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Sean Baker (filmmaker)

November 29, 2023

Sean Baker (born February 26, 1971) is an American film director, cinematographer, producer, screenwriter and editor. He is best known for the independent feature films Starlet (2012), Tangerine (2015), The Florida Project (2017) and Red Rocket (2021), as well as the Fox/IFC puppet sitcom Greg the Bunny and its spin-offs.

Sean Baker
Baker in August 2012
Born (1971-02-26) February 26, 1971 (age 52)
Summit, New Jersey, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
Alma materNew York University
OccupationFilmmaker
Years active2000–present
SpouseSamantha Quan[1]

Baker has received several film critics awards, a Filmmaker on the Edge Award and nominations for six Independent Spirit Awards, winning one in 2012.

Early life and education edit

Baker was born and raised in Summit, New Jersey.[2] His mother was a teacher and his father was a patent attorney who once represented the director and his production company in 2005.[3][4] He has a sister who is a professional synth-pop musician and production designer who has contributed to his films in both capacities.[5][6][7] He became obsessed with homemade movies at a young age when his mother took him to see Universal Monster films being projected at the local library.[8]

Baker graduated from Gill St. Bernard's High School in 1989.[9] He received his B.A. in film studies from New York University through the Tisch School of the Arts.[10] Prior to NYU, he studied non-linear editing at The New School in Greenwich Village.[11]

Career edit

Baker's first feature film was Four Letter Words, a film revolving around the looks, views, attitudes and language of young men in America. Baker wrote, directed, and edited the film.[12] Baker then went on to make Take Out, which he co-wrote, co-directed, co-edited, and co-produced with Shih-Ching Tsou on a budget of $3000.[13] The film revolves around an undocumented Chinese immigrant falling behind on payments on a smuggling debt, leaving him only one day to come up with the money. The film had its world premiere at the Slamdance Film Festival on January 18, 2004 and had been screened at over 25 film festivals when a legal dispute with Seth Landau, who was planning to release a film with the same name delayed its release until June 6, 2008.[14][4]

Baker's third feature film, Prince of Broadway, premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival on June 22, 2008.[15] The film follows a Ghanaian immigrant selling knock off merchandise in Manhattan who discovers that he has a son.[16] Baker directed, wrote, co-produced, shot and edited the film. Baker also self-financed the distribution and advertising of the film.[17] Take Out and Prince of Broadway were nominated for the Independent Spirit John Cassavetes Award at the same ceremony in 2008.[18]

The director's fourth feature, Starlet, was co-written with Chris Bergoch, and stars Dree Hemingway and Besedka Johnson. Starlet explores the unlikely friendship between 21-year-old Jane (Hemingway) and 85-year-old Sadie (Johnson), two women whose lives intersect in California's San Fernando Valley. The film had its world premiere at SXSW on March 11, 2012,[19] and was given a limited release on November 9, 2012.[20]

Baker's fifth feature, Tangerine, follows a transgender sex worker who discovers her boyfriend and pimp has been cheating on her. The film was shot using three iPhone 5S smartphones and received praise for its groundbreaking filmmaking techniques.[21] Tangerine features Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, Mya Taylor, Karren Karagulian, Mickey O'Hagan, and James Ransone, and was executive-produced by Mark Duplass and Jay Duplass. Baker again co-wrote the script with Bergoch; he also co-produced, co-shot, and edited the film. It had its world premiere at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2015,[22] and was given a limited release on July 10, 2015.[23] It received extremely positive reviews, and currently holds a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.[24]

In 2016, he directed Snowbird, a short fashion film starring model Abbey Lee for Kenzo. It was also shot only using iPhones.[25]

Baker's sixth feature, The Florida Project, premiered in the Directors' Fortnight section of the 2017 Cannes Film Festival,[26] and was theatrically released in the United States on October 6, 2017, by A24. Once again, Baker edited the film himself and co-wrote the script with his frequent collaborator Chris Bergoch. The plot follows a 6-year-old girl living in a motel with her rebellious mother in Greater Orlando as they try to stay out of trouble and make ends meet. The film was praised for its performances (particularly that of Willem Dafoe as the motel manager and Brooklynn Prince as Moonie, a six-year-old girl) as well as for Baker's direction, and was chosen by both the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute as one of the top 10 films of the year.[27][28] Dafoe earned Best Supporting Actor nominations at the Oscars, Golden Globes and BAFTA Awards, and Prince won the Critics Choice Movie Award for Best Young Performer.[29][30][31]

I am an ally and have literally devoted my career to tell stories that remove stigma and normalize lifestyles that are under attack. I would never do anything that could possibly hurt the community.

Baker in Los Angeles Times, Aug 28, 2020

In June 2018, Baker was invited to be a member of the directors and writers branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.[32] In October 2018, he was the head of the film jury at the Mumbai International Film Festival.[33]

In August 2020, actress Bella Thorne announced that Baker would be directing a documentary about her experiences opening an OnlyFans account, but Baker quickly denied the rumor as Thorne's suspicious behavior was blamed for restrictions affecting all sex workers on the site.[34][35][36]

In March 2021, Baker released short film Khaite FW21 produced for fashion line Khaite to promote its Fall/Winter 2021 lineup. Sean Price Williams served as cinematographer.[37][38][39]

Baker's seventh feature film, Red Rocket, stars Simon Rex as Mikey, a pornographic actor returning to his hometown in Texas. Baker directed, co-wrote and co-produced the film with his usual team of Bergoch and Tsou among others. Filming took place in secret amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, but "industry-standard safety protocols" were observed. The film received a standing ovation at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.[40][41] It was released in the US by A24 on December 10.[42]

In 2022, Baker directed a Taco Bell commercial.[43] Baker executive-produced a documentary called Love in the Time of Fentanyl.[44][45] It premiered at the DOXA Documentary Film Festival in May 2022.[46]

In October 2023, Baker's next feature film Anora, starring Mikey Madison, was officially announced after distribution rights were acquired by FilmNation.[47][48]

Television edit

Baker is also one of the original creators of the sitcom Greg the Bunny (2002-2006), starring Seth Green and Eugene Levy. The show is based on a series of short segments that Baker directed and wrote, which aired on the Independent Film Channel and which were in turn based on a public-access television show called Junktape. In 2010, Baker, Spencer Chinoy, and Dan Milano created a spinoff called Warren the Ape; the series aired on MTV and was canceled after one season.[49]

Style and influences edit

Baker has established a reputation for portraying outcasts and characters from underrepresented and marginalized subcultures, frequently undocumented immigrants and sex workers, in decidedly humane and compassionate scenarios.[50] He claims to have been directly inspired by exploitation films but he has been described as the archetype of a "trustworthy male director" in a post Me Too era.[51] His films have stirred and encouraged a debate about sexual morality.[52]

Baker's influences include Ken Loach,[53] Spike Lee, Jim Jarmusch, Mike Leigh, Steven Spielberg, [54] Éric Rohmer, John Cassavetes, and Hal Ashby, among others.[55][56]

Filmography edit

Film edit

Year Title Director Writer Producer Editor Notes
2000 Four Letter Words Yes Yes No Yes
2004 Take Out Yes Yes Yes Yes Co-directed with Shih-Ching Tsou
2008 Prince of Broadway Yes Yes Yes Yes Also cinematographer
2012 Starlet Yes Yes Yes Yes
2015 Tangerine Yes Yes Yes Yes Also cinematographer
2017 The Florida Project Yes Yes Yes Yes
2021 Red Rocket Yes Yes Yes Yes
TBA Anora Yes Yes Yes TBD Post-production[57]

Short film edit

Year Title Director Writer Producer Editor
2016 Snowbird Yes Yes Yes Yes
2021 Khaite FW21 Yes No No Yes

Documentary edit

Year Title Notes
2023 Love in the Time of Fentanyl Executive Producer

Television edit

Year Title Director Writer Producer Creator Role
2002–2006 Greg the Bunny Yes Yes No Yes Also editor and cinematographer
2010 Warren the Ape Yes Yes Yes Yes

Accolades edit

Award Date of Ceremony Category Nominated Work Result Notes Ref
Independent Spirit Awards February 21, 2009 John Cassavetes Award Take Out Nominated Both films nominated for same award in the same year. [58]
Prince of Broadway Nominated
February 23, 2013 Robert Altman Award Starlet Won Along with casting director and ensemble cast. [59]
John Cassavetes Award Nominated [60]
February 27, 2016 Best Director Tangerine Nominated [61]
March 3, 2018 Best Director The Florida Project Nominated [62]
Satellite Awards February 11, 2018 Best Director Nominated [63]
Best Original Screenplay Nominated Jointly with Chris Bergoch.
Detroit Film Critics Society December 7, 2017 Director of the Year Won [64]
New York Film Critics Circle November 30, 2017 Best Director Won [65]
Chicago Film Critics Association December 12, 2017 Best Editing Nominated [66][67]
London Film Critics' Circle January 28, 2018 Director of the Year Won [68]
Dorian Awards January 31, 2018 Director of the Year Nominated [69]
Provincetown International Film Festival June 16, 2018 Filmmaker on the Edge Award Life's Work Awarded Presented by John Waters [70]
Detroit Film Critics Society December 6, 2021 Best Director Red Rocket Nominated [71][72]
Gotham Awards November 29, 2021 Best Screenplay Nominated Jointly with Chris Bergoch [73]
Chicago Film Critics Association December 15, 2021 Best Original Screenplay Nominated [74][75]


References edit

  1. ^ Morse, Erik (2021-12-10). "'Red Rocket' Director Sean Baker on the Beauty of the Industrial Suburb, the Fear of Homelessness, and the Influence of 'Lolita'". Vogue. Retrieved 2021-12-11.
  2. ^ Whitty, Stephen (2017-12-01). . nj.com. Archived from the original on 2021-06-11. Retrieved 2022-12-21. And Summit native Sean Baker's heartbreaking The Florida Project, about a struggling single mother and her amazingly resilient daughter, was not far behind, with a best director award for Baker and a best supporting actor prize for Willem Dafoe.
  3. ^ Wray, Daniel Dylan (2018-03-16). "An interview with Sean Baker, film's brightest activist". Huck Magazine. from the original on 2019-07-29. Retrieved 2021-11-27.
  4. ^ a b Welkos, Robert W (2005-11-02). "'Take Out' for party of two". Los Angeles Times. from the original on 2022-10-06. Retrieved 2022-09-30.
  5. ^ Grobar, Matt (2018-01-01). "'The Florida Project' Production Designer On Tracking Down Dreamy Pastel-Colored Locations For Dark Fairy Tale". Deadline. Retrieved 2018-06-26.
  6. ^ Gaffney, Shannen (2014-07-30). "MNDR Give Living Days' 'Thrill Anybody?' a Crisp Facelift". Spin. from the original on 2015-09-15. Retrieved 2018-06-26.
  7. ^ "Stephonik Youth". IMDb. Retrieved 2020-01-16.
  8. ^ Gray, Carmen (2015-10-26). "Sean Baker interview: 'James Whale's Frankenstein made me want to become a director'". the Guardian. from the original on 2015-11-02. Retrieved 2021-12-12.
  9. ^ Cody, Alice Roche (2016-05-09). "GSB Alumni Magazine: Winter 2016". GSB Alumni Magazine | Winter 2016. Gladstone, NJ. pp. 3–7. from the original on 2022-12-21. Retrieved 2018-06-26.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  10. ^ Mikel, Ryan (2018-03-05). "Sean Baker: "The Florida Project"". Washington Square News. Retrieved 2019-12-04.
  11. ^ "Sean Baker Tells Students There's 'No Set Formula' for Filmmaking | The New School". The New School. from the original on 2019-12-04. Retrieved 2019-12-04.
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  13. ^ Indiewire; Indiewire (2009-02-19). "Spirit Awards '09: "Take Out" Director Shih-Ching Tsou". IndieWire. from the original on 2017-10-14. Retrieved 2021-01-01.
  14. ^ Indiewire.com (June 3, 2008). "indieWIRE INTERVIEW | "Take Out" Co-director Sean Baker". indieWIRE. from the original on 2017-08-20. Retrieved November 21, 2015.
  15. ^ Juarez, Vanessa (June 25, 2008). "L.A. Film Festival: 'Prince of Broadway'". Entertainment Weekly. from the original on 2015-11-21. Retrieved November 21, 2015.
  16. ^ "Prince of Broadway". Fandango. Retrieved November 21, 2015.
  17. ^ Rothbart, Davy (2017-09-16). "He Became This Year's Oscar Favourite By Going Broke Again and Again | Wealthsimple". Wealthsimple Magazine. from the original on 2021-01-28. Retrieved 2021-10-14.
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  20. ^ "Starlet". www.tcm.com. Retrieved 2022-12-21.
  21. ^ "Beyond using progressive filming techniques and casting, Tangerine is expressive and warm". Nashville Scene, By Jason Shawhan
  22. ^ Setoodeh, Ramin (January 23, 2015). "Sophisticated 'Tangerine,' Shot on iPhone 5s". Retrieved January 28, 2015.
  23. ^ "Tangerine". Apple Trailers. Retrieved November 21, 2015.
  24. ^ "Tangerine (2015)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 9 February 2018.
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  27. ^ "AFI Awards 2017". AFI. from the original on 2020-06-05. Retrieved December 8, 2017.
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  29. ^ Rubin, Rebecca (December 11, 2017). "Golden Globe Nominations: Complete List". Variety. from the original on 2017-12-11. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
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  31. ^ "2018 | Oscars.org | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences". www.oscars.org. 2018-03-04. from the original on 2017-10-29. Retrieved 2022-12-21.
  32. ^ Kilday, Gregg (2018-06-25). "Academy Invites Record 928 New Members". The Hollywood Reporter. from the original on 2021-08-31. Retrieved 2021-12-09.
  33. ^ Rahman, Abid (2018-10-30). "Mumbai: Jury Head Sean Baker on Indian Cinema, the Demise of Filmstruck and His New Opioid Film". The Hollywood Reporter. from the original on 2018-10-31. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  34. ^ Raup, Jordan (2020-08-20). "Update: Sean Baker Isn't Directing a Documentary About Bella Thorne's Experience on OnlyFans". The Film Stage. from the original on 2020-08-24. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  35. ^ Kaufman, Amy (2020-08-28). "Director Sean Baker says he is not making an OnlyFans film with Bella Thorne". Los Angeles Times. from the original on 2022-05-09. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  36. ^ Noor, Poppy (2020-08-31). "A Thorne in the site: the Bella Thorne and OnlyFans controversy explained". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  37. ^ Raup, Jordan (2021-03-01). "Watch Sean Baker's New Short Film for Khaite, Shot by Sean Price Williams". The Film Stage. from the original on 2021-03-01. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  38. ^ White, Armond (2021-03-10). "Khaite FW21 — Sean Baker's Fashion Week Faux Pas". National Review. from the original on 2021-03-10. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  39. ^ Macaulay, Scott (28 February 2021). "Watch: Sean Baker's Short Film for Khaite's Fall '21 Collection". Filmmaker Magazine. from the original on 2021-03-01. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  40. ^ "The Complete Cannes 2021 Guide: The Films We're Most Excited to See + The Full Lineup - Hollywood Insider". Hollywood Insider. 16 June 2021. from the original on 2021-06-18. Retrieved 2021-06-21.
  41. ^ Setoodeh, Ramin (2021-07-14). "Simon Rex Male Porn Star Movie 'Red Rocket' Premieres in Cannes to Ecstatic Standing Ovation and Awards Buzz". Variety. from the original on 2021-07-15. Retrieved 2021-07-15.
