Stuart McClave is an American film director, writer, and producer. He is known for the feature film On the Line: The Richard Williams Story, which examines the life and career of famous tennis patriarch Richard Williams.[1][2]

Stuart McClave
McClave at NewFilmmakers LA
Born
Stuart Zebrowski McClave

(1987-08-29) August 29, 1987 (age 36)
Washington, D.C.
NationalityAmerican
EducationUniversity of Southern California
Occupations
  • Director
  • Writer
  • Producer
Years active2011–present

Early life edit

McClave was born in Washington, D.C., but relocated to Southern California at any early age.[3] He attended Loyola High School (Los Angeles) before pursuing higher education at The University of Southern California, where he earned dual degrees from the USC School of Cinematic Arts and the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.[4][5]

During his senior year at USC, McClave gained attention for publishing an op-ed piece in the Los Angeles Times.[6][7] Titled "Holding On In Compton," the piece explored the changing demographics in the city of Compton, California, highlighting the racial disparity between the city's politicians and its residents.[8][9]

Career edit

After graduating from USC, McClave served as a producer and development executive for NBCUniversal, Discovery Channel, and the feature film producer Mark Ciardi.[10]

In 2022, he made his directorial debut with the documentary On The Line: The Richard Williams Story.[11] The film had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival and its international premiere at the 2023 Sheffield DocFest.[12] Centered on Richard Williams, father and coach to tennis stars Venus Williams and Serena Williams, Williams delves into his battle against racism, suppression, and violence.[13] The film has garnered praise as an emotional reckoning on race in America, family, courage, and determination.[14]

Phil Harrison from The Guardian praised the film for being much more than just a story about "two gifted tennis players and their ambitious father," but rather a "fascinating" retelling of the "history of American racism."[15] Critics from Variety and Golden Globes also gave the film a positive review, with the latter commending it for "bringing a fresh perspective and breathing life into its subject in a way that not even King Richard was able to accomplish."[16][17]

In May 2023, it was announced that Fremantle (company) had acquired the global distribution rights to the film, which was released on various platforms including Sky UK, Network 10, M-Net, and Canal +.[18][19]

Personal life edit

In conversation with MovieMaker magazine, McClave shared that he is passionate about "social justice, politics, sports, LGBTQIA+ issues, and shedding light on underrepresented voices and communities."[20]

McClave is an avid tennis player.[21][22]

Filmography edit

Music videos edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Docs: "On the Line: The Richard Williams Story" Examines Famous Tennis Patriarch, Unconscious Bias". Golden Globe Awards. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  2. ^ "On The Line: The Richard Williams Story". Sheffield DocFest. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  3. ^ "Sheffield DocFest: On The Line: The Richard Williams Story by Stuart McClave". Business Doc Europe. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  4. ^ "In On The Line: The Richard Williams Story, King Richard Serves Up His Own Narrative". MovieMaker. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  5. ^ "Tribeca Interview: Stuart McClave Talks "On The Line: The Richard Williams Story"". Awards Radar. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  6. ^ "Holding On In Compton". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  7. ^ "Journalism Student Writes in LA Times, "Compton: Who should govern?"". USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  8. ^ "Journalism Student Writes in LA Times, "Compton: Who should govern?"". USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  9. ^ "Sheffield DocFest: On The Line: The Richard Williams Story by Stuart McClave". Business Doc Europe. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  10. ^ "In On The Line: The Richard Williams Story, King Richard Serves Up His Own Narrative". MovieMaker. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  11. ^ "Tribeca Interview: Stuart McClave Talks "On The Line: The Richard Williams Story"". Awards Radar. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  12. ^ "On The Line: The Richard Williams Story". Sheffield DocFest. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  13. ^ "Review: On The Line: The Richard Williams Story". Film Carnage. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  14. ^ "Docs: "On the Line: The Richard Williams Story" Examines Famous Tennis Patriarch, Unconscious Bias". Golden Globe Awards. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  15. ^ "The Incredible Story of the Most Famous Family in Tennis". The Guardian. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  16. ^ "Docs: "On the Line: The Richard Williams Story" Examines Famous Tennis Patriarch, Unconscious Bias". Golden Globe Awards. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  17. ^ "'On the Line: The Richard Williams Story' Review: Venus and Serena's Father Has His Say". Variety. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  18. ^ "Fremantle Acquires Richard Williams Documentary". World Screen. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  19. ^ "Doc on Venus and Serena Williams' Father, Richard Williams, Secures Sales in Major Markets (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  20. ^ "In On The Line: The Richard Williams Story, King Richard Serves Up His Own Narrative". MovieMaker. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  21. ^ "Tribeca Interview: Stuart McClave Talks "On The Line: The Richard Williams Story"". Awards Radar. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  22. ^ "Venus and Serena Williams' Father Richard Retraces His Family's Journey in Sheffield Doc 'On the Line': Watch Trailer (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  23. ^ "Young Jesus Announce New Album, Share Song Featuring Tomberlin: Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved August 25, 2023.

External links edit