Name : Jerry Bruckheimer
Birth Name : Jerome Leon Bruckheimer
Date of Birth : 21 September 1945
Birthplace : Detroit, Michigan, USA
Nationality : United States
Nickname : Mr. Blockbuster
Height : 5' 8" (1.73 m)
Occupation : Producer
Years active : 1972–present
BIOGRAPHY
Half of the producing tandem behind the most testosterone-laden action flicks, the name Jerry Bruckheimer has become synonymous with explosive pyrotechnics and machine-gun fire. The producer of such hits as Beverly Hills Cop (1984), Top Gun (1986), and Days of Thunder (1990), Bruckheimer dissolved his partnership with hard-partying producer Don Simpson in 1995, only weeks before Simpson's death and after 14 tumultuous years together. Despite a reputation for quantity over quality, Bruckheimer has remained one of Hollywood's most successful producers ever, putting his distinctive stamp on such adrenaline-fueled hits as Con Air (1997) and Armageddon (1998).The son of German-Jewish immigrants, Bruckheimer was born on September 21, 1945. He grew up poor, living in a tiny house in a blue-collar Jewish section of Detroit. Dropped off at a weekly matinee by his mother and salesman father, Bruckheimer developed a love for the cinema that eventually channeled him toward photography. He won several local prizes before fleeing Detroit for Madison Avenue, by way of the University of Arizona, where he received a degree in psychology, and on the strength of a Bonnie and Clyde spoof he helmed for Pontiac. The future producer left a lucrative advertising job in New York to accept low-paying film work in the early '70s, part of the pursuit of his dream. He worked with director Dick Richards on his first few projects, as associate producer on The Culpepper Cattle Company (1972) and producer on Farewell, My Lovely (1975) and March or Die (1977). Bruckheimer began gaining notice through a pair of Paul Schrader films, the Richard Gere hustler film American Gigolo (1979), and the feline horror flick Cat People (1982). But it was his first pairing with old buddy Don Simpson, on the 1983 surprise smash Flashdance, that kicked off his string of hits, which has continued more or less unabated. The underdog story of a Pittsburgh arc welder with dreams of ballet dancing, Flashdance used a synthesis of music, sex, quick edits, and bold aspirations to rake in 95 million dollars -- an incredible take for an unheralded R-rated film, making it the third-highest box-office haul of 1983. Bruckheimer and Simpson were on the map and then some. Forming Simpson-Bruckheimer Productions and signing a long-term deal with Paramount, Bruckheimer and Simpson complemented each other well, likening their partnership to a strong marriage, but without the sex. Simpson's extensive industry contacts and Hollywood ladder climbing earned him the nickname "Mr. Inside," while Bruckheimer's practical experience with filmmaking, much of it through advertising, qualified him as "Mr. Outside." With both sides covered, the pair could do no wrong. Their popcorn films fed the public's need for the loud and the proud, quickly assuming iconic status and elevating such actors as Tom Cruise (Top Gun) and Eddie Murphy (Beverly Hills Cop) to bona-fide superstardom. In 1990, the team dissolved its deal with Paramount "by mutual agreement," and began a non-exclusive, five-year pact with Disney subsidiary Hollywood Pictures the following year. Initially slowed, but undaunted, Bruckheimer and Simpson had their next big wave of hits in 1995, releasing Dangerous Minds, Crimson Tide, and Bad Boys in quick succession and reaffirming their relevance. However, Simpson's behind-the-scenes drug problems were damaging the partnership irreparably, and Bruckheimer called off the professional union at the end of that successful year, at the close of production on The Rock (1996). Simpson died a month later of heart failure. As both Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside, Bruckheimer excelled. Con Air was a hit in 1997, and the Bruce Willis asteroid flick Armageddon grossed the second most of any film released in 1998, at just over 200 million dollars. Bruckheimer achieved mid-level success -- but at the cost of ever-growing critical disdain -- with the releases of Enemy of the State (1998), Gone in 60 Seconds (2000), and Coyote Ugly (2000). Hoping to mix Oscar credentials with his traditional blend of wham-bam thrills, Bruckheimer provided the muscle behind Michael Bay's 