Writers,Directors and Producers
by tcaligiuri | created - 10 Mar 2018 | updated - 27 Apr 2023 | Public
1. Erich von Däniken
Writer | Egypt
Däniken attended a Jesuit boarding school, where his interest in religion also led him to deal with philosophical problems. The high school student was passionate about archaeology and futurology, space travel and molecular biology. After attending school, Däniken trained as a cook and waiter. As ...
2. Steven Spielberg
Producer | Schindler's List
One of the most influential personalities in the history of cinema, Steven Spielberg is Hollywood's best known director and one of the wealthiest filmmakers in the world. He has an extraordinary number of commercially successful and critically acclaimed credits to his name, either as a director, ...
3. George Lucas
Writer | Star Wars
George Walton Lucas, Jr. was raised on a walnut ranch in Modesto, California. His father was a stationery store owner and he had three siblings. During his late teen years, he went to Thomas Downey High School and was very much interested in drag racing. He planned to become a professional racecar ...
4. James Cameron
Writer | Avatar: The Way of Water
James Francis Cameron was born on August 16, 1954 in Kapuskasing, Ontario, Canada. He moved to the United States in 1971. The son of an engineer, he majored in physics at California State University before switching to English, and eventually dropping out. He then drove a truck to support his ...
5. Francis Lawrence
Director | The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Francis Lawrence is an American filmmaker. He started directing over sixty music videos before he directed the cult classic Keanu Reeves film Constantine, I Am Legend and Water for Elephants. He also directed The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Parts 1 and 2, and Red ...
6. Alex Garland
Writer | Ex Machina
Alex Garland is an English novelist, screenwriter, film producer and director. He is best known for the films Ex Machina (2015) and Annihilation (2018).
Garland's others works as a writer includes The Beach (2000), 28 Days Later (2002), Sunshine (2007), Never Let Me Go (2011) and Dredd (2012).
He is ...
7. Jonathan Goldstein
Writer | Spider-Man: Homecoming
Jonathan Goldstein was born on September 2, 1968 in New York City, New York, USA. He is a director and writer, known for Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Horrible Bosses (2011) and Game Night (2018). He has been married to Adena Halpern since August 26, 2007. They have one child.
8. Nash Edgerton
Stunts | Mr Inbetween
Nash Edgerton was born on January 19, 1973 in Australia. He is a director and actor, known for Mr Inbetween (2018), Gringo (2018) and The Square (2008). He has been married to Carla Ruffino since April 1, 2014.
9. Anders Walter
Director | I Kill Giants
Anders Walter was born on February 5, 1978 in Århus, Denmark. He is a writer and director, known for I Kill Giants (2017), Ivalu (2023) and 9 Meter (2012).
10. John Carpenter
Writer | The Fog
John Howard Carpenter was born in Carthage, New York, to mother Milton Jean (Carter) and father Howard Ralph Carpenter. His family moved to Bowling Green, Kentucky, where his father, a professor, was head of the music department at Western Kentucky University. He attended Western Kentucky ...
11. Garth Davis
Director | Lion
Garth Davis's work has been recognized in every major award show around the world. His rigorous commitment to detail, cinematic sensibilities and deep appreciation of the actor-director relationship are his trademark. Garth most recently directed Foe for Amazon, based on the novel of the same name ...
12. Helen Edmundson
Writer | Dalgliesh
Helen Edmundson is known for Dalgliesh (2021), Belgravia: The Next Chapter (2024) and Mary Magdalene (2018).
13. Philippa Goslett
Producer | The Nevers
Philippa Goslett is known for The Nevers (2021), How to Talk to Girls at Parties (2017) and Little Ashes (2008).
14. Bryan Woods
Writer | A Quiet Place
Bryan Woods was born on September 14, 1984 in Davenport, Iowa, USA. He is a writer and producer, known for A Quiet Place (2018), 65 (2023) and Haunt (2019).
15. Scott Beck
Writer | A Quiet Place
Scott Beck was born on October 22, 1984 in Denver, Colorado, USA. He is a writer and producer, known for A Quiet Place (2018), 65 (2023) and Haunt (2019).
