I decided to make films as a second career, after my children were grown. I have been unbelievably lucky with the success enjoyed by 'Defying Gravity' so far.

I have previously been director of a screenwriting competition, and started the first automated online query submission service for screenwriters. Over several years I composed and submitted queries for over 1200 screenplays.

I was Director of Development for Zeta Entertainment ("Shiloh", "Gun Crazy", "The Big Squeeze" and others) in 2003.

I have 2 daughters, 3 step-children, and a wonderful husband who did not blink an eye when I said I was going to need some money to make a movie. My oldest daughter has Asperger's yndrome. She has overcome many challenges, and I admire her for being undeterred in her goals. Together we are working on a documentary about young adults with Asperger's Syndrome.

My next project will be an action-adventure to be set in Istanbul. I am co-producing this with the Turkish Film Council. This will be based in part on my grandparents who came from the Sephardic Jewish community that thrived in Istanbul for 500 years.

And finally, I have been a high school math teacher for the past twenty-three years. Producing movies is a lot like managing a class of energetic adolescents, each wanting to march to the beat of a different drummer. Make everyone feel valued and respected, and they will move mountains for you.

Company:
Balancing Act Pictures

Website URL:
balancingactpictures.com

Favorite movies:
Harold and Maude, Little Miss Sunshine, Raising Arizona, Rock N Roll High School, Under the Same Moon, There?s Something About Mary, To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar, Princess Bride, Away From Her, Brokeback Mountain

Favorite TV shows:
Lost, Sarah Connor Chronicles, The Office

Favorite blogs and websites:
www.DefyingGravityTheMovie.com myspace.com/defyin ggravitythemovie confessionsofaproducer.blogspot.com twitter.com/balancingact

Favorite places:
California, Istanbul

Favorite stuff:
electronic gizmos, tandem bike, my house