—1. Overview (multimedia)
—2. Overview Basic (dial up speed)
—3. Reviews and Blogs
—4. Cast and Crew
—5. Photo Pages
—6. Trailers, Clips, DVDs, Books, Soundtrack
—7. Posters (Orlando Bloom)
—8. Production Notes
—9. Spiritual Connections
           (A Musical Bible Study Guide)
—10. Presentation Downloads
—11. A Musical Bible Study Guide
           (Word doc download)
—12. A Musical Bible Study Guide
           (PDF download)

—CREDITS
—ABOUT THE CAST
—ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS

Cast (in credits order)
Orlando Bloom .... Drew Baylor
Kirsten Dunst .... Claire Colburn
Susan Sarandon .... Hollie Baylor
Alec Baldwin .... Phil DeVoss
Bruce McGill .... Bill Banyon
Judy Greer .... Heather Baylor
Jessica Biel .... Ellen Kishmore
Paul Schneider .... Jessie Baylor
Loudon Wainwright III .... Uncle Dale (as Loudon Wainwright)
Gailard Sartain .... Charles Dean
Jed Rees .... Chuck Hasboro
Paula Deen .... Aunt Dora
Dan Biggers .... Uncle Roy
Alice Marie Crowe .... Aunt Lena
Tim Devitt .... Mitch Baylor
Ted Manson .... Sad Joe
Maxwell Steen .... Samson
Reid Steen .... Samson
Shane Lyons .... Charlie Bill (as Shane E. Lyons)
Emily Rutherfurd .... Cindy Hasboro
Michael Naughton .... Another Cousin
Griffin Grabow .... Griffin
Nina Jefferies .... Staring Mona
Emily Goldwyn .... Star Basketball Player
Kristin Lindquist .... Connie
Allison Munn .... Desk Clerk Charlotte
Tom Humbarger .... Crematory Concierge
Patty Griffin .... Sharon
Gregory North .... Helicopter Pilot
Steve Seagren .... Dock Worker
Guy Stevenson .... Security Guard #1
Jeffrey De Serrano .... Security Guard #2
Jeanette O'Connor .... Assistant
Catherine McGoohan .... Assistant
Sean Nepita .... Mike Bohannon
Dena Decola .... Debbie
David Brandt .... Hotel Manager
Jenny Stewart .... Loud Kid
Delaney Keefe .... Loud Kid
Travis Howard .... Electrician
Bobby Daniels .... Des
Rod Burke .... Raymond
Nate Mooney .... Trent
Michael Hatch .... Drew at Age 6
Masam Holden .... Drew at Age 10

Directed by Cameron Crowe

Writing credits Cameron Crowe

Produced by
Cameron Crowe .... producer
Tom Cruise .... producer
Andy Fischer .... associate producer
Donald J. Lee Jr. .... executive producer
Paula Wagner .... producer

Original Music by Nancy Wilson

Cinematography by John Toll

Film Editing by
Mark Livolsi
David Moritz

Casting by Gail Levin

Production Design by
Clay A. Griffith

Art Direction by Beat Frutiger

Set Decoration by Robert Greenfield

Costume Design by Nancy Steiner

Makeup Department
Michèle Burke .... makeup designer and supervisor
Matt Danon .... key hair stylist
Maggie Fung .... key makeup artist
Susan V. Kalinowski .... hair department head
Mary L. Mastro .... key hair stylist
Deborah Patino .... key makeup artist: Orlando Bloom
Don Rutherford .... makeup artist

Production Management
Matthew J. Birch .... production supervisor
Debbi Bossi .... post-production supervisor

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Steven F. Beaupre .... second second assistant director
Charlie Foster .... DGA trainee
Scott Andrew Robertson .... first assistant director
Robert 'Skid' Skidmore .... additional second assistant director: Los Angeles
Rebecca Stefan .... second assistant director: second unit
Sunday Stevens .... second assistant director
Eric Tignini .... first assistant director: second unit

—CREDITS
—ABOUT THE CAST
—ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS

Bloom, who had his first starring role in a feature film as elven warrior Legolas in Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” has captivated audiences and filmmakers alike. His appearances in the second and third installments of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “The Two Towers” and “Return of the King,” as well as his role as Will Turner in Jerry Bruckheimer’s blockbuster “Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl,” have cemented his status as a true box office star. He most recently starred in Ridley Scott’s crusades epic, “Kingdom of Heaven.”

In 2004, he played the love-struck Paris in Wolfgang Peterson’s epic “Troy” opposite Brad Pitt and Eric Bana. Other film credits include: Gregor Jordan’s “Ned Kelly” with Heath Ledger, the indie comedy “The Calcium Kid” as milkman-turned-boxer Jimmy, and Ridley Scott’s war epic “Black Hawk Down.”

Bloom was born in Canterbury, England and at age 16 moved to London where he joined the National Youth Theatre for two seasons and then gained a scholarship to train with the British American Drama Academy. On completion of his scholarship, Bloom played the lead in “A Walk in the Vienna Woods” and made his big screen debut with a small role in the feature film “Wilde,” based on the life of Oscar Wilde.

