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Paul Haggis

 
Who2 Biography: Paul Haggis, Filmmaker
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  • Born: 10 March 1953
  • Birthplace: London, Ontario, Canada
  • Best Known As: Writer and director of the film Crash

Paul Haggis had a long, steady career as a writer of television shows before he broke into feature films in a big way: he earned an Academy Award nomination for the screenplay of Million Dollar Baby (2004, starring Clint Eastwood), then wrote and directed Crash, the Oscar-winning best picture of 2005. A native of Canada, Haggis moved to Los Angeles in the early 1970s. A serendipitous chance to write an episode of the sitcom Diff'rent Strokes turned into a full-time gig, and by the end of the decade Haggis was an experienced TV writer with credits on series like One Day at a Time (1975) and The Love Boat (1977). During the '80s Haggis had even more success with TV drama, winning two Emmys for his work on thirtysomething. Haggis later created Walker, Texas Ranger (1993-2001), the Chuck Norris hit that was snubbed by critics. He followed up with Due South (1994) and EZ Streets (1996), shows loved by critics but cancelled by networks. After more tries at television series, including the 1997 David Caruso vehicle Michael Hayes, Haggis was able to get Million Dollar Baby made, with Eastwood directing. Around the same time, Haggis directed Crash, from a screenplay he had written with Bobby Moresco. The drama featured an ensemble cast that included Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Terrence Howard and Ryan Phillippe, but did not gain widespread distribution for more than a year after its 2003 debut at the Toronto International Film Festival. By the time the movie was a hit Haggis was working on screenplays for Eastwood's Flags of Our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima (both 2006) and penning the script for the James Bond thriller Casino Royale (2006, starring Daniel Craig). Haggis's modern war drama In the Valley of Elah was well-received, if not a smash at the box office, and brought star Tommy Lee Jones an Oscar nomination.

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Writer: Paul Haggis
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Home > Library > Entertainment & Arts > Actors
  • Occupation: Writer, Director
  • Active: '90s-2000s
  • Major Genres: Drama
  • Career Highlights: Letters from Iwo Jima, Million Dollar Baby, Flags of Our Fathers
  • First Major Screen Credit: Walker, Texas Ranger (1993)

Biography

Paul Haggis absorbed the principles of playwriting and theater production at an early age. His parents owned the Gallery Theatre in London, Ontario, and it was there that he began to develop his skills. Haggis went on to study cinematography at Fanshawe College before moving to California in 1975 at the age of 22, ready to begin writing for the camera. He started by contributing to such programs as The Love Boat, One Day at a Time, Diff'rent Strokes, and The Facts of Life -- where he took the title of producer for the first time. Television proved to be a natural venue for Haggis' creative talents. He spent the 1980s and '90s writing for series like The Tracey Ullman Show, Due South, L.A. Law, and EZ Streets. He also created and co-created such shows as Walker, Texas Ranger and Family Law, and acted as executive producer for series like Michael Hayes and Family Law. A serious milestone for Haggis would come in 2004, however, when he made his first high-profile foray into feature film.

Haggis had his eye on two stories written by former fight manager Jerry Boyd (published under the name F.X. Toole) as the material through which he could create a screenplay. After securing them both, he wrote a script titled Million Dollar Baby -- a project that soon found Clint Eastwood signing on to play the lead, though the actor negotiated his way into the director's chair as well. He left Haggis' original draft unchanged and within a year of shooting, the film was in theaters, racking up four Oscars, including Best Picture. By this time Haggis was already steeped in his next project, a crime drama called Crash. Working from a story he'd conceived and a script he'd written himself, Haggis was able to achieve a unique vision by also helming the film. It was his first time directing a major motion picture, but it promised not to be the last, as Crash received vocal if not universal critical acclaim, including film critic Roger Ebert's proclamation that it was the best film of 2005. Crash was also nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture, surprising many when it won the latter prize on Oscar night. In addition to his Academy Award for producing the Best Picture-winning film, Haggis also went home with an Oscar for co-writing the screenplay.

Haggis wasn't about to rest on the success of his recent efforts, however. He began 2006 by penning the screenplay for the Zach Braff comedy The Last Kiss as well as adapting the James Bradley book The Flags of Our Fathers, which Clint Eastwood signed on to direct. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide
Wikipedia: Paul Haggis
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Paul Haggis

Paul Haggis, April 2007
Born Paul Edward Haggis
March 10, 1953 (1953-03-10) (age 56)
London, Ontario, Canada
Occupation Film director, screenwriter, and producer
Years active 1975-present
Spouse(s) Diane Christine Gettas (1977-1994)
Deborah Rennard (1997-present)

Paul Edward Haggis (born March 10, 1953) is a Canadian-American screenwriter, producer and film director. He spent his early career producing and directing various American and Canadian television network series.

