tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30413383.post6014383668700031902..comments2008-09-13T20:00:34.126-04:00Mystery Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486331815227364944mysterymants@hotmail.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30413383.post-61729978970922060062008-09-13T20:00:00.000-04:002008-09-13T20:00:00.000-04:00Another resource for you: http://www.ng2000.com/fw.php?tp=screenwriting-newsng2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/14287326444923169630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30413383.post-45636915350024184442008-06-14T12:53:00.000-04:002008-06-14T12:53:00.000-04:00Okay, peace.<BR/><BR/>-MMMystery Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486331815227364944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30413383.post-60769731798551389052008-06-07T05:24:00.000-04:002008-06-07T05:24:00.000-04:00Peace offering.<BR/><BR/>Sir, I'm not about petty bickering or mud-slinging... I just felt you needed to be taken down a few pegs. I've been holding a grudge against you for years. Your overly-snide review of my screenplay, in which you called it "horrible" but provided no other criticisms, demonstrated your biased position.<BR/><BR/>But... it doesn't matter, mate. Life is too short. <BR/> <BR/>You are obviously -- as much as I hate to admit it -- an intelligent man and passionate about the craft of screenwriting. So you can't be all that bad.<BR/><BR/>Your criticisms of Crystal Skull are -- if not a little too self-serving -- well documented and valid.<BR/><BR/>That said, I hope you will accept my peace offering and continue the good fight against criminals, plagiarists, and liars everywhere.<BR/><BR/>RobAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30413383.post-63996183519124978472008-06-06T00:41:00.000-04:002008-06-06T00:41:00.000-04:00Dear Sunshine,<BR/><BR/>I won’t drag this out. Straight to the point.<BR/><BR/>You know where you went wrong? Your own petty jealousy and rooted insecurity prevented you from judging my screenplay fairly. What? Did you read a few pages and dismiss it outright?<BR/><BR/>Rather than seeing my screenplay for what it was – a sincere and loving tribute to a trilogy of films I grew up with, you chose to focus on the stunt itself, which was simply a means to an end. <BR/><BR/>For some reason, you’ve got this hate-on for me… it’s almost personal… and makes me wonder if years ago I some how got under your skin. What? Were you planning your own Indy splash and I stole your thunder?<BR/><BR/>Your harsh reaction to me and my early work is unwarranted and borderline sadistic. You can’t possibly be so bent out of shape over my innocent publicity stunt, which is 12 years in the past now.<BR/><BR/>In this cut-throat business where 60 thousand screenplays filter through Hollywood annually, you’ve got to be creative, and anyone with enough sense would be giving me credit for rattling the corporate cage and forcing a movie icon to take notice of me. But instead, you paint me as some kind of pariah, bent on undermining the establishment and out for sole personal gain and profit.<BR/><BR/>Hey, money was the last thing on my mind when I sat down to write SOD… I just had a pretty cool story to tell and wanted to share it with others… and perhaps, just maybe, get noticed in a sea of wannabes.<BR/><BR/>Regardless of what you think… I’m proud of what I did and the script I wrote, and just maybe Lucas and Spielberg – two movie moguls – also recognized my talent and paid tribute to it in one of the most anticipated sequels in the last 20 years.<BR/><BR/>Now… isn’t that something to celebrate?<BR/><BR/>Rob Smith<BR/><BR/>Toronto, CanadaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30413383.post-61923413004315114572008-06-05T04:34:00.000-04:002008-06-05T04:34:00.000-04:00For Your Consideration:<BR/><BR/>Call me crazy, Indy fans... but I'm almost positive Lucas pays homage to my Sons of Darkness screenplay -- from the very first shot.<BR/><BR/>You're all familiar with how Indy movies begin:<BR/><BR/>FROM THE OLD PARAMOUNT LOGO,<BR/><BR/>MATCH DISSOLVE TO:<BR/><BR/>A mountain peak...<BR/><BR/>That was the opening of Raiders, and this motif was also used in Doom and Crusade.<BR/><BR/>Well, I carried over that motif into my screenplay written in 96:<BR/><BR/>FROM THE OLD PARAMOUNT LOGO,<BR/><BR/>MATCH DISSOLVE TO:<BR/><BR/>A mound of sand...<BR/><BR/>Now, if you've all seen the new movie (*spoilers*) then you know it starts this way... match dissolve to a mound of sand, which a gofer emerges from seconds later...<BR/><BR/>Of all the things to match dissolve to in the Indy universe... Lucas chose a mound of sand. Why?<BR/><BR/>Indydom... am I crazy? Or is Lucas fucking with me? I mean... perhaps in his subtle way he's paying tribute to my script because of our sordid history, and maybe for the simple fact that my script shares so many elements with the new film... Skull quest... Indy's son... Soviet villain... return of Marion...<BR/><BR/>In fact, at the end of the new movie, where the Soviet baddie returns the alien skull and it magically stays perched atop its skeleton, and then the alien reincarnates, is right out of my screenplay, which also uses a skull as the Mcguffin -- in my case the skull is the remains of the unclean son (Satan's earthly offspring), and is made flesh again by the return of the missing skull -- it's actually a cool little legend I created for my script, which mixes in Noah's Ark as well. You fans should check out the script just for shits and giggles.<BR/><BR/>Script links:<BR/><BR/>Second draft 97 (reposted 97/2003): http://maddogmovies.com/almost/scripts/indianajones-sons_smith2-97alt.htm<BR/><BR/>Original draft 96 (posted May 26, 96): http://www.awesomefilm.com/script/IndianaJones4.txt<BR/><BR/>Very little changed between the drafts. Just gave it a good polish in 97.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Anyhoo, I hope I'm not boring you all with this... I'm just a little beside myself... and a little pissed off as well that after all these years I discover Lucas MAY have just liked what I wrote after all, so much so that he incorporated elements from my script into his new movie. I'm flattered. But truth be told... it's a little bitter-sweet also.<BR/><BR/>There are other moments in the new movie which recall SOD... the diner scene where Indy and his long-lost son, Mutt, are bickering and Mutt scolds Indy for disrespecting his mother -- there's a scene like that in my script as well.<BR/><BR/>Then there's the scorpion scene -- Mutt freaks out about a big scorpion crawling on him and Indy assures Mutt that it's the little ones he has to be worried about... well, there's a similar scene in my script also.<BR/><BR/>There are others scenes too...<BR/><BR/>I don't know... it could all be just a freaky coincidence... but that match dissolve to the mound of sand is way too coincidental...<BR/><BR/>Is Lucas paying homage to my script... is he rubbing my nose in it... or am I completely delusional and should seek professional help?<BR/><BR/>But... I like to think he's paying homage... because he recognized the sincerity of my screenplay and the blossoming talent. Anyway... that's what I like to think.<BR/><BR/>Cheers!<BR/><BR/>Rob Smith<BR/><BR/>Toronto, CanadaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30413383.post-74885095025099819342008-06-03T21:48:00.000-04:002008-06-03T21:48:00.000-04:00"I will FOREVER be associated with the Indy franchise."<BR/><BR/>Oh, MM, he's so cute. He makes me smile. Can we keep him?Laura Deerfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481017193764065233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30413383.post-22359763251537969862008-06-03T21:18:00.000-04:002008-06-03T21:18:00.000-04:00<I>"FYI... my writing skills were good enough to convinced Stephen King to allow me to officially adapt one of his short stories in 99. But unfortunately the deal went tits up. As have many deals over the years."</I><BR/><BR/>Er. Stephen King has an open policy regarding film adaptations. Anyone can write a film based on his stuff. My guess is that you mailed the dude a writing sample and he replied with "yes, yes, go for it, conquer the world, bugger off". And here you are, thinking you're special. How sad.<BR/><BR/>Regarding <I>Changeling</I> -- JMS's Babylon 5 is the #1 reason why I got into screenwriting. It was so full of great characters and great writing that I wanted to learn how to do the same. Will definitely be seeing that one.<BR/><BR/>Too bad his <I>Jeremiah</I> sank. And <I>Crusade</I>...Elverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883756259775426088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30413383.post-13712571408893877352008-06-03T17:32:00.000-04:002008-06-03T17:32:00.000-04:00I still like the word fucktard, myself. <BR/><BR/>It's very appropriate for some people, and from the bleating sounds of this angry facfic guy, more than apt.Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08239067667651048280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30413383.post-624675187605264612008-06-03T16:50:00.000-04:002008-06-03T16:50:00.000-04:00Just one more thing... Sunshine, you say I've accomplished nothing with my stunt... well, guess what? I will FOREVER be associated with the Indy franchise. Can you say as much?<BR/><BR/>Lucas even pays homage to my script from the very first frame.