David Carraturo's Blog - Posts Tagged "trilogy"
Would this prelude entice you to want to read this family saga?
Prelude
The Bloodlines
December 24, 1966
A strong high pressure system had amassed over western Canada signaling the harbinger of a massive Arctic flow into the Northeast. From Washington D.C. up through Boston, temperatures had plummeted to the sub-freezing level. The Nor’easter began its methodic crawl up the coast after dawn. Large snowflakes had begun to fall rapidly in Philadelphia during the morning commute and by noon the City of Brotherly Love was blanketed with over seven inches with no end of slowing down in sight. By early afternoon the rapidly moving storm had moved up the east coast and the New York City area was also officially in the midst of what was turning into a White Christmas.
Most of the mom and pop stores in Tuckahoe had heeded the storms warning and closed their doors early in the day before three inches had even accumulated. Only the essential small businesses continued to brave the elements until the last possible moment. This tiny village nestled just north of the Bronx had many Italian-American residents and the Christmas Eve meal was sacred and steeped in religious tradition. The few shops which carried fish, macaroni and even lambs head; the main ingredient to Capozzelli Di Angnelli still had a steady flow of customers braving the wintery wonderland.
By 6:00 p.m. though, almost all of these hard working proprietors had decided to call it a night. Collectively, six men of various ages and sizes exited a butcher shop, a macaroni store and a restaurant, locked the doors and turned off the lights for the evening. The three establishments were located next to or across the street from each other. The entire contingent of salt of the earth family providers bunched together to brave the storm and meandered as one along the deserted and snow covered streets. These hardened men were all related in some sort of way; by blood, through marriage, once-removed and had gone through this Christmas Eve ritual together for over a decade. After the quarter of a mile boisterous trek in the worsening elements, the ensemble entered a small inviting house to begin the celebration of the birth of their Lord Jesus Christ.
Waiting their arrival the warmth of the vestibule were parents, grandparents, wives and children who had been busy as well preparing the meal and eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus.
“Michael darling, I told you to wear your gloves!” A young and beautiful wife with a bun of brunette hair and wearing a festive red apron greeted her husband with a hug and kiss as he was painstakingly discarding his flannel jacket that was still caked in melting flakes of snow.
“Maria me love, I’ll survive. You think I’d never experienced a cold night before. Ireland got plenty of chill you know.” In his jovial and sardonic Gaelic brogue, Mike reassured his wife of three years that even though he was still relatively new to this country, he was not new to harsh weather.
After all of the men had removed their jackets they all eagerly accepted the warmth of Christmas cheer placed in their hands. “A toast to this great economy! God Bless the Holiday season.” At fifty-four, Joe was the oldest of the bunch.
“Salute!” Over cheers and jovial shouts all in attendance concurred. This critical time from Thanksgiving to Christmas had been very profitable. It had not always been the case but thankfully this year had been good for all.
“Joe, I thought your other son-in-law, Patty was supposed to help you out today?” Vincent inquired sarcastically as he took a hearty sip of his scotch and water. Not yet fifty, he was still rugged looking and solidly built.
“Hehe, I’m lucky Mikey here thinks he’s still auditioning to be my favorite son-in-law. He was with me all day bright and early. Pat showed up right before lunch with some outrageous excuse that he couldn’t help us out today.” Joe made the comment as the men had begun to sidle into the crowded living room to mingle with the rest of the family.
“Rosa, where’s that husband of yours? I’m still waiting for him to get back from one of his famous top secret missions.” Joe addressed his oldest daughter who was regrettably unhappily married to Pat Fortuno for the past six years. She simply shrugged her shoulders and rolled her eyes from the dining room and continued to arrange plates and utensils on the table.
Two rambunctious boys in red feety pajamas darted out from a make shift fort they had built on the side of the couch. They shot each other with cap guns then dove to safety behind a chair and the love seat diagonal from each other in the crowded room.
“Will you two knock it off! Show some respect in your uncle’s house.” Greg, the owner of the best pizza place in town snapped at the two hyped-up terrors who were fueled by way too many chocolate bars. They both heeded their fathers warning and carefully moved from the back of the Christmas tree to the protection of their mother on the love seat.
