I am thrilled to tell you that Aletha Spann of 30Nineteen Productions has renewed her option on the film rights for Leaving Atlanta. I know this is just the first step on the road toward seeing the story on the screen, but it an encouraging development, indeed.
Did I tell you that I once tried to sit down and write a screenplay for Leaving Atlanta? (I was motivated by the odd experience of finding a screenplay for the novel sitting on my doorstep when I got home one day.) I thought it would be easy- afterall, I know that book better than I know my own hand. Also, when I was at MacDowell a few years back I met a very very famous and successful novelist/screenwriter who told me that he can adapt a novel for screen in three days. He just pretends to take longer so his employers will feel like they are getting thier money’s worth!
I bought the screen writing software, and wrote the first scene. It was so difficult. I had to take a nap. I have since uninstalled the software and I am leaving that movie aspect of things to the movie people.
Comments
2 responses to “Leaving Atlanta, The Movie?”
So what became of the mystery screenplay? Did you know the person who wrote it? Looking back on it now, what do you think of your attempt?
Your story reminded me of an episode on the Sopranos where Christopher, wanting to be a famous Hollywood writer, buys some screenwriting software, but then gets mad when “it” doesn’t write the story he had in mind. He was baffled that he had to actually write the story, that the software couldn’t intuit what he wanted. I still laugh aabout that one. Nothing can be more frightening (or exhilarating) than facing the blank page.
It would be wonderful to see Leaving Atlanta (or The Untelling for that matter) on the big screen.
Tayari
How ARE you? I’ve been out of touch, but have been busy. I’m still settling in here in South Bend – my parents are visiting, and I’m hosting a party tomorrow evening in their honor. (do I have a few things to do!! before then) Let’s talk on Monday evening if you’re free – they’ll be back in DC and I can talk late at night – but of course you’re not up then either. My email address is dmpinderhughes@gmail.com.
Dianne