After a midday conference call, I got a ring from a fellow filmmaker who wanted to talk up a spec before he got his pitch package finalized. He plans on writing/directing a science fiction film that blasts a futuristic socialist society (one world currency, government dictated jobs, big brother, etc.) - funded by some right-wingers.
I asked why he felt the need to write a science fiction film, citing the lack of truly great genre films written and directed by the same person. Even two of the most influential sci-fi directors of our time, Ridley Scott and James Cameron, did not direct screenplays written exclusively by themselves.
(Yes, even Cameron had other writers involved.)
His response - no joke - was "maybe they're not great filmmakers".
He went on to talk about PTA, Todd Solondz and Quentin Taratino, as directors "who have a deep connection with their art that other directors who do not write will never be able to appreciate".
I brought up that none of them have actually directed sci-fi, and his response is, "Well, I will succeed where Ridley Scott and James Cameron did not, because I have confidence in my craft that neither have."
This was an entirely serious conversation. At two points, I had to mute my phone entirely, because I was either flabbergasted or laughing.
I asked him to watch Overnight, which he says people keep telling him to watch (surprise).
Apparently, he already has handshake deals in place for funding, and after receiving a detailed plot synopsis, I asked if one of exec producers would be Glenn Beck. There was no answer.
