THE PROJECT
PEBBLES, RIPPLES & WAVES aka The Gordon Hunt Documentary Project is an exploration into the life and times of director and acting coach Gordon Hunt and his personal influence on countless individuals, including some of the heavyweights of the entertainment industry. From an early childhood family tragedy to his struggles along the way with various life and health issues, Mr. Hunt at age 85 has stumbled, triumphed and persevered, continuing not only to make his mark as an award winning director and respected acting coach, but more importantly continuing to guide and direct the paths of hundreds of would-be actors, directors and other professionals in and around the entertainment industry. This film, while illuminating the commitment of one individual to guide, support, and inspire others, will remind audiences of their own life journeys and the mentors in their lives who provided guidance and direction for no other discernible reason than the simple joy of helping someone to thrive, achieve their goals, and reach for their dreams.
THE STORY
You’ve probably heard of Oscar winning actress Helen Hunt (Mad About You,, As Good As It Gets). Actors like ER’s Anthony Edwards and Mad About You’s Paul Reiser are also easily recognizable names. Actor Jonathan Banks, who notably plays heavies in such films as Beverly Hills Cop, was recently nominated for a primetime Emmy award for his work on the blockbuster television show Breaking Bad. For 15 years, Robert David Hall has been playing Chief Medical Examiner Al Robbins on CSI, one of the most successful and longest running shows in the history of television. Jeff Greenberg is the casting director for the mega-hit show Modern Family and an Emmy winner. April Webster, another one of Hollywood’s top casting directors and herself an Emmy winner, recently completed casting for the new Star Wars reboot, Star Wars: Episode VII. What do all these people have in common? They have all been influenced in some way by Gordon Hunt. In fact, some on this list say that if it were not for Gordon, they would not be where they are today. Who is Gordon Hunt? Gordon Hunt is quite possibly THE GREATEST MAN YOU NEVER HEARD OF!
Gordon Hunt is a television, film, voice-over, video game, and stage director whose career spans over 6 decades! For the past 40+ years, he has taught a master acting class in Los Angeles that has produced the likes of the aforementioned Robert David Hall, Jonathan Banks and his daughter, Oscar-winning actress Helen Hunt. Gordon’s influence in the world of entertainment media is well documented but not well known. In the early 80’s he co-created and pioneered the sound and voice recording department at the legendary Hanna Barbera Studios (think The Jetsons, The Smurfs & Scooby Doo!). For over a decade, he was the casting director for The Mark Taper Forum, the premier theater house in Los Angeles. From Broadway and Off Broadway productions in New York to giant productions at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, he has directed such notable and legendary actors as Jeremy Irons, Felicity Huffman, and John Lithgow (just to name a few). In 1996, Gordon won a Directors Guild of America (DGA) award for Best Director of a Comedy for his work on an episode of the smash hit comedy Mad About You. And as if that weren’t enough, Gordon has directed many popular video games including the Uncharted series, one of the best-selling video games of all time! Talk about Renaissance man!
While all these achievements are remarkable, Gordon’s greatest achievements and contributions may have nothing to do with the entertainment industry. His greatest achievements and contributions have most likely come out of his role over many years as a mentor and philanthropist. Having overcome many obstacles and struggles in his own life, Gordon chose to turn his personal and professional encounters with people over the years into opportunities for instruction, growth, and healing.
The Gordon Hunt Documentary Project
Pebbles, Ripples, and Waves
A film by Roger Bridges