Danny Cannon

English film director

Danny Cannon

Cannon at the 2017 WonderCon.

Born|

Daniel John Cannon

(1968-10-05) 5 October 1968 (age 56)

Luton, England

Nationality| British
Occupations|

* Director
* executive producer
* screenwriter

Years active| 1984–present
Known for|

* CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
* Gotham
* Pennyworth
* Nikita
* Judge Dredd
* I Still Know What You Did Last Summer

Daniel John Cannon (born 5 October 1968) is a British film and television producer, director and writer, known for executive producing the 15-season[1][2] CSI: Crime Scene Investigation series franchise (and directed multiple episodes including the series pilot), and simultaneously executive producing the CSI: Miami and CSI: NY spin-offs.

From 2014 to 2019, for the show's duration, Cannon executive produced, wrote and directed FOX's Gotham, which won the 2014 Critics Choice Award for Most Exciting New Series and received 11 Emmy nominations (one win).[3] In July 2019, his newest television production, Pennyworth, which Cannon co-created and executive produced with Bruno Heller, premiered on Epix, concluding in November 2022 on HBO Max.

As a TV entertainment figure[4] and a rare TV pilot director who also works as a key writer, Cannon has directed 15 television pilots, 12 of which have been ordered to series, including: Training Day (2017), Gotham (2014), The Tomorrow People (2013), Nikita (2010), Dark Blue (2009), The Forgotten (2009), and Eleventh Hour (2008). At one time, Cannon had five television series on-air, while acting as executive producer.

Feature film directorial credits include Geostorm (2017),[5] I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998), Judge Dredd (1995), and The Young Americans (1993).

## Career

[edit]

### Early career

[edit]

Cannon began making films at the age of 16 in 1984, and started a youth experimental theatre group at 33 Arts Centre making video dramas with a number of other directors in different roles, including cameraman. A major influence was the centre's video maker, Dermot Byrne, with whom Cannon worked on a number of projects. Aged 23, he met musician David Arnold who played in a band that rehearsed there. Cannon convinced Arnold to compose soundtracks for his and other people's videos. Arnold's first professional score was for Cannon's debut feature 'The Young Americans'.

In 1987, he won the BBC Young Filmmaker of the Year Award, by Alan Parker, with a 40-minute short called Sometimes. 1988-1990 he attended the National Film and Television School. His intermediate film, 'Play Dead' was screened on Channel 4 while his graduation film Strangers (1990) appeared at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

### 1990s

[edit]

Cannon worked on commercials for James Garrett and later RSA, and made his debut feature The Young Americans in 1993. His second film, the big-budget Sylvester Stallone feature Judge Dredd, released in 1995, was a commercial disappointment and was not well received critically. In 1998 he directed two features, the teen slasher film I Still Know What You Did Last Summer and he directed Ray Liotta, Anjelica Huston and Jeremy Piven in Phoenix.

### 2000s

[edit]

Cannon at the 2014 NY PaleyFest for Gotham.

Cannon's immersion into primetime television began when he was hired by Jerry Bruckheimer to produce and direct the pilot episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation in 2000. Cannon is credited with creating the look and visual style of the CSI,[6] which ran for 15 seasons, earning a total of 39 Emmy nominations and spawning three spinoff shows. He went on to write and direct many episodes of the flagship series, while overseeing the production as executive producer. Simultaneously, he also executive produced both CSI: Miami, which premiered in 2002 (and directed the pilot of), and CSI: NY (2004).[7]

Stemming from his personal passion and experience with the sport of football, in 2005, Cannon directed the film Goal!.

In 2006, he returned to television with the CBS television pilot, Capital Law, about a group of legal associates trying to make partner at a powerful Washington, D.C.–based law firm.

In 2007, Cannon co-created TNT's crime drama series starring Dylan McDermott called Dark Blue and directed the pilot episode. The following year he produced and directed 'The Eleventh Hour' for CBS, which ran for one season.

In 2010, Cannon joined The CW action series Nikita, as director and executive producer. It successfully ran for four seasons on the network.

In 2011, he executive produced and directed the pilot FOX crime/mystery series Alcatraz along with J. J. Abrams for WBTV.

In 2016, Cannon was brought on to direct reshoots for the feature film Geostorm, in an attempt to help save the studios over budget production.[8]

In 2017, Cannon replaced feature film director Antoine Fuqua for a TV version of Fuqua's film Training Day,[9] starring Bill Paxton, based on the 2001 Denzel Washington feature film. He stayed on as the show's executive producer.

From 2014 to 2018, Cannon executive produced the television series Gotham, for which he directed the pilot of,[10] along with writing and directing several episodes during the series' five-year run. Under Cannon's creative guidance, the show has been nominated for 11 Primetime Emmy Awards,[11] and in 2017 won its first Emmy for Outstanding Special and Visual Effects in a Supporting Role.[12]

In 2018, it was announced that Gotham would produce its fifth and final season, which premiered in 2019.[13]

Partnering with his Gotham writer-producer partner Bruno Heller,[14][15] Cannon is currently producing Pennyworth, a Batman-esque prequel set in 1960s London,[16] which documents the early years of Batman's butler Alfred Pennyworth. Cannon executive produces and writes along with Heller, and has directed multiple episodes, including the series premiere, which have aired on Epix.

