Michele Bennett
Biography
Michele Rosemary Bennett is an Australian film and television producer. Details about her early life and education are not widely publicized. In the early 1980s, while studying at university in Melbourne, she worked multiple jobs, including a brief stint as a model, and later became a photographer's agent.
Career Beginnings
Bennett's career in the entertainment industry began in the late 1980s when she collaborated with Australian filmmaker Richard Lowenstein on several music videos. In 1982, she appeared in the music video for INXS's "The One Thing" as one of the women at the banquet table. She also made a cameo in Lowenstein's 1986 film "Dogs in Space." In 1989, Bennett produced the U2 documentary "LoveTown," directed by Lowenstein.
Establishing Production Companies
In 1991, Bennett founded her own production company, Cherub Pictures, which has produced music videos, documentaries, and television commercials. She later established Pariah Productions, through which she produced her first feature film, "Chopper" (2000), directed by Andrew Dominik. The film was both a critical and commercial success in Australia.
Notable Film Productions
Bennett has produced several notable films, including:
"The Magician" (2005): A mockumentary-style film directed by Scott Ryan, following the life of a Melbourne hitman.
"Drift" (2013): A drama set in the 1970s surfing community of Australia, co-directed by Morgan O'Neill and Ben Nott.
"Judy and Punch" (2019): A darkly comedic drama directed by Mirrah Foulkes, reimagining the classic puppet show characters in a live-action setting.
In addition to feature films, Bennett produced the documentary "Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man" (2005), directed by Lian Lunson.
Television Success
From 2018 to 2021, Bennett produced the critically acclaimed television series "Mr Inbetween," which follows the life of Ray Shoesmith, a hitman balancing his criminal activities with personal relationships. The series received widespread praise for its writing and performances.
In 2023, she produced two television series:
"NCIS: Sydney": An Australian installment of the popular "NCIS" franchise.
"Queen of Oz": A comedy series starring Catherine Tate as a disgraced British royal sent to rule Australia.
Music Video Production
Throughout her career, Bennett has produced music videos for renowned artists, including INXS, U2, Prince, Silverchair, and Foo Fighters. Her work in this field has been recognized for its creativity and impact.
Personal Life
Bennett was in a relationship with INXS frontman Michael Hutchence from 1982 to 1987, and they remained close after their separation. She was the last person Hutchence called shortly before he died in 1997. Their relationship inspired the INXS song "Never Tear Us Apart."
