MICHAEL HURST –Director

Michael Hurst is a director and actor with a career spanning twenty-six years.

As an actor he has featured in many national and international film & TV productions. His contribution to New Zealand theatre includes an outstanding reputation as a theatre director with a particular focus on the classic works of Shakespeare and the Greek playwrights.

As a screen director Michael has a string of high-profile projects under his belt. From 1996 – 2001 he worked with Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert’s company Pacific Renaissance. This was the team behind international hits ‘Xena - Warrior Princess’, and ‘Hercules – the Legendary Journeys’.

Michael directed numerous episodes of both these shows as well as US series ‘Jack of all Trades’ and ‘Amazon High’, a big-budget telefeature pilot for the American networks.

In 1999 Michael directed the critically acclaimed NZ feature film ‘Jubilee’ and early in 2001 he directed the one-hour comedy ‘Love Mussel’, which was ranked as one of the best productions of the year by the NZ Herald.

Michael Hurst brings a wealth of experience to ScreenAdventures. His familiarity with large cast and special effects projects; his knowledge of single and multiple 35mm camera use, wide screen action and intense drama, plus a renowned ability to work with actors and to achieve high-level performances from them.

Michael has also built strong relationships with stunt and special effects teams associated with Hercules, Xena and other projects, gaining much respect from them for his ability to plan ahead, minimise risk while maximising effect, and for his ability to communicate his intentions clearly.

These attributes, coupled with practicality and excellence at solving problems ‘in the field’, gives Michael a sure sense of what it takes to produce films on the ‘epic’ scale. He is a major asset both to the local and the international film & television industries.

This year Michael’s prominence in the industry saw him receive a ‘Laureate Award’ from the Arts Foundation of New Zealand. He has recently completed two US feature films for Daybreak Pacific.

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Last modified: 06/9/05