Thomas Langmann: ‘Crazy’ risk pays off for ‘The Artist’ producer

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Thomas Langmann, producer of ‘The Artist’ and winner of the Darryl F. Zanuck Award at the Producers Guild Awards on Saturday, said he took a risk on a silent movie in the hopes of being part of a unique and unconventional film.

Certainly no pressure at all for the film’s writer and director, Michel Hazanavicius.

‘People called me crazy, or insane, but I knew if Michel succeeded, the film would be different -- it would be special,’ Langmann said Saturday night. ‘I put a lot of pressure on Michel’s shoulders, but the film turned out to be beyond our expectations.’

PHOTOS: The scene at the Producers Guild Awards

The Zanuck Award honors the outstanding producer of a theatrical motion picture. Langmann, who plans to continue working with Hazanavicius on his future projects, said he wanted ‘The Artist’ to serve as a ‘love letter to American cinema’ and a tribute to Hollywood.

And, he said, he and Michel enjoyed every single moment of filmmaking along the way.

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-- Jasmine Elist