Craig Gillespie

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.

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 Masanobu Takayanagi 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.

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."

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". Gillespie 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 on May 28, 2021. In June 2021, it was announced that he would return to direct a sequel to Cruella.

In April 2022, Gillespie signed on to direct a film adaptation of Ben Mezrich's book The Antisocial Network, about the GameStop short squeeze for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The film, entitled Dumb Money, was released on September 22, 2023, by Sony Pictures Releasing. In April 2024, Gillespie entered negotiations to direct the DC Studios superhero film Supergirl, set in the DC Universe (DCU). In May, he was confirmed to direct the film set for release on June 26, 2026.

Filmography

Film

Television

Music videos

• Kid Cudi – "No One Believes Me"

Commercials

• 7-Eleven – "Belly Flop", "Ducks"
• Acura – "Transactions"
• Aerial Communications – "Lost"
• Altoids – "Fruit Bat", "Mother Tongue", "People of Pain" (Won – Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directing – Commercials)
• Ameriquest – "Robbery", "Surprise Dinner" (Won – Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directing – Commercials), "Mother-in-Law", "Parking Meter", "Doctor", "Friendly Skies", "Concert"
• Audi – "Commander", "Driver", "New Santa"
• Bud Light – "Groupies"
• Call of Duty – "Codnapped", "Ultimate Team"
• 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"

