J. Michael Straczynski


Biography

A prolific writer who has written in a variety of mediums, J. Michael Straczynski began his professional career dabbling in stage, radio and spec scripts while working as a newspaperman at the Los Angeles Times in the early 1980s. He landed his first TV gig when one of his scripts was picked up by the people behind the celebrated "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" animated series. ...

Biography

A prolific writer who has written in a variety of mediums, J. Michael Straczynski began his professional career dabbling in stage, radio and spec scripts while working as a newspaperman at the Los Angeles Times in the early 1980s. He landed his first TV gig when one of his scripts was picked up by the people behind the celebrated "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" animated series. From there, he wrote for the female-aimed spin-off series "She-Ra: Princess of Power," the vehicle-heavy "Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors," and the enjoyably spooky "The Real Ghostbusters." After branching out from animation in the late '80s, he was hired to make over the popular but waning amateur-sleuth series "Murder, She Wrote" and increased the show's ratings by moving main character Jessica Fletcher to New York City. He also co-produced 22 episodes of the show. It was this experience and success that allowed him the opportunity to create what would become his signature project, the hugely immersive sci-fi saga "Babylon 5." The hit '90s series had a 110-episode run, including five offshoot TV movies. Straczynski extended the franchise with "Crusade," a suspenseful spin-off series that, like its predecessor, was meant to unfold over a five-year run before it was cut short in its first season. He broke into film writing with the script for Clint Eastwood's wrenching missing-child drama "Changeling" ('08) and continues to work frequently in the comic-book genre.

Filmography

 

Director (Feature Film)

Babylon 5: The Legend of the Rangers (2002)
Creator
A Babylon 5: Call to Arms (1999)
Creator
Babylon 5: Thirdspace (1998)
Creator
Babylon 5: In the Beginning (1998)
Creator
Babylon 5: River of Souls (1998)
Creator

Cast (Feature Film)

Thor (2011)

Writer (Feature Film)

World War Z (2013)
Story By
Underworld: Awakening (2012)
Screenplay
Thor (2011)
Story By
Ninja Assassin (2009)
Screenplay
Changeling (2008)
Screenplay
Babylon 5: The Legend of the Rangers (2002)
Screenwriter
Murder, She Wrote: A Story to Die For (2000)
Screenplay
A Babylon 5: Call to Arms (1999)
Screenwriter
Babylon 5: In the Beginning (1998)
Screenwriter
Babylon 5: Thirdspace (1998)
Screenwriter
Babylon 5: River of Souls (1998)
Screenplay

Producer (Feature Film)

Babylon 5: The Legend of the Rangers (2002)
Executive Producer
Murder, She Wrote: A Story to Die For (2000)
Producer
A Babylon 5: Call to Arms (1999)
Executive Producer
Babylon 5: River of Souls (1998)
Executive Producer
Babylon 5: Thirdspace (1998)
Executive Producer
Babylon 5: In the Beginning (1998)
Executive Producer

Cast (Special)

Masters of Fantasy: Harlan Ellison (1998)
Guide to Babylon 5 (1997)

Writer (Special)

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1989)
Writer

Special Thanks (Special)

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1989)
Writer

Writer (TV Mini-Series)

Babylon 5: The Gathering (1993)
Screenplay
The Halloween Door (1989)
Writer

Producer (TV Mini-Series)

Babylon 5: The Gathering (1993)
Co-Executive Producer

Music (TV Mini-Series)

The Halloween Door (1989)
Song

Life Events

Bibliography