Harley Louis Coklisson, better known as Harley Cokeliss, was born on February 11, 1945, in the sun-kissed city of San Diego, California. However, his formative years were spent in the bustling metropolis of Chicago, Illinois, where he developed a strong foundation for his future endeavors.
As he entered adulthood, Cokeliss made the bold decision to relocate to England in 1966, where he enrolled at the prestigious London Film School. This marked the beginning of his journey into the world of filmmaking, as he started making TV documentaries in 1970.
One of his earliest documentary projects was the fascinating "It's Fantastic! It's Futuristic! It's Fatalistic! It's Science Fiction!" (1973),followed by the equally captivating "The Need for Nightmare" (1974). These early works showcased Cokeliss's ability to craft engaging narratives and his passion for exploring the intersection of science and fiction.
Cokeliss's first foray into feature filmmaking was the family adventure film "The Battle of Billy's Pond" (1977),which was met with critical acclaim. This was followed by the charming children's science-fiction film "The Glitterball" (1977) and the engaging adolescent drama "That Summer!" (1979).
In 1980, Cokeliss lent his expertise as a second unit director to the iconic film "Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back." This experience undoubtedly honed his skills and prepared him for his future endeavors.
Throughout the 1980s, Cokeliss continued to make a name for himself in the film industry, directing a range of movies across the action, horror, and science-fiction genres. Some of his most notable works from this period include the futuristic sci-fi/action film "Battletruck" (1982),the entertaining action outing "Black Moon Rising" (1986),the ill-received Burt Reynolds action vehicle "Malone" (1987),and the creepy fright flick "Dream Demon" (1988).
In addition to his work in feature films, Cokeliss has also directed episodes of several popular TV shows, including "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" (1995),"Xena: Warrior Princess" (1995),"The Dark Knight" (2000),and "The Immortal" (2000).
Cokeliss is also the owner of Barzo Productions Ltd., a production company that has been instrumental in bringing his creative vision to life. His most recent film, the mystery/romantic thriller "Paris Connections" (2010),showcases his continued ability to craft engaging narratives and his dedication to his craft.
Throughout his illustrious career, Harley Cokeliss has established himself as a talented and versatile filmmaker, with a range of credits that span multiple genres and mediums. His passion for storytelling and his commitment to his craft have made him a beloved figure in the film industry.
