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Brief Biographies
of Latter-day Saint and/or Utah
Film Personalities
D
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Peter Dacey
Lived in Provo, Utah. Sometimes credited as: Peter Dacey; Peter Dacy. Camera assistant for the TV series "Go Fish" (2001) and "Touched by an Angel", and movies including: Pitch People (1999); Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998); Living in Peril (1997); Amityville: Dollhouse (1997); Out of the Darkness; Prey of the Jaguar (1996); The Lottery (1996); Firestorm (1995); Cirque Du Soleil (2000 IMAX, D.P.: Reed Smoot); Hotel Malibu; Pie in the Sky.
David D'Agostini
Latter-day Saint. Graduate of Brigham Young University. Appeared in a featured role on the TV series "Touched By An Angel." Currently (2002) in the MFA actor training program at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego.
Curt Dahl
Latter-day Saint. Producer of numerous award-winning ads for the "Homefront" PSA series produced by the Church.
Paula J. Dahlberg
Lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Hair stylist and make-up artist.
Rusty Dailey
Location sound recording and playback for the KBYU dance film "Woman, the Pioneer" (1997). Sound engineer and technical crew for the KBYU documentary "Letting God Have His Way: A Conversation about C.S. Lewis" (1999). Sound mixer for the Latter-day Saint-themed KBYU film "Eliza and I" (1997).
McKay Daines
Latter-day Saint. Producer/director of corporate and documentary films who is now working on feature films. Website: http://mckaydaines.com
Rachel Dalby
Actress. Bio from The Actor's Lounge (http://www.4leaffilms.com/students.htm): "Rachel is a talented, hard-working professional actress. She is a Salt Lake City native who enjoys snowboarding, hiking, travel and meeting new people. Rachel has studied with the Actor's Lounge since June of 2001." Bit part in CBS' "See You In My Dreams"; stand-in in Disney's "Double Teamed." Played a patron in a commercial for Christopher's Seafood & Steak House. Has trained under Rob Diamond, Gregory Haynes, Jeff Johnson, Geoff Hansen and David Stevens.
Sam Dalton
Latter-day Saint. Born in Knoxville, Tennessee. Lives in Sandy, Utah. Professional actor. Emmy-award winning television producer. Small parts as the school principal in the TV movie "Double Teamed" (2002) and as a reporter in the TV movies "On The Right Track" (2002) and "Perfect Murder, Perfect Town" (2000). Small part on "Touched by an Angel" (1999). Recurring principal roles on the daytime series "Santa Barbara" (1984-1986). Co-starring roles on the TV series "Rags to Riches" (1987) and "Mancuso FBI" (1990). Role of Coach Gurntz in the feature film "Footloose" (1984). Co-starring role in educational film "If I'm Lying I'm Dying" (1992). TV guest appearances on "Call to Glory" (1984), "The Wizard" (1987) and "Mr. Belvedere" (1987). Bit parts in the TV movies "Divided by Hate" (a.k.a. "Bitter Markings", 1997), "Cast the First Stone" (1989), "In Self Defense" (1987), "Blind Justice" (1986), and "Single Bars, Single Women" (1984). Did voice work for the PBS documentaries "American Prophet: The Joseph Smith Story" (1999) and "In Search of the Oregon Trail" (1996). Narrator of the video "Video Essentials" (2001).
Sam Dalton is an accomplished professional on-camera actor and voice-over talent. He was the founder and director of "Actors Asylum", a nationally recognized professional acting training and film/video production facility located in Murray, Utah. He is the creator and executive producer of "Family Adventures" an Internet-based real-time video streaming Web site that takes families in search of off-the-beaten-path activities and destinations where they can share love, laughter, and adventure. He is also a nationally published travel writer who specializes in family-adventure and couples' romantic getaways. His travel articles have appeared in Eco-Traveler, Family Fun, Adventure West, Westways, Touring Americam, Backpacker, Valley, and Sacramento Magazine. Prior to becoming a full-time actor, writer, and producer, Sam spent some 15-years in the television industry as a news anchor/broadcast journalist, talk show host and marketing executive. He attended the University of Tennessee where he majored in Broadcast Management and Journalism with a minor in Speech and Theater. His website: http://samdalton.com/
Troy W. Dalton
Lives in Midvale, Utah. Set construction/design. Carpenter for "Just a Dream" (2002).
Denise J. Damer
Latter-day Saint. Graduate of Brigham Young University (Theater and Media Arts). Scenic artist on "The Killing Jar" (1996). Art department coordinator on TV movie "On Hope" (1994). Set decorator on "Book of Rules" (2002).
Hallie D'Amore
Lives in Eden, Utah. Born in Alabama. A leading make-up artist for feature films. Nominated for a Best Makeup Academy Award for "Forrest Gump" (1994). Nominated for a Saturn Award, along with Stan Winston and Ve Neill, for "Galaxy Quest" (1999). Nominated for Emmy awards for the TV movies "Buffalo Girls" (1995) and "Gypsy" (1993). Nominated for a Hollywood Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Guild Award for "The Princess Diaries" (2001). Makeup department head for the feature film "XXX" (2002), starring Vin Diesel. Key makeup artist for the feature films: Patch Adams (1998); City of Angels (1998); Contact (1997); Chain Reaction (1996); Phenomenon (1996); The Perez Family (1995); Bugsy (1991). Frequently the make-up artist for lead film actors, such as Tim Allen and Richard Gere. Her more than 2 dozen other movie credits as a makeup artist include: We Were Soldiers (2002); Joe Somebody (2001); The Princess Diaries (2001); Dr. T & the Women (2000); Autumn in New York (2000); Runaway Bride (1999); A Civil Action (1998); My Giant (1998); The American President (1995); Apollo 13 (1995); Forrest Gump (1994); Josh and S.A.M. (1993); Toys (1992); Dick Tracy (1990); Steel Magnolias (1989) and more. Bit part as a waitress in a cafe in the feature film "Forrest Gump" (1994).
Cory Dangerfield
Latter-day Saint. Lives in Midvale, Utah. Artist and part-time actor. Was a voice actor for the PBS documentary "American Prophet: The Joseph Smith Story" (1999). One of the main actors in the major Church-produced video "Mountain of the Lord" (1993). Had a supporting role as the father of the lead character in "Nobody's Baby" (2001). Small roles in the Feature Films For Families movie "No More Baths" (1998) and the TV movie "Beyond the Prairie: The True Story of Laura Ingalls Wilder" (2000). TV guest appearance on "Walker, Texas Ranger" in 1998. Has done set design for theatrical productions, including Beth Henley's Abundance (1992), directed by James Morrison, Toni Lynn Byrd's production of Pajama Game at SLCC Grand Theatre (2000), and Robert Graham Small's production of Julie Jensen's White Money at Salt Lake Acting Company (1991).
