Sam Pillsbury
Encyclopedia
Sam Pillsbury is an American
film director
and producer
.
Connecticut
-raised Sam Pillsbury emigrated to New Zealand
at the age of 14. Aged 23, he began working at the Government-owned National Film Unit, joining a group of emerging filmmakers who were investigating new subjects and styles.
Pillsbury directed seven films at the National Film Unit, including a multi-faceted study of artist Ralph Hotere
, and a satirical look at workplace relations (Men and Supermen). He was also part of the directing team on Commonwealth Games
chronicle Games 74, and worked both on set and at the editing bench for Paul Maunder
's Gone Up North for a While.
Pillsbury went solo in 1975. Documentary Birth with R.D.Laing won awards on both sides of the Tasman, and controversy in England and the United States. The film featured controversial Scottish psychiatrist R.D. Laing critiqueing Western medical handling of childbirth. Pillsbury also worked on four documentaries for TV slot Seven Days, which variously looked into life for a solo mother, an ex-convict, hospital patients, and young Māori in the city.
More TV docos followed, then in 1978, Against the Lights, a short drama based on a Witi Ihimaera
tale. Pillsbury's Round the Bays doco The Greatest Run on Earth won awards at festivals in Chicago
and Torino.
Pillsbury's feature film debut in 1981 was with The Scarecrow
, based on the gothic novel by Ronald Hugh Morrieson
. Presented through the eyes of two teenage boys, the film chronicles the arrival in a 50s town of a mysterious stranger (played by American
movie legend John Carradine
). In 1982 The Scarecrow became the first Kiwi film to win invitation to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival
, in the non-competitive Director's Fortnight section. Teen star Jono Smith later reinvented himself as a cinematographer in England.
Pillsbury then worked extensively on a screen adaptation of end of the world sci-fi novel The Quiet Earth
, before handing the project to director Geoff Murphy
after deciding it needed fresh eyes (he later joked at being one of the only directors who had fired himself). Instead Pillsbury helmed 1880s immigrant tale Heart of the High Country for TV (based on a novel by Elizabeth Gowans), then segued into period road movie Starlight Hotel, which starred Smash Palace
discovery Greer Robson
.
Since Starlight Hotel, Pillsbury has directed extensively, mainly on American tele-movies. He returned to Kiwi moviemaking in 2000 for Crooked Earth
, the tale of a clash between two Māori: a militant drug-dealer, and former military man Temuera Morrison
.
Pillsbury's other features include Free Willy 3: The Rescue, 2008 road movie Endless Bummer
and Knight Rider 2010
.
These days Pillsbury has a second career as a winemaker. In 2000 he and a business partner sold Arizona wine company Dos Cabezas to a group headed by the lead singer for rock group Tool (band)
. Pillsbury Wine Company was launched soon afterwards.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
film director
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
and producer
Film producer
A film producer oversees and delivers a film project to all relevant parties while preserving the integrity, voice and vision of the film. They will also often take on some financial risk by using their own money, especially during the pre-production period, before a film is fully financed.The...
.
Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
-raised Sam Pillsbury emigrated to New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
at the age of 14. Aged 23, he began working at the Government-owned National Film Unit, joining a group of emerging filmmakers who were investigating new subjects and styles.
Pillsbury directed seven films at the National Film Unit, including a multi-faceted study of artist Ralph Hotere
Ralph Hotere
Hone Papita Raukura "Ralph" Hotere is a New Zealand artist of Māori descent . He was born in Mitimiti, Northland and He is widely regarded as one of New Zealand's most important living artists...
, and a satirical look at workplace relations (Men and Supermen). He was also part of the directing team on Commonwealth Games
Commonwealth Games
The Commonwealth Games is an international, multi-sport event involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations. The event was first held in 1930 and takes place every four years....
chronicle Games 74, and worked both on set and at the editing bench for Paul Maunder
Paul Maunder
Paul Maunder is a film director, playwright and "cultural activist" from New Zealand. He is best known for his 1979 film of the Albert Wendt novel Sons For the Return Home, and his 1983 play Hemi, about the life of James K. Baxter....
's Gone Up North for a While.
Pillsbury went solo in 1975. Documentary Birth with R.D.Laing won awards on both sides of the Tasman, and controversy in England and the United States. The film featured controversial Scottish psychiatrist R.D. Laing critiqueing Western medical handling of childbirth. Pillsbury also worked on four documentaries for TV slot Seven Days, which variously looked into life for a solo mother, an ex-convict, hospital patients, and young Māori in the city.
More TV docos followed, then in 1978, Against the Lights, a short drama based on a Witi Ihimaera
Witi Ihimaera
Witi Tame Ihimaera-Smiler, DCNZM, QSM , generally known as Witi Ihimaera , is a New Zealand author, and is often regarded as one of the most prominent Māori writers alive.-Biography:...
tale. Pillsbury's Round the Bays doco The Greatest Run on Earth won awards at festivals in Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
and Torino.
Pillsbury's feature film debut in 1981 was with The Scarecrow
The Scarecrow (1982 film)
The Scarecrow is a 1982 New Zealand film, also known as Klynham Summer in America. It was directed by Sam Pillsbury based on the 1963 horror novel by New Zealand author Ronald Hugh Morrieson.-Plot:...
, based on the gothic novel by Ronald Hugh Morrieson
Ronald Hugh Morrieson
Ronald Hugh Morrieson of Hawera, Taranaki was a novelist and short story writer in the New Zealand vernacular. He earned his living as a...
. Presented through the eyes of two teenage boys, the film chronicles the arrival in a 50s town of a mysterious stranger (played by American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
movie legend John Carradine
John Carradine
John Carradine was an American actor, best known for his roles in horror films and Westerns as well as Shakespearean theater. A member of Cecil B DeMille's stock company and later John Ford's company, he was one of the most prolific character actors in Hollywood history...
). In 1982 The Scarecrow became the first Kiwi film to win invitation to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival
Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes International Film Festival , is an annual film festival held in Cannes, France, which previews new films of all genres including documentaries from around the world. Founded in 1946, it is among the world's most prestigious and publicized film festivals...
, in the non-competitive Director's Fortnight section. Teen star Jono Smith later reinvented himself as a cinematographer in England.
Pillsbury then worked extensively on a screen adaptation of end of the world sci-fi novel The Quiet Earth
The Quiet Earth
The Quiet Earth is a 1981 science fiction novel by New Zealand writer Craig Harrison.The novel was adapted into a 1985 New Zealand science fiction film of the same name directed by Geoff Murphy.-Alone:...
, before handing the project to director Geoff Murphy
Geoff Murphy
Geoff Murphy is a successful New Zealand filmmaker best known for his work during the renaissance of New Zealand cinema that began in the last half of the 1970s....
after deciding it needed fresh eyes (he later joked at being one of the only directors who had fired himself). Instead Pillsbury helmed 1880s immigrant tale Heart of the High Country for TV (based on a novel by Elizabeth Gowans), then segued into period road movie Starlight Hotel, which starred Smash Palace
Smash Palace
Smash Palace is a New Zealand feature film, released in 1981. It was directed by Roger Donaldson and starred Bruno Lawrence, Anna Jemison, Greer Robson and Keith Aberdein. The film has an R16 rating.-Critical review:...
discovery Greer Robson
Greer Robson
Greer Robson-Kirk born is a New Zealand television actress well known for her role in the Television Drama, Shortland Street.-Biography:...
.
Since Starlight Hotel, Pillsbury has directed extensively, mainly on American tele-movies. He returned to Kiwi moviemaking in 2000 for Crooked Earth
Crooked Earth
Crooked Earth is a 2001 New Zealand film directed by Sam Pillsbury and starring Temuera Morrison. The film opened to negative reviews and performed poorly at the box office.-Plot:...
, the tale of a clash between two Māori: a militant drug-dealer, and former military man Temuera Morrison
Temuera Morrison
Temuera Derek Morrison is a New Zealand-born actor. He has become one of the country's most famous stars for his roles as the abusive Jake "the Muss" Heke in 1994's Once Were Warriors and as bounty hunter Jango Fett and the Clone Troopers in the Star Wars series...
.
