Nick Leisure (born 1977) is an American filmmaker. He is best known for his feature films A Clear Shot (2019) starring Mario Van Peebles,[1] and Last the Night (2022) starring Brian Austin Green.[2] He is also the CEO and founder of the production company Leisure Films.[3]
Nick Leisure | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Nicholas Lee |
| Occupation(s) | Film director and producer |
| Years active | 2006-present |
Early life
editLeisure was born in Sacramento, California.[4] He was raised by his Chinese mother and grandmother, and attended high school in South Sacramento.[3]
Career
editLeisure began his career as a director and cinematographer for commercials and music videos, working with clients such as Toyota, Ray-Ban, the NBA and the NFL. He has also shot promotional content for local professional athletes, including Jason Thompson, Ruthie Bolton, Vernon Davis and Stephen Curry.
Leisure co-directed the 2011 comedy film The Lot, alongside Dawn Dais. In 2013, Leisure directed the short film The Root of All Evil, for which he won an award at the Sacramento International Film Festival. Leisure made his solo feature debut in 2016 with the comedy film Janitors.[5]
Since 2018, Leisure has partnered with Baja Studios in Rosarito, Mexico to shoot his feature films.[6]
In 2019, Leisure directed A Clear Shot, starring Mario van Peebles as a detective negotiating a hostage situation during an electronics store robbery, based on a 1991 true story.[7][8]
Leisure next directed Last the Night (2022), a pandemic-thriller starring Brian Austin Green as a teacher who seeks revenge against his cruel students.[2][9]
Film advocacy and philanthropy
editLeisure is a founding member of the Hollywood North Film Studio Project, an investor group advocating to build a film studio in Sacramento.[10] In 2024, Leisure called for the resignation of Sacramento's film and media commissioner Jennifer West, citing her failure to attract film productions to the city.[11]
Filmography
editFilms
edit| Year | Title | Director | Writer | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | The Lot | Yes | No | No |
| 2016 | Janitors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2019 | A Clear Shot[12] | Yes | Yes | No |
| 2021 | Lance Woods: Undeniable | Yes | No | No |
| One and the Same | No | No | Yes | |
| 2022 | Last the Night[2] | Yes | Yes | No |
| 2024 | Golden[13] | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| New Year’s Absolution[14] | Yes | No | No |
Short films
edit| Year | Title | Director | Writer | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | The Root of All Evil | Yes | Yes | No |
| 2014 | 11 Minutes | No | No | Yes |
| 2015 | A Cry for Vengeance | Yes | No | No |
References
edit- ^ "Nick Leisure Interview". The Lyfe Magazine. June 8, 2020. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
- ^ a b c Tonsall, Sonseeahray (June 28, 2022). "Sacramento-made film 'Last the Night' to have Hollywood debut July 1". FOX40 Sacramento. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
- ^ a b Gonzales, Lisa (March 26, 2021). "Sacramento filmmaker Nick Leisure on Asian American representation in Hollywood". KCRA Sacramento. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
- ^ "Nick Leisure - Director (A Clear Shot/Last the Night)". Fascination Street. September 19, 2022. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
- ^ "Janitors (2016) by Nick Leisure". Cinema Clock. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
- ^ Sebastián, Juan Pablo (May 12, 2023). "Graba Nick Leisure nueva serie en Rosarito". Ecos de Rosarito (in Spanish). Retrieved July 31, 2024.
- ^ Monagle, Matthew (June 5, 2020). "A Clear Shot - Movie Review". Austin Chronicle. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
- ^ "Local Director takes "A Clear Shot", Inspired by a Sacramento Hostage Event". KFBK News Radio. July 10, 2019. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
- ^ "Last the Night director Nick Leisure and actor Brian Austin Green talk hit thriller, filming during COVID, and the human condition". Listen Notes. September 15, 2022. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
- ^ Haubner, Andrew (November 7, 2023). "Could Sacramento's Cal Expo one day be home to a film studio?". CBS News. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
- ^ Sowards, Hunter (January 23, 2024). "Drama divides Sacramento film community, some call for commissioner to resign". CBS News. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
- ^ "Interview with "A Clear Shot" Director Nick Leisure and Actor Marshal Hilton". Film Festival Today. June 1, 2020. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
- ^ "Golden - Movie". Moviefone. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
- ^ "Sacramento filmmaker-directed movie wraps up production". Fox40 Sacramento. June 14, 2024. Retrieved August 30, 2024.