<BR/><BR/>From the old paramount logo, match dissolve to... a mound of sand.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30413383.post-40697296429865661402008-06-03T16:10:00.000-04:002008-06-03T16:10:00.000-04:00Hey, Sunshine... are you the great defender of copyright laws? Is that it? Good god man. What the fuck is going on up inside that head of yours? Copyright laws -- that's what you're so hung up on?<BR/><BR/>Sigh.<BR/><BR/>But... you know... this whole thing is starting to bore me to tears. <BR/><BR/>Hey Sunshine... you just keep plugging away and I'm sure one day you'll finish that great American screenplay.<BR/><BR/>Cheers!<BR/><BR/>RobAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30413383.post-52345846937844174622008-06-03T15:17:00.000-04:002008-06-03T15:17:00.000-04:00Commenting on another section of this wonderful post, I'd always hoped that Jodie Foster was gay. Seeing it finally confirmed makes me feel all warm inside.Mimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590214841424958129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30413383.post-82703784974562661832008-06-03T12:46:00.000-04:002008-06-03T12:46:00.000-04:00My new favorite curse word is "fuckery." Amy Winehouse says it repeatedly on her album. "What is all this fuckery?"<BR/><BR/>Hehehe...<BR/><BR/>That makes me laugh.<BR/><BR/>-MMMystery Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486331815227364944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30413383.post-67803695560080465172008-06-03T12:32:00.000-04:002008-06-03T12:32:00.000-04:00People still say "fucktard" ? I mean, people who are over 15?Laura Deerfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481017193764065233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30413383.post-77925593954925562912008-06-03T10:34:00.000-04:002008-06-03T10:34:00.000-04:00<I>Hee hee hee</I>...<BR/><BR/>"At least I got ON my ass and wrote my Indy script..."<BR/><BR/>What part of the fact that it was illegal to write and post SOD did you NOT understand?<BR/><BR/>Rule #1 for aspiring screenwriters: DO NOT write scripts for existing franchises. Come up with your own ORIGINAL ideas as writing samples.<BR/><BR/>Zane - Thanks so much. It's great to meet you. The content of Rob's script is irrelevant because he never had the right to compose an Indiana Jones script in the first place.<BR/><BR/>Mim - And we wouldn't have had this controversy had Rob taken a more respectable route like David Muhlfelder or Mickey Lee by writing an original franchise with nods to the other ones that their scripts are emulating that can be used as writing samples without breaking copyright laws.<BR/><BR/>-MMMystery Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486331815227364944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30413383.post-28728671504731151832008-06-03T09:03:00.000-04:002008-06-03T09:03:00.000-04:00Hmm... more words of wisdom from the disciples.<BR/><BR/>Hey, Sunshine, do me a favour, kay?<BR/><BR/>Go write the 50 Flaws of SOD.<BR/><BR/>I need the publicity.<BR/><BR/>You're so full of yourself it's embarrassing.<BR/><BR/>Arrogant fucktard.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30413383.post-90235977342132165042008-06-03T08:16:00.000-04:002008-06-03T08:16:00.000-04:00MM, this guys reminds me of the trolls on the TS message board. You know, the ones who show up just to make trouble?<BR/><BR/>No, Rob, you didn't solicit our advice, but MM did solicit our opinions when he made this public.<BR/><BR/>In this business, attitude is everything. You seem to have a bad one. No wonder so many of your deals fall through.Mimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590214841424958129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30413383.post-59905407807956232512008-06-03T01:27:00.000-04:002008-06-03T01:27:00.000-04:00Hey zane... I don't recall soliciting your advice, mate. This is a big-boy tussle. So you run along now.<BR/><BR/>What kills me... you numbfucks just assume I haven't progressed as a screenwriter in the 12 years since SOD. <BR/><BR/>FYI... my writing skills were good enough to convinced Stephen King to allow me to officially adapt one of his short stories in 99. But unfortunately the deal went tits up. As have many deals over the years.<BR/><BR/>Please... just keep your opinions to yourself. Mm-kay?<BR/><BR/>Sunshine crossed the line with his little tirade. And let's face it... he's just jealous that I did it first.<BR/><BR/>And that's all I've got to say people.<BR/><BR/>Except this… I don’t have any desire to sue Lucasfilm. It was 12 years ago. The similarities are subtle. I was just making a point and defending my name.<BR/><BR/>Capeesh?