Catherine Hardwicke (born Helen Catherine Hardwicke; October 21, 1955) is an American production designer and film director. Her works include the independent film Thirteen, the Biblically-themed The Nativity Story, and the vampire film Twilight. Hardwicke was born in Cameron, Texas, the daughter of Jamee Elberta (née Bennett) and John Benjamin Hardwicke. She grew up in McAllen, Texas and is a Christian.
Graduated from McAllen High School in McAllen, Texas (Class of 1973).
Was member of the dramatic jury at the Sundance Film Festival in 2007.
She was inducted into the Texas Film of Fame in March 2009 in Austin, Texas.
Her most-used phrase on set is "Lets focus, everybody." Catherine says its because she works with many young people.
Said the first film she ever saw was a scary animated film with an evil snow queen.
Worked as an architect before pursuing a career in film.
Did not attend film school until she was in her late twenties.
Was 48 years old when she directed her first feature-length film.
Directed one Oscar-nominated performance: Holly Hunter s in Thirteen .
The five films that most influenced director Catherine Hardwicke: Angelo My Love (director: Robert Duvall ); Out of the Blue (director: Dennis Hopper ); Heat and Sunlight (director: Rob Nilsson ); Harold and Maude (director: Hal Ashby ); Network (director: Sidney Lumet ).
She met Nikki Reed (co writer of Thirteen) by getting her haircut by Reeds mother.
