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Jerry Bruckheimer: The 1.5-Minute Interview

Shoe_headshot_-_square
Friday, March 19, 2010

Full disclaimer: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures flew me out and put me up in a hotel to see an early screening of the upcoming Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and to do this interview.


They said I had 15 minutes with Jerry Bruckheimer at 3:30 pm -- right before the premiere screening of this summer’s Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time at the 2010 ShoWest conference in Las Vegas, NV. But what Hollywood wants to do and what Hollywood can do are two different things. After several reschedulings and waiting for TV interviews, photo ops, and other interviews to wrap up, I finally got to meet the famed (and busy!) movie producer around 7:30 pm.

I had a bunch of questions for Bruckheimer about his new game studio, mixing the worlds of motion pictures and electronic entertainment, and, of course, his new film based on the long-running Prince of Persia series. Only one problem: One of the publicists told me my 15 minutes would have to be five. Hey, he has Extra, People magazine, and Robin Leach waiting to talk to him still -- I was amazed he was going to take time to chat with a gaming-enthusiast outlet at all.

That's a lot of pressure, conducting a full Q&A in under five minutes. But amazingly enough, that turned out to be more than enough time. I only needed one minute and 30 seconds to finish up with the most succinct guy I’ve ever interviewed….


Bitmob: So...what does Jerry Bruckheimer know about video games?

 

Jerry Bruckheimer: Just a little bit [smiles]. We're starting to make video games ourselves. We're working with MTV.

What do I know about television? What do I know about movies? Just go do it. You hire really talented people, and it works out.

Bitmob: What's the latest with your studio, Jerry Bruckheimer Games?

JB: We're developing some games right now. It'll be year or so before we get into the market.

Bitmob: You told Variety once that movies and games are "melding," but very rarely do we see movies based on games meet with any critical acclaim. Why do you think that is?

JB: I have no idea! It depends on the movie. If the critics are enamored with the movie, they're going to write nice things about it. If they don't like it, they're not.

It's all about storytelling. If they like our stories, they'll write good things.

Bitmob: It works the other way around, too -- we don't get very many good games based on movies. Are Hollywood and the game studios just not understanding how to work together?

JB: Well, it's hard because it takes so long to develop a game. By the time you decide to make a movie, the movie can be out, before the game [is ready]. We just have to work out the synergy of how to do these things.

Bitmob: Why Prince of Persia? It's fallen off the radars of a lot of gamers in recent years. Did you anticipate it being a bigger thing?

JB: Nah, it was an interesting story -- a dagger that turns back time. It was a device [that we liked].

Bitmob: Are there any game franchises you'd love to get your hands on to turn into movies?

JB: There's some stuff we're working on, but I won't say what it is because then other people will try to do it. But there are other things we're thinking about.

 
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Comments (15)
Twitpic
March 19, 2010

Nice, quick interview. How did you like the movie?

Shoe_headshot_-_square
March 19, 2010

Chris: I'm hoping to write another story with my impressions! :)  I talked about some of that on my Twitter, too. (@BitmobShoe)

Waahhninja
March 19, 2010
I have absolutely no idea what purpose that leather strap is for around Jake's bicep in that picture. Is it to draw MORE attention to his newly-discovered muscles? Nice interview. It'd be nice if he could have elaborated but these types of junkets really don't allow for that much time. I figure you could've gotten more out of him if he was promoting his game studio with some new, massive release about to come out.
Twitpic
March 19, 2010

Dan: I'm already following you on Twitter, but I've been so busy I haven't been on there in quite some time. Thanks! I'll check out what you said.

Default_picture
March 19, 2010

Awesome interview

Jason_wilson
March 19, 2010

"What do I know about television? What do I know about movies? Just go do it. You hire really talented people, and it works out."

I wish more people realized this -- in any medium. You can do great things with good people, and it's sad when you see those great people lose jobs. 

Default_picture
March 19, 2010

Wow, that was succinct. I'm hoping the movie will live up to the game.

And I agree with what Jason said. Hiring talent is far more important than hiring friends, but a lot of companies don't seem to get that.

Shoe_headshot_-_square
March 20, 2010

I don't hire friends. I hate all the people on Bitmob's staff at the moment.

0827102146-01
March 20, 2010

I found the funniest quip about the dilemma between film and games from Scott Warshaw in games(TM):

"The movie and game industry have been in bed together for a long time, but they still don't know what their child looks like."

I hope that Mr. Bruckheimer proves everyone wrong! Hopefully the movie lives up to both Bruckheimer and gaming fans' standards. Looking forward to both your movie review and the movie's release!

Lance_darnell
March 21, 2010

"I don't hire friends. I hate all the people on Bitmob's staff at the moment."

:D - Funny!

Brett_new_profile
March 21, 2010

Right back at you, Shoe!

Img_1019
March 22, 2010

Where's the rest of this interview?! :)

Robsavillo
March 23, 2010

Bruckheimer's getting into games? Well, I'm not expecting much....

Profile_pic4
March 23, 2010

I bet this guy does 8 minute abs in 30 seconds.

Paul_gale_network_flexing_at_the_pool_2
March 24, 2010

Good interview, Shoe.  Sometimes short n' to the point is all that's needed!

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