Sunrise, Jaisalmer, India, 2006
AWARD WINNERS
These stories won honors for journalism.
The Dangerous Art of Aerial Cinematography
SoCal Journalism Award (L.A. Press Club; Maggie Award (Western Publishing Assn.)
SoCal Journalism Award (L.A. Press Club; Maggie Award (Western Publishing Assn.)
For one of the very first episodes of Variety's Artisans video series, we took a ridealong with helicopter pilot Alan Purwin and aerial DP David Nowell. We discovered a deeper story than we expected.
Alan was killed in a plane crash about a year after we filmed this — returning from a job, as a passenger. If he'd been at the controls, I'm convinced he'd be alive today.
Alan was killed in a plane crash about a year after we filmed this — returning from a job, as a passenger. If he'd been at the controls, I'm convinced he'd be alive today.
Force of Gravity
Alfonso Cuaron Returns to the Bigscreen After Seven Years With ‘Gravity’
Maggie Award
Dave McNary and I collaborated on this profile of Cuaron, which won a Maggie Award from the Western Publishing Assn.
Alfonso Cuaron Returns to the Bigscreen After Seven Years With ‘Gravity’
Maggie Award
Dave McNary and I collaborated on this profile of Cuaron, which won a Maggie Award from the Western Publishing Assn.
The End
Filmmakers Lament End of 35mm Film Prints
SoCal Journalism Award
Andrew Stewart and I worked together on this deep dive into the end of an era: The extinction of 35mm film prints.
Filmmakers Lament End of 35mm Film Prints
SoCal Journalism Award
Andrew Stewart and I worked together on this deep dive into the end of an era: The extinction of 35mm film prints.
ARTISANS VIDEO
I produced and wrote about 100 episodes of Variety Artisans video over 30 months before leaving the newsroom to join the new Variety Content Studio. Below are some of my favorite episodes.
ZOMBIE BITES!
Greg Nicotero and The Walking Dead
I grew up on "Famous Monsters of FIlmland" and idolized f/x makeup guys. So of course I wanted to visit Greg Nicotero's shop. Come on, man, it's zombies, it's The Walking Dead… and so much more.
Greg Nicotero and The Walking Dead
I grew up on "Famous Monsters of FIlmland" and idolized f/x makeup guys. So of course I wanted to visit Greg Nicotero's shop. Come on, man, it's zombies, it's The Walking Dead… and so much more.
TERMINATOR GENISYS
Armorer Harry Lu
"Arnold Gets the Biggest Gun"
I had written the official making-of book for Terminator Genisys and knew there was a story to be done about the film's armorer. I'm not a gun guy, but with the help of legendary armorer Harry Lu, I got a deeper understanding of the allure, and the danger, of firearms onscreen.
Armorer Harry Lu
"Arnold Gets the Biggest Gun"
I had written the official making-of book for Terminator Genisys and knew there was a story to be done about the film's armorer. I'm not a gun guy, but with the help of legendary armorer Harry Lu, I got a deeper understanding of the allure, and the danger, of firearms onscreen.
THE BIG SHORT
Editor Hank Corwin
I loved The Big Short and Hank Corwin's work on the film. And I'm a big fan of Armando Aparicio, our Artisans editor. So we got a little meta with this one.
Editor Hank Corwin
I loved The Big Short and Hank Corwin's work on the film. And I'm a big fan of Armando Aparicio, our Artisans editor. So we got a little meta with this one.
THE REVENANT
Cinematographer Emmanuel "Chivo” Lubezki
I found out the hard way that Chivo doesn't do interviews on camera. Just flat-out won't do it. So for this episode we hoped to record an audio interview of him. Still, I had my doubts whether he'd be able to schedule it, so throughout that Awards Season I asked other DPs about him. This video "write around" worked so well that when Chivo saw it, he joked that he should never do any more interviews, just let other people talk about him.
