Peter Saraf

Peter Saraf is an American film producer known for his work on acclaimed independent and studio films. He is a co-founder of the production company Big Beach, established in 2004 with partners Marc Turtletaub and Dan Carey. Saraf's career is distinguished by a commitment to character-driven storytelling, producing a diverse range of films that have garnered significant critical praise and numerous awards, including Academy Award nominations.

Early life and education

Peter Saraf was born in New York City and developed an early interest in cinema. He pursued his higher education at the University of Michigan, where he studied film and television. His time in Ann Arbor was formative, solidifying his passion for narrative filmmaking and the collaborative process of production. After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles to begin his career in the entertainment industry.

Career

Saraf began his professional journey working in various production roles before establishing himself as a producer. He gained early experience on projects for MTV and other television networks. His breakthrough came with the 1999 comedy-drama The Tao of Steve, which he produced and which won the Sundance Film Festival's Dramatic Competition. This success led to a prolific period, including producing the Oscar-nominated animated film The Little Prince and the critically lauded Sunshine Cleaning.

In 2004, he co-founded the independent production banner Big Beach with financier Marc Turtletaub and executive Dan Carey. Under this banner, Saraf has produced a notable slate of films that often premiere at major festivals like the Toronto International Film Festival and Sundance Film Festival. Key productions include the Best Picture nominee Little Miss Sunshine, the Golden Globe-nominated The Visitor, and the BAFTA-winning 20th Century Women. His work frequently collaborates with directors such as Mike Mills, Tom McCarthy, and Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris.

Filmography

A selected list of film producing credits includes: * The Tao of Steve (1999) * Little Miss Sunshine (2006) * The Visitor (2007) * Sunshine Cleaning (2008) * Away We Go (2009) * The Kids Are All Right (2010) * Safety Not Guaranteed (2012) * The Little Prince (2015) * The Diary of a Teenage Girl (2015) * 20th Century Women (2016) * Patti Cake$ (2017) * The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019) * The Forty-Year-Old Version (2020)

Awards and nominations

Throughout his career, Saraf's films have received widespread recognition. Little Miss Sunshine earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Picture. The film also won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Film and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. The Visitor was nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Film. 20th Century Women received an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay nomination and won the BAFTA for Brie Larson. His production The Little Prince was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and the César Award for Best Animated Film.

Personal life

Peter Saraf is married to producer Michele Tayler, with whom he has two children. The family resides in Los Angeles. He is known in the industry for his collaborative approach and advocacy for independent filmmaking, often participating in panels and mentorship programs. Saraf serves on the advisory board for the University of Michigan's Department of Film, Television, and Media, supporting emerging filmmakers.

Category:American film producers Category:Big Beach (company) producers Category:University of Michigan alumni Category:People from New York City Category:Living people Category:1960 births