“Greg, speak to your boys in a better tone. Let them have some fun. What do you expect a seven and five year old to do with the excitement of waiting for Santa Claus to arrive? You’ve scared them to death now.” Dina was enjoying a cigarette before she would return to the kitchen to assist the other mothers and grandmothers in serving the first course of the traditional feast of the seven fishes. She kissed the boys on their foreheads, stubbed out her butt and went back to assist the others.
“Okay everyone, time to eat.” The women’s blended voices bellowed from the direction of the hearty aroma of the kitchen. In a controlled chaotic manner, the entire throng ambled to the dinner table. Nobody took any old seat; they all knew their place and when they reached it, they sat.
Before the first bite, Rocco Albanese stood. The big man may have looked imposing, but when he opened his mouth his baritone voice was filled with love. “I’d like a moment to reflect and say Grace along with a special prayer for my boy, Ralph.” Quietness enveloped the table as Rocco quoted a passage from the Bible. His eyes watered as he raised his wine glass towards the direction of his middle son. Ralph sported a buzz cut and was wearing a red cardigan sweater with matching black corduroys. After volunteering for the army, he had recently celebrated his twentieth birthday while in basic training and was home on a short leave before he would be deployed to Vietnam.
After the prayer and well wishes had been extended, Rocco’s youngest son, Jimmy Boy stood to make an announcement. “Dad, mom, just to let you know I’m going to be enlisting in the army after graduation. Al’s got his family, but I can’t let Ralphie be the only one to come home with war medals.” The strapping teen made his proud proclamation with his chin up and already looking very soldierly.
“Think through your decision hard … war is Hell. Not glamorous at all. And you’ll have to cut that hair of yours. You can’t go over looking like one of those bugs.” Vincent, who had a long stint as a marine knew all too well the horrors of battle.
“You mean the Beatles dad?” Rita giggled as she tried to educate her father on the latest fad sweeping the country from England.
“Beatles, bugs, wasps, whatever. I just don’t like the way the young folk have been acting lately. They come into the bar and play those crazy songs on the jukebox. What a racket … dressed like beatniks. Where’s the country going?” Vincent was a traditional man who believed in proper conduct and appearance. He held the bowl of zeppole for his wife and aging mother before taking a few of his own. “Regardless Ralph, just remember to listen to your platoon leaders and the veteran NCO’s. Be safe and keep your head down. God Bless You!”
“I will sir. Thank you.”
While Rocco’s two youngest sons would be going off to serve their country, his oldest, had a family to support. Alfonse and his best girl Rita had gotten married as soon as she graduated from high school and their first son was born last spring. Their baby was not the only bundle of joy to bless the close nit extended families. Dina and Greg’s third son was also born earlier in the year. Mike and Maria had two of their own; a precious toddler who was in rambunctious cruiser phase. The almost two year old was currently sitting on her grandfather’s lap sucking on a bottle and losing the fight to keep her eyes open. They were also blessed with a son who was born last July, on Independence Day. He was presently napping on a large blanket in front of the Christmas tree with the two other infants.
In between courses, Mike took a sip of wine then decided to stretch his legs and walked over to the counter. With so much food on the table, the four gallon jug of homemade red was blocked by a huge bowl of salad. He moved the salad bowl and began to refill his glass. With a clear line of sight into the other room and the spectacularly lit Christmas tree, he moved his gaze to admire the ornaments and decorations. Growing up in Ireland as an only child in extremely harsh social and economic conditions, this life was still very new to him. He considered himself blessed to have been accepted into this wonderful family. Italian and Irish blood blended well. He prayed every night that his two angels would realize that the closeness, love and support of a family were a wonderful thing that should not be taken lightly. The myriad of friends these children would make in their lifetimes would come and go. But because of the bloodlines, all of those within these four walls would forever be bonded and he knew that they would stand by each other to face every challenge head on … whatever that may be.
