24 February 2013

Island of Dr. Moreau - a few of Brando's notes

I've discovered the 2nd draft of Marlon Brando's personal script for "The Island of Dr. Moreau on an auction website. The buyer will of course get the full joys of Brando's undoubtedly psychadelic insights - but heck, we can at least partake of the few freely available jpegs.

The 1996 version of The Island of Dr. Moreau was a troubled production - and that's what it'll probably be rememered for. Well, that and Brando's interesting acting and outfit choices ... The few notes below, written by Brando in red ink, are from the 1994 draft.

On Reddit, a few voices came together around this content - interesting read since some of the commenters were connected with the production > read the comments here

On the front it says the following: "Dio -- By craft + stealth" ... "Make speech about inability to invent religeous [sic], political, military, economic, philosophical ethics. Most destructive animal that ever evolved women are different are life protectors. Animals are not the problem humans are and virises [sic] as well. We will either find a solution to male ferocity. or we will find our graves in the poisoned snow of a dead planet. I have sacrificed everything I have on this earth. I see myself as a soldier of the mind, and death holds only a sliver of fear for me -- my work is my life." 



And now - if you're ready for a bit of freakish entertainment - here's the trailer:



13 February 2013

Serendipity strikes at the Berlinale

"Serendipity" - the faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident. Good ole lady luck... Screenwriting Principle #7 clearly states "Network. You'll never have a career if you don't get out there." All too often I fall into the trap of ignoring #7 ... but this past weekend at the Berlinale 2013 was a reminder of just important it is.

I wasn't even planning on attending the Berlinale - happened to be in Berlin for another reason. In fact, I was so far off on my own track I wasn't even aware that the Berlinale was happening just at that very same time! Serendipity. Found out by accident and things began to roll.

This past weekend I've ended up enjoying receptions and parties, ran into director and writer friends of mine, met with producers, distributors and actors and had an all around amazing time. An old project suddenly began to bubble up. An agent friend of mine spotted me and called out loud, the moment he saw me, "Daniel! I just pitched you yesterday!"

I've said it before I'll say it again - and again - network! Don't be the schlump I've been this past while. Mind you, I have been writing, but still - there are always moments. Times when we need to stop writing, get some fresh air - network! The moment you do, things happen. Sometimes not right away, as with the aforementioned old project. But networking started it and networking brought it back to the surface. Get out there, meet people, things - will - happen.

Screenwriting Principle #7 rocks (as do the others, of course, like that particular favorite of mine, #2 :-) ... click here for more on the Screenwriting Principles.