"Someone said something really interesting the other day they said, "Even documentaries aren't what happened," you know there's a huge jump between life and then putting something in a two hour movie, even if it's a documentary."
About Bruce Cohen
Bruce Cohen — Life and Legacy
Bruce Cohen is a prominent film producer celebrated for his contributions to cinema, particularly through works like 'American Beauty' and 'Silver Linings Playbook.' His films often explore the complexities of human emotion and the transformative power of resilience. Cohen's philosophy is encapsulated in his belief that 'creativity is a form of courage,' which reflects his understanding that true artistic expression requires vulnerability and bravery. This perspective is evident in the characters he chooses to portray, often depicting individuals who confront their fears and societal expectations. Cohen's work challenges conventional narratives by focusing on the inner struggles of his characters, revealing the profound impact of resilience in their journeys. For instance, in 'Silver Linings Playbook,' the characters navigate mental health challenges, illustrating how vulnerability can lead to healing and connection. This emphasis on emotional depth not only resonates with audiences but also encourages a broader conversation about mental health and acceptance. Today, Cohen's quotes and ideas remain relevant as they inspire filmmakers and audiences alike to embrace creativity as a means of overcoming adversity. His belief in the power of storytelling to foster empathy and understanding continues to influence the film industry, making his contributions significant in shaping contemporary narratives.
Quote collection
Bruce Cohen quotes
4 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"My teachers believe that the creative producer's job is to service the vision of the director, to stay within schedule and budget, and to get the studio what they need, but you work for the director to get their vision on the screen. That's not how everyone approaches producing, but it is certainly how directors like you to approach producing. How I was brought up is that my job is to help you make the movie you want to make."
"It is true that ADs do not get a chance to get a chance to create or produce, almost never, because it's whole separate thing. Most creative producers you have to come up on the development side, you work with agents, you work with writers, you're in the office and then the AD's are on the set. But it's a real shame because part of - no decision in producing can be made correctly unless you have all the creative information you need but you also have all the budget and scheduling information you need."
"I kind of joke with myself that you shouldn't be able to be a creative producer if you weren't a first AD. Because it is such fantastic training for really understanding what everyone does, and how the movie actually gets made. You have to know if you're the first you're kind of the set general, you're at the director's right hand, you know everything about how a director puts a movie together, you know everything about how a movie gets made."