Celebrating 40 Years of Production with Revolver Films
Revolver partners: Don Allen, Richard Cureton, Rudy Langlais, Luc Frappier
A 40th anniversary is a significant milestone for any establishment, organisation or team. But for Revolver Films, one of Canada’s longest standing and most successful production houses, it’s an especially big deal. Not only is it, of course, great cause for celebration (in this case, an epic 1,000-person party that coincided with the conclusion of this year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) festivities), but it also serves as a chance to reflect on what’s changed - if anything - since opening day in 1983.
While Revolver itself attributes this to producing cutting-edge and influential work while simultaneously nurturing top talent, it’s a task much easier said than done. Nevertheless, it managed to establish itself as one of the first music video production companies in the world - going on to create momentous work for not only Canadian artists like Rush and Leonard Cohen, but internationally acclaimed names such as David Bowie, The White Stripes, and Christina Aguilera.
To learn more about how all of this happened, and naturally, how the party itself went, LBB’s Josh Neufeldt sat down for a chat with Revolver founder Don Allan, and partners Luc Frappier and Richard ‘Rich’ Cureton for a chat.
LBB> First of all, congratulations on 40 years! How are you feeling right now, and do you have any sentiments you’d like to share on this momentous occasion?
Don, Luc & Rich> We are in a unique position - turning 40 as a production company. When you think that when Revolver started in 1983, ‘Scarface’ and ‘Risky Business’ were in the cinema, David Bowie released ‘Let’s Dance’, and Madonna, her first album. Ronald Regan and Margaret Thatcher were in power, the CD and the Apple II computer had just been invented… It's pretty wild.
Since then, the medium has changed so much, and Revolver has been there every step of the way, constantly reinventing itself and adapting to this evolving landscape. It has been the hard work of generations of directors, producers, cinematographers and editors that have contributed to what we have achieved. It’s a team sport, and we are indebted to the people who have been along for the ride; filmmakers, clients and creative partners alike.
LBB> Specifically, Revolver is credited as being one of the first music video production companies in the world. Where did this idea come from when you were getting started, and why was this something you wanted to pursue?
Don, Luc & Rich> The idea for Revolver came from the time. It preceded the birth of MTV and Much Music in Canada, which changed the landscape of youth culture. Don was working pre-Revolver with the coolest bands on the planet - the likes of The Clash, The Ramones and Iggy Pop. The record companies were clamouring to get their artists on TV, and Revolver was there to offer up a way to get them exposure.
LBB> Tell us more about how you’re celebrated! How did you collaborate with TIFF to throw together a big celebration not only for the closing of another festival, but for the production house itself?
Don, Luc & Rich> We basically did what we have done for decades: throw a massive party and invite all of our friends. The fact that the anniversary party happened during TIFF makes sense for a film company, and having had films in the festival, it has served us very well. TIFF is also one of the top film festivals in the world, so what better place to showcase the company? And, it’s also a time when many friends are in from all over the globe.
LBB> What goes into planning an event of this scale, and how did you strike a balance between celebrating the festivities, as well as Revolver?
Don, Luc & Rich> If we are being honest, our parties always come together at the 11th hour. Don has been a partner with The Liberty Entertainment Group who have been an incredible ally and have helped us pull off many amazing nights. The Liberty Grand - where we had the party - is a historic venue where TIFF has held its opening gala for years. The amazing courtyard was perfect for what was a beautiful night.
In terms of party planning, that included the monumental task of digging through the archives of 40 years of Revolver work with decades of various formats to be digitised to play on the video walls at the party.
'Shark Tank' star Kevin O'Leary, Revolver founder Don Allan
'Iron Chef' Susur Lee, Director X, Megan Layden
LBB> Were there any attendees you were especially excited to see? And what did the gathering of so many different people represent to you?
Don, Luc & Rich> The party was a great collection of people. More than an industry event, it was a gathering of friends. It was an opportunity for people to see others that they hadn't seen in a while. It was such a cross section of people, actors, musicians, athletes, star chefs and stars of the business community - all friends of Revolver, including Canadian Olympic gold medalist Donavan Bailey, ‘Iron Chef’ star Susur Lee, hip-hop artist K-OS, musician and DJ Brendan Canning of Broken Social Scene, Director-X, internationally renowned artist Max Jamali, along with business titans Peter Thomson and Belinda Stronach. Notably, Kevin O’Leary flew in from the set of ‘Shark Tank’ in LA to be there. In the early days of working together in the film business, O’Leary pivoted into software, starting the company that he sold to Mattel for $4.2 billion in the Revolver offices.
All in all, Revolver has had generations of alumni crossing different eras, and so many of them were gathered in one place. Guests raved about it being the best party of the year! It was a giant yet intimate gathering.
LBB> Moving off the topic of partying, to what do you attribute this long term success? What factors have contributed to Revolver’s staying power, and how have you adapted to stay current, fresh and relevant?
Don, Luc & Rich> We started as a group of kids exploring a brand new medium, innovating and nurturing new talent. We often couldn’t afford the stars of a given discipline, but had the ability to recognise talent in people who were starting out. Revolver gave them a platform to gain experience, grow and excel. And not just for directors but for DPs, editors, production designers and producers - all aspects of filmmaking. Revolver alumni make up a huge part of both the Canadian and global film community. People like Floria Sigismondi, Jeremy Podeswa and Director X have all become international stars.
Moreover, Revolver continues to reinvent itself and develop new talent. Even after four decades, Revolver still has a reputation of being ‘The Young Guns’ with fresh, innovative talent.
LBB> Building on this, what all has changed in the past 40 years? How has both the industry and the way you worked shifted, if at all, since starting, and what are the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Don, Luc & Rich> The fundamental ethos of Revolver has never changed over our 40 years. Only the body of work, which is what it’s all about. Yes, we have plenty of competitors, but ultimately, we are in competition with ourselves to push the creative boundaries and constantly evolve.
LBB> Looking ahead to the future, what’s coming next? Do you have any exciting news to share?
Don, Luc & Rich> As Revolver continues to evolve at home and internationally on commercials and music videos, we are also working on an interesting slate of long form projects including a movie about Miles Davis and his biographer, an American spy movie franchise, and a six-hour documentary for Amazon on the iconic Canadian band, The Tragically Hip. Stay tuned…
