Michael Chiklis is an Emmy and Golden Globe winning actor best known for his role in the acclaimed drama series, THE SHIELD.

Known as one of the pioneers of cable television, Michael played the lead role of Detective Vic Mackey in the critically acclaimed series, THE SHIELD, for FX. Paving the way for grounded and more authentic television viewing, both Chiklis and the show won multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Awards and received over 61 nominations and 13 wins in its 7-season run.

Most recently, Michael Chiklis both starred in and directed episodes of the second season of Howard Gordon’s ACCUSED. He also took on the same dual role in the first season—starring in the series premiere and directing a separate episode later in the season.

In 2023, Chiklis starred in the MGM+/Amazon series HOTEL COCAINE from creator Chris Brancato.
Chiklis’ additional television credits include most notably THE COMMISH, NO ORDINARY FAMILY, VEGAS, GOTHAM, HBO’S WINNING TIME and the critically acclaimed AMERICAN HORROR STORY. He also starred as Ben Clemens in the Paramount+ series, COYOTE, in which he also produced. Up next, he will appear in THE SENIOR, an independent feature directed by Rod Lurie and produced by Mark Ciardi, based on the inspiring true story of 59-year-old Mike Flynt, who returned to college to play football during his final year.

Demonstrating exceptional range, Chiklis is also known for his role as The Thing/Ben Grimm in the Fantastic Four franchise. His additional film credits include Don’t Look Up, Eagle Eye, The Three Stooges, and Wired.

As he continues his work in front of the camera, Chiklis is also expanding his career behind it, with several directing projects currently in development and production.

Mary Stuart Masterson can be seen in the Blumhouse/Universal feature FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S, based on the highly popular video game. She will next be seen in the Rod Lurie-directed feature THE SENIOR opposite Michael Chiklis, Brandon Flynn, and Rob Corddry. She was most recently seen starring in the independent feature ISLE OF HOPE opposite Diane Ladd and recurring on NBC’s BLINDSPOT. She can also be seen in Hank Steinberg’s ABC series FOR LIFE produced by 50 Cent. Masterson starred in SpectreVision’s psychological horror DANIEL ISN’T REAL, and in A24’s feature length adaptation of Guy Nattiv’s Oscar-winning short, SKIN, opposite Jamie Bell and Vera Farmiga. She was previously seen in AS YOU ARE, which won the Special Jury Prize at Sundance, as well as in recurring roles on NCIS (CBS) and BLUE BLOODS (CBS). TV credits include: THE GOOD WIFE (CBS), TOUCH (FOX), MERCY (NBC), LAW & ORDER: SVU (NBC), and WATERFRONT (CBS). Her extensive film credits include: THE INSURGENTS (Mill Creek Entertainment), THE SISTERS (La Oz Films), LEO (First Look International), WEST OF HERE (Image Entertainment), THE BOOK OF STARS (Showcase Entertainment), DIGGING TO CHINA (Legacy Releasing Corp), HEAVEN’s PRISONERS (Savoy Pictures), BED OF ROSES (New Line), BAD GIRLS (Twentieth Century Fox), BENNY & JOON (MGM), FRIED GREEN TOMATOES (Universal), MARRIED TO IT (MGM), FUNNY ABOUT LOVE (Paramount), IMMEDIATE FAMILY (Columbia), CHANCES ARE (TriStar Pictures), MR. NORTH (Samuel Goldwyn Company), GARDENS OF STONE (TriStar), SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL (Paramount), MY LITTLE GIRL (Hemdale), AT CLOSE RANGE (Orion), and HEAVEN HELP US (TriStar).

Theatre credits include: NINE (Eugene O’Neill Theatre), LILY DALE (Samuel Beckett Theatre), LUCKY SPOT (Manhattan Theatre Club), and THREE SISTERS (McCarter Theatre). In addition to her prestigious acting career, Mary Stuart is also well known for her directorial debut, THE CAKE EATERS, which starred Kristen Stewart and Melissa Leo. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and was awarded audience and jury prizes at numerous other festivals.

