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Brief Biographies
of Latter-day Saint and/or Utah
Film Personalities

S


Biographical sketches are arranged alphabetically on separate pages, by last name.
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Robbin Shahani
Lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Director of the short (6 min., 26 sec.) film "The Perfect Babysitter," competed in the 2002 Utah Short Film & Video Festival. The film is described thus: The perfect babysitter will go to any length to entertain and nurture her child. Any length. Producer/director of a bank fraud PSA (public service announcement) for the FBI. Producer/director for the Utah State Office of Education. Writer/director of some TV commercials and PSAs. Production assistant for "Anya's Bell," "Con Air," "Les Desesperes" and "Letters From A Killer." Had a small part on screen in the independent film "Heaven Sent" (1994).
Don Shanks
Born 26 February 1950, Piasa, Illinios. Lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Sometimes credited as: Donald L. Shanks; Donald Shanks. Native American actor and stunt coordinator, based in Utah. Best known for his role as "Nakuma" on the TV series "The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams" (1977-1978). Has appeared in over 30 feature films, direct-to video films, and TV moves, including: No Dogs Allowed (2002); Twice Today (2001); Water with Food Coloring (2001); The Crow: Salvation (2000); Ride with the Devil (1999); Made Men (1999); The Tempest (1998); Truth or Consequences, N.M. (1997); 3 Ninjas Knuckle Up (1995); Secret of Treasure Mountain (1993); Wind Dancer (1993); The Legend of Wolf Mountain (1992); The Indian Runner (1991); Tripwire (1990); Spirit of the Eagle (1989); Halloween 5 (1989); Silent Night, Deadly Night Part II (1987); Louis L'Amour's Down the Long Hills (1986); Revenge of the Ninja (1983); Sweet 16 (1981); The Chisholms (1979; miniseries); Guardian of the Wilderness (1977); Last of the Mohicans (1977); Adventures of Frontier Fremont (1976); The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams (1975). Most of these films were made in Utah. Much of his early work was for Charles Sellier's Utah film production company Sunn Classics. Also: TV guest appearances on "The Incredible Hulk" and "How the West Was Won." Stunt work many films, including: I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (2001); Just a Dream (2001); Water with Food Coloring (2001); The Right Temptation (2000); Bats (1999); McHale's Navy (1997); Dumb & Dumber (1994); Ski Patrol (1990); Silent Night, Deadly Night Part II (1987); In Search of a Golden Sky; The Ghost Dance (1980). 2nd unit director for "Ancient Secrets of the Bible", "Black Wolf", "Grizzly & Grey Otter" and "Lessie's Rainbow." Website: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Hills/4719/shanks/.
Daniel Shanthakumar
Native of India, where he grew up in Chennai (Madras). Lives with his wife Mercy in Orem, Utah. Graduate of Brigham Young University-Hawaii, where he majored in hotel and restaurant management. Extensive experience in film in India. Has worked as a camera operator and assistant director. Opened "Bombay House" in February 1993 in Provo, Utah, the first restaurant in the area to specialize in Indian cuisine. Opened a second Bombay House in Salt Lake City in 1994. Bombay House has been recognized with several distinguished awards: City Weekly's Best of Utah Reader's Poll Awared for the Best Indian restaurant went to Bombay House in '97, '98, '99, 2000 and 2001. It was also voted Best Overall Restaurant by the members of Dine.com for the year 2000.
Lori Shaw
Based in central Utah. Medical technician/EMT/set medic. Credits include: "Wind River" (1998), "Night Sins", "Touched By An Angel", "Promised Land".
Mary Sheldon
Lives in the Moab, Utah area. Art department: Minitome Uranium (made by Sundowner Productions. Presumably a commercial.)
Dylan Shepherd
Lives in Utah. Key set production assistant for the Leucadia direct-to-video films "Coyote Summer" (1996), "The Paper Brigade" (1996) and "Wish Upon a Star" (1996). Best boy for "John Carpenter's The Fog" (1980).
Phil Shepherd
Lives in Provo, Utah with his wife Lisa. His company, Phil Shepherd Productions, rents out a variety of equipment, including: 4 tone grip truck, completer grip pkgs with HMI and Tungsten lighting packagges, Arri SRII and SB camera packages, litepower 500 amp crystal tow generator. Shepherd has worked as a grip/electrician for movies, including: "Teenage Bonnie and Klepto Clyde" (1993) and "Out of the Past", and for commercials, including Saturn and Bank One. Has worked as a gaffer on commercials for Proctor & Gamble, March of Dimes Walk America, IHC, Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Gaffer (2nd unit) for the Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "Jack Weyland's Charly" (2002).
Shaun Sheppard
Utah-based actor. Brown hair; hazel eyes; height: 6' 1.5". Trained in L.A. and SLC. Principle in "No Dogs Allowed" and "Heroes & Victims." Voice work for Feature Films For Families' "Return to the Secret Garden." Extra in TV movies "Avenging Angel" and "Fast Getaway."
Hassan Sherkat
Lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Director of the short (14 min.) film "Stars," which competed in the 2002 Utah Short Film & Video Festival. The film is described thus: A young boy in Tehran/Iran refines his point of view with his surroundings.
Jim Sherman
Latter-day Saint. Lives in Utah. Production designer for the TV movie "A Town Has Turned to Dust" (1998), which was set in a futuristic desert hamlet and had Native American characters and elements. Production designer and story consultant for the Crystal Heart Award-winning short film "A Truce with Death" (1993), which was about an encounter between Latter-day Saint pioneers and Native Americans. Sherman was also the top-billed producer of "A Truce with Death," alongside Bruce Wing and the film's director, Bill Shira. Cinematographer of the short film "The Butterchurn" (1995), which was directed by Shira. Co-writer, one of 3 producers (along with Shira and Bruce Wing), 2nd billed star, art director and the first assistant cameraman of the short film "Gold Fever" (1990), which was also directed by Shira. Property master for the Feature Films For Families videos "Rigoletto" (1993) and "Seasons of the Heart" (1993), which was set in pioneer times. Assistant prop master for the contemporary Christmas film "Nora's Christmas Gift" (1989), which was produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Assistant set decorator for the big budget 70mm film "The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd" (2000), also produced by the Church.
Yomeko Sherman
Caterer for the short films "Gold Fever" (1990) and "A Truce with Death" (1993), both of which were directed by Bill Shira and production designed by JIm Sherman.
Yas Shimizu
Lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Made the short (10 min.) narrative film "a wa re," which was shown at the 2003 Utah Short Film & Video Festival. The title of the film translates as "pathos of things."
David Shipp
Latter-day Saint. Also credited as: Dave Shipp; Dave Ship. Cast in a minor role in Gary Rogers' Book of Mormon movie (2003). Member of the Salt Lake City-based improv comedy troupe The Skinny Lincolns. Bio from Book of Mormon movie website (http://www.bookofmormonmovie.com/cast/daveship.html):
Dave received his training in Theater Arts at Brigham Young University. He is an accomplished stage and screen actor and also a comedian.

