Richard Schenkman (born March 6, 1958) is an American screenwriter, film producer, film director, and occasional actor. He has also been credited as director under the names George Axmith and R.D. Braunstein.

Early life and education

Schenkman was born in New York in 1958. He was educated at Roosevelt High School.^[1][2] Later, he attended the University at Albany, SUNY, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in film in 1981.^[3]

Career

Schenkman's debut feature film, The Pompatus of Love, was co-written with Jon Cryer & Adam Oliensis, and directed by him.^[4] He then directed films such as October 22,^[5] Went to Coney Island on a Mission from God… Be Back by Five,^[6] and A Diva's Christmas Carol, for VH1.^[7]

Schenkman also developed content for television, including the sitcom pilot Us and Them for 20th Century Fox TV, and an animated series pilot for VH1 centered on Elvis.^[8] He also contributed dialogue to EA's video game 007 Racing.^[8]

After a hiatus, Schenkman directed more films including And Then Came Love,^[9] Abraham Lincoln vs. Zombies,^[10] Mischief Night,^[11] a sequel to I Spit On Your Grave,^[12] and Misfits.^[13]

In 2007, Schenkman directed The Man from Earth.^[14][15] The film, widely pirated upon its release that same year, became a success. In 2017, he made a sequel, The Man from Earth: Holocene. Two months prior to its April 3 digital and DVD release, the film was released on The Pirate Bay in resolutions up to 1080p HD, including a message from Schenkman and producer Eric D. Wilkinson, encouraging donations from viewers.^[14]

Prior to his involvement in feature films, Schenkman had a career in corporate media. He contributed to the early branding of MTV by creating promos.^[16][17][18] Schenkman also established a production company, which produced various forms of media content, including commercials for Nickelodeon.^[19] Later, he joined Playboy Enterprises, where he was responsible for updating the network's visual presentation and overseeing the production of various programs, eventually serving as Vice President of Production.^[8]

Writing

As a writer, Schenkman is the author of the children's book The Girl From Atlantis.^[20] He co-wrote the film, Went to Coney Island on a Mission from God… Be Back by Five, with Jon Cryer.^[21] He also wrote the screenplay for the TV film, A Diva's Christmas Carol.^[22]

Awards and recognition

Schenkman won seven awards at film festivals such as the Austin Film Festival, Oldenburg International Film Festival, Rhode Island International Film Festival and WorldFest Flagstaff.^[23]

Filmography

Film

Television