You may surely be familiar with some of the TV series for which Jeannot directed copious episodes: Kojak, The Practice, JAG, Without A Trace, Smallville, Bones, Grey’s Anatomy, Castle, Heroes, Ally McBeal, Marcus Welby, MD, and many others.  



I had the honor of being friends with Jeannot, and it was a great pleasure watching him direct Chris and Jane in SIT.  We (my husband Jim and I)  interviewed him for our SIT Event DVD #2.



When we interviewed him again, some years ago, over a relaxed dinner in LA, the transcript of which appeared in INSITE magazine, he told us that he was "one of a very small stable of directors that studios could call on to direct their TV series, keeping them on time — and under budget." He said that when he would arrive on a set with an established cast and crew, as a first-time director for their show, they would become instantly worried because he didn’t carry a script.  The crew would presume he didn’t know what he wanted, and “they would sit down on crates, expecting they would be there til late hours.”  Jeannot, however, was totally prepared, and carried a small piece of paper with notes in his pocket, knowing what pages would be filmed and precisely what he wanted.  As soon as the crew realized he was on top of the day’s schedule, they would jump to their feet, happy that filming proceeded quickly, and efficiently.  



A bit of trivia…in the Cary Grant/Audrey Hepburn comedy/thriller, Charade, Jeannot worked as a production assistant.  It is his hand that is seen with the squirt gun shooting Cary Grant in the face at the ski resort, in the beginning minutes of the movie.  



Szwarc (pronounced Shvark) was born in Paris in 1939, but his family escaped the Nazi regime to Argentina, where he grew up.  He studied at Harvard University, where he earned a master’s degree in political science.  An avid devotee of cinema, he was a walking encyclopedia of film.  He greatest love was film, and because of his knowledge he was able to break into the industry and get work.  



He continued to watch movies, read and cook for himself after his retirement.  His family, an American wife, Cara, whom he met on a set, and two sons, live in London.  He spoke to his wife on the phone every single day, at least once.  She preferred to live in London.  He lived in CA during his career, going back to UK to visit during all hiatus breaks, and upon retirement, lived in a country house amid vineyards and farms, in his native France.  



He was a brilliant man, a supremely talented director, and a true gentleman, and will be deeply missed.



We will present a Tribute story to Jeannot in our upcoming INSITE magazine, (3rd issue 2024, in the works now).



If you are not already a member of INSITE, you are invited to join, in the Fan Club section of the SIT Website.



We are publishing in color, and are proud to have published over 2,500 pages on this single, precious motion picture.



On another note of interest…Jane Seymour’s ocean cliff home in Malibu has escaped the ravages of the Malibu/Palisades fire, thankfully, though it is just a mile or so from the burned beachfront enclave.  However, her Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman costar, Joe Lando’s home was totally destroyed and the family lost everything.  Jane has taken the Lando family into her home. She is a very loving, generous lady.  (There is a GoFundMe for the Landos).  We are happy to report, Jane’s children, her best friend and designing partner, Cheri Ingle, Jane's Art Manager Susan Luks, and the rest of our beloved SIT Celebs who reside in the Los Angeles area, are also well, and their homes are safe, as of this writing.  The epic disaster of the L.A. fires is overwhelming, and all your daily prayers for those who have suffered unquantifiable loss are encouraged.  



Yours in time,



Jo Addie
INSITE fan society President/Editor