Person Biography:
David Sheldon is a renowned independent filmmaker and screenwriter in Hollywood. Born in Far Rockaway, New York, he grew up in Bellport, Long Island on a farm and estate owned by his parents, where they operated a country resort hotel called The Gateway. His parents' estate featured a four-story mansion designed by architect Stanford White, where his sister Sally Harris, an off-Broadway actress, started a summer stock theater in the family barn also designed by Stanford White.
David began directing and acting in plays at the age of 17 and went on to act, direct, and produce over 50 plays and musicals for over ten years. He earned an MFA degree from Yale University, School of Drama, and became a member of the Directors Unit at the Actors Studio in New York.
David met his wife, Joan McCall, at his theater, where she was spotted by talent agent George Goldsmith. She went on to star on Broadway in several productions. David's theater became the Columbia Pictures Talent Farm, where he produced plays starring Robert Duvall, Geraldine Page, Ken Howard, and Gene Hackman.
David and Joan moved to Hollywood, where David began his film career as Director of Development for Lawrence A. Gordon at American International Pictures (AIP). He produced films such as "Dillinger," "Sisters," "Macon County Line," and "Logan's Run," and was executive producer of "Abby" and "The Get-Man."
After joining Mid-America Pictures as an equal partner with William Girdler, David wrote and produced "Project: Kill" and "Grizzly," and was executive producer of "Day of the Animals" and "The Manitou." He subsequently formed Hollywood West Inc. with producer Phil Feldman, producing films such as "Lovely But Deadly" and "Just Before Dawn."
David and Joan have also written several scripts, including "Heart Like a Wheel" and "Grizzly II," and have written over 250 scripts for TV shows such as "Days of Our Lives," "Search for Tomorrow," and "Santa Barbara." After Phil Feldman's death, they created a new production company, Hollywood West Entertainment, where they continue to work as screenwriters and producers.