Cinematographer Emmanuel "Chivo” Lubezki
I found out the hard way that Chivo doesn't do interviews on camera. Just flat-out won't do it. So for this episode we hoped to record an audio interview of him. Still, I had my doubts whether he'd be able to schedule it, so throughout that Awards Season I asked other DPs about him. This video "write around" worked so well that when Chivo saw it, he joked that he should never do any more interviews, just let other people talk about him.
ANOMALISA:
Sculpting Animated Characters with Carol Koch
Even in this age of digital filmmaking and CG animation, a lot of production is driven by hand-craftsmanship. That's especially true in stop-motion animation. Anomalisa's Carol Koch invited us in to see how it's done.
Sculpting Animated Characters with Carol Koch
Even in this age of digital filmmaking and CG animation, a lot of production is driven by hand-craftsmanship. That's especially true in stop-motion animation. Anomalisa's Carol Koch invited us in to see how it's done.
INSIDE OUT:
Designing Characters for Pixar
Sometimes, if we ask very, very nicely, some of the artisans we profile will come to Variety and actually do the work they're famous for. Albert Lozano, Character Art Director for Pixar came and did some drawing to show us how Inside Out character designs reveal personalities.
Designing Characters for Pixar
Sometimes, if we ask very, very nicely, some of the artisans we profile will come to Variety and actually do the work they're famous for. Albert Lozano, Character Art Director for Pixar came and did some drawing to show us how Inside Out character designs reveal personalities.
FIERCE ON THE COURT
The L.A. Clippers Spirit Dancers
Ever have an idea you were absolutely convinced was great, then have it fall flat — until the world catches up with you? I was convinced we had a great episode about the L.A. Clippers Spirit Dancers. I thought they were fun and charismatic, and it was fantastic getting backstage at Staples Center. Then nobody watched the episode. Oh well. But then, the Spirit Dancers got their own reality show. So I was right about their potential. Was I right about this episode?
The L.A. Clippers Spirit Dancers
Ever have an idea you were absolutely convinced was great, then have it fall flat — until the world catches up with you? I was convinced we had a great episode about the L.A. Clippers Spirit Dancers. I thought they were fun and charismatic, and it was fantastic getting backstage at Staples Center. Then nobody watched the episode. Oh well. But then, the Spirit Dancers got their own reality show. So I was right about their potential. Was I right about this episode?
SICARIO
Cinematographer Roger Deakins
We had Roger Deakins as a guest a couple of times. He's as great a guy as you'd want him to be. In this episode we talked about his approach to Sicario, which got him his 13th Oscar nomination — but he didn't win until #s 14 and 15.
Cinematographer Roger Deakins
We had Roger Deakins as a guest a couple of times. He's as great a guy as you'd want him to be. In this episode we talked about his approach to Sicario, which got him his 13th Oscar nomination — but he didn't win until #s 14 and 15.
NEWS
The Little-Known Execs Who Move Mountains for Major Studios
I interviewed the heads of physical production at the major studios for this cover story. As far as we have been able to determine, it's the first and only time all heads of physical production consented to be interviewed for a single story.
I interviewed the heads of physical production at the major studios for this cover story. As far as we have been able to determine, it's the first and only time all heads of physical production consented to be interviewed for a single story.
Artisans So White:
Minority Workers and the Fight Against Below-the-Line Bias
The last story I did as a Variety reporter was this cover story on racism in Hollywood. I had the experience covering below-the-line artisans to write this story. I was shocked by some of what I heard. But I'm a middle-aged white guy. Was this my story to tell? I made peace with the idea that many Variety readers are also middle-aged white guys, and might be as shocked as I was.
Minority Workers and the Fight Against Below-the-Line Bias
The last story I did as a Variety reporter was this cover story on racism in Hollywood. I had the experience covering below-the-line artisans to write this story. I was shocked by some of what I heard. But I'm a middle-aged white guy. Was this my story to tell? I made peace with the idea that many Variety readers are also middle-aged white guys, and might be as shocked as I was.
