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OUR TEAM

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Dr. Russ "Pappy'  & Brenda Houck

Writers, Directors, Co-Executive Producers

Dr. Russ (Pappy) Houck was a pastor from 1978-1984. He completed his Masters in Eschatology and Ph.D. in Biblical Philosophy. Dr. Houck was called back into the entertainment industry as his mission field. is a writer, He is a producer, director, and editor with 20 years of media experience in television, film, radio, marketing, and music. He has hosted radio and television talk shows. Dr. Houck wrote and directed the full-length feature film, No Turning Back, the first Christian film ever purchased for national television. His play The Judgment Seat debuted in the DFW Metroplex in the mid 80's and has been touring internationally since then in 14 languages, over 100's of 1000's salvations resulting from this powerful evangelistic tool. Dr. Russ Houck is also the Executive Director and head of Paradox Energy & Bio-Systems, He not only has well over thirty five years of management experience overseeing billions of dollars of projects in the construction and media industry, but his entrepreneurial spirit and leadership has led to numerous breakthrough technologies that are able to transform economies. Dr. Houck had his first Department of Energy Ethanol License in 1979, and has been a pioneer in bio-fuels development. His experience includes management and engineering positions with Daniel International with clients including Proctor & Gamble, Kraft Foods, Frito-Lay, Occidental Chemical, Texas Instruments, Pepsi, Pfizer and many others. As Engineering Manager he oversaw the construction for Proctor & Gamble’s largest ethanol facility in Sacramento and their Co-Gen plant in Oxnard, CA. He has been a counsultant and global engineer, including such countires as Israel and Africa. Dr. Houck, is also head of the International Medical Missions Organization, a non-profit entity that serves developing countries as well as other non-profit organizations. www.TheParadoxGroup.org

Mack Robinson
Co-Executive Producer

A graduate of Baylor University, Mr. Robinson has spent years in business development, including owning and operating 17 restaurants across the South. He has also been heavily involved in land and real estate development. He is versed in legal and contractual negotiations His knowledge and wisdom is vast and we depend on his leadership abilities. He has been very active in many national ministries and serving on the Executive Board of the Boy Scouts, the Youth Court Advisory Board, the State Executive Board of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Governor's Committee on Hiring the Handicapped, the President's Committee on Hiring the Handicapped, the Executive Board for Youth for Christ, the Ronald McDonald House Board of Directors, and the National Board of Directors of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Robinson currently was on the Board of Directors of Omnibank.

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Lora Shipley
Co-Executive Producer

With over 25 years of experience, Lora has been a Creative Business Consultant. As a Production Designer and Set Decorator for television, commercials, and movie sets and she has also been a part of the Design-Build community, with extensive residential, hospitality, and commercial design. Lora was also a designer for the notorious Italian cycling industry. The combination of a lifelong connection to the arts and extensive travel has been the foundational inspiration for her forward-thinking design approach and Creative Business Solutions. Some of her clients include Coke a Cola, Hallmark, Anne Klein, Twinning Tea, MTV, and ESPN. One of her most memorable and fun jobs was working with comedian Actor Director Danny Devito and Billy Chrystal on Throw Momma From The Train. Lora currently volunteers a couple of days a week offering spiritual support at her local hospital as a chaplain. Lora saw the play The Judgment Seat in 2013, it had an incredible impact on her, and left a burning desire to bring the play to her community, however it took almost a decade for Lora to finally reach the writers, After meeting with the Writer and Director Russ and Brenda Houck it was settled that Lora' would play a pivotal role as a production team player! ​Director Russ "Pappy" Houck proclaims Lora as "the Ember" from the Jesus Movement to the Judgment Seat- the Final Appointment. Together they believe that the Judgement Seat Play- The Final Appointment, will have an incredible impact globally that will be instrumental in ushering in a fresh move of God.

