Born in Chicago, IL. Longtime collaborator of Melvin Frank, first as a screenwriter, then as producer and director. Visit the Internet Movie Database to view Panama's writing, producing and directing credits.  Nominated for Writing (Original Screenplay) 1946: ROAD TO UTOPIA (w. Melvin Frank)  Nominated for Writing (Story and Screenplay) 1954: KNOCK ON WOOD (w. Melvin Frank)  Nominated for Writing (Best Story and Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen) 1960: THE FACTS OF LIFE (w. Melvin Frank) 3 nominations