ROCKY DIRECTOR SPILLS THE BEANS

The first "ROCKY" movie began filming in November 1975. Even though the story takes place in Philadelphia, the producers, Chartoff & Winkler, wanted to shoot the entire film in Hollywood to save money. Luckily, I was able to convince them that by using a New York based, non-union crew we could shoot our exteriors in Philly and still be within our less the one million dollar budget. I had made four low budget movies with these guys and they were all terrific. I was my own director of photography and camera operator on these four movies.
So Llyod Kaufman, Ralf Bode, Aristides Pappidas, Mike Scott and a few others (including Philly native and inventor of the Stedi-Cam Garett Brown) set sail for Philadelphia and history was made.
This video was edited by Anthony Avildsen and is a compilation of the many "ROCKY" interviews I've given over the years.

[savedfaves]

Stallone as Rocky and certainly Pat Morita as Miyagi are some of best casting choices in cinema history. I just love Miyagi!! Even to this day I literally cry watching him. And to think the producer didn’t want him. Never ever give up on your dream.

[jmattera]

Rest In Peace, John Avildsen. You were arguably one of the best directors of your time. Thanks for the memories.

[briankane]

I remember watching this in the theater and when Bill Conti's music cues up, it sent chills through the entire audience.

[salamaraif]

What a strong classic Rocky and the whole series

[genebigs]

Bill Conti is a musical genius. Rocky was a great and beautiful movie, a classic in every sense. But one cannot even imagine it without the music!

[alasone]

My favorite director. Grew up with fond memories of this and karate kid movies!! Much love Mr Avildsen!

[marcofreitas]

Anthony, what a cool tribute.
It made me smile and cry.
May your father rest in peace.

[djdrock]

Mr. Avildsen, no movie has, or will ever instill emotion as much as Rocky! Brilliant post. Thanks for sharing.

[catoblepag]

We had such a little - and precious - time window to communicate with John Avildsen through this youtube channel, and I wish I wrote more to express how much I loved his craft. Some directors are completely self-centered, and the source material always takes a backseat: John was an artist who did his very best to let the emotions flow to the viewer without manipulation, unfiltered, and that's why we got movies like Rocky and Karate Kid, movies where you feel the characters are real, alive, and you'd love to be their friend. His movies had huge heart. Not many directors in movie history achieved that.

[socialwarsmiejercito]

Behind every great director, is a great composer

[edwardduarte]

Lightning in a bottle. I am so glad it won best picture. Best Movie!!

[harrythehawk]

Truly a one in a million movie with a director who made all the right decisions. Inspiring stuff like the movie itself.

[LukeMaynard]

I just want to point out how well this whole tribute was edited together by Anthony. Well done. It sure doesn't hurt that John's memory of the filmmaking years after the fact is AMAZINGLY consistent. He's obviously had to tell the same stories over and over to people a hundred times, but that really makes for a great and truthful experience when they're all stitched together. I think the only thing he's fuzzy on is whether they shot for 27, 28, or 29 days. All the rest is remarkably consistent every time.

[georgepogatsia]

You are a gracious, considerate man. I feel it is those sensibilities that make this film as heartwarming as it is. It's beautiful how you never fail to give Bill Conti & others their due credit. Thank you for sharing this video.

[pledgestone]

Amazing video. One of my all time favorite movies, I well up every time at that final scene, Bill Conti is a legend!
This video provides a lot of excellent background, thank you for posting.

[savedfaves]

Loved the ending. Your father is a great character.

[salamaraif]

Rip John g avildsen film director of Rocky 1 and 5 and the karate kid trilogy

[dashcan]

Thank-you John for this wonderful insight.

[STEJTHEGREATEST]

Wow, that must really fill you with pride, directing such a standard-bearer of a movie on such a small budget! ;*D Congrats! ;*D

[EntertainThemcom]

Fantastic picture. Fantastic man. But my favorite film of his was Save The Tiger. Hard to say though. He never made a bad movie. Not a single one.