Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 197

May 23, 2020: On rewrites, credits, and substituting Bob for Bill!

Came across this article today: https://uproxx.com/movies/jack-barth-interview-yesterday-writer-richard-curtis/ that details the story of a struggling screenwriter who sold the script to what would become the movie Yesterday.  In a nutshell, the writer sold his original script which was later wholly rewritten.  He received a co-story by credit, the purchase price of the script, and a share of the film’s profits which amounted to approximately zero dollars because his agent was an imbecile who negotiated a deal for net rather than gross.  The original screenwriter, Jack Barth, is clearly ticked because he feels his initial contribution to the movie was dismissed by the credited writer, Richard Curtis.

I found this article and the online response it has garnered very interesting. There are those who are outraged because they feel Bart was mistreated.  And there are others who are outraged because he was totally rewritten and, thus, should have no cause for complaint.

I am equally unsympathetic to both sides of the argument.

First, Barth has really no one to blame but himself, and his agent, for his predicament.  At the end of the day, that was the deal he signed in order to: a) get paid and b) get the movie made.  Rewrites are part of the business.  As a showrunner, I have to rewrite scripts – sometimes because of production issues (ie. we lose a location, the script won’t board), and sometimes because of creative issues (ie. the writer didn’t deliver on the page, the studio had an 11th hour change of heart and decided to throw out the script).  Sometimes, these rewrites are cosmetic in nature.  Other times, they are page one rewrites where nothing is left of the original draft outside of the story (which was broken in writers’ room). And who gets credit for that final version?  Almost always, the original writer. Why?  Because that’s the way the business works.  Rewriting scripts is part of my job as a showrunner.

Of course another way the business works happened to me on a miniseries my former writing partner and I wrote.  We delivered two drafts, a polish – and then were rewritten by another writer who claimed a co-writing credit.  Now, in order for a writer to claim a co-writing credit, they had to have changed 50% from the last draft.  And God knows, he tried: changing names so that Bob became Bill, and Bob’s car became Bill’s car, and Int. Bob’s Office -Day became Int. Bill’s Office – Day, but that wasn’t enough to reach the 50% threshold, so we won the arbitration and kept our original sole credit.

In Barth’s case, he was completely rewritten.  He didn’t deserve the co-write.  But he did deserve the nod for coming up with the original idea – and some degree of respect, something – it could be argued – he did NOT receive.  From the article:

I guess the reason why I’m playing Devil’s Advocate here is because I’ve experienced both sides.  As I said, I’ve written countless uncredited page one rewrites.  On the other hand, I can sympathize with new writers who, desperate to make a name for themselves, sign a crappy deal in order to get their script produced.  I also really despise gatekeepers who minimize the contributions of others – or take credit for it.  The latter happens a lot more than you realize. Last year, I was brought on to a development project looking for a showrunner.  The pilot script was co-written by a young, inexperienced writer and a fairly prominent director whose production company was attempting to set up the series.  Eventually, the young writer sheepishly admitted that the script was his but he had to agree to a co-write credit in order to bring this dipshit marquee director on board (because, evidently, the money to be made from being both a director and an Executive Producer on a show he would own through his production company wasn’t enough).

That, unfortunately, is also how this business works.

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May 22, 2020: I’m thinking my time could be put to better use.

Today’s movie-related question:

What is your favorite filmic twist ending?
Answer with a gif. pic.twitter.com/9DiqmIpIng

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) May 22, 2020

Came across this article today about Manitoba’s plans to restart their film & television industry:

Manitoba could be the first jurisdiction to reopen its film industry on June 1, but physical distancing on film sets could be challenging. https://t.co/Jwwe5LIkTn @CBCMarina

— CBC News (@CBCNews) May 22, 2020

My favorite part comes about halfway through the article: “Film productions are only allowed in Manitoba if cast, employees and the public can keep a separation of at least two metres from one another, except for brief exchanges, the province said.”

Sure.  Good luck with that.

So, how’s everyone doing?  What’s new and/or exciting?  Akemi’s balcony garden is coming along nicely, and she’s giving the bread another go.  I, meanwhile, am still trying to make sense of the stock indicators and just the stock market in general.  I think a good rule to follow is to buy whatever stock the US government is pumping Monday morning (ie. Big Pharma companies announcing promising tests results high on excitement but low on details), then sell the stuck Monday afternoon before everyone else realizes they’ve been had.

