A native of Southern California, Ken developed a passion for acting in his youth and enjoyed a successful career in episodic television. Ken was a highly profiled model in national campaigns including, “Bugle Boy,” “The Gap,” “Versace,” “Caboo Club” and “Yukon.” Aside from his evolving work in the entertainment industry, Ken follows his daughter’s equestrian show jumping career and for some years was internationally renowned for restoring vintage and classic cars, in 2006, winning the coveted Pebble Beach ‘first in class’ concourse. In 2000, Ken began financing and developing films including the short western, “The Last Outlaws,” which screened in the festival circuit. In early 2008, Ken met the Polish brothers and realized that their unique cinematic voice and critically acclaimed filmmaking style matched his desire to produce feature length films, together, they formed Prohibition Pictures. Ken was on set daily throughout production of the company’s first two projects, the surreal comedy “Manure,” and the coming of age, “Stay Cool.” Ken appeared as an actor in both films, enhancing his more than twenty-year performance career aside from serving above the line as Executive Producer. “Manure” was accepted into the 2009 Sundance festival. Ken formed Initiate Productions in 1998 to develop and produce multi-genre films in house, and to collaborate with other co-producing entities. The principle goal is to create a bold new approach to filmmaking and resource established and emerging media outlets.

Nick is a graduate of The University of Tennessee. A natural entrepreneur, Nick excelled in the worlds of advertising, marketing and start-up companies. His award winning design work in the carpet industry was featured in “Architectural Digest” and “Floor Covering Today.” Nick’s childhood passion for horsemanship has evolved into a lifelong expertise. A master Equestrian, he is currently President of Creative Saddlrey and was a board member of Dominion Saddlery and US Equestrian. The international world of equestrian events led to encounter producer and fellow entrepreneur, Ken Johnson, which was a serendipitous meeting for the two emerging filmmakers. In 2007, Nick teamed with producer Ken Johnson to form Prohibition Pictures with writer/directors Mark and Mike Polish. The team produced the comedies, “Manure”—accepted in the 2009 Sundance festival and Stay Cool. Byassee and Johnson’s shingle Initiate Productions develops and produces multi-genre projects in-house as well in collaboration with other producing entities. The principle goal is to create a bold new approach to filmmaking for media outlets. Nick supports several charities, including the Equestrian Aid Foundation and is a dedicated mentor to those battling substance abuse issues.

COMING SOON

COMING SOON

COMING SOON