Photo credit: Deborah Lopez

Four-time Emmy award-winning actor, producer, and comedian Rob Corddry can currently be seen in the Chuck Lorre-helmed Max comedy series, Bookie, opposite Sebastian Maniscalco. He is best known for his work on Adult Swim’s satirical comedy series Children’s Hospital, which he created, executive produced, and starred. His spinoff series Medical Police also premiered on Netflix in January of 2020. He hosts the podcast Amy Always Wins which debuted in spring 2023. Corddry recently appeared as one of the co-hosts in the unscripted series Top Gear America, alongside Dax Shepard and Jethro Bovingdon. Other recent television credits include Marvel’s Hit-Monkey, CBS’ The Unicorn and the Hulu series This Fool. He also starred opposite Dwayne Johnson for five seasons in the hit HBO series, Ballers. From 2002-2006, Corddry was a correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Other television credits include ABC’s Speechless and Happy Endings; FOX’s Arrested Development; Comedy Central’sWorkaholics; NBC’s Community; and HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm.

On the feature side, he is best known for starring in both installments of the cult classic franchise, Hot Tub Time Machine. He also served as EP on the 2015 sequel. Corddry also starred alongside Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney, and Sam Rockwell, in the Searchlight film The Way Way Back which was acquired out of the Sundance Film Festival. Last year, Corddry starred in the Paramount movie, 80 for Brady, and the indie feature, The Donor Party. He recently wrapped the Bill Fishman directed and co-written feature, Waltzing With Brando, with Billy Zane who plays the legendary The Godfather actor set to release later this year. Next up for Corddry is Jeff Stanzler’s Kissinger Takes Paris, in which he will star alongside Mary-Louise Parker, Robin Wright, and Jimmy O. Yang.

Corddry is represented by Buchwald, Artists First and Hansen Jacobsen.

JAMES BADGE DALE will soon be seen in both DEVIL IN DISGUISE: JOHN WAYNE GACY for Peacock, and opposite Jessica Chastain in THE SAVANT for Apple. Later this year he will have two films released, John Swab's KING IVORY (Venice Film Festival premiere) with Ben Foster, and VIOLENT ENDS from Midnight Road Entertainment. Future work includes ON THE END with Tim Blake Nelson.

Upon completing production of the third and final season of Starz’s provocative series HIGHTOWN, executive produced by Jerry Bruckheimer he segued into Taylor Sheridan’s series “1923” opposite Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. He also appeared in a major comedic guest star role on the Emmy-winning RAMY.

Dale has built a career of indelible roles working for top directors within the business including Robert Zemeckis (FLIGHT/THE WALK), Martin Scorsese (THE DEPARTED), Michael Bay (13 HOURS), Joseph Kosinski (ONLY THE BRAVE), Jeremy Saulnier (HOLD THE DARK), Joe Carnahan (THE GREY), Shane Black (IRON MAN 3), Marc Foster (WORLD WAR Z), Gore Verbinski (LONE RANGER) and Steve McQueen (SHAME).

Recent festival films in which he starred include MICKEY AND BEAR (SXSW/Cannes), LITTLE WOODS (Tribeca), opposite Lily James, and Tessa Thompson, directed by Nia DaCosta and the TIFF premieres of DONNYBROOK and STANDOFF AT SPARROW CREEK.

Dale had the privilege to portray the lead role of 'Robert Leckie' in HBO's Emmy and Peabody awarded miniseries, THE PACIFIC produced by Steven Spielberg and Playtone, followed by the lead in the critically acclaimed AMC series, RUBICON. He is also remembered for a memorable season of 24.

In 2017, Dale owned the stage in the Robert Schenkkan off-Broadway production of BUILDING THE WALL. He preceded that with a starring role in SMALL ENGINE REPAIR for director Jo Bonney.

Dale is the son of late Broadway, film and television star Anita Morris and two-time Tony Award winning Director/Choreographer Grover Dale. He followed his parents to the stage making his debut in 2003 with The Flea Theater Company.

Photo credit: Michael Schwartz

BRANDON FLYNN has quickly positioned himself as one of the most unique, versatile artists across television, film, and stage. Brandon is currently starring in THE PARENTING from New Line and HBO Max, alongside Brian Cox and Edie Falco. Recently, Brandon starred in Apple's MANHUNT opposite Tobias Menzies and Anthony Boyle. He recently finished a run starring in the off-Broadway play KOWALKSI, for which he received rave reviews, alongside Robin Lord Taylor, for director Colin Hanlon. He also co-starred in Brian Yorkey’s hit series 13 REASONS WHY for Netflix, and the show remains one of the most-watched series on the platform. Previous credits also include Kellen Moore’s dark comedy LOOKS THAT KILL and a featured role opposite Mahershala Ali in HBO’s TRUE DETECTIVE.

