Creative & Executive Team

Lead Producer, Legal Affairs

Mark has directed numerous theatrical productions in Chicago for over 10 years. “The Thirsting” was Vadik’s writing and directorial debut in feature film. His recent stage adaptation of Shakespeare’s Richard III, performed at The Bailiwick Arts Center in Chicago, was named as “One of the top 10 Must Sees” for the 2004 Theater season in Chicago by Windy City Times. The Chicago Tribune has favorably compared his work and style with Sir Peter Brooks of the Royal Shakespeare Company of London, and Thomas Falls, the Artistic Director of Chicago’s Goodman Theater.

Mark Vadik was first recognized as one of America’s “aspiring under-ground writers” in the early 90s when his poetry was featured on 60 Minutes. Additionally, he has had several original stage plays produced, including: “Closures”, “American Manhood – Boxed In and Strung Out”, and “Old Soldiers Don’t Like Rain”. He has directed numerous commercials and music videos. Most recently he co-produced the music video “Hello” for the European techno band “Scooter”. He received his B.A. in Performance Studies and his M.A. in Theatre/Arts Marketing and Management at Northwestern University/Kellogg School of Management. He also received his J.D. from Loyola University, Chicago.

Scoring, Soundscape, Foley Sound

A native of Florida, Michael J. Leslie began learning piano at the age of seven and trumpet at 12 years old. By the time Michael completed high school, he was performing 11 different instruments, ranging from brass, woodwinds and strings – all of which were self-taught. Throughout his high school years, Michael received several awards for his original jazz compositions. He also participated in the choir, orchestra, marching, symphonic and jazz band. This diverseness exposed him to a variety of musical styles.

Michael continued his love of music as a band member of the Florida A&M University jazz ensemble and concert choir.

While simultaneously attending Film & Television classes at neighboring Florida State University, Michael developed a strong passion for film music. To gain experience and build a resume, he collaborated with several student filmmakers and by the end of his college experience, Michael had scored almost two-dozen student films and numerous local, regional and national ad campaigns. Upon completing college, he relocated to Los Angeles to further his career in film and television.

Shortly upon arriving to L.A., Michael would quickly find himself in the company of various music heavyweights, including musical icon Quincy Jones and Mike Post. One distinguishing talent of Michael is his ability to play instruments ranging from brass, strings, woodwinds, guitar and piano – as heard on his website demos. Michael has several theatrical trailers, network promos, theme park attractions music and over 30 advertisement and radio jingles under his belt. He is equally adept at composing and producing Pop, Urban, World/Ethnic music and many other styles. His music has been heard nationwide on NBC, ABC, FOX, CNN, A&E, TLC, The History Channel and other networks.

Director of Photography

Born in a very small community in the mid west Roy had no other contact to his dream of becoming a cinematographer than through the local theater and the Los Angeles phone directory. He would recall the names of cinematographers as they appeared on their films and call them blindly to talk with them about their work. Many of them were so suprised by this young man’s ambition and interest that they took him under their wing, mentoring him.

When he arrived in Los Angeles he spent every moment with them on their sets and homes learning as much about them and their work as he could. Because of this he was able to meet and befriend many of the greatest cinematographers in Hollywood. His key mentor was Harry Stradling Sr. Through him he developed friendships with Joseph Ruttenberg, George Folsey, James Wong Howe, Leon Shamroy, Frank Phillipd, Leonard South, and many many others.

In the late 70s he began a life long process of interviewing cinematographers on video tape or film. A deep reverence for all that is old Hollywood remains a great part of his life and the memory of the behind the scene stories told him as a young man is an important basis for his life and work.