So far so good; he chuckled to himself that the boys appeared to be getting alone fine … just fine. The precious trio was lying bundled amongst the Nativity Manger, wrapped Christmas presents and the myriad of decorations and ornaments. At that moment, the superstitious Irishman believed that the little ones must have read his mind. Still all comfortably asleep, Christopher and Baby Salvatore were bookending Little Anthony. In what looked like a coordinated movement, they all extended their little arms and reached to grasp each other.
The Bloodlines
December 24, 1966
A strong high pressure system had amassed over western Canada signaling the harbinger of a massive Arctic flow into the Northeast. From Washington D.C. up through Boston, temperatures had plummeted to the sub-freezing level. The Nor’easter began its methodic crawl up the coast after dawn. Large snowflakes had begun to fall rapidly in Philadelphia during the morning commute and by noon the City of Brotherly Love was blanketed with over seven inches with no end of slowing down in sight. By early afternoon the rapidly moving storm had moved up the east coast and the New York City area was also officially in the midst of what was turning into a White Christmas.
Most of the mom and pop stores in Tuckahoe had heeded the storms warning and closed their doors early in the day before three inches had even accumulated. Only the essential small businesses continued to brave the elements until the last possible moment. This tiny village nestled just north of the Bronx had many Italian-American residents and the Christmas Eve meal was sacred and steeped in religious tradition. The few shops which carried fish, macaroni and even lambs head; the main ingredient to Capozzelli Di Angnelli still had a steady flow of customers braving the wintery wonderland.
By 6:00 p.m. though, almost all of these hard working proprietors had decided to call it a night. Collectively, six men of various ages and sizes exited a butcher shop, a macaroni store and a restaurant, locked the doors and turned off the lights for the evening. The three establishments were located next to or across the street from each other. The entire contingent of salt of the earth family providers bunched together to brave the storm and meandered as one along the deserted and snow covered streets. These hardened men were all related in some sort of way; by blood, through marriage, once-removed and had gone through this Christmas Eve ritual together for over a decade. After the quarter of a mile boisterous trek in the worsening elements, the ensemble entered a small inviting house to begin the celebration of the birth of their Lord Jesus Christ.
Waiting their arrival the warmth of the vestibule were parents, grandparents, wives and children who had been busy as well preparing the meal and eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus.
“Michael darling, I told you to wear your gloves!” A young and beautiful wife with a bun of brunette hair and wearing a festive red apron greeted her husband with a hug and kiss as he was painstakingly discarding his flannel jacket that was still caked in melting flakes of snow.
“Maria me love, I’ll survive. You think I’d never experienced a cold night before. Ireland got plenty of chill you know.” In his jovial and sardonic Gaelic brogue, Mike reassured his wife of three years that even though he was still relatively new to this country, he was not new to harsh weather.
After all of the men had removed their jackets they all eagerly accepted the warmth of Christmas cheer placed in their hands. “A toast to this great economy! God Bless the Holiday season.” At fifty-four, Joe was the oldest of the bunch.
“Salute!” Over cheers and jovial shouts all in attendance concurred. This critical time from Thanksgiving to Christmas had been very profitable. It had not always been the case but thankfully this year had been good for all.
“Joe, I thought your other son-in-law, Patty was supposed to help you out today?” Vincent inquired sarcastically as he took a hearty sip of his scotch and water. Not yet fifty, he was still rugged looking and solidly built.
“Hehe, I’m lucky Mikey here thinks he’s still auditioning to be my favorite son-in-law. He was with me all day bright and early. Pat showed up right before lunch with some outrageous excuse that he couldn’t help us out today.” Joe made the comment as the men had begun to sidle into the crowded living room to mingle with the rest of the family.
“Rosa, where’s that husband of yours? I’m still waiting for him to get back from one of his famous top secret missions.” Joe addressed his oldest daughter who was regrettably unhappily married to Pat Fortuno for the past six years. She simply shrugged her shoulders and rolled her eyes from the dining room and continued to arrange plates and utensils on the table.
Two rambunctious boys in red feety pajamas darted out from a make shift fort they had built on the side of the couch. They shot each other with cap guns then dove to safety behind a chair and the love seat diagonal from each other in the crowded room.