Flynn studied at The Globe Theatre’s Shakespeare Conservatory in London while enrolled in Rutgers University’s prestigious Mason Gross School of the Arts.  Shortly after graduating, he was cast as thelead in the off-Broadway production of the John Kander / Gregory Pierce musical, KID VICTORY, which was nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award for “Outstanding New Musical.”   

Rod Lurie is the director of the upcoming films “The Senior” starring Michael Chiklis and Mary Stuart Masterson, and “Lucky Strike” starring Scott Eastwood, Aunjanue Ellis- Taylor, and Colin Hanks. “Lucky Strike” reunites Eastwood with Lurie after he starred alongside Caleb Landry Jones and Orlando Bloom in Lurie’s prior film, “The Outpost,” the critically-acclaimed retelling of the Battle of Kamdesh in Afghanistan, based on CNN chief correspondent Jake Tapper’s bestselling nonfiction book of the same name.

Lurie is also known for writing and directing the widely-praised Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominated political thriller “The Contender,” starring Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges, Gary Oldman and Christian Slater. The film was also honored by the Broadcast Film Critics with the first-ever Alan J. Pakula Award.

Subsequently, he wrote and directed, among others, the films “Straw Dogs,” a remake of the 1971 classic starring James Marsden, Kate Bosworth, and Alexander Skarsgard, “Nothing But the Truth,” starring Kate Beckinsale, Alan Alda, and Matt Dillon, “Resurrecting the Champ,” starring Samuel L. Jackson and Josh Hartnett, and directed “The Last Castle,” which starred Robert Redford, James Gandolfini, and Mark Ruffalo.

In television, Lurie created and executive-produced “Line of Fire,” a one-hour FBI drama for ABC, and “Commander In Chief,” which was nominated for the Best Drama Series Golden Globe, and for which Geena Davis won the Best Actress Golden Globe for her depiction of the first female President of the United States.

Lurie made his film writing and directing debut in 1998 with the dramatic short “Four Second Delay,” which won the Best Short Film award at the Atlanta Film Festival and the Crested Butte Reel Fest. The film also won the Prix du Jury at the Festival of American Cinema in Deauville, France. Lurie followed in 2000 with his first feature film, “Deterrence,” a drama about America coming to the brink of nuclear war, starring Kevin Pollak and Timothy Hutton. Before he segued to filmmaking, Lurie graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1984 and went on to serve for four years as a Combat Arms officer in the U.S. Army. After the military, Lurie first enjoyed success as a film critic and entertainment reporter, breaking into journalism as a reporter for the New York Daily News, and was also a film critic and interviewer for Channel 12 in Fairfield, Connecticut. There, he was a frequent contributor to such magazines as Premiere, Movieline and Entertainment Weekly.

After moving to Los Angeles, Lurie worked as a film critic, investigative reporter and contributing editor to Los Angeles Magazine from 1990-1995.

As an investigative reporter in the entertainment industry, Lurie’s discovery of unethical and illegal practices of tabloid newspapers gained him national exposure on programs such as “60 Minutes” and “Nightline.”

He spent the next four years as the film critic for 790 AM KABC Radio in Los Angeles, where his top-rated movie review show entertained Southern California moviegoers every Saturday from 1995 to 1999. His on-air guests included: Tom Hanks, James Woods, Billy Bob Thornton, Dustin Hoffman, John Travolta, Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Landau, James Cameron and Mel Gibson. In addition, Lurie authored the book Once Upon A Time in Hollywood, published by Pantheon in 1995.

He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, the bestselling novelist Kyra Davis.

Chris Becerra makes his feature film debut in THE SENIOR, portraying the comedic yet heroic supporting role of Fernie Acosta, a character that showcases his natural athleticism and charisma. A proud Latino actor from Pomona, California, Becerra brings authenticity to the screen, drawing from his own background as a multi-sport athlete who lettered in basketball, baseball, football, and tennis at Diamond Ranch High School. His athletic history not only influenced his casting but also allowed him to perform 100% of his own stunts in the film.

Born in Whittier, California, and raised in Pomona, Becerra is a graduate of Diamond Ranch High School and an alumnus of Cal Poly Pomona. The youngest of three boys, with brothers Robert and Nicholas, he credits the guidance of his parents, Leticia and Raul Becerra, for shaping his perseverance and drive. After years of dedicated acting training, Becerra transitioned from stunt work on the hit series ALL AMERICAN to this breakout role. He looks forward to future opportunities following the release of THE SENIOR.

Becerra is represented by Marc Gonzales at Almond Talent Agency.

THE SENIOR, starring Michael Chiklis, is directed by Rod Lurie from a screenplay by Robert Eisele. The Hollywood Reporter says Eisele’s script “…cannily mixes the story’s inherent humor with strong emotional beats,” and the reviewer predicts “…this crowd-pleaser should be a potent box office attraction.”

Denzel Washington directed and starred in THE GREAT DEBATERS, written by Robert Eisele, whose screenplay won the Writers Guild of America’s Paul Selvin Award. The film was a Golden Globe Best Picture Nominee, won the Image Award for Best Picture, and the Producers Guild Stanley Kramer Award, among other honors.

Eisele wrote the uncredited production draft of the Academy Award Best Picture nominee, RAY, for director Taylor Hackford. Eisele’s screenplay HURRICANE SEASON, filmed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, starred Forest Whitaker and Taraji Henson. Eisele was co-show runner of the ALMA Award-winning Showtime series, RESURRECTION BLVD., the first American series starring an all-Latino cast. His episode, “Nino del Polvo,” garnered him a Writers Guild Award nomination.

Eisele’s credits as a writer-producer in television films include his WGA Award nominated scripts for Showtime’s LAST LIGHT, starring Kiefer Sutherland and Forest Whitaker, and USA’s LILY IN WINTER, starring Natalie Cole and directed by Academy Award winner Delbert Mann. His script was also nominated for a PEN Literary Award. Eisele’s ESPN movie, 3: THE DALE EARNHARDT STORY, was one of the highest-rated TV films of its year.

Earlier in his career, Eisele wrote and produced the original series version of THE EQUALIZER. His CAGNEY & LACEY episode, “Ordinary Hero,” won the Humanitas Prize and caught the attention of Michael Mann, who hired Eisele as a writer on his acclaimed series, CRIME STORY. Other television writing and producing credits include the pilot adaptation of Sam Raimi’s DARKMAN, and the first TV series starring Asian Americans, VANISHING SON.

Eisele’s career began in the theatre. He won a playwriting fellowship at American Conservatory Theatre, where he was privileged to meet Tennessee Williams, a major influence on his writing. Eisele’s plays have been produced in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Louisville, Chicago, Atlanta, Philadelphia and New York City.

Photo Credit: Diana Eisele

Born in Abilene, Texas Lived in Texas and Oklahoma Graduated from Putnam City High School Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Attended Oklahoma State University University of Texas, Austin Dallas Court Reporting College National Registered Professional Reporter with the National Court Reporters’ Association My husband, Mike Flynt, accepted a coaching position at the University of Nebraska immediately following my graduation from college. I became the Managing Court Reporter at McIntyre and Associates Reporters in Lincoln, Nebraska. As managing reporter, I was responsible for Daily Copy, trials, Workers Compensation hearings and depositions in the State of Nebraska. When Mike accepted a Head Strength and Conditioning Coach position at the University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, I was hired by Tremaine and Associates

Court Reporters where I served as a reporter in multiple situations, including depositions, Coroner’s Inquests, murder trials and various hearings.

Mike accepted the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach position at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, following our stay in Oregon. I was required to pass the Texas State Court Reporting exam, and then was awarded the Texas Court Reporter’s Certification by the Supreme Court of the State of Texas. I started my own reporting business in the Bryan/College Station area where I stayed busy as a freelance reporter.

We had one daughter who was born in Lubbock, Texas, before Mike went into coaching. Our second child, a son, was born while we were at Texas A&M. After leaving coaching, Mike and I and our two children moved to Tennessee where our third child, a daughter was born.

