Paul Weitz: A Career in Film and Television
Paul Weitz has established himself as a versatile force in the entertainment industry, transitioning seamlessly between high-concept comedies, intimate dramas, and television production. Much of his early success was forged through a close creative partnership with his brother, Chris Weitz, resulting in some of the most recognizable films of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Key Facts
- Academy Award Nomination: Nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay for About a Boy.
- Major Hits: Co-directed and produced the box office success American Pie (1999).
- Production Company: Co-founder of Depth of Field with Chris Weitz and Andrew Miano.
- Notable Collaborations: Frequent collaborator with actress Lily Tomlin.
- Industry Deals: Signed a two-year first-look deal with Amazon Studios in March 2016.
Early Career and Collaborative Success
Weitz entered the film industry as a co-writer for the 1998 animated feature Antz. His early professional years were characterized by a variety of projects, including work on sitcoms like Off Centre and the 1998 revival of the classic series Fantasy Island.
The turning point in his career came in 1999 when he and Chris directed and produced American Pie. Written by Adam Herz, the film became a massive commercial hit, and Paul continued his involvement as an executive producer for its two theatrical sequels.
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Critical Acclaim with About a Boy
In 2002, the Weitz brothers co-wrote and co-directed About a Boy, starring Hugh Grant. Based on the novel by Nick Hornby, the project underwent significant creative shifts; while originally planned by New Line Cinema as an American story produced by Robert De Niro, the brothers insisted the protagonist remain British. Drawing inspiration from the 1960 film The Apartment, their work on the film earned them an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Expanding His Directorial Range
Following his early successes, Weitz expanded his portfolio into various genres. He wrote and directed the romantic comedy In Good Company and the political satire American Dreamz. His writing credits also extend to the television series Cracking Up.
Weitz has also demonstrated a talent for adaptations. He directed The Vampire's Assistant, based on Darren Shan's young adult novel Cirque du Freak, and Being Flynn, an adaptation of Nick Flynn's memoir Another Bullshit Night in Suck City. For the latter, Weitz worked closely with Flynn to translate the dense source material for the screen. Additionally, he directed Little Fockers (2010) and the film Admission starring Tina Fey.
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The Production of Grandma
In 2015, Weitz directed Grandma, starring Lily Tomlin. The film served as the closing night feature at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival on January 30 and was released by Sony Pictures Classics on August 21, 2015.
The project was a passion piece for Weitz, who had held the story idea for years. He noted that the character only truly clicked after he worked with Tomlin on Admission (2013). Once the vision was clear, Weitz wrote the script longhand in a coffee shop. The film, which marked Tomlin's first leading role in 27 years (since 1988's Big Business), was produced on a modest budget of under $600,000 and received positive reviews.
Current Ventures and Future Projects
Through his production company, Depth of Field—founded with Chris Weitz and Andrew Miano—Paul continues to develop a diverse slate of content. In March 2016, the Weitz brothers entered a two-year first-look deal with Amazon Studios.
Current and planned projects include:
- The Elric Saga: A potential trilogy for Universal Pictures based on Michael Moorcock's work.
- Shield of Straw: An English remake of the 2013 Japanese action thriller.
- Ghost Train: A remake of the 2006 Japanese horror film Soul Reviver.
- Birthright: A remake of the 2010 Japanese thriller.
- Sinatoro: A television series being developed with Grant Morrison for Universal Television.
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| Film | Year | Role | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antz | 1998 | Co-writer | Animated feature |
| American Pie | 1999 | Director/Producer | Major box office success |
| About a Boy | 2002 | Co-writer/Co-director | Oscar nomination for Adapted Screenplay |
| Admission | 2013 | Director | Starred Tina Fey |
| Grandma | 2015 | Director | Budget under $600,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Paul Weitz's primary creative partner?
Paul Weitz has collaborated extensively with his brother, Chris Weitz, as a co-writer, co-director, and co-founder of their production company, Depth of Field.
For which film did Paul Weitz receive an Academy Award nomination?
He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for the 2002 film About a Boy.
What was the budget for the film Grandma?
Paul Weitz stated that Grandma cost less than $600,000 to produce.
What is Depth of Field?
Depth of Field is a production company founded by Paul Weitz, Chris Weitz, and producer Andrew Miano.
Which Japanese films is Paul Weitz currently remaking?
He is producing English remakes of the Japanese films Shield of Straw, Soul Reviver (titled Ghost Train), and Birthright.