Fran Rubel Kuzui
| Fran Rubel Kuzui | |
|---|---|
| Born | United States |
| Alma mater | New York University |
| Occupation | Film director, producer, script supervisor |
| Years active | 1988–present |
| Spouse(s) | Kaz Kuzui |
Fran Rubel Kuzui is an American movie director and producer. She received her masters degree from New York University and was a script supervisor for a decade, prior to her first film, 1988's Tokyo Pop, which she co-wrote and directed. The movie was shown at the 1988 Cannes Film Festival and received critical acclaim for its depiction of an American woman trying to make sense of the Japanese youth culture.[1]
However, she is best known as the director of the 1992 film Buffy the Vampire Slayer, whose original screenplay was the basis for the television series of the same name.[2] She discovered the screenplay of writer Joss Whedon, expanded the Buffy character with him and put together the financing to produce the picture.[3]
Kuzui was credited as an executive producer on the TV series and its spin-off Angel, having packaged Buffy along with Sandollar TV's Gail Berman and Sandy Gallin. Along with husband Kaz Kuzui, she founded Kuzui Enterprises, a leader in independent film distribution in Japan which distributes U.S. films there and imports Japanese films for the U.S. market. In 2003, the Kuzuis were among the executive producers for the Thai-Japanese film Last Life in the Universe.[4] In 1997, Kuzui began working with Trey Parker and Matt Stone and produced their film Orgazmo. The Kuzuis also localized and distributed the duo's TV series South Park in Japan. Kuzui Enterprises was among the financiers for Orgazmo and Telling Lies in America.
The Kuzuis worked with artist Keith Haring to establish Pop Shop Tokyo, an art project recognized by museums around the world.
References
- ↑ Goodman, Walter (1988-04-15). "In 'Tokyo Pop,' Youth Cultures Clash". New York Times. Retrieved 2007-02-26.
You don't have to be a fan of rock music to get a kick out of Tokyo Pop, a wedding of American and Japanese youth cultures as seen through a fun-house mirror.
- ↑ Marie, Bridgette. "Tokyo Pop (1988)". Fast-Rewind.com. Retrieved 2007-02-26.
- ↑ Morgan, David. "Interview with Fran Rubel Kuzui". Wide Angle Closeup. Retrieved 2007-02-26.
- ↑ "Last Life in the Universe full credits". IMDB.com. Retrieved 2007-04-09.