Derek Cianfrance

Derek Cianfrance is an American film director, cinematographer, screenwriter, and editor. --- Cianfrance earned a B.F.A. in Film Production from the University of Colorado, studying under avant-garde filmmakers Stan Brakhage and Phil Solomon. At 23, he wrote, directed, and edited his first feature film, Brother Tied, which was well received at festivals including Sundance. His second feature, Blue Valentine, starred Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. The two actors became familiar with their roles several years before filming but never met in person. The project was originally slated to shoot in California, but Cianfrance relocated to Brooklyn so that Williams could be with her daughter. There were no rehearsals and Cianfrance rarely shot more than one take per shot. The film was originally given an NC-17 rating, despite having little nudity and no violence. It has since been changed to R after an appeal was filed by the Weinstein company. Blue Valentine star Gosling worked with Cianfrance again on The Place Beyond the Pines (2013), which followed a motorcycle stunt rider (Gosling) who becomes a bank robber to support his newborn son. Bradley Cooper played a supporting role as a rookie police officer who crosses paths with Gosling’s character. Principal photography was done in the summer of 2011. Location filming was done in upstate New York in Schenectady, Niskayuna area in 2011. Cianfrance's next written feature is Metalhead, which centers on a metal drummer whose eardrums become ruptured and he becomes deaf. The film will feature the members of the band Jucifer portraying themselves.