After leaving a BA Commincation Degree at the NSW Institute of Technology where he majored in Film and Fiction Writing, Andrew McPhail began in the film industry in 1981 as an assistant editor atthe Australian Broadcasting Commission. Between 1983 and 1985 he worked on numerous programs and films in a variety of roles from film editor to actor to art department runner to assistant director.
As a producer, Andrew began in 1986 with the Spirits of the Air – Gremlins of the Clouds, a low budget feature debut written, directed and co-produced by Alex Proyas (Dark City). Andrew produced numerous music videos both in Australia and internationally for such bands as INXS, Crowded House, Fleetwood Mac, Yes, Joe Jackson and OMD. After a sabbatical directing television commercials in Italy he returned to Australia to take on the role of Executive Producer at Sydney production company Meaningful Eye Contact establishing its commercials division.
In 1991 Andrew opened up his own commercials production company Black with directors Jeff Darling and Alan White, producing to 1998 over 100 local and international television commercials, simultaneously helming the company to the unique position of producing over $50 million worth of production with the majority of contracts being awarded out of the USA, French, German, English and Asian markets. During this time Andrew also produced the short film Page 73, Jeff Darling's award winning drama debut, plus developed several screenplays with
such writers as Justin Monjo, Robert Drewe, David Roach and Strephyn Mappin. Andrew has worked full time in production and development of feature films and television series. HE DIED WITH A FALAFEL IN HIS HAND is his first feature film in the new venture.
Film Movement
