Christopher Muir (1931 - 2022 [1] ) was an Australian director and producer, notable for his work in TV in the 1950s and 1960s. [2] [3] In the 1980s he was head of ABC Television drama.
Most of his early childhood was spent in France, but he returned to Melbourne upon the outbreak of World War II. He joined the ABC in 1949 at the recommendation of his headmaster upon completing his schooling at Melbourne Grammar School. Initially working as a messenger boy, he soon became a general trainee, and by 1954 he was a radio announcer. In 1955 the ABC seconded him to Paris to study television. He returned to Melbourne for the inauguration of ABC television in 1956. The ensuing decade saw him become a pioneer of television drama and music productions, often screened live-to-air during prime time on the ABC. [1]
In an interview about the ABC's live TV drama he said "We producers had a buzz around us wherever we went but we also faced a lot of criticism. I thought 60 percent of what we did was okay and 40 percent I thought was dreadful. I recall doing several one-act plays by Australians but nothing memorable. There was no firm commitment to local material and we felt it was fascinating for viewers to see things like Chekov and some of the world's best drama." [4]
Annette Andre said "he was very intelligent and more experienced. He wasn’t easy, but he could get a performance out of an actor." [5]
He left in the early 70s to work in theatre, but soon returned. In 1982 he was appointed head of drama at the ABC. [6] Uncomfortable with the politics of the role and changes taking place within the organisation, Muir left the ABC in 1987 after 38 years there. [1]
He was married to actress and theatre director Elke Neidhardt, with whom he had a son, Fabian. [7] [8]
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