He was then accepted to Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and chose to put his screen career on hold for the opportunity to further his education. During his time at Guildhall, Bloom performed in several productions including “Little Me,” “A Month in the City,” “Peer Gynt,” “Mephisto,” and “Twelfth Night.”

Bloom is also currently in production on the second and third installments of the hugely successful “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise – reprising his role as Will Turner for director Gore Verbinski and opposite Johnny Depp and Keira Knightly. He also executive produced and stars in the indie film “Haven,” directed by Frank E. Flowers.

KIRSTEN DUNST (Claire) is the ever-optimistic airline attendant who enters Drew’s life and gives him a new perspective.

Kirsten Dunst most recently appeared in the romantic comedy “Wimbledon” as young tennis ace Lizzie Bradbury opposite Paul Bettany. Also in 2004, she reprised her role as Mary Jane in “Spider-Man 2,” the blockbuster sequel to “Spider-Man” and appeared in the critically acclaimed “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” written by Academy Award® nominee Charlie Kaufman, directed by Michel Gondry and starring Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet and Mark Ruffalo. In 2003, she was seen opposite Julia Roberts, Julia Stiles and Maggie Gyllenhaal in “Mona Lisa Smile.”

Dunst’s additional credits include “Spider-Man” opposite Tobey Maguire; the independent film “Levity” co-starring Billy Bob Thornton and Morgan Freeman; “The Cat’s Meow” playing Marion Davies in the semi-biographical murder-mystery directed by Peter Bogdanovich; the surprise box office hit “Bring It On;” Sofia Coppola’s critically acclaimed and haunting film “The Virgin Suicides,” with James Woods and Kathleen Turner; “Crazy/Beautiful” directed by John Stockwell; “Drop Dead Gorgeous” with Ellen Barkin and Kirstie Alley; “Dick” with Michelle Williams; “Little Women” with Susan Sarandon and Winona Ryder; “Jumanji” with Robin Williams; “Mother Night” with Nick Nolte; the Barry Levinson film “Wag the Dog” starring Dustin Hoffman and Robert De Niro; Neil Jordan’s “Interview with the Vampire” opposite Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt; and “Small Soldiers” with the late Phil Hartman.

Dunst has amassed a growing list of accolades. Her performance in “Interview with the Vampire” earned her a Golden Globe nomination, the Blockbuster Video Award for “Best Supporting Newcomer” and an MTV award for “Best Breakthrough Artist.” The Hollywood Reporter also named Dunst “Best Young Star” for her portrayal of a teenage prostitute in NBC’s hit series “ER.”

Dunst got her showbiz start at the tender age of three, when she began filming television commercials. With more than 50 commercials under her belt, she made the jump to the big screen in 1989 in Woody Allen’s “New York Stories.”

Her career has not been limited to the big screen. In addition to a critically acclaimed recurring role on the hit television drama “ER,” she starred in Showtime’s “The Outer Limits” and “Devil’s Arithmetic,” produced by Dustin Hoffman and Mimi Rogers; the telefilm “Ruby Ridge: An American Tragedy;” the Wonderful World of Disney’s “Tower of Terror;” and Lifetime Television’s “15 and Pregnant.”

The actress recently reunited with director Sofia Coppola for “Marie-Antoinette,” portraying the ill-fated monarch opposite Jason Schwartzman. She is also looking forward to another reprisal of her role as Peter Parker’s love, Mary Jane, in the extremely successful “Spider-Man” series.

SUSAN SARANDON portrays Hollie Baylor, Drew’s mother who begins the arduous process of putting the pieces of her life together after the death of her husband Mitch.

The extremely versatile actress brings her own brand of sex appeal and intelligence to every role – from her fearless portrayal in “Bull Durham” to her Oscar ®-nominated performances in “Thelma and Louise,” “Lorenzo’s Oil,” “The Client,” and “Atlantic City” to her Academy Award ®-winning and SAG Award winning role in “Dead Man Walking” as Sister Helen, a nun consoling a death-row inmate.

In 2004, Sarandon was seen in “Alfie” opposite Jude Law, in “Shall We Dance” with Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez and in “Noel” with Robin Williams, Paul Walker and Penelope Cruz. She also starred in the 2003 CBS Movie “Ice Bound” as Dr. Jerri Nielson – based on Nielson’s real life survival story – and as Princess Wensicia Corrino in the Sci Fi Channel Mini Series “Children of Dune.”

Sarandon made her acting debut in the movie “Joe,” which she followed with a continuing role in the TV drama “A World Apart.” Her early film credits include “The Great Waldo Pepper,” “Lovin’ Molly,” “The Front Page” and the 1975 cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” In 1978 she played Brooke Shields’ mother in Louis Malle’s controversial “Pretty Baby” and went on to receive her first Oscar ® nomination in Malle’s “Atlantic City.”

More recently, Sarandon was seen in Brad Silberling’s “Moonlight Mile,” with Dustin Hoffman; in the comedy “Igby Goes Down,” with Jeff Goldblum; in “The Banger Sisters,” with Goldie Hawn and Geoffrey Rush; opposite Paul Newman and Gene Hackman in “Twilight;” in the poignant comedy “Stepmom” with Julia Roberts; in the erotic farce “Illuminata,” directed by John Turturro; Tim Robbins’ drama “Cradle Will Rock”; Wayne Wang’s “Anywhere But Here”; and Stanley Tucci’s “Joe Gould’s Secret.”

