David Puttnam

A Life in Film, Education, and Public Service

Introduction

David Puttnam, formally known as Lord Puttnam of Queensgate, is a prominent British film producer, educational advocate, and public servant. His career, spanning over five decades, reflects a unique blend of creative accomplishment, moral purpose, and civic engagement. From producing some of the most iconic films in cinema history to spearheading educational reform and digital policy initiatives, Puttnam has left an indelible mark on both culture and public life.

Early Life and Beginnings

David Terence Puttnam was born on February 25, 1941, in Southgate, London, England. His early professional life was in the advertising world. After working for Collett Dickenson Pearce (CDP), one of the top advertising agencies in the UK, Puttnam transitioned into the film industry in the late 1960s.

His background in advertising would prove influential in shaping his keen sense of storytelling and audience engagement, tools he later used to powerful effect in cinema.

Film Career: A Golden Era of British Cinema

David Puttnam emerged as a force in international cinema during the 1970s and 1980s. His production style blended commercial sensibility with socially relevant themes.

Notable Productions

Melody (1971)

Directed by Waris Hussein and written by Alan Parker, this was Puttnam’s first film as a producer. It explored themes of young love and rebellion, gaining popularity especially in Japan and South America.

Bugsy Malone (1976)

A musical gangster film starring children, including Jodie Foster and Scott Baio, this cult classic showcased Puttnam’s willingness to take creative risks.

Midnight Express (1978)

Directed by Alan Parker and written by Oliver Stone, this harrowing tale of an American imprisoned in Turkey won two Academy Awards. It brought international acclaim to Puttnam and highlighted the darker side of justice systems.

Chariots of Fire (1981)

A critical and commercial triumph, the film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It told the story of two British athletes in the 1924 Olympics and resonated globally for its themes of identity, faith, and perseverance.

The Killing Fields (1984)

Directed by Roland Joffé, it portrayed the Cambodian genocide and won three Academy Awards. The film's production was as morally urgent as it was artistically powerful.

The Mission (1986)

Another collaboration with Joffé, this film about Jesuit missionaries in 18th-century South America featured a stunning score by Ennio Morricone and won the Palme d’Or at Cannes.

Oscar Recognition

Puttnam’s films received 13 Academy Awards and 31 nominations, making him one of the most successful British producers of his time.

Columbia Pictures Presidency

In 1986, Puttnam became Chairman and CEO of Columbia Pictures. His goal was to elevate artistic standards and ethical responsibility in Hollywood. However, his tenure was short-lived—just over a year—largely due to cultural and creative clashes with studio executives and the broader corporate system.

Though brief, his stint at Columbia was emblematic of his desire to bring integrity and quality to the film industry, even at the highest levels of power.

Transition to Public Life and Education

After stepping back from feature filmmaking, David Puttnam devoted his energy to education, public policy, and advocacy, areas where he would arguably have equal—if not greater—impact.

Educational Reform and Advocacy

He served as the first Chancellor of the University of Sunderland and later as Chancellor of the Open University (2006–2015). In these roles, he championed accessibility, digital learning, and critical thinking.

He also chaired numerous commissions and advisory boards on education, including the General Teaching Council for England and the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Draft Communications Bill.

Digital Policy and Ethics

Puttnam became increasingly vocal about the ethical challenges of the digital age. He served on advisory boards concerning internet governance, fake news, and media literacy, notably chairing the Democracy and Digital Technologies Committee of the UK Parliament in 2020.

Political and Public Service

In 1997, David Puttnam was appointed a life peer, becoming Baron Puttnam of Queensgate. As a member of the House of Lords, he aligned with the Labour Party and focused on education, media, and climate change.

He sat on several committees and used his platform to advocate for sustainable development, cultural diplomacy, and public service broadcasting.

Global Contributions

Puttnam has served as an ambassador for several international organizations:

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador (focus on peace and education)

UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia (2012–2017)

Member of various international education and sustainability initiatives

Honours and Awards

Knight Bachelor (1995) for services to the British film industry

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1982

Multiple honorary degrees from universities worldwide

Fellow of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA)

Life Peerage (1997)

Personal Life

David Puttnam is married to Patsy Puttnam, with whom he has children. He is known for his modest demeanour and ethical commitment, often stating that storytelling should serve a higher purpose beyond entertainment.

He divides his time between the UK and Ireland, where he is deeply engaged with local educational initiatives.

Legacy and Influence

David Puttnam's career is a rare example of artistic brilliance, moral clarity, and civic responsibility coexisting in a single life. His films remain staples of cinematic study and his influence in public policy and education continues to resonate.

Whether as a producer of timeless classics or a champion for ethical governance in the digital age, David Puttnam embodies the idea that creativity, conscience, and public duty can—and should—go hand in hand.