Who is John Collee, and what are his primary professional roles?

John Gerald Collee, born in 1955, is a Scottish/Australian individual known for his diverse professional roles as a doctor, novelist, and screenwriter. He has contributed significantly to both literature and film.

Which of John Collee's novels are explicitly mentioned in the provided source material?

The source material mentions three of John Collee's novels: *Kingsley's Touch*, *A Paper Mask*, and *The Rig*.

What recent television adaptation did John Collee work on, and how was its reception upon release?

John Collee wrote the television adaptation of *Boy Swallows Universe*, which premiered on Netflix in 2024 and garnered critical acclaim.

When and where was John Collee born, and who were his parents?

John Collee was born in 1955 to Isobel Galbraith and Professor J. Gerald Collee CBE. His father later became a professor of microbiology at the University of Edinburgh.

Where did John Collee spend his formative years?

Collee grew up in two distinct locations: Edinburgh, Scotland, and India.

What was John Collee's academic background before he embarked on his writing career?

He pursued and completed studies in medicine at the University of Edinburgh.

In which cities did John Collee initially practice medicine?

John Collee began his medical practice in the English cities of Cambridge, Bath, and Bristol.

When was John Collee's debut novel, *Kingsley's Touch*, published, and at what point in his medical career did this occur?

*Kingsley's Touch* was published in 1984, which was during his third year of practicing medicine.

Following the publication of his first novel, in which international locations did John Collee work in emergency medicine?

After writing his first novel, John Collee worked in emergency medicine abroad in Gabon, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka.

What was the title of John Collee's second novel, and was it adapted into a film?

His second novel was titled *A Paper Mask*, published in 1987. It was indeed adapted into a film of the same name in 1990, with Collee himself writing the screenplay for the adaptation.

When was John Collee's third novel, *The Rig*, published, and what additional professional role did he undertake concurrently?

*The Rig* was published in 1991. Around the same time, Collee became a columnist for *The Observer*, where he wrote weekly articles on travel, science, and medicine for six years.

How did John Collee meet his wife, Deborah Snow?

John Collee met his wife, Deborah Snow, who was a Moscow-based correspondent for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, while he was escorting medical supplies to Azerbaijan in the former Soviet Union.

Where did John Collee and his wife welcome their first child?

Their first child, Lauren, was born in the Solomon Islands, where John Collee had taken a medical position.

After a period in London, where did John Collee and his family relocate, and with whom did he begin significant collaborations there?

After a brief stay in London, John Collee and his family moved to Sydney, Australia. There, he began collaborating with prominent Australian directors Peter Weir and George Miller.

Which Oscar-nominated film's screenplay did John Collee co-write with director Peter Weir?

John Collee co-wrote the screenplay for the Oscar-nominated film *Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World* with Peter Weir.

Which Oscar-winning animated film did John Collee co-write with director George Miller?

He co-wrote the Oscar-winning animated film *Happy Feet* with George Miller.

What uncredited contribution did John Collee make to the development of *The Legend of Tarzan* (2016)?

John Collee wrote an early, uncredited draft of *The Legend of Tarzan* (2016) for Warner Bros., a project that initially had Guillermo del Toro slated to direct.

With which actor did John Collee collaborate again on the film *Creation*?

The film *Creation* marked a reunion for John Collee with actor Paul Bettany.

What was John Collee's role in the production of *The Water Diviner*, and who directed this film?

John Collee served as an executive producer for *The Water Diviner*, a film that was directed by Russell Crowe.

Describe the film *Tanna* and the significant recognition it received.

*Tanna* was a collaborative film project between John Collee and anthropological filmmakers Bentley Dean and Martin Butler. It achieved notable recognition by being shortlisted for an Oscar in the foreign language category.

What was the box office performance of *Wolf Totem*, a film co-written by John Collee?

*Wolf Totem*, which John Collee co-wrote with director Jean-Jacques Annaud and two others, was a commercial success, grossing upwards of $100 million at the Chinese box office.

With which actor did John Collee collaborate on *Hotel Mumbai*, and later on that actor's directorial debut?

John Collee co-wrote *Hotel Mumbai*, which starred Dev Patel. He subsequently collaborated with Dev Patel on *Monkey Man*, which marked Patel's first film as a director.

