We recently sat down with Screenwriter and RMHC Board Member Mike Rich to talk about the upcoming Social for Ronald McDonald House Charities on July 18 at Nike, a casual event with dinner, dessert, and drinks the night before our annual Golf Tournament. This year’s Social features a behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood filmmaking with Rich and special guest, writer and director John Lee Hancock of “The Blind Side.”
Q) What makes the Social a unique event?
It’s a one-of-a-kind event because of the personalities it attracts. Last year’s event featured four members from the 1980 US Olympic Hockey Team and they spent the night telling never-before-heard stories about their classic upset of the Soviets. This year, it’ll be the same setting for John Lee Hancock, whose film “The Blind Side” was nominated for Best Film this year.
Q) Why did you invite John Lee Hancock?
Because he’s a good friend and because he’s one of the very best directors I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Plus, he can tell a story like nobody’s business. When we take the stage on the Nike World Campus, I want the audience to hear things about these two films they’ve never heard before.
Q) What do you hope people walk away with from the Social?
A better sense of what goes into the making of a movie. And not just any movie…this is “The Blind Side” we’re talking about; a film that made $250 million because it found an audience and told a great story. John Lee managed to write and direct a movie that is the perfect example of that old question: ‘Why don’t they make more movies like that?’ He did.
Q) Is there one question you’re anxious to ask John Lee?
John Lee has a knack for inserting these very subtle visual cues into his films. For example, in “The Rookie,” the relationship between Dennis Quaid and his father was an adversarial one, so John made sure there was always something between the two characters when they were on screen together; a desk, a barrier, something. I want to find out if he did something similar, something unusual, with the characters of “The Blind Side,” especially with Sandra Bullock, whose performance was so incredible.
Q) What did Hancock say about supporting RMHC?
When I called to invite him, I didn’t have to go any further than the words: “It’s a benefit for Ronald McDonald House Charities.” He almost cut me off with, “I’m in.” He’s that kind of guy, and it’ll be such a treat for the audience at the Social to get to spend some time with him.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and Southwest Washington named attorney Andy Davis, a partner with Stoel Rives law firm, to its Board of Trustees at its most recent Board meeting on June 8.
We’ve recently posted the latest House Wish List at rmhcoregon.org, containing frequently used items that families need the most. Anyone can help the Ronald McDonald House by picking up one or two of these items the next time you are at the store, and dropping them off at either house. We keep a well-stocked closet and pantry for families who have had to travel at a moments notice or need assistance while their child is in the hospital. Please consider printing the list, and taking it with you the next time that you go to the store.
