Craig Gillespie

Australian film directorTemplate:SHORTDESC:Australian film director

**Craig Gillespie** (born 1 September 1967) is an Australian-American film, television, music video, and commercial director. He is best known for directing the films *Lars and the Real Girl*, *Fright Night*, *I, Tonya*, and *Cruella*.

## Early life

Born and raised in Sydney, Gillespie moved to New York City at the age of nineteen to study illustration, graphic design and advertising at Manhattan's School of Visual Arts. Gillespie stated he had grown up as an atheist.

## Career

Gillespie started out as an intern at ad agency J. Walter Thompson, New York. He then moved on to D'Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles, BBDO, Deutsch, and Ammirati & Puris, first as an art director, later as a creative director. After eight years working on the agency side he moved into directing in 1995. Based on the strength of his spec reel and agency experience, he gained representation by production company Fahrenheit Films in late 1995. One year later, he signed with Coppos Films. He has been with MJZ since 2000 and continues to work as a commercial director, commonly working with cinematographers Adam Kimmel and Rodrigo Prieto. Following nominations in 2001 and 2002 in the Directors Guild of America Award category for "Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Commercials", he won in 2006 for his Ameriquest and Altoids commercials. He also won a Golden Lion Award at 2005's Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival, and two of his commercials belong to the Museum of Modern Art in Midtown Manhattan's permanent collection.

Gillespie's debut feature film was 2007's *Mr. Woodcock*. He left the project after several negative test screenings, and many scenes were re-written and re-shot. David Dobkin replaced Gillespie in the director's role. Upon initially receiving the script, Gillespie had assumed that audiences would respond well to the dark humor he had been using in his commercials, but, according to him, "it was obvious the audience wanted a broader comedy, not the one I'd made. I appreciated the predicament New Line was in, so I stepped aside." Less than a month after principal photography of *Mr. Woodcock* concluded, Gillespie set up pre-production of *Lars and the Real Girl*. He had had the Lars script for four years but had not yet attached any cast members or a studio. He had first read the script before he was attached to *Mr. Woodcock*, but the pitch for *Lars and the Real Girl*—a man falling in love with a sex doll—which he had almost turned down himself, believing the premise to be an "absurd notion", put off many major studios. He chose to direct *Mr. Woodcock* first.

Gillespie directed several episodes, including the pilot, of the first season of Steven Spielberg and Diablo Cody's television series *The United States of Tara*. He was set to re-team with *Lars and the Real Girl* lead actor Ryan Gosling for *Dallas Buyers Club*, a film telling the true story of Ron Woodroof, an electrician given six months to live after he was diagnosed with AIDS, but used a variety of drugs which he smuggled to other AIDS patients to live for another six years. However, the directing job instead went to Jean-Marc Vallée and Matthew McConaughey as Ron Woodroof. In March 2010, it was announced that Gillespie would direct the *Fright Night* remake, starring Colin Farrell, Anton Yelchin and Toni Collette for the lead roles. Gillespie and Sam Worthington won the 2009 Australians in Film Breakthrough Award.

In 2011, he directed the music video for Kid Cudi's single, "No One Believes Me". Gillsespie finalized his contract to direct an adaptation of *Pride and Prejudice and Zombies* on 18 April 2011. but he later left the film. In April 2014, it was announced that Gillespie would direct the film *The Finest Hours* about the Coast Guard who tries to save the crews of two oil tankers in 1952. Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Josh Stewart, Graham McTavish and Kyle Gallner star in the film for Walt Disney Pictures. The sets for the film were made in Quincy, Massachusetts.

Gillespie directed *I, Tonya* (2017), a biographical film about figure skater Tonya Harding, starring Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan and Allison Janney. In December 2018, it was announced that Gillespie would replace Alex Timbers (due to the latter's scheduling conflicts) as director for Disney's live-action spin-off of *One Hundred and One Dalmatians* titled *Cruella*, with Emma Stone portraying Cruella de Vil; the film premiered in May 28, 2021. In June 2021, it was announced that he would return to direct a sequel to *Cruella*.

