Trivia

Credits Sylvester Stallone with giving him his big break. Stallone was impressed with Moon 44 (1990) and began recommending Emmerich to producers all around Hollywood.

Is one of the few openly gay directors in Hollywood. Although he claims to have encountered a certain degree of homophobia from studios, he nevertheless feels that as a director, coming out has not harmed his career in the way that it did for some high-profile actors (who had difficulties finding work afterwards). By his own admission, he can still do the movies that he wants to make.

His five favorite films are Lawrence d'Arabie (1962), Rencontres du troisième type (1977), Cinéma Paradiso (1988), Le Parrain (1972) and Citizen Kane (1941).

Donated $150,000 to the Outfest's Legacy Project, which is dedicated to the gay and lesbian film preservation, the largest gift in the festival's history (2006).

Along with other celebrities, he raised money for women's rights in the developing world.

His nickname of "Das Spielbergle aus Sindelfingen" (translated as "lil' Spielberg of Sindelfingen") sounds flattering, but it was actually bestowed upon him in the 1980s by the German media as an insult. Emmerich made his films in English and in the style of the latter part of the "New Hollywood" era. This did not sit well with German movie critics who still preferred the conventional styles that were influenced by the French New Wave and the New German Cinema..

Turned down the offer to direct Meurs un autre jour (2002).

He lists L'aventure du Poséidon (1972), La tour infernale (1974) and Tremblement de terre (1974) (disaster movies) as his favourites.

Since directing Le Jour d'après (2004), he has tried to focus the public's attention on the issue of global warming.

Emmerich was interested into doing Transformers (2007), but Dreamworks wanted Steven Spielberg and Michael Bay over him.

Was originally considered to direct Spider-Man (2002).

Frequently casts members of a particular group of actors in minor roles in his movies. This group includes John Storey, David Pressman, Erick Avari, Leon Rippy, Christopher John Fields, Derek Webster, Jack Moore and Steve Giannelli, among others. All of these actors appeared in at least three films directed by Emmerich, including Universal Soldier (1992), Stargate : La Porte des étoiles (1994), Independence Day : Le Jour de la riposte (1996), Godzilla (1998), and The Patriot : Le Chemin de la liberté (2000). All of these films were produced by Centropolis Entertainment, the company co-founded by Emmerich.

Produced Le visiteur (1997), Arac Attack, les monstres à huit pattes (2002), and 2012 (2009), each of which features a major character who hosts his own radio show dealing with the paranormal and conspiracy theories. Each character also broadcasts from their camper.

Emmerich is best-known for his action disaster films and most identifiable with his trademarks, which include blowing up national landmarks, destroying cities, and focusing heavily on extravagant special effects. Emmerich joked that White House Down (2013) actually was a step down from his previous more over-the-top action films. Emmerich directed Stargate : La Porte des étoiles (1994), Independence Day : Le Jour de la riposte (1996), Godzilla (1998), Le Jour d'après (2004), 10 000 (2008), 2012 (2009), White House Down (2013). He is a great fan of disaster movies and is attracted to tearing down cities. If you see a disaster film, then you know it's him.

His movie L'odyssée de l'Arche de Noé (1984) has been the most high budgeted film-school examination film (DEM 1,000,000) in Germany (1984).

Brother of Ute Emmerich

Attended the School of Television and Film in Munich from 1977 to 1981.

Lives in Beverly Hills, California.

Supported Hillary Clinton's 2008 electoral campaign.

President of the 'Official Competition' jury at the 55th Berlin International Film Festival in 2005.

Graduated from the Hochschule Fur Film & Fernsehen.