Maker Of Marvelous Movies

by Rachel Stockman

Actor, director Ron Howard is really a cross-generational figure, not only through his movies, which appeal to all generations, but also through his very persona. His wide range of successes really shows his innate ability to captivate all genres of audiences. From Splash, Backdraft, and Grand Theft Auto, to Ransom, The Grinch and Apollo 13, Mr. Howard has demonstrated his seemingly easy ability to express himself creatively while still conforming to professional and responsible standards. Many remember "Ronny" when he played the leading role in what became an icon movie of the 1970’s, American Graffiti, but not many expected this clean-cut, red haired, freckle faced teenager to sprout into one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed directors and producers!

Mr. Howard is known as the "nicest man in show biz." This statement was only further accentuated when TeenSpeak sat down to speak with him early January. Clearly, this actor now director, treasures home, where the sweet smells of gingerbread baking in the oven enticed two of his staff to the kitchen table where they were discussing the details for an upcoming movie which will star Russell Crowe.

In another room, away from the tempting gingerbread men, we spoke to Mr. Howard concerning a notion that probably plagues the minds of many professionals in the entertainment world and beyond... How does Mr. Howard turn every movie he directs into a success? He confessed, that while technology has changed the industry dramatically, there are fundamental ingredients that make any movie a success: a good story, timing, and special effects. The essential ingredient is most definitely a good story line, Mr. Howard told TeenSpeak. But the time in which the picture is presented to the public is critical. He emphasized, "It’s just the right idea available to audiences at just the right moment with just the right actor, who’s maybe just emerging as a star – like Leonardo DeCaprio in Titanic. He had just finished doing Romeo and Juliet which was not a huge hit, but was very popular. So when Titanic came out, not only was it an incredible movie, but it sort of made him not just someone kids were aware of, but exciting for everyone," he said. "This makes a movie go from one level to another level, and makes it a true success," he added.

Ron Howard