Talent-specific projects ever a good idea?

[janienj]

Some friends here have chimed in on the logline area that my script for "Staten Iced" be used as a vehicle for Marisa Tomei in a redeux role of her Oscar winning performance in "My Cousin Vinny."

In flushing out this idea, I was just wondering if this ever works. Would talent consider? Maybe get Joe pesci and redesign the story of what happened after "My Cousin Vinny." What do you all think?

Thanks mucho!

Janie

[mscherer]

janienj,

Sure, write it for someone specific just insure you don't reference that person in your character description -- like, '....think Marisa Tomei ...'.

Then I would send queries out to the agency that reps that star. In Marisa Tomei's instance that would be Creative Artists Agency (CAA) - Bryan Lourd is her agent. That way CAA can package the whole deal along with -- you the writer

Anyway, just one man's opinion; mileage may vary; batteries not included.

[janienj]

Thanks Mike,

I am guessing that also means that I cannot name the main character in my script the same name Marisa played in "My Cousin Vinny"-- 'Mona Lisa Veto" for a whole list of copyright, previous writer infringement issues, etc is that correct?

Appreciate the info. You are an encyclopedia in action ;D and saved me leg work to boot!

Cheers,
Janie

[mscherer]

janienj,

I think you might be right about using that character's name -- but....

There's no reason you can't call your character: Mona Lisa.

That way a savvy reader will get the implication and you stay out of hot water.

Keep Writing!

[attatt]

There are a number of scripts that have been sold this way, so I say go for it. Success stories I have read show one common theme, the writer has an agent who can get close to the actor, or the writer had an opportunity to get close to the actor and sell it.
I believe there were a couple posts on GITS about "Cold Souls" with Paul Giamotti which indicate this tactic was used to get him involved in the project

[lazzard]

If you have an agent this is a really good route.
(And because actors tend not to hawk it around ( it was written just for me!!) , if they don't like it, the script is still fresh to go out to producers.)
An agent can get stuff on people's desks with a degree of credibility.
I think they would be a bit more wary if it to come from an unproven source.
But as ever, nothing to lose either way.

[janienj]

Friends,
Thanks for all of the great info on this. You all are a tremendous source of info. Greatly appreciate! ;D ;D

Janie