Ian Merrick

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".