Harry Basil

Bio: Originally from Bergen County New Jersey, Harry moved out to Hollywood and created a successful comedy act at the world famous Comedy Store. Harry quickly became a headlining performer and exclusive opening act for the late great comedy legend Rodney Dangerfield. A close bond developed between the two and Harry co-wrote and co- produced three of Rodney Dangerfield’s movies. The family soccer comedy ”Ladybugs” for Paramount, "Meet Wally Sparks” for Trimark and “My Five Wives” for Artisan. In 2001 he made his feature directing debut with, "The 4th Tenor", a romantic opera comedy, starring Dangerfield & Robert Davi, for Franchise Pictures & Warner Bros. He followed that writing and directing another Dangerfield comedy, "Back by Midnight", co- starring Randy Quaid, Kirstie Alley, Harland Williams, Ed Begley Jr. and a colorful cast of standup comedians.
The following year, Warner Brothers hired Harry to write and direct the family comedy “Funky Monkey” which was released theatrically by Warner’s in 2003. The film stars Matthew Modine, Jeffery Tambor, Roma Downey, Gilbert Gottfried, and a Chimpanzee skilled in karate. Harry also directed the sports comedy “CLOUD 9” a sexy beach volley ball story written and produced by Albert S. Ruddy, legendary Oscar winning producer of the Godfather and Million Dollar Baby. The film stars, Burt Reynolds, D.L. Hugley, Paul Rodriguez, Paul Wesley (Star of Vampire Diaries) and Gabrielle Reese. Harry was also Executive producer, co-writer & 2nd Unit Director of “Funny Money” a wild ensemble farce starring Chevy Chase, Penelope Ann Miller, Armand Assante, Chris Mc Donald and Robert Loggia. The film made it’s world premiere at the 2007 “Aspen Comedy Arts Festival” and “Sarasota Springs Film Festival“.
Harry made the jump into the horror & thriller genres, directing “Soul‘s Midnight”, a dark gothic Vampire story starring Armand Assante. Produced by Oscar winning producer Gray Frederickson, (Godfather 1,2 & 3, Apocalypse Now) He continued in the horror genre with the teen supernatural thriller, “Fingerprints”, starring Leah Pipes, (Sorority Row) Kristin Cavallari (The Hills, Van Wilder 2) Josh Henderson (The New Dallas) Andrew Lawrence, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Sally Kirkland. The film made the film festival circuit winning, Best Feature at the 2007 New York Horror Film Festival. The film was shot by frequent collaborator, DP Michael Goi ASC (“American Horror Story” seasons, 1 & 2) Last year Harry shot “Sleeping Around” with Funny Money writing & producing partner Leslie Greif, (Hatfield’s & The McCoy’s) in Charlotte N.C. The sex comedy stars, Jessie Bradford (Swim Fan) Chris Marquette (The Girl Next Door) Bryan Callen, (The Hangover 1 & 2), Wendy Covey McLendon (Bridesmaids) and Michael McKean (Best in Show, Spinal Tap) Harry is currently the Executive Producer and show runner on the family sitcom, “The Jadagrace Show”, produced by Fun World Media and music legend Kerry Gordy.