"The Black Donnellys"

I saw the Monday night premiere of "The Black Donnellys."

Awesome beginning.

A real, gritty show with interestingly flawed characters. Sure, the mob thing has been done before, but who cares? At this point, you're not going to come up with some amazingly original idea...all you can do is try to put out something that is entertaining and engaging...and this show definitely does that. The storytelling style is much like the movie "Goodfellas" as it has occasional narration. The character that does the narration is great...his delivery has a lot of personality and humor to it.

I'm not usually into mob stories, but I saw it since a UCLA mentor of mine, Laurie Hutzler, was part of the writing staff.

I heard vaguely that critics don't like the show and that it got low ratings following "Heroes," but I hope viewers and NBC give this show a chance.

The characters are compelling and the writing is exquisite. The acting is also good. It is insanely interesting and the excitement keeps building throughout the episode. A lot of thought and effort went into this series and episode and I would hate to see it fail without viewers even giving it a chance. The music score also goes along perfectly.

I loved the character development, loved the story line, and loved the over all atmosphere of the episode. I also liked that the story was being told from another character's point of view, Joey Ice Cream, from some time in the future as he sits being questioned by the police. It sets the tone right there, that there is more to this story, more to come.

The first 30 minutes without commercial breaks were great. I thought it helped pull people further into the story. We got enough background information to know what’s going on, but doesn't drag on so that people don't lose interest. It was also nice to see the different personalities of each of the brothers . . . Nice twist on the typical mob formula. Irish (not Italian) and late teens, early 20s. Not to mention the love story that is right under the surface. I am sure it will lead to some interesting conflict to go along with keeping the neighborhood under control.

Jimmy's plan to help Kevin out of gambling debt backfires, forcing the two to kidnap local mob boss Sal Minnetta's nephew Louie. When Sal's right-hand-man Nicky Cottero decides to take the matters into his own hands, it's up to Tommy to set things right.

Not sure if it can sustain the quality of the pilot...we'll see where it goes from here, but the pilot was great.

LARRY HODGES FOR SFWA PRESIDENT

Fantasy writer Larry Hodges, a friend of mine, is being encouraged (tongue in cheek) to run for SFWA office in 2008.

Normally, I don't pay attention to such things. But the thought of his candidacy makes me go "hmmm..." :-)

Here's his platform:

OK, OK, I'm being drafted, so here's my Platform for President. My main goal is in regard to the name "Science Fiction Writers of America." I'd like to do the following:

*Take the "Science" out since science is really hard; *Take the "Fiction" out and start telling the truth; *Take the "Writers" out since writing is really hard; *Take the "America" out so the rest of the world will stop hating us.

Once the above has passed, and our name has changed from "SFWA" to "", we can move on to more important stuff, such as allowing fictional characters to join (Paul Sheldon, Jack Torrance, Karen Eiffel, Mort Rainey, and that "jkjkjkjkjkjkjkjk" guy*) and blaming all problems facing "" on that small minority of members who write good or sell too many books, making the rest of us look bad. (We're going to require all Nebula & Hugo winners and Times Best Sellers to wear little yellow stars so we can identify them when we start rounding them up.)

-Larry (will take bribes) Hodges Candidate for President of "" Vote the Hate in 2008!

*Bet nobody can identify all five, especially the "jkjkjkjkjkjkjkjk" guy!

"Stars and Stripes Forever" Coverage Report

Today, I got my coverage report on my nautical tale "Stars and Stripes Forever."

The reader, a guy I think, gave me a ton of high marks across the board. Plot, dialogue, etc. are fine. And the concept of a real-life navy lieutenant struggling to destroy an American frigate captured by pirates is "compelling."

I just need to work on some character relationships and rearrange some scenes and sequences. I also have to deal with the situation that historical scripts are harder to sell than contemporary stories and it's on the water, making it harder and more expensive to film.

Ergo the script has to be virtually perfect.

Nice challenge.

It's "one great rewrite or two away from being something special" and "it's close, but not quite there yet."

For now, it's a "Pass."

I'll see about reworking it when I get the chance.

I expect it'll do well in contests, though. And I think I may want to write the novel before marketing the script, too. That would help sell the script if the book did well.

Anyhow, the wheels are in motion.

Abrams May Not Direct Trek XI

A few days ago, SyFy Portal reported that Abrams may jump from Trek XI to direct an adaptation of Stephen King's "Dark Tower" horror series.

