Alex Ferrari 0:25
I’d wish to welcome to the present, Herschel Weingrod. How you doin Herschel?
Herschel Weingrod 0:40
Thank you very a lot. I’m doing properly.
Alex Ferrari 0:42
Thank you a lot. I recognize you approaching the present my pal I used to be telling you earlier than you single handedly lined quite a lot of my childhood favorites in movies as a screenwriter, and as a producer, all by way of the 80s and 90s. So I to begin with, thanks. And we’ll discuss these movies as we proceed our dialog. But man, you you had been you had been hitting them out of the park fairly closely.
Herschel Weingrod 1:07
Yeah. My writing companion, Tim Harris and I, we had a very nice, future
Alex Ferrari 1:14
Without with out query. So my first objective for my first query to you is, how did you get began on this enterprise? And why in God’s inexperienced earth did you wish to get into this enterprise?
Herschel Weingrod 1:23
Yeah, properly, really, it is type of a detrimental objective, as a result of desirous to be a screenwriter is like desirous to be a co pilot. Because you do not actually get to fly the airplane.
Alex Ferrari 1:37
But it is actually nice. And now I’ve by no means heard that analogy and lots of, many conversations I’ve by no means heard. That’s a fantastic analogy.
Herschel Weingrod 1:43
You can use it everytime you need. So as an undergraduate, I really majored in European historical past. And then round my senior 12 months, I noticed, Oh, what am I going to do with this diploma? Rome the stacks of some historic library and write some historic books and train Oh, yeah, I may very well be a professor nice, actually thrilling. So really, round my junior 12 months, I, I started to take as many movie programs as I may, this was at University of Wisconsin Madison. And then they did not provide rather a lot, however they supplied me some after which I began to use to movie colleges, for F for postgraduate work. And I, it is a lengthy story, however I used to be accepted on the London Film School in England. Nice. So I did not know anyone there, after all. So I’m going there and my instructors are. Mike Lee,
Alex Ferrari 2:55
You have learn my thoughts. I used to be like I stated, Mike Lee,
Herschel Weingrod 2:57
Mike Lee, Charles Creighton, who did Fish Called Wanda and all these nice Ealing comedies. Clive Donner who did What’s New Pussycat. Guy, Hamilton, who did two of the primary three Bond movies with Sean Connery. And I had I had all these nice instructors. So that is that was an awesome college as a result of it is mainly a commerce college, you needed to learn to do all the things. It’s not an instructional college the place you had been you had been you needed to write exams you needed to really carry out, you needed to learn to function the digital camera, load the digital camera, be a producer, reduce sound, reduce movie, do all the things. So then what you do is then you definately attempt to deal with no matter makes you happiest, no matter you assume you are actually good at. So I really wished to be a DP. But there is not any apprenticeship program for turning into a cinematographer in Los Angeles. The ASC would not have like a Oh,
Alex Ferrari 4:01
It’s not a regular one. It’s a unofficial one that you’ve quite a lot of alongside the best way,
Herschel Weingrod 4:07
Right. So after I, so I used to be in London for about three, three and a half years after which I got here to I got here to Los Angeles, and I noticed that the one means I may get in was to write down my means in to the movie business. So I used to be writing, I used to be attempting to write down mysteries, thrillers, movie noir, all the flicks that I that I wish to see, okay. You know, Chinatown ish, Three Days of the Condor ish tales like that. So I, I used to be actually lucky as a result of I had a neighbor who labored at British regulation and EMI, they usually had been making the deer hunter, the driving force and convoy and all these motion pictures whereas I used to be working there. So what I might go on a Monday morning to their workplace and I choose up a stack of scripts and manuscripts and novels and performs. And by the next Monday, I must write full protection on all of them. Now, after all, I’m 24 years previous, all I wish to do is get by way of the week, so I may go benefit from the weekend. But each from time to time I’m studying one thing that no matter what the subject material was, the author has gotten me to wish to flip the web page and see what occurs subsequent. So I’m pondering, Ah, if I can learn to do this, since you see, that is referred to as the craft of screenwriting. Because should you’re an aspiring author, a primary time author, you need to get your script by a reader like me, at a properly educated 2425 12 months previous, who simply desires to get by way of the batch of scripts and get to the freakin weekend. So, studying find out how to do transitions studying find out how to set issues up with out I imply, that is earlier than all these guidelines and all these books earlier than. Before Syd discipline and and definitely all these different guys save the cat and all that stuff. Right? Well, all these guys with the the inciting incident within the mid second act climax and this has to occur on web page X, Y and Z. No, no, I, I really realized that. That Every story wants to seek out its personal option to be informed in any other case. Otherwise, we would not have we might by no means have a Charlie Kaufman.
Alex Ferrari 7:05
Well, I imply, you are speaking about somebody on the surface outskirts of Italy,
Herschel Weingrod 7:13
Right! But I imply, all of these all these. All these guidelines are guidelines find out how to write the subsequent blockbuster? Which, as a primary time author, you are you are you are not gonna get to write down any of the mission impossibles
Alex Ferrari 7:27
No. Herschel stopped that it’s good to inform me you are not going to get the subsequent Marvel film coming proper out of college or no. Go to highschool.
Herschel Weingrod 7:37
I’ve by no means even gotten a touch of a Marvel film task. Exactly.
Alex Ferrari 7:43
Because not even a shorts that even an episode of one of many reveals
Herschel Weingrod 7:47
Because as a result of these aren’t written they’re really manufactured no person comes out that is a rattling what an awesome script that was.
Alex Ferrari 7:56
The just one if I’m if I could. I could is Winter Soldier, which was as near should you keep in mind Winter Soldier, Captain America’s went to in order that was like an espionage movie. It was prefer it was most likely probably the greatest written out of all Yeah, however you however you are proper. Like you do not go like holy cow. That’s you get an Oscar this 12 months. Like it is not it is not, you recognize, it is what it’s.
Herschel Weingrod 8:21
That a subtext was so robust I may inform. I may inform instantly.
Alex Ferrari 8:26
But look, however that is however they do not, however they put that to popcorn motion pictures. And that is what they’re purported to do. And they’re fond and all that
Herschel Weingrod 8:33
Those are all these are all responsible pleasures, which really make the business some huge cash and hold it going in order that extra fascinating movies would possibly ultimately get made. So I except I imply, I used to be I used to be mainly working within the studio system and no person would make these motion pictures in the present day. I imply,
Alex Ferrari 8:53
Oh, no, something within the 70s would get made in the present day. The Godfather, wouldn’t it get financed by it is no. Nothing, nothing within the 70s 80s and 90s. Other than Batman.
Herschel Weingrod 9:07
Okay, so So look, look. No Hal Ashby film, no matter get made. No, no being there? No, no Scorsese’s No. Sidney Lumet. No One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest on my day, so you possibly can overlook all these. Oh, and people had been these had been good studio movies. Five, 5 straightforward items
Alex Ferrari 9:31
Forget it, however that was however that was these had been the instances that these motion pictures had been made. And yeah, and we’re nonetheless in there nonetheless going again and mining these previous IPs to remake them. Of course again up as a result of that is once they had been while you had been free to be artistic. But now it is simply such a company machine that I imply, look proper now you pull Marvel motion pictures out of the theaters in 2022. Other than Top Gun proper and and presumably avatar Well, greater than doubtless avatar when it comes out later this 12 months. There’s no theatrical, there’s simply nothing. Like, nice. There’s simply not nobody’s going to the theaters to go see a romantic comedy anymore. And it is simply, it is simply very, very like fairly girl in the present day wouldn’t be a theatrical launch, it would be a Netflix movie.
Herschel Weingrod 10:21
Well, really, what do you assume you’d should Okay, in order that they tried to do a Broadway adaptation. The downside is, you see, you possibly can’t you, you, you, you possibly can’t have a hooker with a coronary heart of gold on the heart of a film or a play as a result of girls will not stand for it anymore. Today, in the present day, in the present day, they will not know. They will not.
Alex Ferrari 10:48
But however for no matter purpose, in 91, I believe what was the 91? It was a Disney film.
Herschel Weingrod 11:01
Well, that is true. Gary Marshall.
Alex Ferrari 11:03
It was a touchstone movie. Yeah. And you however Gary simply dealt with that. So completely fantastically. It was simply outstanding. But you look, return and take a look at and go, Hmm, that is not going to fly in the present day. But I do know, quite a lot of issues would not fly in the present day. Most issues within the 80s and 90s would not fly in the present day.
Herschel Weingrod 11:22
I agree. I agree.
Alex Ferrari 11:24
No, however that is the place nice, nice cinema, you recognize, quite a lot of the Great Cinema, the 70s 80s and 90s was as a result of we nonetheless had filmmakers working the studios. That’s what they had been. And they had been making small motion pictures. You know, they had been making $20 million motion pictures. They’re making $30 million motion pictures. Now that is craft companies.
Herschel Weingrod 11:44
Now that is the devoted COVID supervise,
Alex Ferrari 11:48
Pretty a lot just about Yeah, that is precisely what that’s. It’s it is the world has modified a lot. Which brings me to your to your your filmography, which is it is such an exquisite. There’s a lot love in these movies that you just made. And you wrote, beginning with Trading Places, which was somewhat younger, younger man, comic. How previous was he like 22 or 33? He was to illustrate he was a child. And buying and selling locations would by no means get me in the present day. Oh, Nana million. You may nonetheless attempt to throw Kevin Hart within the rock in there. It’s nonetheless not. It’s simply
Herschel Weingrod 12:29
Because I imply, we really had a observe from Paramount then, which might be the observe in the present day, which is, wait a minute. Why is he pretending to be a Vietnam to be a crippled, legless Vietnam? I imply, is he you recognize, like that Adam Sandler man was attempting to get cash so his grandma may be put within the house or his sister can get an iron lung. So they requested us, and we stated, No. The the viewers would not care what occurred earlier than the film began. They solely care about what occurs subsequent. So it would not matter why he is doing it. That’s not what his character is about.
Alex Ferrari 13:13
The factor that I discover so lovely about buying and selling locations and for it for all of the youngins. Look at listening proper now, Google Trading Places Google Eddie Murphy and Dan Ackroyd and Google that please. And then you definately’ll have a reference level. But what I really like about buying and selling locations was it was not solely it wasn’t I do not know if it was Eddie’s was that his first? Second? There was one factor one thing else proper was that was
Herschel Weingrod 13:39
The one he did with Nick Knowles. Walter 48 hours Excuse me. 48 hours got here out first,
Alex Ferrari 13:44
First, proper, however then Trading Places got here out after which that was the place Eddie simply,
Herschel Weingrod 13:47
And then it is primary, primary, Leo’s cop and all these issues.
Alex Ferrari 13:50
Number one, primary, primary Number one, like I believe 9 motion pictures straight. He was primary each time he got here out, however what I really like about buying and selling locations is that and that is one thing that was so a lot extra performed than than it’s now in writing movies is that there is such a social commentary. That’s proper in buying and selling locations. That is It’s delicate however but barely heavy handed in sure locations, which I really like. And however on the finish it is hidden behind all of the comedy of the genius of Dan correct and and Eddie Murphy. And and Jamie Lee Curtis and all the things. Yeah, I imply, the casting was unbelievable. Oh, the casting was unbelievable. That
Herschel Weingrod 14:31
Al Franken.
Alex Ferrari 14:33
Oh God,
Herschel Weingrod 14:34
Jesus. It was simply such Jim Belushi.
Alex Ferrari 14:36
It was superb. What a Grammy what a tremendous forged. But I wasn’t desirous to ask you because you labored and you’ve got labored with quite a lot of superb improvisers over time. Sure How a lot of that script was Eddie simply being Eddie and the way a lot it was you guys writing?
Herschel Weingrod 14:56
I might say that 90 90% of what is on the display, not less than, was on the web page. Now what however, however what was however what was nice was You see, that is exceptional. They had every week of rehearsal.
Alex Ferrari 15:14
Just one week of
Herschel Weingrod 15:16
Rehearsal prefer it’s a play.
Alex Ferrari 15:18
Oh, like, oh, they
Herschel Weingrod 15:20
Actual separate from pre manufacturing. I imply, that they had every week of rehearsals. So Eddie, Eddie and Danny and Jamie Lee and all these characters. They’re like, working strains, after which they’re riffing and, they usually got here up with stuff that simply made me and my companion look higher. Right. And you simply, I imply, we did not write the road the place he says, once they when the Duke brothers bail him out, and he will get within the within the limo, they usually’re doing the intros and he says, Billy Ray Valentine Capricorns. But we, however we did proper? Karate man bruise on inside.
Alex Ferrari 16:09
Karate man was on the, I imply, it is me. There’s so many quotable issues, you recognize, wanting good. Feeling good. Like it was final. All that there is a T shirts, like I’ve seen T shirts with out this to this present day. I nonetheless lecturers saying that?
Herschel Weingrod 16:25
Well, okay, so here is this. Here’s this early woke factor. So we wrote the road about when he when he brings workplace, all of his buddies again to have a celebration, they usually’re dancing, and impulsively he realizes he is turning into center class and really possessive of his new possessions. And he is saying, who put their cool out on my Persian carpet. So, okay, so So, what? People do not perceive this type of cultural context that cool menthol cigarettes had been marketed primarily at black individuals. Yeah, in reality, most people who smoke cools had been black individuals. And so black individuals get that joke. And white individuals of a sure age get the joke as properly. But Paramount stated, No, you possibly can’t put that factor in in regards to the cools. No, that is no, that is that is stereotype bla bla bla bla bla. Well, severely. So that is after we shot that scene, and he put it proper again in anyway. And it was enjoyable. And I stayed in and it stayed in, after all.
Alex Ferrari 17:37
God, I imply, while you while you did you go on set with with John and Eddie and all people. Were you on set? Are you on set? So what was it like being on the set watching? Eddie, you can simply see a famous person being born or actually, how did how did you? How does what was that? Like?
Herschel Weingrod 17:58
I may inform. Okay, let me perform a little backtrack on. We had pitched buying and selling locations. We had utterly labored out scene for scene mainly, with strains, we may, we may pitch it in 15 to 18 minutes. And we went to the Head of Production at Warner Brothers on the time as a result of we had one thing else that we brewing over there. Maybe it had been optioned, perhaps it was gonna get made, they preferred us. So we go into the pinnacle of manufacturing, and we pitch coaching locations. And he says it is humorous, but when I am unable to get Richard Pryor, who can I forged? And we stated, Eddie Murphy in buying and selling. Then on Saturday night time, why this youngsters a genius? And he stated, I do not assume he will be a film star.
Alex Ferrari 18:47
Of course, after all, you at all times hear that, you recognize, he is like, Oh, child.
Herschel Weingrod 18:53
We went to paramount to have a gathering with these producers about they had been pitching us the worst concept of for TV sequence ever. White bigot strikes right into a home that is haunted by a black ghost.
Alex Ferrari 19:08
Oh my God, that is horrible. Oh, no,
Herschel Weingrod 19:10
I simply I take a look at my companion. And we stated ought to we must always we pitch them buying and selling place in the event that they wish to? White Black story. So we pitch them buying and selling locations they usually ran upstairs? They acquired us a deal to write down it.
Alex Ferrari 19:24
Well, oh, this was on a pitch nonetheless.
Herschel Weingrod 19:27
Just as Yeah, this was okay. And then what occurred was we had been on the set of 48 hours. We really noticed that well-known scene the place in that bar the place Eddie says in your white. I’m your worst nightmare.
Alex Ferrari 19:49
Yeah, perhaps a brand new sheriff on the town, proper?
Herschel Weingrod 19:51
Yeah. And the N phrase with a badge. I’m your worst nightmare that was after which we have met them temporary flea after which we hear this laughter in his trailer as a result of he is studying Trading Places.
Alex Ferrari 20:07
Yeah. Yeah, everybody’s acquired an impression of the golden lamp.
Herschel Weingrod 20:11
So he acquired it instantly liked it. And you recognize, Dan Ackroyd was nice as a result of as a result of he is such a beneficiant actor that he did not thoughts being an a gap for the for the primary two thirds of the film, at all times very, he is very smug. He’s very unsympathetic. And solely later he type of turns in as a coronary heart.
Alex Ferrari 20:39
Right. I imply, and he performed it fantastically. Just so So, so fantastically. So I stated, 20 locations comes out. It’s a mega hit, you recognize? And yeah, mainly, and it is an enormous hit at that for the time. How does the city deal with you after that? I at all times love asking that query. What was how did what? How did the city deal with you? You’re just like the belle of the ball impulsively.
Herschel Weingrod 21:04
We out of the blue acquired much more provides than we had earlier than placing calls coming in is what you are saying. We have quite a lot of we had quite a lot of conferences.
Alex Ferrari 21:12
Oh, you probably did the water bottle device again then. They did not have water bottles. They purchased water bottles as a lot again then. But you recognize what I imply. But then you definately made then afterwards one other name. I imply, a traditional movie that I watched as a child. It’s Brewster’s tens of millions.
Herschel Weingrod 21:25
Yeah, we did that. Next. Right with Richard with
Alex Ferrari 21:27
Richard Pryor. Yeah, precisely. What a fantastically excessive idea. Film, prefer it’s simply so that you get it in a single sentence. Correct. That you noticed the sentence primarily, man with it, however he needed to spend all of it on 30. Like, it is simply you need to win. You see, you win, you win one million {dollars}, however with a purpose to get $100 million, you bought to spend one million {dollars}. It was so good. And then Richard Pryor and Jackie, it was Jackie Gleason. Right. What? Who was is that was Jackie Gleason was his co star who was his co star. John Candy junk. Oh, no, not No, not but. Not his companion. Who was the Wasn’t there a foul man? Who was the unhealthy I have never seen that film in years. Who was the unhealthy man? Because I do know John Candy was like his buddy. Wasn’t a Gleason. I swear to God, I believed it was pleasing. Maybe in one other universe.
Herschel Weingrod 22:18
The unhealthy guys had been oh, what’s his title? was attempting to type of was attempting to sabotage him as a result of he type of as a result of he type of wasn’t Jackie girlfriend away.
Alex Ferrari 22:31
It was John. Yeah, however John Candy. So you may have John Candy Richard Pryor. And then that turns into an enormous as a result of now Richard is taking off as properly. And
Herschel Weingrod 22:43
Well, what was what was actually nice about that was, I do not wish to I do not need this to be like stir loopy. Or Silver Streak, or my get up. I do not need I do not need something about racing it in any respect. I do not need it to be racial within the slightest. I do not need anybody to say race, and I do not. So do not feel like you need to like, get out, get out my dialog or make me road or all I’m is a man who simply wished a pitch within the massive leagues in opposition to the Yankees. Yes, it existed. That’s nice.
Alex Ferrari 23:19
You know, the factor about that film is it’s the dream, you might be tapping into the dream of so many individuals who would not wish to win the lottery, you recognize, or a model of the lotto and inheritance of some type. They, after which and then you definately’re compelled, like, spend all of it? Yes. It’s such a tremendous, it is type of like, all of us want we may eat something we wish to eat and never achieve any weight. Like it is excessive. Right? But not many individuals get the chance. Like I actually should eat all of the all of the pizza.
Herschel Weingrod 23:53
What was actually, actually enjoyable was doing a little bit of analysis to seek out methods creatively the place he may lay our a fortune and don’t have anything to point out for it like mailing proper mailing one million greenback stamp. Such an excellent now that was that is really an actual stamp the inverted Jenny, you possibly can look it up right here. It’s an actual stamp. And then the man who is available in and says, I’m going to tow an iceberg from the North Pole. And he has this nice after which there’s then when he runs for mayor, as not one of the above vote for not one of the above. Well, that was impressed. I used to be studying about these nuns in San Francisco banded collectively they usually ran for political workplace they stated vote not one of the above and also you finish
Alex Ferrari 24:49
Ohh wow. Oh my god of God. That’s that is
Herschel Weingrod 24:53
even that scene the place there’s practice tracks working by way of the surface. Field. Yeah, I discovered that there was there was a minor league baseball discipline in Mexico the place that really occurred each single day.
Alex Ferrari 25:12
Some of the stuff in that film I keep in mind prefer it’s all coming again, like I noticed it once I was enjoyable, a lot enjoyable. And it was uncapable 1000 instances motion pictures that you just simply stored watching many times and once more. And once more, I’ll ask you an identical query. What’s it like working with Richard Pryor being on set with a legend a genius?
Herschel Weingrod 25:30
Oh, it is nice. I imply, I imply, he was type of he was type of in the course of all types of all types of different stuff. So, however he was very variety. He was very skilled. He’s very humorous. He was on time he did not have he did not have this enormous entourage. He did not act like, like a giant shot in storm off to his trailer.
Alex Ferrari 25:59
That’s superb. Now, one other movie within the 80s that you just labored on, which is, once more, as excessive idea as you get is twins.
Herschel Weingrod 26:09
Yes, after all,
Alex Ferrari 26:10
Which is? I imply, did you give you that concept? Did you get introduced into it? Or she introduced into it?
Herschel Weingrod 26:17
Yeah. It was a rewrite.
Alex Ferrari 26:19
It was a rewrite. It was a rewrite deal. Because at that, I imply, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Danny DeVito are twins go!
Herschel Weingrod 26:26
Well, properly, Ivan Reitman, proper. Okay, I’ve this script written by these two English guys. It’s a very good premise. I really need it, I actually wish to get it to Arnold and Danny, however I solely have one shot. So I want it to be executed higher, and tailor-made for them higher, in order that I may ship it to them, and attempt to get them on board. And I solely have one shot. So do you guys have any concepts we’re studying, it was referred to as the experiment written by these two English guys who’ve really grew to become actually good buddies of my writing companion. Anyway, so we’re studying it and we come again and we are saying, you recognize, we are able to do X, Y, and Z. But mainly, we are able to resolve the one massive downside. He stated, What’s that? He stated, they should be on the lookout for their mommy. If they don’t seem to be on the lookout for their mommy, you do not have a narrative. That’s the guts. That’s the guts of the story. Okay, they’re separated at delivery, they do not know something about something. And then they discover out about this experiment. And you recognize, as soon as a genius and as soon as the, you recognize, the underside of the gene pool allegedly. And, and this gentle bulb goes, I imply, okay, after which they they’ve all these items in frequent they usually bond they usually discover this factor however however then, however then after that, it is not about it is not about that MacGuffin, that is in Danny DeVito trunk that has to do with some crime that I by no means found out what that was, what it is about is it is about mommy, now we have to seek out our mom.
Alex Ferrari 28:16
And you are completely completely proper. It is about it is about mommy. And once more. I imply, that was an enormous hit. I do not keep in mind that within the video retailer. We had like 20 copies of it. It was large it massively poster.
Herschel Weingrod 28:31
The publish
Alex Ferrari 28:35
But you speaking in regards to the greatest film star on the earth on the time, Arnold? Well, yeah, with Danny DeVito, who was a star in his personal proper with Ivan Reitman because the director who no slouch on his personal however from what I additionally heard the story you inform me if it is true I’m positive it’s however that the studio actually did not have quite a lot of confidence within the film. And that Arnold Ivan and Danny reduce a deal for a share of the again finish which introduced in an absurd like they the studio misplaced a whole bunch of
Herschel Weingrod 29:12
They labored for scale plus 10 Arnold Yes. Because the studio did not assume that individuals would see Arnold, Tim and a comedy they usually they weren’t actually assured and so and truly after we heard that Ivan Arnold and Danny had been had been going to work for scale and simply take a pleasant piece of the gross we stated we’ll do this and the studio stated NO NO NO NO NO NO NO Well, author no we will not writers author
Alex Ferrari 29:48
That units precedents we will not do one thing like that. By the best way, from what I perceive the studio head after all the things, I forgot But then I imply, the numbers had been fairly astronomical. As far as what the what they acquired the three. It was fairly astronomical. And the studio had afterwards mainly nearly misplaced the job. I believe he is like, it is what it is like, you recognize, signing over the the sequel rights and merchandising for Star Wars prefer it’s, properly, it is a type of issues, however then they opened that door they usually slammed it shut and it by no means occurred once more. No, as a result of it was an enormous reduce. It wasn’t like somewhat little bit of the again and wasn’t like Tom Cruise again finish or Jack Nicholson on Batman. Back finish. It’s so large chocolate 50%.
Herschel Weingrod 30:37
So it was mainly it was mainly first greenback gross.
Alex Ferrari 30:42
On high of that. It wasn’t even that it was gross. And that Oh, yeah. Some huge cash.
Herschel Weingrod 30:46
Yeah, that was gross.
Alex Ferrari 30:48
So a lot cash they made off that. But I’m good for them. And then after all you observe that up with one other traditional Mr. Kindergarten Cop, which is one other insanely excessive idea. Arnold’s a kindergarten trainer go.
Herschel Weingrod 31:02
Yeah, sure.
Alex Ferrari 31:04
He’s an undercover cop kindergarten trainer.
Herschel Weingrod 31:06
Go. That was gonna be proper to that was a relate to,
Alex Ferrari 31:09
And I’ve been introduced you guys in for that rewrite? Yeah. I’ve to ask, What’s it like working with Ivan man, you recognize, you recognize, God relaxation his soul. He was simply this superb expertise over time. I imply, let’s not even discuss Ghostbusters, and all the things else he is performed. Well, yeah, however I’m being however what was it like cuz you collaborated with a number of movies? What was it like collaborating with what,
Herschel Weingrod 31:30
You know? Ivan had a really sentimental streak, which you type of see in his movies. And he and he, he additionally had a bent to have, you recognize, a number of and earned endings. So, or multi earned a number of endings. So So what was good about him was, you can discuss him out of one thing fascinating, you recognize if you recognize so, so he was prepared to hear and collaborate. And should you may persuade him that your concept would play somewhat higher than what he had in thoughts. He’d say, Okay, go forward and take a look at it.
Alex Ferrari 32:18
So we did. That’s an excellent collaborator. Yeah. Oh, yeah. He was nice about that. That’s an excellent collaborator. And then, after all,
Herschel Weingrod 32:26
I imply, I imply, really, I believe he was a significantly better producer than he was a director. I believe his son’s a greater director, pure and easy. But, however Ivan knew the place the jokes had been performed, Ivan, and Ivan knew find out how to find out how to find out how to make a film that will that will be very profitable and really accessible on the similar time. And all of his motion pictures have coronary heart if you’ll. They’re all on the market in the end, very heartwarming. They’re not they don’t seem to be cynical. Right up. They’re not I imply, even I imply, Dave is a superb movie, by the best way,
Alex Ferrari 33:06
Dave, is that it truly is a matt most likely on his on his filmography, one of many masterpieces that he created Dave is a superb movie. It is it actually actually is Jr. was one other enjoyable one.
Herschel Weingrod 33:18
Actually, we handed on Jr.
Alex Ferrari 33:19
You stated I am unable to write a pregnant Arnold.
Herschel Weingrod 33:23
No. I imply, we stated, look, if individuals did not take an viewers would settle for Arnold and a comedy. How do you assume women and men will consider if Arnold is a pregnant man? His male followers will hate it and ladies followers will simply be horrified. So that we stated no.
Alex Ferrari 33:48
So that unhealthy film will get financed in the present day by the studio. You assume that what you assume that film will get financed in the present day by the studios, after all.
Herschel Weingrod 33:59
Curiously, when, when Arnold was making true True Lies for cameras. He he demanded that Cameron, deliver us in to do a dialogue polish for him. Get these guys who wrote twins a Kindergarten Cop? I would like them to write down my strains. rewrite my strains. Now.
Alex Ferrari 34:23
How did that work out? Did you do this? Did you do?
Herschel Weingrod 34:26
It was enjoyable. I imply, I imply, it was it was uncredited, however we set to work with Cameron and all these individuals once more.
Alex Ferrari 34:36
How do you’re employed with Cameron as a author? Because he is our he is one of many best screenwriters of his day.
Herschel Weingrod 34:46
No, I imply, he was effective. He was he was effective. He was I imply, he he had he had that airplane he had mockups of that airplane and his workplace and he is displaying guess all of us all an awesome technical stuff and
Alex Ferrari 35:02
You’re there for jokes, and also you’re there for jokes?
Herschel Weingrod 35:04
Yeah, we’re simply we’re simply there to do a polish and he used quite a lot of it. He did not use you recognize a few of that. We simply you recognize, we had been on it for like just a few weeks. It was enjoyable.
Alex Ferrari 35:14
Oh my god, that was enjoyable. I do not like a film.
Herschel Weingrod 35:16
Oh, and naturally, we knew Jamie Lee and proper and I knew I knew Jim somewhat bit as a result of I knew Linda Hamilton as a result of I as a result of okay, this that is six levels from buying and selling locations. So the acquired one of many guys who was a location scout on Trading Places was in Philadelphia and he grew to become Linda Hamilton’s assistant on Beauty and the Beast.
Alex Ferrari 35:44
So it was so previous city
Herschel Weingrod 35:46
He and I grew to become buddies after which I after which I met Linda after which I’ve been buddies with Ron Perlman ever since.
Alex Ferrari 35:56
To small, small, small enterprise.
Herschel Weingrod 35:58
I like to work with Ronnie Ronnie Ron Perlman is nice. Well, Ron oh boy is oh, boy is one in all my favorites.
Alex Ferrari 36:05
And we’ll get voted with L boys is simply I imply, it is a mad that these are masterpiece movies. On a sidenote with Kindergarten Cop. I did get to direct once I was directing a movie, Mr. Richard Tyson.
Herschel Weingrod 36:18
Oh, I really like Richard
Alex Ferrari 36:20
Richard is superb. And he nonetheless tells me to this present day goes I nonetheless have it. I nonetheless have adults your age come as much as me and go or not your age. Maybe youthful than you’ll come as much as me. I’m such as you grew into my childhood. He was hair scary. He will not as a result of it is not a monster. That’s only a dad whose desires his child and the mom and oh my god. Oh, my mother was a lot worse.
Herschel Weingrod 36:51
Do you is de facto scary.
Alex Ferrari 36:52
Oh, she feels like like, Oh God, I really feel like she had prefer it was given that child mooch Johnson Syndrome. Like I imply, it was like, you can inform there’s simply such a. But yeah, Richard performed that half. So properly.
Herschel Weingrod 37:04
It’s simply from both Alabama or Louisiana, proper?
Alex Ferrari 37:09
Yeah, he is on the market. Yeah. And he? He did I believe what his earlier than that was three o’clock excessive
Herschel Weingrod 37:18
I like that.
Alex Ferrari 37:19
Yeah. Those days of these motion pictures. And then however he is like, No, it is Kindergarten Cop to this present day. I stroll round and other people go you as a result of kindergarten cops a type of motion pictures that everyone’s seen. Or it has been, you recognize, my youngsters noticed it the opposite day for the primary time. And they they usually had been terrified by it. I’m like, No, I work with Richard. He’s a pleasant man. I do know. But he is doing the best way to taking the child. Why is he taking the child prefer it was an actor. It’s an actor. I do not God do not even get me began once I needed to clarify to them it at that penny smart was really an actor. And we needed to like present him like I used to be getting made up. Oh, they had been tariff there. So there was I wished to ask you since you have labored with so many superb collaborators, is there any lesson that stands proud over time that you just study from any of the collaborators you have labored with? Whether director actor or different writers, classes about writing classes about storytelling classes, classes in regards to the enterprise,
Herschel Weingrod 38:19
I had a very lengthy and glad collaboration with my writing companion. And one of many causes for that was we had been buddies and shut buddies lengthy earlier than we ever began working collectively. And really we noticed the world the identical means. Which is to say the identical issues made us giggle the identical issues made us unhappy. The similar issues made us offended. Okay, now we have the very same worldview. We’d like the identical books. We like the identical music. We’d like the identical ladies. We’d like to avoid wasting all the things. We met accidentally. I used to be in movie college in London. She was at Cambridge University. She was a broadcast novelist whereas at Cambridge, clearly, not unhealthy. And we met we met accidentally in somewhat village within the south of Crete, the place I had gone for every week or two with my English girlfriend, simply to get away from the unhealthy climate in England wished to go to the furthest southern for this level in Europe in September the place it is perhaps nonetheless heat. So we go to this village within the south of Crete, referred to as myrtos. On the Libyan Sea proper throughout from North Africa there is not any motels. There’s no motels you stroll right into a publish workplace or some Taverna while you get off the bus and also you attempt to have your crew can e book You saying in Greek? Does anybody have a room for lead, after which out of the blue any person will come round and lease you may have room of their, in a home for $50 every week and, and he or she went by way of and breakfast she stated, I’ll throw in breakfast. You converse to me in English, I’ll converse to you in Greek, we’ll each study one another’s languages. So I’m wandering round there and I stroll into this little, little bar, and there is some lengthy haired wanting hippie there. It’s Tim Harris, he is there along with his English girlfriend. Were each Americans dwelling in England in London, mainly. And then we grew to become buddies. And then, after which we wound up again in Los Angeles, as a result of he was really born right here. And then his novels the place we’re all mysteries and thrillers all similar to, the entire scripts that I used to be writing. Exactly the identical. So how did this occur? So one in all his books acquired choices. And and we’re ready round to see if we get a deal to write down the script. And he stated, I’ve this girlfriend. She works for this regulation agency, close to the airport. All the legal professionals are feminine. They solely symbolize feminine shoppers who’re getting divorced and suspect that their husbands are hiding their belongings. So he says, I acquired this nice concept. So you are taking that idea, after which you may have them rent a male Private Eye to rat out his personal gender by discovering the hidden belongings of different guys. Now, that is a humorous concept. It is, they usually made it. It’s a very unhealthy film. Is it actually? It was a very okay, that that was really our first movie. It’s referred to as Oh, yeah. Cheaper to maintain her. Yeah. So the producer was this man who did a type of early. Gabe Kaplan motion pictures.
Alex Ferrari 42:23
Oh, God, Jesus. Wow. You’re going again eight Kaplan? Yeah, yeah. Holy cow. So Jesus,
Herschel Weingrod 42:30
He was this he was this clothes man from from, you recognize, Dallas or one thing. And he was sending the script round companies and wait, he was supplied George Segal and Candice Bergen.
Alex Ferrari 42:50
That would have been fascinating for our scripts.
Herschel Weingrod 42:53
And he stated, No, Matt Davis till the Felcher.
Alex Ferrari 42:58
So he grew to become enormous within the enterprise. This man and also you grew to become enormous within the enterprise is working colleague,
Herschel Weingrod 43:05
Matt Davis and Tova felt you anyway. So the excellent news is, oh, any rent a British director named Ken Anakin did world conflict two motion pictures he had a ten 12 months for like, us, us dialogue, Americans dialogue.
Alex Ferrari 43:25
So it is only a win win win throughout. Yeah.
Herschel Weingrod 43:28
So anyway, earlier than this film comes out, after all. It’s within the trades. It’s been introduced. These guys wrote this comedy script. It’s actually humorous. It’s going round, it is getting made. And impulsively, we’re getting conferences and getting awkward as a result of now we’re comedy guys.
Alex Ferrari 43:46
They should put you in a field. Exactly what. Which brings me to my subsequent query. Have you produced one other movie within the 90s that I completely love, which is so off your filmography? far,
Herschel Weingrod 44:00
I’m so happy with them. I imply
Alex Ferrari 44:02
It’s falling down with Michael Douglas. The I keep in mind being in order that trailer was so good. I keep in mind going to the theater opening night time and watching that and I used to be simply blown away. It was a Joel Schumacher. Film. And yeah, are you able to think about that movie in the present day getting launched by its Do you think about
Herschel Weingrod 44:26
It’s really pressured. It’s it is, it is offended. It’s offended white man.
Alex Ferrari 44:32
It’s the offended white man. He’s utterly however he is like, offended.
Herschel Weingrod 44:36
He’s a Trumpist. He’s,
Alex Ferrari 44:38
He’s offended. It is such a it is such an excellent movie. And Michael Douglas performed it. It’s like, why cannot I’ve breakfast? Yeah, it is, it is horrible. It’s 1005 We stopped breakfast. It’s proper there. Just put some eggs on what’s flawed with you individuals?
Herschel Weingrod 44:55
I do not wish to be your pal Rick. I simply need some breakfast.
Alex Ferrari 44:59
Are these so how did you get entangled with the movie like that being, you recognize, the comedy guys?
Herschel Weingrod 45:05
Okay, so we had this, we had an workplace common, we had a deal at Universal. We had a, we had, we had a write a sure variety of movies a 12 months for a few years. So we might deliver them concepts, they create us concepts, after we go to work, we select to each discover issues that we wish to do or that they wish to do, and we’ll do it. So additionally they gave us somewhat, you recognize, housekeeping, producer factor, first look, you recognize, manufacturing deal, which additionally entailed they, they employed an assistant for us who’s going round city studying scripts that, you recognize, from the smaller companies, proper. So, you recognize, each weekend he fief he finds a few scripts and we go house, take them off, take them house to learn them. And he gave us falling down. And I’m studying it. And I stated, God dammit, I want I might have written that is so good. Now I’ve to get it made. And Tim agreed with me. And we went into Universal. And they stated no. And then we stated, Okay, we went to Warner Brothers. And they informed us at Warner Brothers that Arnold Coulson had been attempting to get it made. He had choices that initially. Apparently the choice had expired, however he was going to resume it as a result of he could not get it made as a function. He’s test this out. He was attempting to set it up at HBO, which was a warner firm with Brian Denny. Michael tacos.
Alex Ferrari 46:58
I imply, not unhealthy. I imply, I’m not I’m not offended at it. I imply, it is a totally different movie. Yeah. But Brian Denny, he may have pulled off a model of that fill out
Herschel Weingrod 47:10
Exactly. Peter Boyle. No, no. But Joe and Joe
Alex Ferrari 47:17
Of course, however I believe he would have performed one thing with it. Yeah, it will have been, nevertheless it’s not Michael Douglas. No.
Herschel Weingrod 47:24
Okay. So so we go and discuss we meet a few youthful producers up and coming individuals at Warner’s. Lisa Hanson and Lorenzo di Bonaventura. Both grew to become gigantic producers. I used to be gonna say names, they usually had been actually, they actually love falling down. And they they started to ship it out to all these Ailis administrators, Peter Weir and guys like that. And no person wished to do it. Nobody wished to. Finally they acquired it to see AAA and CAA represented Michael Douglas and Joel Schumacher and another individuals within the forged, not Robert Duvall, however uh, you recognize, they mainly packaged it. So Joel, I believe was the godfather of Bruce Berman’s. One of Bruce Bruce Berman’s youngsters and Bruce was head of manufacturing at Warner’s. So he brings Joel and Joel desires to do it. And Joe had by no means performed something like this earlier than
Alex Ferrari 48:35
The DC cab. I keep in mind I keep in mind. Flatliners I preferred I really like Lila I really like DC cab. Okay.
Herschel Weingrod 48:47
DC cab after which you recognize Mr. factor that he did youthful
Alex Ferrari 48:53
What is the vampire when he did. Oh god.
Herschel Weingrod 48:55
Wasn’t there a younger vampire factor? He did? I do not know. I imply, however you see, Joe’s movies
Alex Ferrari 49:03
Lost boys. What am I Yeah, one other traditional misplaced boys.
Herschel Weingrod 49:07
I imply, Joe, Joe was very trendy surfaces. He had a very, actually good I imply, Joel was a window dresser at Henry Bendel’s in New York. I do know earlier than earlier than he acquired into motion pictures, proper anyway,
Alex Ferrari 49:24
But falling down. That was one factor I keep in mind from falling down is the colour grading on that the colour timing on that movie was beautiful that that pink orangey la you possibly can odor the the the air that talks in that LA
Herschel Weingrod 49:38
That first scene on the Harbor Freeway was the honking and the that is all that is like proper up. You know, Fellini? It is
Alex Ferrari 49:49
It is you are proper! You’re completely proper. It was it was it is a good however properly now I do know the story. Because I used to be going by way of filmography I’m like, get the hell How did these guys
Herschel Weingrod 49:59
Okay so But sadly, Warner stated, however you see, okay, look, you guys can produce it, however Arnold Copeland nonetheless must be on board since you see, he had it first. But extra importantly, he is simply completed the movie for us that we’re releasing subsequent 12 months that we expect goes to be actually profitable. So we do not wish to offend him. It’s referred to as the fugitive,
Alex Ferrari 50:25
Fugitive. And you recognize, I write, I knew the place you are going.
Herschel Weingrod 50:29
So, okay, in order that they in order that they companion us up with Arnold. The late Arnold Copas. Yes. And we’re in control of okay, there are some notes from the studio and pal from Joel about revisions, which, which we then give to the author who’s, who’s actually good man, Evie bro Smith. He was an actor earlier than that. And a playwright. And he really executed them even higher than what we may have imagined. But then we give that model to Arnold. Arnold sends it out a title web page, solely his title is on it because the producer who want she continued to do all through the manufacturing all through the credit. He had the credit shot produced by Arnold Coulson, after which there’s the subsequent card says private Weingarten to me the hair. It would not say produced by
Alex Ferrari 51:42
You simply had your names on it, however no credit score.
Herschel Weingrod 51:45
Okay, so then.
Alex Ferrari 51:48
So Hollywood
Herschel Weingrod 51:49
All the best way by way of, he is attempting to chop us out. You see. I imply, we weren’t on that sentence. But I imply, he was on the set day-after-day however I imply, anyway, so he combine up. So I get on the okay we we get a giant time lawyer who offers with who has offers with Warner Brothers title will go unnamed. Our regulation agency on the time. And we get we get we get Warner Brothers on the cellphone. About going to should reshoot the credit as a result of contractually, it says now we have a separate card that claims produced by Well, they are saying now we have a coverage. We haven’t got separate producer playing cards for each single producer. And I stated, Well, Mark, you must take a look at your movie Glengarry Glen Ross someday proper? Because there are separate playing cards for each single producer on that. I really like the film by the best way, I find it irresistible. So should you did it not too way back, you are able to do it once more. So they should reshoot the credit however as soon as once more now it says produced by Arnold Cobo quickly the subsequent card says and Hershey
Alex Ferrari 53:11
But should you nonetheless did not get it produced
Herschel Weingrod 53:13
But and however however take heed to this so But Joe was so upset that he had to return in and reshoot the credit he stated I do not perceive you guys your credit score is true earlier than mine I stated yeah. Joe however your says directed by one in all your automobile simply got here up and stated Joel Schumacher. What craft companies perhaps it is craft companies. I’m studying by utilizing a written by Produced by after which Josha market. Well, what did that man do? Doesn’t say he was pissed. My one other late late Joel Schumacher. I’ve labored with lots of people had been not right here however simply
Alex Ferrari 53:53
So you can discuss you can discuss all types of smack it is nice. No. Gleason ball. Paul Gleason for coaching locations and Breakfast Club. Oh, good, Lord. Now I’ve a really critical query for you about one in all your different tasks. How may you write dialogue for Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig and Michael Jordan multi function script? That’s a ability set, sir.
Herschel Weingrod 54:21
Okay, so had a watch about 20 years of Looney Tune cartoons. Let’s Aiden’s simply to get the ear proper about about how every of those characters converse and, and, and the way they behave. Right? You know, I imply, you I imply, I’ve a fairly good 12 months. I imply, I believed I believed placing that and all that type of stuff. I can do this. I can I can do Daffy and I can do bugs. Porky Pig and
Alex Ferrari 54:52
By the best way earlier than you proceed, we’re speaking about house jam the unique that is what for anyone listening like what’s yeah, it is the film house. champ very massive hit with somewhat identified basketball participant named Michael Jordan. Yeah, so
Herschel Weingrod 55:07
Warner Brothers, they really have a looney tune Police Department. Where if if you are going to, to have any, if you are going to use any Looney Tunes characters they will learn, they’re going to say, no, no, he’d by no means say that. Fox would by no means say that bugs. I’ll by no means do this. And I had, I needed to level out properly, really, on this on this cartoon he did, he did say, the analysis. Yeah, I had to perform a little research. But there’s quite a lot of enjoyable. That was additionally a rewrite. And we did not have an ending till Michael Jordan determined to retire from minor league baseball and return to the NBA. And impulsively, all of our issues had been solved.
Alex Ferrari 55:56
Right! Because he precisely. So he helped you with the ending, primarily
Herschel Weingrod 55:59
Ofcourse, he wrote it for us.
Alex Ferrari 56:03
And that was one other large. I imply, that was a fairly large hit for Warner Brothers. Very, very large hit, and I argue, is somewhat bit higher than the remake. That’s simply my private opinion. I used to be compelled to look at the remake with my youngsters. Okay, if I used to be through the pandemic once they got here out, so to be truthful, however the factor about you additionally with that film was directed by one other legendary director, Mr. Joe pitka. Now, earlier than we proceed, sure, I’ve 100 Joe pika tales that I really like.
Herschel Weingrod 56:38
I really like I really like him.
Alex Ferrari 56:40
If you possibly can say any of any Joe pitka story, publicly,
Herschel Weingrod 56:44
Oh, that Well, that is
Alex Ferrari 56:46
We may sit we may discuss it offline, or over a drink on the entrepreneur pageant. But is there something you possibly can say publicly, as a result of Joe is an notorious director, who was one of the vital proficient business administrators, arguably, in historical past up there with Ridley Scott and me and David Fincher and people sorts of I imply,
Herschel Weingrod 57:08
He had he had a status when he labored on commercials of getting a mood and somewhat bit to ban verbally abusing individuals. And he is and he is like, six, eight and Polish man from Pittsburgh with a
Alex Ferrari 57:28
Very massive, imposing,
Herschel Weingrod 57:31
Large imposing, man. That’s proper.
Alex Ferrari 57:33
And he was I imply, I used to be working with once I acquired began within the enterprise as a director, I got here up as a director, as a business director and the business enterprise. Oh, so I simply heard within the we’re speaking in regards to the mid 90s, to late 90s, early 2000s. Joe pitka. is I imply, it was nice. He Oh, so did he work? Was it somewhat bit totally different within the, within the function movie? Well, I did not hear something about Wow, he labored within the function.
Herschel Weingrod 57:59
Nothing. I imply, nothing unhealthy occurred in any respect. I imply, he is, he is a teddy bear.
Alex Ferrari 58:04
And he actually, it was only a consumer he did not like,
Herschel Weingrod 58:08
And he was nice as properly. I imply, okay, I can say one thing good. Later on. He and his spouse, they’re like, they open this this unbelievable, I believe French restaurant. It’s like a gourmand chef. His spouse is true. And he says enormous gourmand of French meals. I imply, excessive finish Michelin star stuff again within the day.
Alex Ferrari 58:32
And he was introduced on as a result of he did the I believe he did the business variations of it was in there the business? Well, you see Bugs Bunny, and
Herschel Weingrod 58:39
That it got here out of some McDonald’s commercials, I believe with Bugs Bunny and Michael Jordan. Right. And perhaps it was Coca Cola. It was one thing like that. And And these had been so in style that impulsively, look, Warner’s had not made a function with the Looney Tunes, and I do not know, 40 years, proper? Since World War two issues, a type of propaganda options.
Alex Ferrari 59:04
And they introduced Joe and that is in that is such a traditional studio factor. Like who did the commercials. Let’s get him to do the function as a result of he had by no means performed a function earlier than. He by no means directed a function earlier than Perez. So it was simply however he did like each Superbowl business. Like he was the largest business director on the earth.
Herschel Weingrod 59:20
I imply, okay, so, here is a very good story. So once they introduced us on, okay, so Michael, Michael Jordan’s agent, David Falk was was was one of many massive movers of this undertaking. And he represented quite a lot of different nice NBA gamers. So anyway, they, they arrive to us they usually stated, Okay, so we love your script. We’d love your rewrite, however okay, so casting so who do you wish to be the Monstars? What’s your want checklist? They stated, Well, Charles Barkley is finished. How about Patrick Ewing? On Muggsy Bogues he is quick humorous. Done. Shawn Bradley seven six referred to as the stick the massive, skinny white man from BYU. Yeah, you are gonna have him okay, so who’s Michael play? Yeah. Who’s Who’s Michael enjoying golf with web? You know when he like falls down the corridor I stated, Bill Murray and Larry Bird, John. Watch.
Alex Ferrari 1:00:29
By the best way, it is so humorous. I’m actually in the course of watching final dance once more. Because I simply love that documentary. It’s Oh, yeah. Amazing. And watching these guys. Like as we’re speaking all these guys are recent in my thoughts as a result of they see them on the Dream Team. And oh, yeah. And I simply noticed the brand new documented the redeem crew on Netflix, which is all about after we misplaced the the Olympics after which the 12 months after Kobe went again with with the opposite ones and wished once more and what they needed to do. But it is yeah, these guys had been simply, it was a distinct time. It was simply such a distinct time.
Herschel Weingrod 1:01:03
I used to be we really went to that golf course it was in Lake Arrowhead. When they shot that scene. It was actually enjoyable.
Alex Ferrari 1:01:10
Oh, so that you’re speaking about and
Herschel Weingrod 1:01:13
Improvising Bill Murray was an awesome improviser is a good improviser. Because as a result of he really wrote the road. Okay, so when, you recognize, he is attempting to hit up Michael and saying, Look, you assume I can, you recognize, I can dribble and I am unable to soar that nice. But like I may, I may shoot? I imply, do you assume there’s any probability I could make it within the NBA and Michael Jordan says discover, and Bill says it is as a result of I’m white, proper? Whereas whites, Larry’s not fairly. There. He’s clear. Bill Murray made that it was nice. What an awesome line. Larry’s not white make very clear right here
Alex Ferrari 1:02:01
Is translucent. herself. I may hold speaking to you for hours, however I’m going to ask you just a few questions. I ask all my company. What recommendation would you give a screenwriter attempting to interrupt into the enterprise in the present day?
Herschel Weingrod 1:02:17
I hold somewhat posted on my desk. It goes one thing like this. Inspiration is for amateurs. Sit down, shut up and get to work.
Alex Ferrari 1:02:31
It’s an excellent piece of recommendation,
Herschel Weingrod 1:02:32
You know? Well, the opposite one is, lots of people say write what you recognize. Wrong. What did Shakespeare find out about Verona? or one thing’s rotten in Denmark? You assume he spent quite a lot of time in Denmark? Or The Merchant of Venice? Was he like? did some analysis? I do not assume so. No, do not write what you recognize about proper what you care about.
Alex Ferrari 1:03:00
And three of your favourite movies of all time.
Herschel Weingrod 1:03:03
Vertigo. Cuckoo’s Nest. Yeah. Dog Day Afternoon.
Alex Ferrari 1:03:13
I imply, you possibly can’t go flawed with any of these my pal does are all these are all good ones to have on the checklist with out query.
Herschel Weingrod 1:03:19
I imply, I’ve.
Alex Ferrari 1:03:21
I imply, I imply, a whole bunch of a whole bunch. But yeah, these are the three that come up in the present day. And you and so one different factor. You and I are each going to be on the little little movie pageant that would the Austin movie pageant right here in Austin arising within the within the month. I really like your story. You informed me off air. Can you inform me how you bought concerned with the Austin Film Festival all these years in the past?
Herschel Weingrod 1:03:43
Well, I used to be studying about how there’s this Film Festival in Austin. It’s the one one which’s dedicated to screenwriting. So I believed, properly, I’d wish to go and be part of that not less than watch it. So I discovered the title of the founder. And she’s really nonetheless working. Barbara Morgan. She’s unbelievable. And I wrote her and I launched myself and I stated, Look, your your pageant sounds unbelievable. I’m very supportive. I’d wish to volunteer my companies. off, I’ll fly myself out and put myself up and if you wish to put me on some panels or one thing, I’d wish to be concerned and see what it is like. And she stated, okay, and that was about 2003. And I’ve been going ever since we will not prepare, as a result of they cowl somewhat breaks. They hold asking me again.
Alex Ferrari 1:04:41
They cannot eliminate you.
Herschel Weingrod 1:04:44
Oh, they’ve good. Listen, there is a barbecue pit within the airport. So how unhealthy may it’s? Right there. And that is not even Austin’s greatest, nevertheless it’s fairly good.
Alex Ferrari 1:04:56
It’s from what I hear. It’s probably the greatest barbecue is out right here. Oh, questions? Yeah, I imply, there’s worse locations to go is what you are saying.
Herschel Weingrod 1:05:07
The different factor that is nice about Austin is it is like nowhere in Texas. Nowhere Texas. You’re in Berkeley.
Alex Ferrari 1:05:16
Exactly. People like oh, you progress to Texas. I’m going, No, no, no, no, I moved to Austin. Completely totally different world. It’s like,
Herschel Weingrod 1:05:23
I imply, yeah, I imply, you are there. So however I imply, different individuals do not know. I imply, you stroll into an area Gift Store, even within the airport that had among the T shirts say Keep Austin bizarre.
Alex Ferrari 1:05:36
Absolutely. And that and one thing in regards to the bats and it is a hippie. It’s like, we’re all of the loopy artistic artists of the final 50 years. 60 years in Texas, all gravitated to the it’s Berkeley it’s it’s San Francisco. San Francisco.
Herschel Weingrod 1:05:55
Yes. Berkeley. It’s, it is an arbor again within the day, I suppose as soon as upon a time.
Alex Ferrari 1:06:02
I imply, it for anyone who’s ever been to Miami. It’s somewhat bit totally different than Gainesville, or the remainder of the remainder of Florida is a basic assertion. Miami barely totally different. Yeah. Well,
Herschel Weingrod 1:06:12
I imply, you do not see quite a lot of rednecks in in Austin.
Alex Ferrari 1:06:17
That a lot. No, no, no, go
Herschel Weingrod 1:06:20
You should exit to the hill nation. I suppose you bought to
Alex Ferrari 1:06:23
No farther. Further, additional, additional, additional additional. But hear, it has been a pleasure speaking to you and I stay up for catching up with you right here in Austin while you come to the Austin Film Festival and thanks from the underside of my coronary heart for being part of so many superb movies which have helped formed my my youth my pal so I recognize you a lot, man.
Herschel Weingrod 1:06:47
Thank you, my pal. I loved it.