I don’t know.  Maybe I should just give up and focus on more productive pursuits.  Like making interesting pasta shapes using whatever is lying around my kitchen:

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May 21, 2020: Production Pandemic Issues

Came across this Variety article today:

Extras on $et: Inside Hollywood’s Pricey Plans to Restart Production

A few things. 

The article starts off by referring to Producer Tyler Perry’s plans to restart production at his Atlanta-based studios, and the safeguards he will put in place: “Perry will fly out-of-town cast members in on his private plane, and, since the studio is a decommissioned U.S. Army compound, everyone working on the production will live on campus.”  

That’s the gold standard right here.  But, realistically, it’s unlikely most productions will be able to fly out of town cast members in and out on private planes.  Quarantine cast and crew?  Sure.  It wold be no different than an extended location shoot – except that most every production will now be proceeding along those lines.  And for how long?  Depends on the production.  In the case of a tightly scheduled 10 hour t.v.series?   Say, four months.  That’s four months away from your significant other.  OR, if they are with you, four months which they will spend in isolation, waiting for you to come home. 

But putting all that aside, assuming you can work out the quarantine and the testing and the minimal interactions during prep and post, there are a few BIGGER issues that need to be addressed.  

First, the article refers to “the impending release of highly anticipated guidelines spearheaded by the AMPTP, which is based on input from studios, epidemiologists and public health officials, as well as sensitive negotiations with the various trade unions.”  Bolding is mine as herein lies the first big issue: union concessions related to a potential post-pandemic production model, one that may push for fewer bodies on set.  It’s a complicated subject, in my mind THE most complicated and challenging for production and union (members) alike.  But provided something can be worked out, there’s another issue.

What with all of the new safeguards that will be put in place, new rules that will make for a safer but, admittedly, much slower working environment, the “costs of production, already sky-high, are going to get even higher.” And who is going to bear these extra costs?  Is the production company going to pony up? I doubt it.  Will the commissioning broadcaster boost their licensing fees?  Uh, I suppose it’s possible.  Or, will the costs ultimately come out of the production’s budget?  Ding ding ding!  And if that turns out to be the case,  how much of that money will be coming off the screen?  In other words, how badly will the end product suffer as a result?  I suppose it depends on the costs – and a show’s particular budget.  You would think the bigger budget productions would be in a better position – however, as the article points out…

“The issue is simply that considering the massive crews, complex stunt work and elaborate sets, costumes and makeup, large-scale productions might be too big to reasonably accommodate COVID-19 precautions without a vaccine.”

Okay.  So what about smaller productions?  The article states they may be in a better position to negotiate this more challenging terrain.  Except THEY run up against another problem: “The information that we’ve gotten from different brokers and people that we work with on the insurance side has been, generally speaking, that it will be difficult to cover any sort of COVID-related kinds of claims,” says Jordan Beckerman, Levine’s partner at Yale Prods. 

These smaller productions don’t have the deep pockets of big studios.  If a cast member falls ill or production is interrupted by that rumored “second wave”, they are screwed without the insurance to cover their asses.

All that said, production has already restarted in Australia – and the U.K. is gearing up to get back at it as well.  I imagine, here in North America, we won’t be far behind.  And, hopefully, we’ll all find a way to make it work.    

Still, I think this phrase, that appears early in the article, provides the perfect capper to any discussion on the topic: “It will be many months before we know whether the scramble to make movies in a world in which few theaters are open is practical planning for a COVID-less future or delusional magical thinking”.

Continuing my #AGraphicNovelADay Challenge…

#AGraphicNovelADay Day 23
What If? Classic Vol. 4
A collection of Bronze Age AU tales covering everything from depowered heroes and unexpected deaths to surprising encounters and strange mutations. The Leaving, by David Micheline and Paty Greer Cockrum, is an absolute standout. pic.twitter.com/rXf991Oz5t

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) May 18, 2020

#AGraphicNovelADay Day 24
FreakAngels Vol. 1
12 childhood friends possessed of extrahuman powers evolve in a post-apocalyptic England of their own making. Brilliant character work. I ended up reading all 6 volumes in a single day. @warrenellis @paul_duffield @Avatarpress pic.twitter.com/O67PbPngyr

