He famously shouts that "show business" is two words, and the second one is "business." The Modern Chapter
In the late 1980s, Simens launched his signature . The course was designed to compress years of traditional film school education into a single weekend, emphasizing the "business" of show business.
is an influential American film instructor and author, widely recognized as the founder of the Hollywood Film Institute and the creator of the patented "2-Day Film School" . Often cited as "America's Greatest Film Teacher," his approach focuses on the practical business of independent filmmaking—securing financing, production, and distribution—rather than artistic theory. Biography & Career Background dov simens wikipedia
Simens founded the to provide a condensed, practical alternative to traditional four-year film programs. His curriculum focuses on the business and technical "no-bull" realities of producing a feature film on a micro-budget.
He emphasizes producing films with micro-budgets (e.g., in the style of Roger Corman), focusing on cost-effective production techniques. He famously shouts that "show business" is two
Simens married Miriam Katz, a former film editor, in 1985. They had three children, one of whom, Lena Simens, became an independent documentary filmmaker. Simens was known for his frugal habits—driving a 1998 Honda Civic until his death and wearing mismatched socks to his own seminars.
Managing tight shooting schedules where time literally equaled money. Often cited as "America's Greatest Film Teacher," his
In 1984, at age 40, he transitioned to filmmaking. He began as an independent script reader, eventually reading approximately 2,000 screenplays over two years.
In 1984, at the age of 40, Simens made a definitive career shift into independent cinema. He raised a micro-budget of $12,500 to write, produce, and shoot his first feature film over a grueling three-day schedule. Although the film won minor festival accolades, Simens faced severe distribution hurdles and struggled to sell it—an experience that fundamentally shaped his educational philosophy regarding the commercial realities of Hollywood. The Roger Corman Influence
Stop waiting for permission or a big studio check.
Simens is credited with launching or influencing the careers of several high-profile filmmakers and actors who took his course early in their careers: