Entry #27 has a really professional and clean look. I like it! I wish the swirl design had something more organic or relevant to the company than just the look. But this is certainly very clean simple. Not crazy about the bright red or the white background, but this is interesting to me. Entry #23 is probably a bit too cartoonish and playful. I like the attempt to incorporate the "TM" but it looks more like a child's toy or something. Difficult to make out the TM too.
As far as an icon or design that doesn't include the company name, you win so far! I love the look of the directors chair and the layout. It really looks great! My only concern is that it appears too lonely or singular, meaning, does it make the company appear too small by only having 1 chair? Not that it would work with more chairs. But I feel like this is a great logo for a writer or for a director since there is only 1 chair, rather than a production company. But very impressed with this concept. Just not sure it's right for this company?