10 Things You Didn’t Know About “District 9” Director Neill Blomkamp
Neill Blomkamp became known worldwide after the stunning success of the movie “District 9,” which depicts xenophobia — fear of foreigners — in South Africa. In the film, aliens land, only to be exiled to a slum on the outskirts of Johannesburg. An expansion on an earlier short film, “Alive in Joburg,” “District 9” and other Blomkamp work contains elements of social commentary.
Blomkamp has expressed a dislike for science fiction films that focus too much on special effects without offering any kind of message. Seemingly coming out of nowhere with his breakout hit, Blomkamp is someone people want to know more about. Here are 10 things you didn’t know about ‘District 9’ Director Neill Blomkamp.
Sources: Deadline.com, Fandago.com, Vulture.com, Celebritynetworth.com, Telegraph.co.uk
1. Attended the Same High School as Cooaborator Sharito Copley
Both went to the same high school in Johannesburg –Redhill — but met after Blomkamp graduated when he was 16. Copley was 22 at the time.
2. Blomkamp and Copley learned and developed together
Copley encouraged Blomkamp’s interest in 3D animation by allowing him to use the computers at his production company. Blomkamp would in turn help Copley with the visuals for the projects he was working on.
3. Lived in Canada
When he was 18, Blomkamp moved with his family to Vancouver, Canada.
4. Attended the Vancouver Film School
Blomkamp attended the Vancouver Film School, graduating in 1998. He later found work at The Embassy Visual Effects and Rainmaker Digital Effects.
5. Was supposed to direct “Halo”
Blomkamp was the early pick to direct the “Halo” film, based on the hit Microsoft game franchise. He had directed three short films to promote the release of Halo 3. Even though negotiations broke down, he has continued to express an interest in the project. Current rumors are that he will be directing the TV version.
6. Is married to Terri Tatchell
Blomkamp is married to Terri Tatchell, his production partner, who co-wrote the film “District 9”.
7. Worked on many famous TV shows
He has worked as a 3D animator or Visual Effects director on a number of American TV shows including “Smallville” and “Stargate SG-1”.
8. Made it to Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World
He earned a spot in Time magazine’s The 100 Most Influential People in the World in the Artists category, in 2009. The magazine also featured an homage paid to Blomkamp by director Ridley Scott.
Michael Bay
9. Is friends with Michael Bay
Blomkamp is good friends with Michael Bay, an American film director and producer known for the “Transformers” franchise. Bay directs high-budget action films with fast edits, stylistic visuals and special effects. When Blomkamp was 19, he traveled to Los Angeles in the hopes of meeting Bay, whose directing style he admired.
10. Turned down “Star Wars” proposal
Blomkamp is usually reluctant to work on films based on someone else’s ideas. In fact, he turned down the opportunity to work on the “Star Wars” franchise when approached by Simon Kinberg, a screenwriter and film producer known for his work in “X-Men.”