Gerry Lively

Predominantly known as a prolific cinematographer, Gerry Lively began directing feature films in 1990, when he helmed the little-known dance musical "Body Moves." But his career in film began in 1982, when he served as the director of photography on the James Mason-fronted feature "Socrates." Shortly thereafter, Livley developed a talent for shooting creepy horror movies, lensing such cult classics as the wax museum chiller "Waxworks," the Pinhead-centered "Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth," and the slasher flick "Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest." But his best-known effort as a cinematographer would be the urban comedy "Friday," which was a hit at the box office and with critics. After the success of "Friday," Lively once again tried his hand at directing on the British-funded kidnapping thriller "Darkness Falls," followed by the American-produced crime thriller "The Guardian." However, Lively did not abandoned his career as a cinematographer. Instead, he shifted between directing films and shooting them, though his focus had shifted to the former. With a string of thrillers that included the detective drama "Shattered Lies," Lively built a reputation for kinetic action sequences. So he was selected to direct the 2005 adventure fantasy "Dungeons & Dragons: Wrath of the Dragon God," inspired by the popular role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons. Though Lively followed this venture with the gritty action movie "Body Armour," he soon returned to fantastical worlds in 2011, directing the sequel "Dungeons & Dragons: The Book of Vile Darkness."