Born and raised in Sydney, Gillespie moved to New York City at the age of nineteen[1] to study illustration, graphic design and advertising at Manhattan's School of Visual Arts.[2][3]
Careeredit
Gillespie started out as an intern at ad agency J. Walter Thompson, New York. He then moved on to D'Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles, BBDO, Deutsch, and Ammirati & Puris, first as an art director, later as a creative director. After eight years working on the agency side he moved into directing in 1995. Based on the strength of his spec reel and agency experience, he gained representation by production company Fahrenheit Films in late 1995.[4] One year later, he signed with Coppos Films. He has been with MJZ since 2000[5] and continues to work as a commercial director, commonly working with cinematographers Masanobu Takayanagi and Rodrigo Prieto.[6] Following nominations in 2001 and 2002 in the Directors Guild of America Award category for "Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Commercials", he won in 2006 for his Ameriquest and Altoids commercials.[2] He also won a Golden Lion Award at 2005's Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival, and two of his commercials belong to the Museum of Modern Art in MidtownManhattan's permanent collection.[2] His commercial for Snickers featuring Betty White playing backyard football was voted the top ad of Super Bowl XLIV by USA Today and is credited with renewing public interest in the actress.[7][8]
Gillespie's debut feature film was 2007's Mr. Woodcock. He left the project after several negative test screenings, and many scenes were re-written and re-shot. David Dobkin replaced Gillespie in the director's role. Upon initially receiving the script, Gillespie had assumed that audiences would respond well to the dark humor he had been using in his commercials, but, according to him, "it was obvious the audience wanted a broader comedy, not the one I'd made. I appreciated the predicament New Line was in, so I stepped aside."[6] Less than a month after principal photography of Mr. Woodcock concluded, Gillespie set up pre-production of Lars and the Real Girl. He had had the Lars script for four years but had not yet attached any cast members or a studio.[1] He had first read the script before he was attached to Mr. Woodcock, but the pitch for Lars and the Real Girl—a man falling in love with a sex doll—which he had almost turned down himself, believing the premise to be an "absurd notion",[1] put off many major studios. He chose to direct Mr. Woodcock first.[9]
Gillespie directed several episodes, including the pilot, of the first season of Steven Spielberg and Diablo Cody's television series The United States of Tara.[10] He was set to re-team with Lars and the Real Girl lead actor Ryan Gosling for Dallas Buyers Club, a film telling the true story of Ron Woodroof, an electrician given six months to live after he was diagnosed with AIDS, but used a variety of drugs which he smuggled to other AIDS patients to live for another six years.[11] However, the directing job instead went to Jean-Marc Vallée and Matthew McConaughey as Ron Woodroof. In March 2010, it was announced that Gillespie would direct the Fright Night remake,[12] starring Colin Farrell, Anton Yelchin and Toni Collette for the lead roles.[13] Gillespie and Sam Worthington won the 2009 Australians in Film Breakthrough Award.[14]
^Breznican, Anthony (19 April 2011). "'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies' director chews over Jane Austen mash-up – EXCLUSIVE". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 19 April 2011.
^"Chris Pine in Talks to Star in Disney's 'Finest Hours'". variety.com.
^"Casey Affleck In 'Finest Hours' Talks". deadline.com. 6 August 2014. Retrieved 7 August 2014.
^Kroll, Justin. "'Dark Knight Rises' Actor Josh Stewart Joins Chris Pine in 'Finest Hours'". variety.com.
^"'The Finest Hours' Adds 'Outlander's Graham McTavish". deadline.com.
^"'Kyle Gallner Joins Disaster-At-Sea Drama 'The Finest Hours'". deadline.com.
^"Sets for 'The Finest Hour', starring Chris Pine, being built in Quincy, MA". onlocationvacations.com.