16. Mark Polonia
Director | Camp Murder
Mark Polonia was born on September 30, 1968 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, USA. He is a director and editor, known for Camp Murder (2021), Land Shark (2017) and Bigfoot Vs. Zombies (2016). He is married to Maria Davis.
18. Timothy Nolan Hodge
Director | River
Timothy Nolan Hodge is known for River (2016), Perception (2018) and Ghost in the Family (2018).
19. Daniel Anghelcev
Producer | The Second Coming of Christ
Daniel Anghelcev is known for The Second Coming of Christ (2018), Dracula: The Impaler (2013) and The Assault (2017).
20. Rob Greenberg
Producer | The Moodys
Rob Greenberg is known for The Moodys (2019), The Valet (2022) and Overboard (2018). He is married to Gabrielle Allan. They have two children.
21. Leslie Dixon
Producer | Limitless
Leslie Dixon is known for Limitless (2011), Freaky Friday (2003) and Overboard (1987).
22. Bob Fisher
Writer | Overboard
Bob Fisher is known for Overboard (2018), Wedding Crashers (2005) and Sirens (2014).
23. Michael Duggan
Producer | Law & Order
Michael Duggan began his career working in production for Steven Bochco on Hill Street Blues (1981). He began writing on the TV show St. Elsewhere (1982) and continued his career writing and producing at Universal for Michael Mann on Miami Vice (1984) and Law & Order (1990). Duggan has also ...
24. Tim Burton
Producer | Edward Scissorhands
Timothy Walter Burton was born in Burbank, California, to Jean Rae (Erickson), who owned a cat-themed gift shop, and William Reed Burton, who worked for the Burbank Park and Recreation Department. He spent most of his childhood as a recluse, drawing cartoons, and watching old movies (he was ...
25. Ron Krauss
Producer | Open Wounds
Ronald Krauss is a multi-award winning filmmaker known for creating many music videos and commercials. After graduating Syracuse University, his first film Puppies For Sale, starring Academy Award winner Jack Lemmon won "Best Short Film" in over twenty prestigious film festivals worldwide and was ...
26. Joel Eisenberg
Producer | April Showers
Joel Eisenberg is an author, screenwriter, and producer. Joel's epic novel series with co-author Steve Hillard, "The Chronicles of Ara," was an Amazon bestseller that was optioned to Ovation Network in 2015.
Joel has also developed material acquired by Warner Brothers, CBS, Hulu, FOX Studios, Amazon...
27. Steve Snyder
Actor | You Should Meet My Son!
Steve Snyder is known for You Should Meet My Son! (2010), Timeless (2011) and Sox (2013).
28. M. Night Shyamalan
Producer | Lady in the Water
Born in Puducherry, India, and raised in the posh suburban Penn Valley area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, M. Night Shyamalan is a film director, screenwriter, producer, and occasional actor, known for making movies with contemporary supernatural plots.
He is the son of Jayalakshmi, a Tamil ...
29. Matt Groening
Writer | The Simpsons
Growing up in Portland, Oregon, Matt Groening did not particularly like school, which is what originally turned him towards drawing. In the mid-1980s, he moved to Los Angeles and started drawing a comic strip named "Life in Hell", which eventually became published in the newspaper where he worked. ...
30. Josh Weinstein
Producer | The Simpsons
Josh Weinstein was born on May 5, 1966 in Alexandria, Virginia, USA. He is a producer and writer, known for The Simpsons (1989), Futurama (1999) and Disenchantment (2018). He has been married to Lisa Simmons since July 2, 1995. They have two children.
31. Jeff Rowe
Writer | Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Jeff Rowe was born on July 9, 1986 in Hometown, Illinois, USA. He is a writer and director, known for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023), The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021) and Gravity Falls (2012).
32. Patricia Riggen
Director | The 33
Patricia Riggen was born on June 2, 1970 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. She is a director and producer, known for The 33 (2015), La milpa (2002) and Under the Same Moon (2007). She is married to Checco Varese. They have one child.
33. Daniel Sackheim
Producer | True Detective
Daniel Sackheim is known for True Detective (2014), House M.D. (2004) and The Glass House (2001).
34. Carlton Cuse
Producer | Lost
Born in Mexico City, Cuse grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, and in Orange County, California. He attended Harvard University, graduating with a degree in American History.
Cuse, along with Damon Lindelof, served as writer and showrunner for all six seasons of Lost (2004) for ABC. He wrote, directed,...
35. Morten Tyldum
Director | Hodejegerne
Morten Tyldum was born on May 19, 1967 in Bergen, Norway. He is a director and producer, known for Headhunters (2011), The Imitation Game (2014) and Passengers (2016).
36. Matt Duffer
Writer | Stranger Things
Matt Duffer of The Duffer Brothers, born in Durham, February 15, 1984, is a writer, producer, and director for film and television. He is most known as the creator and showrunner of the hit Netflix Sci-Fi TV series Stranger Things. Other works include the thriller film Hidden and he has written ...
37. Ross Duffer
Writer | Stranger Things
Ross Duffer is known for Stranger Things (2016), We All Fall Down (2005) and Wayward Pines (2015). He has been married to Leigh Janiak since December 22, 2015.
38. Shawn Levy
Producer | Free Guy
Shawn Levy was born on July 23, 1968 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He is a producer and director, known for Stranger Things (2016), Real Steel (2011), and the Night at the Museum franchise. He is the founder and principal of 21 Laps Entertainment. He is married to Serena Levy and they have four ...
39. Andrew Stanton
Writer | WALL·E
Andrew Stanton has been a major creative force at Pixar Animation Studios since 1990, when he became the second animator and ninth employee to join the company's elite group of computer animation pioneers. As Vice President, Creative he currently oversees all shorts and feature projects at the ...
40. Uta Briesewitz
Director | The Wheel of Time
Uta Briesewitz was born in Leverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. She is a director and cinematographer known for "The Wheel of Time", "Stranger Things", "Fellow Travelers" and "The Wire". Uta is a graduate of the Berlin Film and Television Academy where she studied directing. She received ...
41. Rebecca Thomas
Director | Archive 81
Rebecca Thomas is known for Archive 81 (2022), Stranger Things (2016) and Limetown (2019).
42. Robert Stromberg
Production_designer | Avatar
Robert Stromberg is known for Avatar (2009), Maleficent (2014) and Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003).
43. F. Gary Gray
Director | Set It Off
Felix Gary Gray is an African-American music video director, film producer and film director from New York City known for directing films such as Friday, Men in Black: International, Be Cool, The Fate of the Furious, Set It Off, The Negotiator, Straight Outta Compton and The Italian Job. He ...
44. S.J. Clarkson
Director | Madame Web
S.J. Clarkson is known for Madame Web (2024), The Defenders (2017) and Life on Mars (2006).
45. Mika Collins
Writer | Deep Six
Mika Collins is a writer, actor, and executive producer originally from South Africa. She has written and performed on series and films for HBO, Netflix, Syfy, CW, Lifetime, CBC, CTV and Showcase. Mika has also created, written, and produced award-winning web series and short films, including the ...
46. Giorgio A. Tsoukalos
Actor | Resident Alien
Giorgio A. Tsoukalos is a Swiss-born writer, ufologist, television presenter and producer. He is a proponent of the pseudo-archaeological theory that ancient alien astronauts interacted with ancient humans. He is best known for his appearances on the television series Ancient Aliens. Tsoukalos also...
47. P.J. Hogan
Writer | Muriel's Wedding
Hogan was born in Brisbane, Queensland. As a teenager, he lived on the North Coast of New South Wales and attended Mt St Patrick's College. He was said to have had a difficult time in high school as he was a victim of bullying. His film Mental is based upon his difficult adolescent years.
48. Andy Cochran
Andy Cochran is known for Step Up 3D (2010), Siberia (2013) and Adult World (2013).