  42. ^ Grobar, Matt (2021-11-08). "'Red Rocket': A24 Pushes Back Release Date For Sean Baker's Dark Comedy Starring Simon Rex". Deadline. from the original on 2021-11-08. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
  43. ^ Tibbs, Ross (2022-12-14). "Watch a bizarre Taco Bell commercial directed by Sean Baker". Far Out Magazine. Retrieved 2022-12-24.
  44. ^ Raup, Jordan (2023-01-19). "Exclusive Trailer for Sean Baker-Backed Documentary Love in the Time of Fentanyl Explores Vancouver's Opioid Crisis". The Film Stage. Retrieved 2023-02-03.
  45. ^ . PBS | Independent Lens. Archived from the original on November 20, 2022. Retrieved 2023-02-03.
  46. ^ "Additional Screenings Announced! | DOXA Documentary Film Festival". www.doxafestival.ca. Retrieved 2023-02-03.
  47. ^ Lang, Brent (2023-10-25). "'Red Rocket' Director Sean Baker and FilmNation Entertainment Reteam on 'Anora' With Mikey Madison Starring (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
  48. ^ Booth, Ned (2023-10-25). "'Anora': Sean Baker Reunites With FilmNation Entertainment For His 'Red Rocket' Follow-Up, Mikey Madison Stars". The Playlist. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
  49. ^ Martin, Denise (2010-01-15). "TCA Press Tour: MTV revives career of cult star-debauched puppet Warren the Ape". Los Angeles Times. from the original on 2022-12-21. Retrieved 2022-12-21.
  50. ^ Lazic, Manuela (2021-12-08). "Sean Baker's World of Outcasts". The Ringer. Retrieved 2021-12-10.
  51. ^ Kaufman, Sophie Monks (2021-12-09). "Interview: Sean Baker on Red Rocket| Filmmaker Magazine". Filmmaker Magazine. Retrieved 2021-12-10.
  52. ^ Zigler, Brianna (10 December 2021). "'Red Rocket''s Mikey Saber Is a Very Bad Man". Gawker. from the original on 2021-12-10. Retrieved 2021-12-10.
  53. ^ Newbould, Chris (2018-01-22). "The Florida Project director Sean Baker: 'I want my films to be different'". The National News. from the original on 2021-12-16. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
  54. ^ Wise, Damon (23 January 2022). "'Red Rocket' Director Sean Baker on His Indie Career and the Stress of Stretching a Budget During Covid: "All That Manic Energy, Somehow, Was Captured"". Deadline Hollywood. from the original on 2022-02-01.
  55. ^ Gleiberman, Owen (2017-10-04). "'Florida Project' Director Sean Baker on America's 'Hidden Homeless'". Variety. from the original on 2017-10-04. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
  56. ^ Bose, Swapnil Dhruv (2021-11-07). "Sean Baker names his 10 favourite films of all time". Far Out Magazine. from the original on 2021-11-07. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
  57. ^ Ruimy, Jordan (2019-08-19). "Sean Baker's Mysterious New Movie is a "Love Story" Set in Vegas and New York". World of Reel. Retrieved 2023-06-06.
  58. ^ Indiewire (2009-02-17). "Spirit Awards '09: "Take Out" and "Prince of Broadway" Director Sean Baker". IndieWire. from the original on 2021-02-26. Retrieved 2021-10-25.
  59. ^ "WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR 2013 SPIRIT AWARDS". Film Independent. from the original on 2021-04-18. Retrieved 2020-12-29.
  60. ^ Staff, Shadow and Act. "'Middle Of Nowhere' Wins John Cassavetes Award (Best Feature Under $500,000) At Spirit Awards". Shadow and Act. from the original on 2021-10-25. Retrieved 2021-10-25.
  61. ^ Erbland, Kate (2016-02-27). . IndieWire. Archived from the original on 2016-07-02. Retrieved 2020-12-29.
  62. ^ Nyren, Erin (2018-03-03). "2018 Independent Spirit Awards: Winners List (Updating Live)". Variety. from the original on 2018-03-04. Retrieved 2020-12-29.
  63. ^ "2017 Winners | International Press Academy". from the original on 2019-02-21. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
  64. ^ "Detroit Film Critics Society honors 'Florida Project'". AP NEWS. 2017-12-07. from the original on 2021-05-17. Retrieved 2020-12-29.
  65. ^ Lewis, Hilary (30 November 2017). "'Lady Bird' Named Best Picture by New York Film Critics Circle | Hollywood Reporter". www.hollywoodreporter.com. from the original on 2021-08-01. Retrieved 2020-12-29.
  66. ^ ""Call Me By Your Name" and "The Shape of Water" lead 2017 nominees". Chicago Film Critics Association. Retrieved 2021-10-25.
  67. ^ "2017 Chicago Film Critics Associations Awards". Chicago Film Critics Association. Retrieved 2021-10-25.
  68. ^ "Three Billboards Is Triumphant At The London Film Critics Circle Awards". Empire. 2018-01-28. Retrieved 2020-12-29.
  69. ^ Kilday, Gregg (2018-01-29). "'Call Me by Your Name' Leads Dorian Award Nominations". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2021-10-25.
  70. ^ Rooney, David (2018-06-17). "Sean Baker and Molly Shannon Honored at Provincetown Film Festival". The Hollywood Reporter. from the original on 2022-03-07. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
  71. ^ "Detroit Film Critics Announce 2021 Noms - CinemaNerdz". cinemanerdz.com. 2021-12-03. from the original on 2021-12-06. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  72. ^ "The 2021 Detroit Film Critics Society Awards". Detroit Film Critics Society. from the original on 2021-12-14. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  73. ^ Song, Katie (2021-11-30). "Gotham Awards 2021 Winners List (Updating Live)". Variety. from the original on 2022-01-21. Retrieved 2021-11-30.
  74. ^ "STEVEN SPIELBERG'S WEST SIDE STORY LEADS CHICAGO FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION 2021 AWARD NOMINATIONS". Chicago Film Critics Association. 2021-12-13. from the original on 2022-03-10. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  75. ^ "THE POWER OF THE DOG LEADS CHICAGO FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION 2021 AWARDS, WINS SEVEN HONORS". Chicago Film Critics Association. 2021-12-15. from the original on 2022-04-06. Retrieved 2021-12-17.

