Michael Gracey is an Australian visual effects artist and filmmaker. He is best known for directing the film The Greatest Showman (2017).

Michael Gracey
Occupation(s)Visual effects artist, filmmaker
Years active1997–present
Notable workThe Greatest Showman

Early life and career

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Gracey grew up in Melbourne – in Carlton then Kew – then started working in visual effects and music videos before making his reputation in advertising, gaining a name for with his Christmas commercials in the UK and US.[1]

Career

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Gracey at the premiere of The Greatest Showman Australian

Gracey made his feature directorial debut in 2017 with The Greatest Showman starring Hugh Jackman as P. T. Barnum.[2][3]

Gracey was also slated to direct an adaptation of manga series Naruto,[4] but was replaced by Destin Daniel Cretton,[5] and an adaptation of the novel Daughter of Smoke and Bone,[6] which fell in development hell. Gracey worked for 2 years at animation and visual effects studio Animal Logic from 1994 to 1996 as an animator and visual effects compositor.

In 2022, Gracey directed a short film for Tourism Australia, G'Day, starring Rose Byrne and Will Arnett, with cameos from Hamish Blake & Andy Lee.[7] The commercial is the salient feature of the 'Come and Say G’day' campaign.[8]

Gracey is a member of the Australian production company: FINCH.[9]

Gracey is set to direct the live action version of Tangled.

Filmography

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Visual effects

Year Title Notes
1997 Amy Digital artist
1998 The Genie from Down Under Visual effects artist (6 episodes)
2001 Cubbyhouse Digital compositor
2002 Double Vision
2003 Ned Kelly Digital compositor – Complete Post
Visual effects supervisor – Complete 2003 Post
2005 The Magician Visual effects supervisor

Director

Year Title Director Producer Writer Notes
2017 The Greatest Showman Yes No No
2021 Pink: All I Know So Far Yes Yes Yes Documentary film
2024 Better Man Yes Yes Yes

Executive producer

Year Title Notes
2019 Rocketman Originally attached to direct the film before being replaced by Dexter Fletcher
2023 Ladybug & Cat Noir: The Movie Also song lyrics

Special thanks

References

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  1. ^ Maddox, Garry (20 December 2017). "How first-time Australian director Michael Gracey landed a Hollywood musical". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  2. ^ Pamela McClintock; Borys Kit (17 August 2011). "Michael Gracey to Direct 'The Greatest Showman on Earth'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 4 March 2017.
  3. ^ Lipshutz, Jason (28 February 2017). "What 'La La Land' Hath Wrought: The 15 Biggest Movie Musicals Coming Soon". Billboard. Retrieved 4 March 2017.
  4. ^ McNary, Dave (31 July 2015). "Lionsgate Ramping Up 'Naruto' Movie with Michael Gracey". Variety. Retrieved 4 March 2017.
  5. ^ Kit, Borys (23 February 2024). "'Naruto' Movie in the Works with Destin Daniel Cretton Writing and Directing (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 23 February 2024. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
  6. ^ Kyt, Boris (3 December 2013). "Michael Gracey Set to Direct Universal's 'Daughter of Smoke & Bone' Adaptation". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 4 March 2017.
  7. ^ Staff, DRIFT (20 October 2022). "Australia's new short film invites you to Come and Say G'day". Drift Travel Magazine. Retrieved 22 October 2022.
  8. ^ "UPDATED TO INCLUDE FILM: Tourism Australia invites the world to 'Come and Say G'day' in global campaign via M&C Saatchi, Sydney". Campaign Brief. 20 October 2022. Retrieved 22 October 2022.
  9. ^ "Michael Gracey joins FINCH". FilmInk. Retrieved 22 October 2022.
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