Joseph Strickland is an American screenwriter, producer, director, and author from Chicago, IL. A former film festival judge for the 32nd Chicago International Film Festival and the 14th Annual Chicago International Children's Film Festival, Strickland also served as Chair of the Features Jury on the adult jury panel for the 15th Annual Chicago International Children's Film Festival. The Making of Dual Mania: Filmmaking Chicago Style is the author's first collaborative work of nonfiction, co-authored with fellow writer and theater critic B.J. Patterson, and author Cat Ellington, to whom Strickland is married. The fiery narrative was inspired by Strickland's directorial debut Dual Mania, a psychological thriller dealing with the dual persona a young possesses and attempts to conceal throughout his ongoing sessions with his therapist. Outside of his creative work, Strickland enjoys watching Turner Classic Movies (TCM), reading, oil painting, visiting art museums, and watching the Chicago Bears.