The Definitive Spec Script Sales List (1991–2012): 1993

The Definitive Spec Script Deals List: 1993

Pretty much ever since I sold a spec script in 1987, I have been fascinated by them. The very idea that a writer could conceive a story concept, research, craft and write an original screenplay, then sell it to a Hollywood buyer is in and of itself a remarkable thing. When you consider that each year an estimated 25,000–40,000 stories filter through the studio acquisition system and only about 100 spec scripts sell annually, that makes it even more notable.

I didn’t start tracking all spec script sales until 1991, but then I tried my best to note the details whenever I learned about them. Over the years I often thought about those files and wouldn’t it be great to have a comprehensive list of all spec script sales in Hollywood? Here are some reasons why:

• To create an historical record of these special accomplishments by screenwriters in the movie business.
• To compare what spec scripts sold and got produced to those that never got made.
• To track buying trends in Hollywood [e.g., genre, high-concept].
• To create a resource for contemporary writers to brainstorm new story ideas.

And then this: With spec script sales being as high as they have been the last 18 months, can we consider this a new Golden Age of the Spec Script, or does it pale in comparison to the supposed gilded age back in the early to mid-90s? Is that collective memory true or perhaps incorrect?

I mulled over the possibility of collating all the information about spec sales I had amassed. Unfortunately the documentation takes the form of actual clippings from the Hollywood Reporter and Variety, as well as hard drives on a number of old computers stashed away somewhere, and a variety of other sources.

In step two hearty souls, Black List interns Mikal McLendon and Evelyn Yves who agreed to help assimilate all the data into a comprehensive spec script sales list from 1991–2007 [to go along with my lists from 2008 to present]. It took Mikal and Eveyln months to pull this information together and I thank them profusely for their help [I hope you will, too, in comments].

Please note, when I say ‘Definitive’ in the title, that means two things. First I am engaging in a bit of Hollywood hyperbole. I know there are some spec script sales that we will have missed. Every sale is covered nowadays through the trades and various tracking boards. That type of coverage was not the case back in the 90s. Which leads to the second point:

I want your help!

If you are a screenwriter who sold a spec script and you don’t see it on the list or you spot some details that are wrong or incomplete, please email me with updates.

If you are a studio exec, agent, manager, producer or movie fan who happens to know of a spec script sale that’s not listed, please email me.

Let’s see if we can round out this research project as best we can.

With that lengthy introduction, here is the list of spec script deals in 1993.

1. Title: Going West Logline: Killer kidnaps a child of an FBI agent, prompting a cross country chase. Writer: Jeb Stuart Agent: Jeremy Zimmer Agency: UTA Studio: Paramount Price: $1M/$2M Genre: Thriller Date Sold: 1993

2. Title: Death & Taxes Logline: Writer: Traci Alexson Agent: Susan Sussman Agency: Premiere Artists Studio: Paramount Production Co.: Neufeld/Rehme/Prelude Genre: Political Comedy Date Sold: 1993

3. Title: Simon Says Logline: White cop and black civilian activist team up to try and stop a mad bomber in Manhattan. A contemporary “Defiant Ones.” Writer: Jonathan Hensleigh Agent: David Lonner Agency: CAA Studio: 20th Century Fox Price: $500K/$750K Genre: Action/Thriller Date Sold: 1/1993

4. Title: Stone Cold War Logline: The story of two gang member brothers. When one brother is jailed, the other kidnaps the premier of Russia in hopes of making a deal for his brother’s release. Writer: William Mosley-Payne Agent: Ronda Gomez Agency: Broder/Kurland/Webb/Uffner Studio: Warner Bros. Production Co.: Canal Plus/Baltimore Pictures Price: $250K/$500K Genre: Drama Date Sold: 1/1993

5. Title: Multiplicity Logline: Man clones himself so he can have more time to spend with his kids. Writer: Chris Miller, Mary Hale Agent: Justen Dardis Agency: Susan Smith & Associates Studio: Columbia Pictures Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 1/1993

6. Title: Getting Even With Dad Logline: 11 year-old boy blackmails his ex con father into going straight by hiding the loot from his latest job. Writer: Jim Jennewein, Tom S. Parker Agent: Risa Gertner Agency: UTA Studio: MGM Production Co.: Jacobs/Gardner Productions Price: $500K/$1M Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 1/12/1993

