This articleneeds additional citations forverification.(May 2016) |
Steven Spielberg's Director's Chairis a 1996simulation video gamebyKnowledge AdventureforWindowsandMacintosh.In the game, the player is guided by film directorSteven Spielbergthrough the process of moviemaking, including scriptwriting, filming, and editing, using pre-generated film clips featuringJennifer Aniston,Quentin Tarantino,Katherine Helmond,andPenn & Teller,among others. The game features advice from Hollywood professionals such as editorMichael Kahn,special effects supervisorMichael Lantieri,and cinematographerDean Cundey.The game was produced byRoger Holzberg,who directed bluescreen scenes in which Spielberg, Kahn, Lantieri and Cundey themselves appeared.[1]Spielberg served as executive producer and live-action director.
| Steven Spielberg's Director's Chair | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Knowledge Adventure |
| Publisher(s) | Knowledge Adventure |
| Director(s) | Steven Spielberg(live action) |
| Producer(s) |
|
| Designer(s) |
|
| Programmer(s) | Roanna Doty |
| Artist(s) |
|
| Writer(s) |
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| Platform(s) | Windows,Macintosh |
| Release |
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| Genre(s) | Simulation |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Plot
editThe player begins with a small budget and a personal assistant who provides guidance. Spielberg gives a pep talk to the player before the first feature can be made.TedandTerry(or Terry and Ted) offer the player useful suggestions on changing the film's script. Delays can occur during the filmmaking process. Ultimately, the player works with actorQuentin Tarantinoand actressJennifer Aniston,as well asPenn & Teller.Cinematographer Dean Cundey also works on the player's film to keep it within budget.
The film is then edited by the player, who can choose which angles to use, and can add sound effects and a soundtrack. Spielberg then presents the film at its premiere. The studio sometimes offers the player a chance to make the film again with a larger budget. Script and shot options increase as the player advances in experience.
The short film within the game concerns a prisoner on death row (Tarantino) sentenced to death for the killing of an old lady (Katherine Helmond). His partner (Aniston) sets out to clear his name by investigating a pair of sinister magicians (Penn & Teller).[2]The virtual budget of the game is $40 million.[3]
Reception
edit| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| AllGame |   [4] |
| Computer Gaming World |  [5] |
Computer Gaming Worldrated the game two and a half stars out of five.[5]AllGamerated the game three stars out of five.[4]
In 2020,Molleindustriareleased a free browser version of the short film within the game, presented as a simplified interactive movie similar toBlack Mirror: Bandersnatch,orMosaic.
References
edit- ^Joseph McBride,Steven Spielberg: A BiographySecond Edition (2012), p. 431.
- ^"'Steven Spielberg's Director's Chair', '90s Computer Game Where You Make a Movie Starring Quentin Tarantino, is Now Available Online "./Film.2020-08-11.Retrieved2020-08-19.
- ^Grieser, Andy (November 9, 1996)."The reel thing".Fort Worth Star-Telegram.p. 69.RetrievedApril 9,2022– viaNewspapers.
- ^ab"Steven Spielberg's Director Chair - Overview".AllGame.Archived fromthe originalon November 14, 2014.RetrievedJune 1,2016.
- ^ab"A Splice of Life"(PDF).Computer Gaming World.October 1997. pp.282–283.RetrievedJune 1,2016.