B i o g r a p h y
An award-winning show business historian, Alex Ben Block has had a distinguished career
as a journalist, author, broadcaster, critic and consultant. By writing and speaking on the
business behind movies, television and music for over three decades, he has developed a
vast knowledge of how Hollywood works.
Block & Tackle promises insider dish about the biz and a look into the star-making machine
of Hollywood. Block will reveal who is really making and losing it in Hollywood, presenting his
unique commentary on the inner workings of the people, events, politics, and much more in
the world of show business.
Block has been honored for his work in entertainment journalism, including being named
"Entertainment Journalist of the Year” in 2012 by The LA Press Club. In 2014, Block was
honored at the Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards for “Best Feature Article of the year under 1,000 words.”
Some of Block’s other honors include three LA Press Club Awards for journalistic excellence, Hearst Awards, Crain Awards, a Detroit Press Club Award, a Will Rogers Foundation Award, the (RIM) Angel Award, and The Journalism Award from The Caucus For Producers, Writers & Directors.
Until late 2015, Block was Senior Editor of The Hollywood Reporter, where he served as an editor and reporter for 14 years over two periods. He was the Editor in the 1990’s during a period of incredible growth for the publication in credibility and finances; he returned to the magazine in 2010, helping it re-launch as an award-winning weekly Hollywood trade magazine.
Block has written several internationally acclaimed books, used by many colleges, universities and media, including “George Lucas's Blockbusting: A Decade-by-Decade Survey of Timeless Movies Including Untold Secrets of Their Financial and Cultural Success.” “Blockbusting,” an in depth history of blockbuster movies, is an almanac of the first hundred years of movies, decade by decade.
Block’s critically acclaimed book "OUTFOXED: The Inside Story of America's Fourth Television Network," tells the incredible story behind the birth of the Fox TV network. It is used regularly by classes at the USC Annenberg School in L.A. and elsewhere as a text.
His influential international bestseller "The Legend of Bruce Lee," which sold over 4 million copies in 9 languages, continues to be cited as a seminal work on the late Kung Fu movie star.
Block also acts as a Producer’s Rep for independent movies, helping find domestic and worldwide distribution for worthy motion pictures. He has represented films from youthful romantic period dramas to edgy horror movies. His most recent film is a story inspired by the classic “Catcher In the Rye,” which won the audience award at The Coronado International Film Festival in early 2016.
In 2015, Block created Alex Ben Block Consulting, Ltd. to provide media consulting, training and and awards strategizing for other producers, executives, studios., and other media. Block Consulting also offers customized journalism services and public relations for film and TV. He is also available for marketing services, such as creating full press kits for movies and TV shows.
Block is also a regular correspondent for industry news, providing context on breaking stories for television and radio programs, including NBC, KNBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, KCRW-FM and KABC-AM. He co-hosted “Call Sheet” for five years on KPCC-FM.
Block has produced and moderated high profile panels and seminars at numerous events including those presented by NATPE, The Hollywood Radio & TV Society, The Cannes International Film Festival, Digital Hollywood, The Hong Kong International Film Market, New Filmmakers LA, The National Cable TV Show, and Locations Expo.
A native of Syracuse, New York, Block holds a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College, where he now serves on the IC President’s Roundtable. He also has an Associate Degree in Film Production from the N.Y. Institute of Photography Film School.
Block is married to actress Jodi Taylor and is the father of the acclaimed singer-songwriter Hayley Taylor.
