Filmmaker David Abbott is recognized as a premier director/producer with a multilevel approach to his craft. His extraordinary storytelling skills are described by Olympia Dukakis as "...a strong passion to tell a story cinematically." David J. Bennett, the Executive Director of the Tennessee Film, Entertainment & Music Commission, calls Abbott a true Renaissance man, saying, "...I have never known someone with talent in so many layers." Abbott stood apart from the crowd from the time he was a University of North Texas film/television student producing more than 45 studio and location programs, including shows such as "City Limits" and "Country Spotlight" in Dallas/Ft. Worth. In addition to earning a Bachelors of Arts degree during his college days, Abbott garnered an invaluable education from concentrated studies in business, advertising and psychology.
Following graduation, he spent the next decade becoming one of the premier music video directors in the business. Major record labels soon learned to turn to Abbott when they needed the extra creative vision, whether it involved building intricate sets on sound stages, extraordinary location shots, or a complex story set to a lyric. His work with Sony Entertainment, DreamWorks, Capitol and Curb has resulted in some of the industry's most innovative music videos. Among his long list of acclaimed clips are: Mark McGuinn's "Mrs. Steven Rudy," Steve Holy's "Good Morning Beautiful," Mark Wills' "I Want To Know," Merle Haggard's "Motorcycle Cowboy" and Shannon Sanders' "Hustler for Life."
Abbott gained invaluable experience producing and directing the soon-to-be-released dramatic thriller "Charlie's War" . The feature film, stars Academy Award winner Olympia Dukakis, and Golden Globe winners Diane Ladd and Lynn Redgrave. Reflecting on the filming of "Charlie's War," Ms. Redgrave said: "David has a keen cinematic eye and loves and encourages his actors. His energy, enthusiasm and preparation make being on the set a really creative place to be." Co-star Bobbie Eakes said, "Abbott is the kind of director actors hope to work with. He has that wonderful combination of technical expertise and dramatic sensibility that makes you feel confident every step of the way."
In addition to producing and directing, Abbott is an accomplished photographer and director of photography. With his vast knowledge of light, composition and working with people, he is always in demand for commercial and artist related photo shoots.
As a director of photography, David is currently shooting various T.V shows, including the Versus Network's highest rated outdoor show called, "The Best and Worst of Tred Barta", as well as episodes of "Huntley's Way". Abbott continues to build his skill set as he travels the world, shooting in a multitude of diverse locations.
David has a reputation of being an intensely creative, fiscally judicious filmmaker with a vision that encompasses detail-oriented technique, big vision topics and synergistic marketing strategies. He says, "The creative and artistic values of storytelling don't exist without the ability to put together a team and execute the vision. I view production as my creative responsibility and always try to maintain the perfect balance between art and commerce."
