David Alexanian
Encyclopedia
David Alexanian is a director and producer, and the CEO of Elixir Films, which he co-founded with his sister Alexis Alexanian
.
's one man show, Wake Up And Smell The Coffee for the Independent Film Channel
(IFC) and the Los Angeles theater production of Connor MacPherson's The Good Thief starring Brian D'Arcy James
, Alexanian sought to acquire the rights of one of his favorite childhood books, Where The Red Fern Grows
. Though the original film was produced in 1974, Elixir remade it for Disney in 2003, starring Grammy winner Dave Matthews
, in his acting debut, as well as Kris Kristofferson
and Dabney Coleman
.
and Charley Boorman
on a 20000 miles (32,186.8 km) motorcycle
journey from London to New York, through Europe, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Siberia, Far Eastern Russia and North America.
attended the theatrical release of Long Way Down. At the time, Estevez was scripting The Way and he asked Alexanian if he would come aboard to produce. The duo flew to Spain, embarking on a different sort of road trip, an ancient pilgrimage called the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. They spent the next months travelling the 800 kilometres (497.1 mi) trek, scouting locations, hiring local crew, casting, and producing The Way.
and his brothers Rohan
and Robbie. With a short deadline, Alexanian filmed the Marleys, criss-crossing the country during the 2010 FIFA World Cup
, jamming with local musicians, and organizing a charity concert in Soweto promoting their father Bob Marley
's legacy of African Unity. The six-episode series, Marley African Roadtrip, completed post-production in August 2011 and will begin airing in November.
Alexis Alexanian
Alexis Alexanian is an American producer, sister of David and cofounder of Elixir Films.Alexis started her career in production on larger budget studio films from Mississippi Burning to Jacob's Ladder, A League of Their Own and Striptease, and was named as one of Variety's "10 Producers to Watch"...
.
Where The Red Fern Grows
After filming Eric BogosianEric Bogosian
Eric Bogosian is an American actor, playwright, monologist, and novelist of Armenian descent.-Personal life:Bogosian, an Armenian-American, was born in Woburn, Massachusetts, the son of Edwina, a hairdresser and instructor, and Henry Bogosian, an accountant. After graduating from Oberlin College,...
's one man show, Wake Up And Smell The Coffee for the Independent Film Channel
Independent Film Channel
The Independent Film Channel is an American cable TV network that airs independent film and related programming. IFC programming includes commercially interrupted feature-length films, original documentaries, shorts, animated series, original series, acquired series, and content exclusively for...
(IFC) and the Los Angeles theater production of Connor MacPherson's The Good Thief starring Brian D'Arcy James
Brian d'Arcy James
Brian d'Arcy James is an American actor and musician.-Personal life:James was born in Saginaw, Michigan, the son of Mary , a seller of children's books, and a lawyer father, Thomas F. James. Brian's maternal grandfather was Harry F. Kelly, former Governor of the state of Michigan...
, Alexanian sought to acquire the rights of one of his favorite childhood books, Where The Red Fern Grows
Where the Red Fern Grows (2003 film)
Where the Red Fern Grows is an American family adventure film, directed by Lyman Dayton and Sam Pillsbury. The film stars Joseph Ashton, Dave Matthews, Ned Beatty and Dabney Coleman...
. Though the original film was produced in 1974, Elixir remade it for Disney in 2003, starring Grammy winner Dave Matthews
Dave Matthews
David John "Dave" Matthews is a South African–born American musician and occasional actor, best known as the lead vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist for the Dave Matthews Band...
, in his acting debut, as well as Kris Kristofferson
Kris Kristofferson
Kristoffer "Kris" Kristofferson is an American musician, actor, and writer. He is known for hits such as "Me and Bobby McGee", "For the Good Times", "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down", and "Help Me Make It Through the Night"...
and Dabney Coleman
Dabney Coleman
Dabney Wharton Coleman is an American actor, best known for his roles in 9 to 5, WarGames, You've Got Mail, Sworn to Silence, The Beverly Hillbillies and as the voice of Principal Peter Prickly in Recess and Recess: School's Out.-Early life:Coleman was born in Austin, Texas, the son of Mary...
.
Long Way Round
In 2004, Alexanian directed and produced Long Way Round, which followed Ewan McGregorEwan McGregor
Ewan Gordon McGregor is a Scottish actor. He has had success in mainstream, indie, and art house films. McGregor is perhaps best known for his roles as heroin addict Mark Renton in the drama Trainspotting , young Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars prequel trilogy , and poet Christian in the...
and Charley Boorman
Charley Boorman
Charley Boorman is an English TV adventurer, travel writer and actor. He is well known for his association with motorcycles and enthusiasm for biking.-Education:...
on a 20000 miles (32,186.8 km) motorcycle
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are one of the most...
journey from London to New York, through Europe, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Siberia, Far Eastern Russia and North America.
Long Way Down
In 2007, Long Way Round was followed by Long Way Down. This time reuniting with the team for a ride from the northern tip of Scotland, down through Europe, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Namibia and ending in South Africa.The Way
Alexanian's involvement with The Way began in 2008 when actor-writer-director Emilio EstevezEmilio Estevez
Emilio Estevez is an American actor, film director, and writer. He started his career as an actor and is well-known for being a member of the acting Brat Pack of the 1980s, starring in The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo's Fire...
attended the theatrical release of Long Way Down. At the time, Estevez was scripting The Way and he asked Alexanian if he would come aboard to produce. The duo flew to Spain, embarking on a different sort of road trip, an ancient pilgrimage called the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. They spent the next months travelling the 800 kilometres (497.1 mi) trek, scouting locations, hiring local crew, casting, and producing The Way.
Marley African Roadtrip
After The Way, Alexanian traveled to South Africa to direct and produce a documentary with Ziggy MarleyZiggy Marley
David "Ziggy" Marley is a Jamaican musician and leader of the band Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers. He is the oldest son of famed reggae musician Bob Marley...
and his brothers Rohan
Rohan Marley
Rohan Anthony Marley is the son of late reggae artist Bob Marley and Janet Hunt.A 1991 graduate of Miami Palmetto Senior High School, Marley played linebacker for the University of Miami football team, where he played alongside players like Dwayne Johnson and Ray Lewis. In 1993 he led the...
and Robbie. With a short deadline, Alexanian filmed the Marleys, criss-crossing the country during the 2010 FIFA World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
, jamming with local musicians, and organizing a charity concert in Soweto promoting their father Bob Marley
Bob Marley
Robert Nesta "Bob" Marley, OM was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician. He was the rhythm guitarist and lead singer for the ska, rocksteady and reggae band Bob Marley & The Wailers...
's legacy of African Unity. The six-episode series, Marley African Roadtrip, completed post-production in August 2011 and will begin airing in November.
Filmography
- Wake Up And Smell The Coffee (2001)
- Where The Red Fern Grows (2003)
- Long Way Round (2004)
- Long Way Down (2007)
- The Way (2011)
- Marley African Roadtrip (2011)