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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.
Click on the letters below:

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Gregory Sleeper
Lives in Salt Lake City. Producer/director of Park City Television. Videographer of "The Gift" (a student film).
Steven Slovacek
Latter-day Saint. Director of the short film "Clarity" (2001). The film was a finalist in the First International Young LDS Film Festival.
Tim Slover
Latter-day Saint. Award-winning playwright and screenwriter. Theater professor at Brigham Young University (BYU). Received an Emmy nomination for writing the PBS film "A More Perfect Union: American Becomes A Nation" (1989). Writer of the PBS documentary "Minerva Teichert: A Mission in Paint" (1988), about one of the most famous Latter-day Saint painters in history. Slover is best known as the playwright of award-winning off-Broadway plays such as March Tale (1995) and Joyful Noise (1996), both of which were awarded an AML Award (Association for Mormon Letters) for drama, and both of which have been optioned for film. Slover appeared as an actor in a small role in the 1974 Church film "The Lost Manuscript."
Patty Smales
Lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Production coordinator for the Feature Films For Families movie "Return to the Secret Garden" (2000). Assistant production coordinator for the movies "A Life Less Ordinary" (1997) and "The Rage" (1997). Second unit craft service for "Necessary Roughness" (1991).
Robert Small
VFX Supervisor and Lead Compositor/TD on Dynamic Effects/Match-moving at Zygote Media, based in Provo, Utah. Supervising digital artist (Digital Domain) for "Apollo 13" (1995). Special effects animator for "Dante's Peak" (1997). Website: http://www.zygote.com
Elizabeth Smart
Latter-day Saint. In one of the most famous kidnappings ever to take place in the country, Elizabeth Smart was kidnapped in 2002 from her Salt Lake City home. Her family, Ed Smart and Lois Smart launched a earnest, media-savvy campaign to bring attention to this unusual crime, and plead for help in finding their daughter. Massive search parties consisting of their Latter-day Saint neighbors and others failed to find Elizabeth. Miraculously, she was found nine months later, held captive by deranged homeless man and self-styled "prophet" Brian David Mitchell and his wife Wanda Barzee. After Elizabeth's safe return, media interest in the bizarre, yet happy-ending case boomed once again, and intense pressure was brought on the Smart family to cooporate with the production of a made-for-television movie. Rather than leaving the creation of the movie entirely up to people who did not have first hand knowledge of the events and did not have the family's interests in mind, the Smart family actively cooporated with the writing of "The Elizabeth Smart Story," a CBS movie that first aired in November 2003, just 8 months after Elizabeth was rescued. sThrough their cooporation, the Smart family was able to have a hand in choosing a scriptwriter (Nancey Silvers) familiar with Latter-day Saints, and they were able to ensure that the movie was accurate and fair. They made sure that the movie showed that although Elizabeth eventually came under the psychological control of Mitchell -- to the point that she denied her own name when first confronted by the police officers who found her, this only happened after months of captivity and attempts to escape. Although Ted and Lois Smart appeared frequently on TV news shows to discuss the case and plead for help in finding their daughter, they largely shunned the spotlight after Elizabeth was found. Elizabeth herself did a very limited number of interviews, including one with Katie Couric of the "Today Show" for a primetime special about the case. The Smart family also published a book about the events, The Elizabeth Smart Story. In December of 2003 their story was parodied by "MAD TV," and a satirical off-Broadway play soon followed based on the story.

Corrine Peterson of Ogden, Utah summed up the feelings of many when she wrote to the Deseret News (10 November 2003, http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,525036710,00.html):

I want to thank Elizabeth Smart for letting her story be told. I was one of the yearning mothers who followed the story closely. I mourned heavily at her loss and rejoiced with many thousands over her safe return. As my daughter and I watched her on television, we felt a sense of closure to the whole ordeal. Elizabeth is a girl of courage and an inspiration to us all. She and her family are heroes.

Pat D. Smart
Lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Sometimes credited as: Pat Smart. Second unit grip for the Feature Films For Families (FFFF) video "The ButterCream Gang" (1991). Video assistant for that film's sequel, the FFFF video "Secret of Treasure Mountain" (1993).
Adam Smith
Lives in Park City, Utah. Sometimes credited as: Adam H. Smith. Electrician/grip credits include: Christmas in the Clouds, A Midnight Clear (1991), Drive Me Crazy (1999), The Crow: Salvation (2000), The Substitute 3: Winner Takes All (1999), Cookie's Fortune (1999), Divided by Hate (1997), A Life Less Ordinary (1997), Unhook the Stars (1996)
Daren Smith
Did the truly incredible but affordable CGI for T.C. Christensen's direct-to-video science fiction movie "Bug Off!" (2001). The main major effect for "Bug Off" was the creation of a believable flying beetle which interacted with the live characters.
After graduating with a fine art degree from the London Academy of Fine Art (now the Royal Academy of Art and Design) Daren worked freelance for various art departments creating high end visuals for printed media and eventually for broadcast. It was then that he developed a passion for CG imagery and eventually went to work with ILM on a per contract basis. Daren continued to develop visual effect skills and eventually took them to Feature Films for Families as a VFX Supervisor. There he completed work on 5 theatrically released features. In 2001 Daren left Feature Films for Families to complete work on a number of projects as a freelance artist. Daren brings skill in animation and artistic input to the already talented list of individuals working on the Ecto project, as well as some sophisticated hardware and software power to enhance and maximize its humble budget.