^Kroll, Justin (14 June 2016). "Craig Gillespie to Direct Tonya Harding Biopic Starring Margot Robbie (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
^Hipes, Patrick (13 December 2016). "Sebastian Stan To Play Jeff Gillooly In 'I, Tonya'". Deadline. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
^Fleming, Mike Jr. (12 December 2016). "Miramax Lands Margot Robbie As Tonya Harding Drama 'I, Tonya'". Deadline. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
^Fleming, Mike Jr. (4 December 2018). "Craig Gillespie In Talks To Direct Emma Stone In 'Cruella'". Deadline.com. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
^McClintock, Pamela (18 May 2021). "'Cruella' Stages First Major Hollywood Premiere in Pandemic Era". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
^Couch, Borys Kit,Aaron; Kit, Borys; Couch, Aaron (4 June 2021). "'Cruella' Sequel in the Works at Disney (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 6 June 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
^Kroll, Justin (4 April 2022). "Craig Gillespie To Direct GameStop Stock Pic For MGM Based On Ben Mezrich's Book 'The Antisocial Network'". Deadline.com. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
^"Film and TV Projects Going Into Production - The Antisocial Network". Variety Insight. Archived from the original on 17 March 2021. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
^D'Alessandro, Anthony; Kroll, Justin (3 April 2024). "Craig Gillespie In Talks To Direct 'Supergirl' For DC Studios". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
^"7-Eleven : Belly Flop". AdAge. 24 July 2000. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"7-Eleven : Ducks". AdAge. 24 July 2000. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Honda Acura : Transactions -- Super Bowl XLVI". AdAge. 29 January 2012. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Aerial.Com Pc Wireless Phone Service Provider: Lost". AdEevee. 2 September 2000. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
^"Altoids : Fruit Bat". AdAge. 24 March 2005. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Altoids : Mother Tongue". AdAge. 24 March 2005. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Altoids : People of Pain". AdAge. 24 March 2005. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Ameriquest - Robbery". AdAge. 6 February 2005. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Ameriquest - Surprise Dinner". AdAge. 6 February 2005. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Ameriquest : Mother-In-Law". AdAge. 28 February 2005. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Ameriquest : Parking Meter". AdAge. 28 February 2005. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Ameriquest - Doctor". AdAge. 5 February 2006. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Ameriquest - Friendly Skies". AdAge. 5 February 2006. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Ameriquest : Concert". AdAge. 8 May 2006. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Audi - "Commander"". AdForum. 7 February 2016. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Audi "Driver" spot". Communication Arts. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
^"Audi "New Santa" spot". Communication Arts. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
^"Bud Light : Groupies". AdAge. 27 February 2006. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"CareerBuilder : Job Fairy". AdAge. 14 January 2010. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"CareerBuilder.com - Casual Friday". AdAge. 7 February 2010. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Cars.com - David Abernathy". AdAge. 7 February 2010. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Cars.com - Timothy Richman". AdAge. 7 February 2010. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"CDW TV Commercial, 'Dysfunction by Aging Rock Stars. Orchestration by CDW.'". iSpot.tv | Realtime TV Advertising Performance Measurement. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
^"Citi : Dressing Up". AdAge. 22 November 2004. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Citi : Mountain". AdAge. 22 November 2004. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Citi : Runner". AdAge. 28 April 2005. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Consumers Energy Energy Company: Milk". AdEevee. 6 June 1999. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
^"Consumers Energy Energy Company: Dog Dish". AdEevee. 23 June 1999. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
^"DirecTV : Chair". AdAge. 16 November 2004. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"DirecTV : Chinese Food". AdAge. 16 November 2004. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"DirecTV : Vase". AdAge. 16 November 2004. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Dunkin' Donuts : Joke". AdAge. 17 May 2004. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Dunkin' Donuts : Parking Lot". AdAge. 17 May 2004. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Dunkin' Donuts : Phone". AdAge. 17 May 2004. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Emerald Nuts/Pop Secret : Awesomer". AdAge. 4 February 2010. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"ESPN : Alarm Clocks". AdAge. 20 August 2008. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"ESPN : Paper Jam". AdAge. 20 August 2008. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"FedEx : Drafting". AdAge. 17 February 2005. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"FedEx : Gin Rummy". AdAge. 17 February 2005. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"FedEx : Perspective". AdAge. 17 February 2005. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"First Commerce Corporation Financial Services: Refund". AdEevee. 1 July 1998. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
^"First Commerce Corporation Financial Services: Rich Guy". AdEevee. 17 August 1998. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
^"Fruit of the Loom : Boxers". AdAge. 9 September 2002. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Fruit of the Loom : Ceremonial Fruit". AdAge. 9 September 2002. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Fruit of the Loom : Shirts". AdAge. 9 September 2002. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Geico : Balding". AdAge. 10 August 2003. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Geico : CEO". AdAge. 10 August 2003. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Geico : House". AdAge. 10 August 2003. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Geico : Rapper". AdAge. 10 August 2003. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Geico : Soap". AdAge. 10 August 2003. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Guinness - Slide". AdAge. 23 November 2009. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Holiday Inn Express : Jeopardy". AdAge. 12 April 2004. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"H & R Block Tax Services: Where's Your W-2?". AdEevee. 1 February 2000. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
^"H & R Block Tax Services: Brad Or Chad Or Something". AdEevee. 17 March 2000. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
^"Kraft Dinners: Romantic Dinner". AdEevee. 6 April 2000. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
^"Icehouse : Rain Delay". AdAge. 28 August 2000. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Icehouse : Dinner Party". AdAge. 29 August 2000. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Icehouse : Support Group". AdAge. 29 August 2000. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Jack Link's : Binoculars". AdAge. 30 May 2006. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Jack Link's : Salt Shaker". AdAge. 30 May 2006. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Jack Link's : Shaving Cream". AdAge. 30 May 2006. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Jack Link's : Waterbowl". AdAge. 30 May 2006. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Mercedes Benz : Bawling/Penguin". AdAge. 18 June 2006. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Mercedes Benz : It's Ready". AdAge. 18 June 2006. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Kraft Miracle Whip Salad Cream: Man's Best Friend". AdEevee. 3 May 1998. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
^"Molson Canadian : Close To You". AdAge. 25 December 1999. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Mountain Dew : Defeated". AdAge. 28 August 2007. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"MSN : Hotel". AdAge. 18 December 2003. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"MSN : Mr. Snookums". AdAge. 18 December 2003. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"MSN : Name Game". AdAge. 18 December 2003. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"MSN : Quiz". AdAge. 18 December 2003. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"MSN : Rad". AdAge. 18 December 2003. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Nintendo Games Console: Race". AdEevee. 7 November 2005. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
^"Nintendo Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time Game: Teamwork". AdEevee. 21 November 2005. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
^"Nintendo". Communication Arts. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
^"Nissan Altima "Break-up" TV spot". Communication Arts. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
^"Obama : Maverick". AdAge. 6 October 2008. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Pepsi : Magnetic Attraction". AdAge. 30 January 2008. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Porsche : Dinner". AdAge. 20 August 2003. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Porsche : Sound". AdAge. 20 August 2003. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Qwest - Crib". AdAge. 5 May 2009. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Saturn : Convoy". AdAge. 10 March 2004. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Snickers : Road Trip". AdAge. 9 February 2010. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Snickers : Coach". AdAge. 27 January 2013. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"BBDO NY Launches Snickers Bites Spot". LBBOnline. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Southwest Airlines "Locked Car" TV commercial". Communication Arts. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
^"Subway : Cupid". AdAge. 20 November 2003. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"TAG : Disclaimer Mom". AdAge. 9 March 2005. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"TAG : Fast Acting". AdAge. 9 March 2005. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"The St Paul : Noah". AdAge. 16 January 2003. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Toyota : Adrenalitis". AdAge. 31 October 2004. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Toyota : Bed". AdAge. 31 October 2004. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Toyota : Living the Dream". AdAge. 31 October 2004. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Toyota : Rail System". AdAge. 31 October 2004. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Toys R Us : Periscope Up". AdAge. 15 October 2007. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Toys R Us : Spaceship". AdAge. 15 October 2007. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Toys R Us : Standoff". AdAge. 15 October 2007. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Twix : Ideologies". AdAge. 15 July 2012. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Twix : Merger". AdAge. 7 February 2013. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Us West Caller Id Service: Cry". AdEevee. 24 February 2000. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
^"Volkswagen : Dancing". AdAge. 31 May 2006. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Volkswagen : Hike". AdAge. 31 May 2006. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Volkswagen : Yoga". AdAge. 2 June 2006. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Washington Mutual : Julie". AdAge. 31 March 2003. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Washington Mutual : Roy". AdAge. 31 March 2003. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Washington Mutual : Bill B Gone". AdAge. 20 August 2003. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Washington Mutual : Insta-Branch". AdAge. 20 August 2003. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Washington Mutual : Money Shrub". AdAge. 20 August 2003. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Washington Mutual : Teller Porter". AdAge. 20 November 2003. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Washington Mutual : Debra". AdAge. 19 February 2004. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Washington Mutual : Tom". AdAge. 19 February 2004. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Washington Mutual : Jenn". AdAge. 16 March 2004. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Washington Mutual : Paul". AdAge. 11 April 2004. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
^"Washington Mutual : Brandon". AdAge. 21 April 2004. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Washington Mutual : Geoffrey". AdAge. 21 April 2004. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"World Championship Wrestling Wrestling Events: Hov, Couch". AdEevee. 7 May 1999. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
^"World Championship Wrestling Wrestling Events: Voodoo". AdEevee. 23 June 1999. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
^"Wrigley's : No Dummy". AdAge. 2 September 2004. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Yahoo! : Bully". AdAge. 21 September 2006. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Yahoo! : Garden". AdAge. 21 September 2006. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
^"Yahoo! : Recall". AdAge. 21 September 2006. Retrieved 9 June 2020.