Die with Your Memories, Not Your Dreams”: A Conversation with Producer David Permut

In this episode of Don’t Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with acclaimed producer David Permut, the visionary behind films like Face/Off, Hacksaw Ridge (Academy Award nominee for Best Picture), Dragnet, and most recently, Rustin. His films have garnered multiple Academy Award nominations, and he is known for his exceptional ability to discover new talent and bring challenging stories to the screen. From selling star maps as a teenager to executive producing with Barack and Michelle Obama, Permut shares candid stories about his remarkable journey in Hollywood.

Early Beginnings and Star Maps

As a teenager, Permut got his start in Hollywood as the publisher of Beverly Hills Map Company. “I think sitting on that corner changed my life substantially,” he recalls. “I’m interfacing with all kinds of people, tourists. And I’m also interfacing with Fred Astaire and Elvis Presley who lived around the corner. And Katharine Hepburn who came by in the 57 T-Bird.”

This early experience provided more than just income – it offered valuable lessons in negotiation and human interaction. “The maps started at $3. They would go to two, they would go to a dollar. It was Tijuana in Beverly Hills,” Permut laughs. “So you know, whatever the market would bear.”

Following the success of Give ‘em Hell, Harry! Permut produced Richard Pryor’s groundbreaking concert film. “That paved the way for Richard Pryor. That did 32 and a half million dollars,” he remembers.”

Rustin and Working with the Obamas

Permut’s collaboration with Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions came at a crucial moment: “Right before they announced starting the company? I heard a rumor they were starting the company and I was able to reach out… And that’s the key to the door that made that picture happen.”

The film aligns with Permut’s belief in Harry Warner’s “three E’s”: “Educate, enlighten, and entertain. And that truly is the power of the business because look, I’m closer to the end than the beginning. So if I can make films that speak to that, that’s really to me, the goal we all have.”

Looking to the Future

Today, Permut remains passionate about discovering new talent: “For me, the real challenge and why I go to Toronto and why I never miss Sundance and I see five movies every day for 10 days… It never fails that I discover the gold nugget. The gold nugget is the next generation of filmmakers.”

Throughout his career, Permut has maintained his outsider’s perspective while becoming one of Hollywood’s most successful producers. “I feel like I’m an outsider, not an insider in this business. I’ve always felt that way and still do,” he reflects. “It’s just weird for me because I’m living my dream and it’s like I’m ready for somebody to pat me on the shoulder and say, ‘Hey, the gig is up.'”

Throughout this engaging conversation, David Permut embodies his own philosophy: “Die with your memories, not your dreams.” From selling star maps to producing Oscar-nominated films, his journey demonstrates the power of passion and persistence in Hollywood. Whether creating blockbusters or meaningful dramas, Permut’s enthusiasm for discovering new talent and telling important stories remains as strong as ever.

Don’t miss the full conversation on “Don’t Kill the Messenger” to hear more about Elizabeth Gabler’s remarkable journey and insights into some of Hollywood’s most memorable films. 

Don’t Kill the Messenger, hosted by movie and entertainment research expert Kevin Goetz, brings his book Audienceology to life. This bi-monthly podcast takes a peek behind the filmmaking curtain as Kevin talks with famous filmmakers, studio executives, stars, and other creatives about movies, filmmaking, audience test screenings, and much more.