Posted by Kevin at adsl-64-167-89-19.dsl.lsan03.pacbell.net on February 19, 2004 at 06:07:48:
Sorry I couldn't do this sooner, but the DSL has been acting up the last two days.
I'm gonna try to hit all the questions you guys have been asking. Forgive me if I forget a
few.
WHY THE WAIT ON THE NEWS?
That came from above. I was asked to hold off announcing it 'til it was safely in Variety's
hands. I wanted to post it midnight on Tuesday, but ya’ll know what happened there.
HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?
We were in the editing room on "Jersey Girl" a few months back, swapping out a song, and
Jon Gordon (friend and Miramax exec) was on the phone, talking about something comic-
book sounding. When he got off, I asked him what he was talking about, and he said "Green
Hornet." I said "You guys have 'Green Hornet'? Who's directing?" He said "Nobody yet. You
wanna do it?" I said "Harvey would never give me that movie." He said "You got a take on
it?" I said "I've had a take on it that's been sitting on the hard drive of every computer I've
had since '95, when I was asked to come up with a take on it while working on 'Rats' at
Universal." So I told him about it, he said "I love that. Lemme run it past Harvey." Jon runs
it past Harvey, and Harvey says "I'm into it. Tell him to write up an outline." So I started an
outline... 'til the feet started to get cold. "This is too big," I fretted. "I'm not an action
director. I’m gonna pooch it if I try.” So I wrote Jon an email, informing him that I was
bowing out. He asked if I’d written any of the outline, and I told him I had two pages. He
insisted I send them in. I did, and he gave them to Harvey, who read the pages, called me,
and said “This is too good. I’m not letting you back out of this. It’s time you grew up and
pushed yourself by trying something different than all the talky flicks. You can do this.
We’ll surround you with an amazing support team. You’re right to be scared – but it’s a
good fear. It’s the kinda fear that’s gonna make you try harder.”
After that, how could I say no?
IS MOSIER PRODUCING?
Sadly, no. After giving it serious thought, he felt he wasn’t ready to go back to work this
year. He wants to take ’04 off and travel, learn to paint, master Maya (the animation
program), and generally rest (i.e. – not produce). Scott’s feeling was that after ten years, he
wanted a long vacation. And since he’s my friend first, producer second, I had to support
him in his decision.
It’s gonna be tough going into this without Scott, but I’ve gotta respect my boy’s wishes.
He’ll still read the drafts and give me notes and cut suggestions as always, but that’ll be
about it on “Hornet.” I’ll miss him something fierce.
WHAT’S THIS MEAN FOR “FLETCH WON” and “RANGER DANGER”?
Everything just gets pushed back a year. If it’s any consolation, Harvey’s insisting we go
right into “Fletch” after “Hornet” wraps.
HAVE WE STARTED CASTING “HORNET” YET?
Yes. Some offers went out to actors this week. I’m meeting with the guy we all want for
Britt Reid Monday night. If actors start accepting offers, I’ll let you know.
DO YOU WANT TO HIRE MASTER WOO-PING?
Christ, yes. We’re working on this now.
WHAT CAR’S GONNA BE THE NEW BLACK BEAUTY?
Working on this too. There are a few manufacturers we’re talking to already (for me,
though, the dream car is the Cadillac 16).
IS THIS A SELL-OUT MOVE?
Me making a comic book movie? That’s about the least selling-out move I could make, as
far as I’m concerned. But that’s just me.
ARE ANY V.A. REGULARS GONNA BE IN IT?
I’m writing a part for Mewes, I know that. Beyond that, expect to see some other familiar
faces pop up as well.
HOW TRUE ARE YOU STAYING TO THE CHARACTERS AND BACKSTORY?
Very, very true. The story spans a few decades, though.
SO WILL YOU MENTION THE LONG RANGER CONNECTION THEN?
Can’t. The Lone Ranger is owned by someone else. Legally, we can’t refer to him without
optioning that character as well.
HAVE YOU STARTED WRITING THE SCRIPT?
Yes. I’m fifty pages in.
ARE YOU GOING TO FINISH “SPIDEY/BLACK CAT” AND “TARGET” BEFORE YOU GET DEEPLY
INTO “HORNET”?
As I posted the other day, yes. I’m so insanely remiss on those fronts. My bad.
WHAT’S THE BUDGET?
Too early to tell. But early guesses put it around seventy million.
IS THERE A RELEASE DATE SET?
Not a specific date, but we’re due in theaters August ’05.
WILL IT BE SERIOUS OR SPOOFY?
It’s serious. Granted, there will be some humor in it, but we’re still playing it straight on
this one.
HAS THE “JERSEY GIRL” RELEASE DATE BEEN CHANGED?
Yes. We moved ahead one week. We now open on the 26th. Harvey decided he wanted to
open the flick closer to Easter, so as to take advantage of the Easter break, during which
time our weekday grosses would be stronger, as folks are off from school. Also, the
additional week buys us some more press hits and promotional time. Yes, it means waiting
one more week, but what was I gonna do – argue with the guy? He just handed me “Green
Hornet” for Christ’s sake.
And, of course, the most important question…
DID SMALLS KNOW ABOUT THE “HORNET” DEAL IN ADVANCE?
He did.
Don’t forget: a new “Roadside Attraction” airs Friday night, on “The Tonight Show”.
And thanks for all the congratulatory notices and well-wishes. Means a lot to me. I
honestly couldn’t have gotten this gig without you guys, as you’re the people that allow me
to continue working, thanks to your constant support (spiritual and financial) of all the stuff
we do at View Askew. Believe me, it’s always factored into the greenlights I get from
Miramax. They know View Askew has an audience… and a loyal one at that. Bless your
hearts, dicks, and vag’s for that continued interest in my bullshit.
Gotta go to bed now. I’m taping a sketch for “MadTV” tomorrow, and I’ve still got a shit-
load of dialogue to remember.