Going Rogue with McG

Last night I attended a nice event thrown by Fast Company Magazine. The purpose was to herald director McG, his upcoming film Terminator Salvation[click for trailer] and basically give him props for his "rogue" mogul status. Wait, rogue? The guy that makes the BIG films and TV shows? The very Hollywood guy that went from Sugar Ray (yes he wrote THAT song you're thinking about) and directing videos (Pretty Fly For A White Guy)..that guy is rogue? I thought maybe they got it mixed up and meant to say he had an Irish brogue.

Alas, I read the perceptive and endearing article written by Mark Borden and thought..hmmm maybe?

Maybe became definitely when McG opened his mouth and let fly lots of roguish-ness at the event.

Let's go for some quotes/paraphrases:

"In 36 months all of this will change the entire industry will be different...you no longer HAVE to see that film in the theater. None of them."

"How many of you are living your dreams? (paltry response of hands) ...not a lot...why not?? why not now?"

"You have to be the best at all times or people have other choices. You have to honor the audience."

"Let's just all get together today and make a company that makes some good stuff! How about it!?"

And how does he describe his GIGANTIC Summer blockbuster?

"The film is ultimately about what makes us human. Where does the soul lie? The downfall of the machines is that they underestimate human will. Sure it has the action and stuff for the people that come to see that, but there's more if you want it."

He went on to express that the best and brightest work will get eyes on the internet and abroad regardless of studio affiliation. After the rousing chat lead by Borden, he talked to more of us in the audience individually about working on tangible works now and letting everyone see them.

McG is putting his money where his mouth is by purchasing the rights to the Broadway production "Spring Awakening" (a modern day Romeo & Juliet story). He's planning to produce that film outside of the studio system. The stars on deck and in mind to portray ALL of the male and female roles outside of the star crossed lovers and their friends? Daniel Day Lewis and Meryl Streep! Yes he said ALL of the other roles.

McG even inspired me, the almighty realist and cynic, with the words "Just go ahead and make that stuff. Shoot that film, just grab up two of your favorite actors, man and a woman, put them in a diner, shoot a scene. She's leaving him..and oh by the way...she's pregnant. Heartbreaking!" That's the kind of stuff we're all [he, JJ Abrams and the other young and gifted directors with easy access to the mainstream CEOs] are gonna just eat up regardless of the budget.  And that gets you the eyes you want.  All that matters is great work."

Talk about changing an impression in leaps and bounds. 

Terminator Salvation hits theaters on May 21st.