Carl Franklin Speaking Fee: $10,000 and Below

Carl Franklin is an American filmmaker and former actor whose career spans over five decades. Born on April 11, 1949, in Richmond, California, Franklin was raised by his mother and stepfather. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied theater arts and was influenced by the political activism of the 1960s. After graduation, he pursued acting, securing roles in television series such as "The A-Team" and "McClain's Law." However, he grew disillusioned with the limited opportunities for Black actors and decided to shift his focus to directing. In 1986, Franklin enrolled in the directing program at the American Film Institute, where he earned his MFA. His thesis film, "Punk" (1989), a poignant exploration of a Black boy's coming-of-age, garnered attention and led to a series of low-budget films under the mentorship of Roger Corman. His directorial debut, "One False Move" (1992), received critical acclaim for its gritty portrayal of crime and race relations. Franklin's breakthrough came with "Devil in a Blue Dress" (1995), an adaptation of Walter Mosley's novel starring Denzel Washington. The film was praised for its authentic depiction of postwar Black Los Angeles and earned Franklin a nomination for the Edgar Allan Poe Award. He continued to direct notable films such as "One True Thing" (1998), which earned Meryl Streep her 11th Academy Award nomination. Transitioning to television in the 2000s, Franklin directed episodes of acclaimed series including "The Newsroom," "House of Cards," and "The Leftovers." He also served as an executive producer for Netflix's "Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story," earning a BAFTA Award and an Emmy nomination for his work. His recent projects include directing the premiere episode of "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story" and developing a series on The Black Panther Party for Netflix. Throughout his career, Franklin has been recognized for his ability to tell compelling stories that delve into complex social issues, often highlighting African American experiences. His work continues to influence contemporary filmmaking and television, making him a respected figure in the industry.