Judy Chaikin

Judy Chaikin is a graduate of AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women and is best known for co-writing, producing and directing the Emmy nominated PBS documentary, Legacy of the Hollywood Blacklist, with on-camera narration by Burt Lancaster, and executive-produced by Loren Stephens. Her current documentary, The Girls in the Band, which she co-wrote and directed has just completed a festival run winning five Best Documentary Awards. Judy is the Writer/Director of the bilingual documentary, Los Pastores, and Sojourner Truth: Aint I a Woman?”, featuring famed actress Julie Harris, which was executive produced by Loren Stephens for Coronet Films.

Judy began her directing career in theater with Woman Speak starring Jane Fonda. She also directed at the Groundlings Improvisational Theater working with Lisa Kudrow, John Lovitz and Phil Hartmann to name but a few. Judy has written columns for various industry journals on documentary filmmaking and directing, and has had a number of poems published in literary journals. Judy wrote and compiled the popular Los Cabos Guide to Good Eating and More, with Ida Wool.

Judy is at work on her first novel about a small town girl who dreams of fame and fortune. When a Hollywood movie company comes to town, she accidentally achieves both, but at great personal cost. The adage, “Be careful what you wish for,” drives the engine of this cautionary tale.

Judy has penned four memoirs and a corporate history under the Write Wisdom banner. Her website is onestepproductions.com