Tim Miller (director)
{{short description|American filmmaker (born 1964)}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Tim Miller
| image = Tim Miller by Gage Skidmore 2.jpg
| image_size = 235px
| caption = Miller at the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con promoting Terminator: Dark Fate
| birth_name = Timothy Miller
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1964|10|10}}
| birth_place = Fort Washington, Maryland, U.S.
| occupation = {{hlist|Film director|film producer|screenwriter|animator|visual effects artist}}
| years_active = 1995–present
| known_for = {{ubl|
- Deadpool
- Terminator: Dark Fate
- Love, Death & Robots
- Co-founder of Blur Studio
}}
| awards = See below
}}
Timothy Miller (born October 10, 1964) is an American film director, producer, screenwriter, animator, and visual effects artist. He is best known for directing the films Deadpool (2016) and Terminator: Dark Fate (2019). He is also the creator of the animated anthology series Love, Death & Robots (2019–present), for which he has won three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Short Form Animated Program.
Miller is the co-founder of the visual effects company Blur Studio. He was nominated Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film as co-story writer and executive producer of the short animated film Gopher Broke (2004). He also designed the title sequences of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) and Thor: The Dark World (2013).
Early life
Miller was born in Fort Washington, Maryland.{{cite web|url=http://www.allocine.fr/personne/fichepersonne_gen_cpersonne=516618.html|title=Tim Miller|work=AlloCiné|access-date=December 16, 2019|archive-date=December 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203170100/http://www.allocine.fr/personne/fichepersonne_gen_cpersonne=516618.html|url-status=live}} He studied illustration and animation in college.{{cite web|url=https://www.artofvfx.com/deadpool-tim-miller-pauline-duvall-franck-balson-blur-studio/|title=Deadpool: Tim Miller (Director & Founder), Pauline Duvall (VFX Supervisor) & Franck Balson (Previsualization Supervisor) – Blur Studio|work=The Art of VFX|first=Vincent|last=Frei|date=March 1, 2016|access-date=December 16, 2019|archive-date=December 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216222548/https://www.artofvfx.com/deadpool-tim-miller-pauline-duvall-franck-balson-blur-studio/|url-status=live}}
Career
= Visual effects and animation =
In March 1995, Miller co-founded Blur Studio, a visual effects, animation and design company with David Stinnett and Cat Chapman.{{cite web|title=Intergraph Workstations Play Starring Role in "The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest" at Blur Studio.|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Intergraph+Workstations+Play+Starring+Role+in+%22The+Real+Adventures+of...-a019109272|work=Business Wire|publisher=The Free Library|access-date=March 7, 2015|author=Intergraph Computer Systems|date=February 12, 1997|archive-date=December 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203055513/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Intergraph+Workstations+Play+Starring+Role+in+%22The+Real+Adventures+of...-a019109272|url-status=dead}} Miller and Jeff Fowler were nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2005 for the short film Gopher Broke.{{Cite news |url=http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2005 |title=The 77th Academy Awards (2005) Nominees and Winners |access-date=March 7, 2015 |publisher=Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) |archive-date=August 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814031436/http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2005 |url-status=live }}
In March 2008, Miller was set to produce and direct one of eight animated tales based on the Heavy Metal magazine. David Fincher and Kevin Eastman were also attached to produce and direct a story segment.{{cite news |last1=Stephenson |first1=Hunter |date=March 14, 2008 |title=David Fincher to Produce and Co-Direct Animated Heavy Metal Film |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/david-fincher-to-produce-and-co-direct-animated-heavy-metal-film/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322034510/https://www.slashfilm.com/david-fincher-to-produce-and-co-direct-animated-heavy-metal-film/ |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |access-date=March 8, 2015 |publisher=slashfilm.com}} Miller was set by Legendary Pictures on March 15, 2012 to direct a live-action adaptation of the Warren Ellis comic book series Gravel, from a script by Oliver Butcher and Stephen Cornwell.