Marshall Herskovitz

Biography

Marshall Herskovitz (born February 23, 1952) is an American film director, writer, and producer, widely recognized for his impactful contributions to both television and feature films. He is also the President Emeritus of the Producers Guild of America, a testament to his influence in the industry.

Biography and Early Life:

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Marshall Herskovitz attended Brandeis University, graduating in 1973. He further honed his craft at the AFI Conservatory, which he entered in 1975. It was at AFI that he met his long-time creative partner, Edward Zwick. Their collaboration would go on to shape a significant portion of his career.

Career Highlights and Collaborations:

Herskovitz is a prolific figure, known for his work across various roles in filmmaking.

Television: He is perhaps best known for co-creating and executive producing several critically acclaimed television series with Edward Zwick, under their production company, The Bedford Falls Company (named after the fictional town in "It's a Wonderful Life"). These include:

• thirtysomething (1987-1991): This groundbreaking drama captured the zeitgeist of its time and set a new standard for television. Herskovitz also wrote and directed several episodes.
• My So-Called Life (1994-1995): A beloved teen drama that garnered critical praise for its unflinching portrayal of adolescent issues.
• Once and Again (1999-2001): Another well-received drama series.

His early television writing credits also include series like "Family," "The White Shadow," and "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers."

Film: Herskovitz's filmography as a producer, writer, and director is equally impressive:

• Producer: He has produced numerous notable films, often in collaboration with Edward Zwick. These include Academy Award-nominated films like Traffic (2000) and critically acclaimed works such as Legends of the Fall (1994), The Last Samurai (2003), Blood Diamond (2006), and I Am Sam (2001).
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• Director: Herskovitz has directed two feature films: Jack the Bear (1993) and Dangerous Beauty (1998).
• Writer: He has screenplay credits on films like The Last Samurai (2003), Love & Other Drugs (2010), and Blood Diamond (2006).

Other Ventures and Advocacy:

Beyond his mainstream film and television work, Herskovitz has ventured into new media, notably with the original web series "Quarterlife" in 2007, which debuted on MySpace. He has also been a contributing blogger for The Huffington Post.

Herskovitz is known for his environmental activism, serving on the advisory board of The Climate Mobilization, a grassroots advocacy group. He was married to screenwriter Susan Shilliday from 1981 to 1993, with whom he has two daughters. He married photographer Landry Major in 2015.

Accolades and Legacy:

Throughout his career, Marshall Herskovitz has received numerous awards and nominations, including multiple Emmy Awards. His impact on shaping dramatic storytelling in both television and film, particularly through his collaborative work with Edward Zwick, has cemented his position as a highly respected and influential figure in Hollywood.