Marcia Dangerfield
Utah-based character actress. Born 29 February 1952 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Birth name: Marcia Yvette Reider. Also known as: Marcia Reider; Marci Dangerfield. Moved to Utah in 1977. Most of her film and television credits are for productions filmed in Utah. Moved to Bloomington, Indiana in April 2001. Has appeared in at least 17 feature films and TV movies. Played the mayor (7th-billed role) in the theatrically-released feature film "Bats" (1999). Played "Ursula Minsk" (7th-billed role) in the low-budget feature film "The Goodbye Bird" (1993). Other parts have been smaller roles. Appeared in the Feature Films For Families videos "Split Infinity" (1992), "No More Baths" (1998) and "Address Unknown" (1997). Also appeared in the feature films "SLC Punk!" (1999), "Heaven Sent" (1994), "Neon City" (1992). TV movies include: Detention: The Siege at Johnson High (1997); A Loss of Innocence (1996); Unabomber: The True Story (1996); Battling for Baby (1992). Multiple guest appearances on the TV series "Touched by an Angel." Did voice work for the PBS documentary "Trail of Hope: The Story of the Mormon Trail" (1997). Utah casting director for Leucadia's "Breaking Free" (1995). Self-written bio from IMDb.com (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0199510/bio):
Marcia Dangerfield was born and raised in Indiana. She graduated from Arlington High School in 1970. Her father's family hailed from Shelby County. Her mother grew up in Indianapolis. Marcia is the youngest of three children. She moved to Utah in 1977, where she became the working mother of three youngsters, while helping to establish the Utah branch of SAG in Salt Lake City.
It was during these years that Marcia formed a productive relationship with writer-producer, Charles E. Sellier, Jr., who first put her to work in the business in 1979. Leon Dudevoir was her first mentor. James L. Conway, her first director...
After a few years in Los Angeles, spent well behind the camera, Marcia Dangerfield returned to Utah, where her performances, both in film and theater, began to take on a new significance. Marcia is now living in Bloomington, Indiana, hoping to complete her Bachelor's in Communication and Culture from her alma mater, Indiana University. Two of her sons have been to Iraq and back.
Since she arrived in Bloomington, in April 2001, her onstage work-in roles as diverse as "Big Mama", and "Kate Keller"-has been highly praised by NPR columnist, George Walker and the local Herald Tribune...
Angela Daniels
Lives in Riverton, Utah with her husband, David Daniels. Actress. Has appeared in a commercial for IBM (Tivoli 2000). Has performed in lead or supporting roles on stage in The House of Blue Leaves; Death and the Maiden; Antigone; St. George Christmas; Taming of the Shrew, performing at Weber Studio, Graff Theatre, and Dixie Studio.
Bruce Daniels
Latter-day Saint. Wrote the short screenplay "The Date," which competed in the 2002 LDS Film Festival.
Nick Daniels
First assistant director and unit production manager for the award-winning short BYU student film "Peluca" (2002), directed by Jared Hess. 2nd assistant camera for the short BYU student film "Elise" (2001).
Peter Daniels
Peter Daniels
Lives in Provo, Utah with his wife Lana. Special effects coordinator for the TV series "The Visitor" (1997). Special effects work for "Just a Dream" (2002), "Invasion of Privacy" (1996), "Unhook the Stars" (1996) and "Secret of Treasure Mountain" (1993). Transportation captain or transportation coordinator for the Feature Films For Families videos "In Your Wildest Dreams" (1991), "Rigoletto" (1993), "Split Infinity" (1992), "The ButterCream Gang" (1992) and "Secret of Treasure Mountain" (1993). Driver for the feature film "Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers" (1988)
Fred Danneman
Latter-day Saint. Lives in Alpine, Utah with his wife Holly. Small role as "Mr. Anderson" in the Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "Jack Weyland's Charly" (2002). He and his wife were neighbors of the movie's executive producer, Herb Christensen, and were important investors in the film. The Dannemans play parents welcoming their son, played by their actual son Rick, home from a mission.
Holly Danneman
Latter-day Saint. Lives in Alpine, Utah with her husband, Fred Danneman. Small role as "Mrs. Anderson" in the Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "Jack Weyland's Charly" (2002). She and her husband were neighbors of the movie's executive producer, Herb Christensen, and were important investors in the film. The Dannemans play parents welcoming their son, played by their actual son Rick, home from a mission.
Rick Danneman
Latter-day Saint. Son of Fred and Holly Danneman of Alpine, Utah. Just before he left for his full-time mission (which was delayed because of the World Trade Centers attack of September 11th, 2001), Rick had a small role in the Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "Jack Weyland's Charly" (2002). He played the part of a missionary returning home from his mission and being welcomed by his parents, played by his real-life parents, who were investors in the film. His actual younger brothers and sisters also appear on screen, welcoming him home.
Chris Dansie
Latter-day Saint. Lives in Utah. Executive producer of Tucker Dansie's Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "Love Logs On" (2003). Website: www.digop.com. Bio from "Love Logs On" website (http://www.tuckertdansie.com/lovelogson/bios/garyorchris.htm):
As owners of the highly successful digital business solutions company DIGOP, formerly Digital Options. Chris Dansie and Gary Dansie have been providing business solutions to companies for over 23 years. Everything from internet to multimedia to video productions. For those 23 years they have counted on having the best of the best when it come to technology. Sine 1996, Tucker Dansie has been with the company as the Video Productions Manager and has provided the company with top notch video services and film services. DIGOP is now an outstanding leader in their business and provides the next wave of business solutions to clients all over the world. Please visit their website for more information.
Gary Dansie
Latter-day Saint. Lives in Utah. Executive producer of Tucker Dansie's Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "Love Logs On" (2003). Website: www.digop.com. Bio from "Love Logs On" website (http://www.tuckertdansie.com/lovelogson/bios/garyorchris.htm):
As owners of the highly successful digital business solutions company DIGOP, formerly Digital Options. Chris Dansie and Gary Dansie have been providing business solutions to companies for over 23 years. Everything from internet to multimedia to video productions. For those 23 years they have counted on having the best of the best when it come to technology. Sine 1996, Tucker Dansie has been with the company as the Video Productions Manager and has provided the company with top notch video services and film services. DIGOP is now an outstanding leader in their business and provides the next wave of business solutions to clients all over the world. Please visit their website for more information.
Jae Dansie
Latter-day Saint. Film student at Brigham Young University (BYU). Director of the short student film "Compulsory Means," which competed in BYU's 2003 Final Cut film festival.
