Daniel Petrie
Daniel Petrie
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Daniel Thomas Petrie was a renowned Canadian-American television director, screenwriter, and producer.
Birth and Death Dates
He was born on March 9, 1920, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Daniel Petrie passed away on January 22, 2014, at the age of 93.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Petrie held dual Canadian-American citizenship and worked primarily as a television director, screenwriter, and producer. His prolific career spanned over five decades, during which he directed numerous TV shows, movies, and stage productions.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Toronto, Petrie developed an interest in the arts from a young age. He began writing plays and short stories while attending Upper Canada College. After completing his secondary education, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in theater.
In the 1940s, Petrie worked as a stage director and playwright, eventually transitioning to television production in the late 1950s. His early work on TV shows such as "Studio One" and "The Philco Television Playhouse" showcased his ability to craft engaging narratives for the small screen.
Major Accomplishments
Petrie's career was marked by numerous accolades and milestones. Some of his most notable achievements include:
Directing over 150 television episodes, including classics such as "Banyan Tree," "The Name of the Game," and "Murder, She Wrote"
Winning four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing in Drama or Comedy Series
Being nominated for several other Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Directors Guild of America Awards
Serving as a member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS) Board of Governors
Notable Works or Actions
Petrie's work spanned various genres, including drama, comedy, and mystery. Some of his most notable works include:
"Banyan Tree" (1965), an episode of "The Defenders" that earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in Drama or Comedy Series
"The Name of the Game" (1971-1974), a TV series he directed and executive produced, which tackled complex social issues such as politics, crime, and human rights
"Murder, She Wrote" (1984-1996), a popular mystery series he directed numerous episodes forImpact and Legacy
Daniel Petrie's impact on the television industry is immeasurable. His contributions to the development of TV shows and movies have inspired generations of writers, directors, and producers.
Petrie's commitment to storytelling that tackled real-world issues helped shape the medium into what it is today. His dedication to his craft has left a lasting legacy in the world of television and beyond.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Daniel Petrie is widely quoted and remembered for his:
Diverse body of work, which spanned multiple genres and formats, showcasing his versatility as a writer, director, and producer
Influence on social issues, through the complex stories he told in TV shows like "The Name of the Game" and "Murder, She Wrote"
Prolific career, which saw him direct over 150 episodes of television, cementing his place as one of the most accomplished directors in the industry
Throughout his illustrious career, Daniel Petrie left an indelible mark on the world of television. His legacy continues to inspire and influence writers, directors, and producers today.
Quotes by Daniel Petrie
Not only do they have to attain the high creative level of individual writers, they have to do it week after week, often under enormous time pressures.
It's time for Fox and the other major broadcasting companies to step out in the light of day and end these injustices,
We've heard stories of people breaking down from the strain, of men and women working from nine in the morning until after midnight with no meal breaks, of location shoots where eight people were required to work in hot trailers meant for four. When asked he had any time off, one plaintiff responded: 'I forget how the day off was supposed to work.' These men and women deserve the basic protections of fair labor standards.
Unlike any other form of writing, the stories of episodic television require the blended imagination, talent, and tenacity of a staff of writers,
They studio were flabbergasted when they discovered how interested everybody was in 'those old people.' And now many upcoming projects feature older people; it's become a trend.
I had a feeling about directing Cocoon II: The Return. At first I wasn't too interested because it was a sequel. Then I read the script and was excited by the relationships and its mystic quality.
The second Cocoon questions that and deals much more directly with the value of living in the real world with its trials and tribulations. I would say it's about that and not about aging or death.
I do feel that the trend is away from ageism and toward a recognition that older people have a unique voice.