Resume – Legacy Productions

JAMES ANTHONY ELLIS

An imaginative and prolific writer, filmmaker and producer 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, filmmaker, videographer, playwright, screenwriter, and simply an extraordinarily prolific e-mailer. His first book, Starting Point; A Guide to Metaphysics, the Golden Time and Love, was initially published in 1989. Other books include Life Traveler, Tears, Breadcrumbs, The Honor Book, Preparing For the Best; A Guide to Global Changes for the Earth, the Society and You and Huh? The Joys, Sorrows and Comic Relief of Miscommunication. An author of 20 plays, 100 film/video productions and hundreds of articles and columns, James produced in 2011 the highly-acclaimed “Indoctrinated: The Grooming of our Children into Prostitution,”which was viewed on Cable TV, and nationally and internationally at community forums designed to bring solution to our prostituted youth problem. His most recent documentary “Keeping The Peace: Mental and Emotional Wellness For All Law Enforcement” premiered May 2019 and has since been requested from agencies across 35 states. James has spent 25 years in leadership within MDI (Mentor, Discover, Inspire), an international men’s organization, including the role as Division Coordinator of the San Diego Men’s Division, the International MDI Communications Director and VP of Media and Public Relations, editing the Legacy Magazine since 2013. To contact James, see the Contact page.

RELEVANT PUBLISHING / PRODUCTION BACKGROUND:

“A Legacy of Care” – Video tribute to a fine woman who departed in January 2022.
“Organizational Wellness” – Video Training Content Video Training Content for a POST course through Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma. March 2021.
“Community Policing” – Video Training Content for a POST course through National University. December 2020
“More Than Surviving” – Video Training Content for a POST course through Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma. December 2019.
Keeping The Peace – Produced, filmed and edited a 35-minute documentary addressing post traumatic stress on law enforcement. May 2019
Knowledge for Men – Contributor of a men’s e-magazine dedicated to men’s personal growth. August 2017.
Young Voices TV Show – Produced a cable access TV talk show with two young men as hosts, holding a conversation about the issues facing boys today. July 2017
CaliSports – Reporter for a southern California e-magazine, covering the Los Angeles Kings and the Ontario Reign hockey clubs.
For Karyn – Edited a short promo trailer for a longer documentary, which will highlight a San Diego couple’s trip to Mount Everest. December 2016.
“Huh? – The Joys, Sorrows and Comic Relief of Miscommunication” – Wrote and published a satirical book about the funny mishaps of communication. Published November 2016.
Workplace Training Network – Filmed and edited a 25-minute educational film on violence in the workplace. August 2016.
White House Commission For Boys and Men – Trained young men to be reporters before attending Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton campaign events. Filmed interviews with media and participants. June 2016.
If You Only Knew – Created, filmed and edited three PSAs for the Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition regarding human trafficking awareness. May 2016
National Coalition for Men – Filmed and edited a fundraising video for a national organization for men. May 2016.
The Men’s Department – Founded blog – Uplifting and challenging pieces dedicated to an audience of men. January 2016.
Jim’s Heart – It Had to Come From Somewhere – Founded blog – Creative snippets designed to engage and entertain. May 2015.
Front Sight Video – Edited a promotional fundraising video for a gun training facility in Pahrump, Nevada. April 2015.
“Morning Musings: Daily Reflections To Inspire Your Own Awakening” – Wrote and published a book of daily sayings designed to uplift. Published December 2014.
TFK Promotional Video – Filmed and edited a 3-minute promotional video for non-profit foundation. November 2014.
Workplace Training Network – Directed, filmed and edited a 30-minute educational film on ethics in the workplace. October 2014
“From Men To Me; A Russian Heart and An American Dream” – Designed and published an original book for a client. July 2014.
Workplace Training Network – Directed, filmed and edited a 10-minute educational film on sexual harassment in the workplace. June 2014
Who is Your Bubba? – Wrote, directed and filmed 4 promotional videos for MDI, an international men’s organization.
Lemon Grove HEAL Zone – Filmed and edited a 7-minute promotional video for a project to build a Hyatt in downtown San Diego, August 2013
Patch Blogger (7/2013 to Present) – Developed and wrote an “every man” blog for Lemon Grove Patch.
Wounded – Filmed and edited a 6-minute video outlining the path of males victimized by sexual abuse, August 2013
And I Love Her Too – Wrote and edited a 3-minute video-art piece dedicated to a great pet named Hennessy, for Petco Great One Contest, August 2013.
Hyatt Project – Filmed and edited a 9-minute promotional video for a project to build a Hyatt in downtown San Diego, July 2013. Translated into Chinese.
Waldorf School – Filmed and edited a 7-minute promotional video for a special curriculum school in San Diego, June 2013
Legacy Magazine – Developed and edited a magazine for an international men’s organization, MDI. Started March 2013 through present. See HERE
“The Honor Book – Reclaim the Honorable Life for Your Power, Success and Freedom” – Wrote and published a book for men about the topic of honor. Published November 2012.
“The Shores of Avalon” – Filmed and edited three music videos for the International Conference on Violence, Abuse & Trauma, September 2012. Produced and directed the 2-hour opening ceremony for the conference, documenting it on video.
“SCX Promotional Video” – Filmed and edited a 7 minute promotional video for the San Diego-based SCX company working to develop and deploy high-speed ferries from Oceanside to San Diego and Baja.
“Breadcrumbs – Poetry and Prose Designed to Lead You Home” – Wrote and published a book of 101 poems designed to lead you to a place of inner joy, freedom and peace.
“Indoctrinated; The Grooming of our Children Into Prostitution” – Filmed and edited a 12-minute version of a short educational filmed aimed at preventing child sexual exploitation. Sneak preview at the 1000 Breaths event which gathered 200 people for a healing event, December 31, 2010. Premiere of 33-minute version December 6 at USD and December 31, 2011 at 1000 Breaths II.
Both Sides of the Gun – Wrote feature screenplay based on a true story. A San Diego man lost his 20-year-old son to a brutal gang-related murder. Yes, everyone has a story; everyone has pain. It’s what we do with that pain that makes all the difference.
The Response to Trauma – Filmed and edited three mini-documentaries for the International Conference on Violence, Abuse & Trauma, September 2011. Produced and directed the 2-hour opening ceremony for the conference, documenting it on video.
“Find Your Friggin’ Joy; A Guide to Cleaning the Plaque of Your Soul” – Organized, edited, proofread and ghost wrote a 100 page book on the Huna principles of healing, October 2010.
“The Other Side of Forgiveness” – Wrote and produced a trilogy play about one woman’s overcoming of verbal abuse. Presented at the International Conference on Violence, Abuse & Trauma, September 2010. Produced and directed the conference’s opening ceremony, lunch ceremony and closing ceremony, documenting it on video. Filmed and edited 2 mini-documentaries for the conference.
Tantra Theater TV – Filmed and edited 6 vignettes of performance art pieces for Tantra Theater TV. November 2009
TKF: An Introduction – filmed and edited an 8-minute introduction feature on the Tariq Khamisa Foundation for an annual fundraising event.
“Our Awakening” – 25 Anniversary Video Montages – Filmed and edited 4 mini-documentaries for the International Conference on Violence, Abuse & Trauma, September 2009. Produced and directed the conference’s opening ceremony, lunch ceremony and closing ceremony, documenting it on video.
Rachel and Yehuda – The Ceremony – Filmed and edited a wedding video, capturing the Kabbalah ceremony for a couple in Los Angeles, December 2008.
TKF; Empowering Kids, Saving Lives, Teaching Peace – Edited a 9-minute promotional video highlighting the purpose of a San Diego non-profit foundation dedicated to ending youth violence, November 2008.
The Causes of Violence / The Solution to the Issue of Violence – Filmed and edited two mini-documentaries for the International Conference on Violence, Abuse & Trauma, September 2008. Produced and directed the 2-hour opening ceremony for the conference, documenting it on video.
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:

Boys to Men (1/2016 to present) – Member of mentoring team supporting 6th – 8th grade young men in facing challenges and bettering themselves.
Lemon Grove HEAL Zone – (8/2012 to 8/2019) – Committee member in the Media Domain for a local city initiative to bring healthy eating and active living as a solution to the obesity issue facing our nation. See HERE
Mentor Discover Inspire / San Diego Men’s Division (5/98 to present) – Team leader, Initiation Manager, Point Man, and Division Coordinator, Director of Communications, VP of Media and Public Relations – for international men’s organization dedicated to building trusting and successful relationships, and a powerful community. See HERE
ACTION Network – (2007 to 12/2011) Member of a non-profit, multi-disciplinary co-operative designed to end child prostitution.
Institute of Violence, Abuse & Trauma – (2005 to 2012) Committee member of IVAT’s annual international conference to end violence and abuse. See HERE
Oaks & Acorns – (2/2010 to 11/2012) Board Member for non-profit organization bringing youth and elders together to create a circle of community where everyone has a voice and a value.
San Diego Actors Alliance (4/2000 to 2008) – Associate Member of a local alliance that supports the creative goals of actors, playwrights, producers and directors.
Sadhana Fellowship (1995 to 1998) – Facilitator, healer, breathwork facilitator in spiritual organization; ordained as minister 1996.
JAE Healing (1992 to 12/2011) – Leader of regular healing group in San Diego.
Pacific Church of Religious Science (1991 to 1996) – Team Leader, Groups Coordinator at a local San Diego church.