Donnybrook Production Services

‘Let me have your attention for a moment! So you’re talking about what? You’re talking about… bitching about that sale you shot, some son of a bitch that doesn’t want to buy, somebody that doesn’t want what you’re selling, some broad you’re trying to screw and so forth. Let’s talk about something important. I’m here from downtown. I’m here from Mitch and Murray. And I’m here on a mission of mercy.

The good news is — you’re fired. The bad news is you’ve got, all you got, just one week to regain your jobs, starting tonight. Starting with tonights sit. Oh, have I got your attention now? Good. ‘Cause we’re adding a little something to this months sales contest. As you all know, first prize is a Cadillac Eldorado. Anyone want to see second prize? Second prize’s a set of steak knives. Third prize is you’re fired. You get the picture? You’re laughing now? You got leads. Mitch and Murray paid good money. Get their names to sell them! You can’t close the leads you’re given, you can’t close s#@!, you ARE s#@!, hit the bricks pal and beat it ’cause you are going out! Only one thing counts in this life! Get them to sign on the line which is dotted!

A-B-C. A-always, B-be, C-closing. Always be closing! Always…be closing!! A-I-D-A. Attention, interest, decision, action. Attention — do I have your attention? Interest — are you interested? I know you are because it’s f#!@ or walk. You close or you hit the bricks! Decision — have you made your decision for Christ?!! And action. A-I-D-A; get out there!! You got the prospects comin’ in; you think they came in to get out of the rain? Guy doesn’t walk on the lot unless he wants to buy. Sitting out there waiting to give you their money! Are you gonna take it? Are you man enough to take it?

You don’t like it — leave. I can go out there tonight with the materials you got, make myself fifteen thousand dollars! Tonight! In two hours! Can you? Can you? Go and do likewise! A-I-D-A!! Get mad! You sons of bitches! Get mad!! You know what it takes to sell real estate? It takes brass balls to sell real estate. Go and do likewise, gents. The money’s out there, you pick it up, it’s yours. You don’t–I have no sympathy for you. You wanna go out on those sits tonight and close, close, it’s yours. If not you’re going to be shining my shoes.’ – Blake, “Glengarry Glen Ross”; 1992

It seems like each and every year we’re inundated with holiday centric films for a plethora of seasons.  Halloween and Christmas are two of the most notable by far, but for some reason there’s typically little by way of cinematic celebrations in honor of Thanksgiving!  While we’ve got a pigskin classic or two, and the fanfare that goes along with the Macy’s T-Day Parade extravaganza, there are seldom films released that set the specific likes of ‘Turkey Day’ in their crosshairs.  With that in mind, it’s worth celebrating two classics that have stood the test of time.

“Home For The Holidays”; (1995) – With fun performances from Holly Hunter and Robert Downey Jr, this comedic examination of family hits ‘home’ on a variety of cords.  Relatable to anyone who’s ever dreaded a visit with relatives, this film is worthy of an annual review in honor of an under-rated holiday.  Notable support from the likes of Dylan McDermott & Claire Danes help round out the effort.

“Pieces of April”; (2003) – On the opposite end of the budgetary spectrum (from the studio-driven ‘Holidays’), this indie darling stars Katie Holmes in one of her best roles.  In a pre-Mrs. Tom Cruise effort, Holmes delivers a cutting performance as a 20-something New Yorker hell bent on hosting a self-sustained Thanksgiving for her dysfunctional family.  A tad darker than the aforementioned “Home for the Holidays”, ‘Pieces’ still delivers a brutally honest homage to this under-appreciated holiday.

Every once and a great while, the Philly Film Office ‘Hotline’ offers up some legitimate virtual body dragging.  In my case, it happened when a listing posted by Producer/Director Bernard Gray of Diamond Entertainment Productions caught my attention.  The post led me to reach out to Bernard directly, and it didn’t take me long to realize he was a sharp fella.

Bernard, along with his Diamond Entertainment producing partner Richard Harris, are currently developing a feature film script penned by local Philly Screenwriter David J. Greenberg.  “Angus” tells the story of Brian Brooks, a successful model who has grown tired of being treated like a piece of meat, and decides to make a go at a possible acting career…awkward & laughable/relatable moments ensue.

This actually marks my second go-round with Writer David Greenberg, as we optioned a script of his while I was staff producing at GK…& as for Bernard and Richard, I’m intrigued, and eager to see where the collaborative possibilities might lead.