## Filmography

### Commercials

* 7-Eleven - "Belly Flop", "Ducks"
* Acura - "Transactions"
* Aerial Communications - "Lost"
* Altoids - "Fruit Bat", "Mother Tongue", "People of Pain"
* Ameriquest - "Robbery", "Surprise Dinner", "Mother-in-Law", "Parking Meter", "Doctor", "Friendly Skies", "Concert"
* Audi - "Commander", "Driver", "New Santa"
* Bud Light - "Groupies"
* Call of Duty - "Codnapped"
* CareerBuilder - "Job Fairy", "Casual Friday"
* Cars.com - "David Abernathy", "Timothy Richman"
* CDW/Cisco - "Dysfunction by Aging Rock Stars. Orchestration by CDW."
* Citi - "Dressing Up", "Mountain", "Runner"
* Consumers Energy - "Milk", "Dog Dish"
* DirecTV - "Chair", "Chinese Food", "Vase"
* Dunkin' Donuts - "Joke", "Parking Lot", "Phone"
* Emerald Nuts/Pop Secret - "Awesomer"
* ESPN - "Alarm Clocks", "Paper Jam"
* FedEx - "Drafting", "Gin Rummy", "Perspective"
* FirstNBC - "Refund", "Rich Guy"
* Fruit of the Loom - "Boxers", "Ceremonial Fruit", "Shirts"
* GEICO - "Balding", "CEO", "House", "Rapper", "Soap"
* Guinness - "Slide"
* Holiday Inn Express - "Jeopardy"
* H&R Block - "Where's Your W-2?", "Brad or Chad"
* Infiniti - "Holiday Shopping"
* Kraft Dinner - "Romantic Dinner"
* Icehouse - "Rain Delay", "Dinner Party", "Support Group"
* Jack Link's Beef Jerky - "Binoculars", "Salt Shaker", "Shaving Cream", "Waterbowl"
* Mercedes-Benz - "Bawling/Penguin", "It's Ready"
* Miracle Whip - "Man's Best Friend"
* Molson Canadian - "Close to You"
* Mountain Dew - "Defeated"
* MSN - "Hotel", "Mr. Snookums", "Name Game", "Quiz", "Rad"
* Nike - "The Roger Effect"
* Nintendo DS - "Race", "Teamwork"
* Nintendo DSi - "Hanging Out"
* Nissan Altima - "Break-Up"
* Obama - "Maverick"
* Pepsi - "Magnetic Attraction"
* Porsche - "Dinner", "Sound"
* Qwest - "Crib"
* Saturn - "Convoy"
* Snickers - "Game", "Road Trip", "Coach", "Cards"
* Southwest Airlines - "Locked Car"
* Subway - "Cupid"
* TAG Body Spray - "Disclaimer Mom", "Fast Acting"
* The St. Paul - "Noah"
* Toyota - "Adrenalitis", "Bed", "Living the Dream", "Rail System"
* Toys "R" Us - "Periscope Up", "Spaceship", "Standoff"
* Twix - "Ideologies", "Merger"
* US West - "Cry"
* Volkswagen - "Dancing", "Hike", "Yoga"
* Washington Mutual - "Julie", "Roy", "Bill B Gone", "Insta-Branch", "Money Shrub", "Teller Porter", "Debra", "Tom", "Jenn", "Paul", "Brandon", "Geoffrey"
* World Championship Wrestling : "HOV", "Couch", "Voodoo"
* Wrigley's - "No Dummy"
* Yahoo! - "Bully", "Garden", "Recall"

