David Carraturo's Blog
April 5, 2018
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!
November 6, 2017
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.
July 24, 2017
Book Signing this week
Please try and make the next book signing - this Thursday night, July 27th at the Quarry Restaurant. Michael J. Falotico and I will be at it once again. 7pm to 8pm.
I will have copies of COLUMBUS AVENUE BOYS and CAMERON'S QUEST for purchase. Stop by, we can talk about the movie deal - and you can put your plug in to be an extra.... Columbus Avenue Boys.
Hope to see you there, but if you cannot make it message me and I can mail/drop-off signed copies to you.
I will have copies of COLUMBUS AVENUE BOYS and CAMERON'S QUEST for purchase. Stop by, we can talk about the movie deal - and you can put your plug in to be an extra.... Columbus Avenue Boys.
Hope to see you there, but if you cannot make it message me and I can mail/drop-off signed copies to you.
June 1, 2017
Screenplay - Columbus Avenue Boys
Excited about the progress of the adaption of Columbus Avenue Boys to a screenplay. Director attached, actors getting excited about project too.
Website created for the screenplay information. Love the way it is progressing - fun times but one day at a time.
https://www.columbusavenueboys.com/tr...
Website created for the screenplay information. Love the way it is progressing - fun times but one day at a time.
https://www.columbusavenueboys.com/tr...
April 18, 2017
Cameron's Quest - Book Signing, Barnes & Noble in Eastchester
If you live in Westchester County, please join me Thursday evening, April 20th at Barnes & Noble in Eastchester for a book signing and talk on Cameron's Quest, my new historical fiction leg of the Columbus Avenue Boys trilogy.
I am excited about my first major venue in my writing journey.
http://stores.barnesandnoble.com/even...
I am excited about my first major venue in my writing journey.
http://stores.barnesandnoble.com/even...
March 15, 2017
Book Signing next week
To all in northern New Jersey, I will be signing Cameron's Quest - (FREE GIVEAWAY) at the Lord & Taylor in Paramus as part of the Shop Smart-Do Good event on March 30th. Details on the times I will be there will follow. Look forward to seeing you all in the area that day.
March 13, 2017
Positive Book Festival and Midwest Book Review
I received more affirmation that Cameron's Quest is a solid story and worth the read. Had some great 5 star reviews from bloggers in Jan-Feb and eagerly anticipated Los Angeles Book Festival results and Midwest Book Review analysis.
Happily, both came back positive.
From March 2017 Cameron's Quest - 2017 Los Angeles Book Festival, Honorable Mention in general fiction. Only 10% of entries get recognition, so I beat out about 200+ entries.
http://losangelesbookfestival.com/
From March 2017. Nice "Highly Recommended" mention from the respected book reviewer - Midwest Book Review for CAMERON'S QUEST.
Critique: While "Cameron's Quest" is very highly recommended and certain to be an enduringly popular addition to community library General Fiction collections,
I have a few more book festival entries to hear back from and awaiting 5 pending reviews from bloggers for March.
Happily, both came back positive.
From March 2017 Cameron's Quest - 2017 Los Angeles Book Festival, Honorable Mention in general fiction. Only 10% of entries get recognition, so I beat out about 200+ entries.
http://losangelesbookfestival.com/
From March 2017. Nice "Highly Recommended" mention from the respected book reviewer - Midwest Book Review for CAMERON'S QUEST.
Critique: While "Cameron's Quest" is very highly recommended and certain to be an enduringly popular addition to community library General Fiction collections,
I have a few more book festival entries to hear back from and awaiting 5 pending reviews from bloggers for March.
March 2, 2017
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...
February 27, 2017
Exerpt from Cameron's Quest - a real life moment.
Below is an excerpt from Cameron' Quest. This section is a good snapshot of my writing style for the entire Columbus Avenue Boys trilogy. If you read to its end, you will probably have some moisture forming in your eyes - (it is not dust). And, the remedy will probably be to click the link and buy the book---books.....
MAY 7, 1987
Chris could not hold back his excitement. On any other day, he would saunter back to his apartment after a late afternoon workout. Not today, he was bouncing with energy and needed to share his euphoria. He had busted his ass, and for the first time had earned A’s for all of his classes. After a killer weight session of squats, and dead lifts, he spoke with his political science professor. He needed to pull high marks on the final exam and term paper to push his grade from B+ to an A. The professor praised his paper as one of the finest she had read during her seven years at UT.
The thesis was focused on the Great Depression. Chris had supported his contention that the big government policies of President Hoover and continued with more draconian measures by President Roosevelt had prolonged the misery. If not for the build-up of the military related to World War Two, the United States economy may have not recovered to the war production level. His analysis highlighted the New Deal as a failure. The unemployment rate rose from 14% to 19%, and the public works programs accomplished little of significance. This big government spending strategy was implemented via the recommendation of British economist John Maynard Keynes to lift the country out of its economic doldrums. His research disproved Keynesian economic policy and trumpeted supply-side economic policy as more effective in turning the country around following the 1920-1921 depression. President Harding had cut personal income taxes and reduced federal government spending. After Harding’s death, President Coolidge continued on this course, and the Roaring Twenties brought along a period of prosperity. His conclusion re-emphasized the argument with sound examples of the current success of Reaganomics supply-side doctrine.
Taking the stairs three at a time, Chris was sweating profusely. Breathing heavily, he opened the door of the apartment to the sound of a CNN anchor parroting the breaking news of presidential candidate, Gary Hart’s higher office ambitions crumbling. Mr. Hart’s love affair with Donna Rice aboard the yacht Money Business had been exposed.
“This crap’s been in the news for days. Doesn’t CNN have anything better to report on?” Chris derided the report as he walked to the kitchenette and the refrigerator full of beer. Sitting on opposite ends of the couch, Ron and J.R. had remained silent and did not respond to his current events banter. J.R. stood and clicked the television off.
“Hey, turn on Cheers. I hear Sam’s going to ask Diane to marry him tonight,” Chris howled.
J.R. somberly called out, “Yo CeeJay, sit.”
“Dudes, get ready to party tonight; my first 4.0 for a semester!” Ignoring the sedateness, Chris took a sip from a cold Shiner Bock, clicked the TV set back on and changed the channel to NBC before plopping in the recliner adjacent to his roommates.
“CeeJay, your mom called. I took the message while you were out,” Ron-Ron paused, his eyes were closed and his voice cracked. “Your grandfather had a stroke…sorry buddy…he died an hour ago.”
Not another word was said. Lost in the moment, they collectively sniffled and wiped tears away. Chris had emotionally supported his roommates, for J.R. and his mom’s cancer treatment and last year after Ron’s sister had been injured in a car accident. They came from different worlds but had formed a bond that would never waver.
As the shock of the death of man who Chris had called Grampy as a toddler was being fully processed, happy memories darted through his brain…the image of him as a baby sucking on a bottle while resting on his Grampy’s lap on their plastic-covered couch...a proud old man bundled in a winter jack braving the elements while watching his grandson play a late fall, football game...a black and white wedding photo situated on top of the living room fireplace, oh my God, after fifty two years of marriage how was his grandmother going to survive…a quartet of men happily toasting wine; Joe Cavazzi sharing a moment with his three paisanos.
The apropos lyrics to the introduction of Cheers sung out. Chris placed his face in the palms of his hands. He had to get back to Tuckahoe as fast as he could; Gary Portney was perceptive - Sometimes you wannabe where everybody knows your name.
https://www.amazon.com/Camerons-Quest...
MAY 7, 1987
Chris could not hold back his excitement. On any other day, he would saunter back to his apartment after a late afternoon workout. Not today, he was bouncing with energy and needed to share his euphoria. He had busted his ass, and for the first time had earned A’s for all of his classes. After a killer weight session of squats, and dead lifts, he spoke with his political science professor. He needed to pull high marks on the final exam and term paper to push his grade from B+ to an A. The professor praised his paper as one of the finest she had read during her seven years at UT.
The thesis was focused on the Great Depression. Chris had supported his contention that the big government policies of President Hoover and continued with more draconian measures by President Roosevelt had prolonged the misery. If not for the build-up of the military related to World War Two, the United States economy may have not recovered to the war production level. His analysis highlighted the New Deal as a failure. The unemployment rate rose from 14% to 19%, and the public works programs accomplished little of significance. This big government spending strategy was implemented via the recommendation of British economist John Maynard Keynes to lift the country out of its economic doldrums. His research disproved Keynesian economic policy and trumpeted supply-side economic policy as more effective in turning the country around following the 1920-1921 depression. President Harding had cut personal income taxes and reduced federal government spending. After Harding’s death, President Coolidge continued on this course, and the Roaring Twenties brought along a period of prosperity. His conclusion re-emphasized the argument with sound examples of the current success of Reaganomics supply-side doctrine.
Taking the stairs three at a time, Chris was sweating profusely. Breathing heavily, he opened the door of the apartment to the sound of a CNN anchor parroting the breaking news of presidential candidate, Gary Hart’s higher office ambitions crumbling. Mr. Hart’s love affair with Donna Rice aboard the yacht Money Business had been exposed.
“This crap’s been in the news for days. Doesn’t CNN have anything better to report on?” Chris derided the report as he walked to the kitchenette and the refrigerator full of beer. Sitting on opposite ends of the couch, Ron and J.R. had remained silent and did not respond to his current events banter. J.R. stood and clicked the television off.
“Hey, turn on Cheers. I hear Sam’s going to ask Diane to marry him tonight,” Chris howled.
J.R. somberly called out, “Yo CeeJay, sit.”
“Dudes, get ready to party tonight; my first 4.0 for a semester!” Ignoring the sedateness, Chris took a sip from a cold Shiner Bock, clicked the TV set back on and changed the channel to NBC before plopping in the recliner adjacent to his roommates.
“CeeJay, your mom called. I took the message while you were out,” Ron-Ron paused, his eyes were closed and his voice cracked. “Your grandfather had a stroke…sorry buddy…he died an hour ago.”
Not another word was said. Lost in the moment, they collectively sniffled and wiped tears away. Chris had emotionally supported his roommates, for J.R. and his mom’s cancer treatment and last year after Ron’s sister had been injured in a car accident. They came from different worlds but had formed a bond that would never waver.
As the shock of the death of man who Chris had called Grampy as a toddler was being fully processed, happy memories darted through his brain…the image of him as a baby sucking on a bottle while resting on his Grampy’s lap on their plastic-covered couch...a proud old man bundled in a winter jack braving the elements while watching his grandson play a late fall, football game...a black and white wedding photo situated on top of the living room fireplace, oh my God, after fifty two years of marriage how was his grandmother going to survive…a quartet of men happily toasting wine; Joe Cavazzi sharing a moment with his three paisanos.
The apropos lyrics to the introduction of Cheers sung out. Chris placed his face in the palms of his hands. He had to get back to Tuckahoe as fast as he could; Gary Portney was perceptive - Sometimes you wannabe where everybody knows your name.
https://www.amazon.com/Camerons-Quest...
February 22, 2017
Snapshot of reviews of my trilogy and book signing reminder
Please join me for the CAMERON’s QUEST book signing, this Thursday, Feb 23rd at the Quarry Restaurant in Tuckahoe. I will also have copies of COLUMBUS AVENUE BOYS and CAMERON NATION available for purchase. If you cannot make it and would like a signed copy, message me.
A hobby that has been legitimized – I am a good writer!!! Check out the reviews and see for yourself.
Review highlights:
CAMERON’s QUEST
• a tantalizing and addictive story of best friends who suddenly find themselves on different roads in life.
• Mesmerizing reading, time stamped with actual events and just waiting to be elevated to the top of the gem pile, an amazing read about life.
• I could easily see this book play out as a movie, much like A Bronx Tale. It would be very cool to see on a screen.
COLUMBUS AVENUE BOYS
• a riveting tale of criminal intrigue, highly recommended reading.
• A mob story with the prerequisite hits, casinos and Italian food, but augmented by a strong sense of camaraderie.
• The only thing I don't like about this book, is that I am done reading it, and now I am left to wait for the next book from Carraturo. He has obviously found a style of writing that really works and his story development is A-MAZING!
CAMERON NATION
• I had a hard time putting it down and did not from page 151 until I finished page 305, the end. I have recommended it to pretty much all my friends
• Everyone should read this book! You will come away with a renewed sense of pride in, and hope for, a once-again great America. My only question is: Where is Chris Cameron? We need him!
• Mr Carraturo felt that Columbus Ave Boys was his better novel. I disagree. This book is so relevant today and serves as a great learning tool. Oh, if only we could have a President with policies like Chris Cameron
A hobby that has been legitimized – I am a good writer!!! Check out the reviews and see for yourself.
Review highlights:
CAMERON’s QUEST
• a tantalizing and addictive story of best friends who suddenly find themselves on different roads in life.
• Mesmerizing reading, time stamped with actual events and just waiting to be elevated to the top of the gem pile, an amazing read about life.
• I could easily see this book play out as a movie, much like A Bronx Tale. It would be very cool to see on a screen.
COLUMBUS AVENUE BOYS
• a riveting tale of criminal intrigue, highly recommended reading.
• A mob story with the prerequisite hits, casinos and Italian food, but augmented by a strong sense of camaraderie.
• The only thing I don't like about this book, is that I am done reading it, and now I am left to wait for the next book from Carraturo. He has obviously found a style of writing that really works and his story development is A-MAZING!
CAMERON NATION
• I had a hard time putting it down and did not from page 151 until I finished page 305, the end. I have recommended it to pretty much all my friends
• Everyone should read this book! You will come away with a renewed sense of pride in, and hope for, a once-again great America. My only question is: Where is Chris Cameron? We need him!
• Mr Carraturo felt that Columbus Ave Boys was his better novel. I disagree. This book is so relevant today and serves as a great learning tool. Oh, if only we could have a President with policies like Chris Cameron
