"Liked it, Didn't Love It!" But I did!!!

...and you should get it!

Sitting on my delayed train this morning I finished reading, "I Liked It, Didn't Love It" by Rona Edwards, Monika Skerbelis and I highly recommend it for anyone looking to get into the industry above the line. If you are already there, you should still read it. It is the School House Rock of how a script becomes a movie.

I wish there was more info on TV series, but that is not what the book covers so I should not be asking in the first place. It does cover "made for TV" and MOW, the focus is the silverscreen. The book lays out the step-by-step process and duties that the (Exec) Director of Development performs and how that relates to the Writer, Producer, Studio Head, back down the line and back up the other side. It also covers how Development relates to Agents, Lawyers, and Producers, from small independents too the Big houses.

If you are a writer and you ever wonder what happens to your script once it has submitted you will probably feel better that it is actually working for you. It is in more hands; then you ever imagined, posted on boards and being marked for weekend reads. The furry of the journey your script takes is exciting and worth understanding.

Being someone who wants to get into Development I found myself saying again and again, "This IS what I want to be doing".

Return to White Castle

A couple weeks ago I had a question...

Everything has to pass by Legal before it goes on-air, or the silver screen but… When working on your idea should one be concerned when your pitch title includes a licensed property? If using a brand name is the motive and sensibility behind your story should you use it and deal with the legal issues later? Do you sell the idea first or secure the use of the name? I wonder how powerful of a pitch Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle would have been if they couldn’t use “White Castle” in the title or the premise for that matter. “Harold and Kumar go to a Generic Hamburger Joint” just doesn’t sell. The fact that they where going to "White Castle" sets a certain tone for there motive.

Harold: I want that.
Kumar: What? A Hot Dog Heaven super chili cheese dog?
Harold: No. I want that feeling. The feeling that comes over a man when he gets exactly what he desires. I need that feeling!
Kumar: Are you saying what I think you're saying?
Harold: We gotta go to White Castle.
Kumar: YES! YES! I knew you had it in you dude!


Nothing else would do in the case of there motive! It's not only what drove them, but the audience immediately knew what that feeling was. It moved the story forward and brought the audience on the quest because they understood.

Is it just a matter of having a strong enough story that the studio is going to fight for you (the film)?



The reason I know bring this up again, Variety has announced that the second coming of Harold and Kumar is on the horizon! It just gave me warm fuzzy feelings and reminded me of my quarry.

Free Hugs!

No no... Not Pugs! HUGS!