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Douglas, Edward (9 October 2007). Craig Gillespie's Big Comeback. ComingSoon.net. Retrieved on August 23, 2008.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Template:Cite press release
3. ↑ Hessey, Ruth (2 April 2008). Director – Craig Gillespie. Time Out Sydney. Archived from the original on August 9, 2009. Retrieved on August 23, 2008.
4. ↑ In Love with a Real Doll
5. ↑ Template:Cite magazine
6. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Woodward, Sarah (26 May 2000). "MJZ Signs Craig Gillespie". **41** (21). Shoot. p. 7.
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Goldstein, Patrick (2 October 2007). "Hit or miss? Yes". *Los Angeles Times*. Retrieved 23 August 2008.
8. ↑ Template:Cite magazine
9. ↑ DreamWorks Planning a 'Fright Night' in 3-D?. BloodyDisgusting.
10. ↑ Template:Cite magazine
11. ↑ Fright Night Remake Director Now Official!. DreadCentral.
12. ↑ More on the Fright Night Remake ... Location, Location, Location!. DreadCentral.
13. ↑ [1] Template:Webarchive
14. ↑ Breznican, Anthony (19 April 2011). 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies' director chews over Jane Austen mash-up – EXCLUSIVE. *Entertainment Weekly*. Retrieved on April 19, 2011.
15. ↑ Template:Cite magazine
16. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>"Casey Affleck In 'Finest Hours' Talks". deadline.com. 6 August 2014. Retrieved 7 August 2014.
17. ↑ Template:Cite magazine
18. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>"'The Finest Hours' Adds 'Outlander's Graham McTavish". deadline.com.
19. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>"'Kyle Gallner Joins Disaster-At-Sea Drama 'The Finest Hours'". deadline.com.
20. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>"Sets for 'The Finest Hour', starring Chris Pine, being built in Quincy, MA". onlocationvacations.com.
21. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Kroll, Justin (14 June 2016). "Craig Gillespie to Direct Tonya Harding Biopic Starring Margot Robbie (EXCLUSIVE)". *Variety*. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
22. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Hipes, Patrick (13 December 2016). "Sebastian Stan To Play Jeff Gillooly In 'I, Tonya'". *Deadline*. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
23. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Fleming, Mike Jr. (12 December 2016). "Miramax Lands Margot Robbie As Tonya Harding Drama 'I, Tonya'". *Deadline*. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
24. ↑ Craig Gillespie In Talks To Direct Emma Stone In ‘Cruella’ (December 4, 2018). Retrieved on December 5, 2018.
25. ↑ McClintock, Pamela (May 18, 2021). ‘Cruella’ Stages First Major Hollywood Premiere in Pandemic Era.
26. ↑ Couch, Borys Kit,Aaron (2021-06-04). ‘Cruella’ Sequel in the Works at Disney (Exclusive) (en-US).
27. ↑ 7-Eleven : Belly Flop (July 24, 2000). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
28. ↑ 7-Eleven : Ducks (July 24, 2000). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
29. ↑ Honda Acura : Transactions -- Super Bowl XLVI (January 29, 2012). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
30. ↑ Aerial.Com Pc Wireless Phone Service Provider: Lost (September 2, 2000). Retrieved on August 3, 2021.
31. ↑ Altoids : Fruit Bat (March 24, 2005). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
32. ↑ Altoids : Mother Tongue (March 24, 2005). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
33. ↑ Altoids : People of Pain (March 24, 2005). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
34. ↑ Ameriquest - Robbery (February 6, 2005). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
35. ↑ Ameriquest - Surprise Dinner (February 6, 2005). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
36. ↑ Ameriquest : Mother-In-Law (February 28, 2005). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
37. ↑ Ameriquest : Parking Meter (February 28, 2005). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
38. ↑ Ameriquest - Doctor (February 5, 2006). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
39. ↑ Ameriquest - Friendly Skies (February 5, 2006). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
40. ↑ Ameriquest : Concert (May 8, 2006). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
41. ↑ Audi - "Commander" (February 7, 2016). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
42. ↑ Audi "Driver" spot. Retrieved on August 3, 2021.
43. ↑ Audi "New Santa" spot. Retrieved on August 3, 2021.
44. ↑ Bud Light : Groupies (February 27, 2006). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
45. ↑ CareerBuilder : Job Fairy (January 14, 2010). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
46. ↑ CareerBuilder.com - Casual Friday (February 7, 2010). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
47. ↑ Cars.com - David Abernathy (February 7, 2010). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