49. Ben Coccio
Writer | The Place Beyond the Pines
Ben Coccio was born on August 2, 1975 in the USA. He is a writer and director, known for The Place Beyond the Pines (2012), Zero Day (2002) and The Beginner (2010).
50. Walter Hill
Writer | 48 Hrs.
Hill was born in Long Beach, California and educated at Mexico City College and Michigan State University. He worked in oil drilling and construction in the 60s before becoming a 2nd assistant director in 1967. He has written and co-written screenplays, including several uncredited works. He has ...
51. Mike Judge
Writer | Beavis and Butt-Head Do America
Mike Judge is an American actor, animator, film director, screenwriter, and television producer.
In 1962, Judge was born in Guayaquil, the largest city of Ecuador and the country's main port. His parents were expatriate Americans. His father was archaeologist William James Judge and his mother was ...
52. J.J. Abrams
Producer | Lost
Jeffrey Jacob Abrams was born in New York City and raised in Los Angeles, the son of TV producer parents. At 15, he wrote the music for Don Dohler's Nightbeast (1982). In his senior year of college, he and Jill Mazursky teamed up to write a feature film, which became Taking Care of Business (1990)....
53. D.C. Fontana
Writer | Star Trek: The Next Generation
American science fiction author and story editor who worked primarily for television. An aspiring novelist from the age of eleven, Fontana began as a writer of horror and adventure stories. After graduating with an associate arts degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey she got her ...
54. Nick Castle
Director | The Last Starfighter
Nick Castle was born on September 21, 1947 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He is a writer and director, known for The Last Starfighter (1984), The Boy Who Could Fly (1986) and Escape from New York (1981). He has been married to Mary Charlene Napp since December 31, 1981. They have one child.
55. Patrik Syversen
Writer | Kielergata
Patrik Syversen is known for Kielergata (2018), Manhunt (2008) and Utkant (2007).
56. Matthew Feitshans
Producer | What Happened to Monday
Matthew Feitshans is a screenwriter, works as Executive VP of Development for Raffaella Productions, and has a production background as assistant director on several films. He is a graduate of USC's School of Cinema-TV with a degree in Screenwriting. Son of Buzz Feitshans; younger brother of Buzz ...
57. Olaf de Fleur Johannesson
Producer | The Amazing Truth About Queen Raquela
Olaf de Fleur studied physics in Reykjavik, graduating in 1995. Since then he has participated in numerous film projects, including both feature and documentary films. After working for two years for a production company, focusing primarily on TV documentaries, he founded the independent production...
58. Ben Ketai
Writer | Chosen
Ben Ketai was born on July 25, 1982 in West Bloomfield, Michigan, USA. He is a writer and producer, known for Chosen (2013), Beneath (2013) and The Strangers: Prey at Night (2018).
59. Eva Konstantopoulos
Writer | Malevolent
Eva Konstantopoulos was born in New York City, New York, USA. Eva is a writer, known for Malevolent (2018), Re/collection (2017) and Emmageddon (2020).
60. Carly Stone
Writer | The New Romantic
Carly Stone is known for The New Romantic (2018), North of Normal (2022) and Kim's Convenience (2016).
61. Criss Angel
Actor | CSI: NY
Criss Angel was born on December 19, 1967 and raised in East Meadow, New York. He grew up loving music, playing the drums and always having an interest in magic. Two of his biggest magic influences are Harry Houdini and Richiardi Jr.. His father was also a big influence on him, especially after a ...
62. Liz Friedlander
Director | Conviction
Liz Friedlander was born on December 9, 1970 in New York, New York, USA. She is a director and producer, known for Conviction (2016), Take the Lead (2006) and Revolution (2012).
63. Kevin Williamson
Writer | Scream
As a child Williamson was a fond fan of movies, especially those of Steven Spielberg. After high school, Williamson went to college for a future in acting. Though he landed very small parts on T.V. shows and movies, nothing had happened. Williamson moved out to L.A in 1990 in hopes it would aid his...
64. Daniel Goldhaber
Director | Cam
Daniel Goldhaber is known for Cam (2018), How to Blow Up a Pipeline (2022) and The Summer (2012).
