John Alan Simon, a visionary leader, holds the esteemed position of president and chief executive officer at Discovery Films, where he masterfully oversees the vast expanse of film-related endeavors, comprising securing crucial financing, meticulously orchestrating every aspect of production, expertly brokering sales, and fearlessly spearheading innovative marketing efforts for an impressive array of successful independent feature films.
The illustrious filmography of this esteemed individual is a testament to their remarkable versatility and artistic prowess, featuring a diverse array of critically acclaimed and popular titles that have captivated audiences worldwide. One such iconic production is the cult classic The Wicker Man, a 1973 release that has since become a cultural phenomenon, its eerie and haunting atmosphere continuing to enthrall viewers to this day. Another notable achievement is the thought-provoking psychological thriller The Haunting of Julia, which premiered in 1977 and has been praised for its masterful storytelling and masterful direction. Finally, the highly acclaimed drama Out of the Blue, starring and directed by the legendary Dennis Hopper, is a 1980 release that showcases the incredible range and talent of this individual, cementing their status as a true cinematic icon.
Philip K. Dick, a renowned and celebrated science-fiction author, has left an indelible mark on the science-fiction genre, his remarkable and thought-provoking literary works having been successfully adapted into a multitude of notable films, including the iconic and influential "Blade Runner" and the thrilling and action-packed "Total Recall", which have cemented his legacy as a master of the craft and a pioneer in the field of science-fiction literature.
As a significant milestone in a joint endeavor with Rosenbloom Entertainment, Discovery has successfully secured the cinematic rights to a trio of novels crafted by the celebrated author, Philip K. Dick, whose literary prowess has garnered widespread recognition and acclaim.
Simon's extraordinary career in the film industry was preceded by a truly remarkable and distinguished tenure as a journalist and film critic, where he occupied esteemed positions, including that of a staff writer for the renowned and respected New Orleans Times Picayune, a publication that has been a beacon of excellence in journalism for generations, and later, he served as the editor-in-chief of the equally respected and admired New Orleans Magazine, a prestigious publication that has been a leading voice in the city's cultural and literary scene for decades.
Simon's academic prowess was evident long before he embarked on a career in the film industry, as he proudly emerged from the esteemed Harvard College with a distinguished honor in the fields of History and Literature.
Simon's impressive repertoire of academic and professional achievements was further augmented by his ability to impart his vast knowledge and enthusiasm for film and writing to others, thereby fulfilling a dual role as an esteemed instructor at three prestigious institutions of higher learning, namely Tulane University, Loyola University, and the University of Illinois, where he had the privilege of guiding and mentoring students, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art and craft of filmmaking and writing.
During this profoundly significant period, he dedicated a considerable portion of his time and energies to meticulously crafting a diverse range of high-quality, featured articles and incisive film and music critiques for a broad spectrum of esteemed and respected publications, including the renowned Downbeat magazine, the prestigious American Film magazine, and the esteemed Chicago Sun-Times newspaper, thereby further solidifying his reputation as a distinguished and accomplished journalist and critic.
