Australasian production company, Robber’s Dog has added renowned director, Alison Maclean, to its growing roster of talent.
Born to kiwi parents in Ottawa, Maclean came to New Zealand as a teenager where she later studied at Elam Art School in Auckland. Her first industry job was production assistant on the Vincent Ward film, Vigil.
She burst onto the international scene in 1989 after her short film, Kitchen Sink, garnered global plaudits – winning eight awards at festivals worldwide as well as securing a Golden Palm nomination at the Cannes Film Festival.
Maclean followed Kitchen Sink with two highly successful feature films: Crush, which was an official selection at Cannes, and Jesus’ Son, which won the Little Gold Lion at the Venice Film Festival, as well as securing Maclean a Best Director nomination.
Since then Maclean’s directed episodes of Sex and the City, Carnivale, The Tudors, The L-Word, and Gossip Girl. She’s also directed commercials for IKEA, Intel and AT&T.
After reading acclaimed Eleanor Catton novel The Rehearsal, Maclean called her old friend and producer, Bridget Ikin, keen to make another movie back in New Zealand. The film made its debut at the 2016 NZ international Film Festival.
Maclean’s arrival at Robber’s Dog comes after the completion of The Rehearsal, which she says reignited her interest in Australasian creative.
“Having lived in Sydney for four years and been raised in New Zealand, I have a strong connection to the area that I’d like to rekindle. I had a great experience working in Auckland this past year making The Rehearsal, and I’m keen to consolidate the relationships I formed and create new ones.
“A couple of friends and colleagues in the industry recommended Robber’s Dog. I like the size of the company – they’re selective and everyone is invested. Plus, I appreciate the range of their work and interests, from advertising to branded content and TV drama.”
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