Annette's illustrious directing career commenced with the cinematic production of THE FOOT SHOOTING PARTY, a film that boasted the talented Leonardo DiCaprio in its cast, and was generously funded by the esteemed discretionary fund of Jeffrey Katzenberg and Touchstone Pictures.
This remarkable film garnered a tremendous amount of attention, with a screening that was completely sold out, leaving only standing room available at Sony's newly renovated Cary Grant Theater.
Annette's exceptional work on THE FOOT SHOOTING PARTY did not go unnoticed, as she was featured in an article by the prestigious PREMIERE magazine, titled "Talent to Keep an Eye On," showcasing her as one of the most promising and talented individuals in the industry.
Before embarking on a career in directing, Annette initially honed her craft by studying acting under the tutelage of the renowned coach, Joan Darling, whose expertise and guidance undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping her artistic vision. Concurrently, Annette gained valuable industry experience by working as a script supervisor on numerous major studio films, having the privilege of collaborating with some of the most esteemed producers and directors in the business, including the acclaimed Bruce Beresford, the accomplished Richard Zanuck, the visionary Saul Zaentz, the innovative Joel Silver, and the iconic Steven Spielberg.
Steven Spielberg, the renowned film director and producer, had the opportunity to view the acclaimed production "The Foot Shooting Party", which led to him extending an offer to Annette to direct an episode of his NBC television series "SeaQuest", thereby inaugurating her esteemed career as a television director.
Angelina Jolie's cinematic journey took a pivotal turn with her introduction to the world through Annette's feature directorial debut, FOXFIRE, where Annette skillfully identified and brought out the exceptional talent within Jolie, thereby catapulting her to stardom.
Noted for her exceptional expertise in the realm of casting and performance, Annette boasts an impressive portfolio of collaborative endeavors with esteemed Academy and Tony Award-winning thespians across her extensive filmography, showcasing her remarkable ability to curate and bring together a diverse range of talented individuals to create unforgettable cinematic experiences.
Noted film director Annette Bening's cinematic masterpiece, "LOVE IS STRANGE", garnered widespread critical acclaim, with a glowing review from The Hollywood Reporter, lavishing praise upon her expert direction, as the film boasted a talented cast, including the esteemed Ron Silver, the late, great Julie Harris, and the accomplished Kate Nelligan.
Savannah, a cinematic masterpiece, boasts an esteemed ensemble cast, featuring the inimitable Sam Shepard, who sadly left us far too soon, alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor, a thespian of remarkable range and versatility; Bradley Whitford, a talented character actor with a knack for bringing depth and nuance to his roles; Jim Caviezel, an accomplished performer with a versatility that has earned him widespread acclaim; and Jaime Alexander, a gifted actress known for her captivating on-screen presence.
This poignant and powerful film had the privilege of being showcased in a dozen cities during its initial theatrical run, allowing audiences to experience its emotional resonance on the big screen. And, for the past decade, it has continued to captivate viewers through its availability on cable television and various streaming platforms.
In the year 2023, the renowned television network FOX embarked on a significant endeavor by releasing the highly anticipated film "Daughter of the Bride" in a limited capacity, showcasing it theatrically in a select group of five major cities, prior to making it exclusively available for broadcast and subsequent streaming.
The film boasts an impressive cast, featuring the talented Marcia Gay Harden, known for her versatility and range in a wide variety of roles, alongside Aidan Quinn, a seasoned actor with a long and distinguished career, Halston Sage, a rising star with a promising future in the entertainment industry, and Andrew Richardson, a talented performer with a knack for bringing complex characters to life.
This exceptional quartet of actors brings to life the captivating story of "Daughter of the Bride", a film that is sure to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.
Annette's impressive professional portfolio extends far beyond her primary occupation, as she has concurrently pursued a successful career as a writer. With a keen creative eye, she has crafted original scripts that showcase her unique storytelling abilities, writing for hire on various movie projects, and even lent her expertise as a script doctor, refining and perfecting screenplays that have ultimately received the green light for production.
She is currently involved in the development of multiple creative endeavors, with two projects in various stages of production.
One of these projects is a limited television series, set against the backdrop of the vibrant and historic city of Berlin. This series promises to be a rich and immersive storytelling experience, drawing inspiration from the city's unique cultural and historical context.
In addition to the television series, she is also working on an independent film project, which boasts an impressive cast, including the talented trans-actress Hari Nef, who has been attached to play the lead role. This film is expected to be a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience, with a focus on themes of identity, community, and social justice.
Rounding out the creative team behind this film is the highly respected and accomplished producer Bruce Cohen, who has previously won the Academy Award for Best Picture for his work on the film "Milk". As Consulting Producer, Cohen brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the project, ensuring that it is both artistically and commercially successful.
Annette, a multifaceted and accomplished individual, proudly holds membership in the Directors Guild of America, Writers Guild of America, and the DGA's LGBTQ+ committee, a testament to her commitment to industry diversity and inclusion.
In addition, she is a valued member of Film Fatales, a collective of women filmmakers dedicated to promoting and supporting each other's work, and Women in Film, a prominent organization advocating for the advancement of women in the entertainment industry.
Throughout her career, Annette has enjoyed the guidance and support of New York attorney Jackie Eckhouse of Sloss Eckhouse Dasti Haynes Lawco, who has represented her since the early stages of her professional journey.
She has chosen to make Santa Monica her current place of residence, but her work is not limited to any specific location, as she is willing to travel anywhere in the world to pursue her professional endeavors.
In addition to her own accomplishments, she is also proud of her daughter, who has followed in her footsteps by pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. Her daughter has secured a position as a Key Production Assistant on the renowned television program, SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, which is a testament to her hard work and dedication.
Furthermore, her son is also pursuing a career in a field that is both challenging and rewarding, as he is currently studying political science. This career path requires a strong foundation in critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, all of which are essential skills for success in this field.
