"Auckland Island"
I have always wanted to go to Australia and New Zealand. I am particulaly interested in the Maori culture. I especially love anything native-hawaiian. I am a sucker for the dancing, luau's, and especially the music. (I love that reggae beat!) Everything about the polynesian islands I love, so I wanted to write a story about the native Maori people.
I came up with a story idea that I had many years ago. (Concept was conceived in 1989, but started in 1998) My working title is called, "Auckland Island".
The story is about a young Maori boy named Joseph. He is a half breed in New Zealand. His mother is Maori and his father is Pakeha, or European. His family is very poor and live on the North Island which is barren and dry due to an old curse. The beautiful island that sits off the northern coast is called Auckland. It is lush, full of life, and has everything one could ever want. It has been protected by the curse for nearly 100 years. The one who can break the curse by reaching the island, will rule the island.
Everyone on the shores of the North Island dream of breaking the curse by reaching Auckland. But it is extremely dangerous and many have lost their lives in their attempt to reach the island.
The northern island is becoming a wasteland. Auckland is their only hope, but only a Maori can break the curse. Will Joseph succeed in his dream to reach the island? You'll have to find out.
This script would make an awesome CG film. I illustrated some concept artwork as I immersed myself into the Maori culture. I built some Maori rafts and a few of the main characters in 3d. I also worked with Maya's ocean/ water fx in 3d. Its pretty amazing how you can get a realistic looking ocean. (see above for my 3d raft and 3d ocean)
Above is the character, Mokie. (I actually met a guy that looked just like him!)
This is a really great adventure.
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"White Heart" The Story of Ota Benga:
I have always been obsessed with Africa and wildlife. In 2001, I actually went to Africa for a humanitarian project where we worked with the poor and needy in the slums. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I have always been intrigued by African culture, the language (I even tried to learn Swahili), and with the people.
As I frequently research Africa and natives, I came across a story about a Pygmy named Ota Benga.
In the early 1900's, researchers, doctors and scientists would bring over African natives to study them in places such as New York, St. Louis, and even in London. They claimed that the Pygmies, who only stand at 4 feet tall, were the purest race in the world. The scientists wanted to learn all they could about them and their way of life. They considered that the Pygmy race could possibly be the missing link in human evolution.
The Pygmies were brought over to America. Some eventually stayed, but they had a very difficult time adjusting to American life and culture. Ota Benga was brought over to America in 1904 to perform as a native dancer at the St Louis World's Fair. He eventually found his way to New York where he worked at the Bronx Zoo taking care of the primates. Ota Benga became very famous and people were curious to know about this little Pygmy. He became a human spectacle and was actually put on display at the zoo. He was billed as a ferocious cannibal that many flocked to see. He was often inside the primate house as visitors watched him work with the chimpanzees and orangutans. The patrons gasped in horror as they gazed upon his sharpened filed down teeth. They were intrigued by his small stature and native dress . In real life, Ota Benga was a kind, playful, and curious Pygmy. He was misunderstood, mistreated, and eventually ended up taking his own life.
The story of Ota has some much potential as a film. When has anyone written a movie about Pygmies? I couldn't imagine this story not being told. My goal was to secure the rights to this story and write a screenplay...however, after doing hours of research, I found that the rights were already secured by someone else, and there was a long line of people wanting to make this story into a film. I knew I didn't have a chance, but I wanted to write the script anyway.
(I just hope they have the passion that I have to make this story into an awesome script.)
I started writing the screenplay that I titled, "White Heart", which would be a serious adaptation of the book, "Ota Benga: Pygmy In The Zoo", by Phillips Verner Bradford and Harvey Blume.
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"Pygmies In The Rockies"
As I progressed with the screenplay for Ota Benga, I grew a little discouraged at the thought of someone else making this film. I wondered if I was wasting my time on a project that would never happen.
I decided to regroup and change my direction.
As thrilled and excited as I was in writing my tribute to Ota, I decided to write another script about Pygmies. I based the idea on the historical facts that I had uncovered as I searched the web about Pygmies in America. In my story, a group of scientists bring over a family of Pygmies to be part of an African display in a New York museum. The premise is based on true history, true facts, and documented evidence. I just had to decide whether this story would become a drama, or could it become a comedy?
The more I thought about the possibilities, the more I thought that this script idea could turn into a very comical story. I wondered, what would happen if Pygmies actually escaped in a large city? How would Pygmies use their natural survival instincts in a foreign place filled with modern technology and too many people. You might say it sounds like a spin off of "The Gods Must Be Crazy", or "Crocodile Dundee". I actually think my script is quite original, and very, very funny.
The story takes place in modern time and would fall under the category of comedy/adventure.
So, I titled the screenplay, "Pygmies In The Rockies". I even picked the actors that I would love to see in the starring roles. (see I told you I'm a dreamer)
I went to a film festival and saw Will Friedle in a film. He was fantastic and so dang funny. Such a natural comedian. I knew he could be perfect for the starring role. At least I wrote the story with him in mind.
The leading lady part might go to Erin Chambers. I'm really not set on who would play this particular role, but I really like her.
I also had loved Frank Langella in the movie "Dave". I thought that he would be awesome as the evil doctor/ museum curator.
Ving Rhames would be perfect for the part of Leroy, the henchman of the evil museum curator. (He was in "Dave" too) He is also the Pygmy tracker, but he is more of a mobster than any kind of tracker. The Pygmies sure give him a run for his money. It's pretty hysterical.
I even have some music chosen that I would love to use. Pete Mitchell from "No More Kings" is a pure genius when it comes to writing and executing songs. I am sick inside that I missed them in concert in Salt Lake in 2007. (I was supporting my nephew at his School Of Rock concert.) Pete is a super creative mind that I would love to tap into one day. Anyway, he wrote a couple songs that I would love to pull into this film. "Leroy and Me", and "Paper Airplane". Pete,...call me buddy. Let's have lunch. My treat. Let's get creative. heh.
* I think the most difficult part of making this film, would be finding suitable Pygmy actors to play the parts. Now don't get me wrong. I am not poking fun at Pygmies. I actually love the Pygmy people. If anything, I am bringing an awareness to the plight of the Pygmy. How I wish that I could make this film, and donate proceeds to the Pygmies of Africa whose natural habitat is disappearing at an alarming rate in the Congo.
if only.......sigh.
to be continued...
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