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) May 19, 2020

#AGraphicNovelADay Day 25
Gast
A young bird watcher investigates the suicide of a "rare bird" named Emrys.
Swain's subtle, minimal art style reflects a deceptively simple tale brimming with empathy.
Carol Swain @FantaBookstore pic.twitter.com/HPosnaYvEU

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) May 20, 2020

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May 20, 2020: David Hayman

Shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of David Hayman. His passion for music, and knowledge of the industry, was immense, and I'll miss his unbounded enthusiasm. A compassionate and generous titan gone way too soon. https://t.co/2kze0M7Vh5

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) May 20, 2020

The first time I met David Hayman was over a year ago when I visited his offices at Supergroup Sonic Branding, the media company he masterminded and built.   He was one of the first music supervisors we met with regard to our upcoming series, Utopia Falls, and five minutes into our conversation with him, I already knew he had the job.  Part of it was the Hip Hop-themed displays that adorned the walls.  Part of it was his easy-going, self-assured attitude.  But mostly, it was his obvious and considerable understanding of music.  Utopia Falls would be a Hip Hop-focused series and that was clearly in his wheelhouse, but over the course of the meeting, where I mainly sat back and listened, he and show creator RT Thorne fell into a long and involved discussion on the topic, from its varied roots and influences to its usage in film and television as a narrative device.  His knowledge was vast and the ideas he generated, at once creative and practical, clearly marked him as an expert in the field.  Perfect.  Except, it was early still.  And as we left the Supergroup offices, and we discussed some of the other music supervisors we would be meeting in the coming days, I couldn’t help but think: “Do we really need to?  HE’S our guy.”  And I suspect that at the time, RT and our line producer, Robbie David, knew it too.

So it came as a surprise to absolutely no one when, after finally meeting with the executives at the production company, David Hayman was hired as our music supervisor.  And over the months I worked with him, he proved as enthusiastic as he was tireless in meeting the needs of a very demanding production.  With series creator RT Thorne and composer Nikhil Seetharam, David built the sound of the series, the music that was the very heart of the show.  The end result is a testament to the combined talent, initiative and love for music these three shared.

The last time I saw David was back in December when we gathered for our final mix and screening of the show’s finale.  It was a celebratory mood with some champagne drinking and an overall sense of accomplishment.  And, above all else, an appreciation for the hard work put in by cast, crew, and individuals like David who always went above and beyond the call to get things done – and done well.

Eventually, productions will resume.

The music will play on.

But David Hayman will be greatly missed.

May 20, 2020: David Hayman

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May 19, 2020: Oops. Almost forgot to post.

Spent the better part of my day reading graphic novels as part of my #AGraphicNovelADay challenge.  Well, technically, the challenge only requires me to read one book – but often, after reading a first volume, I’ll just go ahead and read the next few in the series.  In the case of todays’ title, all six, a little over a thousand pages.

In addition to reading, I also finally got around to digesting the details and putting together a response to the last email I received on the exciting new time travel series I’m developing.  Not to be confused with the OTHER exciting new time travel series I’m developing – TimEscape.

On the Akemi front, her plants are growing bigger while her bread is baking denser.  She thinks she may need to invest in another starter.

Some of the other titles I’ve read as part of my #AGraphicNovelADay challenge:

#AGraphicNovelADay Day 20
Screaming Planet
A collection of provocative, off-beat sci-fi tales by the visionary Alexandro Jodorowsky, with diverse and distinct illustrations from varied global artists.@humanoidsinc pic.twitter.com/YgN5PdkSL6

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) May 15, 2020

#AGraphicNovelADay Day 21
Zenith: Phase 01
Hard-partying, self-centered Zenith, Earth's sole remaining superhero, is tasked with saving humanity from an other-worldly threat. Acerbically subversive and great fun. @grantmorrison Steve Yeowell, Mark King @2000AD pic.twitter.com/NPPRtrW8NG

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) May 16, 2020

#AGraphicNovelADay Day 22
Dead Inside
Detective Linda Caruso's investigation into a jailhouse murder uncovers a conspiracy rooted in the very institution she serves. Crime drama at its very best. @ArcudiJohn @ToniFejzula Andre May @JoeSabino @DarkHorseComics pic.twitter.com/pQQJ1ZvoYS

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) May 17, 2020

Finally, I’ve been asking a few movie-related questions on twitter of late.  Like…

What was your first horror movie?
The one you sneakily stayed up late to watch while your parents slept upstairs, unaware.
Answer with a gif. pic.twitter.com/FmCdR5o0Qy

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) May 13, 2020

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May 18, 2020: Lockdown Life!

