John Landis

One of my favourite artists is Micheal Jackson, but nothing brought him more acclaim then his video for "Thriller"


Born in Chicago in 1950, Landis worked as a mailroom attendant at 20th century Fox before coming to the forefront as a director. Infact Landis got called in as an assistant director whilst at MGM in Yuogoslavia during 1969.

Landis made his first movie "Schlock" in 1971. The film was a total flop by indusrty standards, but Landis had something bigger in mind...!

Being inspired by the likes of Monty Python (Terry Gilliam) and Saturday Night Live, Landis made "Kentucky Fried Movie" in 1977 quickly followed by "National Lampoon's Animal House" and "The Blues Brothers", which was a box office hit!

In 1981 he released "An American Werewolf in London". Landis revolutionised make-up on film with his special effects team, namely academy award winning artist Rick Baker.
Landis will always be known as the first to metomorphisise from human to animal/ghoul in bright light, but making the whole transformation totally amazing!

He also went on to collaborate with names such as Eddie Murphy in "Trading Places" "Coming To America" and the not so overwhelming "Beverly Hills Cop 3"

John Landis obviously likes to have fun behind the camera, but at the same time he doesn't demand that his audience take him too seriously. He just wants to make you laugh, while he scares you to death!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOj5H5W