Writer/Director Barry Poltermann directed his first feature film -- ASWANG, in 1994 (with the help of filmmaker Mark Borchardt, who gave early support and inspiration--"fuck yeah, man. Just do it!). ASWANG played at a variety of film festivals (including SUNDANCE) and was released as THE UNEARTHING. Poltermann then began a commercial directing career as he signed on as a director for SPOKE FILM in 1996. He has directed a string of national commercials, including GATORADE, FORD, and COCA COLA.

In addition to his directing, Poltermann has edited several documentary pieces for Bravo/IFC's SPLIT SCREEN program, as well as the feature length documentary, AMERICAN MOVIE, for filmmakers Chris Smith and Sarah Price.

In 1998 Poltermann co-founded CIVILIAN PICTURES to finance independant features. Their first film was AMERICAN MOVIE. Their next feature is MONKEYBUTT, helmed by ASWANG co-director Wrye Martin.