Spielberg Threatens To Quit 2008

[baron-pierreIV]

Over-rated film director Steven Spielberg has threatened to quit his association with Beijing 2008 (as an Aristic Consultant to the Ceremonies) if China doesn't dissociate itself from Sudan and theDarfur genocide... or something like that.

I don't know if the link will work or not:

http://www.comcast.net/entertainment/index.jsp?fn=2007/07/27/232837.html

But really, who cares, Steven? Such a prissy queen!

[Kenadian]

I never understood his role anyway. He's not Chinese and he's not Ric Birch. Unless ET is going to light the cauldron, just felt it was a PR stunt.

[mattygs]

Surely just him caving to certain members of the US Film INdustry (aka: actors who have felt the need to jump on their own pet project), so he wouldnt be alienated or attacked.

Still, agree, I never quite understood how he was relevant. In a way, he represents what alot of past ceremonies teams have tried to get away from, glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

If it was a Chinese director, maybe. But to be honest, in Ric Birch and Yves Pepin, you have everything you could want in stadium theatre technical expertise. Now all ya need are the Chinese minds to put together the creative angle.

[ChicagoFan90]

I always thought of Spielberg as having a symbolic role in the Opening and Closing Ceremony planning, and not having much power and direction beyond that.

So, if he leaves, it's not much of a loss for Beijing 2008. It may turn a few heads, but that's about it. And besides that fact, I would assume most of the plot layout and storyboards for the ceremonies are done with, since rehearsals for the ceremonies begin in just a few weeks.

[Citius Altius Fortius]

I never understood his role anyway. He's not Chinese ...., just felt it was a PR stunt.

LOL - I have had just the same thougths, when I heard that story in the news...

[Sir Rols]

Well, he HAS quit now:

Feb. 12 (Bloomberg) -- Director Steven Spielberg cut his ties with the Beijing Olympic games in protest of China's role in allowing violence to continue in Sudan's Darfur region.

Spielberg, an artistic adviser to the games' opening and closing ceremonies, left his contract unsigned for almost a year, he said in a statement distributed today by Business Wire. He said China has an opportunity to press for change in Sudan because of its economic, military and diplomatic ties to the government.

Why did he get involved in the first place if he's so concerned about China's record?

[cfm Jeremie]

Why did he get involved in the first place if he's so concerned about China's record?

Exactly. I don't think China's record has significantly decreased recently...

Talk about hypocrisy.

I suspect his role was minor anyway.

[Maryjane]

It's been shameful to see all these artists would like to make a world a better place by joining the game of politics. That's not neccessary and rationally to say, it would go to no end. Instead, it is just making the international atmosphere worse than ever or to be fair to say it's already back to the COLD WAR, making the distrust between each other more complicated.

I amsume at the end, the winners are still those politicians who would just like to win the games during the New Cold War era. especially America and China or Russia. For those socalled superpowers, their people and their nations are always at the first positions. You cannot say that's wrong. At the end of world, that's just the universal principle for any humankind to survive. Just look at those conflicts around the world, who are those really behind the terrible trades, still those superpowers. Nobody's hands are clean.

I suggest those artists like Steven Spielberg, if you guys really would like to save the world, either adopt a child, a family, found a foundation, a charity. Be realistic, be quite about it. Be clever about your choices. learn more about this world rather than staying under the spotlights with your huge ego all the time. Crying out like a messiah, because no one would really give a Fcuk. Especially those powers who already enjoying the oil, the money, the sex, the nasty pleasure as much as they wanted.

[james]

It's been shameful to see all these artists would like to make a world a better place by joining the game of politics. That's not neccessary and rationally to say, it would go to no end. Instead, it is just making the international atmosphere worse than ever or to be fair to say it's already back to the COLD WAR, making the distrust between each other more complicated.

I amsume at the end, the winners are still those politicians who would just like to win the games during the New Cold War era. especially America and China or Russia. For those socalled superpowers, their people and their nations are always at the first positions. You cannot say that's wrong. At the end of world, that's just the universal principle for any humankind to survive. Just look at those conflicts around the world, who are those really behind the terrible trades, still those superpowers. Nobody's hands are clean.