Accusations fly in Kerner bankruptcy
Owners blame one another for once-proud f/x company's demise
Kerner Optical was once Industrial Light & Magic. But when ILM went digital, the practical f/x shop was spun off under a new name. They claimed to have ambitions of becoming a technology company and growing like Pixar. But was it all a scam?
Owners blame one another for once-proud f/x company's demise
Kerner Optical was once Industrial Light & Magic. But when ILM went digital, the practical f/x shop was spun off under a new name. They claimed to have ambitions of becoming a technology company and growing like Pixar. But was it all a scam?
George Lucas & Steven Spielberg: Studios Will Implode; VOD Is the Future
Moguls predict tentpole "meltdown," pricey pics and empathetic games.
Looking into their crystal ball, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg predicted the imminent arrival of a radically different entertainment landscape, including pricey movie tickets, a vast migration of content to video-on-demand and even programmable dreams.
Moguls predict tentpole "meltdown," pricey pics and empathetic games.
Looking into their crystal ball, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg predicted the imminent arrival of a radically different entertainment landscape, including pricey movie tickets, a vast migration of content to video-on-demand and even programmable dreams.
Ang Lee Reveals Secrets of ‘Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Ang Lee trusted me to tell the story of the making of his tech-forward passion project. I think if more people had seen what a select few saw in his NAB Show demonstrations (4K, 120 frames/second, high dynamic range, 3D) it might have done better. He's trying to take cinema in new directions. I think he's ahead of his time.
Ang Lee trusted me to tell the story of the making of his tech-forward passion project. I think if more people had seen what a select few saw in his NAB Show demonstrations (4K, 120 frames/second, high dynamic range, 3D) it might have done better. He's trying to take cinema in new directions. I think he's ahead of his time.
‘Mister Transparency’ on Life After The Sony Hack
Live as if you're being watched, says astrophysicist and author David Brin, who wrote “The Transparent Society,” in which he predicts that traditional notions of privacy will wither away in the face of ubiquitous technology — and that the world will be better, on balance, when that happens.
Live as if you're being watched, says astrophysicist and author David Brin, who wrote “The Transparent Society,” in which he predicts that traditional notions of privacy will wither away in the face of ubiquitous technology — and that the world will be better, on balance, when that happens.
NFL’s Scores in Ratings Make the TV Biz Willing to Follow the Game Plan
In my view, there has never been an entity as powerful in American television as the National Football League. In this story, I look at the extent of the NFL's dominance and the reasons behind it.
In my view, there has never been an entity as powerful in American television as the National Football League. In this story, I look at the extent of the NFL's dominance and the reasons behind it.
The History of Pixar:
Lucas Left The Party Early, Disney Came Late
This is a favorite article of mine because I uncovered some information that deviates from the Pixar party line.
Lucas Left The Party Early, Disney Came Late
This is a favorite article of mine because I uncovered some information that deviates from the Pixar party line.
FEATURES AND PROFILES
Gale Anne Hurd Dives Into the Deep End
Producer faces fears while maintaining composure
I have long found Gale Anne Hurd to be one of the more compelling personalities in show business — and that was before she found new success with The Walking Dead. I was lucky to get to write the lead profile for Variety’s “Billion Dollar Producer” package on her.
Producer faces fears while maintaining composure
I have long found Gale Anne Hurd to be one of the more compelling personalities in show business — and that was before she found new success with The Walking Dead. I was lucky to get to write the lead profile for Variety’s “Billion Dollar Producer” package on her.
‘Winter’s Bone’ Author Daniel Woodrell on New Novel ‘The Maid’s Version’
The film of his “country noir” novel made Jennifer Lawrence a star; the author returns with a fiery new tale
The film of his “country noir” novel made Jennifer Lawrence a star; the author returns with a fiery new tale
Al Pacino Tackles Each Role Like a Novice
AFI honoree arrives with desire intact
“When you really don’t know what you’re doing, it’s hard to work with someone,” he says with a laugh. “It’s great fun. But I just wish I had more talent.”
