Draft:Stephen Israel (Producer)

Stephen Israel is a prominent independent film producer hailing from London and currently based in Los Angeles. Renowned for his versatile portfolio, Israel's career highlights include his involvement in the production of Swimming With Sharks, a film noted for its incisive commentary on workplace dynamics amidst the "me too" movement, which notably propelled Kevin Spacey's film career. The success of Swimming With Sharks led to adaptations for the stage in London, featuring Christian Slater, and subsequent global tours including stops in Mexico City, Paris, and Tokyo. The film was later revived as a television series on Roku, starring Dianne Kruger, Kiernan Shipka, and Donald Sutherland.

Israel's contributions extend beyond Swimming With Sharks to encompass a variety of acclaimed LGBTQ+ films, including Boy Culture (2006), GBF (2014), and the 2016 Outfest audience award-winning Miles, featuring Molly Shannon, an Independent Spirit Award-winner.

In 2021, Israel further solidified his reputation with the release of Swan Song, featuring Udo Kier, which garnered two Independent Spirit Award nominations for Kier's career-defining performance, alongside Michael Urie, Jennifer Coolidge, and Linda Evans, distributed by Magnolia Pictures.

Recent productions by Israel include the political thriller Affairs of State, starring David Corenswet, Adrian Grenier, Mimi Rogers, and Thora Birch, as well as Last Moment of Clarity, featuring Samara Weaving and Golden Globe-winner Brian Cox, both distributed by Lionsgate. Additionally, The Gateway (2021), starring Shea Whigham, Olivia Munn, Frank Grillo, and Bruce Dern, was also distributed by Lionsgate.

Israel's involvement in documentary projects includes Lady Buds (2021), exploring women's roles in the marijuana industry, and Studio One Forever, a documentary about the legendary LA gay disco, showcased at LA's Outfest in 2023.

A visionary figure, Israel played a pivotal role in the production of The Spot, recognized as the world's first episodic series on the internet, in 1995. This groundbreaking endeavor foreshadowed the emergence of episodic web series and contributed to the establishment of American Cybercast, a 1995 tech startup, where Israel served as Senior Vice President of Development & Acquisitions.

With extensive corporate experience at Warner Bros., Turner Broadcasting, and prestigious management consulting firm Booz.Allen & Hamilton, Israel brings seasoned management and financial expertise to his hands-on approach to film production.

Israel's diverse background also includes training as a rocket scientist and serving as a Royal Air Force marksman.