Yani M PayneYani M Payne is a writer, filmmaker, and world-builder whose creative journey began in 2004. With two decades of storytelling experience, he has worked as a writer, producer, and director on numerous independent projects, including award-winning prodctions and consulting work on Oscar-nominated films. In 2022, he was awarded the prestigious WarnerMedia OneFifty grant for "An Accidental Fire," the first of three live-action prequels to his book series.As the creative force behind the ShadowWorld(TM) universe, Payne is currently focused on completing the "In the Shadow of a King" series while developing an innovative interactive experience through ShadowWorld(TM). This groundbreaking project, built in partnership with SITEnetwork.io, merges traditional storytelling with cutting-edge AR/VR/MR technology, creating an immersive virtual travel system that invites readers, viewers, and gamers to explore and contribute to the expanding universe.Above all his professional achievements, Payne considers his role as a father his most important responsibility. His creative work is deeply influenced by his commitment to fairness, equal rights, mental health advocacy, and standing up for those who cannot stand for themselves. His creative philosophy is guided by four fundamental principles: honesty, doing what needs to be done before what wants to be done, helping others whenever possible, and understanding that it's never necessary to hurt another to get what you want. Read More Read Less