## Filmography

[edit]

### Television

[edit]

Year  | Title  | Credited as  | Notes

|
|
|

Writer  | Director  | Executive Producer  | Composer
2000–2006  | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | Yes  | Yes  | Yes  |  | Directed series pilot; executive producer (90 episodes), director (25 episodes), writer (11 episodes), producer (42 episodes)
2002–2005  | CSI: Miami |  | Yes  | Yes  |  | executive producer (72 episodes), director (2 episodes)
2004–2011  | CSI: NY |  |  | Yes  |  | executive producer (64 episodes)
2006  | Justice |  | Yes  |  |  | director (1 episode)
2006  | Capitol Law |  | Yes  |  |  | TV movie: director
2007  | The Cure |  | Yes  |  |  | TV movie: director
2008–2009  | Eleventh Hour |  | Yes  | Yes  |  | Directed series pilot; executive producer (18 episodes), director (3 episodes)
2009–2010  | The Forgotten |  | Yes  | Yes  |  | Directed series pilot; executive producer (17 episodes), director (1 episodes)
2009–2010  | Dark Blue | Yes  | Yes  | Yes  |  | Creator; executive producer (19 episodes), director (5 episodes), writer (20 episodes)
2010  | Miami Medical |  | Yes  |  |  | director (1 episodes)
2010–2013  | Nikita |  | Yes  | Yes  |  | Directed series pilot; executive producer (73 episodes), director (6 episodes)
2012  | Alcatraz |  | Yes  | Yes  |  | Directed series pilot; executive producer (1 episodes), director (1 episodes)
2013  | Shameless |  | Yes  |  |  | director (1 episodes)
2013–2014  | The Tomorrow People |  | Yes  | Yes  |  | Directed series pilot; executive producer (17 episodes), director (3 episodes)
2014  | The Lottery |  | Yes  | Yes  |  | Directed series pilot; executive producer (10 episodes), director (1 episodes)
2014–2019  | Gotham | Yes  | Yes  | Yes  | Yes  | Directed series pilot; executive producer (81 episodes), director (11 episodes), writer (11 episodes) composer (33 episodes)
2017  | Training Day |  | Yes  | Yes  |  | Directed series pilot; executive producer (1 episodes), director (1 episodes), consulting producer (5 episodes)
2019–2022  | Pennyworth | Yes  | Yes  | Yes  |  | Directed series pilot; executive producer (10 episodes), director (3 episodes)
2023  | Gotham Knights | Yes  | Yes  | Yes  |  | Directed series pilot; executive producer (1 episode)

### Film

[edit]

Year  | Film  | Writer  | Director  | Producer  | Notes

|
|
|
|
|

1991  | Strangers | Yes  | Yes  |  | Graduation Film
1993  | The Young Americans | Yes  | Yes  |  |
1995  | Judge Dredd |  | Yes  |  |
1998  | Phoenix |  | Yes  |  |
1998  | I Still Know What You Did Last Summer |  | Yes  |  |
2005  | Goal! The Dream Begins |  | Yes  |  |
2017  | Geostorm |  | Yes  | Executive  | Directed reshoots

## Awards and nominations

[edit]

