Hey, that's my story!

I just came home from an presentation at a small, local museum. There was a presenter talking about a photographer who covered many notable events in Chicago, including one that I have written a screenplay about. This story has become very close to my heart. I've done a ton of research and really feel like this story could be my pièce de résistance.

When you write a screenplay, you become very in tune with the characters. Whether you're inventing them out of thin air or doing research on someone who actually walked the earth, they kind of become your friends for the duration of the writing. I forget who it was, but I read somewhere that a playwright would always have a glass of wine and say a toast as his way of saying goodbye to his "friends" when he finished a play. For me, soon after I finish my second draft of this screenplay, I had to work late for my day job. It was a holy day, so I had to find a nearby church. As luck would have it, I ended up going to mass at a church that plays a pivotal role in the story. It seemed a very fitting farewell, as I prayed for - and said goodbye to - those involved in the story.

So, now back to today. At this event, an author of a book stood up at the end. Her story is essentially the same thing as mine, a fictionalized account of someone who lived through this time in Chicago's history. And as I had my hand on the door to leave, I hear her say that she is now writing it into a screenplay.  WHAT?! Hey, lady, these are MY people. I've lived with them in my head for years, so back off!

Now, I know that there really are no new ideas under the sun. Every story is a take on a basic plot line. At times, ideas that seem to float in the air and land on many people's consciences at the same time (e.g. Deep Impact/Armageddon, The Illusionist/The Prestige, Antz/Bug's Life).  But there is something very different about seeing the face of someone who is working the same idea as you as opposed to just knowing that it's a possibility. Here I was, face-to-face with the lady who was going to steal my dream. It made me want to run home and work every contact I have in Hollywood to pitch this idea. (And I just may do that.) I have no idea if this woman has any connections or if she will have any more success I have had. Note - if any Hollywood producers out there wants to work on a period piece, let me know. (Me, not her!) :)

As frustrating as this realization is, I do have plenty of other scripts. So if, in fact, she does have success and I don't, then I can - hopefully - move on. But really, any producers who like history and want to tell a story that most people have never heard of, give me a call!

My stack o' scripts. The white folder is the one in question.