MY SALUTE TO YOU MR. BRUCKHEIMER

Über-Producer Jerry Bruckheimer never seems to rest. With both series five of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and the new spin off series CSI: New York airing this week on Channel 5 I thought I would take this opportunity to salute one of the most influential Producers today.

Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed his household name through the popularity of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) and with another on the way. Previously he was known for his action/adventure films such as Top Gun (1986), Days of Thunder (1990), Bad Boys (1995), The Rock (1996), Con Air (1997), Armageddon (1998), Enemy of the State (1998), Gone in Sixty Seconds (2001) and the often laughable Pearl Harbor (2001), he has come to be known for his stylistic approach and close partnerships with Michael Bay, Hans Zimmer and the daparted Don Simpson.

I was part of a heated debate a while back regarding Bruckheimer's choice of films and whether he puts any thought in to what he is making. My simple answer was yes. Although Bruckheimer is still churning out the much beloved action films such as the recent King Arthur (2004), National Treasure (2004) and the not so popular Bad Boys II (2003), Jerry is producing a large proportion of the biggest shows in America and the most popular imports to the UK. CSI (2000), CSI: Miami (2002), CSI: NY (2004), Without A Trace (2002), Cold Case (2003) and Skin (2003) has proven a more thoughtful and intelligent Bruckheimer, disproving many of his doubters. He has also made many less talked of Producing roles, adding to the diversity of films he has now racked up and showing a more story based than stylistic based producer, such as American Gigalo (1980), Flash Dance (1983), Crimson Tide (1995), Coyote Ugly (2000), Remember the Titans (2000) and Veronica Guerin (2003) which have become overshadowed by the fixed 'action producer' label he has acquired.

It is clear to see how influential Bruckheimer is in the marketing of a film by simply looking at the film posters. Look closely and you may catch a glimpse of the directors name but in big bold letters heading the top of the poster are the infamous words, 'A Jerry Bruckheimer Production'. I have followed his work since my first viewing of Beverly Hills Cop (1984) and now cancel all events which get in the way of watching one of his new releases. Having listened to many interviews with people who have worked with him it seems that he isn't a producer who wants to direct but simply a producer who wants to protect every idea that his name becomes attached to. Many criticise his approach to action films but surely the priority of a Hollywood producer is to make money by giving the audience what they want and no one can doubt that he's certainly doing that!

I can guarantee that after any Bruckheimer film you will be ready to take the world on. Here's to you Jerry!

For the Telegraph's Bruckheimer interview click here.