Joe Q. Bretz
<infobox> <title source="title"></title> <image source="image"/> <label>imagecaption</label> <header>General Information</header> <label>Birth Name</label> <label>Aliases</label> <label>Gender</label> <label>Birth Place</label> <label>Birth Date</label>
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<label>Occupation</label> <label>Years Active</label> </infobox>Joseph Quinn Bretz (also credited as Joe Q. Bretz) is an American actor, producer, entrepreneur, and former model, originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He began his career in the Midwest, working as an actor and model before moving to Los Angeles to pursue opportunities in the entertainment industry. Later, Bretz transitioned to San Francisco, California, where he explored innovative ventures in the technology sector.
Bretz is known for his pioneering work as the executive producer of the California Music Awards, the first major music television awards program to use direct-to-hard-disk digital production technology. His film and television credits include The Chosen One, a comedy starring Rob Schneider. Throughout his career, Bretz has collaborated with prominent athletes, musicians, and celebrities, cementing his reputation as a creative force across multiple industries.
In addition to his work in entertainment, Bretz served as President, Director, and Founder of a public company focused on the tech, media, and entertainment sectors. During this time, he played a key role in pioneering Over-The-Top (OTT) streaming media technologies, driving the development of innovative platforms that transformed how content is delivered and consumed. He also managed a private equity fund with investments in high-tech startups, real estate, and hospitality ventures.
A member of the Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Bretz is dedicated to philanthropy and actively supports charitable initiatives aimed at making a positive impact.
Family
[edit | edit source]- Spouse: Lisa Charlott (May 7, 2021 - present)
- Parents: Andrea Hope Miller, Ran R. Bretz
- Relatives: Alter Esselin (Cousin, Poet), Jascha Heifetz (Cousin, Violinist)
Trivia
[edit | edit source]- Married to fashion model Lisa Charlott Murmann.
- His grandmother performed in "Horace Heidt and His Musical Knights" in the 1930s.
- Voted Most Talented in High School (Class of 1992, West Bend East High School, West Bend, WI).
- Cousin to the famous poet Alter Esselin.
- Cousin to Jascha Heifetz, regarded as one of the greatest violinists of all time.
Filmography
[edit | edit source]Producer/Executive Producer
[edit | edit source]- A Concert for Ronnie Montrose: A Celebration of His Life in Music (2013, TV Special) – Co-executive producer
- Katos Korner (2013, TV Series, 6 episodes) – Executive producer
- Drain Baby (2011, Video) – Executive producer
- Carlos Santana's Dream to Come Home (2011) – Executive producer
- The Chosen One (2010, Video) – Producer
- Iraq Love (2009, TV Special) – Executive producer
- The Station (2009) – Associate producer
- In the Electric Mist (2009) – Digital producer
- Gumbys 50th Birthday Party featuring SmashMouth (2007, TV Special) – Executive producer
- G.E. Smith 50 Watt Fuse (2007, TV Special) – Co-executive producer
- Mouth to Mouth SxSw (2006, Video) – Executive producer
- 2002 California Music Awards (2002, TV Special) – Executive producer
- Music Choice OnStage Featuring SmashMouth (2001, TV Special) – Producer
- Rob Schneider: Registered Offender (2001, Video) – Executive producer
Special Thanks
[edit | edit source]- Holliston (2012, TV Series, 11 episodes)
- Train Live in Chicago (2011, TV Special)
- Rescue Dawn (2006)
Self/Appearances
[edit | edit source]- Katos Korner (2013, TV Series, Self)
- Gumbys 50th Birthday Party featuring SmashMouth (2007, TV Special, Self)
- Tom Green's House Tonight (2007, TV Series, Self, 1 episode)
- Gumby Dharma (2006, Self - Interviewee)
- Mouth to Mouth SxSw (2006, Video, Self)
- 2002 California Music Awards (2002, TV Special, Self)
- Music Choice OnStage Featuring SmashMouth (2001, TV Special, Self - Interviewee)