Showcasing Iowa’s influence in the movies: Making the industry work
Samuel Zachary Arkoff from Fort Dodge was one of the most influential producers in Hollywood history. He was known for creating popular teenage movies like “Beach Blanket Bingo.”
By John Busbee
Hollywood. The name spurs visions of unforgettable movie stories, glittering stars and hours spent with strangers in movie houses sharing a cinematic journey. Behind the production curtain is a vast legion of specialized professionals who are the support system for the stars, what many consider the true foundation for Hollywood’s success. The making of a feature film requires a blank page to finished product approach. These masters of film creation understand that each new script is its own project. There are many similar parts from one project to the next, but each is like baking a complex recipe: the ingredients may vary, but the success of the completed cake depends on the quality of the ingredients, timing and when to present to the always-hungry public for consumption. Then, the process begins anew.
Part two of the “Heartland to Hollywood” series provides a glimpse of the writers, directors, producers and others who are the creative glue for the filmmaking process. The development of next-generation filmmakers includes many Iowa-connected creatives. It also is built upon a surprising legacy of industry contributors who blazed trails in early Hollywood, showing that the mecca for making movies will embrace visionaries who contribute to the industry. As this overview travels from the earliest days of filmmaking to more recent times, the lines of where and how films are created have evolved. Actors, directors, producers, writers and others have found opportunities in other media, such as television and newer streaming options for content.
The formula for success blends creativity, talent and an unrelenting drive — and, often, a bit of luck. Those connected to our state may capitalize on the “Iowa work ethic” which appeals to the greater film community. The roles of writer, director, producer and other essential parts of the creative process often overlap, where one person may wear many hats. With the advent of television, many of these artists bridged both media, some more extensively than others. They all share common connections to Hollywood, however. Here are some of those Iowa-centric artists.
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