Bruce Pittman's illustrious career in feature film and television production spans numerous genres, including comedy, drama, action, adventure, science fiction, and thriller. He began his journey in the advertising and publicity department of Famous Players Ltd. and later moved to a film market research division at Paramount Pictures, honing his skills in the art, craft, and business of selling films.
Pittman's passion for filmmaking led him to work as an apprentice for John Frankenheimer and as a production assistant on the John Badham film "Reflections of Murder" (1974). He then co-created the long-running series "Saturday Night at the Movies" (1974-2013),which provided him with the opportunity to interview legendary screen giants and gain valuable insights into the craft of filmmaking.
Pittman's early short films were broadcast by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and showcased at film festivals worldwide, earning him three Best Short Film awards from the Canadian Film and Television Association. One of his short films, "The Painted Door" (1984),was even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Short Subject.
Throughout his career, Pittman has demonstrated his versatility by moving seamlessly from short films to television series, TV movies, and feature films. His work has garnered 97 nominations and awards globally, including a Best Foreign Film award at the Long Island International Film Festival for his independent noir feature film "The Last Movie" (2012).
Pittman's mini-series "Shattered City: The Halifax Explosion" (2003) won two Directors Guild of Canada Awards and five Gemini Awards, starring Graham Greene and Pete Postlethwaite. His made-for-television movies include "Captive Heart: The James Mink Story" (1996),which won several awards, and "Harrison Bergeron" (1995),a futuristic black comedy that was named one of the 10 Best TV Movies at the Cologne Conference in Germany.
Pittman's critically acclaimed drama "Where the Spirit Lives" (1989) received numerous international awards, including Gemini Awards for Best TV Movie and Best Actress, and Pittman won Best Director at the Chicago International Film Festival.
In addition to his work in feature films and television, Pittman has directed 335 episodes across 33 series for 11 different networks, showcasing his ability to adapt to various genres and styles. His series credits include science fiction shows like "Earth: Final Conflict" and "Tekwar," comedies like "Maniac Mansion" and "Due South," dramas like "Street Legal" and "E.N.G.," and family-friendly shows like "Avonlea" and "Doc."
Throughout his career, Pittman has consistently demonstrated his skill as a storyteller, bringing a keen awareness of the impact on the audience and an eye on efficient production to his work. As a creative collaborator, he has proven himself to be a valuable asset to both feature-length films and series television, earning him a reputation as a talented and versatile director.
