Shawn Ryan

Won a national college comedy playwriting award, which gave him the opportunity to observe writers on the set of the '90s series My Two Dads. First major writing job was on Nash Bridges, working for Carlton Cuse (who later created Lost). The writers rode along with San Francisco officers as research for the series, giving Ryan background for his future cop shows. Based the premise of The Shield on the corrupt Rampart division of the Los Angeles anti-gang unit. In spite of his executive producer status, supported the 2007-08 writers strike by refusing to perform nonwriting duties, such as editing and casting for his programs. His participation in strike negotiations caused him to miss the filming of The Shield's series finale.