Things I experienced in my friendship with Peter: Peter never spoke authoritatively--he would state what he believed, but with the intrinsic caveat that he could be mistaken, and that his point of view might be biased due to experience. If he made bold claims or assertions for the purpose of fishing for the esteem of others, I never heard them. And if something he was unfamiliar with came up, he wasnt afraid to say he honestly didnt know. Peter could respectfully completely disagree with me--and by respectfully, he would intentionally listen to my point of view, and ask me questions so he could better understand the reasoning behind my belief. There were many times we both learned something new by actively seeking to understand each others views. Peter had many ideas and would relate them. He incessantly tried new things. And while he would excitedly relate the findings of his ventures, I never knew him to inflate those experiences into false towers from which he could look down upon his peers. While he could promote, he wasnt consumed with posing--a rare characteristic in this industry, where self-glorification is thinly veiled by ambitious players quick to let the world know how selfless they are via incessant sound and media bites: The truly selfless rarely speak of their actions. Peter encouraged me--and he also put the URGED in encouraged--to divorce myself from the emotional ramifications of careful observance. Not an easy thing to do; with scrutiny comes a great deal of discovery, and with that discovery, oftentimes, disillusionment and anger. The emotional trappings of being an Artist while learning to be a Businessman have been a convoluted swamp Ive spent a great deal of time navigating; two of my guides, Larry Sherman and now Peter, have left me many tools I did not previously possess and, while Im no master, I do know what theyre for, and am learning how to take functional things and refine them. I dont anticipate Ill be a grandmaster anytime soon, but that isnt the point. Peter, like Larry in many ways, and very different in many ways, shared a common trait: they made me smile. Their personalities were infectious where creativity was involved, and both of them deeply valued my friendship--not because of anything I *did*, but because we took the time to see one another for who we are, instead of what we could do for one another--or what they could do for me. I find that some of the best men Ive known here were considered close friends by Peter as well. I am privileged and blessed to have been counted among them. Peters example will be experienced by many who view the documented journey he took through his fight with cancer. Because of his unflinching candor, many will experience fortitude, joy and determination through their own battles. He has left behind the best film he ever made--because it wasnt about him. It *was* him. The script was his life, the budget, his suffering, and the crew--you and I. Theres no real way to end this. Two of the ring-bearers have sailed. There are many more--but these were close to me. Peter, I will miss the opportunity of you. With love.
Posted on: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 01:50:03 +0000
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