Dave's film credits include: The Truman Show, Payback, Reventant in Nevada, Anatomy of an Assassin, Six String Samurai, Road To Nowhere, She's So Lovely, and To The Ends Of Time.

Dave's stage credits include: The Garrens Comedy Troupe (3 Years), The Hauska Comedy Troupe (3 Years), Comedy Of Errors, Murder At Rutherford House, Witness For The Prosecution, The Nerd, Scapin and The Three Musketeers.

Bio from Skinny Lincolns website (http://www.skinnylincolns.com/cast/davidshipp.htm):
David Shipp, yes our guy from the Chuck-A-Rama commercial, grew up in San Pedro California. He loves to laugh and you can see him gun down the good guy in next summer's action "Con Express."

Genia Shipman
Latter-day Saint. Graduate of Brigham Young University (BYU) film school. Has written for television series, including "High Tide, "High Incident" and "Sons of Thunder" (1999). Script coordinator for the 1996 TV series "High Incident."
Bill Shira
Latter-day Saint. Lives in Lindon, Utah. Also credited as: William Shira. Prop/art department crew member. Prop master for the Church-produced film "Nora's Christmas Gift" (1989). Worked on "The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd" (2000) for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Worked on Leucadia's Disney TV movie "The Witching Of Ben Wagner" (1987). Has produced and directed independent films, including "A Truce with Death" (1993), which won the Crystal Heart Award at the prestigious Heartland Film Festival. "A Truce with Death" is an inspiring short dramatic film about an encounter between Latter-day Saint pioneers and Native Americans. In addition to being the director, Shira also co-wrote the screenplay, was one of the film's editors, was one of the producers, and was even a stunt double. "A Truce with Death" is sold on video along with two other award-winning short films directed by Shira: "The Butterchurn" and "Gold Fever." Production designer for the Latter-day Saint-themed KBYU film "Eliza and I" (1997), directed by Richard Dutcher. Shira's feature film directorial debut was "Where Rivers Meet" (2003), starring Marvin Payne and most of Utah's top film stars.
Jeris Shira
Secretary to producer for the short film "Gold Fever" (1990), produced and directed by Bill Shira. Caterer for "Gold Fever" and "A Truce with Death" (1993), another film directed by Bill Shira.
Ryan Shopay
Lives in Park City, Utah. Electrician credits include: The Crow: Salvation, (2000), Absence of the Good (1999), Touched by an Angel, Christmas in the Clouds (2000).
Derrick Shore
Born 1 April 1981, Salt Lake City, Utah. As a Utah-based actor he had small roles in "A Kid Called Danger" (1999) and "Drive Me Crazy" (1999), and at least 4 appearances on the TV series "Promised Land." Now works as an anchor for Channel One. Covered the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Roberta Shore
Latter-day Saint. Born 7 April 1943, Monterey Park, California. Birth name: Roberta Jymme Schourop. Sometimes credited as: Jymme Roberta Shore; Jymme Shore. Actress. Regular role as "Betsy Garth" on "The Virginian" (1962-1965). Played "Joyce Kendall" on "Father Knows Best" (1958-1959). Also a regular on the TV series "Bob Cummings Show" (1961) and "The Pinky Lee Show" (1954). Major supporting roles in the movies "Annette" (1958) and "The Shaggy Dog" (1959). Small parts in: Lolita (1962); Bachelor in Paradise (1961); The Young Savages (1961); Strangers When We Meet (1960); Because They're Young (1960); Blue Denim (1959); A Summer Place (1959). Guest appearance on the TV special "Disneyland '59" (1959). TV guest appearances on "Zane Grey Theater," "Wagon Train" and "Maverick." IMDb.com: She is a 1961 graduate of San Gabriel High School, San Gabriel, California She was queen of her senior prom in high school. In 1984, she was working as a disc jockey at a radio station in Salt Lake City, Utah. Cast as Ishmael's wife, a major supporting role in Gary Rogers' Book of Mormon movie (2003). Bio from Book of Mormon movie website (http://www.bookofmormonmovie.com/cast/robertashore.html):
A native of San Gabriel, California, Roberta Shore began her career at age ten, singing country western songs at supermarket openings with Tex Williams, who invited her to join his weekly TV show from Knotts Berry Farm. She subsequently joined the Pinky Lee Show, NBC's number one rated children's daily television program. From there she went on to make several guest appearances on such TV shows as GE Theatre with Ronald Regan and Nancy Davis, Father Knows Best, With Robert Young, The Donna Reed Show, Ozzie and Harriet, Zane Grey Theatre, Laramie, The Tall Man, Lawman, Wagon Train, Maverick, as well as numerous appearances on the Lawrence Welk Show. She appeared many times on The Mouseketeers (though not a Mouseketeer herself), including the role of Laura the snob, Annette Funicello's nemesis on Disney's Annette series. Roberta is perhaps best known for her starring role as Betsy Garth, opposite Lee J. Cobb on NBC's series, The Virginian.

Roberta's movie credits include the role of Francesca in Walt Disney's The Shaggy Dog with Fred McMurray, and featured roles in Because They're Young with Dick Clark and Tuesday Weld, The Young Savages with Burt Lancaster, and A Summer Place with Sandra Dee and Troy Donahue.

As a singer, Roberta performed the theme song for The Shaggy Dog, toured Australia with the Mouseketeers, did many recordings with Lawrence Welk on the DOT label, and for Walt Disney on the BUENA VISTA label with the Tutti Commerata orchestra, including an album with Rex Allen featuring songs from the score of the motion picture Say One For Me. She also made an album for DECCA with Virginian regular Randy Boone entitled Singing Start of the Virginian, which showcased songs performed on the TV series.


Christopher Short
Lives in Sandy, Utah. Director of the short film "Mustard Man." Production assistant on industrial films form Dover Educational, Novell, ProCom.
Sandra Shotwell
Utah-based actress and theater instructor. Her voice can be heard in the PBS documentary "American Prophet: The Joseph Smith Story" (1999). Small roles in the films "The Long Road Home" (1999), "Criminally Insane" (1975) and "Criminally Insane 2" (1985). Small roles in TV movies: The Luck of the Irish (2001); Anya's Bell (1999); Detention: The Siege at Johnson High (1997); Not In This Town (1997); Night Sins (1997 miniseries); Incident at Dark River (1989); The Taming of the Shrew (1976). Guest appearances on episodes of "Touched by an Angel." Shotwell was one of the primary defendants named in the religious discrimination lawsuit filed by Latter-day Saint acting student Christina Axson-Flynn against the University of Utah. University of Utah theatre department bio (http://www.theatre.utah.edu/faculty/shotwell.htm):
Sandra Shotwell is a Professor of Theatre teaching voice, speech and acting in the Actor Training Program (ATP). She has an M.F.A. in acting from the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, and Advanced Diploma in Voice and Speech (ADVS), with Distinction, from the Central School of Speech and Drama in London. She will certify as a Laban Movement Analyst (CLMA) in August of 2002. Sandra is a former member of the Board of Directors with the Voice and Speech Trainers Association, Inc. (VASTA) and a post editor of the VASTA Newsletter.

She has worked with Pioneer Theatre Company as vocal/dialect coach and as an actress. She works out of Salt Lake City as film, television and voice over talent. With the department she has directed BEAUX' STRATAGEM, ANNA CHRISTIE, STREET SCENE, PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD, TOP GIRLS, MEASURE FOR MEASURE, and LONG DAY'S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT; with the Utah Classical Greek Theatre Festival TROJAN WOMEN, PERSIANS, and HIPPOLYTUS, as well as being a member of the creative team (Voice) for ANTIGONE; with Creede Repertory Theatre's STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, and with Salt Lake Acting Company's KEELEY and DU. Along with directing, she assists with vocal and dialect coaching for departmental productions and also coached with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival's 2000 season productions of WIT and NIGHT OF THE IGUANA.


Norm Shrewsbury
Lives in Moab, Utah. Camera operator for ads for Southwest Airlines (Bruce Doward), American Express (Propaganda), Taco Bell (BFCS), Coyote Roller Blade (Ken Greer). Still photography for "Space Cadets" (Disney), "Tollkeeper" (Magnolia Mae Films) and "Canyonlands TV" (Canyonlands Prod.).
Eric B. Shumway
Latter-day Saint. President of Brigham Young University-Hawaii (BYUH). Executive producer of the video "Haka He Langi Kuo Tau: We Dance in the Ecstasy of Singing" (2001), produced at BYU-H.
Lee Shumway
Birth name: Leonard C. Shumway. Born 4 March 1884, Salt Lake City, Utah. Died 4 January 1959, Los Angeles, California. Actor appeared -- mostly in bit parts -- in at least 273 movies between 1909 and 1953, including: Calamity Jane (1953); Buffalo Bill Rides Again (1947); The Lost Weekend (1945); Man from Frisco (1944); Jesse James, Jr. (1942); Brigham Young - Frontiersman (1940); Wells Fargo (1937).
Stephanie Shumway
Utah-based actress. Small part in the indepenent feature film "SLC Punk!" (1999).
Michelle Shup
Utah filmmaker. Along with Steve Olpin and Tristan Whitman, she made the 8-minute documentary film "Upward Vertical Movement," shown at the "Works From Along the Wasatch Front" screening in Salt Lake City, Utah in October 2002.
Ryan Shupe
Latter-day Saint. Singer/songwriter. Leader of the popular music group "Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband." Their music is featured in Dan Austin's documentary "True Fans" (1999). They provided music for the soundtrack to Richard Dutcher's groundbreaking Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "God's Army" (2000). They appear -- as a band playing their own music -- in Dutcher's feature film "Brigham City" (2001). They also appear as a band in the CBS movie-of-the-week "See You In My Dreams" (2000). Shupe was a presenter at the 2002 Pearl Awards. He is the subject of Adam Lisonbee's short documentary "Ryan Shupe: Simplified" (2002). Website: http://www.shupe.net/
Arlene Sibley
Lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Painter, art director, and location scout. Art director for the TV movie "Money Plays" (1997). Utah location manager for the movie "This Boy's Life" (1993). Location coordinator for the feature film "Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers" (1988). Assistant to director for the TV movie "Dreams of Gold: The Mel Fisher Story" (1986). Company: Animals with Attitude. Website: http://www.animals-with-attitude.com/. Bio from her website:
Arlene has lived and worked in Philadelphia, Boston and Martha's Vineyard. She now resides and paints in Utah and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Having earned her BFA and MFA from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia and the Boston Museum School, Arlene has, for thirty years, worked professionally as an artist. Her portrait business, "Animals with Attitude", reflects this depth of art experience. The commissioned paintings capture unique personality traits of each pet. The animals often express a subtle humor or unexpected life-like characteristic. "I want my clients or any pet lover to respond from the heart when they look at my paintings. The animals take on a life of their own and the viewer is drawn into that world".