External links edit

November 29, 2023
sean, baker, filmmaker, sean, baker, born, february, 1971, american, film, director, cinematographer, producer, screenwriter, editor, best, known, independent, feature, films, starlet, 2012, tangerine, 2015, florida, project, 2017, rocket, 2021, well, puppet, . Sean Baker born February 26 1971 is an American film director cinematographer producer screenwriter and editor He is best known for the independent feature films Starlet 2012 Tangerine 2015 The Florida Project 2017 and Red Rocket 2021 as well as the Fox IFC puppet sitcom Greg the Bunny and its spin offs Sean BakerBaker in August 2012Born 1971 02 26 February 26 1971 age 52 Summit New Jersey U S NationalityAmericanAlma materNew York UniversityOccupationFilmmakerYears active2000 presentSpouseSamantha Quan 1 Baker has received several film critics awards a Filmmaker on the Edge Award and nominations for six Independent Spirit Awards winning one in 2012 Contents 1 Early life and education 2 Career 2 1 Television 3 Style and influences 4 Filmography 4 1 Film 4 2 Short film 4 3 Documentary 4 4 Television 5 Accolades 6 References 7 External linksEarly life and education editBaker was born and raised in Summit New Jersey 2 His mother was a teacher and his father was a patent attorney who once represented the director and his production company in 2005 3 4 He has a sister who is a professional synth pop musician and production designer who has contributed to his films in both capacities 5 6 7 He became obsessed with homemade movies at a young age when his mother took him to see Universal Monster films being projected at the local library 8 Baker graduated from Gill St Bernard s High School in 1989 9 He received his B A in film studies from New York University through the Tisch School of the Arts 10 Prior to NYU he studied non linear editing at The New School in Greenwich Village 11 Career editBaker s first feature film was Four Letter Words a film revolving around the looks views attitudes and language of young men in America Baker wrote directed and edited the film 12 Baker then went on to make Take Out which he co wrote co directed co edited and co produced with Shih Ching Tsou on a budget of 3000 13 The film revolves around an undocumented Chinese immigrant falling behind on payments on a smuggling debt leaving him only one day to come up with the money The film had its world premiere at the Slamdance Film Festival on January 18 2004 and had been screened at over 25 film festivals when a legal dispute with Seth Landau who was planning to release a film with the same name delayed its release until June 6 2008 14 4 Baker s third feature film Prince of Broadway premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival on June 22 2008 15 The film follows a Ghanaian immigrant selling knock off merchandise in Manhattan who discovers that he has a son 16 Baker directed wrote co produced shot and edited the film Baker also self financed the distribution and advertising of the film 17 Take Out and Prince of Broadway were nominated for the Independent Spirit John Cassavetes Award at the same ceremony in 2008 18 The director s fourth feature Starlet was co written with Chris Bergoch and stars Dree Hemingway and Besedka Johnson Starlet explores the unlikely friendship between 21 year old Jane Hemingway and 85 year old Sadie Johnson two women whose lives intersect in California s San Fernando Valley The film had its world premiere at SXSW on March 11 2012 19 and was given a limited release on November 9 2012 20 Baker s fifth feature Tangerine follows a transgender sex worker who discovers her boyfriend and pimp has been cheating on her The film was shot using three iPhone 5S smartphones and received praise for its groundbreaking filmmaking techniques 21 Tangerine features Kitana Kiki Rodriguez Mya Taylor Karren Karagulian Mickey O Hagan and James Ransone and was executive produced by Mark Duplass and Jay Duplass Baker again co wrote the script with Bergoch he also co produced co shot and edited the film It had its world premiere at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival on January 23 2015 22 and was given a limited release on July 10 2015 23 It received extremely positive reviews and currently holds a 97 rating on Rotten Tomatoes 24 In 2016 he directed Snowbird a short fashion film starring model Abbey Lee for Kenzo It was also shot only using iPhones 25 Baker s sixth feature The Florida Project premiered in the Directors Fortnight section of the 2017 Cannes Film Festival 26 and was theatrically released in the United States on October 6 2017 by A24 Once again Baker edited the film himself and co wrote the script with his frequent collaborator Chris Bergoch The plot follows a 6 year old girl living in a motel with her rebellious mother in Greater Orlando as they try to stay out of trouble and make ends meet The film was praised for its performances particularly that of Willem Dafoe as the motel manager and Brooklynn Prince as Moonie a six year old girl as well as for Baker s direction and was chosen by both the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute as one of the top 10 films of the year 27 28 Dafoe earned Best Supporting Actor nominations at the Oscars Golden Globes and BAFTA Awards and Prince won the Critics Choice Movie Award for Best Young Performer 29 30 31 I am an ally and have literally devoted my career to tell stories that remove stigma and normalize lifestyles that are