photo by Tony Campanale
“Doing Da Vinci” is a new show airing Monday nights at 10pm on the Discovery Channel. Our good friend Flash Hopkins, who has been involved in the San Francisco art community for years and Burning Man from the beginning, is part of the team on the show, a group of experts who’s goal is to build some Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions that have never before been constructed. Here are some video clips from the show.
Leonardo da Vinci was the original Renaissance Man — master of science, master of the arts, master of war. His revolutionary designs were the most advanced weapons of their day and were capable of unparalleled destruction. Yet no proof exists that they were ever constructed.
In Doing DaVinci a team of expert builders will try to construct these unique inventions using only materials available in da Vinci’s own time. It’s a modern twist on the classics, but will these outrageous machines work? Or were Leonardo’s genius ideas better left in the history books?
The series premieres tonight, April 13th on at 10pm ET/PT with an episode on building DaVinci’s “Armored Tank”. In San Francisco you can catch the show in HD on channel 750 at 7:00pm or the regular broadcast on channel 15 at 10:00pm.
On a sad note, Saturday I received an email from Tom Kennedy, the day before he unexpectedly passed away. He was helping to promote Flash’s new show. Tom has collaborated with Flash on numerous projects over the years including “The Whale” at Burning Man and the “Topsy-Turvy Bus”. Here’s the email Tom sent out to his friends:
The intention of this email is to let you
know that Flash has a Discovery Channel
TV show premiering Monday evening,
called Doing Da Vinci. I believe that
it is scheduled to air at both 7 & 10 PM.Flash does not have a publicity
department back here, but I thought
it was important to let his friends know that
his show is about to air. If I was to help
him spread the word, I would send out
a few emails. Tell your friends of course.And for you tech savy Flash fans, go to
Discovery.com and search for the show called
Doing Da Vinci and you can view over ten clips
that show the team of builders, including Flash,
build some amazing machines out of the
sketchbooks of Leonardo DaVinci. Building
mostly war machines, the crew sometimes
encounter disagreements on how to get
the job done…and Flash will be Flash….…Your mission, if you decide to accept it, is
to watch (or record) TV on Monday night.
This tape will self-destruct in 5 seconds….Over and Out,
Major TomDoing DaVinci
Discovery Channel
Monday, April 13th
7 & 10 PM
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{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }
damn, tom! one of the most selfless men i knew. props to you!
anyone know the 2d software they used to create the model
If Flash builds everything like that, I would never let him near my house. Sloppy skills and poor attitude. He must be there to stir up comments, not for performance. Everything has to be touched up or redone. They must be friends offstage.
Flash is a boob. I cannot imagine anyone saying that Flash has a show. No one in their right mind would give this guy a show of his own. Flash is on this show as one of the builders, and as contentious comedy relief, however it is not a show about Flash’s talents because so far he has not shown he has any at all.
I have encountered this persons before somewhere in my meanderings through life and he is just like he is on the show, a big moron who is a legend in his own mind, nothing else. I remember everyone wanting to kick the crap out of him in less than a few minutes or as soon as he opened his mouth, whichever came first. I wish I could remember where I encountered Flash, but I cannot. We have somehow crossed paths. Oh well, he is what he is and no one portrays a boneheaded disaster like Mr. Hopkins himself. LOL I like the show, but I cannot stand to listen to contentious people so I record the show on the TIVO and fast forward through Flash’s convoluted verbal contributions and antics. I also fast forward through the ads, so it works out OK for me. I’ll bet once the people who pay for the advertising during this show figure out no one is watching the show’s ads they will cancel the show shortly thereafter.
LOL nice going Discovery. LOL Haven’t you figured out no one likes the boneheads you put in for comedy relief. It seems every one of your shows has one of two of these inept, fumble fingered, disorderly morons preying on the people who are hard workers. It is a simple thing to see when you have a camera following these doorknobs throughout the show. At the very least I can control the sound and video at my house. Please stop using morons or scantily clad girls for filler or shock value. We are watching some pretty good tool and building stuff and trust me, we do not want, nor do we need a clown show to keep our interest when the show is as well thought out and put together as well as this one. And now that I think about it, the girls are OK!
You have cool tools, cool topics, cool things to build and for the most part cool people. Leaving out the idiot factor or Flash factor as in this one, would make the show even better. At some point someone is going to whack flash in a flash. Last night I stopped the player just at the point where Flash said, “Right off the bat I would knock him through the window.” LOL I doubt Flash could punch his way out of a wet paper bag. His tantrums fool no one and in the real world no one would ever put up with someone who behaved like Flash. Heck, that is basic human resources 101. LOL If they continue to use these morons they should put the ones who want to fight like Flash in a ring with a pair of three ounce gloves and let them go at it for three rounds at three minutes per round. That will take the fight out of them and allow us, the viewers’ to have some fun and wage some bets at home. LOL! Woo Hoo, battle of the network morons! Just think of the possibilities.
In my opinion, Leonardo da Vinci was a unique wonderfully talented Man! He was so far ahead of his time, it is hard to comprehend! He truly was a Master of many different disciplines. Examples of his brilliance are still being discovered today! I was very excited when I first learned of the plans for the Show!
The Discovery Channels latest program “Doing Da Vinci” is a” Wonderful Program” that could be a “Great Program” with one major change! In my opinion, Flash Hopkins should be sent down the Road as fast as possible! One would think the producer would have gotten qualified experts which reflected the values of Leonardo da Vinci. In my opinion, Flash Hopkins is everything Leonardo da Vinci was not! Flash is a Loud Mouthed Buffoon with no sense of quality! Pride in workmanship is a concepts in which Flash has a zero understanding. In my opinion, Flash is a sloppy, uninspiring, “EXTREMELY DANGEROUS” Man in a Carpentry and Metal Shop Setting! If someone is not seriously injured as a result of his actions, before the series is completed, I will be very surprised!
I could not believe how he used the Table Saw during the “Machine Gun” episode! The Blade was crank up to what appeared full height. Exposing at least two or more inches of Saw Blade to cut off fingers. Anyone with the least bit of safety training on a Table Saw knows to expose as little of the blade needed to fully complete the cut(not over a quarter of a inch). Another example of poor safety practices is the manner he was using the Hole Hawg Bit to shave excess material off the crotch of the wheel spokes. Besides not being designed nor effective in doing the task. The Bit could have grabbed and the drill torque could have easily broken his wrist! I could cite numerous other examples!
All the other workers on the program seem to have a real positive caring attitude! I have already began to switch channels to other programs when the self-important loudmouth “Flash Hopkins” is spouting off. I’m afraid, if you continue to utilize “Flash Hopkins” and his “Wham Bam”, throw it together, know it all, attitude. The series will not live up to the high goals and expectations as was originally offered and promoted!
Respectfully Submitted,
Benjamin J. “Joe” Browning
I was sick , why did I stay up that late to watch crap like that , I don’t know.
Well I did it cause I hear that Festools were used and that it was something to see , I though that it would be much more pro. then a wash up hippie
dancing around like a butcher that he is, take the tools from him and send him back to the dump that he came from. Really can’t see much for the others
in the show cause he was to much of a clown , Get a life Flash and not on this
show you are wasting air-space.
Being that it is already tape I will pull my bumper off my site , i do not what anything to do with these clowns, Festool is for pros. and not clowns like that.
Well now I said my peace.
Geoff Whitney
It is sad one person can cause a good show to be something many pass over because they have enough contentious people and situations in their lives. I personally am not interested in watching any kind of shock jock show regardless of what it is just to appease the few people who get off on other people misery. These kind of people who cannot behave or get along with others have no place in anything I want to see. Most of us don’t allow people like Flash in our lives, near our family or children, workplace or anywhere else, so why would we want to see it on a TV show we want to watch? Watching Leonardo’s devices being built is something special and I am sure there are many who are immensely interested in seeing these devices being built and tested. Why on earth would someone put a buffoon in the show who has no eye for detail, and would use a chain saw on everything if he could get away with it be put in a position to destroy everyone’s hard work is beyond my ability to figure. LOL Sadly we have not even got to the mans behavior yet. Oh well, I am stumped because I for one would not let someone who acted like that interfere with the rest of the crew and cause all the hate and discontent. They deserve to be in a safe hassle free environment and that is not something that happens with Flash around. Enough said about Crash er Flash
Regards,
Dent
Does anyone really think for one minute that the producers of the show would allow Flash to endanger anyone? Waste resources? If the opinionated commentators before me actually paid attention to the show, they would realize, yes, Flash is loud and opinionated, but also that Flash GETS THE JOB DONE!
Hey Benjamin “J” Joe Browning-
How’s your vendetta against Flash going? You’ve been to Gabi-Jack’s Laughing Squid and who knows who else copying and pasting your comments. Are you still mad at the world or just the casting directors who wouldn’t hire you? Flash doesn’t let you “always waiting on a part” builders get away with your scam to get the most money without producing anthing! Say “Hi” to Valerie Sykes.
With all Respect to Mr Campanable and his opinion,
Yes, I do believe the producers would allow Flash to endanger everyone. One only needs to view the way, he shoved on the Axle Pipe on the Machine Gun build without giving a proper warning, thus smashing the fingers of another build team member.
In my opinion, The premise of the show was to enlighten the Discovery Channel Viewers to the Genius of Leonardo Da Vinci. Accomplishing this goal by building true to Leonardo Da Vinci’s original designs which were completed in the late Fourteenth Century and early Fifteenth Century! In my opinion, Da Vinci’s designs deserve much more then to be cobbled together by Flash Hopkins and his “Who Cares” Or “Plenty Good Enough” extremely disruptive attitude!
In my opinion, it is a testament to the other members of the Build Team the Projects were completed in spite of Flash Hopkins presence!
Respectfully,
Benjamin J. “Joe” Browning
Ah Benjamin J. “Joe” Browning,
I wish you well on your journey to self esteem. The show has an expert on Leonardo Da Vinci who has not demanded Flash’s ouster. Yet you state that the only way to fulfill Da Vinci’s design wishes is to remove Flash from the team. DR. JONATHAN PEVSNER has been very pleased with the results. Are you implying that you are more the Leonardo expert than he? The results speak for themselves. Not in spite of Flash as you have stated but because of him. You still haven’t answered my questions:
1. Are you a friend of Val Sykes?
2. Do you run your own shop? Especially one that delays deliveries and inflates costs?
3. Did you audition for this show and were not considered?
4. What do you hope to gain from your online vendetta?
5. And finally; Does your vitriolic musings somehow make you feel more important than I expect that you are?
Good Luck on your journey to feeling better about yourself.
Mr Campanale,
I was going to write a polite and eloquent rebuttal to your comment, but you know what? Flash is a complete moron and anyone who has watched this show with social skills and skills in woodworking knows what an idiot this man really is. I don’t know if you are Flash using another name or his boy friend, mother, father what ever, heaven knows why you would stick your neck out and says things that any normal person can see about Flash. He knows himself, so don’t waste your time trying to make him out as something he is not. People like Flash are under no dilution about their lack of interpersonal skills or his woodworking skills. I would not want him framing a house, let alone working on a project that requires precision. I have watched everyone of these shows and I cannot remember Flash building anything that did not need to be redone. That does not say much about his skills. He could be the nicest guy in the world away from these kind of circumstances, but every week so far he has been a jerk, poor sport, poor builder and whiner. Are you watching the same show as the rest of us?
Regards,
dent
Flash was the only fun & amusing aspect of the show.
As for the individuals who have a vendetta against Flash, now you know you don’t like the show. –Don’t’ watch.
To all who might have something against Flash Hopkins, he is just as human as the rest of us and comes with all the baggage that being human comes with. His compatriots are no different. Of course Val Sykes has a tendancy to rub him the wrong way but don’t we all do this to one another and reciprocate leading to unpleasantness?
Say whay you want about Flash, but I know him to be a wonderful, kind, generous person. And I am so happy for him to be able to share his incredible personality with the world.
I agree with Kevin, if you don’t like it, don’t watch. We won’t miss you.
Question,,,,,,, What becomes of the projects when they are finished???? BG
It’s fun to watch these talanted and mechanically inclined guys build these projects, but Flash really ruins the show. I can’t believe he is on T.V. How could a self proclaimed artist/builder scab so many projects together and still be on the show. I wouldn’t let this guy take out my garbage cause I’m sure he would do a half ass job at that also.
Flash is a great guy.
I known him for about 17 years now (WOW IT BEEN THAT LONG?) and always been a great friend and he loves to make people laugh. Make a bad day into a great day. Or at least cheer people up. And Thanks flash for not telling me about you on the show. I got so many text messages from my co workers saying your friend is on tv. btw. Everyone at work is watching the show and loves it. So what I think about the show? He makes the show better for laughing and having fun. If everyone was stuck up on the show I wouldn’t watch it. Flash if you read this:The next party you have at your house with over 3000 people showed up like last time you better tell me. I’m there again.
Take care everyone and
Have fun what you do in life.
Ummm… hate to tell you folks, but your precious “Flash” is a national laughingstock. And very rightly so, in my opinion.
The first episode it seemed that Flash was the typical comic relief that’s part of the Discovery formula – it works in some cases (Adam Savage) and doesn’t in most others. The second viewing I really came to think he was essential. The other guys are all bland and though it’s fun to watch the inventions come to life – it’s his sense of fun and infectious laugh that put the show over. It’s clear he loves what he’s doing and probably doesn’t care that a bunch of uptight know-it-alls consider him a moron or boob. I’m sure he made peace with that kind of name-calling long ago.
How odd, I probably know Michael (Flash) better than most of you, or is that one of you, posting smack. He had a business that manufactured high end wooden items for children that was able to financially sustain several families for many years. He is funny, generous and loyal and I doubt this show would be as interesting without him. In fact, I know it wouldn’t. If this were a show that was solely about him and his many great life experiences, the show would not only be a smash, but would require about a million episodes.
Sounds like you noted the same writing peculiarities in several of the derogatory letters, too. 5 bucks says they’re all written by the same person.
I’ve known Flash for years, and I likes him a lot (even though I’m one of the “straights”)…
Lisa, it’s so obvious that one person wrote many or all of the derogatory comments. Perhaps someone that auditioned and failed to make the cut. The show would be truly boring if he weren’t on it and just being himself. Sort of a dick cheney kind of person.
well that didn’t sound right. the person that keeps coming back and posting negative posts is THE one that resembles dick cheney who just won’t go away either.
flash..aka michael..i LOVE the show….u have not changed a bit!..& dont ever…if u have time drop me a line…we’ll talk about the wonderful time in vt….be good
I was looking forward to this show, but after watching a few episodes, it’s hard to imagine continuing to watch. Not only is there a glaring lack of female presence and intellect missing, Flash ruins the show for any person with civilized manners. He comes off as someone who’s permanently damaged his brain through too much drug use.
There is never an appropriate time in any work environment to yell, argue and insult co-workers. It shows his poor social skills as a professional.
And I’m no builder, but even I know you must always be perfect in your measurements or you’re seeking failure or poor design.
I watched the show because I worked on a commercial shoot with Val before.
He’s very talented and and everyone on the set thought so. The work is very pressured and he always conducted himself in a constructive manner. I feel sorry for him having to work with the old guy on the crew. He behaves in a manner unfit for a man his age. I don’t understand why he’s there. He’s obviously not a professional builder. My son (age 12) noticed this and aked me about it. certainly his grandfather doesn’t act that way. Is this supposed to be a joke? It’s not funny.
Susan
I enjoyed the show, the builds, and the team. And I enjoyed Flash. Some of you folks have some serious “ax-grinding” going on, against him! Sure, he’s a bit of a character, but honestly, it made an interesting show. Lighten up, there is plenty of other things to get worked up about, just put on the news…
Poor ol’ Flash. Honestly, I doubt there is only one person writing the derogatory remarks about Flash. I am always amused by the conspiracy theorists. There one in every crowd who tries to mull up the facts with utter BS. I took time in my posts to mention Flash is possibly a nice guy in other circumstances away from a work environment. I worked with Flash many years ago and he has not changed one little bit. He is impossible to manage, he does not take directions well, he does not play well with others and he has a tendency to do things all on his own thought process and screws up things for others. Everyone is a moron to Flash. The people who say they, “know Flash” know I speak the accurate truth. Away from work he could be a funny person to be with and for sure he can be the life of the party. Looking at Flash from the perspective of management, he is a danger to himself and others. When it comes to working with others he knows it all and the only way it should be done is his way, and if you don’t agree with him you are a moron, an idiot and a few other things I shouldn’t say on the forum. I worked around this guy and I chose to not get to know him because of the obnoxious way he acted around others who were also very talented in wood working. I had no doubt our personalities would clash and I would have very likely buried a two by four in his head. Aside from that everything would have been just fine. Anyway, we are all entitled to our opinions about Flashman. He is what he is and he does not try to hide what a pretentious prick he is. He is true to himself and I think his honesty is one of his assets. So there! lol
You claim to have worked with him. When? Where? And how on top of the world are you right now that you go after someone who gets the television show that you can’t?
Dent, I don’t know you but I also worked with Flash years ago, in a small wood working business that was successful for many years. He allowed me to run the shop in any manner I chose. He also took direction from me. Through those years we had about 20 people working , off and on. It was a full tilt wood shop, fast paced and yet, not one employee ever got hurt. You may know what shop I’m referring to if you know him that well. Is he over the top? He can be, and that’s part of his charm. Women love him, perhaps that is the source of some of the dissent. He’s larger than life and I would bet that is exactly why the DC chose to hire him.
To everyone who actually knows and respects “Flash” . He has my utmost respect . My wife & I hope the show continues,if not we hope he gets another show. Because as Roger Foster put it “Flash ” makes it a better day. I will not post negatives about previous comments nor will I respond to any left on this comment. That in my opinion is utterly childish.
OK, I finally watched this pretty dull program. And I know Flash. Well lets just say I’ve been around when he’s bragging about something or other. First of all the guy is a narcissistic sociopath for sure. He’s the greatest thing he’s ever met. And he knows everything. If he had any brains he’s be dangerous. And he’s pretty dangerous as it is.
Anyone with any sense would not have anything to do with him. I don’t know if he thinks he’s a hippy or a hillbilly, but he’s mainly just a moran. He has no talent that anyone can discern. But his bullshit is so thick I guess some people can be taken. I guews that’s how he got on this show. But as it was plain for everyone to see, the guy is less than useless for anything other than a grunt.
Flash is great on this show and he is great off the show. I saw Flash every day at Burning Man and camped with him there a few weeks ago. He was my Burning Man mentor. He shared his best Scotch with me and everyone in our camp and beyond. I screened Harrod Blank’s art car documentary film “Automorphosis” which has a Tom Kennedy biography sequence in it. Flash was kind enough to let us use his RV to hang the movie screen. Flash loved the movie and he loved Tom. He retold the circumstances of his death in a very moving sorrowful way.
All you Flash haters can suck his dust!!! He knows how to live. Flash should have his own Channel!!!
I have seen so many woodworking shows on PBS and vaious “This Old House” type shows over the years and have found them to be interesting but so utterly dull. The Doing Da Vinci series is not only interesting, but fun and exciting because of the color that Flash brings to the show. Flash gives the show some depth and kick that brings things to life—just like the Da Vinci inventions themselves. I am so sure that without Flash, this would be just another Home Depot, dull as dishwater, woodworking type of show.
It appears that as different members appearing in the series change, Flash will remain a constant in this show. Without Flash, there is no show!
Flash is A**! I was looking forward watching this here in the Philippines but this guy just ruined it for me. I don’t know him, but I know a jerk when I see one. He disrespected the agreement between him and Frank about who runs the metal works but goes like a loose cannon and do it his own way. The word “team” doesn’t exist with this guy. He’s that other class of artist in which Anthony Hopkins describes in “Surviving Picasso”: selfish and arrogant. All I want was to see if the machines really work or not. I don’t wanna see this drama! I’m tired of the suckage from American Chopper and now they are doing it again in this show.