DIRECTORS

Gabriel Beristain

Gabriel Beristain, born in Mexico into a theatrical dynasty, is a well-known international cinematographer for motion pictures and television. Educated in the UK at the National Film and TV School, Beristain has become an accomplished director and producer. His recent credit as a cinematographer for Marvel’s Black Widow and his current film in production for Sony Harold and the Purple Crayon have not prevented him from engaging in other projects. He is currently working as a producer/director for Tina Modotti in Italy, Brooklyn Story in NY, The Empire of Havana in Cuba and for his passion project KING COAL in Wales – a place he adores. As director, he has been involved with American episodic TV: MacGyver and Hawaii 5-0. Currently his short The Caddy with Ron Perlman is doing festival rounds as well as his documentary Fidel Up Close on Fidel Castro. E.L.I., a conceptual documentary, is in post production. Beristain is a member of the ASC, BSC, AMC, AMPAS, DGA and BAFTA LA. He lives in LA with his children Max 19 and Victoria 16.

Philip John

Welsh director Philip John is the recipient of many awards including BAFTA nominations for Best Director for Downtown Abbey, Being Human and Bang. His debut movie Moon Dog won awards across the world. He is a DGA and Directors UK member, and has served on the BAFTA awards jury over a number of years. He has also directed master classes for BAFTA and BFI Academics, NFTS as well as various film festivals and film schools. He is currently directing his self-penned film Chennai Story.

Gabriel Beristain and Philip John will direct individual episodes of King Coal.