Fred Schepisi

Frederic Alan Schepisi AO, better known as Fred Schepisi, is a renowned Australian film director, producer, and screenwriter born on 26th December 1939. He emerged into the film industry in 1976 with his first feature film, The Devil's Playground. Prior to this, he began his career in advertising and directed both commercials and documentaries. Schepisi's film credits include distinguished movies such as The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, Roxanne, A Cry in the Dark, Mr. Baseball, Six Degrees of Separation, and Last Orders. He also directed and co-produced the HBO miniseries, Empire Falls in 2005, which earned him nominations for an Emmy and Directors Guild of America Award.

Schepisi was born in Melbourne, the son of Loretto Ellen (née Hare) and Frederic Thomas Schepisi, who was a fruit dealer and car salesman of Italian descent. His landmark achievements were winning the Australian Film Institute Award for Best Direction and Screenplay for both The Devil's Playground and Evil Angels. Over his illustrious career, he has directed numerous other well-received films, including The Eye of the Storm and Words and Pictures. In addition, he has directed a number of music videos, one notable work being the 2008 song 'Breathe' by Kaz James featuring Stu Stone.