{{cite news |last1=Fleming |first1=Mike Jr. |date=March 15, 2012 |title=VFX Wiz Tim Miller Digs In To Helm 'Gravel' For Legendary Pictures |url=https://deadline.com/2012/03/vfx-wiz-tim-miller-digs-in-to-helm-gravel-for-legendary-pictures-244775/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140828172802/https://deadline.com/2012/03/vfx-wiz-tim-miller-digs-in-to-helm-gravel-for-legendary-pictures-244775/ |archive-date=August 28, 2014 |access-date=March 8, 2015 |publisher=Deadline Hollywood}} On November 14, 2012, Sony Pictures set Miller to direct Joe Haldeman's science fiction novella Seasons, which Sebastian Gutierrez was set to adapt and Michael De Luca to produce.{{cite news |last1=Fleming |first1=Mike Jr. |date=November 14, 2012 |title=Sony Acquires Joe Haldeman Sci-Fi Novella 'Seasons' For Tim Miller To Direct |url=https://deadline.com/2012/11/sony-acquires-joe-haldeman-scifi-novella-seasons-for-tim-miller-to-direct-371676/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402114137/https://deadline.com/2012/11/sony-acquires-joe-haldeman-scifi-novella-seasons-for-tim-miller-to-direct-371676/ |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |access-date=March 8, 2015 |publisher=Deadline Hollywood}} Miller and Jeff Fowler are also set to direct and produce the animated film The Goon through their Blur Studio.{{cite news |last1=Amidi |first1=Amid |author-link=Amid Amidi |date=October 19, 2012 |title=Blur's Tim Miller Responds To "The Goon" Kickstarter Controversy |url=http://www.cartoonbrew.com/ideas-commentary/blurs-tim-miller-responds-to-the-goon-kickstarter-controversy-72155.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923225849/http://www.cartoonbrew.com/ideas-commentary/blurs-tim-miller-responds-to-the-goon-kickstarter-controversy-72155.html |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |access-date=March 8, 2015 |publisher=cartoonbrew.com}} As of 2024, these films are still in development.
Miller designed the title sequences of the film The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011),{{cite news |last1=Semigran |first1=Aly |date=February 21, 2012 |title=Oscars 2012 Behind the Scenes: How the hypnotizing 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' opening credits came to be |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2012/02/21/oscars-2012-behind-the-scenes-how-those-hypnotizing-opening-credits-for-the-girl-with-the-dragon-tattoo-came-to-be |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402112919/http://www.ew.com/article/2012/02/21/oscars-2012-behind-the-scenes-how-those-hypnotizing-opening-credits-for-the-girl-with-the-dragon-tattoo-came-to-be |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |access-date=March 8, 2015 |publisher=ew.com}} and of the film Thor: The Dark World (2013). The latter was completed in 12 weeks and included 75 shots, most of which were computer-generated.{{cite web |date=19 November 2013 |title=Tim Miller and Blur create prologue for 'Marvel's Thor: The Dark World' |url=http://postperspective.com/tim-miller-and-blur-create-prologue-for-marvels-thor-the-dark-world/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703072115/http://postperspective.com/tim-miller-and-blur-create-prologue-for-marvels-thor-the-dark-world/ |archive-date=July 3, 2015 |access-date=March 8, 2015 |publisher=PostPerspective.com}}
= Director =
On April 8, 2011, Miller was hired by 20th Century Fox to direct the feature film Deadpool, based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. It was his directorial debut, and was written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, with Ryan Reynolds starring in the title role.{{cite web |title=Fox Sets Tim Miller to Direct 'Deadpool' |author=McClintock, Pamela |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=April 8, 2011 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/fox-sets-tim-miller-direct-176603 |access-date=March 7, 2015 |archive-date=July 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702073355/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/fox-sets-tim-miller-direct-176603 |url-status=live }} Filming began late March 2015 in Vancouver, and the film was released on February 12, 2016.