In addition to her many onscreen credits, she lent her vocal talents to the animated features “Rugrats in Paris,” “James and the Giant Peach,” and “Cats & Dogs” and served as narrator for Laleh Khadivi’s documentary “900 Women,” about female prison inmates.

The hard-working actress has made a career of choosing diverse and challenging projects both in film and television. Her additional feature credits include: “King of the Gypsies,” “The Hunger,” “Compromising Positions,” “The January Man,” “White Palace,” “The Buddy System,” “Sweet Hearts Dance,” “A Dry White Season,” “The Witches of Eastwick,” “Bob Roberts,” “Light Sleeper,” “Little Women,” and “Safe Passage.” She also starred in HBO’s “Earthly Possessions,” based on the Anne Tyler novel and directed by James Lapine; in the CBS Movie “Women of Valor;” and the HBO Miniseries “Mussolini: The Decline and Fall of Il Duce” opposite Bob Hoskins and Anthony Hopkins.

On Broadway, Sarandon appeared in Gore Vidal’s “An Evening with Richard Nixon” and received critical acclaim for her performances Off-Broadway in “A Coupla of White Chicks Sitting Around Talkin’” and the thriller “Extremities.” She also appeared, Off-Off-Broadway, in the moving post September 11th stage play “The Guys.”

Sarandon recently appeared in the TV Movie “The Exonerated,” directed by Bob Balaban. She will soon be seen in a musical comedy for director John Turturro entitled “Romance and Cigarettes,” starring opposite James Gandolfini, Kate Winslet and Steve Buscemi. She will also soon star opposite Billy Bob Thornton and Seann William Scott in the comedy “Mr. Woodcock.” She was most recently seen in a cameo role, as herself, in Martin Short’s comedy “Jiminy Glick in La La Wood.”

ALEC BALDWIN , who portrays Phil, the Zen-like founder of Mercury Shoes, has received wide acclaim for his many roles in motion pictures, on television and on the stage.

Born April 3, 1958, Baldwin grew up in Massapequa, Long Island, where his father was a high school teacher for 28 years and his mother raised six children, including his sisters, Beth and Jane. Alec is the eldest of his brothers, Daniel, William, and Stephen Baldwin, all of whom are actors in film and television.

Baldwin attended George Washington University and planned to attend law school, when he auditioned for the New York University Undergraduate Drama Program on a dare. He was accepted, and in 1979 began what would become his professional training. In 1980, he was cast in the daytime TV series “The Doctors” on NBC and he has worked in nearly every venue as a professional actor ever since.

Whether in regional theater or on “Saturday Night Live,” blockbuster movies or Broadway, literary festivals or television mini-series, Baldwin has always attempted to balance his love of communicating with an audience with the demands of a motion picture career.

On Broadway, Baldwin recently appeared in The Roundabout Theatre Company’s 2004 revival of Hecht and MacArthur’s “The Twentieth Century,” directed by Walter Bobbie, co-starring Anne Heche. He was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in the 1992 revival of Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire,” was nominated for an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award for the television movie of that same production, won an Obie Award for the 1991 off-Broadway production of Craig Lucas’ “Prelude to a Kiss,” and a Theatre World Award in 1986 for his turn in Joe Orton’s “Loot” on Broadway. He has also performed on Broadway in Caryl Churchill’s “Serious Money.” Other stage includes David Mamet’s “Life in the Theatre,” (directed by the late AJ Antoon), the Williamstown Theatre Festival, and at the Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor, New York, where he performed in Ira Lewis’s “Gross Points.”

Baldwin has starred in several films, including “The Hunt for Red October,” “Miami Blues,” “Prelude to a Kiss,” “Malice,” “The Shadow,” “Glengarry Glen Ross,” “Heaven’s Prisoners,” “Ghosts of Mississippi,” “The Edge,” “Pearl Harbor,” and “The Cat in the Hat,” among others. In 2004, Baldwinreceived a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award ® nomination for his role in Wayne Kramer’s “The Cooler.” That year, Baldwin was awarded the National Board of Review Best Supporting Actor honor for “The Cooler.” He also recently appeared in “The Last Shot” with Mathew Broderick and Martin Scorsese’s “The Aviator.” Later this year, Baldwin can be seen in Jim Carrey’s new comedy “Fun with Dick and Jane,” also starring Tea Leoni and directed by Dean Parisot.

His production company, El Dorado Pictures, has co-produced “The Confession” (winner of the 2000 Writers Guild Award for best adapted screenplay by David Black) for Cinemax Television, “Nuremberg: Infamy on Trial” for Turner Network Television, “State and Main,” a motion picture comedy written and directed by David Mamet and TNT Productions “Second Nature” co-starring Powers Boothe.

Baldwin is an outspoken supporter of various causes related to public policy, including environmentalism, the government’s support of the arts, campaign finance reform, animal rights and gun control. He serves on the board of directors of The Bay Street Theatre (Sag Harbor, Long Island), The New York University/Brennan Center for Justice Program Advisory Board, People For The American Way and the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund, dedicated in honor of his mother. He is a vigorous supporter of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and The Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). Baldwin is a dedicated supporter of the East Hampton Daycare Center.