Rob Sibley
Latter-day Saint. Utah-based filmmaker. Works for KBYU-TV, the PBS affiliate associated with Brigham Young University. Writer, producer and director of the Latter-day Saint-themed adventure movie "The Shadow of Light" (2002). After initially being released on video and DVD "The Shadow of Light" was also shown on KBYU-TV. Producer/director of the 1998 PBS documentary "Utah's Blackhawk War: Cultures in Conflict" (1998). Director of other documentaries, including "Cartoon-Mania," "Utah's Heritage Highway" and "Culinary Creations with Mary Crafts." Producer of the documentaries "Utah's Lost Treasures," "Butch and Sundance Revisited," "Pioneer Stories" and "Kanab: Little Hollywood." Film editor for the Crystal Heart Award-winning short film "A Truce with Death" (1993), about Latter-day Saint pioneers. Script supervisor and on-line editor for the Latter-day Saint-themed KBYU film "Eliza and I" (1997), which was directed by Richard Dutcher.
Troy Sibley
Latter-day Saint. Wrote the story for the Latter-day Saint-themed direct-to-video feature-length film "The Shadow of Light" (2002), produced and directed by Rob Sibley. The screenplay was written by Glen Anderson.
Mark Siddoway
Recording engineer and music arranger for "The Children's Video Songbook, Vol. 1: My Heavenly Father's World" (1990) and "The Children's Video Songbook Vol. 2: I Am a Child of God" (1991), sold in Latter-day Saint bookstores. Music engineer for the Feature Films For Families (FFFF) video "In Your Wildest Dreams" (1991). Music editor for the FFFF video "Secret of Treasure Mountain" (1993).
Richard M. Siddoway
Latter-day Saint. Author of the novel The Christmas Wish, which was adapted by producer Beth Polson to a 1998 CBS television movie.
Margie Sievers
Lives in Provo, Utah. Also known as: Margaret Sievers. Executive producer of the low-budget, Utah-made feature film "No Dogs Allowed" (2002), written and directed by Joseph Osborn.
Elizabeth 'Lanny' Sikes
Lanny Sikes
Lives in Heber City, Utah. Works out of Park City, Utah. Sometimes credited as: Elizabeth Lanny Sikes; Elizabeth Sikes. Costume designer for the feature films "Stranger Than Fiction" (1999), "Partners in Crime" (2000) and Blair Treu's "Little Secrets" (2002). Costumer for other movies, including: The Way of the Gun, Don't Look Under the Bed, The Runner, Drive Me Crazy (1999), Friends & Lovers (1999), Divided by Hate (1997), A Life Less Ordinary (1997).
Cathy Silvers
Latter-day Saint. Born 27 May 1961, New York City. Sometimes credited as: Catherine Silvers. Daughter of the late actor and comedian Phil Silvers. Sister of TV movie screenwriter Nancey Silvers. Cathy Silvers is an actress best known for her role as "Jenny Piccalo" on the hit TV series "Happy Days" (1980-1983). She later played "Molly Dobbs" on the series "Foley Square" (1985-1986). Had minor role in the feature films "Sgt. Bilko" (1996). She was the voice of Marie Dodo in the movie "Sesame Street Presents Follow That Bird" (1985). Minor roles in the TV movies "Encino Woman" (1996) and "High School U.S.A." (1983). She had a recurring role on the Fox show "Two Something." Other TV guest appearances on "Wings," "Chicago Sons" and "1st & Ten." Most of her time and energy is now devoted to raising her family and running her own catering business. Marketing associate for the investment firm Sutro & Co. since 1999. Has two sisters named Laury and Candy who appeared in a "Happy Days" episode. She is currently interested in doing more voice work in commercials and films.
Nancey Silvers