AFI honoree arrives with desire intact
“When you really don’t know what you’re doing, it’s hard to work with someone,” he says with a laugh. “It’s great fun. But I just wish I had more talent.”
The Bruckheimer Paradox
Variety's Showman of the Year lets his blockbusters and hit TV series do the talking
Variety's Showman of the Year lets his blockbusters and hit TV series do the talking
Don Rickles Recalls His Career
Pinnacle Award winner explains origins of a funny name
Don Rickles is a comedy legend, the man with the most guest appearances on the Johnny Carson show, a Las Vegas headliner for half a century —But he doesn’t think of himself as a comic, exactly.
Pinnacle Award winner explains origins of a funny name
Don Rickles is a comedy legend, the man with the most guest appearances on the Johnny Carson show, a Las Vegas headliner for half a century —But he doesn’t think of himself as a comic, exactly.
Authors Rocked By Roles
Characters have a way of wrecking writers' best-laid plans
When I was a screenwriter, I found that sometimes the characters simply wouldn't behave the way I wanted them to. It turns out I'm not alone; the premise of Stranger Than Fiction — a character who confronts his author, refusing to die — is all to familiar to fiction writers.
Characters have a way of wrecking writers' best-laid plans
When I was a screenwriter, I found that sometimes the characters simply wouldn't behave the way I wanted them to. It turns out I'm not alone; the premise of Stranger Than Fiction — a character who confronts his author, refusing to die — is all to familiar to fiction writers.
Behind Fame Monster, a Rose
Veteran puppeteer Tim Rose brings fantasy creature to life
When I was a freshman at SUNY Albany, Tim Rose was a senior. He went on to play Admiral Akbar ("It's a trap!") in Return of the Jedi. When I heard he'd designed Lady Gaga's Fame Monster, I couldn't resist the chance to connect and interview him.
Veteran puppeteer Tim Rose brings fantasy creature to life
When I was a freshman at SUNY Albany, Tim Rose was a senior. He went on to play Admiral Akbar ("It's a trap!") in Return of the Jedi. When I heard he'd designed Lady Gaga's Fame Monster, I couldn't resist the chance to connect and interview him.
Penn & Teller Find Magic in Clashing Styles
Disagreements forged odd couple into enduring team
The pair came to their act hating magic — so they reinvented the form for a new audience.
Disagreements forged odd couple into enduring team
The pair came to their act hating magic — so they reinvented the form for a new audience.
TECHNOLOGY AND VISUAL EFFECTS
Blockbusters take toll on f/x shops
Hollywood puts pressure on techies
A visual effects pro once told me this was the most important article ever written about the vfx industry. It certainly anticipated the carnage in the industry that followed, as the craft became commoditized and exploitative labor practices became rampant.
Hollywood puts pressure on techies
A visual effects pro once told me this was the most important article ever written about the vfx industry. It certainly anticipated the carnage in the industry that followed, as the craft became commoditized and exploitative labor practices became rampant.
Lytro Camera Introduction Draws a Crowd at NAB Show — and Promises a Revolution
Lytro's light-field cinema camera prototype is like science fiction come to life
Light-field technology has the potential to let filmmakers choose "lens," focus and more in post — Lytro's prototype was the size of an SUV, and it didn't go anywhere, but it's only a matter of time before this tech matures.
Lytro's light-field cinema camera prototype is like science fiction come to life
Light-field technology has the potential to let filmmakers choose "lens," focus and more in post — Lytro's prototype was the size of an SUV, and it didn't go anywhere, but it's only a matter of time before this tech matures.
Back to the Future:
100 Years of Entertainment Technology
Variety's Centennial Issue
A look at 100 years of entertainment technology, from the Nickelodeon to the iPod, and how new inventions changed performance styles — and audience expectations — through the decades.
100 Years of Entertainment Technology
Variety's Centennial Issue
A look at 100 years of entertainment technology, from the Nickelodeon to the iPod, and how new inventions changed performance styles — and audience expectations — through the decades.
Steve Jobs Dies at 56
Apple mogul gave Hollywood a digital distribution outlet
Steven Jobs may have had the greatest impact on everyday lives in general, and showbiz in particular, of any technologist since Thomas Edison — and his impact on showbiz dwarfs even Edison’s.
Apple mogul gave Hollywood a digital distribution outlet
Steven Jobs may have had the greatest impact on everyday lives in general, and showbiz in particular, of any technologist since Thomas Edison — and his impact on showbiz dwarfs even Edison’s.
Digital Cinema Cameras Have Actors Reloading
High-def revolutionizes the craft of actors, director
I'm fascinated by how technology bounces off creative — how the tools affect the art. This is something I heard about quite a lot at the time: The shift from shooting negative to shooting digital made sets sloppier and looser, among other things.
High-def revolutionizes the craft of actors, director
I'm fascinated by how technology bounces off creative — how the tools affect the art. This is something I heard about quite a lot at the time: The shift from shooting negative to shooting digital made sets sloppier and looser, among other things.
Victim of Its Success: Film’s Last Surge Plants Seeds of Its Demise
Tech innovations made basics of 35mm projection easy and safe but also led to degraded prints
I don't think most people realize how invisible changes in technology affect their entertainment experience. In the case of movie projection, "small" changes in the booth meant huge differences for moviegoers. This retrospective ran with our Award-winning story on the end of film prints.
Tech innovations made basics of 35mm projection easy and safe but also led to degraded prints
I don't think most people realize how invisible changes in technology affect their entertainment experience. In the case of movie projection, "small" changes in the booth meant huge differences for moviegoers. This retrospective ran with our Award-winning story on the end of film prints.
Taking on Virtual Zombies With Oculus Rift
Can goggles and headphones really alter your existence?
It depends on your life, I guess.
Me? I’m a middle-aged, overweight Jewish writer with bad joints and presbyopia. I drive a used Subaru. My only fight training has been at tai chi speed… But then I entered the Rift
Can goggles and headphones really alter your existence?
It depends on your life, I guess.
Me? I’m a middle-aged, overweight Jewish writer with bad joints and presbyopia. I drive a used Subaru. My only fight training has been at tai chi speed… But then I entered the Rift
Cameron Supercharges 3-D
'Avatar' helmer reveals the art & science of stereo
Director James Cameron's upcoming "Avatar" ranked as one of the most anticipated film projects in recent memory. This was the director's most extensive exploration of 3-D to date.
'Avatar' helmer reveals the art & science of stereo
Director James Cameron's upcoming "Avatar" ranked as one of the most anticipated film projects in recent memory. This was the director's most extensive exploration of 3-D to date.
OPINION AND ANALYSIS
'Transformers': A Splendidly Patriotic Film, If You Happen To Be Chinese
Bay, Spielberg and Paramount kowtow for cash
My first reaction to “Age of Extinction” was that it was an astonishingly unpatriotic film. But I was wrong. “Transformers: Age of Extinction,” is a very patriotic film. It’s just Chinese patriotism on the screen, not American. ....
Bay, Spielberg and Paramount kowtow for cash
My first reaction to “Age of Extinction” was that it was an astonishingly unpatriotic film. But I was wrong. “Transformers: Age of Extinction,” is a very patriotic film. It’s just Chinese patriotism on the screen, not American. ....
VFX Biz a Barometer of Bigger Debate
As pols ponder outsourcing vs. offshoring, biz is already living the consequences
As President Obama and former Governor Romney traded barbs over “outsourcing” vs. “offshoring,” I thought, “Hey! I know something about that.” And then I thought of the words of Nelson Mandela: “Where you stand depends on where you sit.”