Judy Dansie
Latter-day Saint. Mother of filmmaker Tucker Dansie. Producer of Tucker Dansie's Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "Love Logs On" (2003). Bio from "Love Logs On" website ():
Don't let the pure fact that she's Tucker' mom fool you. Judy Dansie is in fact one of the most experiences "Producers" in the state. She's made more things happen then most governors! Besides her long standing affiliation with the state PTA and her ability to "make things happen" Judy has also been involved in many local musicals, plays and other events as a producer. She's been involved in many community productions as executive, associate you name, she's a producer. And she's also worked with Tucker quite a bit. Besides her critically acclaimed turn in the actors chair in his short film "The Lesson" the talent Mrs. Dansie turn from in front of the camera to behind the camera. On his last production, Judy because producer for the first time on a Tucker T Dansie Film and produced one of his best films to date. "Two Dimes and a Nickel" was a powerhouse production that Tucker and Judy produced together. Judy headed up casting and making sure people got there, and Tucker headed up technical side of things. IT was a match made in heaven. And the production ran smoother then a babies butt. Judy will producer again this massive production by taking on casting responsibilities and other sorts of responsibilities, leaving Tucker to technical.
Julie Dansie
Latter-day Saint. Resident of Holladay, Utah. Co-writer of her husband Tucker Dansie's short film "The Lesson" (2002).
Mason Dansie
Lives in Utah. Latter-day Saint. Sound director and lighting director for Tucker Dansie's Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "Love Logs On" (2003). Bio from "Love Logs On" website (http://www.tuckertdansie.com/lovelogson/bios/mason_dansie.htm):
Another of the Dansie brothers, Mason Dansie is an extremely talented graphic designer. And an extremely talented tile layer as well. But also, he is very good at sound and lighting. He helps whenever he can with the sound on Tucker's sets and has always been a huge help. Also, we are talking him up so that he will let us borrow his convertible for a few scenes in the movie!!
Tucker Dansie
Latter-day Saint. Born 17 June 1978, Salt Lake City, Utah. Resident of Holladay, Utah. Birth name: Tucker T. Dansie. Gradated from the Vancouver Film School in 1998. Writer/director/cinematographer/producer of the Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "Love Logs On" (2003), a romantic comedy about set in Salt Lake City. His first work on a feature film was as Director of Photography for the Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "Suddenly Unexpected" (2003), filmed in Houston, Texas in 2002. He has made many short films, mostly comedies, including: The Lesson (2002); Chick Magnet (2001); The Switch (1999); A Chance Meeting (1998); Crayoluv (1997). In 2002 he collected some of his short films, and began planning for new ones, to form his "One of Life's Little Lessons" film series. Website: www.oneoflifeslittlelessons.com Working on a feature-length documentary "Finding Freedom" (2002), about an African refugee. His documentary "Colors: Up Close & Personal" (1999), about the Utah-based pop band Colors is available on video. Presented the "Colors" documentary, along with a question and answer session, at the 2nd LDS Film Festival, held in Provo, Utah in November 2002. Has acted in some of his films. Wrote the short screenplay "The Wooden Bowl," which competed in the 2002 LDS Film Festival. As a stage actor, had a supporting role in the first run of the musical A Day and a Night, written and directed by Doug Stewart of Saturday's Warrior fame. Website: http://www.tuckertdansie.com
Jim D'Arc
Latter-day Saint. Film archivist at Brigham Young University. Interviewed in the TV documentary "Latter-day Saints on the Silver Screen" (2002).
Judy Darby
Lives in Utah. Assistant makeup artist for the short film "Water with Food Coloring" (2001). Craft service for the TV movie "The Substitute 3: Winner Takes All" (1999), the Latter-day Saint-themed direct-to-video film "Only Once" (1998), and the Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "Jack Weyland's Charly" (2002). Medic for "Substitute 3" and paramedic coordinator for "Charly." Also appears in a bit part as "Woman in Department Store" in "Charly."
Sunny Darley
Latter-day Saint. Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah. Resident of Provo, Utah. Film student at Brigham Young University (BYU). Director of the short film "Cathedrals," an experimental look at the ruins of many Utah buildings. Production assistant on Ryan Little's national award-winning short film "The Last Good War" (1999). Second second assistant director for the award-winning film "The Wrong Brother" (2000).
Ken Daurio
Latter-day Saint. With his writing partner Cinco Paul, Daurio co-wrote the controversial Disney feature film "Bubble Boy" (2001) and the hugely successful Disney feature film "The Santa Claus 2" (2002), starring Tim Allen. Before these big studio films were made, Daurio wrote and directed the low-budget comedy "42K" (2000), co-directed by Darren Doane. The madcap plot of "42K" features a rock band, a mysterious necklace, twelve ancient vampires, four beautiful girls, three ninjas and two Christians. In late 2002 Daurio and Paul directed the short film "Special," based on a script they wrote in 1999. Credited as a creative consultant for the video "Firearm" (1993). Also made cameo appearances in "Bubble Boy" and "42K." With Paul he is currently writing "Let It Rain," a live-action musical with singing dogs for Disney and Jim Henson Pictures. Bio from official "Santa Claus 2" website (http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/santaclause2/main.html):
Ken Daurio began his career shooting music videos. A native of New Jersey, he moved to California with his family when he was eight-years-old. For his 9th birthday he received the gift of a movie camera and started making short movies and stop motion films.
Mr. Daurio has directed over 100 music videos. Among the bands he has filmed are Bink 182, Pennywise, and MXPX. His company, Royal Films, was nominated for an MTV Music Video Award. He previously wrote Touchstone Pictures' "Bubble Boy."
Brandon Davies
Lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Director of the short film "Beginning (Decent)," shown at the Loaf-I film festival in Salt Lake City, 2002. Director of the short film "The Movie Adaptation of the Sequel to Your Life," shown at "Works From Along the Wasatch Front" at the Utah Film & Video Center, March 2001.
Richard Davies
Born 3 August 1915, Provo, Utah. Died 2 April 1994, Weaverville, California. Actor appeared in at least 22 movies, including major roles in: Hat Check Honey (1944); The Falcon in Danger (1943); Gangbusters (1942); Strictly in the Groove (1942); When Johnny Comes Marching Home (1942). Smaller roles in: Under Milk Wood (1973); Oh! What a Lovely War (1969); Married Too Young (1962); Swingin' on a Rainbow (1945); Christmas Holiday (1944); Hi'ya, Chum (1943); The Iron Major (1943); The Sky's the Limit (1943); Eagle Squadron (1942); The Mad Doctor of Market Street (1942); Private Buckaroo (1942); Top Sergeant (1942); Behind the Eight Ball (1942); Give Out, Sisters (1942); Don't Get Personal (1941); San Antonio Rose (1941); Road Agent (1941); Unfinished Business (1941).
Rocky Davies
Latter-day Saint. Hometown: Alpharetta, Georgia. Lives in Provo, Utah. Full name: Rockford Theron Davies. Student at Brigham Young University (BYU). Art department intern for the Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "The R.M." (2003).
