I’m originally a New Yorker, but now an L.A.er (with a little Phoenix thrown in). I used to be a jock, now I only wear one (occasionally). I love everything about movie making except the first day of production and the day of release. Both involve a lot of vomit. An old friend once taught me that giving a compliment to someone is so easy and yet so rarely done. We all should pat people on the back more… unless the person’s a total ass. Then you should insult them. And when you do, I always find it best to pick out a facial feature and go for the gold. Let’s say you’re talking to someone who still thinks we should be in Iraq. Tell them their eyes look all bugged out like that commander in Star Wars that looks like a giant carp.
If I were a tree I would be anything but a maple. I don’t like stuff leaking out of me that people would put on pancakes.
My advice for new filmmakers is – do something that moves you. Whatever it is. If you like comedy, make sure you are laughing as much as the people in the theatre. If you are making a romance, you need to fall in love with the people on screen as much as they are falling for each other. Never underestimate your audience. They are as smart as you are. Try to keep them learning things as your main characters are learning them. If they get way ahead they’ll get bored. The more passionate you are about the story you are telling, the more it shows on screen. Unless you are doing a porno. Then neither the script matters nor the acting. The volume will just be turned down anyway.
As far as the business of movie making… Robert Aldridge (the director of The Longest Yard (1974), The Dirty Dozen, Flight Of The Phoenix) said, “The game is long. Stay at the table.†You can never give up because you never know when you’ll get your break. If you stop trying you may miss your chance. Success in this business has a lot to do with timing. Also, if you’re starting out, put yourself in an environment that is going to be helpful to your career. If you have to wait tables to support yourself while you write, then do it at a place where industry people eat. If you’re going to do construction, try to get on a crew in Beverly Hills. The more you’re around people who make movies, the closer you’ll be to where the lightening strikes. Unless the lightening actually strikes while you’re at the construction site. Then get the hell outta there!
And if you’re lucky enough to get a job as a production assistant, here’s my advice: Don’t have sex with any of the actors. Not good. Think. Don’t assume. Ask questions. Stay late. Always offer help. Don’t wait to be asked. Never have sex with any of the grips. Google everyone you meet. Know what they’ve worked on. Think of something nice to say about their work. Unless they’re an ass. Then use the Star Wars “bug-eyed carp†insult… then run.