Michael Apted, who has directed films including “Gorillas in the Mist,” “Coalminer’s Daughter” and “Nell” and served as president of the Directors Guild of America from 2003-09 will be presented with the guild’s Honorary Life Member Award in February.
“Michael is a game changer for our guild and our industry,” DGA President Thomas Schlamme said. “Whether having the foresight as a young man to conceptualize the revolutionary documentary series `7 Up’ — still doing on decades later — or guiding Hollywood through a digital revolution, he is a fearless, visionary leader, and we are all the beneficiaries.”
Schlamme hailed Apted for guiding the directors’ union “through times of great change” and negotiating creative rights for directors and leading the fight against movie piracy and runaway production.
“All the while, he has taken the time to lend a hand to those behind him,” Schlamme said. “As a mentor to so many, myself included, Michael has activated leadership in others and inspired us all to be more engaged in our guild.”
The Life Member Award recognizes “leadership in the industry, contribution to the guild and the profession of directing and outstanding career achievement.”
According to the guild, Apted guided contract negotiations the protected directors’ health benefits and established compensation formulas in new media. He continues to serve on the guild’s National Board as secretary- treasurer.
Apted’s other film credits include Amazing Grace,” “The World is Not Enough,” “Gorky Park” and “Enough.” His acclaimed “7 Up” documentary series has followed the lives of 14 Britons since age 7, with sequels produced in seven-year increments. He has also directed episodes of “Masters of Sex” and “Ray Donovan.”
He will be honored during the DGA Awards ceremony Feb. 3 at the Beverly Hilton.
–City News Service