48. ↑ Cars.com - Timothy Richman (February 7, 2010). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
49. ↑ CDW TV Commercial, 'Dysfunction by Aging Rock Stars. Orchestration by CDW.' (en).
50. ↑ Citi : Dressing Up (November 22, 2004). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
51. ↑ Citi : Mountain (November 22, 2004). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
52. ↑ Citi : Runner (April 28, 2005). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
53. ↑ Consumers Energy Energy Company: Milk (June 6, 1999). Retrieved on August 3, 2021.
54. ↑ Consumers Energy Energy Company: Dog Dish (June 23, 1999). Retrieved on August 3, 2021.
55. ↑ DirecTV : Chair (November 16, 2004). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
56. ↑ DirecTV : Chinese Food (November 16, 2004). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
57. ↑ DirecTV : Vase (November 16, 2004). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
58. ↑ Dunkin' Donuts : Joke (May 17, 2004). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
59. ↑ Dunkin' Donuts : Parking Lot (May 17, 2004). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
60. ↑ Dunkin' Donuts : Phone (May 17, 2004). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
61. ↑ Emerald Nuts/Pop Secret : Awesomer (February 4, 2010). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
62. ↑ ESPN : Alarm Clocks (August 20, 2008). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
63. ↑ ESPN : Paper Jam (August 20, 2008). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
64. ↑ FedEx : Drafting (February 17, 2005). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
65. ↑ FedEx : Gin Rummy (February 17, 2005). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
66. ↑ FedEx : Perspective (February 17, 2005). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
67. ↑ First Commerce Corporation Financial Services: Refund (July 1, 1998). Retrieved on August 3, 2021.
68. ↑ First Commerce Corporation Financial Services: Rich Guy (August 17, 1998). Retrieved on August 3, 2021.
69. ↑ Fruit of the Loom : Boxers (September 9, 2002). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
70. ↑ Fruit of the Loom : Ceremonial Fruit (September 9, 2002). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
71. ↑ Fruit of the Loom : Shirts (September 9, 2002). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
72. ↑ Geico : Balding (August 10, 2003). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
73. ↑ Geico : CEO (August 10, 2003). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
74. ↑ Geico : House (August 10, 2003). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
75. ↑ Geico : Rapper (August 10, 2003). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
76. ↑ Geico : Soap (August 10, 2003). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
77. ↑ Guinness - Slide (November 23, 2009). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
78. ↑ Holiday Inn Express : Jeopardy (April 12, 2004). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
79. ↑ H & R Block Tax Services: Where's Your W-2? (February 1, 2000). Retrieved on August 3, 2021.
80. ↑ H & R Block Tax Services: Brad Or Chad Or Something (March 17, 2000). Retrieved on August 3, 2021.
81. ↑ Kraft Dinners: Romantic Dinner (April 6, 2000). Retrieved on August 3, 2021.
82. ↑ Icehouse : Rain Delay (August 28, 2000). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
83. ↑ Icehouse : Dinner Party (August 29, 2000). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
84. ↑ Icehouse : Support Group (August 29, 2000). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
85. ↑ Jack Link's : Binoculars (May 30, 2006). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
86. ↑ Jack Link's : Salt Shaker (May 30, 2006). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
87. ↑ Jack Link's : Shaving Cream (May 30, 2006). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
88. ↑ Jack Link's : Waterbowl (May 30, 2006). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
89. ↑ Mercedes Benz : Bawling/Penguin (June 18, 2006). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
90. ↑ Mercedes Benz : It's Ready (June 18, 2006). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
91. ↑ Kraft Miracle Whip Salad Cream: Man's Best Friend (May 3, 1998). Retrieved on August 3, 2021.
92. ↑ Molson Canadian : Close To You (December 25, 1999). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
93. ↑ Mountain Dew : Defeated (August 28, 2007). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
94. ↑ MSN : Hotel (December 18, 2003). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
95. ↑ MSN : Mr. Snookums (December 18, 2003). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
96. ↑ MSN : Name Game (December 18, 2003). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
97. ↑ MSN : Quiz (December 18, 2003). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
98. ↑ MSN : Rad (December 18, 2003). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
99. ↑ Nintendo Games Console: Race (November 7, 2005). Retrieved on August 3, 2021.
100. ↑ Nintendo Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time Game: Teamwork (November 21, 2005). Retrieved on August 3, 2021.
101. ↑ Nintendo. Retrieved on August 3, 2021.
102. ↑ Nissan Altima "Break-up" TV spot. Retrieved on August 3, 2021.
103. ↑ Obama : Maverick (October 6, 2008). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
104. ↑ Pepsi : Magnetic Attraction (January 30, 2008). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
105. ↑ Porsche : Dinner (August 20, 2003). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
106. ↑ Porsche : Sound (August 20, 2003). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
107. ↑ Qwest - Crib (May 5, 2009). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
108. ↑ Saturn : Convoy (March 10, 2004). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
109. ↑ Snickers - Game (February 7, 2010). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
110. ↑ Snickers : Road Trip (February 9, 2010). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
111. ↑ Snickers : Coach (January 27, 2013). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
112. ↑ BBDO NY Launches Snickers Bites Spot. Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
113. ↑ Southwest Airlines "Locked Car" TV commercial. Retrieved on August 3, 2021.
114. ↑ Subway : Cupid (November 20, 2003). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
115. ↑ TAG : Disclaimer Mom (March 9, 2005). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
116. ↑ TAG : Fast Acting (March 9, 2005). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
117. ↑ The St Paul : Noah (January 16, 2003). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
118. ↑ Toyota : Adrenalitis (October 31, 2004). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
119. ↑ Toyota : Bed (October 31, 2004). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
120. ↑ Toyota : Living the Dream (October 31, 2004). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
121. ↑ Toyota : Rail System (October 31, 2004). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
122. ↑ Toys R Us : Periscope Up (October 15, 2007). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
123. ↑ Toys R Us : Spaceship (October 15, 2007). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
124. ↑ Toys R Us : Standoff (October 15, 2007). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
125. ↑ Twix : Ideologies (July 15, 2012). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
126. ↑ Twix : Merger (February 7, 2013). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
127. ↑ Us West Caller Id Service: Cry (February 24, 2000). Retrieved on August 3, 2021.
128. ↑ Volkswagen : Dancing (May 31, 2006). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
129. ↑ Volkswagen : Hike (May 31, 2006). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
130. ↑ Volkswagen : Yoga (June 2, 2006). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
131. ↑ Washington Mutual : Julie (March 31, 2003). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
132. ↑ Washington Mutual : Roy (March 31, 2003). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
133. ↑ Washington Mutual : Bill B Gone (August 20, 2003). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
134. ↑ Washington Mutual : Insta-Branch (August 20, 2003). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
135. ↑ Washington Mutual : Money Shrub (August 20, 2003). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
136. ↑ Washington Mutual : Teller Porter (November 20, 2003). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
137. ↑ Washington Mutual : Debra (February 19, 2004). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
138. ↑ Washington Mutual : Tom (February 19, 2004). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
139. ↑ Washington Mutual : Jenn (March 16, 2004). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
140. ↑ Washington Mutual : Paul (April 11, 2004). Retrieved on June 8, 2020.
141. ↑ Washington Mutual : Brandon (April 21, 2004). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
142. ↑ Washington Mutual : Geoffrey (April 21, 2004). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
143. ↑ World Championship Wrestling Wrestling Events: Hov, Couch (May 7, 1999). Retrieved on August 3, 2021.
144. ↑ World Championship Wrestling Wrestling Events: Voodoo (June 23, 1999). Retrieved on August 3, 2021.
145. ↑ Wrigley's : No Dummy (September 2, 2004). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
146. ↑ Yahoo! : Bully (September 21, 2006). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
147. ↑ Yahoo! : Garden (September 21, 2006). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.
148. ↑ Yahoo! : Recall (September 21, 2006). Retrieved on June 9, 2020.

## External links

* Craig Gillespie at IMDb
* Commercial showreel at MJZ

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