Biography

John Joseph Flynn, Jr., Ph.d. (b 11/05/62) is a theater scholar, director, and documentary filmmaker who has worked with Cornerstone as a videographer and historian. He served a seven year term on the Board of Directors (including a stint as Vice Chair of the Board), and is an Associate Artist of Cornerstone.

John holds degrees from UC Santa Cruz (Double BA, Acting and Directing, Modern Society and Social Thought), the University of Utah (MFA Directing), and UCLA (Ph.D. Theatre History and Criticism). His interests include Asian Theater (particularly Japanese), stage combat, and the use of video and computer technology in performance.

He and his wife Risa Palley Flynn live in Culver City with their sons, Jack and Max. His daughter Shea Shannon McFarlin Flynn lives and works in Hollywood.

Roles and Productions

Work with Cornerstone

Since 1994, John has filmed most of Cornerstone's productions. He has also created over a dozen promotional videos and samples for grant applications.

John served on the Cornerstone Board from 1998-2006, including a term as Vice Chair, and as the Chair of the Intellectual Property Committee.

Work Outside Cornerstone

John has taught at UCLA, the University of Utah, Cal State LA, and Whittier College. He was a founding partner of Timeline Films, and is the owner of Story Tactics, a firm that specializes in documentary production and communications consulting.

Although he has worked mostly in film and television for the past 10 years, John worked as an actor, director, or fight director on over 200 productions. Recent video credits include MASTERS OF PRODUCTION for PBS, DECLASSIFIED for History Channel, and the new History series TRUTH, LIES AND LEWIS BLACK.