Contents

Early life and education

Paul Haggis was born on March 10, 1953, in London, Ontario,[1] the son of Mary Yvonne (née Metcalf) and Edward H. Haggis.[2] The Gallery Theatre in London, Ontario was owned by his parents, and Haggis gained experience in the field through work at the theatre.[3] He attended St. Thomas More Elementary School,[4] and after being inspired by Alfred Hitchcock and Jean-Luc Godard, proceeded to study art at H. B. Beal Secondary School.[1] After viewing Michelangelo Antonioni's 1966 film Blowup, he traveled to England with the intent of becoming a fashion photographer.[1] Haggis later went back to Canada, in order to pursue studies in cinematography at Fanshawe College.[1] In 1975, Haggis moved to Los Angeles, California to begin a career in writing in the entertainment industry.[1][3]

Career

Haggis began to work as a writer for television programs, including The Love Boat, One Day at a Time, Diff'rent Strokes, and The Facts of Life.[3] With The Facts of Life, Haggis also gained his first credit as producer.[3] During the 1980s and 1990s, Haggis wrote for television series including The Tracey Ullman Show, Due South, L.A. Law, and EZ Streets.[3] He helped to create the television series Walker, Texas Ranger and Family Law.[3] Haggis served as executive producer on series including Michael Hayes and Family Law.[3]

He gained recognition in the film industry for his work on the 2004 film Million Dollar Baby, which Allmovie described as a "serious milestone" for the writer/producer, and as "his first high-profile foray into feature film".[3] Haggis had read two stories written by Jerry Boyd, a boxing trainer who wrote under the name of F.X. Toole.[3] Haggis acquired the rights to the stories, and developed them into the screenplay for Million Dollar Baby. Clint Eastwood portrayed the lead character in the film.[3] Eastwood also directed the film, and used the screenplay written by Haggis.[3] Million Dollar Baby received four Academy Awards including the Academy Award for Best Picture.[3]

After Million Dollar Baby, Haggis worked on the 2004 film Crash.[3] Haggis came up with the story for the film on his own, and then wrote and directed the film, which allowed him greater control over his work.[3] Crash was his first experience as director of a major feature film.[3] Critical reception of Crash was positive, and Roger Ebert called it the best film of 2005.[3] It was received Academy Award nominations for Best Picture and Best Director, in addition to four other Academy Award nominations.[3] Haggis received two Academy Awards for the film; Best Picture (as its producer), and Best Writing for his work on the screenplay.[3] With Million Dollar Baby and then Crash, Haggis became the first individual to have written Best Picture Oscar-winners in two consecutive years.[5]

Personal life

Haggis is married to actress/singer Deborah Rennard and lives in Santa Monica, California.[6]

Haggis is a former member of the Church of Scientology.[7] He maintained active membership in the organization for 35 years.[8] He left the organization in October 2009.[9] He was motivated to leave Scientology in reaction to statements made by the San Diego branch of the Church of Scientology in support of Proposition 8, the legislative move to ban gay marriage in California.[8] Haggis wrote to Tommy Davis, the Church's spokesman, and requested that he denounce these statements; when Davis remained silent, Haggis responded that "Silence is consent, Tommy. I refuse to consent."[8][9][10] Haggis went on to list other grievances against Scientology, including its policy of disconnection, and the smearing of its ex-members through the leaking of their personal details.[8][9] The Observer commented on defections of Haggis and actor Jason Beghe from Scientology, "The decision of Beghe and Haggis to quit Scientology appears to have caused the movement its greatest recent PR difficulties, not least because of its dependence on Hollywood figures as both a source of revenue for its most expensive courses and an advertisement for the religion."[11]

Filmography

Films

Haggis at the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival
Year Film Role Notes
1993 Red Hot Screenwriter, Director[12]
2004 Million Dollar Baby Screenwriter, Producer[12]
Crash Story, Screenwriter, Composer, Director, Producer[12]
2006 The Last Kiss Screenwriter[12]
Flags of Our Fathers Screenwriter[12]
Letters from Iwo Jima Story, Executive Producer[12]
Casino Royale Screenplay (rewrite/adaptation)[12]
2007 In the Valley of Elah Story (screenplay adaptation), Director, Producer[12]
2008 Quantum of Solace Screenwriter[12]
2009 Terminator Salvation Writer (rewrite)[12]
TBA The Next Three Days Writer, Director

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1987 Return of the Shaggy Dog Screenwriter[12]
1987-1988 thirtysomething Supervising producer, Writer, Director
1989-1990 City Creator
1993-2001 Walker, Texas Ranger Co-creator
1994-1999 Due South Creator, Executive Producer, Screenwriter, Unit Director[12]
1996-1997 EZ Streets Creator, Executive producer
1997 Walker, Texas Ranger: Sons of Thunder Creator, Director[12]
2005 Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial By Fire Director[12]
2007 The Black Donnellys Creator

Awards and nominations

Year Award Work Category Result
1985 Humanitas Prize CBS Storybreak: "Zucchini" Children's Animation Category Nominated[13]
1988 Emmy Award thirtysomething Outstanding Drama Series Won[13]
Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series Won[13]
Humanitas Prize thirtysomething 60 Minute Category Won[13]
1989 Writers Guild of America Award thirtysomething Episodic Drama Nominated[13]
1995 Gemini Award Due South Best Dramatic Series Won[13]
Due South: Pilot (#1.0) Best TV Movie Won[13]
Due South Best Writing in a Dramatic Series Won[13]
Due South: Pilot (#1.0) Best Writing in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series Nominated[13]
1996 Gemini Award Due South Canada's Choice Award Won[13]
Due South Best Dramatic Series Won[13]
Due South: "Hawk and a Handsaw" Best Writing in a Dramatic Series Won[13]
Due South: "The Gift of the Wheelman" Best Writing in a Dramatic Series Won[13]
1997 Viewers for Quality Television Award EZ Streets Founder's Award Won[13]
2001 Writers Guild of America Award Contributions to industry Valentine Davies Award Won[13]
2005 Academy Award Million Dollar Baby Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay Nominated[13][14]
Writers Guild of America Award Million Dollar Baby Best Adapted Screenplay Nominated[13][14]
American Screenwriters Association Million Dollar Baby Discover Screenwriting Award Won[13]
Black Movie Award Crash Outstanding Motion Picture Won[13]
Deauville American Film Festival Crash Grand Special Prize Won[13]
European Film Award Crash Screen International Award Nominated[13]
Hollywood Film Festival Directing work Breakthrough Directing Won[13]
Las Vegas Film Critics Society Award Crash Best Screenplay Won[13]
Online Film Critics Society Award Million Dollar Baby Best Screenplay, Adapted Nominated[13]
San Francisco International Film Festival Screenwriting work Kanbar Award Won[13]
Satellite Award Million Dollar Baby Best Screenplay, Adapted Won[13]
Crash Outstanding Screenplay, Original Nominated[13]
Southeastern Film Critics Association Award Crash Best Screenplay, Original Won[13]
USC Scripter Award Million Dollar Baby USC Scripter Award Won[13]
Washington DC Area Film Critics Association Award Crash Best Screenplay - Original Won[13]
2006 Academy Award Crash Best Motion Picture of the Year Won[13][14]
Best Writing, Original Screenplay Won[13][14]
Best Achievement in Directing Nominated[13][14]
Golden Globe Award Crash Best Screenplay - Motion Picture Nominated[13]
Writers Guild of America Award Crash Best Original Screenplay Won[13][14]
Directors Guild of America Award Crash Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures Nominated[13][14]
BAFTA Award Crash Best Screenplay - Original Won[13][14]
David Lean Award for Direction Nominated[13]
Austin Film Critics Award Crash Best Director Won[13]
Broadcast Film Critics Association Award Crash Best Writer Won[13]
Crash Best Director Nominated[13]
Chicago Film Critics Association Award Crash Best Screenplay Won[13]
David di Donatello Crash Best Foreign Film Won[13]
Edgar Award Crash Best Motion Picture Screenplay Nominated[13]
Humanitas Prize Crash Feature Film Category Won[13]
Independent Spirit Award Crash Best First Feature Won[13]
London Critics Circle Film Award Crash Screenwriter of the Year Won[13]
Crash Director of the Year Nominated[13]
Online Film Critics Society Award Crash Best Breakthrough Filmmaker Won[13]
Crash Best Screenplay, Original Nominated[13]
Producers Guild of America Award Crash Motion Picture Producer of the Year Award Nominated[13]
Robert Award Crash Best American Film Nominated[13]
Satellite Award Flags of Our Fathers Best Screenplay, Adapted Nominated[13]
2007 Academy Award Letters from Iwo Jima Best Writing, Original Screenplay Nominated[13][14]
BAFTA Award Casino Royale Alexander Korda Award for Best British Film Nominated[13][14]
Best Screenplay - Adapted Nominated[13]
Saturn Award Casino Royale Best Writing Nominated[13]
Edgar Award Casino Royale Best Motion Picture Screenplay Nominated[13]
Venice Film Festival In the Valley of Elah SIGNIS Award Won[13]
In the Valley of Elah Golden Lion Nominated[13]
2008 David di Donatello In the Valley of Elah Best Foreign Film Nominated[13]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Turner Classic Movies staff (2009). "Biography for Paul Haggis". Turner Classic Movies. Time Warner. http://www.tcmdb.com/participant.jsp?participantId=1004241. Retrieved 2009-10-27. 
  2. ^ Riggs, Thomas (2003). Contemporary Theatre Film & Television‎. Gale / Cengage Learning. p. 181. ISBN ISBN0787663638. 
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Albertson, Cammila (2009). "Paul Haggis - Biography". Allmovie. Macrovision Corporation. http://www.allmovie.com/artist/paul-haggis-274585/bio. Retrieved 2009-10-28. 
  4. ^ Rumelski, Kathy (September 12, 2006). "London fans toast Haggis". Jam! Showbiz (Canoe Inc). http://jam.canoe.ca/Movies/2006/09/12/1828902.html. Retrieved 2009-10-28. 
  5. ^ Salem, Rob (February 25, 2007). "Who needs Oscar? He has a mob: Nominee Paul Haggis returns to TV with new crime saga". Toronto Star (www.thestar.com). http://www.thestar.com/artsentertainment/article/185439. Retrieved 2009-10-26. 
  6. ^ Whipp, Glenn (May 8, 2005). "The 'Crash' of '05 - Paul Haggis explores intolerance and isolation in modern L.A.". Los Angeles Daily News. http://www.thefreelibrary.com/THE+'CRASH'+OF+'05+PAUL+HAGGIS+EXPLORES+INTOLERANCE+AND+ISOLATION+IN...-a0132281294. Retrieved 2009-10-28. 
  7. ^ Irish Independent staff (January 26, 2008). "The silence of Cruise's 'sinister' Cult". Irish Independent. 
  8. ^ a b c d Brooks, Xan (October 26, 2009). "Film-maker Paul Haggis quits Scientology over gay rights stance". The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/oct/26/paul-haggis-scientology-prop-8. Retrieved October 26, 2009. 
  9. ^ a b c Ortega, Tony (October 25, 2009). "'Crash' Director Paul Haggis Ditches Scientology". Runnin' Scared (The Village Voice). http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/archives/2009/10/crash_director.php. Retrieved 2009-10-25. 
  10. ^ Moore, Matthew (26 October 2009). "Crash director Paul Haggis quits Church of Scientology over gay marriage opposition". The Daily Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/6436548/Crash-director-Paul-Haggis-quits-Church-of-Scientology-over-gay-marriage-opposition.html. Retrieved 26 October 2009. 
  11. ^ Beaumont, Peter; Toni O'Loughlin, Paul Harris (November 22, 2009). "Celebrities lead charge against Scientology: Hollywood figures quit 'rip-off' church as Australian prime minister threatens parliamentary inquiry into its activities". The Observer (The Guardian). http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/nov/22/scientology-cruise-haggis-us-australia. Retrieved 2009-11-22. 
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Turner Classic Movies staff (2009). "Filmography for Paul Haggis". Turner Classic Movies. Time Warner. http://www.tcmdb.com/participant.jsp?spid=1004241&apid=&category=filmography. Retrieved 2009-10-28. 
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi Internet Movie Database staff (2009). "Awards for Paul Haggis". Internet Movie Database. IMDb.com, Inc.. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0353673/awards. Retrieved 2009-10-27. 
  14. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Allmovie staff (2009). "Paul Haggis - Awards". Allmovie. Macrovision Corporation. http://www.allmovie.com/artist/paul-haggis-274585/awards. Retrieved 2009-10-28. 

Further reading

External links

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Awards
Preceded by
Pierre Bismuth,
Michel Gondry,
Charlie Kaufman
for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind		 Academy Award for Writing, Best Original Screenplay
2005
for Crash
(shared with Robert Moresco)		 Succeeded by
Michael Arndt,
for Little Miss Sunshine
Preceded by
Million Dollar Baby		 Academy Award for Best Picture
2005		 Succeeded by
The Departed
v • d • e
Films directed by Paul Haggis

Red Hot (1993) · Crash (2004) · In the Valley of Elah (2007) · The Next Three Days (2011)

This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)

 
 

 

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