Connection:

Randy Olson: Scientist-turned-filmmaker

Randy Olson is the writer/director of the feature films, "Flock of Dodos: The Evolution-Intelligent Design Circus" (Tribeca '06, Showtime '07), "Sizzle: A Global Warming Comedy" (Outfest '08) and author of, "Don't be Such a Scientist: Talking Substance in an Age of Style" (Island Press '09). His work focuses on the challenges involved in communicating science to the general public, and the current attacks on mainstream science in fields such as evolution and climate science.

He is a former marine biologist (Ph.D. Harvard University) who achieved tunure at the Unversity of New Hampshire before changing careers to filmmaking by obtaining an M.F.A. in Cinema from the University of Southern California. He is an adjunct faculty member with the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies at U.S.C., while his production company, Prairie Starfish Productions, is based at Raleigh Studios in Los Angeles.

Dorie Barton: Actress/Script Consultant

Dorie Barton has been a Los Angeles script consultant and writing coach for over ten years. Dorie works closely with writers, directors, independent filmmakers, documentarians, producers... even scientists, all in the service of telling a better story. Her approach to the work is to support the writer's individual process while providing guidance to create original screenplays that have traditional structural qualities.

Also a long-time, award-winning stage and screen actress, she brings a unique sensibility and background from both sides of the page. Dorie is a graduate of CalArts where she studied theatre and film. More can be found at DevelopmentGirl.com.

Brian Palermo: Actor/Theater Instructor/Writer

Brian Palermo is an engaging actor and comedian with an impressive resume of performances in television, film and top comedy venues. Palermo graduated from the University of New Orleans with a B.A. degree in drama and communications. He has been a performer and teacher with The Groundlings Theatre, Los Angeles' premiere comedy theater for over 15 years.

A familiar face to viewers from his numerous television appearances, Palermo has guest-starred on "The Middle", "Entourage", "Curb Your Enthusiasm", "Heroes", "Gary Unmarried", "Friends" and "Will & Grace", among others. He is a recurring correspondent for "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno". On the big screen, Palermo has appeared most recently in "The Social Network". Other film credits include "My Life in Ruins", "Daddy Day Care" and "Shrink".

On the other side of the computer, Palermo was a staff writer on the animated series "Histeria!" for two years and has written scripts for "Disney's The Weekenders" and "Dave The Barbarian".