David Smith
Lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Location manager.
David Smith
Lives in Utah County. Carpenter (set construction) on films projects such as "Mountain of the Lord", the 1993 video produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the TV movie "Slaughter of the Innocents" (1994).
Dominic Smith
Lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Made the short (5 min., 12 sec.) experimental film "3rd Cinema," which was shown at the 2003 Utah Short Film & Video Festival. The film is described thus: "A revolution begins with awareness."
Eric L. Smith
Latter-day Saint. Lives in Salt Lake City with his wife Laurie. Director of "The Streets Of Malta" and "Arriba Valle Central." Has done grip/dolly work for "Ride the Sun," commercials (including Rolaids and Stratford Bank Training), and also for General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Fiona Smith
Latter-day Saint. Singer. Along with fellow Londoners Alex Boye and Harriet Bushman, Smith formed the British vocal group Soul Saints. Smith appears briefly as the black lounge singer with the amazing voice in the Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "The Singles Ward" (2002).
Glen Smith
Assistant editor for the KBYU documentary "Letting God Have His Way: A Conversation about C.S. Lewis" (1999). Visual effects coordinator for the Latter-day Saint-themed direct-to-video movie "The Shadow of Light" (2002).
Howard E. Smith
Born 5 December 1945, Clearfield, Utah. Grew up in Chicago, Illinois. Film editor of over 25 films, including: City of Ghosts (2002); The Glass House (2001); The Crow: Salvation (2000); Dante's Peak (1997); Strange Days (1995); Glengarry Glen Ross (1992); Point Break (1991); The Abyss (1989); Baby... Secret of the Lost Legend (1985); Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983).
Jason Smith
Lives in central Utah. Grip/electrician for "Made Men" (HBO), "Shepherd", a "3 Com" commercial (Cosmic Pics).
Joshua D. Smith
Latter-day Saint. Born in Provo, Utah. Lives in Texas. Director of the feature-length campy teen/horror/comedy "Zombie Campout" (2002), which was shown in film festivals. Bio from the "Zombie Campout" website (http://www.zombiecampout.com):
Joshua has spent most of his youth moving around the country, living on both coasts, and traveling the world at a young age. "Everyone I meet, when I tell them I've lived in Dallas, Miami, Los Angeles, and more, they always ask me if I was an ARMY brat," jokes Joshua. "The truth is, I just have very loving parents who've always wanted the best for me, and my family, and we were lucky enough to have an opportunity to live in different parts of the country."

Early in his career Joshua developed as a stage actor performing in various small productions honing his acting ability. Receiving more than five awards for acting in his brief career, he turned down a small scholarship to private university, to pursue a pre-medical degree at Sam Houston State University. "After my first semester in college I knew quickly that medical school wasn't for me and I decided to transfer to UNT (the University of North Texas) to pursue my true passion." In only three more years he graduated with a degree in film.

No novice to the filmmaking scene, this young award-winning director/producer has taken on all kinds of responsibilities in this project, which he jovially refers to as his "baby." Not only did he write the screenplay, but he also produced, directed, acted, and worked in all other aspects of the production. "I'm out here to have fun and make a movie," says Joshua, "it's very important that everyone on the production has a great time, so I'm not one of those directors who feels he is too good to boom or slate the camera. Yeah, we have folks who can do that, but I want to get my hands dirty in this production."


Justin Smith
Latter-day Saint. Justin Smith, Bret Bryce, Dave Kimball and Abe Mills form the Deseret Book-owned "guy group" known as Jericho Road, which released its self-titled debut album in 2001, and released True North in 2002. The band is featured on the documentary DVD "Backstage Pass" (2002), which features their first two music videos, "Inside Me" (2001) and "Finding My Way Back To You" (2002), both directed by Tyler Measom.
Kayla Smith
Lives in Clinton, Utah. Make-up artist.
Kirk Smith
Sheriff of Washington City, Utah. Plays himself (a sheriff) in Eric Hendershot's independent feature film "Horse Crazy" (2001), in which he is credited as "Sheriff Kirk Smith."
Lareena Smith
Latter-day Saint (non-churchgoer). Lives in Salt Lake County, Utah. Born circa 1962. Sometimes credited as: Loreena Smith. Served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Taiwan. Attended Brigham Young University (BYU). In the 1990s she left the Church to become a polygamist. Excommunicated from the Church because of her polygamous lifestyle. After three marriages to polygamous men, she left polygamy. She attended film school at the University of Utah and graduated in May 2002. Her best known film is her 14-minute autobiographical documentary "Polygamy and Me" (2002). She has screened her films at anti-Mormon gatherings and currently "no longer considers herself religious." Salt Lake City-based film director of the short films "The Magical Bookstore" and "The Room of Dreams." Bio from website for her film (http://polygamyandme.com/lareena.html):
Lareena Smith grew up a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints... She was raised mostly in Salt Lake City, even though she was born in Port Angeles, Washington.

At age 27, Lareena married a polygamist, and for ten years she lived as a polygamist wife in three different marriages. In 1999 she got tired of waiting for the end of the world, and left the fundamentalist lifestyle. Following a forgotten dream of filmmaking, she entered the University of Utah and made this film.

The movie "Polygamy and Me" is probably the first film about polygamy directed by a woman who has actually experienced it.

In 2001 Lareena graduated from the University of Utah with a B.A. in film. She enjoys science fiction and fantasy and hopes to make feature films in the future.