He is a graduate of New York University (BFA, Tisch School of the Arts), 1994. He has a daughter, Ireland Eliesse.

BRUCE McGILL , who plays Bill Banyon, has been one of the industry’s most recognizable and prolific character actors for more than 25 years - with over 60 motion pictures to his credit. He was most recently seen in Ron Howard’s critically acclaimed drama “Cinderella Man.” Prior to that, he was the villainous Pedrosa opposite Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx in Michael Mann’s thriller “Collateral” – marking his third feature film collaboration with the director following “Ali” and “The Insider.” His history working with Mann goes back to the mid-1980s when he was given a guest role on Mann’s popular TV crime drama “Miami Vice.” He also recently starred in “Runaway Jury” with John Cusack, Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman; Ridley Scott’s “Matchstick Men;” and the hit comedy “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde.”

McGill first came to fame when he rode his motorcycle up the staircase of the frat house as Daniel “D-Day” Simpson in the classic “National Lampoon’s Animal House.” His numerous film credits include: “The Sum of All Fears,” “Shallow Hal,” “Exit Wounds,” “The Legend of Bagger Vance,” “Lawn Dogs,” “Rosewood,” “Courage Under Fire,” “A Perfect World,” “Cliffhanger,” “My Cousin Vinny,” “Silkwood,” “The Hand” and “Handle With Care,” in which he made his feature film debut.

McGill has had an equally prolific career in television, garnering starring and supporting roles in some of the most acclaimed television movies of recent years. He was last seen as CNN reporter Peter Arnett in the HBO movie “Live From Baghdad.” His additional TV-movie credits include: “Path To War” and “61*” both for HBO, and “Running Mates” for TNT. He has also been featured in guest or series regular parts in several popular television series including: “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “The Practice,” “Home Improvement,” “Quantum Leap” and “MacGyver.”

Hailing from Texas, McGill earned a BFA in acting from the University of Texas and began his career on the stage. He made his professional debut as a member of Rhode Island’s Trinity Square Repertory Company. Relocating to New York, McGill appeared in the New York Shakespeare Festival’s presentation of “Hamlet,” produced by the legendary Joseph Papp. This began a long association with Papp and the NYSF, which encompassed roles in such classics as “Henry V” and “Othello.” On Broadway, McGill co-starred in the 22-month run of the musical “My One and Only.” His other theatre work includes performances at New York’s Ensemble Studio Theatre, with the National Shakespeare Company in Washington, DC, and at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

With a genuine gift for comedy and an engaging on-screen presence, JUDY GREER, who portrays Drew’s sister Heather Baylor, has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most captivating young talents.  

This fall, Judy will reprise her hilarious guest-starring role as Kitty Sanchez on Fox’s critically acclaimed hit show, “Arrested Development.”

She will then star in CBS’ and Sony Pictures Television’s new show “Love Monkey,” opposite Tom Cavanaugh. Greer plays Bran, a stylish, sweet, smart woman who is a producer for a nighttime news magazine show. Bran is best friends with Tom, a laid-back guy with a keen love of rock and roll and an even keener eye for the ladies. Tom hits a low point when he loses his record company job and girlfriend in the same day. Underneath Bran and Tom’s platonic friendship, there is a definite sexual chemistry between the two and Bran thinks she might be the woman Tom needs in order to settle down.  

Greer has also recently signed on to star opposite Sigourney Weaver and David Duchovny in the indie satire “The TV Set,” which follows the making of a television pilot. This comes after just finishing production on Paul Weitz’s new film “American Dreamz,” opposite Hugh Grant and Mandy Moore.    Greer recently wrapped production on Danny Leiner’s “The Great New Wonderful” opposite Thomas McCarthy.  She will also be seen in the independent film “The Moguls” opposite Jeff Bridges and Jeanne Tripplehorn, slated for release next spring.  

Greer starred in writer/director M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Village” opposite Joaquin Phoenix, Adrien Brody, Sigourney Weaver and William Hurt, which Disney released in the summer of 2004. She also starred opposite Jennifer Garner in Revolution Studios’ romantic comedy, “13 Going On 30.” The film was directed by Gary Winick and released by Columbia Pictures.  

Other credits include writer/director Adam Goldberg’s psychological drama “I Love Your Work” (debuted at the 2003 Toronto Film Festival), “The Hebrew Hammer” (debuted at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival), Charlie Kaufman’s critically-acclaimed “Adaptation,” “The Wedding Planner,” “What Women Want,” “What Planet Are You From?,” “Three Kings,” “Jawbreaker,” “The Specials,” and “Kissing a Fool,” among others.  

Greer was born and raised outside of Detroit. She trained for nearly ten years in classical Russian ballet and then shifted her interest to acting and was accepted into Chicago’s prestigious Theatre School at DePaul University.

Jessica Biel (Ellen), with her striking good looks and wide range of talent, has become one of Hollywood’s most sought out actresses. Her television series-acting debut on the WB’s number one rated show “7th Heaven” has helped her emerge as a breakout star. Biel recently finished filming “The Illusionist” in Prague alongside Ed Norton and Paul Giamatti.

