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The 3:00 AM Emergency

December 28, 2019 Blind Gossip

[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:

1) 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:

— Brian Koppelman (@briankoppelman) December 28, 2019

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?

Blind Items director, movies, producer, TV

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Theaterfan says

    December 30, 2019 at 4:37 pm

    This sounds like Scorsese, who always seems so manic to me.

  2. craisins86 says

    December 29, 2019 at 11:58 am

    Whoever they are, they sound pathetic – and tedious.

  3. montebell says

    December 29, 2019 at 8:32 am

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

  4. LadyPiper says

    December 29, 2019 at 8:12 am

    it just might be Michael Mann.

  5. MaryQuiteContrary says

    December 29, 2019 at 7:41 am

    This could be David FIncher. He directed a Nike ad (as have many others).

  6. kevlar99 says

    December 29, 2019 at 7:38 am

    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

      December 29, 2019 at 10:54 am

      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)

  7. Oztransplant says

    December 29, 2019 at 7:19 am

    David Lynch
    He directed a Adidas Commercial

  8. aemish says

    December 29, 2019 at 6:51 am

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

  9. scumbellina says

    December 29, 2019 at 6:15 am

    Spike Lee?

  10. aaaSept says

    December 29, 2019 at 2:02 am

    Director: David Lynch

    He’s directed a Nike commercial and is in his 70s.

  11. Oh em tea gee says

    December 29, 2019 at 12:19 am

    This has got to be David Fincher.

    Favorite of all time? Current contender is Greta Gerwig.

  12. Jhonea says

    December 28, 2019 at 11:45 pm

    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

    December 28, 2019 at 10:27 pm

    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.

  14. Meowchie says

    December 28, 2019 at 9:51 pm

    Ridley Scott

  15. aaawam20 says

    December 28, 2019 at 9:44 pm

    Sounds like James Cameron.

  16. LizardQueen says

    December 28, 2019 at 9:26 pm

    Coppola or Scorcese…

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

    • dorothy says

      December 29, 2019 at 11:06 am

      Oooh, I like the Coppola guess. I think you got it.

  17. gayguy says

    December 28, 2019 at 9:21 pm

    Michael Mann

    • lovefifteen says

      December 29, 2019 at 7:28 pm

      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.

  18. aaabm93 says

    December 28, 2019 at 8:53 pm

    Spike Jonze?

  19. aaajailo says

    December 28, 2019 at 8:43 pm

    Tim Burton – totally has to be him

  20. labhluva14 says

    December 28, 2019 at 8:25 pm

    David Lynch…Adidas commercial

  21. Riley831 says

    December 28, 2019 at 7:46 pm

    Martin Scorsese

    • mmssjj18 says

      December 29, 2019 at 4:49 pm

      lol yes this

  22. Summerborn says

    December 28, 2019 at 7:42 pm

    I’m getting Quentin Tarantino vibes from this one!

  23. badgerette85 says

    December 28, 2019 at 6:16 pm

    Hmmm… Spike Lee.
    He did some Nike ads with Jordan.

    Op- Spielberg/Scorsese/FF Coppola

  24. mmssjj18 says

    December 28, 2019 at 5:45 pm

    Marty S

    • Guccigal says

      December 29, 2019 at 11:14 pm

      Scorsese

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