Sonja Hughes Akright

Narrative Support

Director of the Geneva Lake Museum in Lake Geneva Wisconsin and DnD historian, who knows the people who created the game and the local lore that inspired the adventures more than 50 million people enjoy today.

Stephen Chenault

Game Designer

Stephen Chenault is a co-founder and CEO of Troll Lord Games, and a significant figure in the role-playing game industry. Known for his collaboration with Gary Gygax, the co-creator of Dungeons & Dragons, Stephen has played a pivotal role in shaping the RPG landscape. His insights and experiences were shared in an interview at GenCon 2024, contributing to the rich tapestry of stories within the "50 Years of Fantasy" documentary.

Peter Adkison

Game Designer

Peter Adkison is the founder of Wizards of the Coast, the company that transformed the role-playing game industry by acquiring the rights to Dungeons & Dragons. As a key figure in the gaming community, Peter's leadership and innovative vision have significantly influenced the growth and popularity of fantasy gaming. His involvement and experiences are highlighted in the "50 Years of Fantasy" documentary, showcasing his contributions to the evolution of the genre.

Margaret Weis

Author

Margaret Weis is a celebrated American author and game designer, renowned for her significant contributions to the fantasy genre. She is best known as the co-creator of the Dragonlance series, alongside Tracy Hickman. Her impactful work and insights are featured in the "50 Years of Fantasy" documentary, highlighting her role in shaping the world of fantasy gaming.

Ed Greenwood

Game Designer

Ed Greenwood is a legendary fantasy author and the creator of the Forgotten Realms, one of the most beloved and enduring settings in the Dungeons & Dragons universe. His imaginative world-building and storytelling are celebrated in the "50 Years of Fantasy" documentary, showcasing his lasting influence on fantasy gaming.

Ernest Gary Gygax Jr

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Ernie Gygax is the eldest son of Gary Gygax, co-creator of Dungeons & Dragons. Growing up in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Ernie was intimately involved in the early development of D&D, serving as one of its first players. His unique experiences and insights are featured in the "50 Years of Fantasy" documentary, highlighting his contributions to the game's history and evolution.

Ray Winninger

Game Designer

Ray Winninger is a renowned game designer and writer, celebrated for his contributions to role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. He co-designed DC Heroes and Torg, and created the satirical RPG Underground. Winninger authored the "Dungeoncraft" column in Dragon magazine, guiding Dungeon Masters in world-building. In 2020, he became Executive Producer of the D&D studio at Wizards of the Coast, a role he held until October 2022.

David Johnson

Influencer

David Johnson is an award winning visual fx artist, CEO of Undertone FX, and has worked on titles like Call of Duty Modern Warfare, Halo, Mortal Kombat One, and Diablo IV. He's also an incredibly talented dungeon master and creative mind with an eye for the dramatic every moment you're seated at his table.

Stefan Pokorny

Artist/Dungeonmaster

Stefan Pokorny is an accomplished artist, game designer, and entrepreneur, renowned for his influence in the tabletop gaming community. As the founder and CEO of Dwarven Forge, he has revolutionized tabletop gaming by creating high-quality, hand-sculpted terrain and miniature scenery for role-playing games. Featured in the "50 Years of Fantasy" documentary, Stefan shares his journey and insights into enhancing the immersive experience of fantasy gaming. His passion for creativity is also highlighted in the documentary “The Dwarvenaut,” which explores his artistic vision and mission to inspire imagination.

Chris Moreland

Narrator/Producer/Writer

Chris is the producer and narrative director for 50 Years of Fantasy. He has served in a variety of creative and business roles for both public and private entities and is a founder of Build Something Media.

Blake DeRusha

Director/Music

Blake DeRusha is an experienced music video director, writer, and musician. He brings all of those talents together to serve as the director of cinematography for 50 Years of Fantasy.

Justin Bethune

Outsider

Justin Bethune is an Executive Producer on the film. He is one of the founding members of Build Something Media, the production company behind 50 Years of Fantasy, and he serves as a public personality and host for a variety of podcasts and talk shows.

