» Ms. Martha Coolidge

Professor

Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media Arts

Office:

MKS 352

Phone:

(714) 997-6683

Email:

coolidge@chapman.edu

Education

Rhode Island School of Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts
New York University, Master of Fine Arts

Biography

Illuminating the struggle of characters as they face challenges whether seen through a comedic or a serious lens is a hallmark of Martha Coolidge’s work from her first documentaries to her remarkable pioneering achievements in feature films. She is known not only as a consummate filmmaker but also as an “Actor’s Director” due to her knack to inspire special performances from actors whether they are seasoned like Robert Duvall and Anjelica Huston or new as was the case with Nicolas Cage, Val Kilmer and Halle Berry.  With an excellent eye for casting and special attention to detail in story and production Coolidge has brought to life diverse worlds from realistic historic periods to hip contemporary and futuristic settings.

Following her hit romantic comedy THE PRINCE & ME Coolidge returned with a delightful comedy-mystery MATERIAL GIRLS starring Hilary and Haylie Duff.  The film tells the story of two silly “celebrity” sisters, made famous by modeling their father’s make up line, who inherit the company and subsequently loose it in a corporate swindle, falling from “Riches to rags in a single day.”  The girls learn to work for a living and become detectives to figure out how they lost their company. Funny and smart it’s filled with talented actors like Anjelica Huston, Lukas Haas, Ty Hodges, Brent Spiner and Obba Babatunde.

Ms. Coolidge’s diverse range of projects, from raucous comedy to poignant drama, has caused some to say her taste is eclectic.  She says, “All my films have been about people facing personal challenges in their lives and overcoming them.  But as a director I like to stretch. I certainly enjoy the action and the hardware as much as the next guy, but my films center on strong characters.   My greatest joy has come from working with so many talented actors.”  This list includes Halle Berry, Robert Duvall, Chloe Severny, Richard Dreyfus, Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Laura Dern, Michelle Williams, Diane Ladd, Brent Spiner, Mercedes Ruehl, Patrick Swayze, Geena Davis, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Obba Babatunde, Holly Hunter, Elaine Stritch, Gena Rowlands, Frances McDormand. William Hurt, and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. She also discovered talent like Nicolas Cage (Valley Girl), Val Kilmer (Real Genius) and James Gandolfini (Angie).

Coolidge has enjoyed giving back to the industry she loves serving on many boards and committees including the AFI, Rhode Island School of Design, NYU and Catalyst, an organization dedicated to promoting better science in films.  Ms. Coolidge made history in 2001 when she was elected the first woman President of the Directors Guild of America.

An avid horsewoman, Ms. Coolidge breeds and shows Paso Fino horses and holds several National Championship titles.  She is married to the Award winning Production Designer James Spencer and has one son, Preston, named in honor of one of her idols, producer/ writer/ director Preston Sturges.

Recent Creative, Scholarly Work and Publications

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation - Season 12, Episode 4, MAID MAN. Director, production - August, Sept & Oct 2011, aired Oct 12, 2011 on CBS. The Unknown - First Season, Episode 1, YESTERDAY, Episode 2, LIFE SENTENCE, Episode 4, SPARE THE CHILD, Episode 6, PRIVACY SETTINGS. Director and Producer. Production from Feb 2012 to June 2012. Release date July 13, 2012 on Crackle, Sony TV.

The Unknown - First Season, Episode 1, YESTERDAY, Episode 2, LIFE SENTENCE, Episode 4, SPARE THE CHILD, Episode 6, PRIVACY SETTINGS. Director and Producer. Production from Feb 2012 to June 2012. Release date July 13, 2012 on Crackle, Sony TV.

New York Times Opinion Pages - ROOM FOR DEBATE - How Can Women Gain Influence in Hollywood. - my article "Our Entire Belief System Must Change" - writer/ contributor to published on line Debate. Publication date August 14, 2012. A longer version of my article was then published in complete form as: HOW CAN WE GET MORE WOMEN IN POWER AS DIRECTORS? on the blog WOMEN AND HOLLYWOOD by Milissa Silverstein on Sept. 6, 2012.

Drop Dead Diva - Season 3 Episode: DREAM BIG, Director. Shot in March & April, aired July10, 2011 on Lifetime.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation - Season 11, Episode 8 - FRACKED. Director. Shot Sept 2010, Aired November 11, 2010.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation - Season 10, Episode 20, TAKE MY LIFE PLEASE. Director. Shot March & April 2010 - aired April 29, 2010 on CBS

Television movie: TRIBUTE - Director, Shot in November 2008, aired April 2009, on Lifetime, DVD release Oct. 2009. by Sony.

TV - Episodic PSYCH - Season 3, episode 14: TRUER LIES. Director. Released Feb 2009 on USA Network.

Movie: AMERICAN GIRL: CHRISSA STANDS STRONG. Director. Released Jan. 2009. A serious look at school bullying by American Girl. Created with a book, teaching tools and their dolls. Aired Jan. 3 by HBO and also screened in selected theaters, sold on DVD by American Girl. Nominated in 2010 for a Best Directing Award by the DGA.