65. Isabelle Link-Levy
Producer | Cam
Isabelle Link-Levy is known for Cam (2018), Swiss Army Man (2016) and Sleeping with Other People (2015).
66. Chris Renaud
Actor | Despicable Me 2
Director Chris Renaud has established himself as a heavyweight in the world of animation following the phenomenal box office success of recent movies Despicable Me (2010), Dr. Seuss' The Lorax (2012) and Despicable Me 2 (2013). Along with Pierre Coffin and Eric Guillon, he also co-created the ...
67. Brian Lynch
Writer | Puss in Boots
Brian Lynch is a native of New Jersey. Big Helium Dog (1999) was the first feature film that he wrote and directed and despite not yet getting nationwide distribution, it has received tremendous reviews due to its showings at various festivals. The film is primarily a series of sketches which are ...
68. Jessica Seinfeld
Producer | The Marriage Ref
Jessica Seinfeld was born on September 12, 1971 in Oyster Bay, New York, USA. She is a producer and writer, known for The Marriage Ref (2010), Unfrosted (2024) and Daughters (2024). She has been married to Jerry Seinfeld since December 25, 1999. They have three children. She was previously married ...
69. Brian De Palma
Director | Body Double
Brian De Palma is one of the well-known directors who spear-headed the new movement in Hollywood during the 1970s. He is known for his many films that go from violent pictures, to Hitchcock-like thrillers. Born on September 11, 1940, De Palma was born in Newark, New Jersey in an Italian-American ...
70. Casey Neistat
Director | Casey Neistat Vlog
Casey Neistat was born on March 25, 1981 in New London, Connecticut, USA. He is a director and editor, known for Casey Neistat Vlog (2015), Project Power (2020) and Nerve (2016). He has been married to Candice Pool since December 29, 2013. They have three children.
71. Peter Farrelly
Producer | Green Book
Peter Farrelly was born on December 17, 1956 in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, USA. He is a producer and writer, known for Green Book (2018), There's Something About Mary (1998) and Dumb and Dumber (1994). He has been married to Melinda Farrelly since December 31, 1996. They have two children.
72. Daniel Campbell
Writer | Antiquities
Daniel Campbell is known for Antiquities (2018), Mud (2012) and Nothing But the Truth (2008).
73. Kaylaera Miller
Producer | North Troy Roughcut
Kaylaera Miller is known for North Troy Roughcut (2010).
75. Stephen King
Writer | Maximum Overdrive
Stephen Edwin King was born on September 21, 1947, at the Maine General Hospital in Portland. His parents were Nellie Ruth (Pillsbury), who worked as a caregiver at a mental institute, and Donald Edwin King, a merchant seaman. His father was born under the surname "Pollock," but used the last name ...
76. Ross Venokur
Writer | Saddam 17
Ross Venokur is known for Saddam 17 (2005), Game Over (2004) and The Tick (2001).
77. Danielle Alexandra
Writer | G.I. Jane
Danielle Alexandra is known for G.I. Jane (1997), Quantum Leap (1989) and My Two Dads (1987).
78. Michelle Alexandria
Producer | Ask Me to Dance
An LA native, Michelle Alexandria, began her career working in finance with high-net-worth individuals and major banks. After many years as a finance manager for Jaguar cars, she pursued acting and began studying at the prestigious Beverly Hills Playhouse where she remained for several years. She ...
79. Hank Green
Producer | Brotherhood 2.0
Hank Green was born on May 5, 1980 in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. He is a producer and writer, known for Vlogbrothers (2007), SciShow (2012) and mental_floss: The Big Question (2014).
80. Otto Bathurst
Director | Robin Hood
Otto Bathurst was born in June 1971 in Hammersmith, London, England, UK. He is a director and producer, known for Robin Hood (2018), Peaky Blinders (2013) and Black Mirror (2011).
82. David James Kelly
Writer | Untitled Ulysses S. Grant Project
David James Kelly is known for Untitled Ulysses S. Grant Project, Robin Hood (2018) and The Deep Blue Good-By.