“Will you two knock it off! Show some respect in your uncle’s house.” Greg, the owner of the best pizza place in town snapped at the two hyped-up terrors who were fueled by way too many chocolate bars. They both heeded their fathers warning and carefully moved from the back of the Christmas tree to the protection of their mother on the love seat.
“Greg, speak to your boys in a better tone. Let them have some fun. What do you expect a seven and five year old to do with the excitement of waiting for Santa Claus to arrive? You’ve scared them to death now.” Dina was enjoying a cigarette before she would return to the kitchen to assist the other mothers and grandmothers in serving the first course of the traditional feast of the seven fishes. She kissed the boys on their foreheads, stubbed out her butt and went back to assist the others.
“Okay everyone, time to eat.” The women’s blended voices bellowed from the direction of the hearty aroma of the kitchen. In a controlled chaotic manner, the entire throng ambled to the dinner table. Nobody took any old seat; they all knew their place and when they reached it, they sat.
Before the first bite, Rocco Albanese stood. The big man may have looked imposing, but when he opened his mouth his baritone voice was filled with love. “I’d like a moment to reflect and say Grace along with a special prayer for my boy, Ralph.” Quietness enveloped the table as Rocco quoted a passage from the Bible. His eyes watered as he raised his wine glass towards the direction of his middle son. Ralph sported a buzz cut and was wearing a red cardigan sweater with matching black corduroys. After volunteering for the army, he had recently celebrated his twentieth birthday while in basic training and was home on a short leave before he would be deployed to Vietnam.
After the prayer and well wishes had been extended, Rocco’s youngest son, Jimmy Boy stood to make an announcement. “Dad, mom, just to let you know I’m going to be enlisting in the army after graduation. Al’s got his family, but I can’t let Ralphie be the only one to come home with war medals.” The strapping teen made his proud proclamation with his chin up and already looking very soldierly.
“Think through your decision hard … war is Hell. Not glamorous at all. And you’ll have to cut that hair of yours. You can’t go over looking like one of those bugs.” Vincent, who had a long stint as a marine knew all too well the horrors of battle.
“You mean the Beatles dad?” Rita giggled as she tried to educate her father on the latest fad sweeping the country from England.
“Beatles, bugs, wasps, whatever. I just don’t like the way the young folk have been acting lately. They come into the bar and play those crazy songs on the jukebox. What a racket … dressed like beatniks. Where’s the country going?” Vincent was a traditional man who believed in proper conduct and appearance. He held the bowl of zeppole for his wife and aging mother before taking a few of his own. “Regardless Ralph, just remember to listen to your platoon leaders and the veteran NCO’s. Be safe and keep your head down. God Bless You!”
“I will sir. Thank you.”
While Rocco’s two youngest sons would be going off to serve their country, his oldest, had a family to support. Alfonse and his best girl Rita had gotten married as soon as she graduated from high school and their first son was born last spring. Their baby was not the only bundle of joy to bless the close nit extended families. Dina and Greg’s third son was also born earlier in the year. Mike and Maria had two of their own; a precious toddler who was in rambunctious cruiser phase. The almost two year old was currently sitting on her grandfather’s lap sucking on a bottle and losing the fight to keep her eyes open. They were also blessed with a son who was born last July, on Independence Day. He was presently napping on a large blanket in front of the Christmas tree with the two other infants.
In between courses, Mike took a sip of wine then decided to stretch his legs and walked over to the counter. With so much food on the table, the four gallon jug of homemade red was blocked by a huge bowl of salad. He moved the salad bowl and began to refill his glass. With a clear line of sight into the other room and the spectacularly lit Christmas tree, he moved his gaze to admire the ornaments and decorations. Growing up in Ireland as an only child in extremely harsh social and economic conditions, this life was still very new to him. He considered himself blessed to have been accepted into this wonderful family. Italian and Irish blood blended well. He prayed every night that his two angels would realize that the closeness, love and support of a family were a wonderful thing that should not be taken lightly. The myriad of friends these children would make in their lifetimes would come and go. But because of the bloodlines, all of those within these four walls would forever be bonded and he knew that they would stand by each other to face every challenge head on … whatever that may be.