Year  | Award  | Category  | Nominated work  | Result

|
|
|
|

2019  | ASC Award | Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Episode of a Series | Gotham | Nominated
2018  | ASC Award | Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Episode of a Series | Nominated
Emmy Award | Outstanding Special Visual Effects | Nominated
Teen Choice Award | Choice TV Action Show | Nominated
Saturn Award | Best Superhero Adaptation Television Series | Nominated
2017  | American Society of Cinematographers | Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Episode of a Series | Nominated
Emmy Award | Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series | Nominated
Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Supporting Role | Won
Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series, Limited Series, or Movie | Nominated
Teen Choice Award | Choice TV Action Show | Nominated
Saturn Award | Best Superhero Adaptation Television Series | Nominated
2016  | American Society of Cinematographers | Television Movie, Miniseries or Pilot  | Nominated
Art Directors Guild | Excellence in Production Design - One Hour Period or Fantasy Single-Camera Television Series  | Nominated
Emmy Award | Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series | Nominated
Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series | Nominated
Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series, Limited Series, or Movie | Nominated
People's Choice Award | Favorite TV Drama  | Nominated
Teen Choice Award | Choice TV Show: Drama | Nominated
Saturn Award | Best Superhero Adaptation Television Series | Nominated
2015  | ASC Award | Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Television Movie/Mini-Series/Pilot  | Nominated
Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Episode of a Series | Nominated
Art Directors Guild | Excellence in Production Design - One Hour Period or Fantasy Single-Camera Television Series  | Nominated
Emmy Award | Outstanding Costumes for a Contemporary Series, Limited Series or Movie | Nominated
Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Supporting Role | Nominated
Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More) | Nominated
Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series | Nominated
Gracie Award | Outstanding Drama  | Won
Kids' Choice Award | Favorite Family TV Show  | Nominated
People's Choice Award | Favorite New TV Drama  | Nominated
Saturn Award | Best Superhero Adaptation Television Series | Nominated
2014  | Critics Choice Awards | Most Exciting New Series | Won
TV Guide Award | Favorite New Show  | Nominated
2013  | Teen Choice Award | Choice TV Show: Action | Nikita | Nominated
2012  | Teen Choice Award | Choice TV Show: Action | Nominated
2011  | People's Choice Award | Favorite New TV Drama  | Nominated
2006  | ASC Award | Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Episode of a Series | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | Won
People's Choice Award | Favorite Television Drama  | Won
2005  | ASC Award | Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Episode of a Series | Won
People's Choice Awards | Favorite Television Drama  | Won
PGA Award | Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television - Drama  | Nominated
2004  | Golden Globe Award | Best Television Series – Drama | Nominated
People's Choice Award | Favorite Television Dramatic Series  | Won
PGA Award | Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television - Drama  | Nominated
Emmy Award | Outstanding Drama Series | Nominated
Saturn Award | Best Network Television Series | Nominated
2003  | American Society of Cinematographers | Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Movies of the Week/Pilot (Network)  | CSI: Miami | Won
People's Choice Award | Favorite Television Dramatic Series  | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | Won
Emmy Award | Outstanding Drama Series | Nominated
Satellite Award | Best Television Series, Drama  | Won
Saturn Award | Best Network Television Series | Won
2002  | Golden Globe Award | Best Television Series – Drama | Nominated
Emmy Award | Outstanding Drama Series | Nominated
Television Critics Award | Outstanding Achievement in Drama  | Nominated
2001  | Golden Globe Award | Best Television Series – Drama | Nominated
PGA Award | Vision Award (Television)  | Won
Television Critics Award | Outstanding Achievement in Drama  | Nominated
Outstanding New Program of the Year  | Nominated
TV Guide Award | New Series of the Year  | Won
1996  | Saturn Award | Best Science Fiction Film | Judge Dredd | Nominated
Best Special Effects | Nominated
1995  | Universe Reader's Choice Award  | Best Director for a Genre Motion Picture  | Won

## Personal life

[edit]

Cannon has two daughters. He plays football regularly with Hollywood United F.C., a local Los Angeles club team consisting of mostly celebrities and former professional footballers, who play socially against other local teams for friendly matches and charity events.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "The 'CSI' Franchise May Return To CBS". Deadline Hollywood. 18 May 2016. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
2. ^ "'CSI' 2-Hour Finale Set with William Petersen, Ted Danson to Join 'CSI: Cyber'". Deadline Hollywood. 13 May 2015. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
3. ^ "Danny Cannon Awards". imdb.com. 8 August 2018. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
4. ^ "Gotham Exec Producer Danny Cannon Inks Overall Deal With Warner Bros TV". Deadline Hollywood. 27 August 2015. Archived from the original on 28 August 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
5. ^ "Danny Cannon taking over Gerard Butler's Geostorm". empireonline.com. 19 December 2016. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
6. ^ "Danny Cannon signs with CAA". hollywoodreporter.com. 5 October 2009. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
7. ^ "'CSI' loads Cannon for triple duty". variety.com. 16 March 2004. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
8. ^ "Warner Bros., Skydance's 'Geostorm' Undergoes Reshoots, Brings on Jerry Bruckheimer". hollywoodreporter.com. 16 December 2016. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
9. ^ "'Training Day': Antoine Fuqua Won't Helm CBS Pilot; Danny Cannon Set To Direct". Deadline Hollywood. 19 February 2016. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
10. ^ "Danny Cannon to Direct Gotham Pilot". ign.com. 7 January 2014. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
11. ^ "Gotham Emmy Awards & Nominations". emmys.com. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
12. ^ "'Westworld,' 'Gotham' Recognized for Outstanding VFX at 69th Creative Arts Emmy Awards". awn.com. 10 September 2017. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
13. ^ "'Gotham' Renewed For Fifth & Final Season By Fox". Deadline Hollywood. 14 May 2018. Archived from the original on 14 May 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
14. ^ "Alfred Pennyworth Prequel Series May Film This Fall". screenrant.com. 27 June 2018. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
15. ^ "Epix Lands Batman Prequel Series 'Pennyworth' from 'Gotham' Team". collider.com. 18 May 2018. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
16. ^ "Gotham EP Danny Cannon Teases Batman Prequel Series Pennyworth – TCA". Deadline Hollywood. 6 February 2019. Retrieved 10 February 2019.

## External links

[edit]

* Danny Cannon at IMDb

* v
* t
* e

Films directed by Danny Cannon

* The Young Americans (1993)
* Judge Dredd (1995)
* Phoenix (1998)
* I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998)
* Goal! (2005)

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