under attack I would never do anything that could possibly hurt the community Baker in Los Angeles Times Aug 28 2020 In June 2018 Baker was invited to be a member of the directors and writers branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 32 In October 2018 he was the head of the film jury at the Mumbai International Film Festival 33 In August 2020 actress Bella Thorne announced that Baker would be directing a documentary about her experiences opening an OnlyFans account but Baker quickly denied the rumor as Thorne s suspicious behavior was blamed for restrictions affecting all sex workers on the site 34 35 36 In March 2021 Baker released short film Khaite FW21 produced for fashion line Khaite to promote its Fall Winter 2021 lineup Sean Price Williams served as cinematographer 37 38 39 Baker s seventh feature film Red Rocket stars Simon Rex as Mikey a pornographic actor returning to his hometown in Texas Baker directed co wrote and co produced the film with his usual team of Bergoch and Tsou among others Filming took place in secret amidst the COVID 19 pandemic but industry standard safety protocols were observed The film received a standing ovation at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival 40 41 It was released in the US by A24 on December 10 42 In 2022 Baker directed a Taco Bell commercial 43 Baker executive produced a documentary called Love in the Time of Fentanyl 44 45 It premiered at the DOXA Documentary Film Festival in May 2022 46 In October 2023 Baker s next feature film Anora starring Mikey Madison was officially announced after distribution rights were acquired by FilmNation 47 48 Television edit Baker is also one of the original creators of the sitcom Greg the Bunny 2002 2006 starring Seth Green and Eugene Levy The show is based on a series of short segments that Baker directed and wrote which aired on the Independent Film Channel and which were in turn based on a public access television show called Junktape In 2010 Baker Spencer Chinoy and Dan Milano created a spinoff called Warren the Ape the series aired on MTV and was canceled after one season 49 Style and influences editBaker has established a reputation for portraying outcasts and characters from underrepresented and marginalized subcultures frequently undocumented immigrants and sex workers in decidedly humane and compassionate scenarios 50 He claims to have been directly inspired by exploitation films but he has been described as the archetype of a trustworthy male director in a post Me Too era 51 His films have stirred and encouraged a debate about sexual morality 52 Baker s influences include Ken Loach 53 Spike Lee Jim Jarmusch Mike Leigh Steven Spielberg 54 Eric Rohmer John Cassavetes and Hal Ashby among others 55 56 Filmography editFilm edit Year Title Director Writer Producer Editor Notes2000 Four Letter Words Yes Yes No Yes2004 Take Out Yes Yes Yes Yes Co directed with Shih Ching Tsou2008 Prince of Broadway Yes Yes Yes Yes Also cinematographer2012 Starlet Yes Yes Yes Yes2015 Tangerine Yes Yes Yes Yes Also cinematographer2017 The Florida Project Yes Yes Yes Yes2021 Red Rocket Yes Yes Yes YesTBA Anora Yes Yes Yes TBD Post production 57 Short film edit Year Title Director Writer Producer Editor2016 Snowbird Yes Yes Yes Yes2021 Khaite FW21 Yes No No YesDocumentary edit Year Title Notes2023 Love in the Time of Fentanyl Executive ProducerTelevision edit Year Title Director Writer Producer Creator Role2002 2006 Greg the Bunny Yes Yes No Yes Also editor and cinematographer2010 Warren the Ape Yes Yes Yes YesAccolades editAward Date of Ceremony Category Nominated Work Result Notes RefIndependent Spirit Awards February 21 2009 John Cassavetes Award Take Out Nominated Both films nominated for same award in the same year 58 Prince of Broadway NominatedFebruary 23 2013 Robert Altman Award Starlet Won Along with casting director and ensemble cast 59 John Cassavetes Award Nominated 60 February 27 2016 Best Director Tangerine Nominated 61 March 3 2018 Best Director The Florida Project Nominated 62 Satellite Awards February 11 2018 Best Director Nominated 63 Best Original Screenplay Nominated Jointly with Chris Bergoch Detroit Film Critics Society December 7 2017 Director of the Year Won 64 New York Film Critics Circle November 30 2017 Best Director Won 65 Chicago Film Critics Association December 12 2017 Best Editing Nominated 66 67 London Film Critics Circle January 28 2018 Director of the Year Won 68 Dorian Awards January 31 2018 Director of the Year Nominated 69 Provincetown International Film Festival June 16 2018 Filmmaker on the Edge Award Life s Work Awarded Presented by John Waters 70 Detroit Film Critics Society December 6 2021 Best Director Red Rocket Nominated 71 72 Gotham Awards November 29 2021 Best Screenplay Nominated Jointly with Chris Bergoch 73 Chicago Film Critics Association December 15 2021 Best Original Screenplay Nominated 74 75 References edit Morse Erik 2021 12 10 Red Rocket Director Sean Baker on the Beauty of the Industrial Suburb the Fear of Homelessness and the Influence of Lolita Vogue Retrieved 2021 12 11 Whitty Stephen 2017 12 01 NYFCC awards go to Saoirse Ronan Girls Trip NJ director nj com Archived from the original on 2021 06 11 Retrieved 2022 12 21 And Summit native Sean Baker s heartbreaking The Florida Project about a struggling single mother and her amazingly resilient daughter was not far behind with a best director award for Baker and a best supporting actor prize for