So far so good; he chuckled to himself that the boys appeared to be getting alone fine … just fine. The precious trio was lying bundled amongst the Nativity Manger, wrapped Christmas presents and the myriad of decorations and ornaments. At that moment, the superstitious Irishman believed that the little ones must have read his mind. Still all comfortably asleep, Christopher and Baby Salvatore were bookending Little Anthony. In what looked like a coordinated movement, they all extended their little arms and reached to grasp each other.
Cameron's Quest - off to production. January 2017 release date
Cameron's Quest is off to production. I hope to have the historical fiction novel available by mid-January. Feedback from line editor was consistent with structure edit - and I am pleased with the end product. Honestly, I loved Columbus Avenue Boys and Cameron Nation, but - Cameron's Quest is my most complete work - and the story is friggin' good.
Line Editor - Rob Bignell - It's an impressive story full of suspense and with interesting characters that readers will root for.
IUniverse - Editorial Evaluation - The novel has a strong overall plotline and sense of place. The story offers a strong theme about family, as friends Chris Cameron, Tony Albanese, and Sal Esposito venture out on their own.
This is the third (final maybe??) part of the story - so the Trilogy of the Columbus Avenue Boys continues!!!!!
If you want to catch up on the stories before January 2017 release date...go to Amazon....makes a great Christmas gift set.
Line Editor - Rob Bignell - It's an impressive story full of suspense and with interesting characters that readers will root for.
IUniverse - Editorial Evaluation - The novel has a strong overall plotline and sense of place. The story offers a strong theme about family, as friends Chris Cameron, Tony Albanese, and Sal Esposito venture out on their own.
This is the third (final maybe??) part of the story - so the Trilogy of the Columbus Avenue Boys continues!!!!!
If you want to catch up on the stories before January 2017 release date...go to Amazon....makes a great Christmas gift set.
Cameron's Quest is now available
Cameron's Quest has been released and is available at amazon.com and iUniverse..com.
The third part of the Columbus Avenue Boys trilogy.
The third part of the Columbus Avenue Boys trilogy.
Pricing for novels and signed copies
For better pricing and to receive a signed copy of any of the Columbus Avenue Boys trilogy, contact me at carraturod@aol.com.
How I dealt with writers block for Cameron's Quest
In the summer of 2013, I had no intention of writing a follow up story to my two related historical fiction novels, Cameron Nation and Columbus Avenue Boys. While I knew there was a third story there, I had no ideas and quite frankly, I was way too busy with the real world to think about writing again. Then, BOOM, in October of 2013 an idea hit me, and as with my other stories, I began to feverishly write, and write and write.
CAMERON'S QUEST became more of an idea, it was an intertwined, logical third part to the Columbus Avenue Boy's trilogy. I had so much to work with; the character development, the dangling storylines from the other two parts, the setting were all laid out to be expounded on. It truly excited me to write this story.
As with my two other books, I would methodically write one chapter a week, never more. I had no set deadline, so after 22 weeks, I had 20+ chapters written...BUT!!!
No ending was in sight. The story was good - real good - but I had no way to tie it into a ending that would make the reader say - Holy S&%t that was great, I didn't see that coming, etc....
So, the story sat on my hard drive - can it collect dust on a hard drive?? Maybe three - four months without a care for writing. When there is no idea in my head, I just fade into the abyss.
Thankfully, in the fall of 2014, I began speaking with a friend of mine who happened to have read Columbus Avenue Boys and Cameron Nation. We chatted and I let her know I had a third part of the trilogy in draft form in suspended animation. She agreed to read and in our discussion I thanked her for the input and said, "you know what, I want to add you as a character...what type of character do you want me to write for you???" She stated that she thought a cop or equivalent who would be able to set Sal/Tony straight was a suggestion.
While I didn't think that angle was good, it got me thinking. And I took a correlated approach and worked the angle into the story.
The key message I am trying to get across is that discussing my writing with a independent third party was very therapeutic and if I had kept my idea a secret the story would still be collecting dust.
