Defense/Military Consulting for the Movie Industry
As a means of introduction, I present a small resume.
John Lovett spent twelve years in the U.S. Army as a Military Intelligence and Ordnance officer. He now consults for the defense industry on various high technology and planning issues. His expertise covers abroad range of issues from knowledge of the workings at the Pentagon Chiefs' of Staff level to new technology weaponry. He has written and lectured about military subjects. He has traveled extensively and worked with the British, French, Israeli, and Egyptian armies. He speaks German and Russian.
This web page came about as an answer to a question. A young screenwriter asked me one time how do landmines work and under such and such conditons for her story could a landmine work. Afer a lengthly discussion of landmines, explosives, detonators, etc, she presented me with the scenario that the hero would throw a large (50 lbs) anti-tank mine and destroy the bad guys tank. I explained that situation was not possible. After thanking me for my time, shw wrote the scenario the way she had wanted to anyway. Goes to show you any well meant advice will not be taken.
Over the years, I have gotten several questions from young (screen)writers about military questions. I have answered them all the best that I could. This web page is my attempt to bring military issues out in view of people involved in the making of motion pictures.
In the future, I am going to build in connections to military and military historical sites. In the meanwhile, I am going to bringing out information on this page concerning various military issues relating to motion pictures.
If you have come here expecting some sort of ultra-conservative, militia, how to build your own bomb kind of place, you are sadly mistaken. There are places on the 'net that can tell you, but I'm NOT going to tell you where they are. In any case, I would not subscribe that you follow any of their recipies as they would most likely get you experiencing a life event. What you WILL find here is a good source place for military and militaria orientted information.
Future topics for discussion will be: realistic presentation of officers and enlisted soldiers; weaponry, its use and misuse (contrary to popular belief you do have to reload sometime); the cult of secrecy within the military; and any other subject that strikes my fancy.
As aspiring screenwriters, or producers, or directors, I hope that you will read the information I include here and take heart. I am not trying to take away dramatic impact for a story. I am trying to present a more "real world" view of the military to those who are not familiar with its workings.
This page is in progress. Please excuse the mess.
If you have any questions, please e-mail me at the address below.