I suggest those artists like Steven Spielberg, if you guys really would like to save the world, either adopt a child, a family, found a foundation, a charity. Be realistic, be quite about it. Be clever about your choices. learn more about this world rather than staying under the spotlights with your huge ego all the time. Crying out like a messiah, because no one would really give a Fcuk. Especially those powers who already enjoying the oil, the money, the sex, the nasty pleasure as much as they wanted.

You are wonderfully blessed. And that's the reason why some part of the world would not see the light -- the superpower political play.

[baron-pierreIV]

It's been shameful to see all these artists would like to make a world a better place by joining the game of politics. That's not neccessary and rationally to say, it would go to no end. Instead, it is just making the international atmosphere worse than ever or to be fair to say it's already back to the COLD WAR, making the distrust between each other more complicated.

I amsume at the end, the winners are still those politicians who would just like to win the games during the New Cold War era. especially America and China or Russia. For those socalled superpowers, their people and their nations are always at the first positions. You cannot say that's wrong. At the end of world, that's just the universal principle for any humankind to survive. Just look at those conflicts around the world, who are those really behind the terrible trades, still those superpowers. Nobody's hands are clean.

I suggest those artists like Steven Spielberg, if you guys really would like to save the world, either adopt a child, a family, found a foundation, a charity. Be realistic, be quite about it. Be clever about your choices. learn more about this world rather than staying under the spotlights with your huge ego all the time. Crying out like a messiah, because no one would really give a Fcuk. Especially those powers who already enjoying the oil, the money, the sex, the nasty pleasure as much as they wanted.

Whatdafcuk? U're reading so much more into it than there is. It's simply the recusing of one spoiled movie director whose credentials and contribution to the 'artistic' effort might've been of dubious value anyway.

As the saying goes -- THE SHOW MUST GO ON.

[its a bid of magic]

I didn't understand his connection with China's Olympic Games, but I don't know about being underated....

Director

Interstellar (2009) (announced)

Lincoln (2009) (announced)

The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2008) (pre-production)

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) (post-production)

Munich (2005)

War of the Worlds (2005)

The Terminal (2004)

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Minority Report (2002)

Artificial Intelligence: AI (2001)

... aka A.I. Artificial Intelligence (USA: poster title)

The Unfinished Journey (1999)

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Amistad (1997)

The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)

Steven Spielberg's Director's Chair (1996) (VG)

Schindler's List (1993)

Jurassic Park (1993)

... aka JP (USA: promotional abbreviation)

Amazing Stories: Book One (1992) (V) (segment "The Mission")

Hook (1991)

The Visionary (1990) (V) (segment "Par for the Course")

Always (1989)

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Empire of the Sun (1987)

The Color Purple (1985)

"Amazing Stories" (2 episodes, 1985)

... aka Steven Spielberg's Amazing Stories (USA: complete title)

- The Mission (1985) TV episode

- Ghost Train (1985) TV episode

"Strokes of Genius" (1984) (mini) TV mini-series (introductory segments) (uncredited)

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983) (segment 2)

E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

... aka E.T. (USA: short title)

... aka E.T. the Extra- Terrestrial: The 20th Anniversary (USA: longer version)

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

... aka Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (USA: video title)

1941 (1979)

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)

... aka CE3K (USA: informal short title)

... aka Close Encounters of the Third Kind: Special Edition (USA: reissue title)

Jaws (1975)

The Sugarland Express (1974)

Savage (1973) (TV)

... aka The Savage File (USA)

... aka Watch Dog

Something Evil (1972) (TV)

Duel (1971) (TV)

"Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law" (1 episode, 1971)

- Eulogy for a Wide Receiver (1971) TV episode

Columbo: Murder by the Book (1971) (TV)

"The Psychiatrist" (2 episodes, 1971)

- Par for the Course (1971) TV episode

- The Private World of Martin Dalton (1971) TV episode

"The Name of the Game" (1 episode, 1971)

- LA 2017 (1971) TV episode

"Night Gallery" (1 episode, 1971)