Needless to say, when the fresh character angle was introduced, it sparked me to continue and in the end, the story was way beyond my wildest dreams for satisfaction.
It still took another 2 years to completely finish the story, but that was due to financial constraints and honing my craft as a writer. My story was rock solid but I refused to submit to an editor until the prose was above my history as a B- student.
I hope this helps with writers block. If you want to check out the COLUMBUS AVENUE BOYS trilogy and the new release, CAMERON's QUEST please click link below Thank you.
David
https://www.amazon.com/David-Carratur...
CAMERON'S QUEST became more of an idea, it was an intertwined, logical third part to the Columbus Avenue Boy's trilogy. I had so much to work with; the character development, the dangling storylines from the other two parts, the setting were all laid out to be expounded on. It truly excited me to write this story.
As with my two other books, I would methodically write one chapter a week, never more. I had no set deadline, so after 22 weeks, I had 20+ chapters written...BUT!!!
No ending was in sight. The story was good - real good - but I had no way to tie it into a ending that would make the reader say - Holy S&%t that was great, I didn't see that coming, etc....
So, the story sat on my hard drive - can it collect dust on a hard drive?? Maybe three - four months without a care for writing. When there is no idea in my head, I just fade into the abyss.
Thankfully, in the fall of 2014, I began speaking with a friend of mine who happened to have read Columbus Avenue Boys and Cameron Nation. We chatted and I let her know I had a third part of the trilogy in draft form in suspended animation. She agreed to read and in our discussion I thanked her for the input and said, "you know what, I want to add you as a character...what type of character do you want me to write for you???" She stated that she thought a cop or equivalent who would be able to set Sal/Tony straight was a suggestion.
While I didn't think that angle was good, it got me thinking. And I took a correlated approach and worked the angle into the story.
The key message I am trying to get across is that discussing my writing with a independent third party was very therapeutic and if I had kept my idea a secret the story would still be collecting dust.
Needless to say, when the fresh character angle was introduced, it sparked me to continue and in the end, the story was way beyond my wildest dreams for satisfaction.
It still took another 2 years to completely finish the story, but that was due to financial constraints and honing my craft as a writer. My story was rock solid but I refused to submit to an editor until the prose was above my history as a B- student.
I hope this helps with writers block. If you want to check out the COLUMBUS AVENUE BOYS trilogy and the new release, CAMERON's QUEST please click link below Thank you.
David
https://www.amazon.com/David-Carratur...
Giveaway - Columbus Avenue Boys trilogy
Please enter the following Giveaway for a chance to win a signed set of the entire Columbus Avenue Boys trilogy: Cameron's Quest, Columbus Avenue Boys and Cameron Nation.
http://tometender.blogspot.com/2017/0...
http://tometender.blogspot.com/2017/0...
Transforming the book to a screenplay
I am in the middle phase of the exciting process of transforming one of my novels, Columbus Avenue Boys, into a screenplay.
The adaption process has been long..but fun and rewarding...along the way I have been educated on the many pieces to the transformation puzzle. Script development-forming a LLC--getting Letter of Intent attachments from talent-public relations-budgets-meeting with the right Hollywood people to push along distribution & financing.
If you are interested in this for your OWN project ideas,let me know. I am offering low cost consulting and access to my fresh contact database too.
The adaption process has been long..but fun and rewarding...along the way I have been educated on the many pieces to the transformation puzzle. Script development-forming a LLC--getting Letter of Intent attachments from talent-public relations-budgets-meeting with the right Hollywood people to push along distribution & financing.
If you are interested in this for your OWN project ideas,let me know. I am offering low cost consulting and access to my fresh contact database too.
Book to movie - the process, my story
This could be titled, the life of an independent movie producer. Started out as a writer and then as it is so hard to get into a studio, this was the route I took. Hope it is informative to any who are thinking about a movie dream....it is possible...
It has been an exciting, interesting and educational time for the evolution of Columbus Avenue Boys – The Movie since 2012.