In 2007 we went back to Texas for Mike to play his Senior year of college football at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. We then returned to Franklin, Tennessee where I currently assist Mike in managing his speaking business, and also enjoy our three adult children and 11 precious grandchildren.

Mike Flynt, the real-life inspiration behind The Senior, grew up in Odessa, Texas, and graduated from Permian High School in 1966. He was a starting defensive back on the 1965 state championship football team, the same storied program that later inspired Friday Night Lights.

He attended Sul Ross State University on a full football scholarship and earned a degree in Physical Education and Business. Flynt pursued postgraduate work in Exercise Physiology at the University of Nebraska and went on to become a pioneering figure in collegiate strength training. He served as the first Strength and Conditioning Coach in the PAC-10 at the University of Oregon, supporting 16 men’s and women’s varsity teams. He later held the same role at Texas A&M University, overseeing training for 18 sports programs.

Flynt is one of the founding members of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), now a global organization with over 70,000 members. He also served as the NSCA’s Regional Director.

In 2007, at age 59, Flynt returned to Sul Ross State University and made history as the oldest starting linebacker in NCAA football. He is a Certified Master of Fitness Sciences through the International Sports Sciences Association and the author of two books: The Senior and The Power-Based Life, both published by HarperCollins.

His remarkable story is the subject of the feature film The Senior, produced by Wayfarer Studios and distributed by Angel Studios, slated for theatrical release in fall 2025.

Flynt is a sought-after motivational speaker, sharing his message of redemption, faith, and perseverance with schools, churches, corporations, and athletic teams nationwide.

He and his wife Eileen have been married for over 50 years. They have three children and eleven grandchildren.

Justin Baldoni is an actor, director, producer, speaker and entrepreneur who is focused creating impactful media and entertainment.

After creating and directing the award-winning documentary series, My Last Days, Baldoni made his feature film directorial debut this year with FIVE FEET APART. He also produced the film which went on to crush box office predictions and has grossed over $80 million worldwide. Baldoni will next direct CLOUDS for Warner Bros.

On the acting front, Baldoni is best known for playing "Rafael" on The CW's award-winning phenomenon, Jane the Virgin.

As an entrepreneur, Baldoni co-founded Wayfarer Entertainment-a cause-driven media studio focused on creating content that highlights inspiration, unity, and the power of human connection. Through this platform, he created the dinner conversation series, Man Enough, which dives into traditional masculinity while focusing on topics like body image, relationships and fatherhood. He has spoken about his own journey with masculinity in a viral TED talk as well as across college campuses in America.

Baldoni founded and is a chairman of The Wayfarer Foundation, a non-profit organization that puts on one of Los Angeles' largest volunteer events-The Carnival of Love-which provides connection, services, and resources to people who are experiencing homelessness in LA's Skid Row community and will expand nationally in 2020.

Baldoni currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two children.

Andrew Calof is the President of Production and Development of Wayfarer Studios, an independent financial and production engine pioneering purpose driven, multi-platform film productions that elevate and speak to the human spirit. He’s a prolific film executive who brings extensive experience working on some of Hollywood’s biggest franchises and overseeing some of the most impactful, award-winning films in recent decades. His experience in combination with his unique narrative vision perfectly complements the studio’s mission to capture universal human truths through the lens of fiercely authentic and social impactful storytelling.

Calof oversees Wayfarer Studios’ genre-defining slate with film projects including It Ends With Us, Eleanor The Great, Ezra, Code 3, and A Nice Indian Boy to name a few, and documentary films such as Will & Harper, Racist Trees and The Herricanes.

Prior to joining Wayfarer Studios, Calof served as Vice President of Creative Affairs at Amblin Partners. In his time there, he oversaw development and production of tentpole films such including Office Christmas Party, Ghost in the Shell, Come Play and Finch. Before that, Calof held the position of Vice President of Production at New Regency, where he oversaw the production of Academy Award-winning Best Pictures Birdman and 12 Years A Slave. Beyond winning Best Picture, these two iconic films alone won a combined seven Academy Awards and received a total of 18 Oscar nominations in back-to-back awards seasons. During his impactful time there, Calof also oversaw the production of Runner Runner and Broken City and developed The Revenant.