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The Final Appointment
THE MOVIE
THE JUDGMENT SEAT
A Play to Screen Adaptation
By Russ Houck
PARADOX ENTERTAINMENT GROUP- THE TEAM
Dr. Russ Houch-
Co-Executive Producer-
Writer-Director
Dr. Russ Houck's remarkable career trajectory has spanned the realms of ministry, entertainment, and pioneering innovation. After serving as a pastor from 1978 to 1984, he pursued advanced degrees in Eschatology and Biblical Philosophy. However, his calling soon led him back to the entertainment industry, where he has excelled as a writer, producer, director, and editor with over 20 years of experience in television, film, radio, marketing, and music. Dr. Houck has hosted numerous talk shows and directed the groundbreaking Christian film "No Turning Back," the first such work to be purchased for national television. His play, "The Judgment Seat," has become a powerful evangelistic tool, touring internationally in 14 languages and leading to hundreds of thousands of salvations. Concurrently, Dr. Houck has served as the Executive Director and head of Paradox Energy & Bio-Systems, drawing upon his over 35 years of management experience to oversee billions in construction and media projects. His entrepreneurial spirit and leadership have yielded numerous breakthrough technologies, transforming economies. As a pioneer in biofuels development, he obtained his first Department of Energy Ethanol License in 1979 and has held management and engineering positions with industry giants like Procter & Gamble, Kraft, and Pfizer. Additionally, Dr. Houck leads the International Medical Missions Organization, a non-profit serving developing countries and other charitable causes. Throughout his remarkable career, Dr. Russ Houck has seamlessly blended his passions for ministry, entertainment, and innovative technology, leaving an indelible mark on the world. . www.TheParadoxGroup.org
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Mack Robinson-
Co-Executive Producer
Business Manager
A Baylor graduate, Mr. Robinson has extensive experience in business development, including owning and operating 17 restaurants across the Southern region. He is also deeply involved in land and real estate ventures. Skilled in legal and contractual negotiations, his vast knowledge and wisdom make him a dependable leader. Highly active in numerous national ministries, he has served on the executive boards of prestigious organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Youth for Christ, and others. Additionally, he has held influential positions on committees for the hiring of the handicapped and the Ronald McDonald House. Robinson currently sits on the Board of Directors of Omnibank, demonstrating his multifaceted expertise and commitment to community service.
Lora Shipley
Co-Executive Producer
With over 25 years under her belt, Lora has established herself as a trailblazing Creative Business Consultant. From designing production sets for television, commercials, and films to her involvement in the Design-Build community spanning residential, hospitality, and commercial spaces, her expertise knows no bounds. Lora even lent her talents to the prestigious Italian cycling industry. Her lifelong passion for the arts, coupled with extensive worldly travels, has cultivated a forward-thinking design approach and innovative business solutions. Her client list boasts prestigious names like Coca-Cola, Hallmark, Anne Klein, Twinings Tea, MTV, and ESPN. One of Lora's most memorable projects was working alongside renowned comedian, actor, and director Danny DeVito and Billy Crystal on the film "Throw Momma From The Train." Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lora dedicates some of her time as a chaplain, offering spiritual support at her local hospital. In 2013, Lora experienced a profound impact after witnessing the Judgment Seat play, igniting a burning desire to bring it to her community. After nearly a decade, Lora finally connected with the writers and directors, Russ and Brenda Houck, solidifying her pivotal role as a production team member. Director Russ "Pappy" Houck hails Lora as the "Ember" bridging the Jesus Movement to the Judgment Seat, the Final Appointment. Together, they are convinced that the Judgment Seat play will have a transformative global impact, ushering in a fresh move of God
Johnny Gooch (not pictured)
Executive Producer
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Delano Bryant
Producer
Delano Bryant has over three decades of experience in the broadcast television industry. He was an innovator in developing and broadcasting high-definition content, producing the first HD dramatized show for CBS. Passionate about the power of media, Delano firmly believes it can have a profound positive impact on people's lives. He possesses versatile experience spanning all areas of production, from entertainment to corporate projects. Highly creative with robust leadership and organizational capabilities, Delano collaborates effectively with all project stakeholders. He is an invaluable asset to any team, adept at delivering complex projects within tight deadlines, and can tailor production styles to client requirements. Delano's extensive credits include 17 seasons as a field producer for America's Most Wanted, 18 seasons for Inside Edition, and 13 seasons for Dateline. He has also served as a UPM for six feature films and a line producer for small and medium-budget productions. Currently, Delano is editing a feature film. Beginning his career in the 1970s, he has witnessed the evolution of the entertainment industry, adapting his skills to capitalize on technological advancements. Delano Bryant has been a pioneer in creating ROKU channels for independent filmmakers and content creators. After spending 18 months shopping and selling a show to the Discovery Channel, only to have it cancelled at the eleventh hour, Delano decided there had to be a better alternative. Clashtv is the first venture to tackle this new frontier, and its growth and viewership are climbing steadily. Clashtv has also expanded into the lucrative arena of sports content, launching Clashtv Sports in 2021.
Dennis O'Neal
CO-Director
& -Talent Coach
Dennis O'Neill is an American Award-winning actor, producer, director, writer of screenplays and books, and teacher. He also loves to teach and dance Ballroom dancing. In his Junior year in High Schoo, his assistant principal called him to the office and said, "O'Neill, there are two things I'm going to tell you. One, you'll never make it to your senior year. Two, you'll never make it in life. Now go back to your class." To show his assistant principal who was in charge, Dennis worked at it and barely made it to his senior year. He then quit school to stick it to the asst. principal more. For years, Dennis had low-paying, dead-end jobs. He was going nowhere and had no hope, vision, or real goals. Early in the 1980s, he had an epiphany. He turned his life around and returned to school, graduating with an Associate's Degree in Performing Arts from Suffolk County Community College. (SCCC). He graduated from the University of Texas, Arlington (UTA) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, with honors in Theater, Performing Arts. Dennis now has a Multi- Award-winning Web/TV show called Bail Out, which he wrote, produced, directed, and has the lead role. He has earned three Telly Awards for Best Actor, Best TV Shows, Bail Out, A Time for Love, and many others in these categories. From rags to riches, from self-imposed "victimhood" to victorious manhood, is how he likes to see himself. Living on the Edge of Night, Dennis finally came to the Guiding Light. He has produced nineteen web series for Bail Out and a few more for his other TV series, A Time for Love. "All things are possible to them that believe." He loves the quote from the movie, Chariots of Fire when Eric Liddle says, "When I run, I feel His pleasure!" In Dennis's own words says, "When I act, I feel His pleasure." -
Chris Schoultz
CGI & VFX Production
Chris Schoultz is a visionary leader and accomplished professional in the field of CGI and VFX production. With a career spanning over two decades, he has played a pivotal role in shaping Africa's CGI landscape and has earned recognition on the global stage for his expertise and innovation. From his early days at Vision Graphics to his recent ventures as an independent consultant, Chris has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a passion for pushing the boundaries of technology and creativity. Career Timeline: 1993 - 2005: Vision Graphics Chris began his journey in the world of CGI and VFX at Vision Graphics, where he contributed to the production of TV commercials and visual effects. Under his leadership, Vision Graphics emerged as Africa's largest CGI producer, serving clients in the USA, UK, and South Africa. 2005: Relocation and Rebranding Recognizing the need to adapt to emerging technologies and market trends, Chris relocated his studio from Harare, Zimbabwe, and rebranded it as 'Character Matters Animation.' This strategic move reflected his commitment to staying ahead of the curve and leveraging the studio's core strengths. 2008 - 2011: Production of 'Lion of Judah' Chris led the production of the acclaimed animated film 'Lion of Judah,' showcasing his prowess in storytelling and animation. The movie received praise for its visual effects and animation quality, further cementing Chris's reputation as a leading figure in the industry. 2012: Awards and Recognition Chris's dedication to excellence was recognized with the prestigious 'Imbongi' award for Excellence in VFX and Animation. This accolade underscored his contributions to the field and served as a testament to his creative vision and technical expertise. 2012 - 2015: Continued Success Chris continued to build on his success with projects like 'Hooked' and 'Unsung Hero,' earning critical acclaim and accolades at international film festivals. His work was selected for prestigious events such as the Toronto International Film Festival and the New Media Film Festival, showcasing his ability to captivate audiences on a global scale. 2014 - 2019: Collaborations and Partnerships Chris engaged in fruitful collaborations with renowned companies like 'Web and Circus' (Norway) and 'The Dream Vision Company' (USA), expanding his network and bringing his creative vision to new audiences around the world. 2022: Independent Consulting Drawing on his wealth of experience and expertise, Chris transitioned into the role of an independent consultant, specializing in CGI/VFX infrastructure and system design. As a trusted advisor, he continues to provide valuable insights and guidance to clients seeking to harness the power of CGI technology. Conclusion: Chris Schoults's journey is a testament to the transformative power of creativity and innovation in the world of CGI and VFX production. From humble beginnings to international acclaim, he has remained steadfast in his pursuit of excellence, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and inspiring future generations of storytellers and visual artists.
Ivan Greyling
Director of CGI & Special Effects
Ivan Greyling With over two decades of dedicated service in the film and television industry, Ivan brings a wealth of experience spanning various roles from directing and producing to cinematography and post-production management. He embarked on his journey in the South African Navy, where he honed his skills in intelligence and public relations before transitioning to the dynamic world of media production. Early Career: Ivan's tenure in the South African Navy provided a solid foundation for his subsequent career endeavors. Not only did he acquire technical expertise in areas such as photography and journalism, but he also cultivated essential attributes like discipline and self-awareness. Transitioning to platforms like SANTV allowed him to refine his craft further, capturing significant moments and personalities on both local and international stages. Platypus Productions: At Platypus Productions, Ivan embraced the challenges of camerawork and editing before ascending to the role of Director/DOP/Cinematographer. Notable achievements include collaborating with esteemed figures like President Nelson Mandela and Richard Branson, as well as winning accolades for creative excellence in brand communications. Telegenic Productions: Establishing his own venture, Telegenic Productions, marked a pivotal moment in Ivan's career journey. As an independent production house, he focused on delivering compelling content for diverse clientele, ranging from fashion brands to sports documentaries. This period also saw him venturing into teaching and training initiatives, sharing his knowledge with aspiring media professionals. Character Matters Animation Studio: Venturing into animation at Character Matters Animation Studio provided a fresh avenue for creativity. Serving as Line Producer and Art Director, Ivan spearheaded projects that pushed the boundaries of storytelling and visual aesthetics. From TV pilots to animated feature films, he embraced the challenges of managing complex productions while nurturing a collaborative and innovative environment. Freelance Endeavors: As a freelance filmmaker, Ivan embarked on a global journey, capturing stories from Tongaat to Uganda, and from London to Petra. Whether it was directing live broadcasts or crafting cinematic narratives, he thrived in diverse cultural landscapes, continually adapting to new challenges and technologies. GODTV and Beyond: Joining GODTV in the UK marked a significant chapter in Ivan's career, where he honed his expertise in live broadcasting and content production. From producing international talk shows to overseeing studio renovations, he embraced the multifaceted demands of the media landscape while nurturing a passion for storytelling that resonates with global audiences. Reflective Fox Media Ltd: Establishing Reflective Fox Media Ltd provided a platform for continued growth and innovation. As a freelancer, Ivan collaborated with leading broadcasters and production houses, contributing to high-profile projects across Europe and beyond. From live events to award- winning content, he remained committed to excellence and creativity in every endeavor. Private Projects and Philanthropy: Beyond professional pursuits, Ivan remains deeply invested in projects that make a meaningful impact, from raising awareness about parental alienation to amplifying voices in marginalized communities. His ongoing screenplay project, "Maroon Republic," underscores his commitment to storytelling that explores complex historical narratives. Conclusion: In essence, Ivan's journey in the film and television industry reflects a relentless pursuit of excellence, creativity, and social impact. With a diverse skill set encompassing directing, cinematography, and production management, he is poised to tackle new challenges and contribute to compelling storytelling on a global scale.
Dean Mizner
Production Designer Adviser
Dean Mitzner has been a sought after Hollywood Production Design, Art Director for more then thirty years. He has been nominated for three Emmy's and won one Emmy Awards for Production Design in TV Series Homefront. Some of his work includes Tron, Charmed, Exorcist II: The Heretic, Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves, 1941, Nine to Five, The Man with One Red Shoe, and Big Wednesday just to nake a few. Dean worked with Lora Shipley our Co-Executive Producer for a number of years on various film projects. Eventhough Dean has been in retirement, he could not resisit Lora's offer to collorbate with Executive Team in the production of The Judgment Seat, he is thrilled to be apart of the project and we are honored to have him join our team. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/12868-dean-edward-mitzner https://www.emmys.com/bios/dean-e-mitzner
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Emma Shipley
Social Media Manager
Emma serves as our social media manager. In addition to working with The Paradox Group on The Judgment Seat, she owns Shipley Social Studio LLC, a photography studio and social media management agency. She is currently pursuing her BA in Journalism / PR, with a minor in communications.