Kirk Jones, a celebrated English film director and screenwriter, came into the world on November 31, 1964, in the vibrant city of Bristol, England, a place that would play a significant role in shaping his early life and future endeavors.
As a young individual growing up in the picturesque Long Ashton, Bristol, Jones was destined for greatness, and his passion for the film industry was ignited at a tender age.
His academic pursuits took him to Newport Film School, where he enrolled from 1985 to 1987, and it was during this period that he honed his skills in directing drama and television commercials, laying the foundation for a successful career in the years to come.
Upon completing his studies in 1987, Jones' hard work and dedication paid off as he was awarded the prestigious National Student Film award, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.
Following his graduation, Jones joined a prominent London-based production company, where he began his professional journey as a production runner, gradually working his way up the ranks to become an assistant film editor, a role that would provide him with invaluable experience and skills that would serve him well in his future endeavors as a film director and screenwriter.
As a filmmaker, Jones's creative endeavors did not cease to flourish even as he delved into the realm of editing. In fact, it was during this period that he continued to hone his skills as a writer and director, ultimately garnering widespread recognition for his outstanding work.
The year 1990 proved to be a pivotal moment in Jones's career, as he received a prestigious Silver award at the Creative Circle Awards for his captivating Mercedes commercial. This remarkable achievement did not go unnoticed, and it led to an esteemed invitation to join the ranks of Xenium Productions as a director.
Jones's subsequent Absolute Vodka film, which he both wrote and directed, would go on to claim another Silver award in 1991. This remarkable success served as a catalyst, prompting Jones to dedicate himself full-time to the art of directing commercials in London and Europe. Throughout his tenure, he had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse array of esteemed agencies, including the renowned Saatchi & Saatchi, Bartle, Bogle and Hegarty, and Mother.
In 1991, Glynis Murray founded Tomboy Films, a production company, and Jones soon followed suit by joining the venture. Throughout his tenure, he continued to direct commercials for a diverse range of clients, including The National Lottery, National Westminster Bank, Reebok, and HSBC, garnering numerous accolades along the way.
In 1994, his advertising work earned him recognition at the NABS, a prestigious industry event. The following year, he received a Silver award at the Creative Circle Awards, further solidifying his reputation as a talented commercial director.
Jones's campaign for Heinz, launched in 1996, made a significant impact, securing a coveted Silver Lion at the renowned Cannes festival. Moreover, his Reebok campaign, introduced in 1998, received widespread acclaim, winning awards at both The Creative Circle and the British TV Advertising Awards.
In the year 1999, Peter Jones received a prestigious nomination for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) award in the category of 'Best Newcomer' for his inaugural feature film, WAKING NED, which he not only wrote but also directed.
Notably, WAKING NED performed remarkably well in terms of its box office earnings, considering its budget, and emerged as the second highest-grossing film worldwide that year, only trailing behind 'The Blairwitch Project'.
This notable achievement was accompanied by numerous accolades and awards from various film festivals and organizations in the United States and Europe. Some of the notable awards include the New York Comedy Film Festival's Best Feature award, the Grand Jury and Critics Prize for Best Feature at the Comedy d'Alp festival in France, and the Audience Award for Best Feature at the Paris Film Festival.
Nanny McPhee, a feature film directed by Jones in the year 2004, marked his second venture into the world of cinematic storytelling, a collaboration between the esteemed production companies Working Title and Universal Pictures. This critically acclaimed film boasted an impressive cast, featuring the talented Emma Thompson and the renowned Colin Firth, who brought their unique brand of acting prowess to their respective roles.
As a testament to its widespread appeal, Nanny McPhee managed to secure a position within the top ten highest-grossing films in the United Kingdom, generating a substantial $30 million at the domestic box office. Furthermore, its global reach was nothing short of remarkable, as it went on to earn a staggering $135 million worldwide, a feat that solidified its status as a commercially successful and culturally relevant film.
In the year 2008, a significant milestone was reached in the illustrious career of a renowned filmmaker, as he embarked on the creation of his third cinematic masterpiece, a film aptly titled EVERYBODY'S FINE. This ambitious project saw the involvement of a talented ensemble cast, featuring the inimitable Robert De Niro, the versatile Drew Barrymore, the captivating Kate Beckinsale, and the multifaceted Sam Rockwell.
As the director and writer of this film, he drew inspiration from an Italian cinematic classic, carefully adapting the narrative to bring a fresh perspective to the big screen. The result of his tireless efforts was a cinematic treasure that would eventually find its way to audiences worldwide.
The film's release was a collaborative effort between Miramax, which brought it to theaters in 2009, and Disney, which expanded its reach globally in 2010. This joint venture marked a significant step forward in the filmmaker's career, as his creative vision was shared with an even broader audience.
