It’s hard to believe that a project of this magnitude could start with a fight. But that’s what happened. Well, maybe not a fight, it may have been more of a disagreement. Either way, it was a clashing of minds that got the ball rolling.
I’ve worked with my dad, Gene Perret, for most of my adult life. I was a staff writer with him on Bob Hope’s 90th Birthday Special, I edited the newsletter he founded for comedy writers and performers, and for 19 years I organized his comedy writers conferences. I witnessed his achievements and was in awe of all the people that Dad wrote for. But the one thing that I was most proud of was my dad’s willingness to help others make it in the comedy profession. It didn’t matter if the business had a cut throat reputation, Dad wanted everyone to succeed. I watched as that became his legacy.
Often people would suggest that I tell Dad’s story. I realized that the story isn’t about his career, although that’s part of it. The really about all the other careers that he, often unknowingly, had a hand in.
Gene was amazed when people he never met would come up to him and say, “It’s because of you that I’m a comedian.” Or “It’s because of you I’m a writer.” It thrilled Dad to hear those stories, but he was also quick to point out, “I may have encouraged you, but you did the work.”
That’s the story I want to share.
And that brings us back to the fight. I met with a director who was interested. We talked and quickly she was off on a tangent telling a completely different story. One I didn’t want to be involved in. I expressed my concerns and was told, “this is now my story.” If it was her story, then she didn’t need me, so I left.
A friend, who also makes documentaries, challenged me to make the film on my own. I did some research, talked with people in the know, and accepted the challenge.
It’s going to take a lot of work. There will be some bumps along the way, but I’m one of Gene’s mentees, and he taught me how to dig in, stay positive, and get things done.
And so we’re off.