83. Marcel Langenegger
Director | Deception
Marcel Langenegger is known for Deception (2008), Latitude and 3, 2, 1... Frankie Go Boom (2012).
84. Richard Price
Writer | Sea of Love
Richard Price was born on October 12, 1949 in The Bronx, New York, USA. He is a writer and producer, known for Sea of Love (1989), Ransom (1996) and The Color of Money (1986). He was previously married to Judith Hudson.
85. Michael Wolf
Producer | The Simpsons
Michael Wolf is known for The Simpsons (1989), Tron (1982) and King of the Hill (1997).
86. Toby Haynes
Director | Andor
Toby Haynes is working on the as yet un-named Star Wars: Cassian Andor series for Disney+. In 2020, he was nominated by BAFTA for his work on Brexit: The Uncivil War for both Best Director and Best Single Film. Brexit written by James Graham and starring Benedict Cumberbatch was also nominated for ...
87. Susanna Fogel
Writer | Booksmart
Susanna Fogel was born on October 8, 1980 in Providence, Rhode Island, USA. She is a writer and producer, known for Booksmart (2019), The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018) and The Flight Attendant (2020).
88. J.D. Dillard
Director | Devotion
J.D. Dillard is known for Devotion (2022), Sweetheart (2019) and Sleight (2016).
89. Courtney Hunt
Director | Frozen River
Courtney Hunt was born in 1964 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. She is a director and writer, known for Frozen River (2008), The Whole Truth (2016) and Utopia (2020).
90. Ciarán Foy
Director | Citadel
Ciarán Foy is known for Citadel (2012), Eli (2019) and The Faeries of Blackheath Woods (2006).
91. Liam Gavin
Director | A Dark Song
Liam Gavin is known for A Dark Song (2016), Mutant Chronicles (2008) and Jericho (2009).
92. Axelle Carolyn
Director | Tales of Halloween
Axelle Carolyn started out as a freelance reporter for some of the world's most prestigious film magazines and websites. Her non-fiction writing career culminated with the 2009 publication of her book 'Horror Movies In The New Millennium'. After a brief stint in front of the camera (most notably in...
93. Mike Flanagan
Writer | The Fall of the House of Usher
Mike Flanagan is a prolific writer, director, and editor. He entered into an exclusive overall deal with Amazon Studios in 2023 for television projects (after a similar exclusive deal with Netflix from 2018-2022), and has made feature films for Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, Netflix and more. ...
95. E.L. Katz
Director | Cheap Thrills
E.L. Katz got his start in the industry working as a horror/music journalist for While You Were Sleeping, Fangoria, Creature-Corner, and Life Sucks Die.
After graduating Full Sail Film School in Orlando, he collaborated with acclaimed director Adam Wingard on several features as a screenwriter/...
96. Yolanda Ramke
Writer | Cargo
Yolanda Ramke is known for Cargo (2017), Cargo (2013) and Cold Hearts (2016).
97. Rich Blomquist
Writer | The Daily Show
Rich Blomquist is known for The Daily Show (1996), The Last Man on Earth (2015) and Fresh Off the Boat (2015). He has been married to Kristen Schaal since September 14, 2012. They have one child.
98. Guillermo del Toro
Writer | El laberinto del fauno
Guillermo del Toro was born October 9, 1964 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Raised by his Catholic grandmother, del Toro developed an interest in filmmaking in his early teens. Later, he learned about makeup and effects from the legendary Dick Smith (The Exorcist (1973)) and worked on making his ...
99. Bobby Farrelly
Producer | There's Something About Mary
Bobby Farrelly was born on June 17, 1958 in Cumberland, Rhode Island, USA. He is a producer and director, known for There's Something About Mary (1998), Osmosis Jones (2001) and Me, Myself & Irene (2000). He has been married to Nancy Farrelly since 1990. They have two children.
100. Jalmari Helander
Director | Rare Exports
Jalmari Helander was born on July 21, 1976 in Helsinki, Finland. He is a director and writer, known for Rare Exports (2010), Sisu (2022) and Big Game (2014).
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