This entertainment business has been fun to tip our toes into and to tell you the truth it is so, so, so much fun!!! Now going on six years, the project has gone from and expensive hobby to the possibility that this could really happen.
It all started with the sequel to CAMERON NATION and the adaptation of COLUMBUS AVENUE BOYS into a screenplay. Along the way, we have boot-strapped our development phase and compiled an impressive team. We are so very close to the next step in our dream, but I wanted to share our journey. As you read, note the tying in of all our networking and past relationships. There are so many people who have touched this project in a positive way!
Our CAB team prays that with the way all our pieces have been falling into place, that it is meant to be.
Hopefully, it is meant to be!
Our story in chronological order:
May 2011 - CAMERON NATION, written by David Carraturo is released as his conservative manifesto. Self-published to little fanfare.
April 2012 – COLUMBUS AVENUE BOYS, written by David Carraturo is released as a prequel to CAMERON NATION to tell the story of Chris Cameron, Sal Esposito & Tony Albanese. The historical fiction novel received honorable mention at the 2012 Hollywood Book Festival and Editor’s Choice from self-publishing house, iUniverse.
Summer 2012 – David Carraturo and Kevin & Maria O’Bryan of first fruits entertainment partner to collaborate on adapting COLUMBUS AVENUE BOYS to a screenplay. First version is completed January 2013.
February 2013 – Sam Sokolow of EUE/Sokolow options the COLUMBUS AVENUE BOYS novel for screenplay adaption with the interest in creating a television series off of the source material. The option was for one year and expired in 2014 without any positive news. Sam Sokolow went on to be nominated for an Emmy for GENIUS / Albert Einstein on National Geographic Channel.
2014 – 2016 – The screenplay / script for COLUMBUS AVENUE BOYS goes into hibernation.
2013 - 2015 – Kevin & Maria O’Bryan complete and release KING’S HEART – The short goes on to win accolades and was released worldwide by Bridgestone Multimedia Group. Accolades at Kingdomwood Christian Film Festival (2014), The Best Shorts Competition (2014) Viewers Choice and Mission Excellence at Image Film Festival (2014), screened to a full house at at Tribeca Cinemas 2 (2013), YoFi Fest screening (2013).
December 2016 – CAMERON’s QUEST is released as the third part of the Columbus Avenue Boy’s trilogy by David Carraturo.
January – March 2017 – While marketing the release of CAMERON’s QUEST, Paul Borghese is approached by David Carraturo to see if he would have an interest in directing the screenplay adaption of COLUMBUS AVENUE BOYS. Surprisingly, he does and the CAB Team dusts off the screenplay in hibernation and begins to revamp, edit and polish the script.
April – June 2017 – The CAB team formalizes Columbus Avenue Pictures LLC, inks a partnership with Wendy Zipes Hunter of Celebrity Concepts to be a producer on the project and creates the www.columbusavenueboys.com website.
July 2017 – September 2017 – More rewrites and fine tuning of CAB script – it is finally ready to go! Paul Borghese Letter of Intent to direct is inked. Via Wendy Zipes Hunter - Katie Ford, the writer of Miss Congeniality 1&2 comes on board as a producer. David Steck is hired as the line producer and the budget for the project is complete.
September 2017 – Wendy Zipes Hunter launches the rollout of the new CAB logo and marketing material.
October 2017 – CAB team heads out to Hollywood for a robust roadshow to pitch the project to a multitude of entertainment types in film distribution, production and public relations.
November 2017 – CAB receives favorable response from Grindstone Entertainment (Lionsgate) regarding distribution of the movie in North America.
December 2017 – CAB and TEN10 Entertainment open discussions on creating a unique/first of its kind executive production-capital raise agreement along with the projects of Sam Sokolow of EUE/Sokolow.. Press Release on the partnership is expected in early April.
March 2018 – Second Hollywood trip is undertaken to speak with casting director and other producing contacts. Positive response is garnered from many A-List talent on the CAB wish list.
April 2018 – The Investor Presentations are completed and the capital raise for the project is under way….Stay tuned!
It has been an exciting, interesting and educational time for the evolution of Columbus Avenue Boys – The Movie since 2012.