Tyrone Davies
Latter-day Saint. Lives in Ogden, Utah. Served a full-time mission in the Taiwan Taichung Mission. Hosted the radio show "Esoterica Encyclopedia" while living in Missouri. Director of the feature-length experimental film "Stealing Away," which was shown at Utah State University and featured in the Loaf-I film festival in Salt Lake City, 2002. "Stealing Away" was described thus: "A film that makes use of virtually every low-budget filmmaking technology available, 'Stealing Away' explores the human condition through abstraction. 'Stealing Away' is a highly experimental work that contains no dialogue and no main character. what it does have is fascinating cinematography and an astounding soundtrack that was composed by the director." Director of the short film "Air Is for Breathing," which was also shown at the 2002 Loaf-I film festival. "Air Is for Breathing," an exploration of corruption in the oil industry and its impact on U.S./mid-east relations, competed in the 2nd LDS Film Festival, held in Provo, Utah in November 2002. Currently working on a low-budget film "Ether," based on the book of Ether from The Book Of Mormon. Has collaborted on projects with filmmaker B.C. Sterrett, who served in his mission.
Elaine Davila
Utah-based featured extra. Studied acting at the University of Utah. Featured extra in numerous feature films made in Utah, including: Dumb Luck; Pool Hall Junkies; See You In My Dreams; Christmas in the Clouds; The Way of the Gun; Bats; The Crow; Partners in Crime; Anasazi Moon; Stranger than Fiction; Next to You; The Runner; S.L.C. Punk; True Crime; Substitute 3; Zack and Reba; Meet the Deedles; Conair; A Life Less Ordinary. Extra in the TV movies: Perfect Town, Perfect Murder; Anya's Bell; A Secret Life; Don't Look Under the Bed; Motherly Love; In the Blink of an Eye; No Laughing Matter; Him or Us; Murder at 97 Birch St.; A Town Turns to Dust. Featured extra in 80 episodes of "Touched by an Angel" and 30 episodes of "Promised Land." TV guest appearances on "Cover Me" and "Darkling." Some commercials (McDonald's and others) and industrial film work (Dean Witter Reynolds).
Anita Davis
Lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Assistant film editor and production assistant.
Celesta Davis
Latter-day Saint. Graduate of Brigham Young University, BA in Theater, 1995. Actress. Small role in "The Right Temptation" (2000). TV guest appearance on "Walker, Texas Ranger" and "The Huntress." Stage work includes starring in the Provo Theatre Company's production of Oleanna, which ran April 2 through May 4, 1998.
Chad Davis
J. Chad Davis
Lives in Utah. Sometimes credited as: John Chad Davis; J. Chad Davis. Scenic artist or scenic painter for the Feature Films For Families vidoes "Seasons of the Heart" (1993) and "Secret of Treasure Mountain" (1993), and the independent movies "A Midnight Clear" (1991),"Neon City" (1992), and "Promised Land" (1988).
Christian Davis
Latter-day Saint. Son of filmmaker Mitch Davis. Worked as a production assistant behind the scenes on his father's feature film "The Other Side of Heaven" (2001), and made appearance brief onscreen.
Dan Davis
Lives in Park City, Utah. Animal wrangler. Company: Hoover Animal Productions. 50+ dogs available, cats, horses, mules and donkeys, cattle, sheep, chickens, turkeys, parrots, raptors, ostriches, mountain lion, skunks. Domestic and exotic animals available. Credits: Made Men, Touched by an Angel, Beyond the Prairie, NBA.
Jansen Davis
Latter-day Saint. Lives in Bountiful, Utah. Also known as: Jansen N. Davis. Actor. Co-founder (with his brother Brad) of StageRight TheaterCompany, a community theater in Salt Lake City. Lead role in the independent film "Alone Together" (Garden Productions). Supporting role as Sydney Rigdon in the Church Educational System (CES) video "The Work of Thy Hand," produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Featured extra in an episode of "Cover Me." Hs appeared in commercials including Eat at School Lunch Ad (KUTV), Golden Village Commercial, ITT Tech, Promedix.com and the University of Utah Psychology Department. Has appeared on stage -- often in lead roles -- at StageRight Theater Company, Desert Star Playhouse, Salt Lake City Repertory and Starlight Summer Theater in productions such as Our Town; Miracle on 42nd Street, Holmes and Watson; My One and Only; The Mikado; The Lion in Winter; The Mystery of Edwin Drood; As You Like It; The Importance of Being Earnest; It's A Wonderful Life; Harvey; 1776. Voicover work includes projects for Hansen Planetarium and "Star Command" (Rubin Fox Productions).
Jill Davis
Boom operator for "Message in a Cell Phone" (2000), for which Roger Davis was the sound mixer.
Joel Davis
Salt Lake City-based film producer and editor. Company: Double Nickel Production. Specialized in broadcast programming and commercial production, particularly for military and police-related projects. Assistant editor for US Army CGSC News Network. Assistant producer of the TV series "Boat World USA." Producer of a video about the "Golden Knights" (US Army parachuters).
Kaye Davis
Lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Film editor. Credits mostly include B horror movies. Editor of: Megalomania (2000); Running Time (1997); Frostbiter: Wrath of the Wendigo (1996); Bound and Gagged: A Love Story (1992); Lunatics: A Love Story (1991); Vampire at Midnight (1988); Evil Dead II (1987).
Matthew Davis
Born 8 May 1978, Salt Lake City, Utah. Actor. Starred in critically acclaimed low budget film "Tigerland" (2000), with Colin Farrell. Had the 4th billed part in "Legally Blonde" (2001). Lead male role in the girl-centered surf movie "Blue Crush" (2002). Small roles in: Lone Star State of Mind (2002); Below (2002); Pearl Harbor (2001); Urban Legends: Final Cut (2000).
Matthew G. Davis
Latter-day Saint. Also credited as: Matt Davis. Film student at Brigham Young University (BYU). Director of the animated short film "Mortimer Monkey." Sound mixer for the Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "Handcart" (2002).
Mimi Davis
Lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Sometimes credited as: Mimi M. Davis. Location manager for the feature film "The Crow: Salvation" (2000) and the direct-to-video films "Clubhouse Detectives" (1996), "Coyote Summer" (1996), and "Invasion of Privacy" (1996). Assistant location manager for "Con Air" (1997), "Just Like Dad" (1996), and "Parallel Lives" (1994).
Mitch Davis
Latter-day Saint. Also known as: Mitchell Davis. Screenwriter/director of "The Other Side of Heaven," his adaptation of John H. Groberg's memoirs about his mission experiences in Tonga. This is highest-grossing film made by and about Latter-day Saints. Davis is also the screenwriter of Disney's made-for-TV movie "Windrunner" (1995). (Interesting note: "The Other Side of Heaven" was popular movie actress Anne Hathaway's first feature film, although it was released after her Disney's "The Princess Diaries", which rocketed her to stardom.) Profile Page
Roger Davis
Lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Boom operator and grip. Production sound mixer for T.C. Christensen's "Bug Off!", Eric Hendershot's direct-to-video family film "Message in a Cell Phone" (2000), the TV documentary "Violent Planet (1995), and the PBS documentaries directed by John Groberg: "Trail of Hope: The Story of the Mormon Trail" (1997) and "American Prophet: The Story of Joseph Smith" (1999), and the film "The Way of the Gun" (2000). Production sound mixer for the direct-to-video movie "Someone Was Watching" (2002), produced by John Groberg.
Todd Davis
Latter-day Saint. Actor. Had a small role as "Elder Stokes" in Richard Dutcher's acclaimed Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "God's Army" (2000). Small role as an elf in the feature film "The Santa Clause" (1994). Small role in the TV movie "Annie O" (1996). Guest appearances on at least 4 episodes of the TV series "Law & Order" during the 1990s, and an appearance on "L.A. Law" in 1986. Cast in a small role as one of Ishmael's sons in Gary Rogers Book of Mormon movie (2003). Bio from Book of Mormon movie website (http://www.bookofmormonmovie.com/cast/todddavis.html):
Todd is a veteran television, film and stage actor.
Some of Todd's Film Credits include: Wild West Showdown, (Samuel Goldwin Company), When In Review, The Conclusion (Myers Productions), The Scratch, No Hire Boundaries and God's Army (Zion Films).
Todd's TV credits include: Beverly Hills 90210 (Spelling Entertainment), High Country Climber (2 seasons. Outdoor Life Network), Fox Extreme World Pilot (Fox Sports Network) and MTV Sandblast (MTV Network).
Todd's stage credits include STARRING roles in the following: The Long Walk of Patience Loader, Father and Son (Purdue University Theatre), Chekhov Dreams (Rose Theatre), Careless Love (Purdue University Theatre) and Arthur Makes A Difference (Huntington Theatre Group).
Tyler Davis
Lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Made (along with Jamie Amann) the short (7 min., 30 sec.) film "The Raft," which was shown at the 2003 Utah Short Film & Video Festival. The film is described thus: "An adaptation of one of the best short stories from 2000, this film addresses the morality of the decisions that one man makes during World War II."
Hazel Dawn
Latter-day Saint. Born 23 March 1891, Ogden, Utah. Died 28 August 1988, New York, New York. Birth name: Hazel LaTout. Actress, silent screen star. Her many film roles include: Devotion (1920); National Red Cross Pageant (1917); Lone Wolf (1917); Under Cover (1916); The Feud Girl (1916); The Saleslady (1916); My Lady Incog. (1916); The Masqueraders (1915); The Fatal Card (1915); The Heart of Jennifer (1915); Gambier's Advocate (1915); Niobe (1915).
John S. "Jack" Dawson
Latter-day Saint. Bit parts/cameo appearances in "Foreign Correspondent" (1940); "Two Girls on Broadway" (1940); "Dancing Co-Ed" (1939). Television producer. Made major contributions in the 1970s to the Hill Cumorah Pageant as its director.
Matt Dawson
Grip for the Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "The Singles Ward" (2002).
Laraine Day
Latter-day Saint. Born 13 October 1917, Roosevelt, Utah. Birth name: Laraine Johnson. Actress. Laraine Day is one of just 250 actresses included in the nomination list for the American Film Institute's "100 Years ... 100 Stars" list, and she is one of only four Latter-day Saints on the list. She had female lead roles opposite dozens of Hollywood's most popular leading men, including Lionel Barrymore, Ronald Reagan, Robert Young, Cary Grant, Gary Cooper, John Wayne, and Kirk Douglas. She received top-billing in many of her nearly 50 films. During the 1950s she was a host on four different TV series: "Double Play", "I've Got a Secret", "The Laraine Day Show" and "Daydreaming with Laraine." Profile Page
Richard Dayhuff
Utah-based actor. Sometimes credited as: Richard R. Dayhuff. Played a minister in the USA Network movie "No Laughing Matter" (1988). Supporting role as "Col. Walker" in the feature film "The Survivalist" (1987). Supporting role as "Elder H. Ronald Powers," a General Authority of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the father of of the lead female character, in the Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "The R.M." (2003).
Gary Daynes
Latter-day Saint. Lives in Orem, Utah. History professor at Brigham Young University. B.A., History, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, April 1990. Ph.D., American History, University of Delware, Newark, Delaware, January 1996. Author of American Intellectual and Cultural History, Vol I and II (NY: Oxford University Press, under contract for Spring 1994 publication) and Making Villains, Making Heroes: Joseph R. McCarthy, Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Politics of American Memory (N.Y.: Garland, December 1997). Co-producer and chief historical advisor for the documentary "The Best Crop: A History of Orchard Farming in Orem, Utah" (2002), made at BYU and directed by April Chabries.
Brandon Dayton
Latter-day Saint. Nephew of producer/director Lyman Dayton. Film student at Brigham Young University (BYU). Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah. Resident of Provo, Utah. Director of the short films "The Garden Of Hesperides" (2001) and "Andy" (2001). His 9-minute film "Andy" (about a rambunctious foster child) was chosen for the Best of Competition collection a the International Young LDS Film Festival in 2001. Wrote the short screenplay "Coney Island" and the feature-length screenplay "The Salvation of Bert Jones," which both competed in the 2002 LDS Film Festival. "Coney Island" received Honorable Mention in the competition. Dayton directed a short film from his "Coney Island" screenplay, which he completed in early 2004, just in time to compete in the 3rd LDS Film Festival (Jan. 2004). The 17-minute film was described thus: "Once upon a time there was a boy who lost his lunch tin..." Producer of the award-winning BYU short student film "The Promethean" (2003). Was also an art department intern for "The R.M."
David Dayton
Latter-day Saint. Had a small supporting role as the brother of the lead character in the 1979 movie "Rivals," directed by his Lyman Dayton (presumably his father).
George Dayton
Latter-day Saint. Born circa 1970. Hometown: St. George, Utah. Lives in Provo, Utah. Graduate of Brigham Young University (BYU). Son of veteran producer/director Lyman Dayton, whose movies he has worked on. Co-producer of "Where the Red Fern Grows" (2000) and "The Last Resort" (1997), both directed by Lyman Dayton. As an actor, had a supporting role as the brother of the lead character in the 1979 movie "Rivals," directed by Lyman Dayton. Had a regular role as "Willie Edwards" on the short-lived 1993 TV series "Foreign Affairs" (1993). Currently works as the head of theatrical distribution for HaleStorm Entertainment for HaleStorm Entertainment, which has produced Latter-day Saint-themed feature films such as "The Singles Ward" (2002) and "The R.M." (2003). Credited with writing "Additional Screenplay" material for the Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "The R.M." (2003). Gave a presentation at the 3rd LDS Film Festival (Jan. 2004), during which he talked about the marketability of LDS themed films from a distributor's perspective.
Jon Dayton
Latter-day Saint. Unit production manager for the short BYU student film "The Promethean" (2003), which was produced by Brandon Dayton.
