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The 3:00 AM Emergency

[Blind Gossip] There is a very successful producer named Brian Koppelman.

Even if you don’t know him, you definitely know his work. He is the co-creator of Billions on Showtime and is also responsible for films like Solitary Man, Rounders, and Ocean’s Thirteen.

Koppelman recently told a story – via a series of Twitter posts – about a legendary director who called him in the middle of the night when faced with an emergency situation.

By the way, Koppelman mentions a man named “Dave” in the story. Dave is likely David Levien, who is the co-creator of Billions.

Here is Brian Koppelman’s story:

Okay. Here’s another edition of Hollywood Gold. This is about a AAA director. One of the true legends. Deservedly so. A genius. Also, a total jerk. Trade off is worth it for his art, I think.

But: Dave and I went on a research trip w this gentleman, to a warm weather city. The idea was to interview some experts in the field.

we arrive in the city, to be met by the director, at his hotel room, upon entering he says, “I’m recording.”

“recording?” Yah, he says, every word said on this trip will be taped. He will then send us a transcript by day’s end, for us to approve, before it gets filed. 

this was true. Each day we got a transcript of all conversations we had all day. Quirky. But fine, I guess.

Koppelman then goes on to describe dome of The Director’s eccentricities.

but this fella also had a huge macho streak. He had a car delivered to him in this city. And it had a new kind of shifting system. Which he hasn’t mastered. So he’d rev it to the red, lurch, take off like a rocket and then say “oh, does this baby go!”

he ran us ragged on go-fast boats and sports cars and drinks and late night meetings w men who had interdicted drug dealers and all sorts of crap. Finally, it’s 3am, and I go to sleep.

I should mention he’s 25 years older than I am. So: I’m asleep, and—oh, I should also mention that he’s worth 100mm plus but never tipped anyone.

Dave and I had to run behind him tipping the people he was asking for special accommodations all weekend. ANYWAY…

Now comes the emergency.

I’m asleep at 3AM. And my phone rings. “Brian. It’s (director). I’m having kind of an emergent [sic] situation. Come to my room!

Holy crap, he’s having a heart attack. I throw on my jeans, race to the elevator, get to his suite. He lets me in and looks fine.

what’s wrong, man?

come look at this. It’s fucked up.

now I think he murdered someone and needs me to bury the body.

This is getting exciting!

But no…

“take a look at this computer. (Sneaker company) just sent me the new commercial I did. I have to send back notes. But I can’t get the damned thing on.”

“you woke me to turn on your laptop computer? So you could give edit notes on a commercial?”

“yeah. My assistant shuts off her phone. I need you to stay and type for me, too.”

again, all true. I have contemporaneous witnesses. And I will NEVER say who it is.

Similar: Chase Catch Caught Curb

Director:

[Optional] Who is the greatest director of all time? Your favorite film of his/hers?

Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. montebell says

    Martin Scorsese. Koppelman is early 50s and Scorsese is late 70s. His daughter Francesca designed sneakers, so he probably directed a commercial for them.

  6. kevlar99 says

    Terry Gilliam? He did a Nike commercial in 2002 and is 26 years older than Koppelman. Also the quotes from him seem more British to me.

    • bluestocking says

      I hear you on the ad and the age, but Gilliam is American and is no way a AAA director (last hit was … Many moons ago)

  8. aemish says

    No idea who this director is but I can’t wait to read the guesses! I can’t stop smiling reading this story! :D)))

  12. Jhonea says

    No idea, but this one sentence sums up what’s wrong with Hollywood:

    “A genius. Also, a total jerk. Trade off is worth it for his art, I think.”

  13. Summerborn says

    At first I was getting a Tarantino vibe from this, but upon further reflection, I think it’s Steven Soderbergh, who directed Ocean’s 13. Brian Koppelman and Dave Levien also worked on that film.

  16. LizardQueen says

    Coppola or Scorcese…

    both shot in the dark since I’m guessing they are around that age (mid to late 70’s)

    • lovefifteen says

      Ding ding ding. We have a winner. I can’t believe you’re the only person to guess Michael Mann, who is absolutely the correct answer.