Some people just can't leave well enough alone - "Producers" Movie

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 4/27/05 at 11:47am

From the NY Post:

"IS Mel Brooks having high anxiety over the big-screen version of his blockbuster Broadway musical 'The Producers'?

Our source claims the comedy legend is not entirely impressed with the work of first-time movie director Susan Stroman — who won Tonys for directing and choreographing the Broadway smash — and has reshot "scene after scene" himself on the flick's Brooklyn set.

'Stroman hasn't quite yet mastered the art of directing comedy in a feature film — at least not to Mel's liking,' says our source. 'So Mel had to step in and reshoot a number of non-dancing scenes. But there have been no problems with the dance numbers. Mel is apparently very happy with those.'

When we called Brooks' spokesman, Peter Graves, he launched into a lengthy diatribe trashing our tip:

'Mel is the producer of the film. He's there almost every day, as good producers are. They've worked collaboratively over the years but the idea that he is out there redirecting or reshooting anything is absolute nonsense. She is doing a terrific job, and the dailies are fantastic.'"

I HATE articles like this. Some people just can't help but stew up problems between professionals. I'm sure Stroman was having a little difficulty making the transition from stage to screen and I'm sure she got some advice from Mel. But I HIGHLY doubt that Mel has been reshooting every scene that she has shot. If that was so, he would just fire her. Stroman is a true talent and I think this was a tiny molehill that was made into a mountain.

To read the whole article, click the link below.

MEL STEPS IN ON 'PRODUCERS'

Updated On: 4/27/05 at 11:47 AM

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 4/27/05 at 11:55am

This reminds me oddly enough of the filming of POLTERGEIST. Tobe Hooper was the "on paper" director, but the film bears the undeniable fingerprints of Steven Spielberg, that film's very "hands on" producer.

I'm sure Mel Brooks is making his ideas for scenes and numbers "very" well known on the set, as he should be. It's his project.

[Adam Chris]

Posted: 4/27/05 at 12:09pm

I actually think The Producers is going to translate quite well to the screen (much more easily than RENT)...and if Mel wants to give his opinons...then why not. He's the producer...he's invested in the project in so many different aspects.

Updated On: 4/27/05 at 12:09 PM

[sabrelady]

Posted: 4/27/05 at 12:46pm

Whi is the DOP on this? Can't find a listing. THAT is who I b'lieve is really shooting this moom picher.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 4/27/05 at 1:10pm

Sabre..


Huh?

[sabrelady]

Posted: 4/27/05 at 2:49pm

Stro is a virgin film director. Without a really experienced Director of Photography she will be completely @ sea. S/he will tell her what lenses, POV's, lighting to achieve effects etc are necc to achieve the grander overview.

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 4/27/05 at 3:08pm

"Uh, Mel....why don't you go get us lattes or something. Go to the Starbucks in the Nanuet Mall, OK?"

[sabrelady]

Posted: 4/27/05 at 3:56pm

O.K. John Bailey is her cinemetographer- has great credentials but- did not see any musicals. Still itwould appear that he has teaching experience so bodes well.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 4/27/05 at 3:57pm

Well, it is his show...