Janine Sherman Barrois

Janine Sherman Barrois is an award-winning writer and showrunner under an exclusive multi-year deal at Warner Bros. through her company Folding Chair Productions to create and develop new series. She recently executive-produced the Tribeca documentary "Hargrove" and the Apple TV+ series "The Big Cigar,” based on the true story of Black Panthers’ Huey P. Newton’s escape from the FBI.

Barrois' previous work includes "Claws," where she was executive producer; "Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam CJ Walker," the award-winning Netflix limited series starring Octavia Spencer, which she ran and co-executive produced; and the highly acclaimed OWN series "The Kings of Napa," a drama about an influential family who runs a prestigious Black-owned vineyard, which she created. Barrois spent five years as an executive producer on the CBS hit "Criminal Minds," and held a similar position at "ER" for its final four seasons. She also spent five seasons on "Third Watch," rising from story editor to co-executive producer. She has also written for Eddie Murphy's "The PJs," "The Jamie Foxx Show" and "Lush Life." Barrois is a graduate of the Warner Bros. Writing Workshop and attended Howard University.

She made her directorial debut with "French Fries," which won the short film category at the Crested Butte Film Festival.

The recipient of numerous NAACP Image awards and nominations, Barrois is active in the Writers Guild of America, where she serves in their mentoring program and on the committee for showrunner training programs. She continues to be an advocate for the advancement of women and people of color in the entertainment industry. Additionally, Barrois is engaged in the contemporary art world, serving on the Board of Advisors at the Hammer Museum.