Another relic from a distant time

Years ago, I wrote a powerful life-changing screenplay for the mid-budget range of the old independent film industry. That is such a quaint idea now. Now, “indie” filmmakers must aim for the NonDē film community of do-it-on-your-own seat-of-your-pants filmmaking. (Which I am doing with BOYLE HEIGHTS 1939, a very contained, very low budget Political Noir.)

Anyway, today I received the good news that my screenplay THE TWINK MURDERS received yet another accolade.

That’s nice. Especially since this accolade means film financiers like me … but won’t buy me a cup of coffee. That world is gone.

And it’s weird, because THE TWINK MURDERS is liked by a lot of people, none of whom actually wanted to make the movie, which is normal but still weird. I’m in the “Close, but no cigar” world.

• “This script could really attract some great actor and director talent. In the way of Milk, Brokeback Mountain, and other mainstream gay films, this could become a culturally important and commercially successful film.” ~ THE BLACKLIST review

• “We feel that your script is already one of the best specs out there. The screenplay certainly works.” ~ LGBTQ+ Toronto Film Festival

• “The protagonist’s journey from homophobic to an ally is rendered with nuance and emotional resonance, as are the lives of the marginalized individuals around him.” ~ SLATED review

• “Michael’s script is one of the best I’ve read in a very long time.” ~ Mark Lipsky, former Miramax executive

Anyway, it is nice to be recognized even if it would be nicer to be produced. The consolation is, of course, that there are tens of thousands of screenplays desperately trying to get noticed every year, making script contests a big business, so it’s really nice to rise toward the top.