BEVERLY HILLS, CA, September 17, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- David H. Balkan has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Balkan has established a distinguished career in the field of cinematic arts, most notably through his tenure as professor of cinema practice at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts from 2003 to 2022. Over a span of two decades, he taught both undergraduate and graduate students, focusing on writing and producing while collaborating with experts in sound, photography and acting. His expertise in teaching the art and craft of showrunning and executive producing in cinema and television has been widely recognized.

Throughout his academic career, Mr. Balkan placed a strong emphasis on mentoring, guiding students through the unpredictable landscape of the entertainment industry. He was acutely aware of the financial pressures faced by many students, with tuition costs often reaching $100,000 per year and resulting in significant student loan burdens. Understanding these challenges, he encouraged his students to prioritize passion over financial security and to honor their individual journeys as storytellers. On the first day of each class, he urged them to choose their own writing paths and to bring honor to their work, reinforcing that their life experiences were the most significant stories they could create.

Mr. Balkan's dedication to mentorship is among his most notable achievements. He has inspired countless aspiring writers, cultivating meaningful relationships with students who began their journeys as teenagers in his classes. Many have gone on to achieve success in their respective fields, earning prestigious positions and starting families of their own. Mr. Balkan takes great pride in knowing that his guidance has served as a beacon of hope for those who may have doubted their potential, and he values the lasting friendships and connections forged with former students.

In addition to his academic contributions, Mr. Balkan is an active member of several prominent industry organizations, including the Screen Actors Guild, the Producers Guild of America and the Writers Guild of America. These affiliations reflect his commitment to professional excellence and ongoing engagement with the broader cinematic community.

Mr. Balkan's educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Connecticut. He attributes much of his success to a willingness to learn, adapt and change perspective throughout his life. Drawing inspiration from Muhammad Ali's philosophy on personal evolution, he believes that remaining open-minded and resisting ego-driven stagnation have been crucial to his achievements.

His journey into academia was shaped by significant personal challenges. Born in Hartford in 1944—prior to the introduction of the polio vaccine and before key disability rights legislation—he contracted polio at just three weeks old, resulting in a lifelong disability. Despite facing societal biases and low expectations from medical professionals, Mr. Balkan benefited from a strong support system led by his grandmother, a Jewish immigrant who instilled in him the belief that hard work could overcome any limitation.

These formative experiences were further deepened when Mr. Balkan became a parent to a son born deaf, which provided him with additional insight into the complexities faced by individuals with disabilities and their families. His resilience in overcoming adversity has informed both his teaching philosophy and his approach to life.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Balkan has demonstrated a commitment to civic engagement through leadership roles such as past president of the board of trustees for a school for hearing-impaired children and co-chair of the Governor's Council on Disability. These positions underscore his dedication to advocacy and support for individuals with disabilities.

Looking ahead, Mr. Balkan remains focused on inspiring and mentoring future generations of writers and filmmakers by sharing his experiences and knowledge to help others navigate careers within the competitive entertainment industry.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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