Awards and nominations

References

References

1. Douglas, Edward. (9 October 2007). "Craig Gillespie's Big Comeback". ComingSoon.net.
2. "''Lars & the Real Girl'' Production Notes". Verve Pictures.
3. Hessey, Ruth. (2 April 2008). "Director – Craig Gillespie". Time Out Sydney.
4. Clark, Michael. (17 November 1995). "Fahrenheit Films adds director Craig Gillespie".
5. Woodward, Sarah. (26 May 2000). "MJZ Signs Craig Gillespie". Shoot.
6. Goldstein, Patrick. (2 October 2007). "Hit or miss? Yes". [[Los Angeles Times]].
7. (2 January 2022). "Remembering Betty White and her Snickers Super Bowl ad". FanSided.
8. McClintock, Pamela. (16 March 2010). "Gillespie signs on for 'Fright Night' 'Lars and the Real Girl' guy boards DreamWorks remake".
9. (15 May 2010). "DreamWorks Planning a 'Fright Night' in 3-D?". BloodyDisgusting.
10. Fleming, Michael. (4 June 2008). "Gosling buys into Gillespie's 'Club'".
11. (15 August 2012). "Fright Night Remake Director Now Official!". DreadCentral.
12. (27 September 2012). "More on the Fright Night Remake ... Location, Location, Location!". DreadCentral.
13. [http://australiansinfilm.org/australians-in-film-breakthrough-awards.html] {{webarchive. link. (3 July 2012)
14. Breznican, Anthony. (19 April 2011). "'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies' director chews over Jane Austen mash-up – EXCLUSIVE".
15. "Chris Pine in Talks to Star in Disney's 'Finest Hours'".
16. (6 August 2014). "Casey Affleck In 'Finest Hours' Talks". [[Deadline Hollywood]].
17. "'Dark Knight Rises' Actor Josh Stewart Joins Chris Pine in 'Finest Hours'".
18. "'The Finest Hours' Adds 'Outlander's Graham McTavish". [[Deadline Hollywood]].
19. "'Kyle Gallner Joins Disaster-At-Sea Drama 'The Finest Hours'". [[Deadline Hollywood]].
20. "Sets for 'The Finest Hour', starring Chris Pine, being built in Quincy, MA". onlocationvacations.com.
21. (June 14, 2016). "Craig Gillespie to Direct Tonya Harding Biopic Starring Margot Robbie (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety.
22. (December 13, 2016). "Sebastian Stan To Play Jeff Gillooly In 'I, Tonya'". Deadline.
23. (December 12, 2016). "Miramax Lands Margot Robbie As Tonya Harding Drama 'I, Tonya'". Deadline.
24. (December 4, 2018). "Craig Gillespie In Talks To Direct Emma Stone In 'Cruella'".
25. McClintock, Pamela. (May 18, 2021). "'Cruella' Stages First Major Hollywood Premiere in Pandemic Era".
26. (2021-06-04). "'Cruella' Sequel in the Works at Disney (Exclusive)".
27. Kroll, Justin. (April 4, 2022). "Craig Gillespie To Direct GameStop Stock Pic For MGM Based On Ben Mezrich's Book 'The Antisocial Network'".
28. "Film and TV Projects Going Into Production - The Antisocial Network".
29. (April 3, 2024). "Craig Gillespie In Talks To Direct 'Supergirl' For DC Studios".
30. Vary, Adam B.. (2024-05-14). "'Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow' Lands June 2026 Release".
31. Andreeva, Nellie. (March 14, 2024). "Amanda Peet Joins ''Your Friends And Neighbors'' Apple Series, Craig Gillespie To Direct".
32. Andreeva, Nellie. (2025-04-02). "Juno Temple To Star In 'The Husbands' TV Series Ordered By Apple From A24 As She Continues Negotiations For 'Ted Lasso'".
33. (July 24, 2000). "7-Eleven : Belly Flop".
34. (July 24, 2000). "7-Eleven : Ducks".
35. (January 29, 2012). "Honda Acura : Transactions -- Super Bowl XLVI".
36. (September 2, 2000). "Aerial.Com Pc Wireless Phone Service Provider: Lost".
37. (March 24, 2005). "Altoids : Fruit Bat".
38. (March 24, 2005). "Altoids : Mother Tongue".
39. (March 24, 2005). "Altoids : People of Pain".
40. (February 6, 2005). "Ameriquest - Robbery".
41. (February 6, 2005). "Ameriquest - Surprise Dinner".
42. (February 28, 2005). "Ameriquest : Mother-In-Law".
43. (February 28, 2005). "Ameriquest : Parking Meter".
44. (February 5, 2006). "Ameriquest - Doctor".
45. (February 5, 2006). "Ameriquest - Friendly Skies".
46. (May 8, 2006). "Ameriquest : Concert".
47. (February 7, 2016). "Audi - "Commander"".
48. "Audi "Driver" spot".
49. "Audi "New Santa" spot".
50. (February 27, 2006). "Bud Light : Groupies".
51. (January 14, 2010). "CareerBuilder : Job Fairy".
52. (February 7, 2010). "CareerBuilder.com - Casual Friday".
53. (February 7, 2010). "Cars.com - David Abernathy".
54. (February 7, 2010). "Cars.com - Timothy Richman".
55. "CDW TV Commercial, 'Dysfunction by Aging Rock Stars. Orchestration by CDW.'".
56. (November 22, 2004). "Citi : Dressing Up".
57. (November 22, 2004). "Citi : Mountain".
58. (April 28, 2005). "Citi : Runner".
59. (June 6, 1999). "Consumers Energy Energy Company: Milk".
60. (June 23, 1999). "Consumers Energy Energy Company: Dog Dish".
61. (November 16, 2004). "DirecTV : Chair".