Also credited as: Nancey E. Silvers. Daughter of famed TV actor and comedian Phil Silvers. Sister of actress Cathy Silvers. Screenwriter for "The Elizabeth Story," about the true-life abduction of a Latter-day Saint girl from her Salt Lake City home by a homeless man who was a self-styled "prophet" named Brian David Mitchell. The CBS TV movie, produced in cooporation with the Smart family, was made in 2003, months after the surprising rescue of the Elizabeth, an event which made headlines nationwide. Silvers is also the writer of a numbe of other TV movies, including: Moms On Strike (2002); The Color of Love: Jacey's Story (2000); One Special Night (1999); Two of Hearts (1999); About Sarah (1998); Dog's Best Friend (1997); Christmas Every Day (1996); Never Say Never: The Deidre Hall Story (1995); The Other Woman (1995); Battling for Baby (1992). She was credited as the co-executive producer for "The Color of Love: Jacey's Story" (2000) and as a co-producer for "The Other Woman" (1995). She made a brief appearance as a Lamaze teacher in her movie "Battling for Baby" (1992) and had a bit part in the TV movie "The Deliberate Stranger" (1986). Silvers received a Christopher Award in 1999 for "About Sarah," along with the producers and directors of the movie.
Boyd Silversmith
Lives in San Juan County, Utah. Had a supporting role as "Jack Gross" in the feature film "Take Down" (1978), directed by Kieth Merrill. Had a pivotal non-speaking role as a Native American who encounters Latter-day Saint pioneers in the award-winning short film "A Truce with Death" (1993), directed by Bill Shira.
Alvin Simmons
Lives in Sandy, Utah. Has worked extensively behind-the-scenes on Utah film crews, as a grip, key grip, dollyand best boy grip. Credits include: The Right Temptation (2000); Meet the Deedles (1998); The Rage (1997); Con Air (1997); The Last Don (1997); Coyote Summer (1996); Breaking Free (1995); Unhook the Stars (1996); Unforgivable (1996); Riders of the Purple Sage (1996); Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995); Dumb & Dumber (1994); Mortal Fear (1994); Roswell (1994); The Stand (1994); A Home of Our Own (1993); Freaked (1993); Cooperstown (1993); Neon City (1992); Edge of Honor (1991); A Midnight Clear (1991); Love Kills (1991); Promised Land (1988); Earthbound (1981); Wish Upon a Star (1996).
Bob Simmons
Storyboard artist of the mixed animated/live-action feature film "The Forgotten Attic" (2002), directed by Michael Landon Jr. and animator Mark Swan as a join venture between Feature Films For Families and a Canadian company. "The Forgotten Attic" is based on the classic children's book The Velveteen Rabbit. Title designer for the animated feature film "Cats Don't Dance" (1997). Effects animator on "Cats Don't Dance" and vidoes for Living Scriptures, Inc., including "Joseph in Egypt" (1992). Bio from Swan Animation (http://www.princess-and-the-pea.com/swan_about.html):
Having worked in animation for over 25 years, in genres as diverse as features, commercials, and theme park ride films, Bob Simmons brings with him to Swan Animation the experience he has gained as a visual effects artist on such projects as El Dorado, Prince of Egypt, The Swan Princess, FernGully, All Dogs Go to Heaven, The Land Before Time, Thumbelina, and Cats Don't Dance, for which he was nominated for an Individual Achievement for Effects Animation Award in 1997. Bob's credits span such studios as Dreamworks, Warner Bros., Turner Feature Animation, Rich Animation, Don Bluth Studios, Kroyer Studios, and Hanna-Barbera. Bob has been a director of special projects and commercials, and is currently co-director of animation on The Velveteen Rabbit.

Scott Simper
Lives in Lehi, Utah. Camera operator, grip, and stunt man. Has done camera and sound work for National Geographic and the PBS series "The American Experience."
Jeff Simpson
Latter-day Saint. President and C.E.O. of Excel Entertainment, the largest distributor of Latter-day Saint-featured films. Set decorator for the award-winning BYU student film "Wildest Dreams" (1986), which was a rock drama. Producer of the "Julie de Azevedo: Pray For Rain Concert Tour" video (1998). Received a shared credited for "concept" for "The Making of 'The Other Side of Heaven'" documentary featurette (2002). Profile Page
Ron Simpson
Associate executive producer for the PBS specials "Easter Song: A Musical Celebration of Creation" (1999) and "Songs of Praise and Remembrance: A Memorial Day Celebration" (2000), featuring the choirs and orchestra of Brigham Young University (BYU).
Barry Sines
Latter-day Saint. Director of the short documentary "Pueblo Bonito" (2001), about the Pueblo Bonito ruins in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico. The film competed in the 2nd LDS Film Festival, held in Provo, Utah in November 2002.
William C. Siska
Lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with his wife Elizabeth. Chair of the Division of Film Studies at the University of Utah. In newspaper interviews, Siska has expressed his opposition to the practice of private companies editing objectional content from videos in order to localize them for specific markets interested in more family-friendly versions (such as are shown on airlines). Bio from faculty page:
Dr. Siska is Chair of the Division of Film Studies at the University of Utah. He served as Chair of the Department of Theatre from 1991 to 1998 and Director of the Film Studies Program from 1983 to 1991. Prior to coming to the University of Utah in 1977, Dr. Siska was Assistant Professor of English and Communication at Mundelein College in Chicago. Professor Siska holds a B.A. degree in English from the University of Notre Dame (1968); a M.A. degree in Communication from Stanford University (1970); and a Ph.D. in Film from Northwestern University awarded in 1976.

Siska has published two dozen articles and reviews in publications including Film Quarterly, The Quarterly Review of Film Studies, Wide Angle, The Journal of the University Film and Video Association, Cinema Journal, Literature/Film Quarterly, and The Christian Century. He has published book chapters on The Art Film and Formal Reflexivity, and the book Modernism in the Narrative Cinema. In addition, he has delivered two dozen conference papers and invited lectures on subjects ranging from Japanese cinema to Postmodern film noir to screenplay structure.

Professor Siska has film festival awards for his 16mm films Hannah and Make Your Own Steps, was the writer and editor of The Black Hills Flood, and editor of 14 other films. At the University of Utah, Dr. Siska's teaching responsibilities include the History of Film sequence, graduate seminars in film genre and authorship, and narrative screenwriting. As part of the University's commitment to Distance Education, he has offered the History of Film as a telecourse from 1988-91 and 1995 to the present.

Dr. Siska participated in the National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Seminars at the University of California at Berkeley in 1989 and Yale University in 1983. He was a Danforth Foundation Associate from 1980 to 1984. Professor Siska is currently a member of the Tanner Humanities Center Faculty Advisory Committee and the University Research Committee. He has previously served on the Academic Freedom and Tenure Committee, University Promotion and Tenure Advisory Committee, Liberal Education Council, University Press Editorial Advisory Committee and Honors Program Advisory Committee.


