- Trained in photojournalism at Fox Photos in Fleet Street and at Baron Studios, the Royal photographers, Ian first became involved with independent film production in the early 70's, during his association in New York with Barry Mahon Studios Inc., where as Vice President in Charge of Production he oversaw production of eight feature films in two years (including the award-winning "The Angry Sky"). Ian met Barry, the American "Eagle Squadron" fighter ace and war hero, (on whom "The Great Escape", starring Steve McQueen, was based) while attending the World Skydiving Championships. Ian was captain of the British team when Barry offered him the position.
During the mid 70's, Ian formed Ian Merrick Productions (London, New York) where he produced several independent feature films. Among his credits during this period, Ian was Executive Producer of "Cry Uncle" directed by John Avildsen ("Rocky") which was the first independent major feature film distributed in the U.S. and U.K. It also set income records for an independent film. In 1978, Ian produced and directed the feature film "The Black Panther", a highly publicized and controversial film about the British serial killer/kidnapper Donald Nielson. The film, released through EMI/Vestron, won Canadian film awards, and has recently been re-released in Europe. Negotiations are ongoing at this time for TV release in the U.S. and U.K.
Ian then relocated to California, where he served for several years as a Resident Director at Francis Ford Coppola's Zoetrope Studios in San Francisco. During this time Ian worked on the production of "Apocalypse Now" and amongst others, developed the script for "Taking A Shot" which was later adapted into "Flash Dance" and the original concept for E.T.. During the late 80's, he also independently produced and presented concerts including the "Engelbert Humperdinck Spectacular" with the London Philharmonic at the Royal Albert Hall. He later went on to package major concerts in South and Central America.
Crossing into the early 90's, Ian headed Production Development and Special Projects at Hemdale, Los Angeles, working directly with leading writers, directors and producers. Amongst many notable films that Hemdale were associated with, they received Best Picture Oscars for "Platoon" and "The Last Emperor". Returning to independent production, Ian's next film was in 1997, with Sean Connery's Fountain Bridge production company, co-producing Deborah Persey's featurette "Hangmen".- IMDb Mini Biography By: Garden of Angels - Ian Merrick, born in London, has had a career spanning more than thirty-five years in the film industry, primarily associated with independent film production companies in London, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Trained in photo-journalism and advertising photography, Ian first became involved with independent, guerrilla style movie production in the late 70's, when he relocated to New York. There he produced eight feature films in two years, including the award-winning "The Angry Sky". Ian then formed Ian Merrick Productions (London, New York) where amongst others, he Executive Produced, Cry Uncle, directed by Academy Award winning director, John Avildsen. It was the first independent movie that set income records. In the early 80's, Ian Produced and Directed the U.K. feature film "The Black Panther", a highly publicized and controversial film about a famed British killer/kidnapper. The film won Cannes Festival and Canadian film awards before being effectively banned in the U.K. In 2013 the film was re established into the British Film Institute archives, as an important British film when it was re-released to phenomenal reviews, being called a Masterpiece. Ian then relocated to California where he served for two years as a Resident Director at Francis Ford Coppola's, Zoetrope Studios. During this time Ian developed the original concept for "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial" and also wrote the screenplay for "Taking A Shot" which was later adapted into "Flashdance" Both unaccredited by arrangement. Ian then moved back to L.A,. where he headed Special Project Development at Hemdale, working directly with the legendary producer John Daly, developing projects with leading writers, directors and producers. Amongst many notable films that Hemdale produced, they received Best Picture Oscars for "Platoon" and "The Last Emperor" in consecutive years. Returning to independent production, Ian's next film was in the U.K. in the late 90's, with Sean Connery's "Fountain Bridge" production company, co-producing Deborah Persey's featurette "Hangmen". Most recently Ian finished "The Sculptress", in San Francisco, which he wrote and directed. Currently, Ian is in pre production on The Garden of Angels which he wrote and is directing. The film is based on the true events that created the Findhorn garden. He is also a long standing member of BAFTA.- IMDb Mini Biography By: Ian Merrick
- Ian Merrick Short Bio Independent Producer/Writer/Director/Environmentalist
Born in London UK and now a US Citizen, Ian's career has spanned more than 35 years on the cutting edge of independent movie making, producing, writing and directing movies both in the UK and US. This includes producing and directing his award winning first feature "The Black Panther" now named a masterpiece. Then time as Resident Director at Zoetrope Studios, San Francisco. Producers of "The Godfather," "Apocalypse Now" and director of special projects at Hemdale Los Angeles. Producers of "Platoon" and "The Last Emperor" all Academy Awarded. Most notable during this time, Ian wrote the screenplay "Taking a Shot" which was adapted to "Flashdance" and created the original concept for "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial." Both unaccredited. He's also a world champion competition skydiver, "retired" & private pilot.
Ian has won many awards including and of which he is most covetous of, the Cannes Festival Most Promising Director Award. The "Eagle Award" Best Director, Ontario Film Festival and the "Visionary Spirit Award", Sacramento Film Festival. Indeed through his activities and associations, Ian has caused directly and indirectly, many Box Office successes for the film industry.- IMDb Mini Biography By: Ian Merrick
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content