This entertainment business has been fun to tip our toes into and to tell you the truth it is so, so, so much fun!!! Now going on six years, the project has gone from and expensive hobby to the possibility that this could really happen.
It all started with the sequel to CAMERON NATION and the adaptation of COLUMBUS AVENUE BOYS into a screenplay. Along the way, we have boot-strapped our development phase and compiled an impressive team. We are so very close to the next step in our dream, but I wanted to share our journey. As you read, note the tying in of all our networking and past relationships. There are so many people who have touched this project in a positive way!
Our CAB team prays that with the way all our pieces have been falling into place, that it is meant to be.
Hopefully, it is meant to be!
Our story in chronological order:
May 2011 - CAMERON NATION, written by David Carraturo is released as his conservative manifesto. Self-published to little fanfare.
April 2012 – COLUMBUS AVENUE BOYS, written by David Carraturo is released as a prequel to CAMERON NATION to tell the story of Chris Cameron, Sal Esposito & Tony Albanese. The historical fiction novel received honorable mention at the 2012 Hollywood Book Festival and Editor’s Choice from self-publishing house, iUniverse.
Summer 2012 – David Carraturo and Kevin & Maria O’Bryan of first fruits entertainment partner to collaborate on adapting COLUMBUS AVENUE BOYS to a screenplay. First version is completed January 2013.
February 2013 – Sam Sokolow of EUE/Sokolow options the COLUMBUS AVENUE BOYS novel for screenplay adaption with the interest in creating a television series off of the source material. The option was for one year and expired in 2014 without any positive news. Sam Sokolow went on to be nominated for an Emmy for GENIUS / Albert Einstein on National Geographic Channel.
2014 – 2016 – The screenplay / script for COLUMBUS AVENUE BOYS goes into hibernation.
2013 - 2015 – Kevin & Maria O’Bryan complete and release KING’S HEART – The short goes on to win accolades and was released worldwide by Bridgestone Multimedia Group. Accolades at Kingdomwood Christian Film Festival (2014), The Best Shorts Competition (2014) Viewers Choice and Mission Excellence at Image Film Festival (2014), screened to a full house at at Tribeca Cinemas 2 (2013), YoFi Fest screening (2013).
December 2016 – CAMERON’s QUEST is released as the third part of the Columbus Avenue Boy’s trilogy by David Carraturo.
January – March 2017 – While marketing the release of CAMERON’s QUEST, Paul Borghese is approached by David Carraturo to see if he would have an interest in directing the screenplay adaption of COLUMBUS AVENUE BOYS. Surprisingly, he does and the CAB Team dusts off the screenplay in hibernation and begins to revamp, edit and polish the script.
April – June 2017 – The CAB team formalizes Columbus Avenue Pictures LLC, inks a partnership with Wendy Zipes Hunter of Celebrity Concepts to be a producer on the project and creates the www.columbusavenueboys.com website.
July 2017 – September 2017 – More rewrites and fine tuning of CAB script – it is finally ready to go! Paul Borghese Letter of Intent to direct is inked. Via Wendy Zipes Hunter - Katie Ford, the writer of Miss Congeniality 1&2 comes on board as a producer. David Steck is hired as the line producer and the budget for the project is complete.
September 2017 – Wendy Zipes Hunter launches the rollout of the new CAB logo and marketing material.
October 2017 – CAB team heads out to Hollywood for a robust roadshow to pitch the project to a multitude of entertainment types in film distribution, production and public relations.
November 2017 – CAB receives favorable response from Grindstone Entertainment (Lionsgate) regarding distribution of the movie in North America.
December 2017 – CAB and TEN10 Entertainment open discussions on creating a unique/first of its kind executive production-capital raise agreement along with the projects of Sam Sokolow of EUE/Sokolow.. Press Release on the partnership is expected in early April.
March 2018 – Second Hollywood trip is undertaken to speak with casting director and other producing contacts. Positive response is garnered from many A-List talent on the CAB wish list.
April 2018 – The Investor Presentations are completed and the capital raise for the project is under way….Stay tuned!