Lansing L. Smith
Lives in Highland/American Fork, Utah with his wife Caroline Smith. Sometimes credited as: Lansing Smith. Art department worker. Property master for the Feature Films For Families videos "The ButterCream Gang" (1992), "Split Infinity" (1992), "In Your Wildest Dreams" (1991) and "Secret of Treasure Mountain" (1993). Property master (or assistant) for the feature films "Wooly Boys" (2001), "Chill Factor" (1999), "Con Air" (1997), "Invasion of Privacy" (1996), "K2" (1991) and "DMZ" (1990), and the TV movies "Death Game" (1996), "An American Story" (1992) and "Deliver Them from Evil: The Taking of Alta View" (1992). Set dresser for the feature film "Meet the Deedles" (1998) and key set dresser for "Independence Day" (1996). Construction coordinator for the FFFF video "Rigoletto" (1993) and the TV movie "Evil in Clear River" (1988). Producer of the TV movie "Andersonville" (1996).
Lisa Smith
Latter-day Saint. Lives in Los Angeles, California. Also credited as: Lisa Jarstad; Lisa Kingston. (Known as "Lisa Jarstad" while at BYU, and known as "Lisa Kingston" while in Los Angeles.) Actress. Member of Screen Actors Guild (SAG). Began working as an actress while a student at Brigham Young University. Her first SAG job was a small part as one of the "California Girls" in the hilarious short film "The Phone Call," an adaptation of a Jack Weyland story made by BYU Motion Picture Studios. The film starred Marc McClure (best known as "Jimmy Olson" from the Christopher Reeves "Superman" movies"). Also appeared in the BYU Studios films "Blind Love" and "The W.R.I.T.E. Move." Toured and also worked as a singer. Did some professional acting in Los Angeles. Had the 4th billed role in the relatively low-budget film "Chasing Dreams" (1982), which is best known because it also features Academy Award winner Kevin Costner in a smaller role: one of his first films. Small role in the feature film "That's Life!" (1986), directed by Blake Edwards. Small role in the feature film "Disorderlies" (1987), which starred the Fat Boys as well as Utah native Anthony Geary. Appeared in the some MTV videos in the 1980s. Guest roles on a number of TV shows, including Bay City Blues; T.J. Hooker; Rocky Road; ABC Friday Night Live Special; Not Necessarily the News; Merv Griffin Show; Cross Wits; LDS Time; Johnny Carson's Practical Jokes; The Donny and Marie Show. Retired from acting to raise a family and work as a public music teacher in Los Angeles. In 2004 she had a role in the short direct-to-video film "Good Samaritan," directed by Cary Derbidge (producer of the LDS Cinema film "Out of Step").
Michael Lisle Smith
Latter-day Saint. Utah-based actor. Bit part as an art collector in the Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "Jack Weyland's Charly" (2002). Played an engineer in the major motion picture "The Core" (2002), starring Aaron Eckhart (Paramount Pictures). Played a cook in the award-winning IMAX film "Shackleton's Antarctic Adventure" (2001). Played a guard in the short film "Looking For Lenin" (J Films). Appeared as Jesus (at sunset) in the documentary "Pure Religion," made by LDS Motion Picture Studios. Appeared in other films made by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including the short films "Peter Declares Jesus" (as an apostle), "John Baptizes Jesus," and "Special Witnesses." Appeared in the short film "The Gate," directed by Spencer Christensen (Spencer Films). Appears as himself in the documentary "TV Is The Thing," also from Spencer Films. Bit part in the short film "Shooting People" (Chapter 11 Films). Has appeared on 2 episodes of "Touched by an Angel." Appeared in "I Need," an adoption ad made by LDS Motion Picture Studios. Played an ailing Shackleton on the PBS Nova film "Shackleton's Voyage of Endurance." Other TV appearances include "Christmas Presents" (Telos Productions) and "Through Our Eyes" (reporter's voice, produced by Deseret News/Video West). Appeared as a traveler in "Truckville" a national commercial for Dodge directed by Lance Kelleher. Live theatrical work includes playing Matthew and Nephi in the Promised Valley production of Savior of the World (2 runs); performing in the 2002 Winter Olympics opening and closing ceremonies; South Pacific in high school, and Anything Goes produced by the University of Utah LDS Institute. Voiceover work includes "Through Our Eyes," in-house training mterial for Stanley Associates/Pinkerton's, and the voice of Nephi in the "Savior of the World" original cast recording.
Miriam Smith
Latter-day Saint. Producer of the Latter-day Saint-themed feature film mockumentary "The Work and the Story" (2003), written and directed by Nathan Smith Jones.
Robert Farrell Smith
Latter-day Saint. Novelist. With his brother he wrote the screenplay adaptation of his first novel, Baptists at Our Barbecue, which is being produced as a film by Blue Crow Productions. Bio (http://deseretbook.com/authors/author-info?author_id=4870):
Robert Farrell Smith lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with his wife, Krista, his daughters, Kindred Anne and Phoebe Hope, and his son, Bennett Williams. He is the owner of Sunrise Bookstore in Albuquerque. Robert is a man with few hobbies. He played the drums for one and a half weeks when he was ten and took two tennis lessons back in 1996. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on whom you ask, writing is the one thing he stuck with. As a result, Robert is the author of several funny books, including the Trust Williams Trilogy.