Lyman Dayton
Latter-day Saint. Lives in Santa Clara, Utah (near St. George). Producer of over 14 direct-to-video feature films. Specialized in making family-friendly, highly ethical films. Many are now distributed by Feature Films For Families. Director of 9 of these: Where the Red Fern Grows (2000); The Last Resort (1997); Second Chance (1996); The Dream Machine (1990); The Red Fury (1984); Solo (1984); The Avenging (1982); Rivals (1979); Baker's Hawk (1976). Many talented and important Utah film talents worked on Dayton films before they became better known.
Tom Dayton
As a child he was one of the stars of the direct-to-video feature-length film "On Our Own" (1988), made in Utah and written and produced by Lyman Dayton.
Mark Deakins
Latter-day Saint. Actor. Played "Tournel" in "Star Trek: Insurrection" (1998). Starred as "Vincenzo" in the Church video "How Rare a Possession." Small roles in the films "Judgment Day" (1999), "The Devil's Advocate" (1997), and "Fallout" (1995). Did voice work for the PBS documntaries "American Prophet: The Joseph Smith Story" (1999) and "Trail of Hope: The Story of the Mormon Trail" (1997). Regular role as "Kevin Larkin" on the TV series "The City" (1996). Major guest role on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" as the villain "Moloch the Corruptor." Major "Star Trek: Voyager" guest roles: starred as "Axum", the boyfriend of Seven of Nine, on the 2-part "Unimatrix Zero," and played the "Hirogen SS Officer" on the 2-part "Killing Game."
Nancy B. Dean
Lives in Clearfield, Utah. Hair stylist and make-up artist.
Phillip Dean
Based in central Utah. Video operator.
C. Logan Deans
Second assistant director for the Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "Pride and Prejudice: A Utah Comedy" (2003).
James W. Dearden
Latter-day Saint. Also credited as: Jim Dearden; James Dearden. Works at LDS Motion Picture Studio in Provo, Utah, where he has supervised many BYU/Church film projects. Film editor for the classic BYU/Church short film "The Mailbox" (1977). Assistant editor for the KBYU documentary "Minerva Teichert: A Mission in Paint" (1988).
Pat Debenham
Latter-day Saint. Dancer. Featured in the BYU-produced video "Jerash: A Bridge to Understanding" (2000) and in the PBS documentary series "Artists in Zion" (2001). BYU faculty bio (http://www.byu.edu/cfac/mdt/alumni.html):
Pat Debenham, Associate Professor, has taught and choreographed in the Music Dance Theatre program for 20 years working in film, television, and on stage. He has choreographed 20 mainstage musicals at BYU and was the Artistic Director of The Dancers' Company for 13 years. He has worked as Associate Choreographer at Robert Redford's Sundance Summer Theatre and has choreographed for the Provo Theatre Company. Debenham graduated with an MA in dance from UCLA and is a Certified Laban Movement Analyst.
Curtis Decker
Lives in Springville, Utah. Set construction/design.
Rod Decker
Latter-day Saint (non-practicing). Veteran Utah journalist. Television news reporter for KUTV. Has participated in numerous documentaries. Author. Voice work for the PBS documentary "Promontory" (2002).
Paul Deely
Paul Deely
Lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Grip, whose film credits include "Cookie's Fortune" (1999). Apparently the same person who was a special effects technician for "The Last Castle" (2001), "Dr. T & the Women" (2000) and who was the special effects coordinator for "Invasion of Privacy" (1996).
Stephanie Dees
Born 7 November 1978, Salt Lake City, Utah. Graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Major roles in multiple films and videos made in Utah: The Gift (2001); An Unkindness of Ravens (2000); The ButterCream Gang II: Secret of Treasure Mountain (1993); The ButterCream Gang (1992); Evil in Clear River (1988). Bit part in "Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers" (1988).
Monica Delgado
Latter-day Saint. Sometimes credited as: Monica van Wagenen. Documentary filmmaker. Wife of filmmaker Michael Scott Van Wagenen. Her films include: Low and Slow (1996); Mundo Milagroso (1995); Spirit Doctors (1998); El Alma del Pueblo. She appears on screen as an extra in the short film "Fedora" (1994), for which Michael Scott Van Wagenen was the associate producer.
Olivia De Luca
Lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Set dresser or props.
T. De Luca
Lives in Farmington, Utah. Born 7 December 1974, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sometimes credited as: Teresa De Luca. Utah location assistant for the big-budget feature film "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde" (2003). Location assistant for the independent direct-to-video "Nobody's Baby" (2001) and the TV movies "The Huntress" (2000) and "Perfect Murder, Perfect Town" (2000). Production assistant for the HBO film "Shot in the Heart" (2001), the TV movie "Anya's Bell" (1999), and the TV series "Promised Land" (which ran from 1996 to 1999). Pre-production art department coordinator for the TV movie "Plainsong" (2003). Scenic artist for the film "The Way of the Gun" (2000). Second second assistant director for the independent direct-to-video movie "Baby Bedlam" (2000). Has worked closely with Jennifer S. Miller (also a native of Pennsylvania), with whom she plans to make movies of their own if they can raise enough money to do so.
Travis Deming
Latter-day Saint. Travis P. Deming. Hometown: Mapleton, Utah. Resident of Provo, Utah. Film student at Brigham Young University (BYU). Storyboard artist on Ryan Little's national award-winning short film "The Last Good War" (1999). Writer/director of "Signal Strength" (2002), a short animated film which won the Best Animation Award at BYU's Final Cut Film Festival, 2002.
Sam Demke
Associate producer of Jared Hess' award-winning short BYU student film "Peluca" (2002). Worked as a camera intern (working with 1st A.C. Jared Hess) on the production of the Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "The Singles Ward" (2002).
Jack Dempsey
Latter-day Saint. (Not an active churchgoer during most of his adulthood; he was given the nickname "Jack" because he was a "Jack Mormon.") Born 24 June 1895, Manassa, Colorado. 31 May 1983, New York City. Also known as "The Manassa Mauler." Birth name: William Harrison Dempsey. Best known as one of the most famous, most celebrated boxers in history. World heavyweight boxing champion, 1919-26. Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, 1990. Inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame, 1980. Pictured on one of fifteen 32 cent US commemorative postage stamps in the "Celebrate the Century" series, issued 3 February 1998, celebrating the 1910s. His autobiography Dempsey was adapted to a 1983 TV movie. Appeared in at least 16 films. He usually appeared onscreen as himself, in 1925 he starred in the first-billed role as "Steve O'Dare" in John McDermott's "Manhattan Madness."
Stefano Deni
Latter-day Saint. Lives in Rome Italy. Born 22 April 1976 in Rome, Italy. Production coordinator who has worked on Italian films and television series since 1996. Has worked on the Italian TV series "Sospetti" (2002), "Montalbano" (2001-2002), "Blindati" (2001). Production assistant for the Italian TV series "Ricominciare" (1999-2001). Production assistant for "Signore e Signore" (1999-2000). Other film credits include "Tutti Gli Uomini del Deficiente" (1999), "Guardami" (1998), and "In Fondo al Cuore" (1998).