Willem Dafoe Wray Daniel Dylan 2018 03 16 An interview with Sean Baker film s brightest activist Huck Magazine Archived from the original on 2019 07 29 Retrieved 2021 11 27 a b Welkos Robert W 2005 11 02 Take Out for party of two Los Angeles Times Archived from the original on 2022 10 06 Retrieved 2022 09 30 Grobar Matt 2018 01 01 The Florida Project Production Designer On Tracking Down Dreamy Pastel Colored Locations For Dark Fairy Tale Deadline Retrieved 2018 06 26 Gaffney Shannen 2014 07 30 MNDR Give Living Days Thrill Anybody a Crisp Facelift Spin Archived from the original on 2015 09 15 Retrieved 2018 06 26 Stephonik Youth IMDb Retrieved 2020 01 16 Gray Carmen 2015 10 26 Sean Baker interview James Whale s Frankenstein made me want to become a director the Guardian Archived from the original on 2015 11 02 Retrieved 2021 12 12 Cody Alice Roche 2016 05 09 GSB Alumni Magazine Winter 2016 GSB Alumni Magazine Winter 2016 Gladstone NJ pp 3 7 Archived from the original on 2022 12 21 Retrieved 2018 06 26 a href Template Cite news html title Template Cite news cite news a CS1 maint date and year link Mikel Ryan 2018 03 05 Sean Baker The Florida Project Washington Square News Retrieved 2019 12 04 Sean Baker Tells Students There s No Set Formula for Filmmaking The New School The New School Archived from the original on 2019 12 04 Retrieved 2019 12 04 Tangerine Director Sean Baker Talks Monster Flicks Autre Love Autre Magazine July 16 2015 Archived from the original on 2016 07 26 Retrieved November 21 2015 Indiewire Indiewire 2009 02 19 Spirit Awards 09 Take Out Director Shih Ching Tsou IndieWire Archived from the original on 2017 10 14 Retrieved 2021 01 01 Indiewire com June 3 2008 indieWIRE INTERVIEW Take Out Co director Sean Baker indieWIRE Archived from the original on 2017 08 20 Retrieved November 21 2015 Juarez Vanessa June 25 2008 L A Film Festival Prince of Broadway Entertainment Weekly Archived from the original on 2015 11 21 Retrieved November 21 2015 Prince of Broadway Fandango Retrieved November 21 2015 Rothbart Davy 2017 09 16 He Became This Year s Oscar Favourite By Going Broke Again and Again Wealthsimple Wealthsimple Magazine Archived from the original on 2021 01 28 Retrieved 2021 10 14 Spirit Award nominees announced Variety 2016 03 04 Archived from the original on 2016 03 04 Retrieved 2021 01 01 Starlet SXSW com Retrieved November 21 2015 Starlet www tcm com Retrieved 2022 12 21 Beyond using progressive filming techniques and casting Tangerine is expressive and warm Nashville Scene By Jason Shawhan Setoodeh Ramin January 23 2015 Sophisticated Tangerine Shot on iPhone 5s Retrieved January 28 2015 Tangerine Apple Trailers Retrieved November 21 2015 Tangerine 2015 Rotten Tomatoes Retrieved 9 February 2018 Sean Baker s iPhone Short Film Snowbird Indie Film Hustle Indie Film Hustle 2021 12 07 Archived from the original on 2022 01 25 Retrieved 2021 12 10 Tisch Alumni Win Cannes Honors NYU edu Jun 2 2017 Archived from the original on 29 April 2018 AFI Awards 2017 AFI Archived from the original on 2020 06 05 Retrieved December 8 2017 National Board of Review Announces 2017 Award Winners National Board of Review November 28 2017 Archived from the original on 2017 11 29 Retrieved December 7 2017 Rubin Rebecca December 11 2017 Golden Globe Nominations Complete List Variety Archived from the original on 2017 12 11 Retrieved December 11 2017 The Shape of Water leads Bafta nominations BBC News January 9 2018 Archived from the original on 2018 01 09 Retrieved 2018 01 09 2018 Oscars org Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences www oscars org 2018 03 04 Archived from the original on 2017 10 29 Retrieved 2022 12 21 Kilday Gregg 2018 06 25 Academy Invites Record 928 New Members The Hollywood Reporter Archived from the original on 2021 08 31 Retrieved 2021 12 09 Rahman Abid 2018 10 30 Mumbai Jury Head Sean Baker on Indian Cinema the Demise of Filmstruck and His New Opioid Film The Hollywood Reporter Archived from the original on 2018 10 31 Retrieved 2021 03 30 Raup Jordan 2020 08 20 Update Sean Baker Isn t Directing a Documentary About Bella Thorne s Experience on OnlyFans The Film Stage Archived from the original on 2020 08 24 Retrieved 2021 03 30 Kaufman Amy 2020 08 28 Director Sean Baker says he is not making an OnlyFans film with Bella Thorne Los Angeles Times Archived from the original on 2022 05 09 Retrieved 2021 03 30 Noor Poppy 2020 08 31 A Thorne in the site the Bella Thorne and OnlyFans controversy explained The Guardian ISSN 0261 3077 Retrieved 2021 03 30 Raup Jordan 2021 03 01 Watch Sean Baker s New Short Film for Khaite Shot by Sean Price Williams The Film Stage Archived from the original on 2021 03 01 Retrieved 2021 03 30 White Armond 2021 03 10 Khaite FW21 Sean Baker s Fashion Week Faux Pas National Review Archived from the original on 2021 03 10 Retrieved 2021 03 30 Macaulay Scott 28 February 2021 Watch Sean Baker s Short Film for Khaite s Fall 21 Collection Filmmaker Magazine Archived from the original on 2021 03 01 Retrieved 2021 03 30 The Complete Cannes 2021 Guide The Films We re Most Excited to See The Full Lineup Hollywood Insider Hollywood Insider 16 June 2021 Archived from the original on 2021 06 18 Retrieved 2021 06 21 Setoodeh Ramin 2021 07 14 Simon Rex Male Porn Star Movie Red Rocket Premieres in Cannes to Ecstatic Standing Ovation and Awards Buzz Variety Archived from the original on 2021 07 15 Retrieved 2021 07 15 Grobar Matt 2021 11 08 Red Rocket A24 Pushes