7. Title: Ghosthunter Logline: Psychiatrist tracks down the ghost responsible for killing his wife. Writer: Cory Tynan, John Ries Agent: Justen Dardis Agency: APA Production Co.: Cinema Line Films Price: $300K/$600K Genre: Thriller Date Sold: 1/24/1993

8. Title: Pancho’s War Logline: Munitions expert is sent to the Mexican border to deliver guns to General Pershing in the 1916 Mexican revolution. Writer: Marcel Montecino Agent: Bob Bookman, Martin Spencer Agency: CAA Studio: Paramount Production Co.: Percy Main Productions Genre: Action Date Sold: 1/25/1993

9. Title: Poor Holly Logline: In the vein of “Heathers.” Black comedy about identical twin sisters, one good and one bad. Through a twist of fate, the good twin assumes her sister’s identity, thinking she’ll have a better life. Instead, she discovers that her sister’s “perfect” life is a mess. Writer: Stacey Sherman, Karen Ray Agent: Richard Green, Howard Sanders Agency: Pleshette & Green Studio: 20th Century Fox Price: Low-six figures/$500K Genre: Black Comedy Date Sold: 2/1993

10. Title: Runner Logline: Story focuses on a black female undercover agent for the DEA. Writer: Judy McCreary Studio: Warner Bros. Price: $100K/Mid-six figures Genre: Action Date Sold: 2/1993

11. Title: Smoke & Mirrors Logline: Set in 1850’s, illusionist Robert Houdin is sent to Alergia by the French government to expose a religious sorcerer who is provoking attacks against the French colonials. Writer: Lee Batchler, Janet Scott Batchler Agent: Alan Gasmer Agency: William Morris Studio: Walt Disney Pics. Production Co.: Hollywood Pictures/Cinergi/Kennedy/Marshall Co. Price: $500K/$1M Genre: Fantasy Date Sold: 2/1993

12. Title: The War Logline: Set in Mississippi in the 1970s, a 12 year old boy and his friends build a tree fort to hide from the bad kids in the neighborhood. As a result of a life threatening situation for one of the kids, the other children bond together in an effort to save him, and in the end, understand the futility of war. Writer: Kathy McWorter Agent: David Wirtschafter Agency: ICM Studio: Universal Production Co.: Island World Price: $500K Genre: Drama Date Sold: 2/1993

13. Title: Feeling Minnesota Logline: Guy falls in love and runs off with brother’s wife. Writer: Steven Baigelman Agent: Alan Gasmer, Jeff Field Agency: William Morris Studio: New Line Production Co.: Jersey Films Genre: Romantic Comedy Date Sold: 2/1993

14. Title: Don Coyote Logline: Poignant comedy western inspired by Cervantes’ “Don Quixote.” Angry young deputy and a larger-than-life character with delusions of grandeur bond in the process of tracking down desperadoes and the villain’s grilfriend. Writer: Chris Hauty Agent: Jordan Bayer Agency: Original Artists Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 2/1993

15. Title: The Conjurer Logline: Young boy has to master the rules of his computer game to save himself when the game, “The Conjurer,” comes to life. Writer: Rand Ravich, Stephen Berger Agent: John Lesher Agency: UTA Studio: Paramount Production Co.: Gary Lucchesi Prods. Price: Genre: Horror Fantasy Date Sold: 2/1993

16. Title: Breaking Balls & Broken Hearts Logline: Middle aged man breaks hand, and after it heals, he can throw an unhittable knuckleball. So he signs up with a major league team. Writer: Kevin Fall Agent: Jeremy Zimmer Agency: Bauer/Benedek Production Co.: TriStar/Fried Films Inc Price: $350K Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 2/1993

17. Title: Dark Territory Logline: “Die Hard” on a train. Writer: Matt Reeves, Richard Hatem Studio: Warner Bros. Production Co.: Price: $250K/$1M Genre: Action Adventure Date Sold: 2/24/1993 Add’l Info: Writers’ first spec sale

18. Title: Things Happen Logline: Sports agent falls madly in love with a model from an old fashioned country. The couple go overseas to visit the family and win Dad’s approval, who not only refuses to condone the relationship, but puts a curse on the groom to be. Writer: Diane Wilk Agent: David Phillips Agency: Metropolitan Talent Agency Production Co.: Cinema Line Films Price: ?/$300K Genre: Romantic Comedy Date Sold: 2/27/1993

