Ian Ellis James a.k.a. W Electric Black

William Electric Black, aka Ian Ellis James, is a seven-time Emmy Award winning writer for his work on “Sesame Street” between 1992 and 2002. La MaMa ETC Regional Tony Award - 2018. He also wrote for Nickelodeon’s “Allegra’s Window” and Lancit Media’s “Backyard Safari.”
W. Electric Black, who under his aka Ian Ellis James, co-wrote several songs as a writer for Sesame Street with over a million views on YouTube. These include: The Gospel Alphabet for Patti LaBelle Sesame Street: Patti Labelle Sings The Alphabet and The Letter “O” for Queen Latifah Sesame Street: Queen Latifah: The Letter O
In 2022-2023, his children’s television show “Rap-U-Cation” was optioned by FarView Entertainment. He also developed an original TV show for FarView called Dragon Clouds.
In a series of multimedia projects with Doug E. Fresh, Chuck D, and Artie Green, Mr. Black has campaigned for exercise and good nutrition for young children, prescription drug awareness and obesity prevention. He has also raised awareness re: saving kids from gun violence. Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup
Mr. Black’s stage credits include: (2025) Can You Hear The Pigeons Writer/Director Theater For The New City Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup
(2024) Fly To Tomorrow – Additional Book Writer – Jooda Culture – South Korea USA Production (2024) Betty & The Belrays – Writer/Director – La MaMa ETC, NY, NY (2024) The Frankenstein Project – Writer/Director – Theater For The New City, NY, NY (2023) Romeo & Juliet: Tribal Rock Musical -Writer/Director, Theater For The New City, NY, NY
(2022) Romeo & Juliet: Tribal Rock Musical –Writer/Director La MaMa ETC