Phil joanou biography

American film director

Phil Joanou (born November 20, 1961) is an American director of film, music videos, and television programs. He is known for his collaborations with the rock band U2, for whom he directed music videos and their 1988 documentary film Rattle and Hum.

Biography

Joanou was born in La Cañada Flintridge, California, and began making short films on super-8 when he was 14 years old. Joanou studied at UCLA's theater department and then moved on to USC's cinema program.

Phil joanou director

His award winning student film Last Chance Dance caught the eye of Steven Spielberg who hired him to direct two Amazing Stories episodes, "Santa '85" and "The Doll", when he was 23 years old. John Lithgow won a best actor Emmy Award for his role in "The Doll" and memorably said in his acceptance speech: "I'd like to thank the director, Phil Joanou -- remember that name."

Spielberg then offered Joanou his first feature film, Three O'Clock High.

Filmed in Ogden, Utah,