I can't remember when, exactly, I first started chatting online with artist Randy Glass about Richard Amsel's work, but when we finally met over dinner in North Hollywood earlier this year, I was immediately taken by his stories of working as an illustrator during the twilight of traditional illustration in the mid '80s.. Yesterday I finally interviewed Randy at his home. While he didn't know Richard Amsel personally, he was a huge fan of his work -- an even did a number of illustrations in "The Amsel Style" to meet the demands of marketing and executive suits. Such was Amsel's influence at that time. But make no mistake -- Randy Glass is hardly a copycat artist. He's formed a distinctive s
Hey guys, I have some wonderful news to share. Since this project's inception, I've struggled with deciding what would be the most appropriate business structure for the documentary. My aim has always been to help preserve Richard Amsel's creative legacy, rather than own or exploit it. I've had a few rough patches getting this project off the ground. Such things are common with almost any creative endeavor. I've learned that the best way to get through them is to focus on the positive, shed whatever toxicity and hubris possible, learn the value of forgiveness, and, above all else, to keep moving forward. This project has granted me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people -- talente
Late last year I was introduced to the great Charlo Crossley, a former member of Bette Midler's Harlettes, and a featured player in such films as Beaches, Sister Act, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and Behind the Candelabra. We met over coffee after Christmas to discuss the documentary, and she shared some lovely recollections of her friendship with Richard, and his beloved movie nights in his NYC apartment. After some delay in trying to work out logistics, we finally were able to conduct a filmed interview at the historic Blinn House in Pasadena. Very special thanks to Kirk Arnold-Smith and Sydney Colston for helping to make it happen. Often in filmmaking, one keeps their eyes too