What details are provided about John Collee's recent film *Lee*?

His recent film *Lee*, co-written with Marion Hume and two other individuals, focuses on the life of war correspondent Lee Miller and features Kate Winslet in the starring role.

What is *The Return*, and who are the prominent actors cast in its lead roles?

*The Return* is a film adaptation inspired by *The Odyssey*, starring Ralph Fiennes as Odysseus and Juliette Binoche as Penelope.

What Australian production company did John Collee help establish?

John Collee was one of the four co-founders of the Australian production company Hopscotch Features.

Which environmental activist organization did John Collee serve on the board of for an extended period?

For many years, John Collee was a board member of the Australian branch of the climate activist group 350.org.

What leadership position did John Collee hold within the Australian Writers Guild until recently?

Until recently, John Collee served as the vice-president of the Australian Writers Guild.

Which television series did John Collee contribute to as a writer in the late 1980s?

In the late 1980s, John Collee wrote four TV episodes for *Bergerac* (BBC1, 1988–1990) and three TV episodes for *Star Cops* (BBC2, 1987).

What literary works served as the foundation for the film *Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World*?

The film *Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World* was based on the series of novels written by Patrick O'Brian.

What was the source material for the film *Creation*?

The film *Creation* was based on a biography of Charles Darwin, written by Randal Keynes.

Which novel provided the basis for the film *Wolf Totem*?

The film *Wolf Totem* was based on the novel by Jiang Rong.

What novel was *The Patriarch*, also known as *Mahana*, based upon?

*The Patriarch* (2016), also referred to as *Mahana*, was based on a novel written by Witi Ihimaera.

What specific role did John Collee undertake for the 2006 film *Candy*?

For the 2006 film *Candy*, John Collee served as a Script Editor.

What were John Collee's various roles in the 2014 film *Son of a Gun*?

In the 2014 film *Son of a Gun*, John Collee held multiple roles, including executive producer, script consultant, and writer of additional material.

What was the reported budget for the film *Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World*?

The film *Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World* had a reported budget of $150 million.

What was the reported budget for the animated film *Happy Feet*?

The animated film *Happy Feet* had a reported budget of $100 million.

What was the reported budget for the film *Creation*?

The film *Creation* had a reported budget of $10 million.

What was the reported budget for *Walking with Dinosaurs 3D*?

The film *Walking with Dinosaurs 3D* had a reported budget of $80 million.

What was the reported budget for *The Water Diviner*?

The film *The Water Diviner* had a reported budget of $22 million.

What was the reported budget for *Wolf Totem*?

The film *Wolf Totem* had a reported budget of $38 million.

What was the reported budget for *Hotel Mumbai*?

The film *Hotel Mumbai* had a reported budget of $21 million.

What was the reported budget for *Monkey Man*?

The film *Monkey Man* had a reported budget of $30 million.

What was John Collee's specific contribution to *Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga*?

For the 2024 film *Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga*, John Collee served as a story consultant.

What were John Collee's roles in the 2024 TV series *Boy Swallows Universe*?

In the 2024 TV series *Boy Swallows Universe*, John Collee was credited as a writer for 8 episodes and an executive producer for 8 episodes.

What were John Collee's specific credits for the 2023 film *Lee*?

For the 2023 film *Lee*, John Collee was credited as a co-writer for both the story and the screenplay, and he also served as an executive producer.

What was John Collee's role in the 2023 film *Whale Nation*?

John Collee was responsible for writing the English adaptation of the 2023 film *Whale Nation*.

Which prestigious award did John Collee and Peter Weir jointly receive in 2003?

In 2003, John Collee and Peter Weir were jointly awarded the London Film Critics' Circle Award for Screenwriter of the Year.

John Collee Wiki: The Polymath Pen: John Collee's Odyssey from Medicine to Master Storyteller

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Introduction

A Diverse Creative Force

John Gerald Collee, born in 1955, is a distinguished Scottish-Australian polymath, recognized for his impactful contributions across medicine, literature, and cinema. His career trajectory is marked by a unique blend of scientific rigor and artistic expression, culminating in a celebrated portfolio of novels and screenplays.