Roy Allen Smith
Born 12 December 1954, Cedar City, Utah. Sometimes credited as: Roy Smith. Grandson of Hyrum LeRoy Smith. Son of Elva Todd and Val Dale Smith. Roy is the 3rd of seven children in his family. His siblings -- Dale Smith, Jerry Val Smith, Dan Kent Smith, Glen Boyd Smith, Peggy Smith and Judy Smith -- were all born in Cedar City except for the oldest. Animation producer and director. Received an Emmy nomination for his work on an episode of "Ren and Stimpy." Producer and director of three animated direct-to-video sequels to Don Bluth's "The Land Before Time": "The Land Before Time IV: Journey Through the Mists" (1996); "The Land Before Time III: The Time of the Great Giving" (1995) and "The Land Before Time II: The Great Valley Adventure" (1994). "The Land Before Time III" won an Annie Award in 1996 for Best Home Video Production. "The Land Before Time IV" received 2 Annie nominations. The direct-to-video "Land Before Time" films have reportedly earned well over $500 million worldwide. Director and associate producer of the animated TV movie "Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue" (1988). Director of the animated primetime TV series "Family Guy" (1999-2002). Producer of the animated TV series "The Silver Surfer" (1998), "Earthworm Jim" (1995-1996), "Beethoven" (1994-1995) and "Muppet Babies" (1990-1991). Directed some episodes of these series, including the pilot episode of "Silver Surfer," available on video. Production illustrator on the film "Marie" (1985). Layout supervisor on the animated films "The Chipmunk Adventure" (1987) and "Starchaser: The Legend of Orin" (1985).
Stafford Smith
Lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Sometimes credited as: H. Stafford Smith. Producer of "The Thin Pink Line" (1998), a feature comedy starring Carrie Aizley, Jennifer Aniston, Bruce Daniels and Joe Dietl. Company: H. Stafford Smith Productions. Producer of ads for clients such as 1-800-Contacts, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, IBM and Sears. Was one of the carpenters for the classic film "Mr. Krueger's Christmas" (1980), produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Tamu Smith
Latter-day Saint (convert). African-American. Lives in Provo, Utah. Actress. Guest appearance as "Olivia" on the episode of "Touched by an Angel" titled "Band Of Angels," which first aired on 15 April 2001. Has also appeared in a number of stage productions, including multiple productions of I Am Jane, Margaret Blair Young's critically acclaimed play about black Latter-day Saint pioneers. Smith is one of the women featured in Tahlee Booher's documentary "Sisters in Zion."
Mindy Smoot
Latter-day Saint. Native of Utah. Lives in Provo, Utah. Also credited as: Mindy Smoot Robbins. Graduate of Brigham Young University (BYU) theatre department. Actress. Had a small role in the Disney direct-to-video Disney movie "Make a Wish." Has starred in numerous stage productions. Completed a year and a half in the ensemble of the Broadway national tour of Les Miserables where she also understudied the leading role of Eponine. Starred as "Eliza" in My Fair Lady at Brigham Young University (2001). Starred as "Annie Oakley" in Annie Get Your Gun at the Tuacahn Outdoor Amphitheatre, Utah (2002). Bio from Tuacahn website (www.tuacahn.org/cfa/auditions.html):
Mindy Smoot Robbins is happy to be returning to Tuacahn after playing Liesl in The Sound of Music and Gerte in Oklahoma! last season. She toured with the Broadway Company of Les Miserables, covering Eponine. Other credits include Walt Disney World's Hoop Dee Hoo, Kids of the Kingdom, and Streetmosphere, Mary in Lex DeAzevedo's Gloria, the Life of Christ, Eliza in My Fair Lady at Brigham Young University, BYU's Young Ambassadors, Lagoon's Music USA and Hollywood Nites, and a guest performer for the opening ceremonies of the Huntsman World Senior Games. She has recorded for Disney and Kurt Bestor and has performed with John Schmidt, Colm Wilkinson, Jason Alexander, Donny Osmond, and Sam Harris. She graduated from BYU with a BFA in Music Dance Theatre. Thanks to Conor and family for their love and support.

Reed Smoot
Latter-day Saint. Award-winning and prolific cinematographer. One of the world's leading cinematographers of large format/IMAX films. Director of Photography on Kieth Merrill's documentary "The Great American Cowboy" (1973), which won the Best Short Documentary Academy Award. Director of Photography on "Rainbow War" (1985), "Special Effects: Anything Can Happen" (1996) and "Ballet Robotique" (1982), all of which were nominated for Academy Awards. Director of Photography on numerous other IMAX films, including: Jane Goodall's Wild Chimpanzees (2002); Ultimate X (2002); China: The Panda Adventure (2001); Shackleton's Antarctic Adventure (2001); All Access: Front Row. Backstage. Live! (2001); The Human Body (2001); Cirque du Soleil: Journey of Man (2000); Olympic Glory (1999); Galapagos: The Enchanted Voyage (1999); Mysteries of Egypt (1998); Yellowstone (1994); To Be An Astronaut (1992); Alamo: The Price of Freedom (1988). Director of Photography on "Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets" (1984), possibly the top-grossing documentary in world box office history. Many of the films he worked on were directed by Academy Award-winner Kieth Merrill. D.P. on many dramatic feature films, including: Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993); Don't Tell Her It's Me (1990); Gleaming the Cube (1989); Russkies (1987; The Wraith (1986); Harry's War (1981). D.P. on numerous Church-produced films, including: Legacy (1990); The Emmett Smith Story (1979); Uncle Ben (1978); John Baker's Last Race (1976); Cipher in the Snow (1973); The Lost Manuscript (1974). D.P. on numerous films made in Utah, including: Windwalker (1980); The Great Brain (1978); Take Down (1978).
James Smooth
Jimmy Stevens
Latter-day Saint. Also credited as: Jim "Smooth" Stevens; Jimmy Stevens; Jimmy "Smooth" Stevens; Jimmy Smooth; Jim Smooth. Actor. Became interested in acting while attending Cottonwood High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. Along with his three brothers, he had a major supporting role as Adam Sandler's nemesis in the feature film "Punch-Drunk Love" (2002). Major role along with his brother David in Joshua Tai Taeoalii's independent feature film "Twice Today" (2001). Played a gang member in the TV movie "The Darkling" (2000). Has worked in many Salt Lake City-based film and television productions. The brothers have formed their own production company, Stevens Brothers Productions. They intend not only to make their own movies, but also train fellow actors in the area to perform other jobs, from editing to key grip. Jim is editing the short film "Early Copy," produced and directed by his brother David Stevens. 2002: Has a newborn child.
Michelle Smoot-Hyde
Utah-based actress. Also credited as: Michelle Hyde. Had a bit part as Santa's elf in the feature film "Ski Patrol" (1990).
Kyle Snarr
Latter-day Saint. Director of the short films "Seek" (2002) and "Crushed." Co-wrote the feature-length screenplay "Pinewood Derby" (along with Matthew Anderson), which competed in the 2002 LDS Film Festival.
Brandy Snow
Utah-based actress. Lead actress in the direct-to-video film "Tender Blue Eyes" (1992). 4th-billed actress in Clay Essig's independent feature film "Fortune Cookie" (1999), in which she played "Beth," the slightly jaded older sister of the lead character. Assistant hair stylist/makeup artist for the TV movie "The Substitute 3: Winner Takes All" (1999).
Kevin Snow
Actor. Acting student at Brigham Young University (BYU). Was a top finalist at the national Irene Ryan acting competition in February 2005.
Marguerite Snow
Born 9 September 1889, Salt Lake City, Utah. Died 17 February 1958, Los Angeles, California. Actress. Appeared in at least 52 films between 1911 and 1925, including many films as lead actress. Films include: Kit Carson Over the Great Divide (1925); Lavender and Old Lace (1921); The Million Dollar Mystery (1918); His Great Triumph (1916); The Upstart (1916); Rosemary (1915); The Silent Voice (1915); Joseph in the Land of Egypt (1914).
Mortimer Snow
Born 19 November 1868, Brigham City, Utah. Died 20 June 1935, East Islip, Long Island, New York. Actor with minor role in the movies "Dance, Fools, Dance" (1931), "When Knighthood Was in Flower" (1922), and "The Mohican's Daughter" (1922).
Linden Snyder
Lives in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Art director of "Wooly Boys" (2001) and the TV movies "A Secret Life" (2000) and "The Huntress" (2000). Assistant art director for the TV miniseries "Perfect Murder, Perfect Town" (2000) and the feature film "Meet the Deedles" (1998). Set designer for the feature films "The Way of the Gun" (2000), "The Runner" (1999) and "A Life Less Ordinary" (1997). Set designer for the TV movies "Virtual Obsession" (1998) and "The Avenging Angel" (1995). Set designer for the TV series "The Visitor" (1997) and "Extreme." Scenic painter for the TV movie "Divided by Hate" (1997). Model builder for the TV movie "Lost Treasure of Dos Santos" (1997).
Mike Snyder
Utah-based filmmaker. Director of the independent family fantasy film "Father Frost" (1996). Director of the independent prison drama/action film "Caged in Paradiso" (1990). Writer of a number of low-budget independent feature films, including: Rumpelstiltskin (2001); Goldilocks and the Three Bears (1995); Savage Land (1994); Indecent Behavior II (1994); Strike a Pose (1993); Rescue Me (1993). Writer of the TV movies "D.R.E.A.M. Team" (1999) and "Hart to Hart" (1979). Line proucer for "Strike a Pose" (1993). Production manager for "Another Chance" (1989). Associate producer for "Rescue Me" (1993), which was also known as "Street Hunter," and the TV movie "Time Bomb" (1984). Associate producer and technical writer for the TV series "Airwolf" (1987). Technical writer for the TV series "Shannon" (1981-1982), a cop show. First assistant director for over 15 low-budget movies, including: Blue Car (2002); Mockingbird Don't Sing (2001); D.R.E.A.M. Team (1999); Storm Trooper (1998); Waking Up Horton (1998); Legacy (1998); Goldilocks and the Three Bears (1995); Savage Land (1994); Alien Intruder (1993); Strike a Pose (1993); Ninja Academy (1990); Long xing tian xia (1989); The Lost Platoon (1989); A Sinful Life (1989); Another Chance (1989); Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death (1989); Big Bad Mama II (1987). Wrote a feature length fantasy screenplay titled "Josie and the Unicorn" which Estonian Latter-day Saint filmmaker Jaanus Silla would like to direct.
Thomas Sobchack
Lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Director of Graduate Studies for Film and Theatre at the University of Utah. Bio from faculty page (http://www.film.utah.edu/sobchack.html):
Thomas Sobchack has been a faculty member of the University of Utah since 1966. Currently he is the Director of Graduate Study for Film and Theatre. Thomas Sobchack recieved his A.B. from Columbia University 1959; M.A. from Hunter College 1961; and Ph. D. from City University of New York 1968.

He is the co-author of An Introduction to Film (Harpers) and Introduction to Film Criticism (Longman) and numerous articles in journals like Literature/Film Quarterly and The Journal of Popular Film and Television. Over the years he's delivered papers at major film organization meetings, most recently he spoke on "The Roots of Contemporary Film Noir." Professor Sobchack is also the Film Critic for Morning Edition on KUER-FM, the local NPR affiliate.

