John Tesh’s producer’s encounter
A few years ago, when I was the Marketing Director for John Tesh?s music I heard that Johnny Depp?s trailer was parked right outside my office on the Paramount lot. He was shooting a film on a stage right behind the Mae West building where I worked.
That put me in a bit of a fix. I had a policy against any sort of star deference on the lot. It was rampant and kind of sickening and I wanted no part of it. I routinely passed Kevin Costner, Niles from Fraiser, Tom Cruise and others while walking around to the catering truck or on errands and we would smile and nod, like anyone else. I once had a temp assignment working for Patrick Stewart. Being no fan of Star Trek, I didn?t know who he was until someone told me later that morning. At lunch, Patrick and his girlfriend came back all lit up. Apparently Pierce Brosnan was right outside, having also eaten at the Commissary. I didn?t say anything.
?Pierce Brosnan!? Patrick told me. “Don?t you like him??
?I don?t know who that is.?
?James Bond!? his girlfriend blurted.
?James Bond! Don?t you know James Bond?? Patrick asked me, leaning over my desk to make the point right in my face.
?Listen,? I said, ?I didn?t know who you were until about fifteen minutes ago.?
But Johnny Depp?I knew who he was. And he was on my short list. What to do?what to do?
Part of my job was to manage the swag?the merchandise?John Tesh cds, videos, t-shirts. I didn?t have much to offer. I got out a piece of letterhead and tried to tell him what I needed him to know.
Johnny,
I was in Macon, Georgia when I discovered you three years ago?watching What?s Eating Gilbert Grape with my family. We?re still quoting that movie. So?years of laughs, then. And then there was Arizona Dream and Benny and Joon and Dead Man. The thing is, I never thought I?d have the chance to tell you?to thank you for doing what you do. And to let you know about just one family whose days you made better.
And also to thank you for not becoming what this industry insists you become. For doing this on your own terms.
Keep shining?
I pulled one of the coveted wool John Tesh tour jackets from the top shelf and put it in the box.
PS Didn?t want you to be the only one of your friends not to have one of these.
And with a lick and kiss it was done. I walked it next door to Stage 19.
?Is Johnny Depp here?? I asked the stage manager?
?Yes he?s right there ? just finishing up this scene ? give him just a minute.?
?No no ?