Personal details
- Birth Location: Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Professions: Director, Writer, Producer
Brian Skiba—yeah, that guy’s been cranking out movies like nobody’s business. Director, writer, producer… you name it, he’s done it, and he’s not exactly slowing down. Back in February 2022, he dropped 'Pursuit,' an action-packed thriller starring John Cusack, and it went wide across the U.S. Not too shabby. Thing is, Skiba’s been on a roll for a while. Just look at 'The 2nd' from 2020—Ryan Phillippe, Casper Van Dien, Jack Griffo, action out the wazoo. That film shot to the top on Apple TV during Labor Day weekend, snagging the #1 spot for movies, action adventure, independent flicks, and even hit #1 on Netflix. People were eating it up. It even landed a spot on the top 10 action movies of 2020, so yeah, that’s some serious bragging rights. Skiba’s got his roots in Arizona—picked up an English degree and a creative writing minor at ASU. Didn’t waste time either; jumped straight into directing with 'Blood Moon Rising,' which got picked up by Entertainment One. That one did well enough he got tapped for 'Dirty Little Trick,' which ended up premiering on Showtime. Not too many filmmakers get that kind of start. 2022 kept him busy, too. He signed on for two more features: 'The Challenge'—hardcore horror/action vibes for Voltage Entertainment—and a biopic for Lionsgate about the Golden State Killer. And, honestly, the dude swears by Hitchcock’s mantra: “all about the script, script, script.” Not a bad philosophy. Skiba’s all about the story, and it shows.
Brian Skiba snagged the title of 2011 AZ Filmmaker of the Year, which, let’s be real, is no small feat. The guy’s got a knack for spinning wild stories that somehow still hit close to home—kind of like when you see something chaotic on screen and think, “Honestly, that’s my life.” His movies aren’t just your run-of-the-mill thrill rides, either. He’s got this gritty style and isn’t afraid to get a little weird with it, blending action, dark humor, and the kind of twists that make you pause and yell at your TV. Skiba’s Arizona roots show up all over his work, giving his films this down-to-earth vibe even when things go totally off the rails. You can tell he pours a ton of heart—plus a dash of madness—into every project. That 2011 award? Yeah, he earned it, and then some.
Konidela Ram Charan
Phoenix, Arizona, USA