{{cite web |title=Deadpool Set to Begin Production in March as Ryan Reynolds Signs on to Return |url=http://www.superherohype.com/news/323913-deadpool-set-to-begin-production-in-march-as-ryan-reynolds-signs-on-to-return |date=December 4, 2014 |access-date=December 5, 2014 |author=Perry, Spencer |archive-date=July 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727071119/https://www.superherohype.com/news/323913-deadpool-set-to-begin-production-in-march-as-ryan-reynolds-signs-on-to-return |url-status=live }}{{cite news|title=X-Men Spinoff 'Deadpool' to Hit Theaters Feb. 12, 2016|last=McNary|first=Dave|newspaper=Variety|date=September 18, 2014|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/deadpool-release-date-fox-marvel-1201308783/|access-date=September 18, 2014|archive-date=May 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505093004/https://variety.com/2014/film/news/deadpool-release-date-fox-marvel-1201308783/|url-status=live}} Miller was set to direct the sequel, Deadpool 2, released in 2018,{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/deadpool-sequel-works-863418 |title='Deadpool' Sequel Already in the Works |last=Kit |first=Borys |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=February 9, 2016 |access-date=February 10, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028135900/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/deadpool-sequel-works-863418 |archive-date=October 28, 2016 }} but he departed the project due to creative differences with Reynolds.{{cite web | url=https://deadline.com/2016/10/deadpool-director-tim-miller-exits-sequel-ryan-reynolds-creative-disagreements-fox-1201841001/ | title=Deadpool Director Tim Miller Exits Sequel Disagreements Ryan Reynolds | publisher=Deadline Hollywood | date=October 22, 2016 | last=Fleming | first=Mike Jr.| archive-date= August 14, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814055727/http://deadline.com/2016/10/deadpool-director-tim-miller-exits-sequel-ryan-reynolds-creative-disagreements-fox-1201841001/|url-status=live}}{{cite web | first1=Umberto | last1=Gonzalez | url=https://www.thewrap.com/deadpool-director-tim-miller-exit-ryan-reynolds-creative-differences/ | title='Deadpool 2' Drama: Here's What Ryan Reynolds and Director Tim Miller Clashed Over (Exclusive) | publisher=TheWrap.com | date=October 22, 2016 | access-date=October 25, 2016 | last2=Maglio | first2=Tony| archive-date= March 5, 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170305163335/http://www.thewrap.com/deadpool-director-tim-miller-exit-ryan-reynolds-creative-differences/|url-status=live}}
In January 2017, Deadline reported that Miller was in talks with James Cameron to work on and possibly direct a new Terminator film.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2017/01/terminator-james-cameron-deadpool-tim-miller-david-ellison-skydance-1201890848/ |title=He's Back! James Cameron To Godfather 'Terminator' With 'Deadpool' Helmer Tim Miller |last=Fleming |first=Mike Jr. |work=Deadline |date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=October 10, 2019 |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121073134/http://deadline.com/2017/01/terminator-james-cameron-deadpool-tim-miller-david-ellison-skydance-1201890848/ |url-status=live }} Skydance Media confirmed in September 2017 that Miller would direct the next Terminator film.{{cite web |url=https://skynetsarmy.net/2017/09/12/terminator-6-is-a-go-tim-miller-will-officially-direct/ |title="Terminator 6" Is a go! Tim Miller Will Officially Direct! |website=Skynet's Army |date=September 12, 2017 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929140856/https://skynetsarmy.net/2017/09/12/terminator-6-is-a-go-tim-miller-will-officially-direct/ |archive-date=September 29, 2017}} The title of the film was officially announced as Terminator: Dark Fate in 2019.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2019/03/terminator-dark-fate-new-terminator-title-1202578246/ |title=Paramount Titles James Cameron Produced 'Terminator' Sequel; Pic Will Stay Put On Nov. 1 Against 'Charlie's Angels' |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=March 19, 2019 |access-date=March 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320122410/https://deadline.com/2019/03/terminator-dark-fate-new-terminator-title-1202578246/ |archive-date=March 20, 2019 |url-status=live}} During production of the film, when asked about backlash regarding the female main characters, Miller said that Mackenzie Davis's character Grace would "scare the fuck" out of "closet misogynist[s]."{{cite news|last1=Donnelly|first1=Matt|title='Terminator: Dark Fate' Director: Why Mackenzie Davis Will 'Scare the F— Out of' Misogynists|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/features/director-tim-miller-terminator-dark-fate-comic-con-1203262797/|access-date=November 12, 2019|work=Variety|date=July 10, 2019| archive-date= July 10, 2019| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190710232631/https://variety.com/2019/film/features/director-tim-miller-terminator-dark-fate-comic-con-1203262797/|url-status=live}} Despite favorable reviews, the film became a box-office bomb, losing upwards of $100 million.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/box-office/terminator-dark-fate-box-office-flop-1203391309/|title=Box Office Bomb: 'Terminator: Dark Fate' Could Lose Over $100 Million|work=Variety|first=Rebecca|last=Rubin|date=November 3, 2019|access-date=December 16, 2019|archive-date=November 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103233506/https://variety.com/2019/film/box-office/terminator-dark-fate-box-office-flop-1203391309/|url-status=live}}
