John L. Simpson
Encyclopedia
John L. Simpson is an Australian film and theatre producer, writer and distributor. He is the CEO and founder of Titan View
. In 2010, he was listed as one of the top 26 most exciting and intriguing Australians working in film by Trespass Magazine.
in productions such as Les Miserables
and Phantom of the Opera. He began to produce theatre in 1991, with the powerful anti apartheid play “My Black Heart". The play premiered at Melbourne Fringe Festival to great success, quickly transferring to Belvoir St Theatre
. After training at AFTRS
, Simpson moved into producing film. His first notable credit was as Associate Producer for Razzle Dazzle
under Al Clark
Simpson rose to prominence after picking up the The Jammed
for distribution at the 2007 Dungog Film Festival
. Simpson had never distributed a film, but had experience working with Palace Films
during the release of Razzle Dazzle, in his role as Associate Producer. In order to release the film and found his distribution company, Simpson mortgaged his house, earning him a reputation as a maverick filmmaker. His strategy was to market the film from the ground up. He personally distributed flyers outside Greater Union's Russell Street complex in Melbourne in order to build an audience.
The Jammed
was a huge success and paved the way for Titan View
's establishment. The Jammed
went on to screen on over 40 screens in Australia, and during it’s first two weeks of release held the third highest grossing screen average for an Australian film of all time, beaten only by Crocodile Dundee and Lantana. In 2008 The United Nations selected The Jammed to be screened at international conferences on human trafficking in Vienna, Geneva and New York.
Following The Jammed, Simpson Produced and co-wrote Men's Group
, which went onto win Inside Film Awards for Best Film, Best Script and Best Actor. Simpson started the production without finance secured, and was working unpaid full time on the project. In order to feed his family, and the cast and crew of Men's Group
, Simpson spruiked for the local fishmonger and butcher, who then paid him in produce. “I needed 60 to 70 hours a week to work on my passion – my film, leaving me four hours on a Saturday to feed my family.”
in July 2007. Titan View traditionally has released films that touch on the human condition, and deal with confronting subject matters such as sex workers (Black & White & Sex
, The Jammed
), boat people
(Mother Fish
), and men's depression and suicide (Men's Group
). Simpson's approach to independent film making is fierce. Quoting another filmmaker at Byron Bay Film Festival, John L. states: "Shut up about money. Steal the stock, steal a camera, borrow someone’s computer. If you’re not making a film, you’re not passionate enough and you shouldn’t be making films!’”
Simpson has been known as an outspoken member of the Australian film industry, and appeared in Andrew Scarano’s documentary Into The Shadows, where he took the commercial cinema chains to task for their “dodgy distribution deals”. He is a passionate advocate for independent cinemas, and in particular Australian cinema. This is primarily due to Australian film's poor box office recoupment which accounts for less than 5% of the total Australian box office.
around Australia. During this time he developed the Digital Screenings Map using Google Maps. The map was intended to create a blueprint for future filmmakers to follow, listing various, non traditional locations independent filmmakers could use to screen their films.
announced John L. Simpson and Titan View
as the recipient of their Innovative Distribution Funding for 2010–2012 The funding was attributed to Titan View for its low budget feature film model, which includes non-theatrical exhibition, VOD, DVD, and internet/mobile services.
Titan View
Titan View is an Australian feature film distributor and production company, founded in July, 2007 by John L. Simpson, who is the current CEO of the company. Titan View is the 2010 recipient of the Innovative Distribution Funding from Screen Australia, and CEO John L. Simpson pioneered a 'do it...
. In 2010, he was listed as one of the top 26 most exciting and intriguing Australians working in film by Trespass Magazine.
Career
Simpson began his career as an actor, performing for Cameron MackintoshCameron Mackintosh
Sir Cameron Anthony Mackintosh is a British theatrical producer notable for his association with many commercially successful musicals. At the height of his success in 1990, he was described as being "the most successful, influential and powerful theatrical producer in the world" by the New York...
in productions such as Les Miserables
Les Misérables
Les Misérables , translated variously from the French as The Miserable Ones, The Wretched, The Poor Ones, The Wretched Poor, or The Victims), is an 1862 French novel by author Victor Hugo and is widely considered one of the greatest novels of the nineteenth century...
and Phantom of the Opera. He began to produce theatre in 1991, with the powerful anti apartheid play “My Black Heart". The play premiered at Melbourne Fringe Festival to great success, quickly transferring to Belvoir St Theatre
Belvoir St Theatre
Belvoir St Theatre is an Australian theatre venue in Sydney. The venue in Belvoir Street, Surry Hills previously operated as the Nimrod Theatre, and was founded as "Belvoir St" in 1984 by Sue Hill and Chris Westwood...
. After training at AFTRS
Australian Film Television and Radio School
The Australian Film, Television and Radio School is the Australian national centre for professional education and advanced training in film, television, radio and digital media. The School is an Australian Commonwealth government statutory authority...
, Simpson moved into producing film. His first notable credit was as Associate Producer for Razzle Dazzle
Razzle Dazzle
Razzle Dazzle was the title of a Canadian children's program produced by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation between 1961 and 1966....
under Al Clark
Al Clark
Al Clark may refer to:*Al Clark , Academy Award for Best Film Editing-nominated film editor*Al Clark , former baseball umpire*Al Clark ,...
Simpson rose to prominence after picking up the The Jammed
The Jammed
The Jammed is a 2007 thriller film written and directed by Dee McLachlan.The film is a story about human trafficking and the sex slave trade in Melbourne, and the search for three girls trapped by a trafficking syndicate...
for distribution at the 2007 Dungog Film Festival
Dungog Film Festival
The Dungog Film Festival is an annual event held in the Hunter Region town of Dungog. Dungog Film Festival is a not for profit arts organisation that is dedicated to celebrating and promoting Australian screen industry. The festival is committed to education and nurturing the health of the...
. Simpson had never distributed a film, but had experience working with Palace Films
Palace Films
Palace Films and Cinemas is an Australian film production and distribution company that is also a major cinema chain especially in Melbourne. Palace Cinemas currently comprises 20 cinemas with 85 screens...
during the release of Razzle Dazzle, in his role as Associate Producer. In order to release the film and found his distribution company, Simpson mortgaged his house, earning him a reputation as a maverick filmmaker. His strategy was to market the film from the ground up. He personally distributed flyers outside Greater Union's Russell Street complex in Melbourne in order to build an audience.
The Jammed
The Jammed
The Jammed is a 2007 thriller film written and directed by Dee McLachlan.The film is a story about human trafficking and the sex slave trade in Melbourne, and the search for three girls trapped by a trafficking syndicate...
was a huge success and paved the way for Titan View
Titan View
Titan View is an Australian feature film distributor and production company, founded in July, 2007 by John L. Simpson, who is the current CEO of the company. Titan View is the 2010 recipient of the Innovative Distribution Funding from Screen Australia, and CEO John L. Simpson pioneered a 'do it...
's establishment. The Jammed
The Jammed
The Jammed is a 2007 thriller film written and directed by Dee McLachlan.The film is a story about human trafficking and the sex slave trade in Melbourne, and the search for three girls trapped by a trafficking syndicate...
went on to screen on over 40 screens in Australia, and during it’s first two weeks of release held the third highest grossing screen average for an Australian film of all time, beaten only by Crocodile Dundee and Lantana. In 2008 The United Nations selected The Jammed to be screened at international conferences on human trafficking in Vienna, Geneva and New York.
Following The Jammed, Simpson Produced and co-wrote Men's Group
Men's Group
Men's Group is a 2008 Australian drama film. The film is directed by Michael Joy and produced by John L. Simpson.-Plot:The film follows the lives of six men over a period of months as they convene weekly in a self-help style group....
, which went onto win Inside Film Awards for Best Film, Best Script and Best Actor. Simpson started the production without finance secured, and was working unpaid full time on the project. In order to feed his family, and the cast and crew of Men's Group
Men's Group
Men's Group is a 2008 Australian drama film. The film is directed by Michael Joy and produced by John L. Simpson.-Plot:The film follows the lives of six men over a period of months as they convene weekly in a self-help style group....
, Simpson spruiked for the local fishmonger and butcher, who then paid him in produce. “I needed 60 to 70 hours a week to work on my passion – my film, leaving me four hours on a Saturday to feed my family.”
Titan View
Simpson founded Titan ViewTitan View
Titan View is an Australian feature film distributor and production company, founded in July, 2007 by John L. Simpson, who is the current CEO of the company. Titan View is the 2010 recipient of the Innovative Distribution Funding from Screen Australia, and CEO John L. Simpson pioneered a 'do it...
in July 2007. Titan View traditionally has released films that touch on the human condition, and deal with confronting subject matters such as sex workers (Black & White & Sex
Black & White & Sex
Black & White & Sex is a 2011 feature film produced by Melissa Beauford. It is the directorial debut of John Winter, best known as the Producer of Rabbit Proof Fence, Paperback Hero and Doing Time for Patsy Cline. The film premiered at the Sydney Film Festival in June 2011.- Development :Black &...
, The Jammed
The Jammed
The Jammed is a 2007 thriller film written and directed by Dee McLachlan.The film is a story about human trafficking and the sex slave trade in Melbourne, and the search for three girls trapped by a trafficking syndicate...
), boat people
Boat people
Boat people is a term that usually refers to refugees, illegal immigrants or asylum seekers who emigrate in numbers in boats that are sometimes old and crudely made...
(Mother Fish
Mother Fish
Mother Fish, also known as Missing Water, is a feature film written, produced and directed by Khoa Do. The film draws largely from Khoa Do's own experiences as a Vietnamese refugee, and reflects on the perceived fear in the general population generated by 'boat people' which is prevalent in...
), and men's depression and suicide (Men's Group
Men's Group
Men's Group is a 2008 Australian drama film. The film is directed by Michael Joy and produced by John L. Simpson.-Plot:The film follows the lives of six men over a period of months as they convene weekly in a self-help style group....
). Simpson's approach to independent film making is fierce. Quoting another filmmaker at Byron Bay Film Festival, John L. states: "Shut up about money. Steal the stock, steal a camera, borrow someone’s computer. If you’re not making a film, you’re not passionate enough and you shouldn’t be making films!’”
Simpson has been known as an outspoken member of the Australian film industry, and appeared in Andrew Scarano’s documentary Into The Shadows, where he took the commercial cinema chains to task for their “dodgy distribution deals”. He is a passionate advocate for independent cinemas, and in particular Australian cinema. This is primarily due to Australian film's poor box office recoupment which accounts for less than 5% of the total Australian box office.
AFI Fellowship
In 2008, John L. Simpson was awarded the AFI Fellowship, to tour his film Men's GroupMen's Group
Men's Group is a 2008 Australian drama film. The film is directed by Michael Joy and produced by John L. Simpson.-Plot:The film follows the lives of six men over a period of months as they convene weekly in a self-help style group....
around Australia. During this time he developed the Digital Screenings Map using Google Maps. The map was intended to create a blueprint for future filmmakers to follow, listing various, non traditional locations independent filmmakers could use to screen their films.
Screen Australia Innovative Distribution
In 2010 Screen AustraliaScreen Australia
Screen Australia is the Federal Government’s key funding body for the Australian screen production industry. Its functions are to support and promote the development of a highly creative, innovative and commercially sustainable industry....
announced John L. Simpson and Titan View
Titan View
Titan View is an Australian feature film distributor and production company, founded in July, 2007 by John L. Simpson, who is the current CEO of the company. Titan View is the 2010 recipient of the Innovative Distribution Funding from Screen Australia, and CEO John L. Simpson pioneered a 'do it...
as the recipient of their Innovative Distribution Funding for 2010–2012 The funding was attributed to Titan View for its low budget feature film model, which includes non-theatrical exhibition, VOD, DVD, and internet/mobile services.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | This is Roller Derby | Mentor & Distributor |
| 2011 | Black & White & Sex | Distributor |
| 2011 | 33 Postcards 33 Postcards 33 Postcards is a feature film written and directed by Pauline Chan and starring Guy Pearce. It is the first co-production between China and New South Wales.-Development:33 Postcards was developed under the title Mei Mei... |
Marketing Director & Distributor |
| 2010 | Mother Fish Mother Fish Mother Fish, also known as Missing Water, is a feature film written, produced and directed by Khoa Do. The film draws largely from Khoa Do's own experiences as a Vietnamese refugee, and reflects on the perceived fear in the general population generated by 'boat people' which is prevalent in... |
Distributor |
| 2010 | Who Wants to be a Terrorist! | Distribution Executive |
| 2009 | Into the Shadows | Self |
| 2008 | Blind Company Blind Company Blind Company is a 2009 feature film directed by Melbourne auteur Alkinos Tsilimidos and starring Colin Friels. It premiered at the 2009 Melbourne International Film Festival.- Development :... |
Distributor |
| 2008 | Three Blind Mice Three Blind Mice (film) Three Blind Mice is a 2008 feature film written, directed by and starring Matthew Newton. It is the second film directed by Matthew Newton and premiered at Sydney Film Festival in 2008. To date it has screened at over fourteen international and Australian festivals... |
Distributor |
| 2008 | Men's Group Men's Group Men's Group is a 2008 Australian drama film. The film is directed by Michael Joy and produced by John L. Simpson.-Plot:The film follows the lives of six men over a period of months as they convene weekly in a self-help style group.... |
Writer, Producer & Distributor |
| 2007 | The Jammed The Jammed The Jammed is a 2007 thriller film written and directed by Dee McLachlan.The film is a story about human trafficking and the sex slave trade in Melbourne, and the search for three girls trapped by a trafficking syndicate... |
Distributor |
| 2007 | Razzle Dazzle | Producer |
| 2004 | Thunderstruck | Assistant to Producer, Post Production Coordinator |
Awards
- 2007 Digispaa, Won Spaartan Award
- 2008 Inside Film Award Won - Best Film (Men's GroupMen's GroupMen's Group is a 2008 Australian drama film. The film is directed by Michael Joy and produced by John L. Simpson.-Plot:The film follows the lives of six men over a period of months as they convene weekly in a self-help style group....
) - 2008 Inside Film Award Won - Best script (Men's GroupMen's GroupMen's Group is a 2008 Australian drama film. The film is directed by Michael Joy and produced by John L. Simpson.-Plot:The film follows the lives of six men over a period of months as they convene weekly in a self-help style group....
)
External links
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rib-qsLjmo
- http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2035673/
- http://www.titanview.com