2017 - A Busy Year!

Thank you to the recent visitors of my blog - a few of whom were concerned at the lack of recent posts.

First, new baby boy in our home (Matthew) requiring much attention.

Second, my first feature screenplay credit (TINKER) made the rounds at festivals this year and the producers are working on a distribution deal.   We've received great audience reactions to date at the screenings.

Third, I have FOUR scripts optioned right now.  HORROR COMIC, REAPER MADNESS, and FUNK YOU (a 'fish out of water' romantic comedy set in the world of funk music) to mention the three that aren't subject to confidentiality.  The producers are working to put the pieces to the puzzle together.  

What are the pieces?

To get a film made you need (1) money; (2) distribution; and (3) a star attachment.    But it's a Catch-22.   Well, a Double Catch-22 (Catch-44?).   The money people want to make sure you have distribution.  The star wants to make sure you are funded before they even read the script (unless you have a major track record).  The distributor wants to know who is attached before agreeing to distribute.  Otherwise, you're making a 1, 2, 10 million-dollar film 'on spec' hoping someone will pick it up.   Mighty big dice to be rolling.

Star attachments are also difficult because there's a limited number of actors that can garner deals at different money levels.   They may be booked 2-3 years in advance.  Some producers are required to put up money on deposit as a 'pay or play' deal - if the movie doesn't happen, the star still gets paid because he or she booked the slot.  

As a newly produced writer seeking credits, I have been working with new producers or those in other aspects of film production (legal, technical) looking to produce a feature.   That's been a challenge as well.

The positive is that people who read my screenplays want to get them made into films.   That's a good thing.   Film is the one industry where you can "fail up" - get more produced credits just because someone made your last film, seemingly regardless of quality.   Everyone (star, distributor, money people) want to be able to point to a track record.   The first break is the hardest to catch.

I have 21 books available on Amazon.   TINKER will be out in some fashion next year.   I'll provide a link to the Amazon stream/DVD when it does.

Thanks for checking out the blog and here's to a great 2018 for us all!