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July Commentary from George Spiro Dibie Thanks to Sandra Bullock and Others When I was a youth in Jerusalem, sometimes on Sundays I would search for opportunities to see American films. It created a thirst inside of me that wasn't quenched until I was living and making films in the United States. The moral of that story is that filmmaking is so much more than entertainment for the public and a profit center for corporate conglomerates. It is a potent form of artistic expression about our way of life. Run-away production is eroding that art form and also denying the next generation of United States filmmakers the opportunity to gain the experience they need to succeed. That is why I want to extend our appreciation to Sandra Bullock and every other star who has used his or her influence to ensure that American films are made in the United States. She is the producer and star of Two Weeks Notice, filmed at practical locations in New York City. Laszlo Kovacs, ASC credits the actress with using her influence to put a made-in-the-USA label on the film. He says she recognized the importance of using backgrounds in the city as though they were characters in the story, and she also supported his desire to work with a Guild crew. We will speak with Laszlo in an article about the making of Two Weeks Notice later this year when he discusses how the cast responded to NYC environments and the efficient, artful work by his talented crew. Your Guild will also make it a policy to recognize other stars, directors and producers who have used their influence to create films with a made-in-the-USA label. Stephen Goldblatt, ASC is currently shooting Angels in America, a two-part telefilm for HBO. That film is directed by Mike Nichols who appreciates the importance of producing a story that takes place in New York in that city. Kudos also go to the producers of Daredevil, a 20th Century Fox film being produced in Los Angeles. Ericson Core has assembled an extraordinary crew, including a second unit team led by Alexander Witt, which is demonstrating how the incomparable talent and skill of American filmmakers pays dividends to the stars, directors and producers who are determined to do what it takes. There are other influential people who are equally committed to preserving and nurturing the art and craft of filmmaking in the United States. We thank them for their loyalty to our country and to U.S. filmmakers. The American public has made George Lucas a triple digit millionaire for his movies, TV programs, computer games, action toys and licensing agreements with global conglomerates that use his films to sell products and services to teenagers and children. It is fair to ask what Lucas has against U.S. cinematographers and their crews, and why he doesn't produce films in his native land. Again, we would like to thank
the producers, directors and stars of Terminator 3, American Dream,
Daredevil and Jersey Girl for shooting their projects in the
U.S.. Thank you! As always, I look forward to your comments and suggestions. Please e-mail them to me. George Spiro Dibie, ASC |