Top Film Producer Honoured By University

One of Hollywood's top film producers has been honoured by the University of Bedfordshire.
John Daly, whose films include 'Terminator', 'Platoon' and 'The Last Emperor', has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Arts in recognition of his contribution to the international film industry.
With a career spanning more than forty years, he is a respected Hollywood producer, having been nominated for 21 Oscars and won 13 across various categories. He has also been nominated for numerous BAFTAs and Golden Globes.
The University's Chair of Governors, Andrew Bentley, travelled to the US to present the award at a special ceremony in Hollywood. He said: "John Daly has produced some truly iconic films, proving that he is one of the greats of his generation and we feel very proud to be honouring one of our own countrymen,
"He has inspired generations of film makers and actors and as a University with a long-standing reputation for excellence in Media, we believe it's very fitting to honour him at this time."
John was born in London in 1937, the son of a dockworker. After leaving school, he worked as a tea boy and then spent three years as a waiter in the Merchant Navy.
In 1966, he founded a talent agency with the young actor David Hemmings. In 1971 he bought Hemmings' share of the company, went on to form his own production company, Hemdale Group, and moved the operation to Los Angeles. He quickly gained a reputation as a risk taker and maverick in conservative Hollywood, backing films that none of the big studios would consider.
His reputation as a successful independent film producer grew with early successes such as 'The Passage' (1979), starring Anthony Quinn and 'High Risk' (1981) starring Ernest Borgnine. It was during the mid 1980s that he made the transition to Hollywood blockbusters.
After receiving his ward he thanked the university for recognising his contribution to film and spoke about how his perseverance paid off before getting his break into the industry.
John has maintained strong links with the UK and has fostered relationships that promote and address various social issues including recently introducing the British government to Los Angeles-based initiatives for dealing with gun crime.
He has also been a great supporter of new creative talent in the film industry. He gave many of today's leading actors, including Keanu Reeves, Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts, their early career breaks and also gave a chance to many young first time directors who have since become famous such as James Cameron, Oliver Stone and Robert Altman.
His recent films include the epic 'Petersburg-Cannes Express', 'The Aryan Couple' and 'Tournament of Dreams' and despite recent ill health he is still working with a number of films in pre and postproduction.
Further information about the University's School of Media, Art and Design is available at: www.beds.ac.uk.
(KMcA/JM)