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Reeves Lehmann
Reeves
Lehmann is the Chairman of the Film, Video,
and Animation Department at The School
of Visual Arts in New York City. Also
a director, producer, and writer, he is
a new member of The National Board of
Review of Motion Pictures.
Raised
in a self-described “very small
town in Eastern Long Island amidst the
duck and potato farms,” Reeves
got his start working for well-known cinematographer
Adam Holender (Midnight Cowboy)
who summered on the island. It was Holender
who ultimately suggested that Reeves go
to The School of Visual Arts where he
received his BFA in the mid-seventies.
“Never would I have imagined twenty
years later I would become the Film Chairman,”
he recalls.
For
10 years Reeves produced and directed
industrials and documentaries for major
organizations and corporations like the
Bayer Corporation, the MTA, and the Arthritis
Foundation. His writing credits include
Love or Money, Darker Than Blue,
Horse Power, and numerous short films.
“Like
most filmmakers I aspired to make feature
films. While I paid the rent making industrials,
I co-wrote screenplays at night and on
weekends. We sold our first to TriStar
pictures. However, the experience was
less than rewarding. I spent my money
and time trying not to get cheated by
my ‘partners' (a very dubious term in
this industry). Finally, we met somewhere
in the middle. Starting out you have little
power. Today, I can't say it's much different.
I am fighting to keep from being squeezed
out of a couple of my own projects. Lessons
learned: Stay on your toes. Know who you
are dealing with.”
Over
the last two decades at SVA, Reeves has
seen the industry significantly evolve.
“The
biggest change is Digital! Digital! Digital!
The post side of filmmaking is totally
digital. The production side is about
70% depending on whether it's commercials
or industrials. Most features have elements
of digital images. To have a career, you
must learn both, as it won't be long before
everything's digital. On the positive
side, to some degree it's leveled the
playing field. Professionals and beginners
can end up competing in the same festivals.
But more importantly, it is always about
story and performance! I think it's evident
in our screenings. Some great low budget
films have been outshining the multi-million
dollar productions.”
Reeves
has recently been commissioned by Allworth
Press to write a book entitled The
Universal Guide to Educating Filmmakers
. Additionally, he has just served
as executive producer on an hour-long
documentary on Vietnam Veterans addressing
the long-term effects of PTSD (Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder). This was a project very
close to him and his own personal experiences.
“I
am a Vietnam Combat Veteran. I served
in the Marine Corps during the bloodiest
year of the war, 1968. I know what
happens to young minds when faced with
horrific situations. Although, I was able
to get through it, it deeply scarred me.
When asked, I just say to people the scars
are so deep you can't see the wound. Many
veterans won't talk about their experiences.
Since I'm one of them, they opened up
for me, lamenting their pain and telling
stories that would shake you to the bone.
Will people take heed? I am skeptical;
as I don't think we would be in the quagmire
we are today if they did. I feel yet another
generation's psyche will be forever tainted
by the Iraqi war.”
On
a lighter note, Reeves is actively screening
films with the National Board and has
found favorites this year in Ray and
Collateral.
“I
am a big Michael Mann fan. He is an extremely
talented filmmaker and an excellent storyteller.
Every performance, every frame is important
to him. I would suspect any actor with
substance would want to work with him.
This year it is evident with the fabulous
performances he elicited from both Tom
Cruise and Jamie Fox. Fabulous. Jamie,
in particular, is coming into his own.
He will become one of the premiere actors
of the 21st century.”
And
for Reeves top favorite films of all time…
The
Holy Mountain , dir. Alexander Jodorowsky
And
Now My Love , dir. Claude LeLouche
Last
of the Mohicans , dir. Michael Mann
Le
Grande Bouffe , dir. Marco Ferreri
Picnic
at Hanging Rock , dir. Peter Weir
Pennies
From Heaven , dir. Herbert Ross
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