Oscar-Nominated Storyteller

Collee's prowess as a screenwriter has garnered significant industry recognition, with his films receiving multiple Oscar nominations. Notably, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World was nominated for Best Film in 2003, Happy Feet secured the Best Animation Oscar in 2006, and Tanna (2015) earned a nomination for Best Foreign Language Feature in 2015. His extensive filmography also includes acclaimed works such as Creation (2009), Hotel Mumbai (2018), and Lee (2023), alongside the critically lauded 2024 Netflix adaptation of Boy Swallows Universe.

Early Life & Career

Academic Roots and Medical Practice

Born in 1955 to Isobel Galbraith and Professor J. Gerald Collee CBE, a renowned professor of microbiology at the University of Edinburgh, John Collee's early life was shaped by a strong academic environment. He spent his formative years between Edinburgh, Scotland, and India. Following in a path of intellectual pursuit, he studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, subsequently embarking on a medical career in various locations across the UK, including Cambridge, Bath, and Bristol.

Global Medicine and Literary Beginnings

During his third year of medical practice, Collee ventured into the literary world, publishing his first medical thriller, Kingsley's Touch, in 1984. His medical career then took him abroad, where he practiced emergency medicine in diverse settings such as Gabon, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka, experiences that undoubtedly enriched his perspective. His second novel, A Paper Mask, followed in 1987, which he later adapted into a screenplay for its 1990 film version. By 1991, with the publication of his third novel, The Rig, Collee also began a six-year tenure as a columnist for The Observer, contributing articles on travel, science, and medicine.

A New Chapter in Australia

A pivotal moment in Collee's life occurred during a medical supply escort mission to Azerbaijan, where he met Deborah Snow, a Moscow-based correspondent for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. This encounter led to their marriage and a move to the Solomon Islands, where their first child, Lauren, was born. After a brief period in London, the family settled in Sydney, Australia. Here, Collee forged significant collaborations with esteemed Australian directors Peter Weir and George Miller, leading to the screenplays for the critically acclaimed Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World and the Oscar-winning Happy Feet, respectively.

Literary Works

From Thrillers to Social Commentary

John Collee's literary contributions span several compelling novels, showcasing his versatility as a storyteller. His background in medicine often informs his narratives, particularly in his early works, lending an authentic depth to his characters and plots. These novels have not only captivated readers but have also served as foundations for cinematic adaptations, demonstrating the enduring power of his storytelling.

Kingsley's Touch (1984)
A Paper Mask (1987)
The Rig (1991)
The Kingdom of the Blind (a book about Soviet medicine, mentioned as being mid-way through writing, though not explicitly listed as published in the source)

Screenwriting Milestones

Crafting Cinematic Narratives

John Collee's career as a screenwriter is distinguished by his ability to adapt complex narratives and create original stories that resonate with global audiences. His collaborations with renowned directors have resulted in a diverse body of work, from historical epics to animated features and intense dramas, many of which have achieved critical and commercial success, including multiple Oscar nominations and wins.

Collee has written or co-written numerous films and television episodes, demonstrating his broad range across genres and formats:

Bergerac (four TV episodes, BBC1, 1988–1990)
Star Cops (three TV episodes, BBC2, 1987)
Paper Mask (1990) – adapted from his own novel.
The Heart Surgeon (two-part TV serial, BBC1 1997)
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003) – with Peter Weir, based on Patrick O'Brian's novels.
Happy Feet (2006) – credited with director and co-directors.
Creation (2009) – based on Randal Keynes' biography of Charles Darwin.
Walking with Dinosaurs (2013)
Wolf Totem (2015) – credited with director and two others, based on Jiang Rong's novel.
Tanna (2015) – credited with directors Bentley Dean and Martin Butler.
The Patriarch (2016) – based on a novel by Witi Ihimaera.
Hotel Mumbai (2018)
Whale Nation (2023) – English adaptation.
Lee (2023) – with Marion Hume and two others, about war correspondent Lee Miller.
Monkey Man (2024) – collaboration with Dev Patel.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024) – story consultant.
Boy Swallows Universe (TV Series, 2024) – writer for 8 episodes.
The Return (2024) – with Edward Bond and Uberto Pasolini, based on The Odyssey.