Pillsbury's other features include Free Willy 3: The Rescue, 2008 road movie Endless Bummer
Endless Bummer
Endless Bummer is the fifth studio album by Sloppy Seconds. It was released in 2008, ten years after More Trouble Than They're Worth.-Track listing:#"D.I.Y. Till We Die!"#"Kegs R4 Kids"#"I Don't Wanna Go Out With You"#"You Can't Kill Joey Ramone"...
and Knight Rider 2010
Knight Rider 2010
Knight Rider 2010 is a 1994 made-for-TV movie for Universal Television's Action Pack very loosely based on the television series Knight Rider.- Differences between Knight Rider and Knight Rider 2010 :...
.
These days Pillsbury has a second career as a winemaker. In 2000 he and a business partner sold Arizona wine company Dos Cabezas to a group headed by the lead singer for rock group Tool (band)
Tool (band)
Tool is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1990, the group's line-up has included drummer Danny Carey, guitarist Adam Jones, and vocalist Maynard James Keenan. Since 1995, Justin Chancellor has been the band's bassist, replacing their original bassist Paul D'Amour...
. Pillsbury Wine Company was launched soon afterwards.
Selected filmography
- Raising WaylonRaising WaylonRaising Waylon is a 2004 romantic comedy television film by Sam Pillsbury.-Synopsis:Réginald and Julia are obliged to raise the son of their friends who have died in an accident, because they are his godfather and godmother.-Credits:...
(2004) (TV) - Where the Red Fern GrowsWhere the Red Fern Grows (2003 film)Where the Red Fern Grows is an American family adventure film, directed by Lyman Dayton and Sam Pillsbury. The film stars Joseph Ashton, Dave Matthews, Ned Beatty and Dabney Coleman...
(2003) - Crooked EarthCrooked EarthCrooked Earth is a 2001 New Zealand film directed by Sam Pillsbury and starring Temuera Morrison. The film opened to negative reviews and performed poorly at the box office.-Plot:...
(2001) - Morgan's FerryMorgan's FerryMorgan's Ferry is a 2001 American film starring Billy Zane, Henry Rollins, Kelly McGillis, Roscoe Lee Browne, Johnny Galecki, Muse Watson and directed by Sam Pillsbury....
(2001) - Fifteen and PregnantFifteen and PregnantFifteen and Pregnant is a 1998 made-for-television drama starring Kirsten Dunst, Park Overall and David Andrews. Based on a true story, Dunst portrays a 15-year-old pregnant girl, who has to deal with giving birth before driving a car.-Plot:...
(1998) (TV) - Free Willy 3: The RescueFree Willy 3: The RescueFree Willy 3: The Rescue is a 1997 family film directed by Sam Pillsbury, and starring Jason James Richter and August Schellenberg. Released by Warner Bros...
(1997) - A Mother's InstinctA Mother's InstinctA Mother's Instinct is a 1996 made-for-television drama film directed by Sam Pillsbury and distributed on CBS. It was released on March 13, 1996 in the U.S. and August 18, 2000 in the U.K. It was filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina.-Plot:...
(1996) (TV) - Sins of SilenceSins of SilenceSins of Silence, is an American 1997 drama - horror TV film directed by Sam Pillsbury, and starring Holly Marie Combs and Lindsay Wagner. The film is set in San Diego, California and was released on February 20, 1996 in the USA.-Plot:...
(1996) (TV) - Shadows of DesireShadows of DesireShadows of Desire is a 1994 television film starring Nicollette Sheridan, Joe Lando, Adrian Pasdar, Richard Roundtree, Piper Laurie and Brandon Smith. It was directed by Sam Pillsbury and written by Joyce Eliason....
(1994) (TV) - Knight Rider 2010Knight Rider 2010Knight Rider 2010 is a 1994 made-for-TV movie for Universal Television's Action Pack very loosely based on the television series Knight Rider.- Differences between Knight Rider and Knight Rider 2010 :...
(1994) (TV) - Into the Badlands (1991) (TV)
- ZandaleeZandaleeZandalee is an American erotic thriller, and romantic tragedy which was shot entirely in New Orleans, released in 1991, starring Nicolas Cage, Judge Reinhold, Erika Anderson, Joe Pantoliano, Marisa Tomei, Viveca Lindfors, Aaron Neville and Steve Buscemi...
(1991)