James Zahn

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

James Zahn

Birth name	James Charles Zahn
Born	October 23, 1976 (age 30) Chicago Heights, IL, USA
Spouse(s)	Jennifer Zahn (1999 - present)

James Charles Zahn (born October 23, 1976 in Chicago Heights, Illinois) is an American film producer, screenwriter, and director, as well as a musician.

1 Biography
2 Filmography
3 Discography
4 External links

[edit] Biography

[1]James spent much of his youth growing up in the South Suburbs of Chicago. Obsessed with pop-culture in its many forms, he spent much of his time drawing, writing, and focusing on becoming a performer of some sort.

In 1987 his original short story "The Little Champ" became an Illinois Young Author Award winner, and the seeds for a career as a writer were planted. Less than two years later, the budding filmmaker would also emerge.

Having grown up in front of a camera, with his childhood exploits captured by his parents on Super 8mm home movies, James shot his first short film "Art Attack" using the very same camera in early 1989. The film would make its debut for classmates at his school.

By the time high school rolled around, all of James' interests were actively being pursued. After moving to Davenport, Iowa in the spring of 1992, he began work on a cable-access program that was quite ambitious for a 15-year old. "ZTV" made its debut in the summer of 1992 and became a cult hit in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. Practically overnight, the show was featured in the local newsmedia, and attracted musical guests such as Faith No More, Megadeth, Stone Temple Pilots, and more. In the spring of 1994, after 40 Episodes, "ZTV" came to an end with a 30 minute special featuring the band White Zombie.

At the same time "ZTV" was on the air, James was also actively writing and taking photographs for three regional arts magazines. His published work would include interviews with artists such as Pantera, Dr. John, and Genitorturers, and lead him to be a photographer at Lollapalooza '93.

The mid 90's was a time of experimentation on the musical front. Zahn was soon fronting the rock band Odlid!, performing guitar and vocals. The band would appear on numerous compilation CD's, and record one-full length album, before breaking-up in early 1998. In addition, they performed at famed venues such as Gabe's Oasis (Iowa City), RIBCO (Rock Island, IL), and Chicago's historic Riviera Theatre, sharing the stage with acts such as Demolition Dollrods, Johnny Socko, and more.

In 2000, James returned to music with a series of unreleased demos, followed by one internet cult favorite (Darth Vader is A Real Cool Guy), and a track for Artisan Entertainment's "Blair Witchmix", an online soundtrack to promote the ill-fated Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2. His track, "Burkittsville" was featured along 12 other tracks, by artists such as Jane's Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins, and Marilyn Manson.

In 2001, James returned to film, where he has been ever since, and intends to stay. He and his wife soon founded FMFE: Finely Made Films and Entertainment as an outlet for his creative endeavors. Since that time, James has directed numerous short films, music videos, industrials, and much more. In addition, acting had become a main passion.

Keeping the music going as well, James entered Kenosha, Wisconsin's Renwood Messenger Studios in February of 2004 to begin work on a concept project called Saturday Action Theatre, producing four acoustic tracks from those sessions. In July, he entered Bombshelter Studios in Chicago, with Producer Mr. Precision (Break The Silence, Rise Against) and cut 3 electric tracks, completing what would become the "Remakes and Sequels EP". The disc hit stores on August 17, 2004.

Forging ahead into a bigger filmic realm, James began work on the screenplay for 'Death Walks the Streets' in late 2004. Completed in February 2005, the multi-genre epic would spend two years in development prior to shooting. In addition, James has continued working steadily as an actor, appearing in projects for Warner Bros., Twentieth Century Fox, and Sony Pictures.

[edit] Filmography

[edit] Director

Death Walks the Streets (2007)
Primer 55 - The Big Fuck You (2005)
Final Round - Smiles & Glances (2004)
Ruse (2003)
Project Greentown (2003)
Potty Mouths (2002)
DEAL. (2001)
ZTV (American) (40 episodes) (1992-1994)
Art Attack (short film) (1989)

[edit] Screenwriter

Black Friday (2008 Film) (2008)
Death Walks the Streets II (2008)
Death Walks the Streets (2007)
Ruse (2003)
Potty Mouths (2002)
DEAL. (2001)

[edit] Actor

Death Walks the Streets (2007)
5-25-77 (2007)
Prison Break (Multiple Episodes) (2005-2006)
The Adventures of Gary and Clyde (2005)
Roll Bounce (2005)
Ocean's Twelve (2004)
Gotham, IL (2004)
Being Orson (2003)

[edit] Producer

Death Walks the Streets (2007)
Ruse (2003)
Potty Mouths (2002)
DEAL. (2001)

[edit] Discography

Odlid!

1995 Rockstarz (Compilation featuring "Sodeman's Garden/She Was Walking")
1996 Haywood's Mayhem
1996 Zoom (Compilation featuring "Flying Saucers Stole the Mall")
1997 Sock Monkey Records Presents Twisted America (Compilation featuring "One Way" and "Thrown Out")

James Zahn Conspiracy