Paul Rapp, a notable individual, was brought into this world in the affluent city of Beverly Hills, California, to loving parents Phil and Mary Rapp. He is the younger sibling of a renowned comedy writer, Joel Rapp, who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry.
Paul's educational journey began in the esteemed schools of Beverly Hills, where he spent his formative years acquiring a solid foundation in academics. He subsequently attended the prestigious Beverly Hills High School, which provided him with a platform to hone his skills and knowledge.
After completing his secondary education, Paul went on to further his studies at the University of Southern California (USC),a renowned institution that has produced many accomplished individuals in various fields. At USC, he pursued a triple major in English, Child Psychology, and Film, which has undoubtedly equipped him with a broad range of skills and knowledge that have served him well in his professional endeavors.
Paul's remarkable journey in the world of filmmaking commenced in the late 1950s, when he authored a groundbreaking paper on the utilization of three cameras in sitcom production, a groundbreaking concept that would later prove instrumental in his future endeavors.
In the early 1950s, Paul had the unique opportunity to collaborate with his father, assisting in the direction of four pilots for the popular sitcom "The Bickersons" in 1954. This formative experience not only honed his skills as a director but also served as a catalyst for his introduction to the esteemed filmmaker Roger Corman.
Under Roger's guidance, Paul's talents flourished, and he soon found himself at the helm of many of Roger's productions, both as a writer and director. This period of his career marked a significant turning point, as he gained valuable experience and built a strong foundation for his future success in the film industry.
Paul's career trajectory spanned an impressive array of prominent film studios, where he held the esteemed positions of assistant director and unit production manager, fostering a long-standing professional relationship with the illustrious Roger Corman.
Throughout his tenure, Paul dedicated himself to conceptualizing and implementing innovative equipment and production technologies, driven by a keen focus on streamlining the filmmaking process and minimizing expenses.
Paul, a pioneering individual, embarked on a remarkable journey as a single father, shattering traditional norms as he was granted custody of his young son, Brian, in 1960, a groundbreaking decision in California at that time.
As he navigated this uncharted territory, Paul received valuable support from the renowned filmmaker, Roger Corman, who generously provided plane tickets for Brian to visit his father on location, as well as financial assistance for Brian's nanny, enabling Paul to balance his work and paternal responsibilities with greater ease.
Roger's inaugural cinematic endeavors were characterized by their expeditious production schedules, with some films being completed in a remarkably short span of mere days. Notable examples of such haste include the 1963 horror film "The Terror", which boasted an impressive cast featuring the iconic Boris Karloff and the young Jack Nicholson, and was surprisingly shot in a mere two days. This remarkable feat was made possible by the utilization of the existing set from the recently wrapped production of "The Raven".
Roger's innovative spirit and pioneering approach to filmmaking also led to the introduction of several groundbreaking technologies in his early works. For instance, his 1966 film "Wild Angels" and 1967's "The Trip" both prominently featured the use of handheld cameras, allowing for greater flexibility and a more intimate, immersive viewing experience. Similarly, the mobile studio vans employed on the sets of "Ski Troop Attack" (1965),"Box Car Bertha" (1972),and "Gas" (1970) enabled the crew to capture high-quality footage in a variety of locations, further expanding the creative possibilities available to Roger and his team.
Paul, a visionary filmmaker, embarked on a new project with the financial backing of none other than the legendary Wilt Chamberlain. His ambitious undertaking was a sports documentary-style film, aptly titled "Go For It", which premiered in 1975. Not only did Paul take on the roles of writer, director, and producer, but he also ensured the film's success, making it a notable addition to the canon of teen-oriented films that defined the 1960s. Films such as "Girls on the Beach", "The Trip", and "Wild Angels" are often cited as influential precursors to Paul's work, and "Go For It" can be seen as a worthy successor, capturing the essence of the era's youth culture and spirit.
Noteworthy aspects of Paul's illustrious career include his direction of the pivotal 2nd Unit on a pivotal episode of the iconic sitcom "Happy Days", where the legendary Fonzie's iconic stunt of jumping the shark transpired, ultimately giving rise to a ubiquitous cultural reference point. Furthermore, the esteemed Budweiser brewing company capitalized on this phenomenon by launching a comprehensive advertising campaign centered around the catchy slogan "Go For It", which, in turn, precipitated a revolutionary shift in camera work styles. Specifically, the innovative use of handheld 16mm cameras was deployed within the midst of crashing waves and mounted on high-speed skateboards, thereby giving birth to a novel aesthetic that continues to influence the world of filmmaking to this day.
The cinematic masterpiece in question underwent a significant transformation, being upgraded to a larger format of 35mm film. Paramount Pictures found themselves in a predicament, requiring the expertise of Paul to harness the capabilities of these cutting-edge technologies in order to capture the iconic scene of Fonzie leaping over the shark.
Paul's tenure with renowned filmmaker Roger Corman presented a unique opportunity to mentor and guide a new generation of cinematic visionaries, including the illustrious Martin Scorsese, Jonathan Demme, and others who would go on to forge their own paths in the film industry.
As Scorsese approached Paul to collaborate on his seminal work "Mean Streets", the seasoned cinematographer offered his expertise, proposing that the film be shot on location in Los Angeles, with a brief four-day second unit shoot in New York.
Embracing the innovative spirit of the Arriflex BL, the world's first handheld 16mm camera, Paul oversaw the shooting of the film's 1st unit, completing the task in a remarkably efficient 16 days, while staying firmly within the allocated budget of $350,000.
As a testament to Paul's skill and creative vision, the film's successful production served as a launching pad for Scorsese's future endeavors, cementing his status as a master filmmaker and solidifying Paul's reputation as a versatile and accomplished cinematographer.
Paul's astute filmmaking expertise was showcased when Norman Rosemont requested the production of "Miracle on 34th Street". Paul's innovative approach to location shooting allowed him to create the film within its allocated budget, a feat that would have been impossible if the film had been produced in a studio setting at 20th Century Fox as initially planned.
Paul's professional journey as the Head of Production at Fanfare Films, a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, spanned a remarkable period from 1968 to 1972. During his tenure, he oversaw the production of several notable films that would go on to achieve significant commercial success and leave a lasting impact on the industry.
One of the most notable films produced during this period was "Run Angel Run", a gripping drama that centered around a motorcycle gang and garnered widespread acclaim at the box office. This critical and commercial success was followed by another hit, "Gay Deceivers", which further solidified Paul's reputation as a skilled and innovative producer.
However, it was his direction of the first general release X-rated film, "Curious Female", that would prove to be a groundbreaking and culturally significant milestone in his career. This provocative and thought-provoking film would go on to develop a devoted cult following in Europe, cementing Paul's status as a pioneering figure in the world of independent filmmaking.
As the years went by, Paul's contributions to the world of cinema continued to grow and evolve, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and inspiring a new generation of filmmakers to follow in his footsteps.
Paul's tenure at Fanfare was marked by a string of successful releases that not only met but exceeded expectations, with all projects being completed on time and within budget. A shrewd and innovative entrepreneur, Paul recognized the potential of product placement as a means of offsetting costs, a strategy that would later become a ubiquitous practice in the 21st-century television and film industries.
As a key player in the distribution process, Paul was instrumental in getting Fanfare's productions out to the masses, utilizing his expertise to ensure that the company's content reached its intended audience with maximum impact.
Paul's professional journey continued with his collaboration with the renowned film director Roger Corman, as he took on the esteemed role of Executive Producer for the cinematic production "Avalanche".
