Good news (other than I've finally put a spike in the chest of this script). As announced in Variety today and on BOOM!'s blog, Andy Cosby's Dark Horse comic Damn Nation has been optioned by MTV films.
Damn Nation got great reviews, and Cosby's on a hot streak. Actually , Cosby's been on a streak for a while. The first television show he ever wrote -- let me emphasize that, the very first time he put pen to paper in TV format -- was the pilot for his show HAUNTED, which ran on UPN. Not just shot, but ON AIR. You will never convince me that Matthew Fox's gritty (and more importantly, buzz-cut-hair) reinvention on that show didn't contribute to LOST folk taking a new look at him. The very next TV pilot he wrote was for his sci-fi mystery show EUREKA, which I believe is just about to get the pickup for next season. Again, not just a filmed pilot -- 2 for 2 on air, kids.
He's also now three movie scripts in, and I believe this is his first original property sale.
This is particularly sweet as Andy Cosby and Ross Richie were two of the first friends I made out here in LA. They were the producers on Matt Wagner's MAGE and hired me as first-guy-on for that project. It was only my second film gig, and was the one that really kicked me up into the pros. We worked on a whackload pf projects together, Cosby and I co-wrote a script (which I need to finish the rewrite on -- damn damn damn ...).
Now, instead of two producer friends, I have a producer and writer friend who ... no longer need me as their writer. Huh. Hadn't considered that. Bastards.
HAH! I was about to do one of my split-topic post but caught myself! No, we'll draft Mr. Cosby into the examples as I answer one of the writing questions I received. Update later. And congratulation again, to Andy and Ross. What's even better, everybody working on ZOMBIE TALES can now feel free to invoice Ross for payment as he's fat with mad movie cheddah!
14 comments:
This is particularly sweet as Andy Cosby and Ross Richie were two of the first friends I made out here in LA. They were the producers on Matt Wagner's MAGE and hired me as first-guy-on for that project.
Um... please explain. :)
Are you telling me there's an actual Mage movie/series in the works somewhere? Or is this like the Ben Edlund GF episode, something that exists in theory but will likely never see screen time? (OK, I'm a little more hopeful about the GF thing...)
DAMN NATION was a pretty good miniseries with some really nice visuals. I hope the movie will further explore some of the interesting ideas that were hinted at in the comics.
Although Dark Horse should do something about the embarrassing typo in the last issue ("Niagra" Falls?) when they release the TPB.
Whoa there Kung Fu Monkey Boy,
There's a Mage movie? When what where HOW? Please elucidate....
(Me likey the Mage, if you cannot tell...)
http://www.comics2film.com/ProjectFrame.php?f_id=50
Eureka! Made me laugh, because one of the On The Spot guys plays the lead in it.
McGill Uber Alles.
The Mage film was talked about way back in the mid-to-late 90s. Kevin Smith was gonna write a script at one point, I think. And Robert Rodriguez was gonna direct.
Wound up in development hell, with a script that was a bit of a departure from the comic, and Matt Wagner wasn't too happy with it...or maybe they couldn't find anyone to pony up the cash to film it...
That all sounds kinda familiar. I'm sure John will have the real story whenever he gets his butt back online.
And Damn Nation was damn cool. One of the better vampire stories in recent years.
That's awesome. Damn Nation is a great book. Loved every issue. Can't wait for this one to hit. Hopefully it's done right.
Now, instead of two producer friends, I have a producer and writer friend who ... no longer need me as their writer. Huh. Hadn't considered that. Bastards.
Glad to see you didn't forget your place as a fellow writer. We must always nuture that envy!
To clarify on the history of MAGE...
1) Kevin Smith was interested, but Miramax refused to make a deal.
2) Robert Rodriguez, while an old film school pal of mine, was never involved.
3) The first writer on MAGE was John Rogers. For 15 drafts. Adam Simon did 2.
4) F Gary Gray was attached to direct at one time, as well as Zack (Dawn of the Dead) Snyder.
5) Matt has always told me that he was happy with the script. If he ever was unhappy, it's the first I've heard about it.
Best,
-R
I knew somebody would remember better than I. That was all so long ago, the only thing I really knew for sure was Kevin Smith's involvement.
I am filled with jealous liquids.
My homeboy Matt from Cup o' Kryptonite (http://www.cupokryptonite.com/) raved on and on about how good Damn Nation was, and I avoided it, simply because I already buy around thirty books a month. If I had known it had anything to do with this crew, and to be noted -- Richie is a rock star, I may have actually picked it up. Now I'll just lie and say I was there in the beginning before all this happened. Speaking of, where's the Boom! presence at WizardCon Chicago?
and the "Mage" is the best thing Rogers has ever written....and that is saying a lot.
Everyone loves Bendavid. I am YOUR fan, you freak!
Move Chicago to the Left Coast, then I'll set up there, beee-yotch!
Best,
-R
Post a Comment