Tom's hobbies include fly fishing, bee keeping, and serving as a docent at Hogle Zoo.


Stacy Sobieski
Actress. Bio from The Actor's Lounge (http://www.4leaffilms.com/students.htm):
Stacy's love for dancing and performing resulted in a discovery of her talent and passion for acting. In her own words, "Acting is like air to me. Once I took my first breath I couldn't get enough." She is very dedicated and looks forward to the opportunities that lie ahead of her. She credits The Actor's Lounge for guiding her in this journey of acting and self-discovery.

Angela Soper
Based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Screenwriter of the short films "Follow Your Heart" (1998) and "Journey to Harmony" (2002), both directed by Martin Andersen for Nu Skin Enterprises, based in Provo, Utah.
Rodger Sorensen
Latter-day Saint. Actor who had major roles in the short BYU student films "Funky Town" (2000) and "A Christmas Kite" (1999).
Timothy Sorensen
Born 25 June 1966, Salt Lake City, Utah. Post-production assistant for the computer-animated PIXAR/Disney feature films "A Bug's Life" (1998) and "Toy Story 2" (1999). Assistant post-production supervisor for the PIXAR/Disney feature "Monsters, Inc." (2001).
Virginia Sorensen
Latter-day Saint. Born 17 February 1912 in Provo, Utah. Died 24 December 1991 in Florida. Buried at her request in Provo, Utah. Sometimes credited as: Virginia Sorenson; Virginia Eggertsen Sorensen. Author of the book On This Star, which was adapted to the 1997 TV movie "A Loss of Innocence." Profile Page
James LeVoy Sorenson
Latter-day Saint. Author of the book Finding True Balance, which was the basis for Jacen Brewer's short documentary film "Balance" (2002). Profile Page
Leandro Soria
Latter-day Saint. From Argentina. Did voiceover work, providing the "Spanish voice," for the Book of Mormon-oriented documentary video "In Search of 'Ancient Cumorah'" (2001).
Luci Sosnowski
Lives in Park City, Utah. Company: Designs by Luci: Sewing & Alterations. Does sewing and alterations, clothing design and coordination, clothing construction, accessorizing. TV credits include: "Night Sins." Stage credits include: Guys & Dolls, Two Hills.
Geb Souhan
Key set production assistant for the Leucadia TV movie "Windrunner" (1995). Assistant camera for "Invasion of Privacy" (1996).
Roz Soulam
Lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Sometimes credited as: Roz Soulam Hawk; Roz Hawk; Rosalind Soulam. Casting director for the 70mm film "The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd" (2000), produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Casting director (voice actors) for Lee Groberg's documentaries "Trail of Hope: The Story of the Mormon Trail" (1997) and "American Prophet: The Joseph Smith Story" (1999). Casting director for the family films "A Kid Called Danger" (1999), "The Robin Hood Gang" (1997), "Same River Twice" (1996), "Behind the Waterfall" (1995), the TV movie "Not In This Town" (1997) and the short direct-to-video film "Fedora" (1994). Extras coordinator or local casting for the TV movies "No Laughing Matter" (1998), "Divided by Hate" (1997), "Face of Evil" (1996), the miniseries "Stephen King's The Stand" (1994), the feature film "Drive Me Crazy" (1999), the direct-to-video movie "Clubhouse Detectives" (1996), and the TV series "The Visitor" (1997). Extras assistant for the Church-produced film "Nora's Christmas Gift" (1989). Also an acting instructor.
Darin Southam
Latter-day Saint. Actor, singer and model. Born circa 1979. Lives in Draper, Utah. Brother-in-law of Emily Kennard (actress in "Napoleon Dynamite"). Appeared in small parts in the made-in-Utah Disney TV movies "Halloweentown III: Halloweentown High" (2004) and "Going to the Mat" (2004). Bio from KSL News, May. 24, 2004 (http://tv.ksl.com/specials/index.php?sid=96114&nid=23):
Darin knows the power music has to influence people positively and has chosen to pursue a career in the music business. He anticipates publishing his first CD in August 2004.

Darin has been singing his whole life, but it wasn't until college that he began seriously pursuing music. He red-shirted on the BYU-Idaho football team, but didn't see a lasting future in it, so he decided to follow his love for music. Later, he enrolled in the University of Utah, where he performed with the Salt Lake Institute Concert Choir. He didn;t think he was good enough, but when he was given the chance to solo "Bring Him Home" from Les Miserable, he took it. The following year he performed with the University of Utah 'A Capella' choir, took voice lessons, and took a semester of music classes. He believes in going with the flow of things and taking the opportunities that come your way, even if you are afraid of them.

Darin collects original score motion picture soundtracks as he enjoys the beauty of music orchestration. He wants to produce good, inspiring music of this kind and enjoys the musical styles of Charlotte Church and Josh Groban. He believes music is not about the performer, but about the positive influence music can have on the listener.


