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Richard Brown Movies 101® - A Class Act The A-List belongs to Richard Brown. Pacino, Pitt, Clooney, Cruise, Roberts, Aniston: when Brown requests an interview, the response is personal, no handlers. How does Brown garner such respect? His reputation. Celebrities can trust that his questions will be well researched and aimed at an altogether different focus than the average press junket. Richard is not interested in the private lives of celebrities. What intrigues him is the journey: what did it take for them to achieve their success. Students in Richard's course, Movies 101®, get to make their own discoveries based on what worked or didn't work for someone else. That someone else just happens to be Richard Gere or Kate Winslet but for the two hours in class they are Richard and Kate. They have jobs, families and dreams. There's no couch on the stage of Movies 101®. Two streamlined chairs rest on top of a tasteful, not ornate, carpet. Sandwiched between is an occasional table for water. The set is theatrical and welcoming to actors whose careers often began on the stage. It's a homecoming for a movie star. Many times they remark on how good it feels to be reminded of their roots. Then they tell a story. It's unplanned, unrehearsed and often the first time such a flashback is shared with anyone. They do so because Richard has factored in their comfort levels without drawing attention to his craft or eye for details. Brown's technique is honed with humane, empathic principle. He calibrates candid conversations and elevates them to a place that's away from standard journalistic inquiry. What results is anchored in and enhanced by his primary passion: teaching. His intent is to excel beyond the ABC's of learning to the unscripted realities of life that often come via zigzag patterns. He understands this hard earned theory of learning very well. This Flushing, Queens, native survived a massive cerebral hemorrhage the night before his graduation from NYU Film School. "In the end it wasn't about pain or perseverance, it was about transformation. I had an epiphany about the ability to grow and perhaps more importantly, the ability to help others grow," says Brown. "That was the moment when I started to think of teaching not merely as a vocation or even as a career, but actually as a calling." Courtesy of NYU Today February 13, 2004 (Vol. 17 No.8)

Murray Brown

Richard is a passionate individual and a consummate design, photography and teaching professional. But to really understand him, it's necessary to look at his life as a whole. Richard is not confused about his priorities. What always comes first is his family and his dogs. When he was 8 years old, a black dog named Skippy entered his world. Richard loved Skippy, and the dog loved him. A mutual bond developed between them and something magical was created. Later on, a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy named Murray arrived on the scene. He assumed a very important role in Richard's life. Murray was rambunctious, earning him the nickname "Wild Man". In his more seasoned years, Murray set the gold standard for therapy dogs at St. Vincent's Hospital in New York. He was the Jimmy Stewart of dogs. Zora, Richard's wife, is a nurturing individual that brings strength and foundation to the family. She prefers a behind-the-scenes role, but a close look at Richard's reels reveals well deserved producer credits with her name attached. Her strategic thinking coupled with countless hours spent in the editing room has made her an invaluable and treasured partner. Richard Brown: After Snowflake (Zora's dog prior to their marriage), there was a period that we didn't have a dog. Then we began thinking about getting one. My daughter Lisa was at home. Daniel, our son, was away at school. Both children insisted that we get a rescue dog. I didn't disagree but instead I did research on various breeds. I wanted a find a match that fit both our lives and personalities. Zora and the kids went to the ASCPA and the North Shore Animal League. They came home wanting to adopt all of them. They knew many would end up euthanized. One dog was a standout. But it was quickly taken before I could lay my eyes on it. However, by then my computer screen froze solid on the Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. They are known for their sense of peace, equanimity and sweetness. Their big head is equal to the size of their heart. We tracked down a breeder in New Jersey who then interviewed us. Anyone that has gone this route will tell you that the experience likens itself to a condo board deciding whether you can or can't move in. Money is not the issue. We passed the test and were brought into a room with 5 puppies. One pup came right over to me, climbed up and licked my nose. He was male and our intention was for a female. In unison, Zora and Lisa stated the obvious to which I remarked, "I know. He's our male."

Pomo, WOOF Patrol's mascot, met Murray in 2003. It was his first play date with a big dog. Murray, a statesman, assessed the situation, realizing the pooch's dog mom was overprotective. The wiggly puppy needed to attest to his own will. There were no dramatics. Instead a large, soft-to-the touch, ivory-toned rectangular-shaped head lowered itself to the muzzle of a startled and tiny Shih Tzu pup. The exchange was simple, "It's okay. You'll be alright little one. Just be aware that mommy's shoes are not chew toys and make dad the center of attention whenever he enters the room." Then Murray reclined, allowing the little fellow a full inspection of a grown dog four times his size. It didn't matter that Pomo darted in and out his shadow. It was about sensibility and nobility, the characteristics of a Wheaten, and what their owners have come to love about their dogs.

Sammy Brown

Sammy is the new Wheaten in the Brown household. He shares his home with Scooter, a Tibetan Terrier. A Wheaten takes a good two or three years prior to taking on the classic characteristics that make them a repeat breed for many families. It was not an easy decision to get another dog. In fact, it was no decision since the pup was presented to them as a gift. The owner of the grooming shop where Murray was a regular customer noticed Richard passing by without Murray by his side. The usual appointment wasn't booked and the heartbreak penetrated the store window. Sure the Browns were good customers, but this was something different. This was obviously a loss with a huge impact. The shop contacted Zora and arranged to give her and Richard a brand new Wheaten.

Murray passed away from cancer and left behind gaping holes in the Browns' hearts. Murray was the keeper of their most intimate thoughts and feelings; he was an entrusted care giver as well as the most compassionate listener. The bond that was shared between Richard and Murray will never be broken.

The arrival of Sammy turned Richard's and Zora's life upside down. Still grieving for Murray, they now had to deal with a frantic, energetic, tightly-wired puppy.

In comes the producer, Zora, understanding and remembering puppy-hood. She is not the Dog Whisperer but knew that in time Sammy would have his place and role with Richard. She took Sammy to the behaviorist, to the trainer, to puppy class and on countless walks and romps. Two years have passed and the talk is buzzing once again about a Soft Coat Wheaten entering the therapy dog program at St. Vincent's Hospital. He will have his own personality to bring to the patients and staff. His style might lend itself more to a Billy Crystal type that is well versed at pratfalls.

It is still very difficult for Richard to talk about Murray. This is a man that delivered a keynote address to The United Nations at its First Annual Conference on Motion Pictures. He conducts spring and fall film courses that sell out in hours, not days (breaking down to a rough estimate of 121,600 students in 38 years). Besides teaching, he's a world-class photographer that studied with Ansel Adams. Brown also designed both his studio loft and townhouse located in Greenwich Village, New York. Yet, just saying Murray's name causes him to shift his gaze in order to compose his thoughts. Richard's best friend was Murray.

SCOOTER BROWN Scooter's Arfstrology sign: Capricorn Born: January 18, 2001 Favorite Diversion: Lots of tricks-especially to roll over on command. Scooter is agility trained, runs through tunnels, over hurdles, etc., just like you see on TV. For more information on Richard Brown and his classes be sure to check Movies 101 @ NYU: http://www.movies101.org/ Photographs courtesy of Richard and Zora Brown