I have a special announcement to make which has been in the making for a few months now. One of my short stories is going to be made into an independent, short film. The filmmaker, a young woman who graduated from a respected college for film, read two of my short stories and selected one for her next independent project. Her cinematographer, a young man who won an award for a short film of his own production, will work with her on the filming of the story, as well as in post-production.
The final run time for the film version of my short story “Hello Neighbor” will run approximately 7-10 minutes and most likely be entered into various independent film festivals. This is not a million dollar production, but professional actors and actresses will be used as well as state of the art studios and equipment. I don’t expect this project to be completed any time soon, as the young writer/director/filmmaker just picked up my draft of the story yesterday. She has to create a script, cast the actors and actresses, scout a location for the exteriors, budget the film, story board, etc, etc, etc. In addition, I’ve noticed that the world of filmmaking comes with many variables that us lay people aren’t privy to. When I saw both her and her cinematographer yesterday, their cell phones were ringing and they were busy giving instructions to others who were assisting them in another production they currently have underway. Still, she was excited about making this particular film because as she put it: “I absolutely love this story.” Hopefully, if this works out, she will absolutely love some of my lengthier works.
This is very exciting for me, and I am extremely flattered by this. I’ve been to screenings of films made by these two talented individuals and have been impressed by the professional quality of their filmmaking as well as their writing. They are up and coming stars in their field and their current workload proves this. This is something which I hope will happen to every writer out there who pours their heart and soul into their work. I am flattered beyond words.
film cinematographer filmmaker actors production independent film short story
21 comments:
Wow congratulations!! How exciting for you. Flattered, yes...but you are also very talented and sooner or later some bright person is going to tap into that. Wishing you great success with this endeavor.
Congratulations! To see your written work be turned into a film. I have goosebumps for you. Way to go :)
Hi Elaine,
Oh wow...thanks for saying I'm talented. I just scribble here in the hopes that someone likes what I write. This project, though it will take some time, is an ego-boost for me. I've always been confident in my ability to write, but when bloggers such as yourself visit my humble, little blog and say such complimentary things, I am deeply touched. Thank you so much.
Kathy,
Thank you for sharing in my excitement. I'll tell you, I've known for months that that this woman wanted to use my story for a film project (it's not like it's going to be a major motion picture) but when she showed up yesterday with her entourage consisting of her cinematographer and someone else who seemed attentive to her needs, I got a little light headed from the attention. Just between you, me and the flagpole, she did say that as time goes on, she'd like to read other works of mine for possible use in other films. AND...she has other filmmaker friends. I just want to see this one get made, then I'll really get excited. Thank you so much for your support!
Thank you both once again...I mean it! -Mike
That's just super and very exciting indeed.
Thank you so much, 1st Lady! Welcome to Mr. Grudge...please stop back anytime. Yes, this is exciting, and having nice folks such as yourself share this great news with me is wonderful. Have a terrific weekend, and thanks again! -Mike
Wow! That is so cool and I am so very green with envy... you must be thrilled. I think that pretty much gives you bragging rights for life. How many people can honestly say they've done something to top that!
Congrats you lucky SOB! and I mean that in the nicest way possible ;)
Hi Antibarbie! Hehe, I know you mean that in the nicest way possible. And..after reading your post yesterday, I DEFINITELY don't want to cross your path! (Kidding) It is great to share this news, and all of you are so kind. Making this is going to take some time, and I have my fingers crossed. The young woman producing this piece is very excited about it, but is working on something else right now. You know how these movie people are...always busy with sets, actors, budgets, etc. I got chills when I handed her the script the other day. Now, I just have to wait to see this get done. Thanks for reading, and for your support, and I'll be back at Antibarbie soon. -Mike
Congratulations - this is a great accomplishment and must be truly exciting. It's also a wonderful inspiration to the rest of us.
Congratulations!! I am so excited for you, I can only imagine the honor this must be! I look forward to seeing it when it is done. Again, congratulations Mike!!
Hi Teige, Nice to meet you. I appreciate your kind comments. I have just discovered "A Writer Writes" and I find your blog interesting. Thank you for reading and for your kind words. -Mike
Hi Kristyn! Thanks so much for sharing in my excitement. It's funny that you used the word "honored", because I told the woman that I was indeed honored by her request to use my story for her film. As for seeing the movie when it is done...I was assured it would take months. But, I will keep you posted for sure. She said when she gets the first draft of the script done she'd let me know. Her cinematographer has already won an award for new filmmakers! Thanks so much for your kind words of congratulations, Kristyn, I mean it. -Michael.
I'm certainly not going anywhere, so months is no problem. I actually have a friend who decided to make a movie, so he wrote the script and got everyone together, and made himself a zombie movie set in Waco, TX. The production and post production took a LONG time, and I've still not seen it. So, I know that it can take a long time.
It's wonderful to hear that the cinematographer has won awards, makes it easier to put your trust in someone who others seem to acknowledge as a star in that community.
You're a great writer, keep it up, and when it does come out, I'd love to see it!
All the best,
Kristyn
Kristyn,
I'm really flattered that you think I'm a great writer. Thank you. It's terrific that your friend made a movie, and in spite of the long post-production work, it most likely will have been worth the wait. Recently I posted one of my old short stories on this blog, and I almost published the one which the director took for the movie, but I held back. I am glad because I want it to be a surprise. The ending is what hooked her and everyone who reads it does not expect what happens. So, if I posted it here, then I'd ruin the movie for everyone. You're comments mean a lot to me, thanks again. - Mike.
I am glad for you, Mike. This never happens to everyone and sometimes not during one's lifetime. What more could I say? Life is beautiful even with its warts.
Congrats, Mike, you have stepped to the head of the line. Most often a print version of any kind of fiction comes before a film version. I can identify with the excitement you feel. A year ago a Hollywood producer was talking about taking an option on my novel, Six Hours Past Thursday. My excitement level had no top. Then the whole thing quickly fell through and it was back to square one: sell the book first.
I guess the author of Sideways proved that a film version can step in and propel book sales. The book was a bomb, until the movie came one, then it took off.
You are a gifted writer. I'm sure I am but one of many who are pulling for you.
Hi Footiam, Your comments are always welcome, thoughtful, and appreciated. Thank you. -Mike
Hi Jack,
Excited you must have been with the offer of a movie deal on a novel. I'm sorry it feel through for you, but you are developing a loyal fan base here in the blogosphere, and I am one of those loyal followers. Mine is a small project, yet an important one for both me and the filmmaker. I am hoping that this film (it's going to take a while to produce) will get some more recognition for both of us, though she is already on her way to a brilliant career. Thank you so much for your kind words regarding my writing ability, I am deeply touched. Also, thank you for your support. I am a regular visitor at your extremely informative and valuable blog. Don't underestimate your importance as your knowledge serves to protect and educate us all. Thanks again.
Hi Mike,
Congratulations! I look forward to seeing the finished film!
That's great, congratulations! Please post a link if the film will be available for viewing online.
Hi Kimchihead, I loved your last story. I'll keep everyone posted on the progress of this short film. For me, it can't get finished fast enough. Thanks for your support and for stopping by.
-Mike
Hi Gene, It's nice to meet you. Thank you very much for your kind words of congratulations and for stopping by. If I am allowed to post a link on line, I definitely will when this is done. It may take several months to complete, but I am going to keep everyone posted. I just discovered your blog and I like what I am reading. Thanks again for sharing my good news. -Mike
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