The Trek XI production has been the most circus-like of all films to date.

When Abrams was brought on, he at first denied that it would be about TOS. Then he and his collaborators said Kirk deserves to live again and they can't believe they're the ones hired to do the film.

Then Abrams said he may not be the right person to direct depending on the script--which he and his collaborators are hyping as being stellar. I seem to recall that was the early word on "Nemesis" too.

And then Abrams "confirms" that he'll direct the film after getting a nice contract. Didn't he already have one when he was brought on in the first place?

Now Abrams may bolt Trek XI for Stephen King's latest horror story adaptation.

If Abrams loves Trek so much, I can't help but wonder why he won't commit to it?

Why is he always jumping from one project to another, neither here nor there? The best Hollywood producers/directors stick with their projects from beginning to end: Ron Moore, Joss Whedon, Steven Spielberg, etc.

I felt from the beginning that a reinvented TOS film is the wrong direction for Trek long term and that Abrams is the wrong person to helm it for a variety of reasons.

But as long as Abrams' Bad Robot production company is on the job, it'll likely go ahead with the young Kirk and Spock story. Abrams may just delegate someone else to do it (like he did with "Alias" and "Lost"), while he plays with Stephen King's brain child--until something else catches his attention span for a few months.

I'll be curious to see if Trek XI will stay on its schedule.

I'm sad to see Trek in such a rudderless state of limbo nowadays.

"Heaven's Mandate" Coverage

I'm a little late in reporting this...

On February 12, 2007, I got a ScriptShark Notes Plus coverage report on my Chinese Joan of Arc tale.

The script is good, but there's room for some character development, which I'll be happy to do. I just have to find the time...

The reader gave me a "Reluctant Pass." Even though it's not a "Consider" or "Recommend," it doesn't seem too bad. She? (something about the report's phrasing) pointed out that Hollywood isn't interested in Chinese period pieces in general, which I know. I was pretty much aiming for Hong Kong from the start. I will see what I can do to approach James Schmaus's "Rogue Film" company.

I wanna get Schmaus's "Crouching Tiger" collaborator, Ang Lee, to direct. :-)

Ronny Yu ("Fearless") strikes me as a good second choice.

I'm afraid that Zhang Yimou's films don't work for me: "Hero," "House of Flying Daggers," and "Curse of the Golden Flower."

I may still sub "Heaven's Mandate" as is (it won in the 2006 UCLA contest after all) to a few contests in 2007, but maybe not every one of 'em because it's not high on Hollywood's list of fave genres and most especially to save myself some money .

We'll see.

At least I've got ideas for making this opus even better.

"Stars and Stripes Forever" Excerpt

On February 17, 2007, I subbed electronically an American "Master and Commander" script of mine to the Blue Cat Screenplay Competition. Others will follow. I'm waiting a little bit partly because I'm waiting for a coverage report I purchased from ScriptShark. Fortunately, several fellow screenwriting mates of mine who looked at the story liked what the saw. :-)

I subbed to Blue Cat now because the deadline was approaching and I didn't want it to be overlooked by readers in a last minute overflow of submissions.

"Stars and Stripes" is based on real events centering around an American naval hero, Stephen Decatur.

Logline: A real-life naval lietuenant struggles to destroy an American frigate captured by pirates before she's unleashed against a young United States.

Here's an excerpt:
------------------------------------------------

INT. MALTA - GOVERNOR'S MANSION -- NIGHT

SUPERIMPOSITION:

MALTA

GOVERNOR'S MANSION

A genteel party of the highest Old World order unfolds in full swing.

A Spanish orchestra plays on a low dais. Glamorously dressed people dance to the orchestra's music.

LIEUTENANT STEPHEN DECATUR, 24, a Navy poster boy in full dress uniform, mingles with the elegant crowd of partygoers. Decatur converses with British Admiral ALEXANDER BALL, 60s, governor of Malta, a tall masthead of a man.

BALL
Most unfortunate the way your Commodore Morris' operations against the Mohammedan corsairs are faring.

Decatur looks to a small knot of American officers clustered around a middle-aged senior in captain's dress, RICHARD MORRIS.

DECATUR
The Barbary Pirates have preyed on shipping for centuries, sir. Your own Admiral Blake had but temporary success himself in these waters two hundred years earlier.
(beat)
My country's efforts are far from over.