Vera Sisson
Born 31 July 1891, Salt Lake City, Utah. Died 6 August 1954, Carmel, California. Actress. Appeared in at least 23 films between 1913 and 1926. Was the lead actress in some films: Hidden Spring (1917); Paradise Garden (1917); The Married Virgin (1918). Character actress or bit player in most of her other films.
Gary Sivertsen
Lives in Salem, Utah. Set dresser or props. On-set dresser for the feature film "Dumb & Dumber (1994). Appears onscreen in a bit part as an Aspen police officer in ""Dumb & Dumber," and as a clown in the short film "Water with Food Coloring" (2001). TV guest appearances on at least 2 episodes of "Touched by an Angel."
Daniel Skaf
Latter-day Saint (convert; baptized in April 1999). Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Ethnically part Portuguese and part Syrian. Lives in Orange County, California. Sometimes credited as: Daniel M. Skaf. Produced, directed and edited "The Birthing of Iosepa" (2002), a documentary about the carving of a 57-foot double-hulled Hawaiian Voyaging canoe. Iosepa means "Joseph" in Hawaiian; the craft was named in honor of the many Josephs of the Church. The canoe was built by Latter-day Saint Pacific Islanders and the Hawaiian Studies department of BYU-Hawaii to be used as a floating classroom, teaching celestial navigation and other aspects of the Hawaiian culture. "The Birthing of Iosepa" was shown at the 22nd Hawaii International Film Festival (November 2002) and was broadcast by DirecTV, through the BYU-TV channel. Profile Page

Bio (from press kit for "The Birthing of Iosepa"):

Daniel M. Skaf, native to Sao Paulo, Brazil, traveled and studied in Hawaii for 10 years. In 2001 he graduated Magna Cum Laude from Brigham Young University-Hawaii with a B.A. in International Cultural Studies, communications emphasis, and a minor in Information Systems. In 2000 Skaf was employed by Olelo Community Television at the Kahuku Satellite. He conducted workshops for community members in Production, Field Technician and Editing including Final Cut Pro. Skaf proposed and initiated the BYU-H internship program and was named 2001 Olelo Employee of the Year. Skaf currently resides in Southern California as a graduate student of Chapman University's MFA program in Film and Television Production. Skaf wrote, directed and edited, "Keepers of Culture" and "The Birthing of Iosepa", which were aired through Olelo and DirecTV. Skaf's career goals are to work in the film and television industry and to teach at the university level. Skaf is happily married to Jacquelyn H. Skaf.

Jacquelyn H. Skaf
Latter-day Saint. Birth name: Jacquelyn Harrison. Lives in Orange County, California. Graduated in 1998 with a Bechelor's degree in TESOL from Brigham Young University-Hawaii (BYU-H). Taught English for a time at Leilehua High School. Married filmmaker (and fellow BYU-H student) Daniel Skaf in 2000. Script editor for Daniel Skaf's documentary "The Birthing of Iosepa" (2002).
Raymond Skelton
Lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Production assistant.
Brian Skiba
Director/Producer/Writer; Representation: Paul Weitzman, Preferred Artists 16633 Ventura Blvd Ste. 1421 Encino, CA 91436 818.990.0305; Brian Skiba has worked in the industry in one form or another for over ten years. He received a BA in English from Arizona State University. While at ASU, he enrolled in the SCC Film Program, one of the few remaining schools that still utilize 16mm film as the teaching medium. After graduating from ASU, Brian created Victory Angel Films to pursue his passion and love for filmmaking. Within a year, Brian had directed and produced twelve short films. One of his shorts, Wake, was accepted into the Sundance Film Festival Shorts Showcase. Soon after, he traveled to Honduran Mosquito Coast to produce a documentary called Families Helping Families with a non-profit organization that builds homes for those affected by hurricanes as its subject. After spending two months in the jungle, he returned and directed, Blood Moon Rising, a horror/comedy. Distributed by E One, the film found success in the Zombie/Horror marketplace. So much so, that Brian was asked to direct two films, Crushed Velvet and Dirty Little Trick, back to back for a producer of Narc. Dirty Little Trick, starring Dean Cain and Michael Madsen, premiered domestically on Showtime and was in high rotation for over two years. Brian was awarded as Arizona’s Filmmaker of the Year for 2011.
In 2012, Brian produced Final Recourse starring Teri Polo, Chaz Palminteri and Tia Carrere in Dallas, Texas. The same year, Brian directed a Grindhouse/Action movie, .357 starring, Fred “The Hammer” Williamson and William Katt.

