Sidede Onyulo

I was working on my cast wish list last week. Now a cast wish list if who you would like to see in your film. Now whether or not you get them is another story. But there was one character who I wrote around a great actor. Sidede Onyulo. Now if you do not know who this amazing actor is watch Nowhere in Africa and the Constant Gardener. He simply filled the screen with his presence in a quiet magnificent way. So imagine my ABSOLUTE dismay to be looking up his contact information to find out that this amazing actor died this summer. And worse it barely made headlines in the Kenyan media.
The one actor that I was going to go above and beyond to get on this project is gone. I need to wrap my head around this and figure out who else I can put down on my wish life.
A salute to the work Sidede did and the legacy he left behind.

The dangers of paper!!

I spent last night binding scripts. The result? The most paper cuts I have ever gotten in my life. But it is totally worth it.
I had an interesting conversation with a colleague of mine who is an independent producer. We were discussing the length of scripts and he reminded me about how distribution affects what scripts go into production. You are better off writing a project under 100 pages. Let me explain. Distributors make their money back from the number of screening a film does per theater. Meaning a percent of tickets sales and the snacks. So a script that is 95 pages long is more likely to be picked up than one that is 120 pages because a distributor can get more screening times in hence it is an easier film to sell.
Something to ponder about as I bind more scripts.

Week 1 Down-

Just a recap of last week. Two words. VERY PRODUCTIVE.
I have already spoken with two parties in regards to this project and other leads are coming in. Again everyone thank you so much for your support.
I drafted up query letters this weekend. Actually went better than I thought. I guess when passion is fueling the writing it flows much smoother.
I have worked up a first draft of the budget, cast and location breakdown.

Slowly but surely moving along.

Artwork

Here are some artistic renderings of some of my characters. We are working on some new artwork!!
There are several versions of the lead- Lwanda Magere and two other characters. ( Hey I don't want to give too much away now do I?)
All artwork done by Peter Gikandi. You can check out his work here

Overwhelmed and extremely grateful

I created this blog less than 48 hours ago and the response has been overwhelming. I want to start off by saying THANK YOU for your support!!! I have already been contacted by numerous people who would like to be involved in different ways. I am following up with all of them and will keep this blog updated with the process.
Again thank you from the bottom of my heart and feel free to keep sharing this blog/project with anyone who will listen. Magere has began his journey and I am really excited and completely terrified at the same time but I will not back down!!!

Weekend at Magic's

Well this is going to be a very busy weekend for me. I am armed with the Hollywood Creative Directory and a list of literary agents and managers. Why you ask? Query letters! What are query letters.... well I will just toss out the Wikipedia explanation A query letter is a formal letter sent to magazine editors, literary agents and sometimes publishing houses or companies. Writers write query letters to propose writing ideas. So I am writing an letter to propose my film for representation. Sound like a lot of fun. It really is. In the first sentence I have to convince whoever opens the letter that they want to keep on reading. Basically I am going to spend the next 24 hours thinking of the ultimate hook that will make sure that someone out there will want to read about the Man of Stone.

The Journey Begins

Well I have decided that by any means neccesary I will take the story of Lwanda Magere to the silver screen. Yes there is a completed script registered with the WGA-West( for those who would like to read it I can provide the registration #/script). For those who don't know the story Lwanda was a mytical warrior. An African Achilles. Fondly referred to as the Stone Man.
It is time that Hollywood wakes up and recognizes that there is more to Africa than poverty, hunger and the "screaming African". That Africa is a nation with a proud heritage.. of kings, warriors, music, dance and beautiful people.
So far the people who have read it have loved it... here are some quotes
"I could not put it down"
" It is Braveheart meets Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon"
"I really enjoyed the story, and the general suspense kept me wondering when will I see the link to what i know. The writing is beautiful and flows well."
"This is a beautiful story… I wish to one day to see it on screen. It really went from battles, to love scenes etc so it touches you emotionally."

I am shopping this script around to either get it sold or to get representation( as in manager or agent). Any help you can provide will be much appreciated. It's time to see Djimon Honsou in the role of the proud African warrior!!
Below find a synopsis of the story

In the midst of a tribal war, a mysterious warrior appears. He is invincible.

No weapon penetrates his body. He is known to all as the stone man.

In the midst of turmoil a poignant love grows.

But for peace to be maintained a sacrifice must be made.

A sacrifice that tests the limits of true love.

Who shall be bound by love and who shall be bound by duty?

I have other scripts some completed and some which I am working on but this one is closest to my heart. So if you know an agent, studio exec, manager or even someone who has some money they would like to invest in a story that shines a positive light on strong Africans, please send them my way.
I will soon be posting some art work done by a brilliant artist, Peter Gikandi. You can see his work here His renderings will visually transport you to the mighty warriors I hope to bring to the silver screen. Also look out for some excerpts from the script. Come on people together we can make this happen!!!!