Jake Torem

Graduate of NYU's TISCH School of the Arts, where he received a BFA in Film and Acting. As an actor, he's worked with Al Pacino, Kevin Spacey, Judd Hirsch and noted directors Julie Taymor, James Tripp and Viveca Lindfors. Jake made his directing debut Off Broadway at Theater for the New City with the premiere of his play Valhalla, starring Rockets Redglare and Michele Matheson. His work was featured in the Soho Arts Festival, showcasing New York's most dynamic new talents. There, he was invited to direct a staged performance of his first screenplay "Riding with Death." Based on the life of iconic painter Jean Michel Basquiat, the production was produced by Judy Jacksina and 4 time Tony winner Thommie Walsh and starred Paul Hipp, Sebastian Roche, Tatianna Abbey, James Tripp and Pop Star Actor Eagle Eye Cherry as Basquiat. Shortly after, Jake moved to Los Angeles to debut his second play "Mine Games" an Epic Surreal War Drama and complete his first film, "Le Corset," a dark, exploration of Edwardian sexual morays that features the music of Philip Glass. In 2003, Jake completed his first feature - the controversial and provocative "Looking Through Lillian" starring Sam Bottoms and Jade Henham. The breakthrough film won awards at numerous festivals including Grand Prize for Drama at Houston where Sam Bottoms also received the Maverick Actor Award for his daring performance as Gene. In its Art House Theatrical run, Lillian received rave reviews from Chris Gore and Kevin Thomas of the L.A. Times who hailed the film as "Illuminating, Elegant and Sophisticated." In his spare time, he produces Fashionland, a hot fashion fanzine about the New York Nightlife. He is the recipient of the Play Stream Directors Award. Jake's mother is an acclaimed NY hip hop & nightlife photographer and designer. His father was an O.S.S. agent who parachuted into Auschwitz. When he returned a war hero, he studied painting under Kuniyoshi at the Art Students League and mastered the art of mystery.