Date of Birth:

14 May 1951, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Birth Name:

Robert Lee Zemeckis

Nickname:

Bob

Height:

6' (1.83 m)

Mini Biography:

A "whizkid" with special effects, Robert is from the Spielberg camp of film-making (Steven Spielberg produced many of his films). Usually working with writing partner Bob Gale, Robert's earlier films show he has a talent for zany comedy (Romancing the Stone (1984), 1941 (1979)) and special effect vehicles (Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) and Back to the Future (1985)). Although these films are made purely for entertainment, with rarely much character development or a thoughtful plot, they are good fun. His later films, though, have become more serious and thoughtful, with the hugely successful Tom Hanks vehicle Forrest Gump (1994) and the Jodie Foster film Contact (1997), both critically acclaimed movies. Again, these films incorporate stunning effects. Robert has proved he can work a serious story around great effects, a feat many directors cannot achieve.

Trade Mark:

Frequently casts Tom Hanks, Christopher Lloyd and Robin Wright. Generally finds a role for Wendie Jo Sperber and/or Marc McClure.
[Citation] Likes to cite/imitate famous movies/commercial spots.
[Celebrities] Frequently includes actual celebrities as characters, generally through the use of archival footage or look-alikes (Forrest Gump (1994)).
[State-Of-The-Art] Often produces movies at the fore-front of technology (Back to the Future (1985), Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), Forrest Gump (1994), Contact (1997), The Polar Express (2004)).
[Opening Long-Take] Often utilizes long, complicated opening shots (Back to the Future (1985), Forrest Gump (1994), Contact (1997)).
Almost never makes a fixed shot, his camera always moves.
[Music] Often uses Alan Silvestri for his pictures.
Often uses a scene in a restaurant/bar, with the main character starting a fight and then fleeing out into the street, where a complicated chase ensues (Back to the Future (1985), Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), Back to the Future Part II (1989), Back to the Future Part III (1990)).
During scenes in his films which are shot at night, and outside, he has all cement fixtures and streets soaked with water, for dramatic effect
A main protagonist that unwittingly inspire real-life people, events and things (Back to the Future (1985), Back to the Future Part III (1990), Forrest Gump (1994)).
Uses 90-degree angle shots, looking straight up at subjects from below the floor level.

Spouse:

Leslie Zemeckis (4 December 2001 - present) 2 children
Mary Ellen Trainor (26 July 1980 - 2000) (divorced) 1 child

Source: