpikeTV "Scream Award" for "Most Anticipated Film" in 2007 (while in active development), Daniel J. Heffner (the SAW franchise) joined as an executive producer. Sadly, the project stalled and never went in front of the cameras.
The complete rights and ownership of the "Death Walks the Streets" brand returned to Zahn and his writing partner Ben Brezinski. With "Death Walks the Streets" and an already-written sequel "The Long December" waiting for another crack at development, Zahn began work on a prequel comic book series. The book - also called "Death Walks the Streets" - made its public debut at Wizard World Chicago in June 2008. The comic quickly gained acceptance by readers and critics alike as positive reviews began appearing online. Issue #0 was published by The Scream Factory and was called a "must-have" by Comics Buyer's Guide. In October 2008 it was announced that the "Death Walks the Streets" comic books would be published by Fangoria Graphix, the relaunched comic arm of Fangoria Magazine. Additionally, Zahn was hired by Fangoria's publisher to serve as Director of New Media for the classic horror brand. As fate would have it, Fangoria Graphix went out of business due to the continued restructuring of the parent company. The books then returned to The Scream Factory for future publication.
Concurrent with his work as a writer, Zahn continued working steadily as an actor, appearing in projects for Warner Bros., Twentieth Century Fox, and Sony Pictures. He appeared in the feature film Haunted Traxxs (2009) in a supporting role alongside Erica Leerhsen of Wrong Turn 2: Dead End (2007) fame, and voiced several famous "Transformers" characters for a sketch on G4TV's "Attack of the Show". In November of 2008, Zahn began appearing in television commercials for Wendy's, an American chain of fast-food restaurants. Around the same time, he appeared in an "Alcohol Sales Training" video for Walgreens stores.
In August of 2010, Zahn announced via Twitter that he would be taking a break from acting to focus on personal projects, including his work with a newly launched publication called Kik Axe Music created by a former Fangoria executive. A November article with Reel Chicago revealed that not only would The Scream Factory be publishing more "Death Walks the Streets" books, but that a film set in that world would likely be in development at some point in the near future.
In 2011, while making strides behind the scenes in the toy and game industries, Zahn returned to filmmaking via music videos and short films. A concept short film was created for the American heavy metal band Product of Hate and their song entitled "Unholy Manipulator." Filmed over three days in and around Crestline, Ohio, Hellraiser (1987) actress Ashley Laurence stars as the title character. With production and special FX provided by Robert Kurtzman. The short debuted at the Terror in the Aisles Film Festival at the Portage Theatre in Chicago in 2012 and debuted online via Bloody-Disgusting.
In 2012, Zahn revealed that he would be leaving his role as Editor-in-Chief at Kik Axe Music behind in order to focus solely on his personal brand and publication: The Rock Father Magazine.
Over the course of the past decade, Zahn has continued to fire on all cylinders by combining passions into a multi-pronged approach across print, digital, and filmed media.
He shepherded the band Product of Hate through two albums and a major record deal; directed and edited music videos for artists including Dirge Within and Fear Factory ; and became one of the most-read and highly regarded voices in the toy industry.
After joining the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, Zahn was named Senior Editor of its three flagship publications in 2019. In 2021, he stepped into a new role as the first-ever Deputy Editor in the nearly 40-year history of The Toy Book. In August 2022, he was promoted to Editor-in-Chief.
Additionally, his work straddling toys and entertainment has led him back in front of the camera as a sought-after guest to provide expert commentary for a wide range of TV shows, including History Channel's "Modern Marvels," EW Scripps' "The List," and many more.- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
John Ladalski was born on 16 February 1950 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA. He was an actor and producer, known for Kickboxer (1989), Valent & Reggie and Identity Crisis. He died on 19 July 2016 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.- Bret Saberhagen was born on 11 April 1964 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA. He is an actor, known for The Scout (1994), Married... with Children (1987) and 1984 American League Championship Series (1984).
- Sound Department
- Composer
- Actor
Patrick Yacono was born on 26 April 1969 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA. He was a composer and actor, known for Disconnect (2010), Dead Heat (2002) and Bloom (2005). He died on 27 October 2007 in Chicago, Illinois, USA.- Director
- Producer
- Production Designer
Jed Hathaway was born in Arlington Heights, Chicago, Illinois, USA. Jed is known for Ted Lasso: The Missing Christmas Mustache (2021), Booksmart (2019) and TripTank (2014).- Camera and Electrical Department
- Stunts
- Actor
David Michael Fordham was born on 26 February 1976 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA. He is an actor, known for Starship Troopers (1997), The Island (2005) and War of the Worlds (2005).- Actor
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
- Stunts
Christian Monroe-Haynes was born and raised in Chicago Heights, Illinois. A graduate of AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts BFA Acting Program.
