Joshua Zeman

Joshua Zeman is one of the leading voices in documentary storytelling. His critically-acclaimed film CROPSEY is considered one of the top true crime documentaries of the past decade. In 2017, Zeman executive produced and directed THE KILLING SEASON for A&E, an unscripted docu-series also executive produced by Academy Award-winning director Alex Gibney (Going Clear: Scientology). Zeman also directed MURDER MOUNTAIN, a docu-series for Netflix that examines a case of vigilante justice set against the outlaw marijuana growers of Humboldt County. The series has been called “a must-watch” by The Daily Beast and was one of the most popular series on Netflix in 2020. In 2021, Zeman executive produced and directed THE SONS OF SAM, a 4-part docu-series for Netflix, that profiles an obsessive journalist’s journey down the rabbit hole of the Son of Sam case. The docu-series, which was narrated by Oscar-nominated actor Paul Giamatti, was the #1 watched on Netflix in the US and in numerous countries upon its release. Zeman is also the creator of the Netflix companion podcast, SEARCHING FOR THE SONS OF SAM. Most recently, Zeman wrote and directed THE LONELIEST WHALE, a cinematic quest to find the “52 Hertz Whale,” that scientists believe has spent its entire life in solitude. The film, released theatrically by Bleecker Street, was executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio and was nominated for 3 Critics Choice Documentary Awards. Hailed by such outlets as Time Magazine, The New York Times, and People Magazine, the film has been called “a modern-day Moby Dick" that “will keep you on the edge of your seat.” On the narrative side, Zeman’s first screenplay, FRESH KILLS, was optioned by New Line and Forensic Films. Zeman has received a MacDowell Colony Fellowship and the San Francisco Film Society Screenwriting for his screenplay, COLLIDER. He also directed the short, THE BEST MAN FOR THE JOB, starring David Call (Tiny Furniture). As a producer/co-producer, some of Zeman’s past narrative credits include THE STATION AGENT (Audience Award and Screenwriting Award, Sundance Film Festival), MYSTERIOUS SKIN (Venice Film Festival, nominated for IFP Gotham Award), THE HAWK IS DYING (Sundance Film Festival, Directors Fortnight, Cannes) and AGAINST THE CURRENT (Sundance Film Festival).