Biography

Jeff (J.J., Jeffry John) Stein was a producer and/or executive in charge of development and production for such features as Dead Ringers, The Beastmaster, Evilspeak, Fade To Black, and John and Norma Novak. In addition, he has written some fifteen screenplays such as Harry the Mercy Killer (optioned by Richard Pryor), Heartstopper (commissioned by Priority Films), and The Q-Secret (developed miniseries for TBS). His expertise in both telling and understanding storytelling percolates, as well, through his political thriller novel, Gentlemen of Decision, and his non-fiction book, Life, Myth, and the American Family Unreeling. Click here to see additional details on his written works.

Throughout his career, Jeff has had a continued calling as an educator. This began as a high school English teacher in Sunnyvale and Beverly Hills, California and has continued at Vanderbilt University, Middle Tennessee State University Governor School for the Arts, Tennessee State University and National University.  Jeff was also a founding faculty member of the Watkins College of Art and Design Film School where he taught for ten years.  His broad knowledge of the medium has resulted in courses on producing, production management, directing, screenwriting, physical production and the history and sociological implications of motion pictures.

Significantly Jeff has also delivered presentations and taught workshops throughout the country including at Emory University’s Center for Myth and Ritual in American Life (MARIAL), the University of South Carolina, Virginia Tech and Radford Universities (VA), Aurora University (WI), the Scarritt-Bennett Center, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Vanderbilt (TN), UUA General Assembly (Boston and St. Louis), The Mountain and Lake Junaluska Retreats (NC), and the Center for Studies of the Future (CA). Click here for additional details.

Jeff grew up on Long Island. He received a B.A. in English from Dartmouth College and two M.A.s from Stanford University, the first in English Education, and the second in Communications with a Specialization in Film. As a professional and an educator, he has continued his education at numerous producing and writing workshops and conferences with such masters as John Truby, Maurice Singer, and Dean Koontz. Nevertheless, application and instruction remain his two most inspiring teachers.

After years in “Hollywood,” Jeff settled in Nashville where, in addition to writing, teaching and speaking, he provides production services through Hero’s Path Productions. He calls upon a pool of other professionals on an as-needed basis to conduct the work of Hero’s Path.

Jeff is married to wood-turning artist Brenda Stein. Click here if you’d like to view some objets de wood art by Brenda Stein.