Director Michael Apted has passed away aged 79, his representative has stated.
The British filmmaker was known for the Up series of documentaries which followed the lives of 14 children considering that 1964, along with directing Coal Miner’s Daughter and Gorillas In The Mist.
He likewise directed the 1999 James Bond film The World Is Not Enough, which starred Pierce Brosnan.
Apted also directed a number of episodes of Crowning Street in the 1960 s.
Thomas Schlamme, president of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), paid tribute to Apted in a declaration, saying: “Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the death of renowned director, longtime DGA leader and my pal Michael Apted.
” His tradition will be permanently woven into the fabric of movie theater and our Guild.
” A fearless visionary as a director and exceptional guild leader, Michael saw the trajectory of things when others didn’t, and we were all the beneficiaries of his wisdom and lifelong devotion.”
Apted, who served as the president of the DGA from 2003 to 2009, was born in 1941 in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, prior to relocating to London with his daddy after the Second World War.
As a kid, he studied at the City of London School where he first established an interest in cinema.
In 2008 he was made a buddy of the Most Identified Order of Saint Michael and Saint George in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to the British movie and television markets.
We are really sorry to hear of the death of director Michael Apted. Winner of 4 BAFTAs, including 3 for his acclaimed and ground-breaking “Up” documentary series. Michael is envisioned here (left) getting his BAFTA for 28 Up from David Frost in1985 pic.twitter.com/J8xOllrcdp
— BAFTA (@BAFTA) January 8, 2021
He won four Baftas, including three for Up.
A tweet from the film academy stated the organisation is “extremely sorry to hear of the death of director Michael Apted”.
The producers of the James Bond movie franchise commemorated his capability to move “easily and effectively between all categories”.
” It is with very broken hearts that we share the news of the death of Michael Apted. He was a director of massive skill and range and distinct in his capability to move easily and effectively in between all categories. He was precious by all those who dealt with him. pic.twitter.com/DhazGUiIsp
— James Bond (@007) January 8, 2021
A Twitter post signed by Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli added: “He was cherished by all those who dealt with him.
” We enjoyed dealing with him on The World Is Insufficient and send our love and assistance to his household, pals and associates.”
The main Twitter page for the Oscars likewise paid tribute.
Director Michael Apted will always be remembered for the groundbreaking documentary “Up” series. A past president of the Directors Guild and Academy Governor, he also made many well-known function movies, from “Coal Miner’s Child” to “The World Is Insufficient.” He will be missed out on. pic.twitter.com/5vtLfBJgmR
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) January 8, 2021
” Director Michael Apted will constantly be kept in mind for the groundbreaking documentary “Up” series,” the post said.
” A previous president of the Directors Guild and Academy Governor, he also made many well-known feature movies, from “Coal Miner’s Daughter” to “The World Is Not Enough.” He will be missed out on.”
ITV handling director Kevin Lygo highlighted Apted’s long association with the broadcaster that included the Seven Up series.
” At ITV, we are deeply saddened by the news that Michael Apted has died,” he said.
” Michael’s long and prominent profession began and ended with ITV, spanning six years, which is in itself truly remarkable.
” What that association produced was genuinely special.
” The Up series showed the possibilities of television at its finest in its aspiration and its capability to hold up a mirror to society and engage with and entertain people while improving our viewpoint on the human condition.
” The impact of Michael’s contribution to film and programme-making continues to be felt and he will be regretfully missed.”
Star and director Paul Feig stated he was “really extremely sad to hear of the death of Michael Apted”.
” He was always so kind to me and I was such an excellent admirer of his work,” he included.
” We were on the DGA board together for a couple of years and I constantly anticipated sitting beside him. RIP Michael.”
Film Writer John Fusco, who worked with Apted on the film Thunderheart, tweeted: “Sad to find out of the death of brilliant film director Michael Apted.
” In directing ‘Thunderheart’ he was the only director to ever genuinely record among my screenplays as pictured. Excelsior, Mate.”
A post on the Twitter account of the band Garbage, who performed the theme for The World Is Inadequate, identified Apted a “delightful, charming soul”.
” Thank you for sprinkling us with a few of your stardust,” the post included.
The tune’s composer David G Arnold, who worked with Apted on 3 other films including The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Trip Of The Dawn Treader, tweeted: “I was fortunate adequate to go to the rodeo with Michael on 4 films, including “Bond” and “Narnia”. A more trusting, amusing, friendly and, most importantly, kind person you ‘d never ever satisfy. Happy to have understood him and so sad that he’s gone.”