What a remarkable idea - and what a remarkable pilot!
Really, David - you nailed it. The tone, the memories of childhood, the strange atmosphere of small suburban towns, the urban legends.
I really hope this gets made. Congratulations for getting so far!
Thank you so much, Jack. I deeply appreciate the support!
I love it! If it is okay, I'd like to use the mini-bible as kind of a 'reference' as to how these things are formatted, etc? Amazon picked it up, so apparently you're doing something right! I'm working on a kid sitcom as well, although mine is completely different.
So glad I read this. Its so clear why 'Gortimer' it was chosen.
David, what a beautiful story. And fun.
Comic. Dark. And lyrical. Thoughtful. And those most magical of feelings that are missing from so many stories today - poignant and bittersweet.
I haven't read a script or seen a film in so long that makes you feel what its like to be in the confusion and wonder of childhood and the inevitable loss that growing knowledge and discovery bring as we lose our myths.
Can't wait to see it. And good luck with the Nicholl. Really cool sounding project. Read your 'three act' blog :)
Best
Ignore superfluous 'it' after 'Gortimer'.
:)
Shannon, please do. I referenced many TV bibles myself when putting my own together. I especially leaned on the BATTLESTAR GALACTICA bible and, believe it or not, the one for THE CROW (google for them -- they're on the net). Good luck with your project.
B -- "The Superfluous It" is the name of my novel. Also, your kind words are much appreciated. You really get GORTIMER and you summed it up nicely. I'm flattered.
Really great project you have here. Following to see progress made. Hope it's successful!
Much appreciated, Christina! So glad you enjoyed it. Things are going in the right direction, so stay tuned!
Rocks so very hard. Enjoyed it very much.
JDC
Thanks, JDC, that means a lot to me!
David,
I agree with everyone else -- this is a wonderful story, told well. I can't wait to see it!
My question: do you have any sense of how long it might be before you know what will happen with it? I've seen other some other fine material on Amazon linger and linger, then disappear unmade.
Is the idea that Amazon will distribute this eventually? Or that a network might buy it from Amazon? Do you have correspondence from people high-up in the organization who are giving you any sense of how this might move along?
I really see your project as one of the several "cases to watch" in determining whether Amazon Studios helps first-rate projects earn money for their creators. Please keep us posted on the details if possible.
A new thread might be helpful for those who want to learn how it's done. I can open one if you agree.
JBB
Hi JBB! Thank you, I'm happy you enjoyed the story. I can't wait to see it either!
I'm in constant contact with Amazon. They are always supportive, gracious and professional, and are big fans of GORTIMER. Things are progressing, slowly but surely. In no way do I feel I've been left to linger. Believe me, I know what it feels like to be ignored. This isn't it.
To date I've done a rewrite on the pilot based on a couple rounds of Amazon's notes, and so far the feedback has been great. We'll see where we go from here. Probably I'll get another set of notes.
We haven't really had a conversation about distribution yet, there's so much other work to do first. However it goes down, it's all good, though.
If you want to start another thread, I'd be more than happy to try to answer questions and keep everyone posted. Also follow me on Twitter. Thanks again for your enthusiasm!
Cheers, David,
If this thread works for everyone else, I'll just keep tuned in here for updates. Are you working on more pilots? That must be time-consuming. Note that for whatever reason, Children's Series submissions no longer require the pilot, which strikes me and some other AS members as rather odd. I can't judge the potential without a pilot, really. Your really makes clear what the show would be like if produced. I'd never have gotten an understanding based only on the Mini-Bible.
The distribution is really the crucial question I suppose. Is your understanding that Amazon intends to produce and distribute the kids' stories online? That's the impression I've gotten so far. I suppose it would be by subscription or some arrangement like that, though it could be in iTunes download setup also. Everything is changing so fast it's hard to imagine how creative work of this kind will be "monetized," but that's what writers need to know.
Thanks again, David.
JBB
One last question, David, and I'll avoid taking up too much "bandwidth" here: did you notice that there's no "Follow This Project" button for GGLONS? I'd like to follow, but can't -- unless I'm overlooking something.
GORTIMER is definitely execution dependent. It has (I hope) a unique voice you can't get at by talking about. I didn't realize this was a change in policy. I probably would have taken a different approach to my bible if this had been the case when I submitted. In fact, I remember having a panic moment while i was waiting to hear back that Amazon would read the bible first and not even look at the pilot. I still don't know what order they read them in.
As for distribution, the contract (which is available somewhere on the site) covers a few possibilities, like online/webisodes or being broadcast on networks etc. We haven't had a discussion about distribution. My best guess, and this just seems logical, is that Amazon would want to keep the series for first run on their Instant streaming service (maybe you don't get this yet where you are?)/Kindle and probably include some part of it in their Prime Membership deals. I would imagine the competition would be other sites like Hulu and Netflix which are also getting into original programming. This is strictly speculation on my part, though. I don't know any more than you do at this point.
Take all the bandwidth you want. No, I didn't notice that. I have an "unfollow" link just under the project title, on the same line with my name and the "development slate" designation. If you don't see it, maybe you aren't signed in?
Forgot part of your question. I do plan to write more pilots. So many ideas. Not necessarily for Amazon. (Eggs. Basket.) It's gonna be tough to follow GORTIMER. I'd like to do a one-hour drama (which is another reason I probably won't be writing with Amazon in mind as they aren't producing those).
As of right this moment, I'm in the middle of writing a Choose Your Own Adventure type novel which I plan to publish independently as an ebook and paperback this year. Then I'll start narrowing down which TV ideas I want to work on.
Which is another reason I'm fine with a little waiting time for GORTIMER to move ahead -- I've got plenty of projects to get to in the meantime!
Thanks for your several replies, David. It sounds as though it may be long wait before we see Gortimer's adventures. I was hoping to hear that Amazon is taking a really proactive approach to bringing great stories to life on screen, quickly lining up talent to support writers. Perhaps they did this in the case of "Facebook Friend," though I don't know. I can't figure out how that works, either. A full movie is available for anyone to watch online now, so how the creators will earn much from their word is unclear. I wonder whether AS writers as a group see this mainly as a way of showcasing their talent.
I asked AS to add a "follow" button and they did. So I'm following your story now.
Wow, this is great! I kind of wish it was on now! One of the best projects I've read so far on here! Can't wait to see/read more of it!
Thanks for your kind words about GORTIMER, Naomie. Comments like your keep me going.
UPDATE: polishing up a new draft for Amazon. But I've said too much already *smoke bomb* *vanishes*
