I first started making films (on Super 8 no less) when I was 16 years old. I 'd make movies of our high school parties, film my friends as they drove around in their cars and created pixelated animations with model race cars in my basement.
After graduating from Grade 12, I spent three years in film school (1970 - 1973) and then hit the streets looking for THE job that would kick-start my filmmaking career. My first professional film job (meaning I finally got paid) was on a Certs commercial in 1974. I was the guy (P.A.) holding the brown paper bag just under the actor (and just below camera) so when the director yelled "Cut!" the actor could spit the candy into the bag I was holding. Ahh yes...those were the days!
During my 38 year career, I have worked as a film director, television producer, first assistant director and series creative consultant. I have had the opportunity to work on all kinds of productions, from industrial films to documentaries; TV commercials to music videos; TV series to Hollywood feature films. I have directed over 30 episodes of Television Drama and written, directed or produced over 50 hours of documentary and educational programs. (My documentaries and dramas have won, or been nominated for, 14 International film awards.) But what I am most proud of in my career is the time I spent as a First Assistant Director. Over the past 25 years, I have worked on 13 Hollywood Feature Films, 15 Television Movies, 6 Television Series, 4 TV Pilots and over 20 Commercials.
As a First AD, I have worked for directors such as Zack Snyder, John Woo, Ed Zwick, Phillip Noyce, John Badham, Dennis Dugan, Anne Wheeler, Bobby Roth and Kim Manners. And as a First AD, I have had the good fortune to work with such amazing and talented actors as Michelle Pfiefer, Kevin Spacey, Morgan Freeman, John Travolta, Goldie Hawn, Madeleine Stowe, Mel Gibson, Jerry Lewis, Jack Palance, Ashton Kutcher, Kathy Bates, Adam Sandler and Peter O'Toole (yes...I even worked with "Lawrence of Arabia!")
Over the past 18 years, I created several filmmaking workshops and seminars that I have presented around the world (Canada, Singapore, Dubai.) I have a monthly ezine called "The Director's Chair" (with over 5100 subscribers.) I post daily articles on my filmmaking blog (FilmDirectingTips.com) and I am also a Directing Instructor at the Vancouver Film School.
Which leads me to answer the question you are probably asking yourself right now: if I spent many years as a First Assistant Director, then why should you listen to me about a film directing course that I created?"
Good question. Take a moment now and re-read the two paragraphs above that mention the directors I have worked for and the actors I have worked with. Now combine that with my film and TV directing experience and what do you have: a qualified film professional who has "been there, done...
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