“When a writer types THE END, it is the beginning of a process that involves hundreds of jobs and services before the script even reaches the actual production stage.” Frank Pierson, Writer (Dog Day Afternoon, Cool Hand Luke)
As the process for making Closure continues, more and more people will join the team. The Frank Pierson quote above is part of a larger quote, which always inspires me when I feel like I’m writing into the ether. The screenwriter is the ultimate job creator (if the movie goes into production, of course). In addition to the victory of just getting a movie made, it will be an added bonus to see a group of people paid to work (and probably a few interns as well).
As a new person joins Team Closure, this blog will introduce them with a brief interview. With that in mind, here’s the first installment. Beau Genot has over 100 film and TV credits ranging from producer to production supervisor to writer and director. He thrives in the independent filmmaking world, contributing to a wide variety of great films including The Spectacular Now, Hard Candy, Mysterious Skin, An Inconvenient Truth, and… oh, just go to his IMDB page already. He even wrote and directed Trucker Patty, an incredible documentary short about a transgender truck driver. Many of the movies he has worked on have premiered at Sundance and found distribution.
He and I were introduced by my manager last year, and after reading the script, Beau saw the potential and agreed to come on board. We have spent the past few months shaping the story, and now Beau will work out a budget so we can take it to potential investors.
Like any good producer, Beau is working on a number of projects in various stages of production. On a break he took time to answer the Closure Q&A. As more people join the team, we will hear their answers.
Go go Beau!
Home town:
I was born in Harvard, IL but grew up in Zion, IL.
When did you move to Los Angeles?
I left IL on Oct. 31, 1988. I spent 2 months in Albuquerque before finally making it to LA mid January 1989.
Biggest culture shock moment in your first year in L.A.:
I don’t recall any culture shock. I was pretty naive when I moved here, so everything was new to me. If anything, I was shocked by how large LA was. You can’t just go to the beach every day, because it is a haul.
First paying gig in L.A.:
I worked for a temp agency. I think the first job was at Fries Entertainment. I was an assistant for someone.
Favorite job so far:
Working with Zalman King at Red Shoe Diaries was an incredible experience. It was like getting paid to go to film school. I learned a lot.
Most recent job or gig:
I own my own production company. I make films and also work as a post production supervisor on various films.
Hobbies:
I love to travel and have gotten into cruising. I love to read and am a big fan of learning.
Your go-to L.A. comfort food:
The Grilled Cheese Truck. They have the best tater tots.
Makin' It 