150-million-dollar-plus World War II action-romance Pearl Harbor (2001). But critics and the Academy were not as receptive to this film as to such epic tragedies as Titanic (1997) and Saving Private Ryan (1998), and issued Bruckheimer across-the-board raspberries. The film was considered an unqualified dud, its 200-million-dollar take well short of expectations. Bruckheimer did achieve a measure of redemption later that year with the release of Black Hawk Down. Ridley Scott's re-creation of an ill-fated U.S. military mission in Somalia, the film scored raves and four Oscar nominations, winning for its editing and sound. Bruckheimer expanded his production empire into television crating the enormously successful SI franchise, as well as Without a Trace, and the multiple Emmy winning reality show The Amazing Race. He continued producing feature films as eclectic as Kangaroo Jack and Bad Company, but in 2003 he helped steer the massively successful Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. That film was so successful Disney agreed to finance two sequels to be produced simultaneously. The first of those to hit theaters, Dead Man's Chest, shattered box-office records for biggest opening day and biggest opening weekend, and was the first film to take in over $100 million in two days.
CAREER
Film production
As of 2010, Bruckheimer has produced over 40 feature films, and is regarded in the industry as one of the most successful movie producers of all time.
Bruckheimer started producing films in the 1970s, after leaving his job in advertising, with director Dick Richards. They had worked together on the films The Culpepper Cattle Company, Farewell, My Lovely, and March or Die. Bruckheimer then worked with Paul Schrader on two movies, American Gigolo and Cat People, which began to give him notice in Hollywood.
During the 1980s and 1990s, he was a co-producer with Don Simpson of a string of highly successful Hollywood films for Paramount Pictures. He originally met Don at a screening of 1973's The Harder They Come at Warner Brothers. The two worked together and created Bruckheimer's first big hit, 1983's Flashdance, which brought in US$95 million, an incredible sum for an R-rated movie. He had a number of other hits including the Beverly Hills Cop films, Top Gun and Days of Thunder.
While working with Simpson, Bruckheimer became known as "Mr. Outside" because of his experience with film making, while Simpson became known as "Mr. Inside" because of his film industry contacts. The Rock was the last film in which Bruckheimer collaborated with Simpson, due to Simpson's untimely death. Bruckheimer stipulated that The Rock be dedicated to the memory of Simpson (this fact is mentioned at the end of the movie).
Despite the setback of the untimely death of Simpson in 1996, Bruckheimer has continued to produce a large number of action movies often working with director Michael Bay for several hits including Armageddon. His other hit movies produced include Remember the Titans, Black Hawk Down and the Pirates of the Caribbean series.
He has also acquired the rights to produce a movie based on the popular role playing game by Palladium Books, Rifts.
Bruckheimer started producing films in the 1970s, after leaving his job in advertising, with director Dick Richards. They had worked together on the films The Culpepper Cattle Company, Farewell, My Lovely, and March or Die. Bruckheimer then worked with Paul Schrader on two movies, American Gigolo and Cat People, which began to give him notice in Hollywood.
During the 1980s and 1990s, he was a co-producer with Don Simpson of a string of highly successful Hollywood films for Paramount Pictures. He originally met Don at a screening of 1973's The Harder They Come at Warner Brothers. The two worked together and created Bruckheimer's first big hit, 1983's Flashdance, which brought in US$95 million, an incredible sum for an R-rated movie. He had a number of other hits including the Beverly Hills Cop films, Top Gun and Days of Thunder.
While working with Simpson, Bruckheimer became known as "Mr. Outside" because of his experience with film making, while Simpson became known as "Mr. Inside" because of his film industry contacts. The Rock was the last film in which Bruckheimer collaborated with Simpson, due to Simpson's untimely death. Bruckheimer stipulated that The Rock be dedicated to the memory of Simpson (this fact is mentioned at the end of the movie).