Jim Denier
Lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Made the short (6 min.) documentary film "Altered States of Mind and Body," which was shown at the 2003 Utah Short Film & Video Festival. This film is described thus: "Quiet, listen to the beat, shut up and dance with my feet, get the beat..." Made the short (6 min.) narrative film "Invisible Perspective," which was also shown at the 2003 Utah Short Film & Video Festival. This film is described thus: "Why does the mind feel it lives in the present dimension, or is this the future? What if you're already here?!"
Neleh Dennis
Latter-day Saint. 1st runner-up on the popular CBS TV series "Survivor: Marquesas" (2002). After becoming a fan favorite nationwide on that immensely popular TV show she was hired to be a feature reporter for a Utah TV station. Profile Page
Cary Derbidge
Latter-day Saint. Also credited as: Anthony Derbidge. Married to screenwriter Willow Leigh Jones. Was a full-time missionary in the Taiwan Taipei Mission, 1996 to 1998. Producer and primary instigator of the Latter-day Saint-themed feature films "Out of Step" (2002), which was written by his wife. Was one of the original producers of the Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "Anxiously Engaged," before rights to the film were sold to another company prior to production. Before making "Out of Step" Derbidge hired director J. Daniel Nell to direct "Stripling Warriors," intended as a feature-length Book of Mormon film. Derbidge was to play the lead character, Gid. Some filming was done in Kaysville, Utah, but production was halted before the project was complete. Bio from official "Out of Step" website:
At the age of nine, Cary Derbidge wrote his first screenplay. He began acting and performing in local and professional commercials and plays. He played a supporting role in the theatrical play A Day, A Night and A Day, produced by Doug Stewart, writer of the hit play Saturday's Warrior. During his two years of performing he fell in love with the stage. At age sixteen he wrote, directed, starred and scored his first musical Flight Upon Light. At the age of 22 he went on to produced such films as Private Eyes 2000 and Stripling Warriors. Two years later Derbidge founded Vision Star Entertainment and since then has continued working on many local and national productions.
Fred Derbyshire
Utah-based actor. Has appeared in at least four plays at the Hale Center Theater in Orem, Utah: My Fair Lady (2000); I Came to Your Wedding (2001); Lo and Behold (1999); The Secret Garden (2000).
Flash Deros
Lives in Kamas, Utah. Boom operator with at least 17 movie credits, including: Blood Work (2002); Space Cowboys (2000); Unhook the Stars (1996); Riders of the Purple Sage (1996); Dumb & Dumber (1994); Beyond the Law (1992); Sidekicks (1992); Ski Patrol (1990); Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988).
Kent Derricott
Latter-day Saint. Co-producer of the independent feature film "Same River Twice" (1996). Best known as one of the famed "Two Kents" of the Japanese entertainment industry. Bio from the film's website:
Kent has been immersed in the entertainment business for the majority of his career. After attending Brigham Young University, where he met and married his wife, Barbara Downey, he moved his young family to Tokyo, Japan in 1983 to expand his import business, DICO (Derricott International Company).
Moving to Japan catapulted Mr. Derricott's career forward in an unexpected way. He was invited to participate in a variety show, which launched him into a long and distinguished career on television. Since that initial opportunity, Mr. Derricott has appeared on many television programs, including TBS Sunday Morning, commercials, talk shows, documentaries and specials. He was granted the Peoples Choice Award for best liked foreigner on Japanese television and is an honorary ambassador to Japan for the state of Utah.
Since 1991, Mr. Derricott and his family have lived in Utah to allow him to pursue his current relationship with Lorien, which he co-founded. He has participated in many aspects of the production business. Because of his influence in Japan, Mr. Derricott secured funding for a ten-program series called KOKORO: The Heart Within which utilized his insights to describe the Japanese culture and people. The program was awarded a silver and gold medal at the New York Film Festival and received an Emmy nomination. Mr. Derricott co-produced Hold on to Hope, another NYFF award winner.
In his most recent venture, the production of the feature film, Same River Twice, he oversaw legal issues and distribution rights.
Kent currently lives in Utah with his wife Barbara and their five children.
Joe De Santis
Non-LDS. Born 15 June 1909, New York, New York. Died 30 August 1989, Provo, Utah (chronic obstructive lung disease). Sometimes credited as: Joseph De Santis; Joe DeSantis. Character actor. Host and narrator of the TV series "The Trap" (1950). Appeared in at least 30 movies. Major roles include: And Now Miguel (1966); A Cold Wind in August (1961); The Flying Fontaines (1959); Full of Life (1956); Contract on Cherry Street (1977); Katherine (1975); It's Good to Be Alive (1974); Honor Thy Father (1973). Smaller roles include: Contract on Cherry Street (1977); Powderkeg (1970); The Professionals (1966); Beau Geste (1966); Madame X (1966); Al Capone (1959); Dino (1957); Slattery's Hurricane (1949). Numerous TV guest appearances include: Mannix; Mission: Impossible; Bonanza; Gunsmoke; Dr. Kildare; The Munsters; The Alfred Hitchcock Hour; Daniel Boone; The Fugitive; Wagon Train; The Outer Limits; The Untouchables; Maverick; 77 Sunset Strip; Perry Mason; Zane Grey Theater. Although he was not a Latter-day Saint, De Santis made a cameo appearance in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints film "How Rare a Possession" as the chairman of the Council of Reconciliation. It was the last film work he did before he passed away.
Pete Deschamps, Justin Deschamps, Mick Deschamps, Dave Deschamps
Latter-day Saints. Brothers who are producing extreme sports documentaries shown on TV and available on video. So far they have made "Adrenaline Fix" and "Higher Ground" (2001). Website: http://www.deschampsfilms.com
Melanie Deters
Latter-day Saint. Cast as Zoram's wife in Gary Rogers' Book of Mormon movie (2003). Bio from Book of Mormon movie website (http://www.bookofmormonmovie.com/cast/melaniedeters.html):
Melanie has performed in a variety of TV Commercials, TV shows and feature films. Melanie's film credits include: Just A Dream (Danny Glover Productions), Jumping For Joy (Feature Films For Families), The Runner (Runner Productions), Penny Promise (Feature Films For Families) and Return To The Secret Garden (Feature Films For Families).
Melanie's TV credits include: Walker Texas Ranger (CBS), Promised Land (CBS) and Touched By An Angel (CBS), as well as a host of TV commercials.
