Derek Cianfrance

Derek Cianfrance is an American film director, cinematographer, screenwriter and editor.

Biography

Cianfrance earned a B.F.A. in Film Production from the University of Colorado, studying under avant-garde filmmakers Stan Brakhage and Phil Solomon. At 23, he wrote, directed and edited his first feature film, Brother Tied, which was well-received at festivals including Sundance.

His second feature, Blue Valentine, starred Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. The two actors became familiar with their roles several years before filming but never met in person.^[1] The project was originally slated to shoot in California, but Cianfrance relocated to Brooklyn so that Williams could be with her daughter.^[2] There were no rehearsals and Cianfrance rarely shot more than one take per shot. The film was originally given an NC-17 rating, despite having little nudity and no violence.^[3] It has since been changed to R after an appeal was filed by the Weinstein company.^[4]

Cianfrance's next written feature is Metalhead, which centers on a metal drummer whose eardrums become ruptured and he becomes deaf. The film will feature the members of the band Jucifer portraying themselves.

Blue Valentine star Ryan Gosling is confirmed to work with Cianfrance again on The Place Beyond the Pines, which follows a motorcycle stunt rider (Gosling) who becomes a bank robber to support his newborn son. Bradley Cooper has been confirmed for a supporting role as a rookie police officer who crosses paths with Gosling’s character. Principal photography is set to begin in the summer of 2011. Filming is being done in upstate New York in Schenectady, Niskayuna area in 2011.

Other work

Cianfrance is also known for his TV documentary work, which includes portraits of musicians Sean Combs and Run DMC and the Battleground basketball series. He is currently working on a television series called Muscle, for HBO, which he says will be a comedy series with a unique take on "character development".

Filmography

Writer/director

• Metalhead (2011)
• Cagefighter (2011) (Documentary)
• Blue Valentine (2010)
• Brother Tied (1998)

References

1. ^ Awards Watch Roundtable, 2010. http://video.hollywoodreporter.com/services/player/bcpid87884717001?bctid=69353679800
2. ^ http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/story/director-changes-film-location-so-williams-could-tuck-her-daughter-into-bed_1188250
3. ^ http://www.indiewire.com/article/mpaa_slaps_blue_valentine_with_an_nc-17/#
4. ^ http://www.hollywood.com/news/UPDATE_MPAA_Dumps_NC_17_Rating_For_Blue_Valentine/7740298

External links

• Derek Cianfrance at the Internet Movie Database

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