As pols ponder outsourcing vs. offshoring, biz is already living the consequences
As President Obama and former Governor Romney traded barbs over “outsourcing” vs. “offshoring,” I thought, “Hey! I know something about that.” And then I thought of the words of Nelson Mandela: “Where you stand depends on where you sit.”
Guilds? Nah. Here’s Who the VFX Biz Needs
Agents are capable of the ultimate special effect: making it rain money for undervalued companies
There’s one thing that can make these artist-driven companies into the stars they should be: Agents. That’s right: Moneygrubbing, mendacious, self-interested agents — bless their tiny hearts — are just the thing to rescue the vfx industry.
Agents are capable of the ultimate special effect: making it rain money for undervalued companies
There’s one thing that can make these artist-driven companies into the stars they should be: Agents. That’s right: Moneygrubbing, mendacious, self-interested agents — bless their tiny hearts — are just the thing to rescue the vfx industry.
Does ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ Glorify Criminals? No.
Why Scorsese's pic is this generation's 'Scarface' (the 1932 version, that is)
I think “The Wolf of Wall Street” and the original 1932 “Scarface” try to do exactly the same thing, in similar ways. The two films even engendered some of the same controversies, yet – ironically – “Scarface” may have been rescued from those controversies, at least a little, by the film censorship of the time.
Why Scorsese's pic is this generation's 'Scarface' (the 1932 version, that is)
I think “The Wolf of Wall Street” and the original 1932 “Scarface” try to do exactly the same thing, in similar ways. The two films even engendered some of the same controversies, yet – ironically – “Scarface” may have been rescued from those controversies, at least a little, by the film censorship of the time.
Fadeout of Film Stock Reflects Biz Changes
Hollywood still struggles with transition to digital
As I moderated the Q&A that followed a Variety screening, the director said he prefers to shoot on film, and the audience applauded. Loudly. I was flabbergasted. "Yay, film!" Really? Why would a Hollywood movie audience applaud film stock? I think Hollywood's filmmaking community is grieving a world that appears to be rapidly slipping away.
Hollywood still struggles with transition to digital
As I moderated the Q&A that followed a Variety screening, the director said he prefers to shoot on film, and the audience applauded. Loudly. I was flabbergasted. "Yay, film!" Really? Why would a Hollywood movie audience applaud film stock? I think Hollywood's filmmaking community is grieving a world that appears to be rapidly slipping away.
High-Tech Entertainment Promotes Guns
Immersive pics influence audience behavior, sometimes inadvertently
Let’s remember there’s an active campaign against smoking in movies, because when smoking is glamorized onscreen, that is thought to encourage smoking by auds, especially among impressionable young people. Guns are glamorized onscreen far more.
Immersive pics influence audience behavior, sometimes inadvertently
Let’s remember there’s an active campaign against smoking in movies, because when smoking is glamorized onscreen, that is thought to encourage smoking by auds, especially among impressionable young people. Guns are glamorized onscreen far more.
Are Tentpoles Too Much of a Good Thing?
Hard times and pricey tix are turning auds off
I'm really not "get off my lawn" guy, but I think I was right about this. Though honestly, I'm not sure there's a better solution for the movie industry.
Hard times and pricey tix are turning auds off
I'm really not "get off my lawn" guy, but I think I was right about this. Though honestly, I'm not sure there's a better solution for the movie industry.
Media Biz Must Master the Mobile Web or Face the Guillotine
Variety covers changing ways of consuming entertainment as magazine changes too
I was honored to have a column in the final print edition of Daily Variety. I looked at Variety's own history and what it foretold about the future. I think I got a lot right.
Variety covers changing ways of consuming entertainment as magazine changes too
I was honored to have a column in the final print edition of Daily Variety. I looked at Variety's own history and what it foretold about the future. I think I got a lot right.