Chris Noonan
About
Biography
Filmography
Family & Companions
Biography
The Australian-born Noonan was encouraged by his father to pursue his interest in film as a teenager. He made his first film, "Could It Happen Here?" (1969), when he was 16. It went on to win a prize for short films at the Sidney Film Festival and later aired on Australian TV. Noonan was one of twelve students (along with Gillian Armstrong and Phillip Noyce) in the inaugural directing program at the Australian Film and Television School in 1973.
Following graduation, Noonan spent five years making documentaries and short films for Film Australia. His "Stepping Out" (1980), a film portrait of a theater troupe of mentally handicapped actors, won praise and brought Noonan to the attention of producer-director George Miller (of "Mad Max" fame). Invited by Miller to join a workshop of actors and directors, Noonan went on to direct the Australian TV miniseries "The Chowra Breakout" in 1985. He subsequently wrote and directed five episodes of the TV miniseries "Vietnam" (1987) and made his Australian TV-movie directorial debut with "The Riddle of the Stinson" (1988). Noonan made his feature film directing debut with "Babe" (1995), the charming fantasy about a pig who learns to be a sheep dog.
Filmography
Director (Feature Film)
Assistant Direction (Feature Film)
Writer (Feature Film)
Producer (Feature Film)
Life Events
1969
Made first film at age 16, "Could It Happen Here?", a spoof of high school life
1969
Entered film in Sydney Film Festival; won a prize in the short film competition
1980
Made documentary "Stepping Out", about a theater troupe of mentally handicapped actors
1985
Directed the Australian TV miniseries "The Cowra Breakout" for Kennedy Miller Productions
1987
Wrote and directed five episodes of Australian TV miniseries "Vietnam" for Kennedy Miller Productions
1988
Australian TV-movie directing debut, "The Riddle of the Stinson"
1995
Feature film directing debut, "Babe" (also co-scripted)
1999
Executive produced the Australian film "Feeling Sexy"
2006
Helmed "Miss Potter" a biopic of children's author and illustrator Beatrix Potter, starring Renée Zellweger
Companions
