David Schmoeller, a celebrated writer-director, embarked on his creative journey in the Lone Star State, where he was nurtured and educated. His early beginnings were marked by a passion for playwriting, which ultimately led him to receive the prestigious Texas Good Neighbor Scholarship. This esteemed honor enabled him to pursue his academic aspirations at the renowned Universidad De Las Americas in Mexico, a privilege he cherished from 1967 to 1968.
Alejandro Jodorowsky, a renowned Mexican theater expert, had the esteemed privilege of guiding Schmoeller's theatrical pursuits within the vibrant cultural landscape of Mexico. Concurrently, the iconic Luis Buñuel, a legendary figure in the realm of film, assumed the role of mentor, imparting his vast knowledge and expertise to Schmoeller.
Following this enriching experience, Schmoeller's professional path diverged as he accepted a position as an interpreter for ABC Sports, providing linguistic services during the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. The excitement and global exposure of this experience likely left an indelible mark on Schmoeller.
Upon his return to Texas, Schmoeller's academic pursuits resumed as he embarked on a Master's program in Radio-TV-Film at the University of Texas at Austin. This rigorous program would have further honed his skills and broadened his understanding of the multifaceted world of radio, television, and film.
Noted filmmaker, Schmoeller, achieved significant recognition early in his career with his thesis film, "The Spider Will Kill You", which was meticulously crafted with the support of a grant from the prestigious Directors Guild of America. This outstanding work garnered a prestigious Academy Award Student Film Nomination in 1974, a testament to Schmoeller's exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.
Following this notable achievement, Schmoeller further honed his skills through an invaluable six-month internship with renowned writer-director Peter Hyams on the 1977 film "Capricorn One". This opportunity, made possible through the American Film Institute and funded by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, allowed Schmoeller to learn from a master of his craft and refine his skills in a professional setting.
Stephen King, a renowned master of storytelling, has a special fondness for Schmoeller's debut feature film, Tourist Trap, which he wrote and directed in 1979. This milestone in Schmoeller's career is a testament to his creative prowess, showcasing his versatility as a writer and director. Prior to this notable achievement, Schmoeller had already made a significant impact in the television industry, contributing to the highly-acclaimed series James at 16, which premiered in 1977. His work in television was followed by a string of successful feature films, including The Seduction, released in 1982, Crawlspace, which gained recognition in 1986, Ghost Town, which hit the screens in 1988, and Catacombs, another 1988 release that further solidified Schmoeller's reputation as a talented filmmaker.
Noted filmmaker, Charles Band's collaborator, David Schmoeller, is also renowned for his work behind the camera, having directed the cult classic, Puppet Master, a 1989 horror film produced by Paramount Pictures, which went on to become one of the most commercially successful franchise horror films in the history of the genre.
Schmoeller's filmography also includes The Arrival, a 1991 science-fiction black comedy, which garnered significant attention and was subsequently selected for the prestigious Midnight Madness screening at the Toronto International Film Festival, a testament to his versatility as a director and his ability to craft engaging, thought-provoking stories that appeal to a wide range of audiences.
Shirley Mae Schmoeller, a renowned filmmaker, embarked on a new creative journey after the success of "The Arrival". Her next project was the direction and writing of Netherworld, a spine-tingling ghost story that was meticulously crafted and filmed in the atmospheric city of New Orleans. This eerie and suspenseful production showcased Schmoeller's mastery of the horror genre and her ability to weave a captivating narrative.
Following the critical acclaim of Netherworld, Schmoeller shifted her focus to creating films for a younger audience. Her next two projects, The Secret Kingdom (1998) and "Mysterious Museum", were designed specifically for children. The former, a fantastical adventure, was set in a mystical realm and featured a richly imagined world of wonder and magic. The latter, a thrilling mystery, was filmed on location in the historic cities of Bucharest and Sinia in Romania, as well as in the culturally rich city of New Orleans.
David Schmoeller's impressive portfolio extends far beyond his feature film work, as he has also had the opportunity to direct numerous hours of network television. Specifically, he was responsible for overseeing the production of three seasons of the CBS-USA Network series "Silk Stalkings" in 1991 and "Renegade" in 1992.
A renowned figure in the film industry, Schmoeller has garnered widespread recognition for his impressive body of work spanning over three decades. His extensive repertoire includes nine feature films, a multitude of hours of network television, and a plethora of award-winning shorts.
