Date of Birth

Mini Biography

Juan Piquer (who calls himself "Simon" to attract foreign i.e. English-speaking investors) resides in Madrid, Spain, where he has produced and directed "exploitation" pictures for two decades running. He owns his own studio and creates and/or designs many of the impressive special effects sequences you see in any of his many imaginative undertakings. He grew up loving American cinema as a child in Franco's Spain, and even worked with some famous American filmmakers when they shot in Spain in the 1960's before becoming a director himself. Recent global competition from American product in Spain has forced Piquer to severely reduce his output (he can't get the wide theatrical releases he once enjoyed), but he's proven resilient if nothing else over the years. And while his films have been universally panned by the "establishment" critics, they have a kind of loopy, Ed Wood quality that must be endured to be fully appreciated. Of Piquer it can be said, "He makes them because he loves making them, whatever the outcome."

Trade Mark

A typical Piquer film will have numerous "older technique" special effects (such as matte paintings, rubber-suited monsters, etc.).

Typically uses the standard film technique of reverse-footage to create certain effects.

Trivia

Piquer once observed Leone while Leone was directing "The Good, the Bad & the Ugly."

Personal Quotes

"Violence, blood and gore don't shock me ... you see more of it on any daily newscast than in most films."

"I am an adamant fan of fantasy, thriller and horror films. They are a great purgative and one of the most visual or cinematographic of all the genres."

Where Are They Now

(1996) Producing and directing Spanish t.v. commercials.

(May 2007) Director of Valencia Film Festival "Mostra de Valencia".

... Mansion: Juan Piquer Simón,Frank ...

... (Widescreen): Juan Piquer Simón ...