Trevor Southey
Latter-day Saint (convert to the Church). Gay. Born 12 January 1940, Gatooma, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), a white descendant of British colonials. Lives in San Francisco, California. BFA, MA at Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, 1965-1969. 1960: Natal Technical College, Durban, South Africa, National Diploma in Painting. 1959-1960: Brighton College of Art, Brighton, Sussex, England, Intermediate Certificate in Art. Painter, artist, and art instructor. Featured in the KBYU PBS documentary "Two Artists" (1976), produced at Brigham Young University by Brian Capener. Later featured in the three documentaries by Dan Blanchard for KTVY Oklahoma City, Metropolitan Library System, Community Workshop: "Drawing the Human Figure" (1983), "From Vision to Form" (1984) and "Trevor Southey, One Man Show" (1985). Website: http://www.trevorsouthey.com/
Janica Southwick
Born circa 1980 in South Weber, Utah. Lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Was student-body president of Northridge High School (in Layton, Utah) and Miss Teen Utah. Runner-up to Miss Teen USA. After high school, at the age of 18, she moved to Japan and became a celebrity on Japanese television: co-host of two talk shows, TV-news reporter, sitcom actor and a star of several children's shows. Starred in the prime-time TV show "Vocabulary Heaven." Co-hosted the program "Dai Tokyo Ryokosha" with Japanese pop idol Joe Odagiri. Hosted the hosted weekly talk show "Winner's Booth." Was the host of "NHK," the educational television network's children's show which helps Japanese children learn English. Returned to Utah in 2003. Website: www.janica.tv
Henry Souvaine
Born 1895, Salt Lake City, Utah. Died 30 January 1954, New York City. Composer for "Queen High" (1930), starring Ginger Rogers. IMDb: Henry Souvaine was a composer and radio producer. As a child prodigy, he took his first professional bow as violinist with a symphony orchestra in San Francisco. He later switched to the piano. In the early 1920s he lectured about music in public schools. As composer he collaborated with EY Harburg, Morrie Ryskind, J. P. McEvoy ("Comic Supplement" for Ziegfeld). His song "Would 'Ja For a Big Red Apple?" (written with Johnny Mercer and Everett Miller) was featured in the 1932 Broadway revue "Americana." He began his career in radio as producer of "Cadillac Concerts" and of the prestigious General Motors Symphony Broadcasts. From 1940 until his death he was in charge of Metropolitan Opera broadcasts and its intermission features, "Opera News On the Air" and "Opera Quiz." According to Variety" he sponsored the broadcasting debuts of Menuhin, Toscanini, Marian Anderson, Heifetz, Artur Rubinstein and others.
Derek Spalding
Executive producer.
Cathy Spangler
Based in central Utah. Production coordinator. Credits include: "Unsolved Mysteries", Novell Net World Inter-Op video.
Beatrice Sparks
Latter-day Saint. Lives in Provo, Utah. Also credited as: Beatrice Matthews Sparks; Anonymous. Sparks is best known as the "editor" of the influential book Go Ask Alice, first published in 1971 by Prentice-Hall. The book purported itself to be the unaltered diary of a teenager whose life was ruined by drugs and immorality. The raw and shocking nature of the book, coupled with its strong denunciation of the evils it depicts, made it popular among young readers as well as adults. The book became assigned reading in many high schools, but was also a source of controversy because of its content, which frequently led to it being banned from schools. Go Ask Alice was adapted to an ABC television movie in 1973, starring William Shatner as Alice's father and Andy Griffith as the helpful priest. The book and the movie based on it both had a tremendous effect on teenagers in the 1970s, inspiring many people to discuss and avoid the pitfalls faced by "Alice." For many years, Go Ask Alice was widely regarded as an authentic, first-person diary of a troubled teenager. When Sparks began publishing similarly-themed "diaries," she was acknowledged as the "editor" of these books, and maintained that Alice was a real person whose writings she had utilized in creating the book. Other books published by Sparks include: Key to Happiness (Deseret Book, 1967); Jay's Journal (Times Books, 1979); Voices (Times, 1978); It Happened to Nancy: By an Anonymous Teenager, A True Story from Her Diary (Flare, 1994); It's My Candle: By an Anonymous Teenager: A True Story from His Diary (Morrow/Avon, 1996); Almost Lost: The True Story of an Anonymous Teenager's Life on the Streets (Avon, 1996); Annie's Baby: The Diary of Anonymous, a Pregnant Teenager (Flare, 1998); Treacherous Love: The Diary of an Anonymous Teenager (Avon, 2000). Today Sparks is increasingly regarded as the sole author of these books, clearly written as powerful message-oriented literature based on her values as a Latter-day Saint and her professional experiences as a adolescent psychologist working with troubled young people. In hindsight and in today's more cynical environment, it may seem surprising that people considered Go Ask Alice absolutely authentic. The intensity with which some people eventually denounced the book as a "fraud" is a testament to the power of the book: teenagers felt a genuine connection to Alice and were moved by her plight.

Sparks and her books even became the subject of rock opera titled written and performed by a Latter-day Saint musical group named Grain (based in American Fork, Utah). The rock opera, A Place in the Sun, was reviewed by Latter-day Saint playwright and drama critic Eric Samuelsen in 1997. A Place in the Sun presents the story of a teenager named Alden Barrett who commits suicide, after which his journal is used by Sparks as less than 10 percent of her book Jay's Journal. The opera is strongly critical of Sparks, and views Jay's Journal as a fraudulent work which exploits Alden's journal, although Sparks' book and the journal are actually so different that this criticism may be unfounded. The focus of the rock opera, however, is on Alden, whose very real problems were obviously not caused by Sparks. Samuelsen said of A Place in the Sun (http://www.aml-online.org/reviews/b/B199734.html): "although nothing directly LDS appears in the work, I think it's a terrific piece of LDS fiction. The opera does not pull punches; Barrett's main problems were schizophrenia and drugs, and the opera takes us inside his mind; it's a frightening journey. And then we meet the author-as-vampire, as Beatrice Sparks exploits the family's pain. But the final images are of healing, hope, forgiveness. It's really very powerful."

Biography from Rick Walton's "Bring Utah Authors and Illustrators To Your School" website (http://www.rickwalton.com/utahauth/bsparks.htm):

Beatrice Sparks, a psychologist, also holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Behavior. Her books have won the American Library Association Young Adult Notable Award, the Christopher Medal, School Library Journal Best Books, and Quick Pick for Recommended Reading by the American Library Association. Dr. Sparks was a 1996 National Book Award Judge for Young People's Literature.
Additional Reading:
- "Teen Death Diary: Jay's Journal is the bizarre diary of a Utah Mormon teen caught in a web of satanism, sex and suicide. But is it true?", by Ben Dieterle, Salt Lake City Weekly, 3 June 2004 (URL: http://www.slweekly.com/editorial/2004/feat_2004-06-03.cfm)
- "'Curiouser and Curiouser': Fact, Fiction, and the Anonymous Author of Go Ask Alice" (URL: http://www.shutitdown.net/text/askalice.html)
Terry Spazek
Lives in North Salt Lake, Utah. Line producer for the independent feature films "In My Sleep" (2003), "Momentum" (2003), and "The Family." Supervising producer for "Spun" (2002) and "The Dream Team" (1989). Producer of the TV movie "The Substitute 3: Winner Takes All" (1999), the independent films "The Breaks" (1999) and "Opportunity Knocks" (1990), and the TV series "Soldier of Fortune, Inc." (1997). Associate producer of "Captive Hearts" (1987).
Betty Jo Speakman
Latter-day Saint. Lives in Fillmore, Utah with her husband, Dan Speakman. She and her husband have bit parts as an "elderly church couple" in the Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "Jack Weyland's Charly" (2002).
Dan Speakman
Latter-day Saint. Lives in Fillmore, Utah with his wife, Betty Jo. He and his wife have bit parts as an "elderly church couple" in the Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "Jack Weyland's Charly" (2002).
Eve Speer
Latter-day Saint. Lives in Utah. Sometimes credited as: Genesis Eve Speer; G. Eve Speer; Eve Spears. Graduate of Brigham Young University (BYU) theater department. Actress. Bit part as a department store clerk in the Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "Jack Weyland's Charly" (2002). Bit part as "Gossip Girl #1" (at the singles dance) in the Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "The Singles Ward" (2002). Extra in the short film "In Time of Need" (1999), made at BYU. Stage roles include playing the mother of the title character in Erasmus Montanus (1998, BYU) and "Natasha" in Anton Chekhov's The Three Sisters (2001, BYU). Was a regional semifinalist in the Irene Ryan Acting Competition in 1999.
Walter Spencer
Born 17 September 1882, Salt Lake City, Utah. Died 8 September 1927, Long Beach, California. Birth name: Walter Bryson. Actor appeared in: The Heart of Tara (1916); The Other Side of the Door (1916); After the Storm (1915).
Rob Spragg
Latter-day Saint (non-churchgoer). Spragg is best known as the singer for the group "Alabama 3", whose song "Woke Up This Morning" is the theme song of the popular HBO series "The Sopranos." Spragg is a Welsh Mormon whose coal miner father was a branch president or bishop. He credits his Welsh Mormon background for part of his musical education, but he left Church activity in his late teens.
Corey Sprague
Latter-day Saint. Was the co-screenwriter (along with Debbie G. Hofstedt) who adapted Jack Weyland's short story "The Award" into a same-titled video made by a stake in California in 1985. "The Award" was shown to generations of young people throughout the Church. Was puppet manipulator and voice actor for the puppet musical film "Cinderabbit" (1978), made at BYU.
Matt Springer
Has worked on a number of films made in Utah, but his credits since 1997 are for films made in southern California. Production assistant on: Supernova (2000); The Muse (1999); Mystery Men (1999); A Life Less Ordinary (1997); Con Air (1997); Wish Upon a Star (1996); Truth or Consequences, N.M. (1997); Behind the Waterfall (1995); The Stand (1994). IMDb credits him as an actor in the independent film "35 Miles from Normal" (1997), which won awards at the Florida Film Festival.
Derek Spriggs
Latter-day Saint. Lives in Orem, Utah. Actor who had a major role in the short film "The King's Falcon" (1997), which won the Best Short Drama Film award at the Santa Clarita International Film Festival. Did voice work for the PBS documentary "Treasure House: The Utah Mining Story (1996). Minor role in the Feature Films For Families video "Seasons of the Heart" (1993). Worked in the admissions office at Brigham Young University (BYU).
Chantelle Squires
Latter-day Saint. Hometown: Lehi, Utah. Lives in Provo, Utah. Also known as: Chantelle S. Squires. Was a Varsity cheerleader at Lehi High School. Director and editor of "Out of Step: Behind the Scenes" (2002), the "making of" documentary included on the DVD release for the Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "Out of Step" (2002). The documentary was filmed by Calvin Cory and Christian Vuissa. Was one of three script supervisors for Clark Edmunds' short BYU student film "Elise" (2001). First assistant director and additional editor for the award-winning short BYU student film "The Promethean" (2003). Director of the 30-second PSA (Public Service Announcement) commercial titled "Literacy" (2003), which competed in the 3rd LDS Film Festival (Jan. 2004) and was described thus: "A man realizes that his illiteracy is a stumbling block when he takes his daughter to the hospital."

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