Chris Thomson, a celebrated and accomplished director and producer from New Zealand, entered the world in 1945, his life marked by a profound impact on the television industry that would ultimately come to a close on July 1, 2015, with his untimely passing.
As a young individual, still in his twenties, Chris Thomson was astonishingly entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing a multitude of pioneering New Zealand television dramas, thereby showcasing his extraordinary ability, exceptional leadership skills, and unwavering dedication to his craft.
Notable among his numerous accomplishments was his influential contribution to the development of the colonial narrative, specifically through his work on the television series "The Killing of Kane" and "The Alpha Plan", which premiered in 1969 and holds great importance in the annals of New Zealand's television history, as it marked a groundbreaking moment in the country's televisual journey, being the first dramatic television series to be produced in Aotearoa.
Subsequently, Chris Thomson leveraged the expertise and knowledge he acquired during his tenure with the esteemed British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) to relocate to Australia, where he went on to forge a highly productive and illustrious career as a director, leaving an indelible mark on the Australian television landscape.
Chris Thomson's remarkable professional trajectory has been marked by an impressive array of credits on numerous esteemed mini-series, with "1915" and "Waterfront" standing out as notable examples of his exceptional talent for crafting captivating narratives and visually stunning productions.
As a result, he has solidified his status as a masterful storyteller and visual artist, with his body of work serving as a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft.
Throughout his illustrious career, Chris Thomson has consistently demonstrated a willingness to challenge conventional norms and push the boundaries of television storytelling, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and influence the industry today.
