FAQ

Can I send you my original idea for a documentary?

It’s better if you don’t.  Unless you’ve already made something that’s available to the public, I’d have to refer your letter to attorneys or managers.  My standard answer is that you should just make the film yourself.  Documentaries are so frigging hard that you have to have intense dedication and passion for the subject, and I spend most of my time trying to get my OWN ideas made.

That being said, I do consultation work for legitimate documentaries in production or post and I’ll always speak with legitimate financiers or distributors looking to connect.  If you’re in these latter categories, go ahead and email me here.

Will you speak at our event/university/festival?

I'm always interested in doing stuff like this, particularly if it involves free booze and a trip to somewhere I've never been.  Like Delaware.  If you're serious about booking, please check in with the nice folks at Premiere Speakers.

Didn’t you write and produce a documentary about the Warner Brothers that was announced to the press in 2007?

After nearly a year of intense work (from pre-production through production and into post), Cass Warner (Harry Warner’s granddaughter) and I reached very major creative differences during the editing process.  We parted ways and I elected to take my name off of the film.

What happened to MORTIFIED?

Mortified was - and still is - a terrific stage show and series of books based on the very real, very funny diaries of teenagers who are now adults. For three years (2006-2009), we tried to turn the project into a hybrid documentary/concert film, and we were lucky enough to have Lionsgate and, for a time, HBO behind us. Unfortunately, after greenlighting a development presentation in 2008, HBO decided not to pick up the doc, and try as they might, Lionsgate couldn't find another home for it. But you can still enjoy all things MORTIFIED here.

Did you study film in school?

Yes, I majored in Drama/Film at Vassar College. Then I got my master's degree (so to speak) working my ass off in the postproduction department of New Line Cinema in the early-to-mid 90s.

Hey, do you know you look like Andy Dick?

According to my wife (who was the production designer of his MTV show), I don't. And on the two ocassions Andy and I met, neither one of us thought so. But I've been frequently "recognized" as him over the years - whether at the Spirit Awards or Target. 'Cause glasses + curly hair = same guy!

Are you Jewish?

No, I’m Italian.  Seriously.  (It’s my Mom’s side).   And growing up Catholic was a huge influence on making “Twist of Faith” – in fact, it came up in our very first meeting with Sheila Nevins (of HBO) and was one of the things that fascinated her about tackling the subject matter.  I’ve said this before, but Tony Comes (the subject of “Twist”) and I are about the same age, and our catechism book was exactly the same (and very, very 70s), so I related to where he was coming from, culturally.

These days, my wife is Jewish and we’re raising our son Jewish, so my lifelong dream of being an Honorary Jew seems fully realized.

How is Tony, from “Twist of Faith”, doing?

By all accounts, very well.  He credited the film with making his marriage stronger than it had ever been, and for greatly helping his relationship with his Mom.  I think she didn’t really understand his pain until seeing the film, ironically. Tony also became quite an activist for survivors of sexual abuse, in terms of legislation locally in Ohio.

For more general information on the subject of sexual abuse by priests, please visit snapnetwork.org.

How come “Showgirls” and “The End” aren’t available on DVD?

We’re working on it.  If you are a fan of either film, and you’re willing to stand up and be counted, email me here.  Maybe we can put them out in a dual set for the full “dancing hospice” experience.

I never see “Chain Camera” on TV anymore.  Why not?

The film ran for 2 years, on and off, on Cinemax – in fact, it premiered on September 12th, 2001.  Not a big day for TV watching, needless to say.  Later, it ran on Sundance Channel for a year and a half (2004-2005).  It’s also been on BBC’s “Storyville.”

Recently, there was a deal in the works for another cycle (on another network) but it ended up falling through, so currently it’s out of circulation on TV. But you can always get it on DVD, with a bunch of totally swell extras. So the hell with TV anyway, right?.

Will you ever do a sequel to “Chain Camera”?

Maybe.