Despite the setback of the untimely death of Simpson in 1996, Bruckheimer has continued to produce a large number of action movies often working with director Michael Bay for several hits including Armageddon. His other hit movies produced include Remember the Titans, Black Hawk Down and the Pirates of the Caribbean series.
He has also acquired the rights to produce a movie based on the popular role playing game by Palladium Books, Rifts.
Television production
Early in his career, Bruckheimer produced television commercials, including one for Pepsi. Since 1997 he has branched out into television, creating a number of police dramas of which CSI: Crime Scene Investigation has been the most successful. He has also produced the reality game show The Amazing Race.
In May 2008 CBS announced it had picked up Bruckheimer's newest series, Eleventh Hour, for the 2008–2009 broadcast television season. The science fiction drama follows a government agent and a professor as they investigate strange scientific and medical activity.
Bruckheimer currently has five television shows on the air: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Miami, CSI: NY, The Amazing Race and Dark Blue.
At one point, three of his TV series ranked among the top 10 in the ratings—a unique feat in television.
It was announced on September 10, 2009 that NBC has picked up an action procedural from Jerry Bruckheimer. The show, titled Chase, "tells the stories of a team charged with making sure fugitive criminals don't evade justice," reports The Hollywood Reporter.
Jerry Bruckheimer is the creator of a method of television production dubbed 'The Bruckheimer Method'. In this method of production seemingly boring shots can be turned into full action and suspense with the use of overly dramatic music and fast cuts and camera moves, also in a reality game show setting; cutting away from the main story of the show to have the 'Contestants' refer to the video footage as if it were happening at the time they are being interviewed on it, a complete recap on the entirety of the show to date after each ad break is a necessary component of the Bruckheimer method. Often referred to as a dumbed down style of repetitive production, the style does not seem to hold the viewer in the highest or most intelligent regard.
In May 2008 CBS announced it had picked up Bruckheimer's newest series, Eleventh Hour, for the 2008–2009 broadcast television season. The science fiction drama follows a government agent and a professor as they investigate strange scientific and medical activity.
Bruckheimer currently has five television shows on the air: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Miami, CSI: NY, The Amazing Race and Dark Blue.
At one point, three of his TV series ranked among the top 10 in the ratings—a unique feat in television.
It was announced on September 10, 2009 that NBC has picked up an action procedural from Jerry Bruckheimer. The show, titled Chase, "tells the stories of a team charged with making sure fugitive criminals don't evade justice," reports The Hollywood Reporter.
Jerry Bruckheimer is the creator of a method of television production dubbed 'The Bruckheimer Method'. In this method of production seemingly boring shots can be turned into full action and suspense with the use of overly dramatic music and fast cuts and camera moves, also in a reality game show setting; cutting away from the main story of the show to have the 'Contestants' refer to the video footage as if it were happening at the time they are being interviewed on it, a complete recap on the entirety of the show to date after each ad break is a necessary component of the Bruckheimer method. Often referred to as a dumbed down style of repetitive production, the style does not seem to hold the viewer in the highest or most intelligent regard.
Political contributions
Bruckheimer is one of the few Cinema personalities who supported President George W. Bush outspokenly. He donated funds to John McCain's 2008 presidential election campaign. In 2007 it was reported that he donated 29% of his $20,700 in political contributions to Republican candidates. He gave $5,000 to a joint fundraising committee on John McCain’s behalf. Bruckheimer has donated more than $50,000 to Republican campaigns and committees.
FILMOGRAPHY
Films
Upcoming films
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) (with Walt Disney Pictures)
National Treasure 3 (2011) (with Walt Disney Pictures)
Elvis (2011)
Shattered Union (2011)
The Lone Ranger (2012) (with Walt Disney Pictures)
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within (2012) Walt Disney Pictures)
National Treasure 3 (2011) (with Walt Disney Pictures)
Elvis (2011)
Shattered Union (2011)
The Lone Ranger (2012) (with Walt Disney Pictures)
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within (2012) Walt Disney Pictures)
Released:
The Culpepper Cattle Co. (1972) (associate producer, with 20th Century Fox)
Farewell, My Lovely (1975) (with AVCO Embassy Pictures)
Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins (1975) (associate producer, with Warner Bros.)
