Before the first "SAW" film was released in 2004, my kidnapping horror thriller (I don't use titles because I don't want them stolen. They're my titles. Get your own) was making the rounds around town, and was generally well received. However, after "SAW" hit, and depressingly became a hit, my screenplay was suddenly and roundly dismissed as "that 'SAW' knock off." Though my screenplay had elements of what would come to be known as "torture porn," it had a smart, plucky heroine, and an overall interest in thrilling the audience, not disgusting them with various forms of torture. (Watching "SAW" is a form of torture all its own for how amateur-hour it was. But, before you start yelling "SOUR GRAPES!" at me - I really liked James Wan's "DEAD SILENCE.")My kidnapping horror thriller (or, "KHT" from now on) was deemed to similar to "SAW," and too soon to be used to cash in on its success. So, like a little piece of my soul while watching "SAW," it died.
Flash forward to 2007, I dust off "KHT," and my steadfast manager sends a copy to the terrific Katie Stuart, of whom I'm a big fan. (I think SAW 34 was released during this year, too.) Katie loved it. Lanny loved that Katie loved it. Long story short, we get close to getting it made with "Stu" but it doesn't materializes, once again killing my script. (During this time, Katie and I strike up a brief e-friendship. A very nice, smart and talented gal.)
Last week, a new ending to "KHT" randomly occurrs to me that's the ending the script should've had all along. This week I'm going to change it and send it back out. Maybe this is why it hasn't sold - it's had the wrong ending. I'm hopeful the ending of all of this is Katie doing the movie, and it becomes a classic in the genre. (Meanwhile, "SAW 318" will be opening this fall.)
No comments:
Post a Comment