Chuck
Bowman sees life through camera lenses.
When the television and film director has spare moments on
the job, he shoots photographs of his co-workers - some of
them world-famous, some no longer with us, but nearly all recognizable
to fans of Hollywood.
''If
I get a gut-ache fighting with agents or the whole Hollywood
thing, this is where I go,'' Bowman said during a break in hanging
his work at the Center for Contemporary Arts. ''I have a
real passion for photography. When I'm not behind a motion
picture camera, I have this.''
Bowman's exhibit, ''Behind the Scenes on the Hollywood Set:
An Insider's Look at the Film Industry,'' is open through July
31.
The
exhibit collects photographs Bowman shot of Arsenio Hall,
Matthew McConaughey, Jane Seymour and other famous actors. Some
photographs were shot during rehearsals. Others capture candid
moments during breaks in filming.
Bowman grew up in southeast Kansas, enthralled with motion
pictures.
''Movies
is all I ever wanted to do ... I lived in theaters as a kid,''
he said. ''I felt like I was destined to go into it.''
A
TV journalism career derailed Bowman long enough to cover
events like presidential candidate Robert Kennedy's 1968 assassination,
and the 1965 Watts riots in Los Angeles. Bowman also began
acting, playing newsmen or cops on ''Dragnet'' and ''Adam-12.''
In
the mid-1970s, Bowman finally quit journalism, figuring if
he didn't go into filmmaking then, he never would. He worked
behind the scenes on the TV series ''Baa Baa Black Sheep''
and ''The Incredible Hulk'' before directing popular programs
including ''In the Heat of the Night'' and ''Dr. Quinn, MedicineWoman.''
As he walked through Gallery II at CCA last weekend, Bowman's
told stories about celebrities he has known.
#
One morning while on the set of a television show, Bowman
ran into a ''very nice young lady'' with a dog. ''As I talked
to her, I realized I was talking to ('V.I.P.') star Pamela
Anderson - without all this stuff on her,''referring to the
actress' well-known high-maintenance hair and makeup. ''Without
it, she's the farm girl next door.''
#
Bowman gets wistful talking about the late ''In the Heat
of the Night''star Howard E. Rollins, who battled substance
abuse. ''He had many personal problems and dressed in these
bizarre clothes, but when you said action, you sit back and
watched him do that dance they do (as actors),'' Bowman said.
'' I told that man many times how wonderful he was.''
# Pointing to a photo of pregnant ''Dr. Quinn'' star Jane
Seymour, Bowman said the actress never missed a day's work
- and could be counted on to give brilliant performances just
minutes after awaking from a nap. ''She's the consummate professional,''
he said.
Bowman
also shot photos on sets run by his son, director Rob Bowman.Frequently
at the helm for episodes of ''The X Files,'' the younger
Bowman is seenchuckling with series star David Duchovny (wearing
his trademark raincoat).
''You
could see their mutual respect. Rob would ask for a lot of
takes, and David just went with it,'' the elder Bowman said.
Rob Bowman is also seen in an unguarded moment on the set
of the film ''Reign of Fire'' - sticking out his tongue.
He's
working on ... writing two scripts, including one based on
his mother's life. |
If you go
What: ''Behind the Scenes on the Hollywood Set: An Insider's
Look at the Film
Industry,'' photography exhibit by film/television director Chuck Bowman.
Where: Center for Contemporary Arts, 220 Cypress St.
When: Through July 31.
Cost: Free. Donations accepted.
Contact arts/entertainment writer Brien Murphy at murphyb@reporternews.com
or 676-6760.
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