... aka Rod Serling's Night Gallery (USA)

- Make Me Laugh (1971) TV episode

"Marcus Welby, M.D." (1 episode, 1970)

... aka Robert Young, Family Doctor

- The Daredevil Gesture (1970) TV episode

Night Gallery (1969) (TV) (segment "Eyes")

... aka Rod Serling's Wax Museum (USA)

Amblin' (1968)

Slipstream (1967) (unfinished)

Firelight (1964)

Escape to Nowhere (1961)

Fighter Squad (1961)

The Last Gun (1959)

Producer

"Nine Lives" (2008) (mini) TV mini-series (in production) (executive producer)

Transformers 2 (2009) (announced) (executive producer)

Interstellar (2009) (announced) (producer)

Lincoln (2009) (announced) (producer)

Jurassic Park IV (2009) (pre-production) (executive producer)

... aka JP4 (USA: promotional abbreviation)

"The Talisman" (2008) (mini) TV mini-series (pre-production) (executive producer)

"The United States of Tara" (2008) TV series (pre-production) (consulting producer) (unknown episodes)

When Worlds Collide (2008) (pre-production) (producer)

The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2008) (pre-production) (producer)

"The Pacific" (2009) (mini) TV mini-series (filming) (executive producer)

Eagle Eye (2008) (filming) (executive producer)

Transformers (2007) (executive producer)

"On the Lot" (executive producer) (2 episodes, 2007)

- 14 Directors Compete (2007) TV episode (executive producer)

- 15 Directors Compete (2007) TV episode (executive producer)

Letters from Iwo Jima (2006) (producer)

Flags of Our Fathers (2006) (producer)

Spell Your Name (2006) (executive producer)

Monster House (2006) (executive producer)

... aka Neighbourhood Crimes & Peepers (Philippines: English title: review title)

Munich (2005) (producer)

Memoirs of a Geisha (2005) (producer)

The Legend of Zorro (2005) (executive producer)

... aka Z (USA: poster title)

"Into the West" (2005) (mini) TV mini-series (executive producer)

Dan Finnerty & the Dan Band: I Am Woman (2005) (TV) (executive producer)

The Terminal (2004) (producer)

Voices from the List (2004) (V) (executive producer)

Burma Bridge Busters (2003) (TV) (executive producer)

Catch Me If You Can (2002) (producer)

"Taken" (2002) TV series (executive producer) (unknown episodes)

... aka Steven Spielberg Presents Taken (USA: complete title)

Men in Black II (2002) (executive producer)

... aka MIB 2 (USA: promotional abbreviation)

... aka MIIB (USA: promotional abbreviation)

Price for Peace (2002) (executive producer)

"Broken Silence" (2002) (mini) TV mini-series (executive producer)

We Stand Alone Together (2001) (TV) (executive producer)

... aka We Stand Alone Together: The Men of Easy Company (Europe: English title: DVD title)

"Band of Brothers" (2001) (mini) TV mini-series (executive producer)

Jurassic Park III (2001) (executive producer)

... aka JP3 (USA: promotional abbreviation)

Artificial Intelligence: AI (2001) (producer)

... aka A.I. Artificial Intelligence (USA: poster title)

Evolution (2001) (executive producer) (uncredited)

Shrek (2001) (executive producer) (uncredited)

Semper Fi (2001) (TV) (executive producer)

Shooting War (2000) (TV) (executive producer)

... aka Shooting War: World War II Cameramen (USA: video title)

A Holocaust szemei (2000) (executive producer)

... aka Eyes of the Holocaust (International: English title) (USA)

Wakko's Wish (1999) (V) (executive producer) (uncredited)

... aka Steven Spielberg Presents Animaniacs: Wakko's Wish (USA: complete title)

The Haunting (1999) (executive producer) (uncredited)

... aka Maldición, La (USA: Spanish title)

"Pinky, Elmyra & the Brain" (executive producer) (9 episodes, 1998-1999)

- The Mask of Braino (1999) TV episode (executive producer)

- A Walk in the Park (1999) TV episode (executive producer)

- How I Spent My Weekend (1998) TV episode (executive producer)

- The Icky Mouse Club (1998) TV episode (executive producer)

- Narfily Ever After (1998) TV episode (executive producer)

(4 more)

The Last Days (1998) (executive producer)

Saving Private Ryan (1998) (producer)

The Mask of Zorro (1998) (executive producer)

Deep Impact (1998) (executive producer)

"Toonsylvania" (1998) TV series (executive producer) (unknown episodes)

... aka Steven Spielberg Presents Toonsylvania

Amistad (1997) (producer)

"Pinky and the Brain" (executive producer) (4 episodes, 1995-1997)

- All You Need Is Narf/Pinky's Plan (1997) TV episode (executive producer)

- Brain of the Future (1997) TV episode (executive producer)

- Snowball (1996) TV episode (executive producer)

- Das Mouse (1995) TV episode (executive producer)

Men in Black (1997) (executive producer)

... aka MIB (USA: promotional abbreviation)

The Lost Children of Berlin (1997) (executive producer)

"High Incident" (1996) TV series (executive producer) (unknown episodes, 1996-1997)

The Best of Roger Rabbit (1996) (V) (executive producer)

... aka Disney and Steven Spielberg Present the Best of Roger Rabbit (USA: complete title)

Twister (1996) (executive producer)

Survivors of the Holocaust (1996) (TV) (executive producer)

Balto (1995) (executive producer)

"SeaQuest DSV" (executive producer) (44 episodes, 1993-1995)

... aka SeaQuest 2032 (USA: new title)

- Blindsided (1995) TV episode (executive producer)

- Splashdown (1995) TV episode (executive producer)

- The Siamese Dream (1995) TV episode (executive producer)

- Dagger Redux (1995) TV episode (executive producer)

- Something in the Air (1995) TV episode (executive producer)

(39 more)

"Freakazoid!" (1995) TV series (executive producer) (unknown episodes)

Tiny Toon Adventures: Night Ghoulery (1995) (TV) (executive producer)

Casper (1995) (executive producer)

A Pinky & the Brain Christmas Special (1995) (TV) (executive producer)

"ER" (1994) TV series (executive producer) (unknown episodes, 1994)

The Flintstones (1994) (executive producer) (as Steven Spielrock)

I'm Mad (1994) (executive producer)

Tiny Toon Adventures: Spring Break Special (1994) (TV) (executive producer)

Yakko's World: An Animaniacs Singalong (1994) (V) (executive producer)

Tiny Toons Spring Break (1994) (TV) (executive producer)

Schindler's List (1993) (producer)

We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story (1993) (executive producer)

"Family Dog" (executive producer) (1 episode, 1993)

- Show Dog (1993) TV episode (executive producer)

"Animaniacs" (1993) TV series (executive producer) (unknown episodes)

... aka Animaniacs (UK)

... aka Steven Spielberg Presents Animaniacs (USA: complete title)

Class of '61 (1993) (TV) (executive producer)

Trail Mix-Up (1993) (executive producer)

It's a Wonderful Tiny Toons Christmas Special (1992) (TV) (executive producer)

"Tiny Toon Adventures" (executive producer) (14 episodes, 1990-1992)

... aka Steven Spielberg Presents... Tiny Toon Adventures (USA)

- Weekday Afternoon Live (1992) TV episode (executive producer)

- Grandma's Dead (1992) TV episode (executive producer)

- New Class Day (1992) TV episode (executive producer)

- Thirteensomething (1992) TV episode (executive producer)

- Love Disconnection (1991) TV episode (executive producer)

(9 more)

Tiny Toon Adventures: How I Spent My Vacation (1992) (V) (executive producer)

"The Plucky Duck Show" (1992) TV series (executive producer)

An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991) (producer)

Cape Fear (1991) (executive producer) (uncredited)

A Brief History of Time (1991) (executive producer) (uncredited)

Arachnophobia (1990) (executive producer)

Roller Coaster Rabbit (1990) (executive producer)

Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990) (executive producer)

Back to the Future Part III (1990) (executive producer)

Dreams (1990) (executive producer: international version)

... aka Akira Kurosawa's Dreams (USA: alternative title)

... aka Yume (Japan)

Joe Versus the Volcano (1990) (executive producer)

Warner Bros. Celebration of Tradition, June 2, 1990 (1990) (TV) (executive producer)

Always (1989) (producer)

Back to the Future Part II (1989) (executive producer)

Dad (1989) (executive producer)

Tummy Trouble (1989) (executive producer)

The Land Before Time (1988) (executive producer)

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) (executive producer)

*batteries not included (1987) (executive producer)

Empire of the Sun (1987) (producer)

Three O'Clock High (1987) (executive producer) (uncredited)

Innerspace (1987) (executive producer)

Harry and the Hendersons (1987) (executive producer) (uncredited)

... aka Bigfoot (Philippines: English title)

... aka Bigfoot and the Hendersons (UK)

"Amazing Stories" (executive producer) (25 episodes, 1985-1987)

... aka Steven Spielberg's Amazing Stories (USA: complete title)

- Family Dog (1987) TV episode (executive producer)

- Grandpa's Ghost (1986) TV episode (executive producer)

- One for the Books (1986) TV episode (executive producer)

- The Doll (1986) TV episode (executive producer)

- Hell Toupee (1986) TV episode (executive producer)

(20 more)

An American Tail (1986) (executive producer)

The Money Pit (1986) (executive producer)

The Color Purple (1985) (producer)

Young Sherlock Holmes (1985) (executive producer)

... aka Pyramid of Fear

Back to the Future (1985) (executive producer)

The Goonies (1985) (executive producer)

Fandango (1985) (executive producer) (uncredited)

Gremlins (1984) (executive producer)

Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983) (producer)

Poltergeist (1982) (producer)

E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) (producer)

... aka E.T. (USA: short title)

... aka E.T. the Extra- Terrestrial: The 20th Anniversary (USA: longer version)

Continental Divide (1981) (executive producer)

Used Cars (1980) (executive producer)

I Wanna Hold Your Hand (1978) (executive producer)

Besides he was responsible for enchanting me with E.T. when I was 9 years old, and no other movie since them has hit the mark. Maybe it was my age, before cynicism took over

[taichi]

Who is going to direct the Opening and Closing ceremonies? I wish Spielberg changes his mind.

[baron-pierreIV]

magic, taichi -- directing movies & TV shows (where you can shoot something 300x to get it right; or there is editing; or CG post-production) is TOTALLY different from LIVE stadium spectacle where you have to get it RIGHT 1x before the WHOLE WORLD. There are NO repeats for that. A few thousand morons make all sorts of good, bad, shitty movies every year. An Olympics ceremonial oppty comes only ONCE every 4 years.

Speilberg has never produced or directed anything on the epic scale of a BEN-HUR or a CLEOPATRA or a TEN COMMANDMENTS. He has directed very good dramas but again, these are on film. A totally different kettle of fish from LIVE stadium spectacle.

[taichi]

magic, taichi -- directing movies & TV shows (where you can shoot something 300x to get it right; or there is editing; or CG post-production) is TOTALLY different from LIVE stadium spectacle where you have to get it RIGHT 1x before the WHOLE WORLD. There are NO repeats for that. A few thousand morons make all sorts of good, bad, shitty movies every year. An Olympics ceremonial oppty comes only ONCE every 4 years.

Speilberg has never produced or directed anything on the epic scale of a BEN-HUR or a CLEOPATRA or a TEN COMMANDMENTS. He has directed very good dramas but again, these are on film. A totally different kettle of fish from LIVE stadium spectacle.

I hope Speilberg changes his mind and come to Beijing to direct the Opening Ceremony. We need people like him. I enjoyed his movies. WOW. I want to see the next Indiana Jones movie

[mattygs]

Not surprisingly, Ive noticed a number of media outlets internationally totally blowing this out of proportion.

All of a sudden he became the *artistic director* of the ceremonies in their reports, not simply an advisor. Never mind the likes of Ric Birch and Yves Pepin, or the expertise of JMWW, who actually know wot they're doing when it comes to stadium theatre and major events.

[baron-pierreIV]

Who is going to direct the Opening and Closing ceremonies? I wish Spielberg changes his mind.

Taichi, SS was never signed to direct the 2008 Ceremonies. That was reserved a long time ago for Zhang Yimou. Spielberg only signed on as a "Consultant" -- that is why his departure is NOT any big loss to the Ceremonies. Do you know what a consultant does?

[Lord David]

I suppose the BOCOG chose Speilbergo as a director who would make a different take on Chines history and culture. I suppose had they chosen someone more knowledgeable on the subject (i.e. of Chinese background) The ceremonies would be like Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon or some Kung Fu movie.

Well the worst that could happen is a grand calisthenics display by Chinese girl gymnasts, with about 10,000 boys sitting on the stands holding flip books to create that big mural.

Well regardless who ends up directing or consulting, it should be good. Maybe outstanding, but certainly not corny, clichéd or boring.

[savas]

Taichi, SS was never signed to direct the 2008 Ceremonies. That was reserved a long time ago for Zhang Yimou. Spielberg only signed on as a "Consultant" -- that is why his departure is NOT any big loss to the Ceremonies. Do you know what a consultant does?

Getting a lot of money for twaddling?

I dont understand why they offered him this job at all!

[baron-pierreIV]

Getting a lot of money for twaddling?

I dont understand why they offered him this job at all!

well, prestige. He was their only valid Hollywood connection. PLUS, I am sure SS again wanted to be involved in some way in another Olympics. He was a mere spectator in 1984. He was supposedly instrumental in getting Celine & Careras & Lloyd-Webber together for "Amigos para Siempres" in Barcelona. He was not involved in 1996 -- but as you know he was one of the flag-bearers in Salt Lake. So, he also wanted a little more involvement in 2008; and then the political bug crept up his ass.

[Mainad]

The Chinese affect an indifferent stance towards Spielberg's decision:

Steven who? China shrugs off Spielberg's stand

Meanwhile,George Bush adds his own reassurance to the Chinese by opposing any 1980-type boycott!

Bush rules out an Olympic boycott

[Xu Wen-Ting]

Infact Spielberg is just one of famouse names on the BOCOG list.

Who knows what's his job for the opening and closing ceremony? Nothing!

Zhang Yimou is the boss.

i still believe that politics is a dirty thing to the Olympics.

[Citius Altius Fortius]

i still believe that politics is a dirty thing to the Olympics.

If you have this point of view why should the Olympics be held in Beijing?

Since Beijing 2008 is pure propaganda for the Chinese Communist Party

[mattygs]

In a way however, this is much the same for each host nation - propaganda.

It could also be said that having the likes of *awakening* and a Cathy Freeman lighting the Olympic cauldron in Sydney, was Australian govt propaganda for white/Aboriginal relations. Many Indig. Australians would say that was a load of bs and that their plight was as worse as ever.

[Rob2012]

I have to say, before the furoure surrounding Spielberg this week, I wasn't fully aware just how culpable China was in what was going on in Darfur. You might call him hypocrite and a minor figure whose resignation won't make one iota of difference to the games themselves, but I suspect I'm not the only one who has become much more aware of the Chinese involvement in Darfur because of his actions this week. And for that reason alone I can't really criticise his move.

In an ideal world sport and politics would be seperate. But there was no way that seperation would remain in 2008; only the most naive and idealistic could possibly think otherwise. I'm looking forward to finding out more about China in the next year; hopefully the good will outweigh the bad. A spotlight has been shone on China which will only get brighter in the next year. I'm cynical as to whether greater awareness of China will actually change their government's stance on anything, but from a personal perspective I'm glad the Olympics are providing this spotlight.

[its a bid of magic]

Yes, I hope the Olympics pass without too much political meddling or controversy. Remember it's not the fatcats and political figureheads that will be hurt the most, it will be the Chinese people who have looked forward to their moment for 6 years now. They deserve a great games. They deserve their moment of glory. Remember they can't even choose who leads their country.