Name the auteurs behind the Top Gun formula: films about independent and dangerous men who live fast, prove their manhood, climb the ranks, suffer setbacks, and ultimately learn to work with others.

A) Tony Scott and Ridley Scott
B) Joel Silver and Michael Bay
C) Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson
D) Michael Bay and Tony Scott

Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson were the producers behind the Top Gun formula, with films such as Top Gun, Bad Boys, and Beverly Hills Cop following this formula. Tony Scott directed Top Gun, but he was not the sole auteur behind the formula. Michael Bay also directed films in this vein, but he did not create or originate the formula. Joel Silver produced action films, but his focus was less on the manhood and personal growth of the characters, and more on high-concept premises and set pieces.