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.