Noam Murro (Hebrew: נועם מורו; born (1961-08-16)August 16, 1961) is an Israeli film director and film producer. He is best known for directing the films Smart People, 300: Rise of an Empire, and the BBC miniseries Watership Down.

Noam Murro
נועם מורו
Noam Murro at the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con
Born (1961-08-16) August 16, 1961 (age 62)
Jerusalem, Israel
NationalityIsraeli
Alma materBezalel Academy of Art and Design
Occupation(s)Film director, film producer
Years active2005–present

Early and personal life edit

Murro was born and raised in Jerusalem, Israel,[1][2] to a family of Jewish background.[3]

In the early 1990s, after completing his studies in design and architecture at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem, Murro left Israel for New York.[1] Although he never received a formal education in film, Murro decided his dream was to become a filmmaker.[1] "As a boy I worked for Lia van Leer at the Jerusalem Cinematheque. I got my film education there, watching films. I worked as an usher, I replaced reels, I cleaned the theater, whatever needed doing, and I got to see two movies a day. I did this for two years, without pay, just so I could see movies."[1]

He resides in Los Angeles with his wife and children.[1]

Career edit

After studying architecture and establishing himself over the years as an advertising director, he was nominated six times for the DGA Awards, winning the award in 2005.[4] Along with Shawn Lacy Tessaro, he founded the production company Biscuit Films, which has produced many successful advertising campaigns.[5] In 2004, he was originally set to direct The Ring Two but left the film due to "creative differences".[6] In 2012, he directed advertising campaigns for well-known brands such as Adidas, Nike, eBay, Volkswagen, Land Rover, Toshiba, Stella Artois and many others.[5] In 2008, Murro made his directorial debut with Smart People, a comedy presented at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival.[7] In 2011, he was chosen to direct A Good Day to Die Hard but left production in August 2011, to direct the 300 sequel, 300: Rise of an Empire. John Moore was subsequently drafted in to replace him.[8][9]

Films edit

Year Project Role Notes
2008 Smart People Director Feature Film
2014 300: Rise of an Empire Director Feature Film
2018 Watership Down Director
Executive Producer
TV miniseries

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e "A smart move". Haaretz.
  2. ^ Kamin, Debra. "300: Rise of an Israeli director". www.timesofisrael.com.
  3. ^ Roberta Bernstein (23 March 2001). "Special Report: Directors Noam Murro". shootonline.com.
  4. ^ "Nothing is Impossible - Nothing is Impossible". Archived from the original on 2013-08-08. Retrieved 2014-08-30.
  5. ^ a b "Commercial Director Spotlight: Noam Murro - /Film". slashfilm.com. 14 February 2011. Retrieved 2014-08-30.
  6. ^ "Parting Ways: Director Leaves 'Ring 2' -". bloody-disgusting.com. Retrieved 2014-08-30.
  7. ^ "Sundance Movie Review: Smart People - /Film". slashfilm.com. 21 January 2008. Retrieved 2014-08-30.
  8. ^ "Noam Murro To Direct 'Die Hard 5' | Deadline". deadline.com. 12 February 2011. Retrieved 2014-08-30.
  9. ^ "REELZ: Movie News". reelz.com. Archived from the original on 2014-02-03. Retrieved 2014-08-30.

External links edit