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Name: Jon Gordon
Hometown: NYC
Occupation: Miramax EVP, Production
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What attracted you to the Entertainment Industry, and what was your first job or big break in the business?
I have loved movies since I was a kid, so I never thought to pursue any other careers.
Ironically, my first big break was an internship I got at Miramax after my sophomore year at college. I have been here ever since. That was in 1990.
What is the biggest challenge you faced trying to break into the industry, and how did you overcome it?
I did not reside in LA, where the industry is based, so even the act of getting a non-paid internship for the summer (offering my services for free to about 100 companies, mind you) proved a Herculean effort. Persistence and a good attitude are key. Cream always rises to the top (and I am far from cream), so don't take no for an answer, ever. One company out of 100 gave me a shot, so don't leave any stones unturned. No one would hire me, because I didn't live in LA. I found a New York company that would.
What advice can you give those trying to break into the "industry?"
See above.
Please describe your job for those who might not know what a Production Executive is.
Production Executives at studios tend to have different responsibilities depending on where they work. The job doesn't really fit into any description. The simplest way to describe the job is that you function as a liaison between the production itself and the studio. I've never been able to give an adequate answer to this question, even when my relatives ask, so this is how I usually describe my day-to-day existence.
Can you share any tricks of the trade that help you work faster/cheaper/better?
If you find any, let me know. Find good material. There is such a dearth of great material out there, that when you have a great script you find that not only will people make great sacrifices to be a part of your project, but they are more likely to put their hearts and souls into it 100% because it's not about a paycheck.
What's the best lesson you've learned in regards to working in Hollywood?
Stay true to what you believe in. Don't loose faith in a project even if doors keep getting shut in your face. Some of the best films take a long time to get from the page to the screen, so don't give up on the things you love; this business needs more champions.
What advice would you give to writers on how to craft a script that addresses practical production issues?
My advice is never to write with budget in mind when you are writing your first draft. You can always scale back once you have your story in place, but writing is hard enough with out giving yourself boundaries. Write a great script and sell it. If someone loves your story, they will work with you to find a way to make it practical.
What advice would you give a director on how to make production easier?
Know what you want but be collaborative and open to new ideas. Film is above all a collaborative medium, so surround yourself with the best people you can find and listen to their ideas; they will only make your game better and life easier. Directing is hard enough. Anthony Minghella is a brilliant director and writer. His movies have a unique signature, but he is also smart enough to surround himself with John Seale, Ann Roth, and Walter Murch. Obviously, those resources are not available to everyone, but be tireless in getting the best people you can to work with you. While you have to have a very clear vision of what you want for your film, find the people who can take all your ideas and evaluate them as well as bring new ones to the table.
List your top 5 favorite films
- The Godfather
- The Godfather II
- The Apartment
- Ran
- The Searchers
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