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PHIL JAMES graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago and majored in Management with a minor in Finance. He has a solid background in producing and promoting entertainment projects. Phil has been with James Young Entertainment since its inception in 1994. He has produced all of the company’s releases which include the short films, “EXODUS 12:21-30”, “TISSUE”, and “RAPIST”, and the company’s hit feature films, “ONE WEEK” and “REDRUM”. He was also a producer on the independent feature film, “SACRED”, starring rapper NAS, Elise Neal, and Isaiah Washington. While developing strong industry relationships, Phil was the catalyst behind Bill Duke teaming up with James Young Entertainment to develop “PIMP: The Story of Robert Beck”. In addition, Phil has also worked with Robert Townsend. In keeping with the “independent” spirit, Phil will serve as producer on “SCANDALOUS.” Phil also took the screenplay, “Step In The Name of Love” to MGM who quickly bought it. As the company’s business manager, Phil employs his belief that constant and progressive momentum is the key to longevity in the film industry. |
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KENNY YOUNGloves stories… From the ones that thrilled and chilled him as a child, to the ones that have inspired and guided him as a man, Kenny Young has always been influenced by stories.
Kenny grew up in the Chicago theater scene, eventually graduating with honors from Columbia College’s School of Theater, where he also minored in screenwriting. Coming from a strong family base, Kenny is an optimist and a firm believer in self-empowerment. It was this belief system that led Kenny to hone his talent for storytelling, into a craft.
As an actor, Kenny has starred in various stage productions, including: “A RAISIN IN THE SUN,” “OTHELLO,” “FENCES,” "AMERICAN BOYS,” “THE NEGRO BUILDING,” and “THE RIVER NIGER.” He has also appeared in various films, including the award-winning ONE WEEK, which he also co-wrote and co-produced. He can also be seen in SACRED, LIFE OF THE PARTY,and EXODUS 12. He’s also made various television appearances including “ER” and Robert Townsend’s “THE LITTLE RICHARD STORY.”
Kenny also has vast experience as a writer for both stage and screen. He successfully sold the original script STEP IN THE NAME OF LOVE to MGM studios. He has also collaborated with and written scripts for Hollywood legends Robert Townsend and Bill Duke. Kenny has written or co-written all of the projects for his production company, JAMES YOUNG ENTERTAINMENT. He also serves as head writer and Artistic Director for the traveling performance troupe NOW WHAT?
Kenny’s directorial debut was the hilarious dark/romantic comedy REDRUM which starred Jill Marie Jones, Jenifer Lewis, Terri Vaughn, Joe Torry, and many others. Kenny also co-wrote and co-starred in REDRUM. Kenny originally honed his directing skills by directing various stage productions and short films.
Kenny is currently in preproduction for his next film, THE LAST LAUGH.
Kenny believes that stories are “metaphors of life” and “energy for the soul.” Kenny also embraces the belief that writing, acting, and directing are all forms of storytelling. Having written, acted in, and directed various projects, Kenny sees himself an eternal student to the craft of storytelling. He has dedicated his life to being a vessel for the creative force of the universe, and e synergetic experience known as “story.” |
