Hollywood producer Gary Goldstein has been a driving force behind some of the most iconic films in cinema history. With blockbusters like "Pretty Woman," "Under Siege," and "The Mothman Prophecies" under his belt, Goldstein's work has garnered numerous Academy Award nominations, People’s Choice Awards, and a Golden Globe. His films have not only achieved critical acclaim but have also generated over a billion dollars in box office revenue.
Gary Goldstein's expertise extends beyond film production. He is also a philanthropist, speaker, author, and consultant, often serving as a trusted advisor to Hollywood's A-list. Film Industry Network delves into the mindset that has driven Gary's remarkable success.
Gary Goldstein's journey into film production began during a challenging period in Hollywood. In 1988, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) went on strike, causing significant economic and operational disruptions in the film and television industries. The strike lasted nearly a year, affecting not only Hollywood but also the broader economies of Los Angeles and California.
"Every problem or obstacle is merely an opportunity in disguise," says Goldstein. During the strike, while many were paralyzed by fear and uncertainty, Goldstein saw a unique opportunity to pivot. He decided to produce a low-budget independent film.
At the time, Goldstein ran a literary management company representing writers and directors. He reached out to one of his writer clients, J.F. Lawton, and proposed that Lawton direct his first film. They dusted off an older low-budget script, raised approximately $200,000, and Goldstein took on the role of producer.
In just four weeks, Goldstein and his team prepped, cast, crewed, shot, and post-produced the film "Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death." This project was a turning point in Goldstein's career. Interestingly, during this period, Goldstein and Lawton were accepted into Sundance's production lab with a script initially titled "3000," which would later become the blockbuster "Pretty Woman."
"The moral of the story is simple: Take action, do your passion, believe in yourself and what’s possible," Goldstein emphasizes. The success of "Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death" jump-started his producing career, and he has never looked back.
Today, with advancements in technology, anyone with a passion for filmmaking can create a short or feature film. Goldstein believes that the barriers to entry have significantly lowered, making it possible for more people to pursue their dreams in the film industry.
Gary Goldstein's career is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and seizing opportunities. His journey from producing a low-budget indie film during a Hollywood strike to creating some of the most memorable films in cinema history is truly inspiring. For those looking to break into the film industry, Goldstein's story serves as a powerful reminder that with passion and determination, anything is possible.
For more insights and updates from Gary Goldstein, visit his blog.
The Future of Film: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities
A diverse group of industry professionals gathered at the Sheraton Delfina Hotel in Santa Monica, California, to delve into the current state and future prospects of the film industry. This event, organized by Variety and DigitalMediaWire, brought together some of Hollywood's most influential figures to discuss the evolving landscape of cinema.
Flash Game Licensing: A Win-Win Situation
Product inventors aren't the only ones who can benefit from the concept of licensing. One very popular type of licensing benefits both Flash game deve...
Benefits of Product Licensing for Inventors
This is where licensing can really benefit inventors with innovative ideas that would appeal to a number of people. Inventors can license their produc...