A detailed overview of his filmography, including budget information where available:

Year	Title	Role	Budget
1990	Paper Mask	Writer (novel, screenplay)
2003	Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World	Writer	$150 million
2006	Candy	Script Editor
2006	Happy Feet	Writer	$100 million
2009	Creation	Writer (screen story, screenplay)	$10 million
2013	Walking with Dinosaurs 3D	Writer (screenplay)	$80 million
2014	Son of a Gun	Executive producer, script consultant, writer (additional material)
2014	The Water Diviner	Executive producer	$22 million
2015	Wolf Totem	Writer	$38 million
2015	Tanna	Writer
2016	The Patriarch	Writer (screenplay)
2018	Hotel Mumbai	Executive producer, writer	$21 million
2023	Whale Nation	Writer (English adaptation)
2023	Lee	Co-writer (story & screenplay), executive producer
2024	Monkey Man	Writer	$30 million
2024	Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga	Story consultant	$135 million
2024	Boy Swallows Universe (TV Series)	Writer (8 episodes), executive producer (8 episodes)
2024	The Return	Writer

Executive Producer

Guiding Cinematic Ventures

Beyond his celebrated writing, John Collee has also taken on executive producer roles, contributing to the realization of several significant film projects. This capacity allows him to influence the creative direction and overall production of films, further cementing his multifaceted involvement in the film industry. His work as an executive producer highlights his commitment to bringing compelling stories to the screen.

Son of a Gun (2014)
The Water Diviner (2014)
The Guests (short) (2015)
Hotel Mumbai (2018)
Lee (2023)
Boy Swallows Universe (TV Series, 2024)

Television Contributions

Engaging Audiences on the Small Screen

John Collee's narrative talents extend to television, where he has contributed to both episodic series and miniseries. His work in this medium showcases his ability to craft engaging stories within different structural constraints, from crime dramas to historical adaptations. His recent critically acclaimed adaptation of Boy Swallows Universe for Netflix further underscores his continued relevance and skill in television storytelling.

Bergerac (four TV episodes, BBC1, 1988–1990)
Star Cops (three TV episodes, BBC2, 1987)
The Heart Surgeon (two-part TV serial, BBC1 1997)
Boy Swallows Universe (TV Series, 2024) – writer for 8 episodes.

Professional Engagements

Industry and Advocacy Roles

Beyond his individual creative endeavors, John Collee has actively engaged with the broader creative and social landscape. His involvement in establishing production companies and serving on the boards of advocacy groups demonstrates a commitment to fostering both artistic talent and addressing critical global issues. These roles reflect his dedication to the craft of storytelling and his civic responsibilities.

Hopscotch Features: Co-founder of this Australian production company, indicating his entrepreneurial spirit in the film industry.
350.org: Served for many years as a board member of the Australian branch of this climate activist group, highlighting his commitment to environmental advocacy.
Australian Writers Guild: Held the position of vice-president, underscoring his leadership and dedication to supporting fellow writers in Australia.

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The Polymath Pen: John Collee's Odyssey from Medicine to Master Storyteller

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction ✨

🎭 A Diverse Creative Force

🏆 Oscar-Nominated Storyteller

Early Life & Career 📜

🎓 Academic Roots and Medical Practice

🌍 Global Medicine and Literary Beginnings

🇦🇺 A New Chapter in Australia

Literary Works 📚

📖 From Thrillers to Social Commentary

Screenwriting Milestones 🎬

✍️ Crafting Cinematic Narratives

Executive Producer 💼

🌟 Guiding Cinematic Ventures

Television Contributions 📺

📡 Engaging Audiences on the Small Screen

Professional Engagements 🤝

🌐 Industry and Advocacy Roles

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

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References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

A Diverse Creative Force

Oscar-Nominated Storyteller

Early Life & Career

Academic Roots and Medical Practice

Global Medicine and Literary Beginnings

A New Chapter in Australia

Literary Works

From Thrillers to Social Commentary

Screenwriting Milestones

Crafting Cinematic Narratives

Executive Producer

Guiding Cinematic Ventures

Television Contributions

Engaging Audiences on the Small Screen

Professional Engagements

Industry and Advocacy Roles

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice