posted 10-24-2003 01:11 PM                       

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The fact is, David Goldstein, star of the first batch of movie piracy trailers, is a real set painter. How do I know this? I just got off the phone with him. And after briefly talking to him I can tell you, that not only is he a consummate professional, but one of the nicest people I have ever met, even if it was just on the phone.

He's a warm individual who just wants his concerns voiced and understood. To give you a grasp on how widespread this trailer is, it is running in over 5000 theatres in the United States and in almost every Canadian theatre.

Goldstein has been working in the industry for over 28 years. He originally got hired the old fashioned way, he put in an application in 1975. Since that time, he's worked on the production of over 40 feature's from The Natural to City Slickers 2. But the downturn in the Hollywood scene and the raising concerns of movie piracy are starting to effect how much work Goldstein is able to get on features. A number of productions have moved to other parts of the continent, such as Vancouver and Toronto. There just isn't as much work out there.

In order to make a living and support his family, Goldstein has moved into Television work, for the time being, as that is the only constant right now in Los Angeles. He worked on Joss Whedon's now defunct show, "Fire Fly" and is currently working in the art department at NBC.

I now understand where he's coming from. David Goldstein is a man that loves working. Goldstein is a man that loves doing a great job and takes enormous pride in what he does. He's a man who's been in the business for a long time and paid his dues.

The issue of movie piracy runs deep and only scratches the surface on the problems that Goldstein and his fellow union members are facing (Yes, David Goldstein is in the Union, again, I'm wrong). There are issues involving run away productions to Canada and there are a multitude of issues that deal directly with movie piracy.

That said, I'm not going to talk about them now. After I research the issue a bit more and talk to Mr. Goldstein more formally about everything going on in Hollywood, I'll have an in depth feature for you. I just wanted to get it out of the way... that I was wrong.

As for the beard, it started as a dare from his kids and then suddenly became his trait. Goldstein himself said, "I get recognized whenever I go out now, whether it's at Dodger games or just out in the street".

From what I gather, I don't think Goldstein would have it any other way.

Check back in about three weeks for more on David Goldstein and the movie piracy issue.

Until next time,

Jakob Brzovic aka Big Jake
Editor-In-Chief of JAKEOPOLIS.com

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posted 10-24-2003 04:05 PM                       

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As for the article, oh come on. Runaway production is not because of piracy it's because of labor costs, exchange rates, tax incentives and rebates etc.

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