#25 Producing Movies & TV with Actor-Producer Jimmy Hawkins

After his childhood appearance as "Tommy Bailey" in Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life  and an incredible 500 acting credits alongside stars like Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Sally Field, Shelly Fabares, Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed, Rick Nelson, and Elvis Presley, Hawkins grew restless co-starring as "America's favorite boyfriend and sidekick".  He wanted more out of his Hollywood career...and he went out and got it. Turning away from acting, Jimmy Hawkins set out to “remake” himself and soon became one of Hollywood’s most entrepreneurial and commercially successful independent film and television producers. You’ll hear how Jimmy navigated the shark-infested waters of Hollywood power-brokers and deal-makers to help finance and produce Evel Knievel with George Hamilton, and the thrill of the movie’s star-studded premier at Grauman’s Chiinese Theater that turned a small independent film into a 25-million dollar hit. Not resting on his laurels, Jimmy went on to create and produce hit films like  Scout’s Honor starring the young Gary Coleman, Don’t Look Back: The Story of Leroy “Satchel” Page with Lou Gossett Jr., and Love Leads the Way, starring Timothy Bottoms.  He reveals why each of his movie or television projects has projected positive values, the best in human nature, and personal redemption... and the keys to his ongoing personal and critical success. With unmatched creative instincts, Jimmy has the uncanny ability to transcend genres, formats, and media.  After creating and producing Motown Returns to the Apollo, he soon jumped into the publishing world to author no less than five best selling books targeting the everlasting appeal of Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life. This is a conversation you won't forget as Jimmy Hawkins shares the genuine secrets to producing both movies and television projects in Hollywood.