<BR/><BR/>RobAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30413383.post-33541344016183035602008-06-03T00:43:00.000-04:002008-06-03T00:43:00.000-04:00Dude,<BR/><BR/>If Lucas TRULY ripped off Rob's screenplay, why the fuck would Rob NOT sue? Perhaps because he wouldn't win? Maybe?<BR/><BR/>Rob:<BR/><BR/>Channel that anger into control thinking and write a screenplay that sells. If you read all the shit in this blog, you might have a chance ...<BR/><BR/>MM:<BR/><BR/>Thanks for all you do.Zanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723560204537674780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30413383.post-77527089077789315292008-06-02T18:54:00.000-04:002008-06-02T18:54:00.000-04:00Hey sunshine, yes I'm talking to you mystery fuck... you never read my script, did you? And yet you have this rather strong opinion of it, because if you had read it then you would see the clear similarities which others have noted. Even the opening shot is a nod to SOD.<BR/><BR/>I'm the wannabe, Sunshine? Please. At least I got ON my ass and wrote my Indy script. What the fuck have you been doing for the last 12 years... other than shitting on everything you see?<BR/><BR/>You know... you remind me of that sap from Family Guy... "You're a phooo-ny! Hey, everybody, he's a phooo-ny!"<BR/><BR/>Get over it, Sunshine... and go write your little Indy script. Maybe someday Lucas will call you up because he wants you to write the next film.<BR/><BR/>But I wouldn’t hold my breath.<BR/><BR/>RobAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30413383.post-17947086299535463352008-06-02T17:50:00.000-04:002008-06-02T17:50:00.000-04:00Hey Rob,<BR/><BR/>Drats. I thought you were the other Rob. But it's great to hear from you, nonetheless!<BR/><BR/>You may have over-looked the first part of that section in which I laid out the whole sordid history of that screenplay before I received his e-mail. He is, indeed, a liar and a criminal, and this new vanity (and hints of lawsuits) over two very minor similarities has got to stop. He should be ashamed of the laws he broke and the lies he tried to perpetrate on the public.<BR/><BR/>The lesson here is that all aspiring writers should respect someone else's copyrighted material. Period.<BR/><BR/>-MMMystery Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486331815227364944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30413383.post-10738909178254038372008-06-02T16:44:00.000-04:002008-06-02T16:44:00.000-04:00Dear MM,<BR/><BR/>I read the script "Sons of Darkness" (SOD) when it was posted. From the trailers for the new Indie move came out I noted some similarities.<BR/><BR/>From your extreme reaction to Smith's message I've got to assume there's more to this story that I know. You called him some strong names but, at least for your reader's benefit, presented no evidence or justification.<BR/><BR/>I haven't been reading your blog for very long so I'm not sure how to put what you said into context.<BR/><BR/>Best regards,<BR/><BR/>Rob:-] (Not Rob Smith)Rob:-]http://www.blogger.com/profile/06728125450678937403noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30413383.post-17967710912982696422008-06-02T10:33:00.000-04:002008-06-02T10:33:00.000-04:00Laura - I'll definitely go see it, out of curiosity, at least. Have you read the script? I'll send it to you, if you like. It's almost impossible to decipher. That's still ranks up there as one of the most challenging reviews...<BR/><BR/>Mim - I know! Isn't that hilarious? I read that and rolled laughing! No way I'm changing it.Mystery Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486331815227364944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30413383.post-18677113443739978632008-06-02T08:42:00.000-04:002008-06-02T08:42:00.000-04:00I think it's a good idea to make your correspondence with Rob public. That way he can't accuse of saying things that you didn't.<BR/><BR/>I just want to let you know that there's a misspelled word in one of your quotes:<BR/><BR/>“It’s an excepted fact that all writers are crazy, even the normal ones are weird.” - William Goldman<BR/><BR/>Excepted should be accepted, or even expected.<BR/><BR/>Love, Mim.Mimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590214841424958129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30413383.post-33726694058683278732008-06-02T02:07:00.000-04:002008-06-02T02:07:00.000-04:00Re: synechdoche<BR/><BR/>One of the reviewers was "curiously challenged to actually care"<BR/><BR/>I think that kinda sums up my feelings without even seeing the film. And Eternal Sunshine is one of my all-time faves. <BR/><BR/>Some folks really need a creative partner.Laura Deerfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481017193764065233noreply@blogger.com