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Ivan Greyling

Director of CGI & Special Effects

With over two decades of dedicated service in the film and television industry, Ivan brings a wealth of experience spanning various roles from​ directing and producing to cinematography and post-production management. He embarked on his journey in the South African Navy, where he honed his skills in intelligence and public relations before transitioning to the dynamic world of media production. Early Career: Ivan's tenure in the South African Navy provided a solid foundation for his subsequent career endeavors. Not only did he acquire technical​ expertise in areas such as photography and journalism, but he also cultivated essential attributes like discipline and self-awareness. Transitioning to platforms like SANTV allowed him to refine his craft further, capturing significant moments and personalities on both local​ and international stages. Platypus Productions: At Platypus Productions, Ivan embraced the challenges of camerawork and editing before ascending to the role of​ Director/DOP/Cinematographer. Notable achievements include collaborating with esteemed figures like President Nelson Mandela and​ Richard Branson, as well as winning accolades for creative excellence in brand communications. Telegenic Productions: Establishing his own venture, Telegenic Productions, marked a pivotal moment in Ivan's career journey. As an independent production​ house, he focused on delivering compelling content for diverse clientele, ranging from fashion brands to sports documentaries. This period​ also saw him venturing into teaching and training initiatives, sharing his knowledge with aspiring media​ professionals. Character Matters Animation Studio: Venturing into animation at Character Matters Animation Studio provided a fresh avenue for creativity. Serving as Line Producer and Art​ Director, Ivan spearheaded projects that pushed the boundaries of storytelling and visual aesthetics. From TV pilots to animated feature films, he embraced the challenges of managing complex productions while nurturing a collaborative and innovative environment. Freelance Endeavors: As a freelance filmmaker, Ivan embarked on a global journey, capturing stories from Tongaat to Uganda, and from London to Petra. Whether​ it was directing live broadcasts or crafting cinematic narratives, he thrived in diverse cultural landscapes, continually adapting to new challenges and technologies.​ GODTV and Beyond:Joining GODTV in the UK marked a significant chapter in Ivan's career, where he honed his expertise in live broadcasting and content​ production. From producing international talk shows to overseeing studio renovations, he embraced the multifaceted demands of the media landscape while nurturing a passion for storytelling that resonates with global audiences. Reflective Fox Media Ltd: Establishing Reflective Fox Media Ltd provided a platform for continued growth and innovation. As a freelancer, Ivan collaborated with leading broadcasters and production houses, contributing to high-profile projects across Europe and beyond. From live events to award-​ winning content, he remained committed to excellence and creativity in every endeavor. Private Projects and Philanthropy: Beyond professional pursuits, Ivan remains deeply invested in projects that make a meaningful impact, from raising awareness about parental alienation to amplifying voices in marginalized communities. His ongoing screenplay project, "Maroon Republic," underscores his​ commitment to storytelling that explores complex historical narratives. Conclusion: In essence, Ivan's journey in the film and television industry reflects a relentless pursuit of excellence, creativity, and social impact. With a​ diverse skill set encompassing directing, cinematography, and production management, he is poised to tackle new challenges and contribute to compelling storytelling on a global scale.

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Chris Scholtz

CGI & VFX Production

Chris Schoultz is a visionary leader and accomplished professional in the field of CGI and VFX production. With a career spanning over two decades, he has played a pivotal role in shaping Africa's CGI landscape and has earned recognition on the global stage for his expertise and innovation. From his early days at Vision Graphics to his recent ventures as an independent consultant, Chris has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a passion for pushing the boundaries of technology and creativity. Career Timeline: 1993 - 2005: Vision Graphics Chris began his journey in the world of CGI and VFX at Vision Graphics, where he contributed to the production of TV commercials and visual effects. Under his leadership, Vision Graphics emerged as Africa's largest CGI producer, serving clients in the USA, UK, and South Africa. 2005: Relocation and Rebranding Recognizing the need to adapt to emerging technologies and market trends, Chris relocated his studio from Harare, Zimbabwe, and rebranded it as 'Character Matters Animation.' This strategic move reflected his commitment to staying ahead of the curve and leveraging the studio's core strengths. 2008 - 2011: Production of 'Lion of Judah' Chris led the production of the acclaimed animated film 'Lion of Judah,' showcasing his prowess in storytelling and animation. The movie received praise for its visual effects and animation quality, further cementing Chris's reputation as a leading figure in the industry. 2012: Awards and Recognition Chris's dedication to excellence was recognized with the prestigious 'Imbongi' award for Excellence in VFX and Animation. This accolade underscored his contributions to the field and served as a testament to his creative vision and technical expertise. 2012 - 2015: Continued Success Chris continued to build on his success with projects like 'Hooked' and 'Unsung Hero,' earning critical acclaim and accolades at international film festivals. His work was selected for prestigious events such as the Toronto International Film Festival and the New Media Film Festival, showcasing his ability to captivate audiences on a global scale. 2014 - 2019: Collaborations and Partnerships Chris engaged in fruitful collaborations with renowned companies like 'Web and Circus' (Norway) and 'The Dream Vision Company' (USA), expanding his network and bringing his creative vision to new audiences around the world. 2022: Independent Consulting Drawing on his wealth of experience and expertise, Chris transitioned into the role of an independent consultant, specializing in CGI/VFX infrastructure and system design. As a trusted advisor, he continues to provide valuable insights and guidance to clients seeking to harness the power of CGI technology. Conclusion: Chris Schoults's journey is a testament to the transformative power of creativity and innovation in the world of CGI and VFX production. From humble beginnings to international acclaim, he has remained steadfast in his pursuit of excellence, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and inspiring future generations of storytellers and visual artists.

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Emma Shipley

Social Media Creator

Emma serves as our social media manager. In addition to working with The Paradox Group on The Judgment Seat, she owns Shipley Social Studio LLC, a photography studio and social media management agency. She is currently pursuing her BA in Journalism / PR, with a minor in communications.

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Melody Carter

Production Coordinator Specialist

 

Dean Browning

Paradox Entertainment 

IT Director

Marie Browning

Paradox Entertainment

Communiation Social Media Manager

Johnny Gooch

Paradox Entertainment

Donor Relations

Joseph Houck

Project Manager

John Michael

Paradox Communications

Dean Mitzner

Production Designer Advisor

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