“The Kings Speech” Director Signs with Smuggler for US

Director Tom Hooper Signs with Smuggler for US representation.

Smuggler Executive Producer Patrick Milling Smith has announced that the company has signed international director Tom Hooper (pictured at left) for US representation for commercials and other advertising projects.  Hooper’s feature and TV credits for dramatic work are extensive, and frequently award-winning.

“I’m just back from watching his premiere of ‘The Kings Speech’ at the Toronto Film Festival and am even more awed by his craft and versatility,” says Milling Smith.  The film, which stars Colin Firth, has been touted as a potential Oscar contender.  “Tom is an exceptional filmmaker who brings an elegance and delicate nuanced touch to everything he does across any genre,” Milling Smith continues.  “He’s a rare talent with a contagious hunger for film, ideas and the ability to show you the truth and authenticity in his stories.  We’re excited to be working with him, and stronger as a company because of it.”

Born and raised in London, Hooper wrote and directed the short film “Painted Faces” when he was 18 years old. The film premiered at the London Film Festival, was given a theatrical release, and aired on Channel 4. While attending Oxford University, Hooper directed contemporaries Kate Beckinsale and Emily Mortimer on the stage while also directing his first commercials.

In 2003 Hooper was offered the opportunity to direct the sixth installment and revival of the British TV series “Prime Suspect – The Last Witness,” starring Helen Mirren, for which he received his first Emmy nomination. Hooper and Mirren reteamed for the 2005 historical HBO/Channel 4 miniseries “Elizabeth I.”  It won three Golden Globes and nine Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Miniseries and Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries; Mirren was named Best Actress for the show.

Hooper began his first collaboration with Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Peter Morgan in 2005 with “Longford,” a drama charting Lord Longford’s attempts to secure the release of convicted serial killer Myra Hindley.  “Longford” won Golden Globes for its stars, Jim Broadbent and Samantha Morton, and also won for Best TV Film.

“John Adams,” Hooper’s HBO miniseries, swept the Golden Globes in 2008 and won thirteen Emmys; the most ever awarded to a program within one year in US history.  Hooper then collaborated again with Morgan on “The Damned United,” the film adaption of David Peace’s bestselling novel about football manager Brian Clough and his turbulent spell in charge of the 1970’s Leeds United football team.

“The King’s Speech,” which will premiere in the US soon, also stars Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter.  It tells the true story of King George VI, who had to overcome a dreaded nervous stammer after he reluctantly assumed the throne.

Published 24 Sept., 2010