David R. Ellis 1952 – 2013

Biography

David R. Ellis made his mark as a director and actor who moved fluidly between both sides of the camera throughout his career. The Santa Monica native built a reputation as a versatile creative force, helming films while also taking on acting roles that demonstrated his multifaceted understanding of cinema. His work spanned decades and continents, reflecting the truly global scope of his ambitions in filmmaking.

Ellis’s career took him across international productions, bringing him from Hollywood to locations around the world. He remained active in the industry right up until his death in Johannesburg, South Africa, in January 2013, at just sixty years old. Though his time was cut short, he left behind a filmography that testified to his dedication to the craft—a body of work that continues to resonate with industry colleagues and cinema enthusiasts alike.