Annabel Jankel

Annabel Jankel is a British film and television director and producer, known for her innovative work in the field of music videos, television commercials, and film. She co-created the pioneering cyber-character Max Headroom and has directed a range of feature films and television episodes, contributing significantly to the visual style and narrative techniques of contemporary cinema and television.

Early Life and Education

Annabel Jankel was born in London, England. Details about her early life, including her family background and education, are integral to understanding her development as a filmmaker. However, specific information about her educational background is not widely documented. It is known that Jankel's interest in film and television production began at an early age, leading her to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

Career

Jankel's career took off in the early 1980s when she, along with her creative partner Rocky Morton, co-created the character Max Headroom. Max Headroom became a cultural icon, symbolizing the burgeoning influence of technology and television in society. The character was featured in the music video for "Paranoimia" by the Art of Noise and later in a television series, Max Headroom, which combined science fiction themes with a critique of media culture.

Following the success of Max Headroom, Jankel directed music videos for several high-profile artists, including The Beatles for their song "Free as a Bird," which involved pioneering techniques in digital effects to integrate archival footage of the band with new material.

In the realm of feature films, Jankel made her directorial debut with D.O.A., a remake of the 1950 film noir, co-directed with Morton. She continued to explore various genres, directing Super Mario Bros., a film adaptation of the popular video game. Despite its commercial and critical challenges, the film has gained a cult following over the years.

Jankel's work extends to television, where she has directed episodes of acclaimed series such as The Bridge and Outlander, showcasing her versatility and ability to handle diverse storytelling formats and genres.

Personal Life

Details about Jankel's personal life are kept private. She is known to be based in London and continues to work in film and television.

Legacy and Influence

Annabel Jankel's contribution to the entertainment industry is marked by her innovative use of technology and narrative. Her work with Max Headroom is considered groundbreaking, blending computer-generated imagery with live-action, a technique that has become increasingly prevalent in film and television. Jankel's direction in music videos and feature films has also been noted for its visual style and imaginative storytelling.

Filmography

• D.O.A. (1988)
• Super Mario Bros. (1993)
• Tell It to the Bees (2018)

Television Work

• Max Headroom (1987-1988)
• The Bridge (Episode: "Episode Title")
• Outlander (Episode: "Episode Title")

See Also

• Film director
• Television director
• Max Headroom (character)
• Music video director