In mid-2017, Miller was hired to direct an adaptation of William Gibson's 1984 science-fiction novel Neuromancer for Fox, which will be produced by Simon Kinberg.{{cite news|last1=Couch|first1=Aaron|title='Deadpool' Director Tim Miller to Adapt 'Neuromancer' for Fox|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/deadpool-director-tim-miller-adapt-neuromancer-fox-1028185|access-date=August 14, 2017|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=August 9, 2017| archive-date= August 10, 2017| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170810000645/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/deadpool-director-tim-miller-adapt-neuromancer-fox-1028185|url-status=live}}
In January 2023, Eli Roth's film Borderlands went through two weeks of reshoots directed by Miller, due to Roth's participation in Thanksgiving, a slasher film that was initially created by Roth as a parody trailer for Grindhouse but has since been promoted to a feature-length film. While Roth was not involved with the reshoots for Borderlands, he remained involved with the movie and gave Miller both his blessing and credit as an executive producer.{{Cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/borderlands-tim-miller-eli-roth-grindhouse-trailer-thanksgiving-1235214050/ |title=Tim Miller Steps In For Eli Roth To Handle 'Borderlands' Reshoot As Roth Cooks Up Feature Version Of 'Grindhouse' Trailer 'Thanksgiving' |first=Mike Jr. |last=Fleming |date=January 7, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |work=Deadline Hollywood |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108002524/https://deadline.com/2023/01/borderlands-tim-miller-eli-roth-grindhouse-trailer-thanksgiving-1235214050/ |url-status=live }}
= Producer =
In October 2016, Miller was hired to serve as executive producer for a Sonic the Hedgehog feature film,{{cite news |last1=Kit |first1=Borys |date=October 31, 2016 |title='Deadpool' Director Shifts to Sony's 'Sonic the Hedgehog' Movie (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/deadpool-director-tim-miller-developing-sonic-hedgehog-movie-sony-942661 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161101125431/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/deadpool-director-tim-miller-developing-sonic-hedgehog-movie-sony-942661 |archive-date=November 1, 2016 |access-date=14 August 2017 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}} originally being set to be produced by Sony Pictures, before being acquired by Paramount Pictures.{{cite magazine |last=McNary |first=Dave |date=October 2, 2017 |title='Sonic the Hedgehog' Movie Lands at Paramount |url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-paramount-1202578346/ |access-date=May 13, 2019 |magazine=Variety}} Miller and director Jeff Fowler first created a pitch for a Sonic movie with Ben Schwartz voicing the character. After the movie was green-lighted by Paramount, the two chose to cast Schwartz as the voice of Sonic in the film, having enjoyed his performance in the test reading.{{Cite web |title=Ben Schwartz talks starring role in 'Sonic the Hedgehog' movie |url=https://www.timestelegram.com/news/20200221/ben-schwartz-talks-starring-role-in-sonic-hedgehog-movie?template=ampart |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221202723/https://www.timestelegram.com/news/20200221/ben-schwartz-talks-starring-role-in-sonic-hedgehog-movie?template=ampart |archive-date=February 21, 2020 |access-date=April 6, 2020}} The film was released on February 14, 2020, and received a warm critical and commercial reception.{{cite web |title=Sonic the Hedgehog (2020) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/sonic_the_hedgehog_2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114042507/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/sonic_the_hedgehog_2020 |archive-date=January 14, 2020 |access-date=May 27, 2020 |website=Rotten Tomatoes}}{{cite web |title=Sonic the Hedgehog Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/sonic-the-hedgehog |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214074443/https://www.metacritic.com/movie/sonic-the-hedgehog |archive-date=February 14, 2020 |access-date=March 7, 2020 |website=Metacritic}}{{Cite web |title=Sonic the Hedgehog (2020) |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl4244997633/?ref_=bo_hm_rs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807095005/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl4244997633/?ref_=bo_hm_rs |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |access-date=March 19, 2020 |website=Box Office Mojo}}{{Cite web |title=Sonic The Hedgehog (2020) |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Sonic-The-Hedgehog-(Japan)-(2020)#tab=box-office |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206095611/https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Sonic-The-Hedgehog-(Japan)-(2020)#tab=box-office |archive-date=December 6, 2019 |access-date=March 20, 2020 |website=The Numbers}} Miller returned as executive producer for the film's sequel, released on April 8, 2022.{{cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=May 28, 2020 |title='Sonic the Hedgehog' Sequel in the Works |url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-sequel-1234619356/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529030235/https://variety.com/2020/film/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-sequel-1234619356/ |archive-date=May 29, 2020 |access-date=May 28, 2020 |website=Variety.com}}
Miller created the anthology series Secret Level, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video on December 10, 2024.{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=August 14, 2024 |title=Prime Video Orders Animated Video Game Anthology Series Secret Level From Love, Death & Robots Creator |url=https://deadline.com/2024/08/prime-video-secret-level-animated-video-game-series-tim-miller-blur-1236040365/ |access-date=August 21, 2024 |website=Deadline Hollywood |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |language=en-US |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819123705/https://deadline.com/2024/08/prime-video-secret-level-animated-video-game-series-tim-miller-blur-1236040365/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=August 20, 2024 |title=Prime Video's Animated Anthology Series Secret Level Reveals Full List Of Featured Games, Including Pac-Man & D&D, Gets Premiere Date & Teaser |url=https://deadline.com/2024/08/secret-level-reveals-featured-games-premiere-trailer-1236045052/ |access-date=August 20, 2024 |website=Deadline Hollywood |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |language=en-US}}
Filmography
=Short film=
| class="wikitable"
! Year ! Title ! Director ! Writer ! Executive ! Notes |
| 2002
| Aunt Luisa | {{yes}} | {{Partial|Story}} | {{no}} | Co-directed with Paul Taylor |
| 2003
| RockFish | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | Also animation supervisor |
| rowspan=2|2004
| {{no}} | {{Partial|Story}} | {{yes}} | |
| In the Rough
| {{no}} | {{Partial|Story}} | {{yes}} | |
| 2006
| A Gentlemen's Duel | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | |
= Feature film =
| class="wikitable"
! Year ! Title ! Director ! Executive ! Notes |
| 2016
| Deadpool | {{yes}} | {{no}} | |
| 2019
| {{yes}} | {{yes}} | Also co-creative consultant |
| 2020
| {{no}} | {{yes}} | |
| 2022
| {{no}} | {{yes}} | |
| rowspan=2|2024
| {{Partial|Uncredited}} | {{Yes}} | Directed reshoots |
| Sonic the Hedgehog 3
| {{no}} | {{yes}} | |
=Television=
| class="wikitable"
! Year ! Title ! Director ! Writer ! Executive ! Creator ! Notes |
| 2019–present
| {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | Directed 5 episodes; |
| 2024–present
| {{No}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | Writer: "Exodus: Odyssey" |
= Technical credits =
Film
| class="wikitable"
! Year ! Title ! Role |
| 1995
| Hideaway | Visual effects |
| 2001
| Creative supervisor (Blur Studio sequences) |
| 2004
| Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas | Creative director |
| 2010
| Creative supervisor (Ninja Ninja sequence) |
| 2011
| The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo | Creative director (Title sequence) |
| 2013
| Second unit director (Opening sequence) |
Video game
| class="wikitable"
! Year ! Title ! Role |
| 2005
| Visual effects producer |
| 2007
| Visual effects |
| 2010
|rowspan=2|Visual effects producer |
| 2011 |
Accolades
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|Tim Miller}}
- {{IMDb name|1783265}}
{{Tim Miller}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Miller, Tim}}
Category:Film directors from Maryland
Category:American film producers
Category:American animated film producers
Category:American male screenwriters