In early, 2013 Brian wrote a script called Defending Santa, which was quickly acquired by ION Television for their Christmas 2013 line up. Brian later directed the film, which stars Dean Cain, Jodie Sweetin, John Savage and Jud Tylor. The production companies behind Defending Santa, Odyssey Entertainment and Cartel Pictures signed him to direct another feature in their slate, the suspense/thriller, Anatomy of Deception, which stars Natasha Henstridge, Lochlyn Munro and Miranda Frigon. Anatomy wrapped production mid-­-September. More recently, Brian signed a deal to direct the Family Christmas film, The Puppy Christmas Caper for Goldstein Douglas Entertainment due to start production early 2014.

Brian has a profound knowledge of postproduction. He’s edited five feature films and supervised them through the final delivery requirements provided by distributors. Brian understands how important it is to put a budget on the screen, but more importantly, he grasps the elements needed to tell a well-­-crafted story. His favorite quote from the highly regarded film Director, Alfred Hitchcock is this, “To make a great film you need three things -­--­--­- the script, the script and the script.”


Dave Skousen
Latter-day Saint. Lives in Orem, Utah. Also credited as: David Skousen. Talented photographer and film director. Associated with Shinebox Motion Pictures. Professionally, Skousen's filmmaking work has mostly been in writing and directed TV commercials. Essentially all of his TV commercials have been filmed in a cinematic, movie-like fashion. Commercials which he wrote, directed and edited and which aired on television in Utah include:
- Hotdogs (for a Mazda dealership; aired September-October 2002)
- The Ring (Mazda Dealership; aired February 2003)
- Bare Necessities (radio station TV spot; aired August 2003)
- Farmington Christmas (PSA Fund Raiser Event; aired November 2003)
- 24 Hour Roadside Assistance (Medical Supply Company; Nov/Dec 2003)
- Gangster (Medical Supply Company; Nov/Dec 2003)
- Crash & Burn (Medical Supply Company; Nov/Dec 2003)
- Out of this World (Cadillac Dearlership)

Skousen has also made a number of low-budget narrative films, although none have been distributed nationally, but some have been supplied directly by the filmmakers to fans. He was quite young when he made his first feature-length film in 1993: a science fiction action adventure film titled "The Power of the Mind" which he co-wrote, produced, directed and edited. In 1998 he co-directed and edited (along with Phillip Boyack) a short comedy film titled "Quest for the Holy Snail," which was popular among local fans. Director (and co-writer with Paul Green) of the feature-length tongue-in-cheek action films "The Legend of Pretty Boy" (2001) and its sequel "The Legend of Pretty Boy II" (2003), both available on video and DVD from the producers. Assistant director of Kels Goodman's Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "Handcart" (2002). Along with fellow Shinebox filmmaker Paul Green, Skousen entered the 24 Hour Filmmaking Marathon that was part of the 2nd LDS Film Festival, held in Provo, Utah in November 2002. The short film they produced, "The Redemption," competed against films by nearly 40 other teams, but did not win. Skousen directed the short dramatic film "Don't Hang Up" (2003, 7 minutes, color), which competed in the 3rd LDS Film Festival (Jan. 2004) and was described thus: "A desperate voice calls out in the night. Is anyone listening?" Skousen's short film "Rain" also competed in the 3rd LDS Film Festival.


Timothy Skousen
Latter-day Saint. Hometown: Florida. Currently living in Utah County. Also credited as: Tim Skousen. Graduated from Brigham Young University (BYU) in 2001 with a degree in media arts. First assistant director for the feature-length comedy "Napoleon Dynamite," scheduled to begin filming in 2003. Second assistant camera for the Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "Handcart" (2002). Cinematographer of the short claymation film "Jip" (2001). Director of the short film comedy film "Leon" (2001), described thus: "A troubled outcast who believes he is handicapped attempts to achieve his dreams by becoming a massage therapist." Director of the short documentary "Si Vas Para Chile" (2001). Director of the 10-minute comedy "Next Door" (2000), which competed in the 2nd LDS Film Festival, held in Provo, Utah in November 2002. "Next Door" is described thus: "A boy left home alone hears a fight next door that culminates in a gun shot. Who got shot? Who's alive? Find out when you go 'Next Door.'" "Next Door" was selected for inclusion in the Festival's touring "Best of 2002" program. Skousen wrote the short film screenplays "Rainbows with a Great Circumference" and "?" (both with co-writer Hubbel Palmer), which competed in the 2002 LDS Film Festival and which both received Honorable Mention. Skousen also led a team of filmmakers which competed with about 30 other teams in the festival's 24-hour Filmmaking Marathon. Skousen tied with one other filmmaker for the film he created in 24 hours, titled "Why I Hate Myself." Director of the short drama/comedy "behind blue eyes" (2003, 8 minutes), which competed in the 3rd LDS Film Festival and was described thus: "A kid spends a day trying to fish and trying to hide his emotions." Grip for the BYU student film "The Promethean" (2003).

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Web page created 7 June 2002. Last modified 20 January 2004.