Jason DeVilliers
Latter-day Saint. Brother of filmmaker Rocco DeVilliers. One of the filmmakers who made the award-winning documentary video "The Mountain Meadows Massacre" (2001). Had small acting roles in the Utah-filmed direct-to-video films "Christmas Mission" (1999) and "Pure Race" (1995, directed by his brother Rocco.) Co-wrote the feature film "Fly Boys" with Rocco, who also directed. Designer of the title sequence for Eric Hendershot's direct-to-video family movie "Message in a Cell Phone" (2000). Assistant film editor for Eric Hendershot's direct-to-video movie "Horse Crazy" (2001). Video technical director, camera operator and editor for the video taping of the Latter-day Saint-themed musical "Polly" (1993), which is sold on video in Latter-day Saint Christian bookstores.
Rocco DeVilliers
Latter-day Saint. Born 18 January 1970, Capetown, South Africa. Writer/producer/director of the independent feature film "Pure Race," an ambitious action film about an African-American (Gregory C. Haynes) being captured by neo-Nazis. Producer and director of the direct-to-video film "Only Once" (1998), sold in Latter-day Saint Christian bookstores. Editor of direct-to-video feature films: Horse Crazy (2001); Message in a Cell Phone (2000); Cowboys and Angels (2000); A Kid Called Danger (1999). Profile Page
Steven DeVore
Latter-day Saint. Producer for "A Voice from the Dust," a series of feature films based on the Book of Mormon. Bio from the project website (http://www.voicefromthedust.com/):
DeVore is founder of SyberVision Systems, one of the world's most successful specialty audio/video publishing and distribution companies. With experience from producting 60 programs at SyberVision, generating nearly $500 million in worldwide sales, DeVore will apply his expertise to the creative development, implementation of creative marketing, and distribution of A Voice from the Dust. One of DeVore's biggest successes (a video-based program he developed, wrote, produced, and marketed) generated over $120 million on an initial investment of $25,000. DeVore also spent seven years working with the Stanford University School of Medicine's Neuropsychology Research Laboratories where he studied the power of media to persuade. Using his innovative resourcefulness, knowledge and experience of distribution in niche media markets, DeVore will orchestrate the introduction and rollout of A Voice from the Dust to the LDS market.
Bernard De Voto
Latter-day Saint (non-practicing). Author of Across the Wide Missouri (1947), which was adapted to William A. Wellman's 1951 feature film starring Clark Gable and Ricardo Montalban. Bio from Utah History Encycloedia (Ann W. Engar, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/d/DEVOTO,BERNARD.html):
Bernard De Voto was a historian, critic, novelist, educator, conservationist. Born in Ogden, Utah, in 1897, Bernard Augustine De Voto was the product of two different strains of the American West, a Catholic father and a Mormon mother. He attended Sacred Heart Academy in Ogden and then Ogden High School. During his high school years he wrote about sports for the Ogden Evening Standard. He attended the University of Utah in 1914-1915 but left when a favorite teacher was fired. Transferring to Harvard, he graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1920 after a two-year interruption while he served as a lieutenant in World War I. After graduation he returned to Utah where he taught history at Ogden Junior High and spent a summer working on a ranch in the Raft River Valley in Idaho.
In 1922 his career began in earnest as he became an English instructor at Northwestern University, where he remained until 1927. There he married Helen Avis MacVicar, one of his brightest students, in 1923. Also at Norwestern, he wrote articles for the American Mercury, including a controversial one on Utah (March 1926), as well as three novels, two of which were published. As a novelist he sought to portray the West accurately, not sentimentally or romantically, for his readers. During his lifetime he published five novels under his own names as well as four popular thrillers under the pseudonym "John August" and articles and the book Women and Children First under the pseudonym "Cady Hewes." He also co-authored a composition text. Convinced he could support himself as a writer, he resigned his position at Northwestern and moved to Massachusetts in 1927. There he edited the Harvard Graduates' Magazine and the "Americana Deserta" series and taught part-time at Harvard. He became an authority on the life and works of Mark Twain and, according to Orlan Sawey, "probably did more than anyone else to focus attention on Mark Twain as a representative American writer." De Voto wrote Mark Twain's America (1932) and Mark Twain at Work (1942), edited Mark Twain in Eruption (1940) and The Portable Mark Twain (1946), and served as curator of the Mark Twain papers from 1938 to 1946.
In 1936 De Voto moved to New York for two years where he was editor of the Saturday Review of Literature. His longest and most fruitful association with a periodical was with Harper's: for twenty years (1935-1955) he wrote of contemporary issues. He insisted that "no manifestation of American life is trivial to the critic of culture."
Another important work is De Voto's historical trilogy about the Western expansion: The Year of Decision: 1846 (1942), Across the Wide Missouri (1947; Pulitzer Prize, Bancroft Prize) and The Course of Empire (1952; National Book Award). He also edited The Journals of Lewis and Clark (1953).
Bernard De Voto has not received the critical attention he deserves, perhaps because he was so multi talented and often polemical. Some literary critics dismiss his literary achievement because he was a "historian," while historians dismiss his historical achievement because they consider him a literary dilettante. However, De Voto's importance lies in his attempts in both fictional and historical writing to interpret the importance of the West in the development of American culture.
Sheri Dew
Latter-day Saint. Former 2nd Counselor in the worldwide general Relief Society Presidency for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Popular speaker and author among Latter-day Saints. Executive producer of the PBS musical special "Gloria: The Life of Christ" (2000), now available on video. Currently works as the chief executive officer of Deseret Book, the largest Latter-day Saint publishing house. She was included in the "personal thanks to the following for their contribution to the making of this movie" section of the closing credits of the Latter-day Saint-themed feature film "Jack Weyland's Charly" (2002). Note that the book version of Charly is published by the company she leads, Desert Book.
Richard Lloyd Dewey
Latter-day Saint. Lives in Provo, Utah. Writer/director of the low-budget "Rockwell: A Legend of Life in the West" (1994), now available on video. The movie stars Scott Christopher, Michael Flynn, Randy Gleave, legendary Jazz basketball player Karl Malone, Meilani Paul and "Charly" producer Lance C. Williams. "Rockwell" was artistically unsuccessful, yet was an important pre-Dutcher attempt at producing a Latter-day Saint-themed feature film.
Susan Carrell Dewey
Latter-day Saint. Graduate of Brigham Young University film school (BA, 1976). Lives in California. Bio from Audience (alumni newsletter, http://www.byu.edu/tma/audience/past%20issues/ audience_fw_98.pdf ):
Currently my husband David and I have a full-time video and theatre production company. We have produced 13 plays in the last eight years, in addition to producing videos for business training, product marketing, live events (including concerts for Kenny Loggins, Mark Isham, Nancy Cartwright and The Tempations) as well as videos for legal depositions and infomercials. We also co-produced our first feature film last summer, The Groom Watch for it
Derek DeWitt
Latter-day Saint. Wrote the feature-length screenplay "Full of Grace," which competed in the 2002 LDS Film Festival.
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Web page created 7 June 2002. Last modified 4 March 2005.