62. (November 16, 2004). "DirecTV : Chinese Food".
63. (November 16, 2004). "DirecTV : Vase".
64. (May 17, 2004). "Dunkin' Donuts : Joke".
65. (May 17, 2004). "Dunkin' Donuts : Parking Lot".
66. (May 17, 2004). "Dunkin' Donuts : Phone".
67. (February 4, 2010). "Emerald Nuts/Pop Secret : Awesomer".
68. (August 20, 2008). "ESPN : Alarm Clocks".
69. (August 20, 2008). "ESPN : Paper Jam".
70. (February 17, 2005). "FedEx : Drafting".
71. (February 17, 2005). "FedEx : Gin Rummy".
72. (February 17, 2005). "FedEx : Perspective".
73. (July 1, 1998). "First Commerce Corporation Financial Services: Refund".
74. (August 17, 1998). "First Commerce Corporation Financial Services: Rich Guy".
75. (September 9, 2002). "Fruit of the Loom : Boxers".
76. (September 9, 2002). "Fruit of the Loom : Ceremonial Fruit".
77. (September 9, 2002). "Fruit of the Loom : Shirts".
78. (August 10, 2003). "Geico : Balding".
79. (August 10, 2003). "Geico : CEO".
80. (August 10, 2003). "Geico : House".
81. (August 10, 2003). "Geico : Rapper".
82. (August 10, 2003). "Geico : Soap".
83. (November 23, 2009). "Guinness - Slide".
84. (April 12, 2004). "Holiday Inn Express : Jeopardy".
85. (February 1, 2000). "H & R Block Tax Services: Where's Your W-2?".
86. (March 17, 2000). "H & R Block Tax Services: Brad Or Chad Or Something".
87. (April 6, 2000). "Kraft Dinners: Romantic Dinner".
88. (August 28, 2000). "Icehouse : Rain Delay".
89. (August 29, 2000). "Icehouse : Dinner Party".
90. (August 29, 2000). "Icehouse : Support Group".
91. (May 30, 2006). "Jack Link's : Binoculars".
92. (May 30, 2006). "Jack Link's : Salt Shaker".
93. (May 30, 2006). "Jack Link's : Shaving Cream".
94. (May 30, 2006). "Jack Link's : Waterbowl".
95. (June 18, 2006). "Mercedes Benz : Bawling/Penguin".
96. (June 18, 2006). "Mercedes Benz : It's Ready".
97. (May 3, 1998). "Kraft Miracle Whip Salad Cream: Man's Best Friend".
98. (December 25, 1999). "Molson Canadian : Close To You".
99. (August 28, 2007). "Mountain Dew : Defeated".
100. (December 18, 2003). "MSN : Hotel".
101. (December 18, 2003). "MSN : Mr. Snookums".
102. (December 18, 2003). "MSN : Name Game".
103. (December 18, 2003). "MSN : Quiz".
104. (December 18, 2003). "MSN : Rad".
105. (November 7, 2005). "Nintendo Games Console: Race".
106. (November 21, 2005). "Nintendo Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time Game: Teamwork".
107. "Nintendo".
108. "Nissan Altima "Break-up" TV spot".
109. (October 6, 2008). "Obama : Maverick".
110. (January 30, 2008). "Pepsi : Magnetic Attraction".
111. (August 20, 2003). "Porsche : Dinner".
112. (August 20, 2003). "Porsche : Sound".
113. (May 5, 2009). "Qwest - Crib".
114. (March 10, 2004). "Saturn : Convoy".
115. (February 7, 2010). "Snickers - Game".
116. (February 9, 2010). "Snickers : Road Trip".
117. (January 27, 2013). "Snickers : Coach".
118. "BBDO NY Launches Snickers Bites Spot".
119. "Southwest Airlines "Locked Car" TV commercial".
120. (November 20, 2003). "Subway : Cupid".
121. (March 9, 2005). "TAG : Disclaimer Mom".
122. (March 9, 2005). "TAG : Fast Acting".
123. (January 16, 2003). "The St Paul : Noah".
124. (October 31, 2004). "Toyota : Adrenalitis".
125. (October 31, 2004). "Toyota : Bed".
126. (October 31, 2004). "Toyota : Living the Dream".
127. (October 31, 2004). "Toyota : Rail System".
128. (October 15, 2007). "Toys R Us : Periscope Up".
129. (October 15, 2007). "Toys R Us : Spaceship".
130. (October 15, 2007). "Toys R Us : Standoff".
131. (July 15, 2012). "Twix : Ideologies".
132. (February 7, 2013). "Twix : Merger".
133. (February 24, 2000). "Us West Caller Id Service: Cry".
134. (May 31, 2006). "Volkswagen : Dancing".
135. (May 31, 2006). "Volkswagen : Hike".
136. (June 2, 2006). "Volkswagen : Yoga".
137. (March 31, 2003). "Washington Mutual : Julie".
138. (March 31, 2003). "Washington Mutual : Roy".
139. (August 20, 2003). "Washington Mutual : Bill B Gone".
140. (August 20, 2003). "Washington Mutual : Insta-Branch".
141. (August 20, 2003). "Washington Mutual : Money Shrub".
142. (November 20, 2003). "Washington Mutual : Teller Porter".
143. (February 19, 2004). "Washington Mutual : Debra".
144. (February 19, 2004). "Washington Mutual : Tom".
145. (March 16, 2004). "Washington Mutual : Jenn".
146. (April 11, 2004). "Washington Mutual : Paul".
147. (April 21, 2004). "Washington Mutual : Brandon".
148. (April 21, 2004). "Washington Mutual : Geoffrey".
149. (May 7, 1999). "World Championship Wrestling Wrestling Events: Hov, Couch".
150. (June 23, 1999). "World Championship Wrestling Wrestling Events: Voodoo".
151. (September 2, 2004). "Wrigley's : No Dummy".
152. (September 21, 2006). "Yahoo! : Bully".
153. (September 21, 2006). "Yahoo! : Garden".
154. (September 21, 2006). "Yahoo! : Recall".