“For the chemist, see Leonard Albert Wiseman”. Len Ryan Wiseman (created March 4, 1973) is an American film director, screenwriter and producer. He’s famous for his work on the “Underworld” show, “Live Free or Die Hard”, and “Total Recall”. He’s married to English actress Kate Beckinsale and is stepfather to her daughter Lily. They live in Brentwood, Los Angeles.
Wiseman started his career in film as a property helper on several Roland Emmerich pictures: Stargate (1994); Independence Day (1996); and Godzilla (1998). After creating ads for customers including Sony, he directed music videos for artists like Megadeth, En Vogue and, Static-X. In 2003, Wiseman co-created and directed the movie, Underworld. In 2010, he directed the pilot episode of CBS’s Hawaii Five-0. He most recently directed Total Recall, which starred Colin Farrell, Jessica Biel, and his wife Kate Beckinsale, and premiered in August 2012. Wiseman will direct the live action of The Darkness. Wiseman’s first marriage was to a kindergarten teacher named Dana. Beckinsale also stopped a relationship along with her partner Michael Sheen. Wiseman wed Beckinsale on May 9, 2004 in Bel Air, California. They live in La. Wiseman is stepfather to Beckinsale’s daughter Lily Mo Sheen. The kid’s biological dad, Michael Sheen, has said, “Len is really a wonderful guy. He’s been a wonderful stepfather for Lily, I could not actually need anything better for my daughter.”
Screenwriter, Film director, Film Producer, Television producer, Television Director
Education
De Anza College, American High School
Nationality
United States of America
Spouse
Kate Beckinsale (m. 2004)
Nicknames
Len Ryan Wiseman
Movies
Underworld: Blood Wars, Total Recall, Underworld: Awakening, Whiteout, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, Live Free or Die Hard, Underworld: Evolution, Underworld
TV Shows
Sleepy Hollow, Max Steel
Star Sign
Pisces
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Quote
1
I'd been jumping on movies as the prop guy or drawing storyboards before I joined the art department on Stargate, Independence Day and Godzilla. When I was pitching the script for Underworld, I did 12 detailed production drawings, which the producers later told me made them feel more comfortable about going with a first- time director.
2
Die Hard (1988), Indiana Jones and Lethal Weapon (1987) were the movies that really kicked it off for me in high school. I saw a making-of Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) documentary and thought, "Man, that's the job I want to do".
3
[on the film Underworld (2003)] It was quite shocking, the DVD sales had matched the box-office sales, and it definitely has been something that has grown.
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Fact
1
Wiseman was 15 years old when he saw the first Die Hard (1988). Once back at home, he made his own version of the film in his own backyard on the family video camera. Twenty years later, he got to direct Live Free or Die Hard (2007).
2
He studied film at De Anza College in Cupertino, California, making two short films there, the second of which helped him land his first professional gig.
3
Len came to the attention of Skip Williamson, President of Lakeshore Records. After seeing his work on the set of the Rufus Wainwright video, Williamson made the push for Lakeshore to take a look at Underworld (2003).
4
Len and writer Danny McBride met through their agent, [error] at ICM. The two hit it off through their common love and fan's knowledge of genre films.
5
Married Kate Beckinsale on May 9th, 2004, at the Bel-Air Hotel. He gave Kate's daughter, Lily, her own wedding ring.
6
Has a stepdaughter named Lily Mo Sheen (b. January 1999).