Me, today, while Akemi was trimming my hair: “Watch my ears, please.”

Akemi: “Don’t be so chicken.”

The hair clippers we ordered are still about a week away, but Akemi couldn’t help but get a head start.  Armed with knowledge gleamed from that random youtube video, she got in a little practice – ultimately resulting in no discernible change to my appearance.  I’m really tempted to just grab my electric shaver and go all Colonel Kurtz, but I fear it may ultimately prove a source of regret – like the purchase of that bag of nacho picoso Doritos Dinamita, or a gym membership.

I notice fewer people wearing masks out and about.  Last month, I counted about 30% maskwear.  These past couple of days, it’s been closer to 10%.  I, of course, continue – and will continue – to cover my face when I go out.  For health reasons.  But mainly because I ordered  these stylish Legion of Super-Heroes-themed face masks I’ve been dying to incorporate into my wardrobe:

Star Boy is, no doubt, the coolest, but I’m especially looking forward to sporting the Bouncing Boy motif.

Now I’m sure many of you are wondering: “What have you been up to in quarantine, Joe?”  “What fantastic projects are you cooking up?”  Well, in truth, not much writing.  But a lot of this on a typical day –

Meanwhile, as a means of passing the time, I’ve taken a page out of Rear Window and started observing my neighbors from afar.  There’s the guy across the ways who is up at 7:00 a.m. every morning, following the stock futures.  There’s his girlfriend/wife (?) who sits out on their balcony and smokes.  Above them, there’s the very fit couple with the very fit dog who will often trot out onto the balcony and gaze longingly down at the reflecting pond below as if contemplating suicidal thoughts.  There’s the guy directly below us who talks on the phone at full volume, usually about how well his business is succeeding in spite of the circumstances.  Finally, one balcony over, is the woman with the infectious laugh who I have never seen but am really curious to catch a glimpse of.

So, how are YOU all whiling away the lockdown hours?

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May 17, 2020: Suji Sunday!

First off, Suji wants to remind you about today’s Dark Matter panel at 3pm ET with: Melissa O’Neil, Anthony Lemke, Jodelle Ferland, Alex Mallari Jr., Zoie Palmer, yours truly – and, of course, Suji who will be making a cameo!

http://TWITCH.TV/HOMECONOFFICIAL

Hanging with her friends – Ticklebelly and Tinkleberry.

Yum!

Pugsicle.

 

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May 16, 2020: Supporting my local favorites!

A shout-out to some of the local restaurants that we’ve been supporting during this lockdown…

They had the bad fortune of opening up just before the pandemic hit, but have been making the most of it, serving up fantastic Filipino food including the feature Kamayan Feast.

Jerk chicken, oxtail stew, fried plantain, and sailfish fritters are available for pick-up from this Jamaican restaurant that has also recently expanded into pantry sales.  Thus, you can also shop for necessities like milk, rice, and homemade rum punch.

https://chubbysjamaican.com

Back in the days when we were shooting Dark Matter, whenever I would call my former writing partner after wrap, there was always a good chance that he was either on his way to – or coming back from – Banh Mi Boys, a local favorite offering everything from tofu banh mi’s and kalbi tacos to fried chicken bao and kimchi fries.

http://www.banhmiboys.com/menu.htm

General Assembly Pizza does fantastic personal-sized pizzas, perfect for lunch, dinner, or stacking and freezing for those extra special breakfasts.

Yin Ji Chang Fen.  Congee, rice rolls, barbecue pork buns, and sticky rice purses – Akemi is an especially big fan of this local Chinese restaurant.

https://www.instagram.com/yinjichangfen/

Arguably Toronto’s best known burger joint, Burger’s Priest menu includes some terrific menu (and off menu items), among them The Vatican City which is a double cheeseburger served between two grilled cheese buns.  Delicious!

