Tony Klinger

Tony Klinger (born January 29, 1950) is a British director, documentary filmmaker, producer, media executive, and best-selling author. With a career spanning several decades, Klinger has worked on various feature films, documentaries, and short films that have received international acclaim and awards. Some of his notable works include “The Avengers,” “Deep Purple Rises Over Japan,” “Gold,” “Shout at the Devil,” “The Kids Are Alright,” “Full Circle,” “The Man Who Got Carter,” “Solo To Darwin,” "Sisters," and "Dirty, Sexy and Totally Iconic."
Klinger has also served as company president and chief executive for sales and distribution companies in the United Kingdom and the United States.
In addition to films, Klinger has also authored several books, including “Twilight of the Gods” (2009), “The Butterfly Boy” (2017) “Under God’s Table” (2018) "Alsatia: The Search for Treasure (2024), "How to Get Your Movie Made by Someone Who Knows" (2024) “How to Get Into the Movie Business” (2024).
==Early life and education==
Klinger was born on January 29, 1950, in Hackney, London. He is the son of the British film producer and distributor, Michael Klinger. At 9, Tony developed a passion and decided to pursue a career in filmmaking. During his school years, Klinger won prizes at several writing competitions. Additionally, Klinger and his friends established an underground school magazine called Fanfare at his secondary school, Harrow High.
At 18, Klinger started developing small, professional films and scripts that received wide public distribution.
==Career==
===Beginnings (1966-2006)===
Klinger started his filmmaking career in the mid 1960s, serving as an assistant director on the popular TV series "The Avengers." His early roles in the industry were diverse, encompassing technical positions such as assistant projectionist, cameraman, sound assistant, assistant editor, gofer, runner and assistant director. Klinger’s work was quickly recognized by his seniors, leading to promotions and significant responsibilities before he turned 21. During this period, he also ventured into creating his own small-scale films while assuming senior roles in various projects.
His notable early works include productions like “Mister J”, “Extremes,” "The Kids are Alright," "Deep Purple Rises Over Japan," and "The Butterfly Ball." Klinger also worked as a freelance junior editor with the BBC Wednesday Play and as Unit Manager with Searchlight Films in London's Soho, who subcontracted him to the Ministry of Defence, where he made training films for the UK military.
Klinger collaborated with his father, film producer Michael Klinger, contributing to notable films such as "Gold," "Shout at the Devil," and "Rachel’s Man.” Throughout his career, Klinger has collaborated with various renowned stars, including Jack Nicholson, Peter Ustinov, Lee Marvin, Sir John Gielgud, Roger Moore, Deep Purple, Barbara Parkins, The Who, Peter Finch, Susannah York, and Michael Caine, among others.
In addition to his work in films, Klinger has served as President or Chief Executive for media companies in both the UK and USA, including Avton Communications & Entertainment Inc. and Small Giant Media Ltd. He oversaw various productions, including documentaries, cinematic feature films, and TV movies, across more than thirty countries. Until 2006, he held the position of Chief Executive at TLMH, a production company.
===(2008-present)===
In 2008, Tony Klinger premiered his film "Full Circle." Two years later, in 2010, he launched bCreative, a social networking website catering to individuals aspiring to work in the creative arts.
In 2012, Klinger directed music videos for Honest John Plain, featuring The Pretenders, Hanoi Rocks, and Mott the Hoople, among others. He also produced material for the emerging psychic stars, Hide & Peel, slated for appearances in both the United States and the UK.
In 2016, Klinger founded "GGG," a film-making initiative offering inclusive opportunities for individuals to engage in quick film-making ventures. Concurrently, he initiated "Give-Get-Go," a community outreach project aimed at facilitating film-making experiences for diverse segments of society.
In November 2018, Klinger premiered the film "The Man Who Got Carter," paying homage to his late father, Michael Klinger. The film featured interviews with Sir Michael Caine and director Mike Hodges, received accolades at various film festivals, and received widespread broadcast and digital releases.
Klinger has also directed various music films, including "Deep Purple Rises Over Japan" and "The Butterfly Ball," featuring iconic music legends.
In 2019, Klinger established Tony Klinger Coaching, a platform designed to provide coaching services to individuals seeking guidance and support in various aspects of their filmmaking careers.
In 2019, Klinger co-produced and directed the documentary "Solo2Darwin," showcasing the journey of Amanda Harrison, a pilot and cancer survivor. He is also the executive producer for the documentary "Sisters," following UK musician Dan Blackwell to Kabul to meet 'Zohra,' Afghanistan’s first-and sadly last all-female orchestra.
In 2021, Klinger presented, and co-produced "Dirty, Sexy and Totally Iconic," commemorating the 50th anniversary of his father's film, "Get Carter." 
===Literary Works===
In 2009–10, he marked his literary debut with "Twilight of the Gods," a book detailing the production of "The Kids Are Alright," featuring The Who rock group which reaches its third edition as “Who Knows” in 2024.
In 2015, Klinger expanded his creative horizons by delving into playwriting with "A Tired Heart & The Big C." Following this, he released "Under God’s Table" in 2017 and “The Butterfly Boy” 2018. Other notable publications include "Alsatia: The Search for Treasure (2024) and "How to Get Your Movie Made by Someone Who Knows" (2024).”How to Get Into the Movie Business” (2024).
Klinger's literary works have been revisited with second editions of "The Butterfly Boy" and "The Who and I" (previously titled "Twilight of the Gods") by Gonzo Publishers in 2020 and third editions for 2024.
==Academia and Media Education==
Klinger has also made significant contributions to academia and media education. He served as a lecturer and program leader at the Bournemouth Film School and as the course director and Visiting Fellow at the Northern Film School. At the University of East London, Klinger served as Director of the Media Production Centre and two other directories.
Klinger has served on international boards, notably as the National Secretary of the Association of Media Practice Educators (AMPE) where he presented as a speaker and Chairperson. Additionally, he co-founded the Screen Commission Northants and acted as a patron of the UK Film School Charity. He also contributed to the NEL Creative and Cultural Strategy Board, advocating for the digital and creative sectors.
==Awards and recognitions==
* In 2018, Klinger received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Romford Film Festival.
* Klinger has received multiple Fuji Film Scholarship Awards, including Best Production, Most Commercial Film, and Best Direction. 
* Klinger has also been awarded Kodak Commercial Prizes.
* Klinger has received The Queen's Anniversary Award for Education.
* Klinger's work on 'The Kids are Alright' was recognized with the San Sebastian Award.
* Klinger's film 'Extremes' was recognized with the Outstanding Picture of the Year Award at the London Film Festival.
==Filmography==
Year 	Title 	Credit 	Category
2024 	Dirty, Sexy & Totally Iconic	Producer, Director, Writer 	Film
2023 	Sisters 	Executive Producer 	TV Series
In Development 	Reapers Shadow 	Producer, Writer 	Film
In post production	Solo2 Darwin 	Producer, Director, Writer 	Documentary
2018 	The Man Who Got Carter 	Producer, Director, Writer 	Documentary
2007 	Full Circle 	Co-Producer / Director 	Documentary
2000 	Hungry Freaks 	Executive Producer 	Short
1992 	The Assassinator 	Executive Producer 	
1990 	Angels on Horseback 	Executive Producer 	TV Series
1989 	Make Your Mark 	Executive Producer 	TV Series
1989 	Make the Grade (1989) 	Executive Producer 	TV Series
1986 	StarSigns 	Executive Producer, Director	TV Series
1981 	Riding High 	Producer 	Feature Film
1979 	The Kids Are Alright 	Producer 	Documentary
1977 	The Butterfly Ball 	Producer, Director, Writer 	Feature Film
1976 	Shout at the Devil 	Associate Producer 	Feature Film
1975 	Rachel's Man 	Associate Producer 	Feature Film
1974 	Gold 	Assistant Producer 	Feature Film
1973 	La redada (Barcelona Kill) 	Producer: London 	
1971 	Extremes 	Producer, Director, Writer 	Documentary
1970 	The Festival Game 	Producer, Director 	Documentary
1969 	Mr. J 	Co-producer, Director 	Documentary
==Bibliography==
* The Who and I about making the film ‘The Kids are Alright (2022)
* Alsatia – The Search for the Treasure (2024)
* How to Get Your Movie Made by Someone Who Knows (2024)
* Under God’s Table (2017)
* The Butterfly Boy (2011)
==Personal life==
Klinger resides in Northampton, England. He is married to his wife, Avril Klinger and together they have three children's.
==In the media==
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==References==
==External links==
* Personal website
* Give-Get-Go
* Tony Klinger Coaching
* Tony Klinger on IMDb
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Category:1950 births
Category:British directors
Category:British documentary filmmakers
Category:British film producers
Category:British media executives
Category:British authors