March or Die (1977) (with Columbia Pictures and ITC Entertainment)
Defiance (1980) (with American International Pictures)
American Gigolo (1980) (with Paramount Pictures)
Thief (1981) (with United Artists)
Young Doctors in Love (1982) (with 20th Century Fox)
Cat People (1982) (with Universal Pictures and RKO Pictures)
Flashdance (1983) (with Paramount Pictures)
Beverly Hills Cop (1984) (with Paramount Pictures)
Thief of Hearts (1984) (with Paramount Pictures)
Top Gun (1986) (with Paramount Pictures)
Beverly Hills Cop 2 (1987) (with Paramount Pictures)
Days of Thunder (1990) (with Paramount Pictures)
The Ref (1994) (with Touchstone Pictures)
Dangerous Minds (1995) (with Hollywood Pictures)
Crimson Tide (1995) (with Hollywood Pictures)
Bad Boys (1995) (with Columbia Pictures)
The Rock (1996) (with Hollywood Pictures)
Con Air (1997) (with Touchstone Pictures)
Enemy of the State (1998) (with Touchstone Pictures)
Armageddon (1998) (with Touchstone Pictures)
Remember the Titans (2000) (with Walt Disney Pictures)
Coyote Ugly (2000) (with Touchstone Pictures)
Gone in Sixty Seconds (2000) (with Touchstone Pictures)
Black Hawk Down (2001) (with Columbia Pictures and Revolution Studios)
Pearl Harbor (2001) (with Touchstone Pictures)
Bad Company (2002) (with Touchstone Pictures)
Bad Boys 2 (2003) (with Columbia Pictures)
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) (with Walt Disney Pictures)
Veronica Guerin (2003) (with Touchstone Pictures)
Kangaroo Jack (2003) (with Warner Bros. and Castle Rock Entertainment)
National Treasure (2004) (with Walt Disney Pictures)
King Arthur (2004) (with Touchstone Pictures)
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) (with Walt Disney Pictures)
Deja Vu (2006) (with Touchstone Pictures)
Glory Road (2006) (with Walt Disney Pictures)
National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007) (with Walt Disney Pictures)
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007) (with Walt Disney Pictures)
G-Force (2009) (with Walt Disney Pictures)
Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009) (with Touchstone Pictures)
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010) (with Walt Disney Pictures)
The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010) (with Walt Disney Pictures)
Farewell, My Lovely (1975) (with AVCO Embassy Pictures)
Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins (1975) (associate producer, with Warner Bros.)
March or Die (1977) (with Columbia Pictures and ITC Entertainment)
Defiance (1980) (with American International Pictures)
American Gigolo (1980) (with Paramount Pictures)
Thief (1981) (with United Artists)
Young Doctors in Love (1982) (with 20th Century Fox)
Cat People (1982) (with Universal Pictures and RKO Pictures)
Flashdance (1983) (with Paramount Pictures)
Beverly Hills Cop (1984) (with Paramount Pictures)
Thief of Hearts (1984) (with Paramount Pictures)
Top Gun (1986) (with Paramount Pictures)
Beverly Hills Cop 2 (1987) (with Paramount Pictures)
Days of Thunder (1990) (with Paramount Pictures)
The Ref (1994) (with Touchstone Pictures)
Dangerous Minds (1995) (with Hollywood Pictures)
Crimson Tide (1995) (with Hollywood Pictures)
Bad Boys (1995) (with Columbia Pictures)
The Rock (1996) (with Hollywood Pictures)
Con Air (1997) (with Touchstone Pictures)
Enemy of the State (1998) (with Touchstone Pictures)
Armageddon (1998) (with Touchstone Pictures)
Remember the Titans (2000) (with Walt Disney Pictures)
Coyote Ugly (2000) (with Touchstone Pictures)
Gone in Sixty Seconds (2000) (with Touchstone Pictures)
Black Hawk Down (2001) (with Columbia Pictures and Revolution Studios)
Pearl Harbor (2001) (with Touchstone Pictures)
Bad Company (2002) (with Touchstone Pictures)
Bad Boys 2 (2003) (with Columbia Pictures)
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) (with Walt Disney Pictures)
Veronica Guerin (2003) (with Touchstone Pictures)
Kangaroo Jack (2003) (with Warner Bros. and Castle Rock Entertainment)
National Treasure (2004) (with Walt Disney Pictures)
King Arthur (2004) (with Touchstone Pictures)
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) (with Walt Disney Pictures)
Deja Vu (2006) (with Touchstone Pictures)
Glory Road (2006) (with Walt Disney Pictures)
National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007) (with Walt Disney Pictures)
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007) (with Walt Disney Pictures)
G-Force (2009) (with Walt Disney Pictures)
Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009) (with Touchstone Pictures)
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010) (with Walt Disney Pictures)
The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010) (with Walt Disney Pictures)
Television
TV movie
Max Q (1998) TV Movie (exec. producer)
Swing Vote (1999) TV Movie (exec. producer)
Fearless (2004) TV Movie (co-producer, exec. producer)
Max Q (1998) TV Movie (exec. producer)
Swing Vote (1999) TV Movie (exec. producer)
Fearless (2004) TV Movie (co-producer, exec. producer)
Reality television
The Amazing Race (2001–present) TV Series (exec. producer)
The Amazing Race (2001–present) TV Series (exec. producer)
Comedy
Modern Men (2006) TV series (exec. producer)
Modern Men (2006) TV series (exec. producer)
Drama
Soldier of Fortune, Inc. (1997–1998) TV Series (exec. producer)
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000–present) TV Series (exec. producer)
Without a Trace (2002–2009) TV Series (exec. producer)
CSI: Miami (2002–present) TV Series (exec. producer)
Profiles from the Front Line (2003) TV Series (exec. producer)
Skin (2003) TV Series (exec. producer)
Cold Case (2003–2010) TV Series (exec. producer)
CSI: NY (2004–present) TV Series (exec. producer)
Just Legal (2005–2006) TV Series (exec. producer)
E-Ring (2005–2006) TV Series (exec. producer)
Close to Home (2005–2007) TV Series (exec. producer)
Justice (2006) TV Series (exec. producer)
Eleventh Hour (2008–2009) TV Series (exec. producer)
The Forgotten (2009–2010) TV Series (exec. producer)
Dark Blue (2009–present) TV Series (exec. producer)
Miami Medical (2010) TV Series (exec. producer)
Chase (2010–present) TV Series (exec. producer)
Covert Affairs (2010–present) TV series (exec. producer)
The Whole Truth (2010–present) TV series (exec. producer)
Soldier of Fortune, Inc. (1997–1998) TV Series (exec. producer)
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000–present) TV Series (exec. producer)
Without a Trace (2002–2009) TV Series (exec. producer)
CSI: Miami (2002–present) TV Series (exec. producer)
Profiles from the Front Line (2003) TV Series (exec. producer)
Skin (2003) TV Series (exec. producer)
Cold Case (2003–2010) TV Series (exec. producer)
CSI: NY (2004–present) TV Series (exec. producer)
Just Legal (2005–2006) TV Series (exec. producer)
E-Ring (2005–2006) TV Series (exec. producer)
Close to Home (2005–2007) TV Series (exec. producer)
Justice (2006) TV Series (exec. producer)
Eleventh Hour (2008–2009) TV Series (exec. producer)
The Forgotten (2009–2010) TV Series (exec. producer)
Dark Blue (2009–present) TV Series (exec. producer)
Miami Medical (2010) TV Series (exec. producer)
Chase (2010–present) TV Series (exec. producer)
Covert Affairs (2010–present) TV series (exec. producer)
The Whole Truth (2010–present) TV series (exec. producer)
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