Our Menu

I’ve been all about The Priest for a while now, but I must admit – Rudy’s has fast become a favorite as well since being introduced to it by fellow foodie and friend Robbie David.  They do a marvelous smash cheeseburger (with crispy end bits!) as well as an equally great fried chicken sandwich.

https://www.instagram.com/rudyresto/

Tonight, it’s sushi from Omai Restaurant.  We’ll be doing the nigiri with a side of uni don.  It’s very interesting to note that this place shares a page with its sister restaurant, Furaidochikin, that does – if you haven’t guessed – fried chicken (with flavors that include salt and pepper, Shim Ramyun dry rub, OG Back Home Flava, and Gochujang Habanero!)

https://www.omairestaurant.ca/sushi

Not a restaurant, but a great source for the city’s best chocolate – SOMA Chocolates has been my go-to for years.  And, when the lockdown started, we placed a huge order, stocking up on bars, pecan pie tumbles, and pistachio butter.

https://www.somachocolate.com

Many more great restaurants I’m going to need to get around to supporting in the next couple of weeks.  I’ll report back!

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May 15, 2020: It’s the hermit’s life for me!

The highlight of today, by far, was this afternoon’s Home Con Dark Matter Panel rehearsal that saw Zoie Palmer, Melissa O’Neil, Alex Mallari Jr., Jodelle Ferland, Anthony Lemke, and I get together with Rachel Skarsten and her team for a practice zoom session.  No doubt to ensure we were at least competent enough to follow the “press this button” instructions.  And, I’m proud to report – We were!  Nice seeing the old gang – Anthony with his new haircut, Alex in desperate need of a haircut, and the ladies who simply looked as amazing as ever.  We look forward to fielding your questions this Sunday at 3:00 p.m. ET!

Digital art display in South Korea.  Cool, no?

So, I had a zoom meeting today with a very nice director and, afterwards, I was exhausted.  I mean  completely wiped, ready-for-a-nap, sleepy time exhausted. The point is – I don’t think I can go back to regular socializing when this is over.  From here on in, it’s the hermit life for me!

BTW – I’ve realized that the one thing that makes me ill-suited for writing and revenge, also makes me a terrible candidate for investing.  I lack patience.  I mean, I’ve always lacked patience but now, it’s gotten so bad that, on a scale of 1 to 10, my ability to focus is negative 2.  Which, I can foresee, proving problematic in the not too distant future.

Louisiana, you got some explaining to do!

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May 14, 2020: Alexa, spell “dough”!

“Alexa, spell dough!”was Akemi’s request.

“Dog is spelled D-O-G,”came the response.

“Alexa, spell doooough,”Akemi tried again, enunciating carefully.

“Do is spelled D-O,”replied Alexa.

I felt bad because I really thought she had nailed the pronunciation that time. So I tried: “Alex, spell dough.”

“Do is spelled D-O.”

“Alex, spell DOUGH!”

“Do is spelled D-O.”

Akemi was greatly amused.

Anyone who has Alexa at home mind giving it a try.  Has my time in quarantine degraded my English pronunciation that badly?

Every damn coronavirus commercial…

So genuine and heartfelt!

Guys, the Dark Matter panel is almost upon us.

See you guys soon! https://t.co/gZTMKaXkAo

— Anthony Lemke (@ranthonylemke) May 14, 2020

Join us on twitch, this Sunday at 3:00 p.m. ET, for a Dark Matter reunion.

And you can also book a meet and greet private video call with one of your favorites: https://homeconofficial.as.me/v2oneonone

Catching up on my A Graphic Novel A Day challenge…

#AGraphicNovelADay Day 17
Hulk Gray
A moving retelling of the once gray goliath's origin tale. Just a great-looking book.
Jeph Loeb @ArtBySale @MDHollingsworth @RichStarkings @JohnRoshell Wes Abbott @Comicraft @Marvel pic.twitter.com/0SmuHx9RI1

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) May 12, 2020

#AGraphicNovelADay Day 18
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
16 year old Sabrina Spellman faces high school pressures and supernatural vengeance in this gloriously macabre, pull-no-punches reimagining of the iconic character.@WriterRAS @Robert_Hack Jack Morelli @ArchieComics pic.twitter.com/hH2nBOmaLA

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) May 13, 2020

#AGraphicNovelADay Day 19
The Marvels Project
The passing of a mysterious old man heralds the dawn of a new era in this inspired retelling of the superheroic Golden Age. Ambitious in scope and stunning in execution.
Ed Brubaker @SteveEpting Dave Stewart @ChrisEliopoulos @Marvel pic.twitter.com/5pv665Bunm

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) May 14, 2020

 

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