The GM Tim

Dungeon Master

The GM Tim is a seasoned game master known for immersive, story-driven tabletop RPG sessions across Canada and internationally. Specializing in “theatre of the mind” gameplay, Tim fosters engaging experiences that emphasize inclusivity and diversity. He also leads "Appendix Lit," a book club for inspiring tabletop games, and has been a featured Dungeon Master at events like D&D in a Castle, making him a respected figure in the RPG community.

Tara Rout

Co-Founder of D&D in a Castle

Tara Rout is the co-founder and CEO of D&D in a Castle, an event that immerses participants in the world of fantasy gaming within a real castle setting. Her passion for creating engaging, nerdy events is evident through her previous ventures, such as the Pride & Prejudice Ball and the Festival of Witchcraft & Wizardry. She brings a unique blend of creativity and leadership to the "50 Years of Fantasy" documentary, highlighting her contributions to the gaming community.

Mike Tinney

Dungeon Master

Mike Tinney is a distinguished figure in the gaming industry, known for his contributions to role-playing games and innovative game design. Starting his career with White Wolf Publishing, he played a pivotal role in developing the Mind's Eye Theatre system and co-developing the Street Fighter RPG. He later became CEO of White Wolf, leading significant updates to the World of Darkness series. As co-CEO of "D&D in a Castle," Tinney blends creativity with strategic leadership, delivering dynamic storytelling and immersive experiences.

Clint McElroy

Dungeon Master

Clint McElroy is a talented storyteller and Dungeon Master known for his engaging role-playing sessions at events like "D&D in a Castle." His interview at Lumley Castle showcases his passion for fantasy gaming, contributing to the immersive experiences featured in the "50 Years of Fantasy" documentary.

Mark Meer

Dungeon Master

Mark Meer is a Canadian actor, writer, and improviser renowned for voicing Commander Shepard in BioWare's Mass Effect trilogy. His extensive voice work includes roles in the Dragon Age and Baldur's Gate series, as well as The Long Dark. Beyond gaming, Meer is a core member of the improv troupe Die-Nasty and co-created the TV series Tiny Plastic Men, earning multiple Canadian Screen Award nominations.

Elisa Teague

Dungeon Master

Elisa Teague is a highly regarded Dungeon Master and game designer known for her inventive storytelling and contributions to the world of Dungeons & Dragons. With a career spanning numerous tabletop RPGs and board games, Elisa brings her unique vision and expertise to every adventure, captivating players with her immersive narratives and dynamic gameplay. Her work has redefined what it means to be a Dungeon Master, blending creative mechanics with engaging roleplay to craft memorable experiences that resonate with both veteran players and newcomers alike.

Jason Carl

Dungeon Master

Jason Carl is a legendary storyteller and game designer celebrated for his expertise in immersive roleplaying and dark, atmospheric narratives. Best known for his work with Vampire: The Masquerade, Jason brings a masterful touch to every game, drawing players into complex, character-driven worlds filled with intrigue and moral ambiguity. His storytelling style combines rich lore with deep emotional engagement, making him a key figure in the tabletop RPG community and a source of inspiration for storytellers everywhere.

Kelly Lynne D’Angelo

Dungeon Master

Kelly Lynne D’Angelo is a Haudenosaunee (Tuscarora) writer, Dungeon Master, and advocate for Indigenous representation in media. Known for her work on Miracle Workers, Final Space, and Candlekeep Mysteries, she brings heartfelt storytelling to both TV and tabletop, championing diversity and authenticity across all platforms she engages.

Belinda Cornish

Narrative support

Belinda Cornish is a Canadian actress, playwright, and voice artist celebrated for her dynamic work in theater, television, and gaming. Known for her role in Tiny Plastic Men and voice work in the Mass Effect and Dragon Age series, Cornish is also an accomplished playwright, with award-winning works like Category E and Little Elephants. Married to actor Mark Meer, she continues to enrich Canadian theater and entertainment with her versatile talent.