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		John Herzfeld Executive Producer It’s taken more than a decade for the world to catch up with writer/director John Herzfeld. When he first completed the script for 15 MINUTES in 1989, studio executives didn’t know what to make of its irreverent blend of gritty crime drama and tabloid bombast. Now, in the wake of OJ, Columbine and the Texas Seven (who were captured with the help of “America’s Most Wanted”), Herzfeld seems downright prescient. Is it any wonder, then, that last year New Line Cinema and two-time Oscar winner Robert DeNiro jumped at the chance to bring 15 MINUTES to the big screen? 15 MINUTES is a smart, searing thriller in which the reality of crime meets the surreal glare of television hype. Under Herzfeld’s skilled direction, the film is a visceral roller coaster, seamlessly integrating different tones (romance, action, comedy) and visual styles (film, hand-held video, slick TV news). With an eclectic cast that includes DeNiro, Edward Burns, Kelsey Grammer, Avery Brooks and Melina Kanakaredes, 15 MINUTES promises to be one of the most compellingly controversial films of the year. As for Herzfeld and his “15 minutes,” there seems to be no end in sight. In addition to co-writing and executive producing the HBO film “Point of Origin,” starring Ray Liotta, Herzfeld recently signed a two-picture development deal with Lawrence Bender and Miramax Films. As if that weren’t enough, Herzfeld’s one hour, real time dramedy pilot is currently under consideration at CBS. In many ways, Herzfeld was uniquely qualified to address the importance of celebrity and fame in contemporary society. His 1998 HBO film “Don King: Only in America,” starring Ving Rhames and Vondie Curtis-Hall, dealt with one of American sport’s most colorful, and media savvy, personalities. Herzfeld was honored for his work with a Directors Guild of America Award and an Emmy nomination. In addition, the film garnered a Golden Globe Award for Rhames, as well as the Broadcast Film Critics, Writers Guild of America and coveted Peabody Award. Herzfeld’s promise as a feature director can be seen in the 1996 black comedy 2 DAYS IN THE VALLEY, starring Jeff Daniels, Glenne Headley, James Spader, Marsha Mason, Eric Stoltz, Teri Hatcher and Charlize Theron, in her first film role. Conceived and written over a three week period as Herzfeld paced the grounds of the Los Angeles veteran’s cemetery, the film was singled out by critics for its ingenious structure, original style and deft mix of insight and action. Prior to 2 DAYS IN THE VALLEY, Herzfeld spent more than 10 years as one of television’s most accomplished writer/directors. Bringing a rare touch of levity to the docudrama genre, Herzfeld explored the intersection of personal tragedy and public notoriety in such highly rated telepics as “Casualties of Love: The Long Island Lolita Story,” “The Ryan White Story,” “The Preppie Murder” and “Daddy.” Along the way, he helped launch the careers of many of today’s hottest young stars, including Patricia Arquette, Lara Flynn Boyle, Dermot Mulrooney and Sandra Bullock (who earned her SAG card for “The Preppie Murder”). Born and raised in New Jersey, Herzfeld has wanted to be a filmmaker ever since he ditched school to catch a Spartacus matinee. After knocking around the New York theatre scene during his early 20s, Herzfeld moved to Los Angeles to reprise a guest-starring role on “Starsky & Hutch.” Though other bit parts followed, Herzfeld eventually opted to focus solely on writing and directing. Among his early credits are the feature films VOICES and HARD FEELINGS, as well as the telepic “Stoned,” for which Herzfeld won a directing Emmy.		Ray Liotta John Leguizamo Illeana Douglas Newton Thomas Sigel John Herzfeld Matthew Tabak

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