Following Kairos, my script got some attention. For the past year and a half I’ve sent out about 60 emails on behalf of Play Ball to various producers and production companies. Many executives wanted to read it, but as is the case a lot of the times, most do not get back to you and the ones that do, ultimately end up passing on the script. You can’t take any of this personally. People are busy and they know what they want (or at least have an idea). And if you’re not it, then you have to move on.
Finding that one needle in the haystack who is genuinely excited about your screenplay is an arduous task. After each rejection that comes in, you have to keep sending out queries and keep trying to find that one needle. And what’s harder yet, you have to keep writing and keep motivated because ultimately that is what it is all about.
PAT PATTERSON
Which brings me to today. This past April, I’m happy to report that I found that one needle in the haystack and her name is Patricia Patterson. Pat is a producer from New York and runs Pâté Productions. I can now officially tell everyone that she has optioned the rights to my screenplay Play Ball. What does this mean? For the next 18 months, Pat owns Play Ball and during that time I will be working with her to do re-writes while she raises money in the hopes of making the film. Optioning a script is like renting an apartment; while you live in the apartment, the owner cannot rent out that unit to anyone else. In a sense, the renter owns that unit for a period of time.
I am the owner of Play Ball and I cannot “rent” the script out to anyone else at this time because it belongs to Pat. In Hollywood terms, the script is taken “off the market”. If during this initial option period, enough money is raised, a producer will then move forward to buying the script outright in order to make the film. I have no illusions as to how hard making a film is. Few films are actually made because an assortment of factors have to fall into place. It’s important to remember that this is about the journey, not the end point. My focus right now is to help make Play Ball the best script possible. This is called the “development stage” of filmmaking and I’m looking forward to this journey and working/hoping for greater things to come.
What else has been going on?
- I recently finished writing a play called Thirsty which is a Christmas-themed story to be performed on Dec 6 and 7. I’m now collaborating with a composer developing original music for that play. Thirsty is a story about courage or lack of it.
- After the public reading of my play Animal this past June, I did a few more edits and have sent it out to a couple competitions – one being the Yale Drama Series.
- These last 3 weeks, I’ve been developing a new screenplay tentatively called Prodigal. It’s the story of a woman who has survived a horrific tragedy and is now forced to confront who she really is – a life she has been trying to bury.
I end on a quote which some may find to be a sober thought. It’s from British author Doris Lessing who just passed way in November 2013. I did not know anything about Doris Lessing but upon some research discovered she was a woman who spoke her mind. Doris was a prolific writer and won many prestigious awards. Here’s what she had to say about the craft of writing:
“I don’t know much about creative writing programs. But they’re not telling the truth if they don’t teach, one, that writing is hard work, and, two, that you have to give up a great deal of life, your personal life, to be a writer.”
Congratulations on this important milestone in the “journey.”
Awesome, awesome, awesome, Mr. Romeo! Congratulations on all your hard work, tenacity & your God-given talent being used in so gracious and generous a manner. Looking forward to seeing it onscreen. God bless:-)
Congratulations! Very exciting and well earned next step in the journey.
Well, Mr. Ciolfi, your hard hard hard work, your persistence and dedication is paying off.
Congratulations on this door’s opening, although I suspect it opened with many a nudge from you! I hope this trend continues and that we will see your name on a screen somewhere SOON!
Stay well and keep pushing!!
Way to go Ciolf, that’s a big victory!
What a (crazy) life, huh?
I am thrilled to hear your success as you deserve it! Each and every play I saw you wrote had been a journey for me a d a spiritual growth. I can’t wait to see the movie. Keep me posted.
Romeo, this is wonderful news! Congratulations! Play Ball is such a touching story, even as it stands now. It needs to be shared!
Absolutely without a doubt an exciting opportunity! Congratulations, Romeo! I am so very happy for you and praying that Pat will be able to option your script. I’m sure it feels a longtime coming, but God has been good.
Fantastic Romeo! I am happy for you. Wishing you all best for this script and others.
I am very happy for you. I was just praying this past week that God would send someone to take a serious look at your play and He has done just that. It is the beginning of a great journey. He has much in store for you. Hang onto your hat because it is going to be a fabulous journey. What wonderful surprises are awaiting you around the corner Romeo!
Congrats, Rome! That’s great news! Another new step along the journey. 🙂
That’s great news, Romeo. Best of luck!
Congrats Romeo, We wish you all the best. You are right, its about the journey. I encourage you to pursue your dream of seeing your story on the big screen. Continued blessings, A.Y.
Congratulations, Romeo. Step by step you move forward.
Congratulations on reaching the next rung of the ladder! I look forward to watching the film! You have worked hard and long and it is time for your creativity and talent to be enjoyed.
Congratulation Romeo!
Congrats Romeo! Keep the faith and keep writing!
Congrats! May this be the flame that turns into a bright light. You have worked long and hard for this.
This is very exciting to read about your progress since your award! I was there in the audience and remember it well. Really appreciate the advice that, through all this, it is not the end point but the journey. Keep up the great work!
Congrats Romeo, so happy for you. Can’t wait to watch the film.
Cheers man