The Writer

J A M E S    A N T H O N Y   E L L I S

Jim Ellis

Summary:

An imaginative writer embracing a higher purpose to share the lessons of healing, freedom and love. Born to be a communicator, James remains true to his path: as journalist, movie-maker, playwright, screenwriter, and simply an extraordinarily prolific e-mailer. An author of four books, fifteen plays, a dozen film/video productions and hundreds of articles and columns, James lives in Lemon Grove, California with his necessary electronic devices: computer, printer and 5-CD stereo system.

Relevant Publishing / Production Background:

The Shortest, Most Boring Movie Ever – Cowrote, filmed and edited a 3-minute comedy short in Huntington Beach California, with nephew and nieces, December 2007.

Project FREND – First Response Education on Disability – Filmed and edited a promotional video for the “Child Abuse Victims with Disabilities First Responder Training Program,” December 2007.

TKF Programs for Peace – Edited a 7-minute short promotional video highlighting the peace programs offered by a San Diego non-profit foundation, November 2007.

Trauma, Transformation, Today – Filmed and edited a mini-documentary for the International Conference on Violence, Abuse & Trauma, September 2007. Produced the 2-hour opening ceremony for the conference, documenting it on video.

Van and Robbin Holland; the Wedding – Filmed and edited a wedding video, capturing the blessed moments for a San Diego couple, September 2007

Inner Fire Presentations – Filmed and edited a promotional video for a San Diego empowerment coach, July 2007.

Pops’ Diner – Produced a full-length gospel play for a 2-night run at the prestigious Spreckels Theatre, San Diego, May 2007.

The Silent Cry – Filmed and edited an 11-minute documentary on the issue of teen prostitution in San Diego for ACTION Network agency, debut at community kick-off meeting, February 2007.

Kaleidoscope – Filmed and edited a 13-minute video production celebrating Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center at its annual gala event, November 2006.

Taking a Stand; Making a Mark – Filmed, wrote and edited a mini-documentary for the International Conference on Violence, Abuse & Trauma, September 2006. Co-ordinated the 2-hour opening ceremony for this conference.

The Same Fire – wrote, narrated and edited a poignant slideshow calling for personal responsibility in the face of terrorism. Performed at a local activist gathering, Joyce Beers Community Center, September 2006.

The Manager – Wrote and produced a one-act comedy for the Actors Alliance One-Act Festival in San Diego, Lyceum Theater, July 2006.

Which Reminds Me – Wrote, produced and directed a short one-page comedy piece for the Actors Alliance Festival in San Diego, Lyceum Theater, July 2006.

Padre Fever – Edited a sports highlight reel, which went along with a local band’s 4-minute rock song “Padre Fever,” May 2006.

Spirit of Caring – Filmed, produced and edited an 18-minute presentation celebrating the winners of a nursing award for Sharp HealthCare, April 2006.

John Gilbert Cronican – Filmed and edited a memorial service for honored military gentleman John Cronican, March 2006.

Pathways To Success – Produced and edited a 30-minute marketing DVD for motivational speakers Robert M. Irwin, M.D. and Robert C. Irwin, PhD, of Vista, CA, December 2005.

Bryce & Nicole - A Love Story - Wrote, produced, filmed and edited a feature-length movie/documentary celebrating a love story of two modern-day lovers, culminating in their wedding in San Diego, August 2005.

Always Remember - Wrote, directed and produced a one-act play for the opening ceremonies of the 10th annual international conference on Family Violence though the Family Violence & Sexual Assault Institute in San Diego, September 2005.

Pieces - Wrote and produced a one-act play for the Actors Alliance One-Act Festival in San Diego, Lyceum Theater, July 2005. This play told the story of Victoria, who - after being shattered by a devastating breakup - takes an inner journey  towards discovery and recovery, ultimately leading her back to her heart and herself.

Hello & Goodbye - Wrote, produced and directed a short one-page comedy piece for the Actors Alliance Festival in San Diego, Lyceum Theater, July 2005.  It had two words in it.  Guess which ones. 

Ron DeChamplain - Produced and edited a 15-minute DVD video tribute honoring the life of Ron DeChamplain whose funeral service was July 2005.

Sylvia Allen; A Celebration of Life
- Produced and edited a 35-minute documentary celebrating the 80th birthday of Sylvia Allen, May 2005.

A Lifelong Path - Wrote, produced, filmed and edited a  50-minute documentary celebrating the 50th Wedding Anniversary of his parents: Jim and Pat Ellis. July 2004.
 
Shadows of Mercy - Wrote and produced a one-act play for the Actors Alliance One-Act Festival in San Diego, Lyceum Theater, July 2004. Filmed live and available now on DVD, this  play told the story of 18-year old Sarah who - through a timeless montage of memory - must make the choice whether or not to heed the voices with which she has come to identify: the voice of a dark secret, or the voice of true mercy.

Keeping the Spirit Alive - Wrote, produced, filmed and edited a 45-minute documentary honoring the life of David Langill, a man who was killed in September 2003. Delivered on Father's Day June 2004 to David's children.

The Tree of Life - Wrote and produced a one-act play for the Actors Alliance One-Act Festival in San Diego, May 2003. This love-affirming story about the two genders discovering the tragedy and triumph within their relationship was named the festival's Best Ensemble.

The Voices of our Youth - Wrote and produced a one-act play for the Actors Alliance One-Act Festival in San Diego, May  2002.

Legacies - Adapted and executive produced a 30-minute film. Premiered San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art, August 2001.

One Woman Remembered ­ Wrote and co-directed a  production of a one-act play. Actors Alliance One-Act Festival, May 2001.

The Long Haul, Buddy - Author, full-length play, dedicated to the various relationships in life, produced at Lamplighters  Theater in La Mesa, October 2000.

Legacies; Voices of Women and Men - A full production of a one-act play. Actors Alliance One-Act Festival, May 2000.

Father Department - Communication published in Rolling Stone magazine, March 2000.

Voices of Ireland - Participated in theatrical reading for Poetic Stage Productions, March 2000.

The Muse Theater Play Festival - Featured player in two one-acts, Jack Dodge Theater, February 2000.

In the Name of the Father - Article published in North County Times, focusing on the state of fatherhood, January 2000.

The White Light Pole Was Free - Wrote one-act play for SDSU's Skull and Daggar Festival of One-Acts, December 1999.

Legacies; Voices of Women and Men - Author, theatrical reading, Grossmont College Playwright Project, April 1999.

The Angel's Heart - Wrote and performed a one-act play, Grossmont College's festival of creative writing, May 1998.

Light Show;Poetic Presentations Designed to Open the Heart - Originated, wrote and starred in showcase of prose, video, and song for a one-man show, Golfcrest Theater, San Diego, March 1998.

The Hour; Nine Monologues Designed to Transcend Time, Guilt and Death - Author, director of one-act, local theater production, May 1997.

Tears; And Other Gifts from the Realm of Feelings - Wrote and published collection of commentaries, poetry and prose dedicated to the world of human emotions, November 1996.

Seasons of the Soul - Author and performer of musical, Pacific Church of Religious Science in San Diego, June 1995.

Can You Relate? - Author, producer of multi-media love opera of songs and drama, PCRS, February 1995.

Highest Vision (3/92 to 2/96) - Contributed an inspirational column to the PCRS monthly newsletter.

Dear Friends (12/92 to 12/95) - Originated bimonthly  newsletter to announce healing workshops and support groups.

Preparing For the Best - Author and publisher of a book on the changing times and the changing planet, April 1993.

Life Traveler; So Far - Wrote, designed and published creative book of prose and life stories, December 1992.

Starting Point; A Guide to Metaphysics, the Golden Time and Love - Researched, wrote and self-published a nonfiction book on metaphysics. Published July 1989; reprinted September 1992.

Connecting Link (8/89 to 1/93) - Regular columnist "Metaphysical Musings" for a national New Age magazine.

The Daily Pilot (8/88 to 3/89) - Correspondent and columnist for "Style" section of Orange County daily newspaper.

Education:

  • Continuing Education, San Diego, CA - 11/05 to 5/07.
    Interactive Media Certification Program. Courses in Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Flash, Final Cut Pro, etc.
  • Grossmont Community College, Grossmont, CA - 5/97 to 8/01. Elective courses in Theater, Acting and Playwrighting.
  • Cal State Long Beach, Long Beach, CA - 1/84 to 6/87, B.A., Journalism, with minor in Philosophy.  Columnist and Encore Editor on Daily Forty-Niner newspaper.
  • Golden West Community College, Huntington Beach, CA - 9/81 to 1/84, A.A., Liberal Arts and Sciences, emphasis in Journalism. Branding Iron: News Editor, Features Editor, Sports Editor.

Service Organizations:

San Diego Actors Alliance (4/2000 to present) - Associate Member of a local alliance that supports the creative goals of actors, playwrights, producers and directors.

San Diego Men's Division (5/98 to present) - Team leader, Initiation Manager, Point Man, and Second to the Division Coordinator - for men's organization dedicated to building trusting and successful relationships.

Sadhana Fellowship (1995 to 1998) - Facilitator, healer, rebirther in spiritual organization; ordained as minister 1996.

JAE Healing (1992 to1994) - Leader of weekly Wednesday night healing group for three years in San Diego.

Pacific Church of Religious Science (1991 to 1996) - Team Leader, Groups Coordinator at San Diego church.

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