Christian started out in his first production as Simba in the Lion King that his community theatre put on. Christian's eyes were awakened to a new world of different possibilities. He loves being able to connect and tell the story of someone else. He also loves connecting with other people when performing. He feels that if he gets a laugh, sigh, gasp, or a cry out of the audience his job was completed.
Outside of acting, Christian is passionate about staying active and healthy. Sports like volleyball and dance have always been an important part of his life, and during his high school years. He also has a passion giving back to his roots and helping the students and children that are as passionate as he is for acting.- David Broder was born on 11 September 1929 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA. He was married to Ann Creighton Collar. He died on 9 March 2011 in Arlington, Virginia, USA.
- George Barnes was born on 17 July 1921 in South Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA. He was an actor, known for The Jonathan Winters Show (1967), The Mike Douglas Show (1961) and The David Frost Show (1969). He died on 5 September 1977 in Concord, California, USA.
- Make-Up Department
Faith Vecchio was born on 15 February 1940 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA. She is known for House on Haunted Hill (1999), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993) and Moonlighting (1985). She has been married to Sal Vecchio since 14 February 1970. They have three children. She was previously married to Kenneth Le Roy Schmehr.- Johnny Mince was born on 8 July 1912 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA. He was an actor, known for The Big Broadcast of 1936 (1935) and Jazz Concert (1949). He died on 23 December 1994 in Boca Raton, Florida, USA.
- Walter Young was born on 7 December 1979 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA.
- Additional Crew
- Script and Continuity Department
- Writer
Mark Heiden was born on 19 February 1978 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA. He is a writer, known for Pritzker Military Library Presents (2006) and True Crime Authors (2003).- Jon Landers was born on 7 September 1976 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA. He is an actor, known for Sign Here, Please (2018).
- Mike Prior was born on 14 November 1963 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA.
- Jerry Colangelo was born on 20 November 1939 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA. He is an actor, known for Arli$$ (1996), The Redeem Team (2022) and The World of Five-Star (2021). He has been married to Joan Helmich since 20 January 1961. They have four children.
- O. Lawton Wilkerson was born on 9 February 1926 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA. He died on 8 February 2023 in the USA.
- Marcus Adlam, born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago is a an actor known for his role in the TV Mini Series Angelina. Marcus is a married father of 2 daughters. Marcus has always had a passion for acting. Growing up he enjoyed progressing from small church skits, to performing on stage at Bloom High School where he was able to progress as an actor performing in various stage plays and musicals and where he became Drama Club President by his senior year. After high school his stage grew as he began acting as a volunteer for Refuge Productions at Family Christian Center where he continues to volunteer as an actor and acting coach.
- Bill Bushnell was born on 11 October 1955 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA. He was an actor, known for A Chorus Line (1985). He died on 11 April 1990 in New York City, New York, USA.
- Ted Uhlaender was born on 21 October 1940 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA. He died on 12 February 2009 in Atwood, Kansas, USA.
- Additional Crew
- Art Department
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Brianna Clark was born on 6 August 1977 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA. Brianna is an assistant director, known for Jew Tales (2005), Massage Therapy (2004) and Dead Girl (2004).- Dennis Kelly was born on 16 January 1990 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA.
- Curtis J. White was born on 14 February 1992 in Chicago Heights. He is an actor, known for City of Vultures 2 (2022) and City of Vultures 3 (2022).
- Jon Debus was born on 31 August 1958 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA.
- Linda Dilorenzo was born on 30 July 1946 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA. Linda was an editor, known for Frontline (1983). Linda died on 31 May 2011 in Hillsborough, North Carolina, USA.
- Ernie McMillan was born on 21 February 1938 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA.
- Don Bacon was born on 16 August 1963 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA. He has been married to Angie Hardison since 1984. They have four children.
- Bryant Young was born on 27 January 1972 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA.
- Joshua Preston is a Chicagoan native who received his first small film role (Waiting For Eternity) in 2010 from director Zachary Hayes during his freshman year of college. He would grow to explore film and photography and ultimately major in business finance and graduate to become an astronaut. He has been married four times and has six cats named after the original six planets.
- Alan Gresik was born on 30 November 1962 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA. He is an actor, known for In Chicago: A Jazz Documentary (2008).
- Robert P. Hanrahan was born on 25 February 1934 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA. He was married to Barbara. He died on 7 January 2011 in Vernon Hills, Illinois, USA.
- Michael Sassano was born on 20 April 1975 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA.