Welcome to Hollywood — ‘WARRIORS’ Update
Several of you have asked for an update on how Hollywood insiders are responding to my screenplay/movie WARRIORS OF THE LAST TEMPLE and for which I requested your prayers in FB group posts and in my recent blog titled, “Your Prayers for ‘Warriors.’”
So to give you a feel of what it’s like for a first-time screenwriter not located in Hollywood and pitching a big-budget, high-concept, action-adventure, historical and political epic, below is a sampling of excerpts from many responses—both encouraging and discouraging.
But before you review them, please keep these two practical realities and caveats in mind.
– 1) “Hollywood is one place in the world where you can die of encouragement.” (Dorothy Parker)
– 2) Taking WARRIORS from script to screen is a long-shot. Without much prayer, your continuing prayers, and God’s directed intervention in this project’s behalf—i.e., in getting it to the right people at the right time—it won’t make it, as 98-plus percent of screenplays never do.
RESPONSE EXCEPTS:
“This is one of the most important and most dramatic times in history. . . . It is certainly worthy of consideration from any producer or director who is fascinated with the action and conflict of this period!”
“Sound intriguing! Please email me the script and our office will look it over! Keep in mind we are extremely busy for the next couple of weeks (handling post for ‘300: Rise of an Empire’), so it may take us 2-3 weeks to give the script the attention it undoubtedly deserves!”
“The movie is incredibly violent, even to the point of the grotesque . . . . Toning down the violence could bring the acceptability rating up and make it suitable for the 13-18 age group.”
“You have done a masterful job of putting us in the times, involving us deeply in Josephus’ divided loyalties to his Jewish brethren, his Roman allies and his recently converted girlfriend.”
“Our money is about to drop. When it does, both of us will get on the phone and tell you what we can do.”
“Personally, I find the subject matter and time period fascinating. However, it is not what our company is looking for in terms of projects.”
“Josephus is indeed a great historical figure but this will be a very tough journey to film and we simply have too many other historical projects on our plate right now to consider it.”
“This is an ambitious project. You should probably try to engage some talent or some really big producer. I don’t have any idea for someone who would take something to develop from scratch. They usually want some sort of a package with it.”
“Although we agree that this is indeed an epic story, unfortunately given the scope, size, and expense of making such a film, without a script written by a well known writer to the studios and production companies that we deal with, and without an acceptable director of great renown, as well as bankable actors attached, we really don’t think this is a project _______ ______ Productions is interested in pursuing.”
“Your project sounds very interesting but in all honesty I don’t think I can help you at this point.”
“You should consider adjusting the script and make it a lower budget . . . make it more realistic.”
“Thanks for the submission, but this isn’t the type of material we try to develop.”
“It’s not right for us.”
“Unfortunately, it is our company policy not to accept unsolicited material.”
“Many thanks for the call and for sharing your synopsis, but I’m sorry to say this is going to be a pass for us – the concept did not appeal to the group here and our (admittedly) idiosyncratic tastes.”
“Although the subject matter can be a challenge, there has been some interest here previously in a similar space (The Masada Story). Nevertheless, I’d be happy to take a look at it.”
“I absolutely agree that it’s an epic story set during a pivotal time in history. Unfortunately, our development slate is completely full at the moment and we’re only taking on projects that come with partial financing or meaningful talent already attached. Do you have either of those yet? If you do, please let me know.”
“Please send me your script and I’ll take a look.”
So what do you think?