Gregg Champion, a celebrated and accomplished film and television producer and director, embarked upon his illustrious career in the entertainment industry after having the privilege of attending the esteemed and highly respected University of Southern California School of Cinema, a prestigious institution renowned for its exceptional programs and faculty. He subsequently refined his craft by serving as an apprentice to a number of esteemed and acclaimed directors, including the illustrious Blake Edwards, the acclaimed Nicholas Roeg, and the highly respected John Badham, with whom he shared a lengthy and fruitful eight-year association.
Notable filmmaker Michael Champion's extensive production portfolio boasts a diverse array of thrilling cinematic endeavors, including the high-octane films "Blue Thunder", "Short Circuit", and "Stakeout", each showcasing his exceptional ability to craft captivating narratives.
In addition to his role as producer, Champion also lent his expertise as Action-Director on these films, further solidifying his influence on the storytelling process.
Moreover, his impressive credentials extend to his work on the Warner Bros. bicycle racing movie "American Flyers", which boasted an all-star cast, including the talented Kevin Costner, thereby underscoring his versatility and adaptability as a filmmaker.
Champion, a highly accomplished director, has demonstrated his expertise in the cinematic industry by successfully helming a diverse range of feature films, showcasing his versatility and adaptability in the process.
His notable directorial credits include the action-comedy film "The Cowboy Way", which boasted an impressive cast featuring the talented Woody Harrelson and Kiefer Sutherland, bringing their unique brand of humor and action to the big screen.
Additionally, Champion's directorial skills were also showcased in the action-comedy film "Short Time", which featured a talented ensemble cast including Dabney Coleman and Teri Garr, adding to the film's comedic charm and action-packed sequences.
Champion has left an indelible mark on the world of television, boasting an impressive portfolio of producing and directing credits that have garnered widespread recognition and acclaim. Among his most notable achievements is his involvement in the award-winning and Emmy-nominated "The Simple Life of Noah Dearborn", a critically acclaimed production that boasted an all-star cast, including the legendary Sidney Poitier, the talented Dianne Wiest, and the accomplished Mary-Louise Parker.
In addition to his work on "The Simple Life of Noah Dearborn", Champion has also lent his skills to several CBS Special Movie Presentations, showcasing his versatility and range as a producer and director. Two notable examples of his work in this capacity include "Dodson's Journey", a powerful drama that starred the accomplished Ellen Burstyn and the talented Penelope Ann Miller, and "The Last Brickmaker in America", a poignant and thought-provoking production that once again featured the esteemed Sidney Poitier in a leading role.
Champion's impressive television series credits comprise a multitude of episodes, specifically for the esteemed network CBS/MGM, in the critically acclaimed series "The Magnificent Seven". Additionally, his work extends to the popular and action-packed series "Walker Texas Ranger", starring the renowned Chuck Norris, also for CBS.
Furthermore, Champion's long-form movie directing credits boast a significant milestone, with the Emmy-nominated drama "Miracle Run", featuring an impressive cast including the talented Mary-Louise Parker, Aidan Quinn, and the young and gifted Zac Efron. His directing expertise also shines in the romantic comedy "Stealing Christmas", starring the beloved Tony Danza, Lea Thompson, and the iconic Betty White, exclusively for the USA Network.
Notably, renowned director, actor, and producer, Doug Champion, showcased his exceptional skill in the realm of action-drama with the direction of "14 Hours", a captivating production for TNT, which garnered him the esteemed Christopher Award for outstanding direction.
Furthermore, Champion's impressive repertoire includes the direction of "Amish Grace", a poignant and thought-provoking film that boasted an impressive cast, featuring the talented Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Tammy Blanchard. This emotionally charged production, which premiered on Lifetime Movie Network, achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the network's highest-rated original movie ever.
As a testament to his exceptional craftsmanship, Champion received his second Christopher Award for his direction of "Amish Grace", a testament to his ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Tammy Blanchard
Most recently, Champion lent his expertise to the A&E 4-hour mini-series "Bonnie & Clyde", where he took on the role of 2nd Unit Director and brought his impressive skills to the table by choreographing several of the film's high-energy, action-packed sequences, working alongside the talented Emile Hirsch.
Additionally, Champion directed the captivating gymnastics bio-pic "The Gabby Douglas Story", a 2-hour Special Event Movie produced in collaboration with Sony and Lifetime. This critically acclaimed film garnered four NAACP Award nominations, including one for best director, and ultimately took home the prestigious 2015 Christopher Award for best movie.
