Writing Screenplays, Satire and Novels

DGM Writers group started in the summer of 1995. Mark and Wilson went to Montana where they met with relatives of the scout whose story is told in Absaroka. They began a long journey researching and writing this compelling story. They were side tracked in 2000 for lots of reasons, but in June of 2008 Wilson met Rich who was a novelist at the time. Read more

So, GE sold NBC to Comcast. One megacorp selling a film company to another. Big Deal! At least, you might say, Comcast is in the communication business while GE makes stoves and toasters. I guess optical fiber is more closely connected to the making of films than warming trays for bacon wrapped sushi.
Big companies buy businesses to generate revenue (alert the media with that one, Rich!) We all want to generate revenue, right? Wouldn’t be in business if we didn’t—but… Look at what’s out there. Avatar cost what? And is that including the cost of developing 3D digital technology? If you include that, no matter what Avatar makes, it won’t break even. That’s Mr. Cameron’s concern, not mine, you might add. I know, if the film looks good, the audience will show up. If it doesn’t, it’ll die in the second or third weekend like every other film. Personally, I hope it does well. Without Titanic Mr. Cameron’s work in digital 3D wouldn’t have been done.
So, what’s the gripe (cause, Rich, we know you’re going to bitch about something)? In order to get massive revenues a film must appeal to a wide audience. The films of the ‘30s and ‘40s were written for all ages, not merely the 17-34 male demographic. There were stories about married people in ordinary jobs who did not blow up buildings or slice evildoers while leaping between apartment building in Marrakech. I like the Bourne series as much as the next person chomping popcorn and I truly hope that the studio and Paul Greengrass patch things up so that Matt Damon can go back to work being enigmatic. The smaller film has been pushed into the indie circuit, but the indie circuit doesn’t get much exposure outside the largest markets. The drive to remake every idea that ever made a buck into a film is driven by the need of MegaCorp for instant gratification. You like My Mother The Car-The Film and the nineteen installment of Saw? Okay. But what about anything else? Pirate Radio is playing in four or five locations in San Francisco: it played in one location in Fresno for two weeks. I know, Fresno sucks and I should be happy that it played in Fresno at all. Ninja Assassin? Four locations: one doesn’t have to drive more than six or seven miles to go see it. I know this makes me a snob but at least Pirate Radio was about something else than blowing things up and slashing people.