Back Release Date For Sean Baker s Dark Comedy Starring Simon Rex Deadline Archived from the original on 2021 11 08 Retrieved 2021 11 08 Tibbs Ross 2022 12 14 Watch a bizarre Taco Bell commercial directed by Sean Baker Far Out Magazine Retrieved 2022 12 24 Raup Jordan 2023 01 19 Exclusive Trailer for Sean Baker Backed Documentary Love in the Time of Fentanyl Explores Vancouver s Opioid Crisis The Film Stage Retrieved 2023 02 03 Love in the Time of Fentanyl Vancouver s Overdose Prevention Society Saves Lives PBS Independent Lens Archived from the original on November 20 2022 Retrieved 2023 02 03 Additional Screenings Announced DOXA Documentary Film Festival www doxafestival ca Retrieved 2023 02 03 Lang Brent 2023 10 25 Red Rocket Director Sean Baker and FilmNation Entertainment Reteam on Anora With Mikey Madison Starring EXCLUSIVE Variety Retrieved 2023 10 25 Booth Ned 2023 10 25 Anora Sean Baker Reunites With FilmNation Entertainment For His Red Rocket Follow Up Mikey Madison Stars The Playlist Retrieved 2023 10 25 Martin Denise 2010 01 15 TCA Press Tour MTV revives career of cult star debauched puppet Warren the Ape Los Angeles Times Archived from the original on 2022 12 21 Retrieved 2022 12 21 Lazic Manuela 2021 12 08 Sean Baker s World of Outcasts The Ringer Retrieved 2021 12 10 Kaufman Sophie Monks 2021 12 09 Interview Sean Baker on Red Rocket Filmmaker Magazine Filmmaker Magazine Retrieved 2021 12 10 Zigler Brianna 10 December 2021 Red Rocket s Mikey Saber Is a Very Bad Man Gawker Archived from the original on 2021 12 10 Retrieved 2021 12 10 Newbould Chris 2018 01 22 The Florida Project director Sean Baker I want my films to be different The National News Archived from the original on 2021 12 16 Retrieved 2021 12 16 Wise Damon 23 January 2022 Red Rocket Director Sean Baker on His Indie Career and the Stress of Stretching a Budget During Covid All That Manic Energy Somehow Was Captured Deadline Hollywood Archived from the original on 2022 02 01 Gleiberman Owen 2017 10 04 Florida Project Director Sean Baker on America s Hidden Homeless Variety Archived from the original on 2017 10 04 Retrieved 2021 12 16 Bose Swapnil Dhruv 2021 11 07 Sean Baker names his 10 favourite films of all time Far Out Magazine Archived from the original on 2021 11 07 Retrieved 2021 12 16 Ruimy Jordan 2019 08 19 Sean Baker s Mysterious New Movie is a Love Story Set in Vegas and New York World of Reel Retrieved 2023 06 06 Indiewire 2009 02 17 Spirit Awards 09 Take Out and Prince of Broadway Director Sean Baker IndieWire Archived from the original on 2021 02 26 Retrieved 2021 10 25 WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR 2013 SPIRIT AWARDS Film Independent Archived from the original on 2021 04 18 Retrieved 2020 12 29 Staff Shadow and Act Middle Of Nowhere Wins John Cassavetes Award Best Feature Under 500 000 At Spirit Awards Shadow and Act Archived from the original on 2021 10 25 Retrieved 2021 10 25 Erbland Kate 2016 02 27 Full List of All 2016 Film Independent Spirit Award Winners IndieWire Archived from the original on 2016 07 02 Retrieved 2020 12 29 Nyren Erin 2018 03 03 2018 Independent Spirit Awards Winners List Updating Live Variety Archived from the original on 2018 03 04 Retrieved 2020 12 29 2017 Winners International Press Academy Archived from the original on 2019 02 21 Retrieved 2021 10 23 Detroit Film Critics Society honors Florida Project AP NEWS 2017 12 07 Archived from the original on 2021 05 17 Retrieved 2020 12 29 Lewis Hilary 30 November 2017 Lady Bird Named Best Picture by New York Film Critics Circle Hollywood Reporter www hollywoodreporter com Archived from the original on 2021 08 01 Retrieved 2020 12 29 Call Me By Your Name and The Shape of Water lead 2017 nominees Chicago Film Critics Association Retrieved 2021 10 25 2017 Chicago Film Critics Associations Awards Chicago Film Critics Association Retrieved 2021 10 25 Three Billboards Is Triumphant At The London Film Critics Circle Awards Empire 2018 01 28 Retrieved 2020 12 29 Kilday Gregg 2018 01 29 Call Me by Your Name Leads Dorian Award Nominations The Hollywood Reporter Retrieved 2021 10 25 Rooney David 2018 06 17 Sean Baker and Molly Shannon Honored at Provincetown Film Festival The Hollywood Reporter Archived from the original on 2022 03 07 Retrieved 2021 10 23 Detroit Film Critics Announce 2021 Noms CinemaNerdz cinemanerdz com 2021 12 03 Archived from the original on 2021 12 06 Retrieved 2021 12 17 The 2021 Detroit Film Critics Society Awards Detroit Film Critics Society Archived from the original on 2021 12 14 Retrieved 2021 12 17 Song Katie 2021 11 30 Gotham Awards 2021 Winners List Updating Live Variety Archived from the original on 2022 01 21 Retrieved 2021 11 30 STEVEN SPIELBERG S WEST SIDE STORY LEADS CHICAGO FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION 2021 AWARD NOMINATIONS Chicago Film Critics Association 2021 12 13 Archived from the original on 2022 03 10 Retrieved 2021 12 17 THE POWER OF THE DOG LEADS CHICAGO FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION 2021 AWARDS WINS SEVEN HONORS Chicago Film Critics Association 2021 12 15 Archived from the original on 2022 04 06 Retrieved 2021 12 17 External links editSean Baker at IMDb Sean Baker at AllMovie Sean Baker on Twitter Sean Baker on Letterboxd Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Sean Baker filmmaker amp oldid 1187316706, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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