Biel recently wrapped production on the independent film “London,” the drama that follows the warped relationship of two young adults. This film will premiere at the 2005 Montreal Film Festival.

Biel can currently be seen starring in Sony Pictures’ “Stealth” alongside Josh Lucas and Jamie Foxx in the drama about three pilots in a top-secret military program struggle to bring an artificial intelligence program under control before it initiates the next world war.

Biel was most recently seen in New Line Cinema’s “Blade: Trinity,” in which she costars with Wesley Snipes, Kris Kristofferson and Ryan Reynolds. Biel’s other film credits include New Line Cinema’s Blockbuster hit remake of “Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” New Line Cinema’s “Cellular,” co-starring Kim Basinger and Chris Evans, Lions Gate Films’ “The Rules of Attraction” for director Roger Avary, the Warner Brothers romantic comedy “Summer Catch,” co-starring Freddie Prinze Jr., and the Disney holiday film, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” with Jonathan Taylor Thomas. In an impressive display of versatility, Biel garnered rave notices for her portrayal as the rebellious daughter in Victor Nunez’s critically acclaimed film, “Ulee’s Gold,” with Peter Fonda. Selected as the Centerpiece Premiere for the 1997 Sundance Film Festival and presented at Cannes, the movie opened to glowing reviews.

As a child, she initially pursued a career as a vocalist, performing in musical theatre. Starting at age nine, she starred in such productions as “Annie,” “The Sound of Music,” and “Beauty and the Beast.” A natural beauty, Biel soon turned to modeling and commercial work by competing in The International Modeling and Talent Association’s Annual Conference in 1994.

After completing a year and a half of college at Tufts University in Boston, Jessica plans on going back to school in California for the remainder of her college years. In her spare time, Biel is involved with charities such as Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and PETA. Her hobbies include ballet, soccer, running, yoga, and hiking with her dog, East. Biel currently resides in Los Angeles.

PAUL SCHNEIDER , who plays Drew’s cousin Jessie, is breaking through as an actor with starring roles in highly anticipated films. He will soon appear in 20th Century Fox’s comedy “The Family Stone” opposite Luke Wilson and Claire Danes and was recently cast as a lead actor in “The Assassination of Jesse James” opposite Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck. He will also lead the cast of the heist comedy “Live Free or Die.”

Schneider was most recently seen in the romantic comedy “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” and in the satirical comedy “Crude.” His other film credits include “George Washington,” written and directed by David Gordon Green; “Security Colorado;” and “The Rough South of Larry Brown.” In 2002, Schneider starred in and co-wrote the critically acclaimed indie film “All the Real Girls,” directed by David Gordon Green. The film was awarded the Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and Schneider was nominated for a Gotham Award for his performance.

Schneider studied film editing at the North Carolina School of the Arts and two of his films, “All The Real Girls” and “George Washington,” were made by a collective of friends that he met during his tenure studying film. When he is not acting, Paul attends to his interview and photo series - a project for his website that consists of articles and photo essays focusing on artists and their work.

—CREDITS
—ABOUT THE CAST
—ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS

CAMERON CROWE (Writer/Director/Producer) was born on July 13, 1957 in Palm Springs, California. He was raised in San Diego by his father, James, a residential real estate agent and mother, Alice, who taught sociology and English literature at the local college. Recognizing that Crowe was gifted at a very young age, his mother pushed him to excel. He skipped kindergarten and two grades in elementary school, and, by the time he attended the University of San Diego High School, he was quite obviously younger than the other students.

Crowe began writing for the school newspaper and by age 13 was contributing music reviews for an underground publication called the San Diego Door. He then began corresponding with legendary rock & roll critic, Lester Bangs, who had left the Door to become editor at the national rock magazine Creem, and soon Crowe was also submitting articles to Creem, Penthouse, Playboy, Crawdaddy, Music World, Circus and the Los Angeles Times.

After graduating from high school in 1972 at age 15, Crowe joined the staff of Rolling Stone as a Contributing Editor and later went on to become an Associate Editor for the magazine. During that time, he profiled such influential music-world figures as Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Neil Young, Eric Clapton and the members of Led Zeppelin.

When Rolling Stone moved its offices to New York, Crowe decided to try his hand in other artistic endeavors. Though he would continue to freelance for Rolling Stone on and off over the years, he turned the focus of his attention to a book about teens growing up in the late ’70s.

In 1979, Crowe (then 22) went undercover as a southern California high schooler to research his book on teen life. Fast Times at Ridgemont High became a bestseller and Universal Pictures tapped Crowe to write the screenplay. Released in the spring of ‘82 and directed by Amy Heckerling, “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” became one of the year’s biggest hits and launched the careers of such stars as Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold, Forest Whitaker, Nicolas Cage and Eric Stoltz. The Writers Guild of America awarded Crowe with a nomination for Best Screen Adaptation, and the film became an instant cult classic.

In 1989, Crowe made his feature film directorial debut with his original screenplay “Say Anything...” starring John Cusack and Ione Skye. Cameron’s second movie, set in Seattle, was the 1992 romantic comedy “Singles.”

Crowe’s next project, “Jerry Maguire” starring Tom Cruise, Renee Zellweger and Cuba Gooding Jr., was released in 1996 to enormous box office success and critical acclaim. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards ® including Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture, and Cuba Gooding Jr. took home the Oscar ® for Best Supporting Actor. Cameron also received a nomination from the Directors Guild of America for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film.

Conversations with Wilder , a collection of interviews with legendary director Billy Wilder, was published in November of 1999 by Knopf.

“Almost Famous,” released in September 2000, was the culmination of a ten-year journey to put Cameron’s experiences working for Rolling Stone on film. It was cited on over 150 critic’s Top 10 List’s for 2000 and received six Golden Globe and four Academy Award ® nominations. The film received two Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture - Comedy/Musical and Best Supporting Actress (Kate Hudson), and Cameron received his first Oscar ® for Best Original Screenplay.

Cameron’s next film, “Vanilla Sky,” a retelling of the Spanish film “Abre los Ojos” (Open Your Eyes), starred Tom Cruise, Penelope Cruz and Cameron Diaz. “Vanilla Sky” was a worldwide box office success, with Cameron Diaz receiving wide critical acclaim. Paul McCartney’s title song was also nominated for an Academy Award ®.

TOM CRUISE (producer) has blazed a meteoric trail of success as an actor, producer, and humanitarian in an unparalleled career that spans two decades. A three-time Academy Award® nominee, the combined force of his work on film as both an actor and producer has earned more than six billion dollars at the box office worldwide.

Cruise’s most recent film, “War of the Worlds,” was an international blockbuster, setting new career highs for largest opening day, largest opening weekend, largest single day, and largest total domestic gross. “War of the Worlds” marked Cruise’s second collaboration with director Steven Spielberg; in 2002, Cruise starred in Spielberg’s futuristic thriller, “Minority Report.”

Under the banner of Cruise|Wagner productions – which Cruise formed in 1993 with his partner, Paula Wagner – Cruise is currently filming the third installment of the blockbuster “Mission: Impossible” franchise, which has grossed over one billion dollars worldwide to date.

Cruise made his feature film debut in 1981 at the age of 19 in the romantic drama “Endless Love,” followed by the critically acclaimed “Taps,” co-starring Sean Penn and Timothy Hutton, and Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Outsiders.” His breakout performance in “Risky Business” earned him his first Golden Globe nomination in 1983. The role of Maverick in Tony Scott’s “Top Gun” catapulted Cruise to international stardom as the film went on to become the highest grossing picture of 1986.

Cruise followed up on the tremendous success of “Top Gun” with a string of both critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, including “The Color of Money” (1986), co-starring Paul Newman; “Rain Man” (1988), co-starring Dustin Hoffman; and director Oliver Stone’s “Born of the Fourth of July” (1989), for which Cruise received an Academy Award® nomination and his first Golden Globe for Best Actor. In 1992, Cruise starred with Jack Nicholson in “A Few Good Men,” for which he received his third Golden Globe nomination. He starred in the legal thriller “The Firm” in 1993 and in “Interview with the Vampire” in 1994.

Cruise moves seamlessly from actor to producer. “Mission: Impossible,” (1996), which Cruise also produced with partner Paula Wagner under the Cruise|Wagner banner, was an international hit for which, in 1997, C|W received the Nova Award for Most Promising Producers in Theatrical Motion Pictures. “Mission: Impossible” was followed the same year by Cameron Crowe’s highly acclaimed “Jerry Maguire,” for which Cruise earned a second Academy Award® nomination and a second Golden Globe for Best Actor. In 1999, Cruise earned a third Academy Award® nomination and won his third Golden Globe, for Best Supporting Actor, for his powerful performance in Paul Thomas Anderson’s ensemble drama, “Magnolia.” That same year, he starred in Stanley Kubrick’s final film, the psychological thriller “Eyes Wide Shut,” bringing a range of diverse projects from both new and established talent to the screen.

Cruise|Wagner Productions has gone on to release a host of critically acclaimed films, including “Without Limits,” “Shattered Glass,” and “The Others.” In 2003, Cruise and Wagner, along with Edward Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz, produced “The Last Samurai,” which grossed nearly half a billion dollars worldwide. Cruise’s performance in the film earned him a sixth Golden Globe nomination. “The Last Samurai” received a Producers Guild of America nomination for Best Picture and was named one of the top 10 films of the year by both the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute.

Cruise has been the recipient of countless awards and tributes, reflecting both critical and commercial recognition within the industry, and the broad popular support of audiences worldwide. This November, Cruise will receive the Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award for excellence in film from the British Academy of Film & Television Arts. He was recently honored with the MTV Generation Award, which celebrated Cruise as the actor of his generation. And, in April 2005, Cruise received a David di Donatello award for lifetime achievement.

He has been honored twice by the People’s Choice Awards and received two Screen Actors Guild nominations for his work in “Jerry Maguire” and “Magnolia.” He was recognized by the Chicago Film Festival as the Actor of the Decade in 1993 and earned the NATO/SHOWEST Meritorious Achievement Award that same year. Cruise has also been honored with two Chicago Film Critics Awards, for “Born on the Fourth of July” and “Magnolia”; a Saturn Award for “Vanilla Sky”; a Blockbuster Award for “Magnolia”; and MTV Awards for “Jerry Maguire” and “Mission: Impossible II.”

Other tributes Cruise has received include Harvard’s Hasty Pudding Man of the Year Award, the John Huston Award from the Artists Rights Foundation, the American Cinema Award for Distinguished Achievement in Film, and the American Cinematheque Award.

PAULA WAGNER (producer) and Tom Cruise partnered to form C|W Productions in 1993, and have been based at Paramount Pictures for the past 12 years. The company has released eight diverse, groundbreaking films -- earning multiple awards, widespread critical praise and international box office success. Together Cruise and Wagner have produced films that range in scope from the action blockbusters “Mission: Impossible” and “M:I 2” to Cameron Crowe’s “Vanilla Sky” and Alejandro Amenabar’s chilling supernatural thriller “The Others,” as well as Robert Towne’s critically acclaimed portrait of the late runner Steve Prefontaine, “Without Limits,” and forthcoming adaptation of John Fante’s novel “Ask the Dust,” starring Colin Farrell and Salma Hayek.

Wagner most recently served as executive producer of “War of the Worlds,” an Amblin Entertainment/Cruise|Wagner production starring Tom Cruise and directed by Steven Spielberg. Wagner and Cruise were also producers on Ed Zwick’s “The Last Samurai,” starring Cruise, and Billy Ray’s directorial debut “Shattered Glass,” starring Hayden Christensen and Peter Sarsgaard. Wagner and Cruise are currently in production on the third installment of the “Mission: Impossible” series, a franchise that has earned over a billion dollars to date.

Prior to producing, Wagner spent nearly 15 years at CAA as one of the industry’s top talent agents. Before becoming an agent, Wagner was an accomplished stage actress, appearing at the Yale Repertory Theater as well as on and off-Broadway. Also a published playwright, she co-authored “Out of Our Father’s House.”

In 2001, Wagner was honored by Premiere magazine with the Women in Hollywood Icon Award, and was featured the following year in Bravo’s “Women on Top,” a documentary profiling top women in entertainment. She has been the recipient of the Producers Guild Nova Award, as well as their Vision Award in 2004. Additionally, Wagner is on the Board of Trustees of Carnegie Mellon University and serves on the Executive Committee of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. She is a member of the American Cinematheque's Board of Directors and returns this year as co-chair of the Hollywood Film Festival for the third year in a row.  

DONALD J. LEE, JR. (executive producer), a native of Pittsburgh, PA and a Cornell University Graduate, moved to New York City in 1981 and began working as a set production assistant on such films as “Legal Eagles,” “Wall Street,” and “Someone To Watch Over Me.” In 1987, Lee joined the Directors Guild of America as an Assistant Director and worked on several film classics including “Bull Durham,” “Born on the Fourth of July,” and “Sleepless in Seattle.”

His producing credits include: Executive Producer on “The Perfect Score” in 2002; Co-Producer on “Vanilla Sky” in 2001; “Lucky Numbers” in 1999; “You’ve Got Mail” in 1998; Associate Producer on “Gloria” in 1997; and “Michael” in 1996.

Lee continues to reside in Greenwich Village with his wife Kathie and three children, Brendan, Caitlin and Anna Grace.

JOHN TOLL, ASC (director of photography) is one of only a few cinematographers to have the distinction of winning back-to-back

Academy Awards® for Best Cinematography: he won his first in 1995 for Edward Zwick’s sweeping romantic drama “Legends of the Fall,” and his second in 1996 for his work on Mel Gibson’s epic drama “Braveheart,” which additionally brought him a BAFTA Award and the American Society of Cinematographers Outstanding Achievement Award.

His work on Terrence Malick’s World War II drama “The Thin Red Line” earned him an Oscar® nomination, an American Society of Cinematographers Outstanding Achievement Award as well as a nomination from the British Society of Cinematographers. In addition, the New York Film Critics Circle and Chicago Film Critics Association presented him with awards for Best Cinematography and he received a Jury Special Mention at the Berlin Film Festival.

Toll’s most recent work can be seen in his second collaboration with director Edward Zwick on “The Last Samurai” starring Tom Cruise. The film garnered huge critical acclaim and received a nomination for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Theatrical Releases from the American Society of Cinematographers.

“Elizabethtown” marks Toll’s third project with writer/director Cameron Crowe as he previously photographed “Almost Famous” and “Vanilla Sky.” He also lensed the romantic drama “Captain Correlli’s Mandolin.” Among his additional credits as a director of photography are Carroll Ballard’s “Wind,” Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Rainmaker,” and “Simpatico.”

Early in his career, Toll served as camera operator on some of the most memorable films of the late 1970s and 1980s including: “Norma Rae,” “Urban Cowboy,” “Scarface,” “The Falcon and the Snowman,” “Peggy Sue Got Married” and “Black Widow.” His work will next be seen in “Rise.”

CLAY A. GRIFFITH (production designer) started his film career as a set decorator and quickly moved into the select ranks of that field to work on some of the most distinctive and memorable films in recent years including: “Seven,” “As Good As It Gets,” and “Sleepless in Seattle.”

“Elizabethtown” marks Griffith’s fifth film with writer/director

Cameron Crowe. Early in his career, he was fortunate enough to work with Crowe on his debut film “Say Anything…” The association proved fruitful for both men as their relationship continued with Griffith serving as set decorator on “Singles” and “Jerry Maguire.” Crowe then offered him his first opportunity as production designer on the filmmaker’s critically acclaimed “Almost Famous.” His production design for that film garnered a nomination for Excellence in Production Design from the Art Director’s Guild.

His additional production design credits include: “Radio,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Domestic Disturbance” and “Prozac Nation.” Griffith’s work will next be seen in writer/director Curtis Hanson’s Las Vegas poker drama “Lucky You,” starring Eric Bana and Drew Barrymore.

DAVID MORITZ (film editor) marks his 2nd collaboration with writer/director Cameron Crowe as he was co-editor on “Jerry Maguire.” Moritz is also known for editing nearly all of writer/director Wes Anderson’s quirky and entertaining films including “Bottle Rocket,” “Rushmore” and, most recently, “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.”

Other recent projects include “Secondhand Lions,” “A Guy Thing,” “Knockaround Guys,” “The Affair of the Necklace” and “Town and Country.” Additional feature credits include: “The Evening Star,” “Sleep With Me” and “Fifteen Minute Hamlet.” His early credits include associate film editor on James L. Brooks’ “I’ll Do Anything” and first assistant editor on the films “Father of the Bride,” “One Good Cop” and “Dick Tracy.”

NANCY STEINER (costume designer) has worked extensively in film, commercials, music videos, and print. Her most recent efforts can be seen in Sofia Coppola’s award winning film “Lost in Translation.” She previously collaborated with Coppola as costume designer on “The Virgin Suicides;” and on the Air music video “Playground Love” (co-directed by Roman Coppola).

Steiner’s film credits include Miguel Arteta’s “The Good Girl,” Michel Gondry’s “Human Nature,” Wim Wenders’ “Million Dollar Hotel,” Alex Cox’ “The Winner,” and Todd Haynes’ “Safe.”

Her commercial campaigns include Levi’s, Gap, Nike, Volkswagen, Pontiac, Adidas, Earthlink, Volvo, Bacardi, Puma, Lincoln, and Miller Beer.

In the past decade, Steiner has been particularly well represented on MTV, designing the costumes for six short “Rock the Vote” films as well as for numerous music videos. The latter include Mick Jagger’s “God Give Me Everything I Want” (directed by Mark Romanek), David Bowie’s “Thursday’s Child” (directed by Walter Stern), and Sheryl Crow’s “Steve McQueen” (directed by Wayne Isham). She has frequently collaborated with directors Michel Gondry (on Bjork’s “Bachelorette” and Foo Fighters’ “Everlong”), Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (on several music videos apiece for Smashing Pumpkins and The Red Hot Chili Peppers), and Sophie Muller (on three No Doubt music videos, including “Don’t Speak”).

Her print career includes work with Gwyneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz, Milla Jovovich, Sheryl Crow, Sandra Bullock, Tom Hanks, R.E.M., and Sade and her work has appeared in Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, Dazed & Confused, Interview, Allure, Us, The Face, Premiere, and I.D.

Next up, Steiner’s designs will be seen in the comedy “Shopgirl” directed by Anand Tucker based on Steve Martin’s popular book and screenplay. The film, which stars Martin and Claire Danes, recently premiered at Sundance and will be released later in 2005. Her work will also be seen in “Little Miss Sunshine,” starring Steve Carrell, Toni Collette, and Greg Kinnear.

NANCY WILSON (composer) has been a prolific force in the music world for over three decades. She and her older sister Ann Wilson created one of the first formidable female rock bands in 1974 and saw the release of their debut album “Dreamboat Annie” rise up the charts. Heart has sold over 30 million records, had 21 Top 40 hits, sold-out arenas worldwide and inspired a generation of female rockers.

The sisters formed another band, the Lovemongers, in 1991. This band gave them a chance to get back to their roots and bring a new freshness to their music by allowing them to, once again, play smaller venues and clubs. As the Lovemongers and Heart, the two women have released several albums and re-releases and have continued to mount successful live concert tours.

Not content to limit herself to world of the rock ‘n’ roll, Wilson began to expand her musical horizons to include film score composition and writing and recording singles for film. She provided additional music for her husband Cameron Crowe’s directorial debut “Say Anything…” in 1989 and went on to score and write two songs including the theme “We Meet Again” for the Oscar®-winning film “Jerry Maguire,” written and directed Crowe. Nancy also composed the entire score and co-wrote six original songs for Crowe’s Oscar® and Grammy-winning motion picture “Almost Famous.” Most recently, she composed the score to Crowe’s film “Vanilla Sky” and contributed the song “I Fall Apart.”

In early 1999, Nancy recorded a solo album, “Live at McCabe’s,” released by Epic Records that led to her debut solo tour earning high praise from the New York Times among others. In mid 2004, Heart released their latest work “Jupiter’s Darling.” The album has received positive reviews and widespread acclaim. Adding to her long list of achievements, Nancy earned an Emmy for her narration of “Baby Wild,” a multi-part nature series on whales, otters and other wild life.

Wilson and Crowe have been married for nineteen years and currently live in Los Angeles with their twin boys William and Curtis.

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