BALL
I meant to imply nothing of the sort. The whole world wishes you success. I can imagine how frustrating it must be for the young enterprising officers of your squadron to suffer setback after setback. Service in the Royal navy would offer more... rewarding duty.

DECATUR
My thanks for your concern, sir, but the reward lies in serving flag and country...

Decatur trails off as he notices ELIZABETH BALL, late 20s, a self-reliant beauty,
on the ballroom floor. She's dancing a graceful waltz with Royal navy Lieutenant JAMES HAMILTON, late 20s, a dandy blue blood.

Admiral Ball follows Decatur's gaze.

BALL
Elizabeth, my daughter. Couldn't be prouder of her.

DECATUR
I'm sure she makes her husband very happy.

BALL
Still unmarried despite a trip to India. I've given up trying to match her.

DECATUR
(re: Hamilton)
Her dance partner?

BALL
James Hamilton, first lieutenant of His Britannic Majesty's frigate Hecate. He's the eldest son of one of England's leading families and my daughter's childhood friend.

DECATUR
She dances well.

BALL
It's her passion. She just learned a rather... spirited... dance in Madrid. The Fandango, I believe it's called. She has yet to find a partner here who'll go through it with her.

INT. DANCE FLOOR

Elizabeth and Hamilton are winding down their waltz.

They notice Decatur waiting for them at their end point. The other couples around them disperse for refreshments.

HAMILTON
What's all this in aid of?

Decatur bows formally.

DECATUR
Lieutenant Stephen Decatur. United States Navy.

HAMILTON
I don't believe I know that name... It's not English.

DECATUR
My grandfather was an officer in the French navy, who settled in America.
(to Elizabeth)
The Admiral was just telling me your ladyship was in need of a partner to follow you through a "spirited" Spanish dance. I've been to Barcelona. I offer you my services.

HAMILTON
(dry)
Thank you, but no. Her ladyship and I were dancing --

DECATUR
Actually sir, you were trying. She succeeded.

Elizabeth laughs.

ELIZABETH
(to Decatur)
Very well, Lieutenant. I accept your gallant offer.

HAMILTON
Elizabeth -- ?

ELIZABETH
James, be a dear. Please indulge me.

Hamilton nods his assent, gives Decatur a DARK LOOK as he steps away.

Decatur offers his hand to Elizabeth and leads her by the Spanish band.

DECATUR
(to band leader)
Maestro... a 3/4 measure, por favor.

Decatur and Elizabeth glide to the center of the dance floor.

Elizabeth spins before Decatur, stamps her feet and snaps her fingers in time to a rapid musical measure. The guitarists and castanet players echo her, and the floor clears all around the couple in unknowing compliance.

Elizabeth slides into short, quick rushes of 2-3 steps, going to one side, then another. Her hands and arms great moving features, her feet stamping in time to the music --

A sudden break in the tune --

She stops rigid in a picturesque pose, with body bent slightly backwards, hands on hips, and head erect and defiant. She fixes Decatur with her eyes, expectant. He --

-- stamps his feet, snaps his fingers, and steps in perfect response.

Together they bring to life the Fandango, the dance of "The Chase": boy sees girl, girl snubs boy, girl chases boy, then runs away.

Hamilton FUMES from the side. Morris and the other American officers look on OPEN-MOUTHED. Admiral Ball looks pleased with himself.

At the end of certain measures, the music halts abruptly, and the two dancers freeze till it resumes.

Neither touches with the hand or body. But they lock with their eyes --

-- And lose themselves in one another as the dance plays itself out.

Decatur and Elizabeth revel in their dance and each other. When the last measure roars to a halt, they're TIGHTLY EMBRACED, BREATHING HARD, barely within decorum.

The crowd roars its approval, but it doesn't exist for them. They're the CENTER of each other's universe.

WALTER JON WILLIAMS CRITIQUE

Today I received comments on my "The Way of the Peacemaker" short story from mil SF writer Walter Jon Williams.

The story has some good points, but I have to go back to the drawing board.

Again...

Starting up a new space saga and figuring out its rules is no small task it seems.

I knew that going in, but I didn't really know it.

I've worked on different drafts of this story.

And now it seems I'll have to work on another. I do feel that I'm crawling in the right direction, though.

That's something.