19. Title: Nothing to Lose Logline: Frustrated corporate executive in Los Angeles kidnaps armed robber and flees to Arizona desert after finding boss in bed with his wife. Unlikely alliance develops between the two, and they return to California to seek revenge on boss. Writer: Steve Oedekerk Agent: Rob Carlson, Lanny Noveck Agency: William Morris Studio: Universal Production Co.: Bregman/Baer Productions Price: $200K/$600K Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 3/1993

20. Title: Kick the Can Logline: Porn king does battle with two house painters. Writer: Andy Breckman Agent: Agency: ICM Manager: Howard Klein Studio: New Line Production Co.: 3 Arts Entertainment Price: $500K/$750K Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 3/1993

21. Title: Jack & the Beanstalk Logline: Writer: Jeff Rothberg Agent: Alan Gasmer, Carol Yumkas Agency: William Morris Studio: Columbia Pictures Production Co.: Nation Films Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 3/1993

22. Title: Home Fries Logline: Two brothers vie for the attention of the same woman. One is in love with her, and the other wants her dead. Writer: Vince Gilligan Agent: Agency: Broder/Canal Plus/Baltimore Pictures Studio: Warner Bros. Production Co.: Canal Plus/Baltimore Pictures Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 3/1993

23. Title: Elliot Loves Gabriella Logline: Recent law school grad drops everything to find the girl whom he has loved since he was 11 years old. He pursues her throughout Europe and Australia. Writer: Craig Rosenberg Agent: Brad Gross Agency: Skouras, Gross & Associates Studio: Paramount Genre: Romantic Comedy Date Sold: 3/1993

24. Title: Cybership Logline: Treasure hunt in a futuristic galaxy. Has elements of “Treasure of the Sierra Madre” and “Raise the Titanic.” Writer: Nothrop Davis Agent: Lisa Helsing Agency: Susan Smith & Associates Manager: Daniel Rappaport Management Firm: 3 Arts Entertainment Studio: Warner Bros. Production Co.: Donner Shuler Productions Price: $225K/$450K Genre: Sci-fi Date Sold: 3/1993

25. Title: Onk Logline: Monster by day, cop by night. Writer: Martin Schwartz, Steven James Ross Agent: Jon Sheinberg Agency: William Morris Production Co.: Gramercy/Working Title Films Price: Five figures/$500K Genre: Drama Date Sold: 4/1993

26. Title: Manhattan Charmer Logline: Story about competition between uptown and downtown New York dance studios. Writer: Lou La Russo II Agent: Jon Sheinberg Agency: William Morris Genre: Dance Film Date Sold: 4/1993

27. Title: Hindy Thriller Project Logline: Story is about Santa Claus and his vengeful twin. Writer: Joseph Hindy Agent: Suzanna Camejo Agency: The Artists Group Production Co.: Ganesha Partners Price: $400K Genre: Thriller Date Sold: 4/1993

28. Title: Detective School Logline: Three women enroll in a detective school. Writer: Murray Salem Agent: David Wardlow Agency: Camden ITG Studio: Fox Family Films Price: $300K/$675K Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 4/1993

29. Title: The Brink Logline: Thriller set in the world of virtual reality. Writer: Robert Skotak, Nicholas Seldon Agent: Richard Arlook Agency: Gersh Agency Studio: Universal Price: $200K/$500K Genre: Thriller Date Sold: 4/1993

30. Title: A Tall Tale Logline: Period piece about a boy who gets to meet all his favorite mythical characters. Writer: Steven Bloom, Robert Rodat Agent: Maggie Field (for Rodat), David O’Connor (for Bloom) Agency: The Maggie Field Agency, CAA Production Co.: Caravan Pictures Genre: Fantasy Date Sold: 4/7/1993

31. Title: Blank Check Logline: Kid gets a blank check from wealthy mob connected uncle. Kid then fills in one million, and when he cashes the check, the bank thinks he’s a front for the mob. Writer: Blake Snyder, Colby Carr Agent: Hilary Wayne (for Snyder) Studio: Walt Disney Pics. Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 4/9/1993

32. Title: Bad to the Bone Logline: Wisecracking, cynical mutt teams up with a ghost to save two kidnapped kids. Writer: Margaret Oberman, Jim Piddock Agency: Richland-Wunsch-Hohman Studio: MGM Genre: Family Date Sold: 4/16/1993

33. Title: Prime Mates (Dunston Checks In) Logline: Two brothers living in a large prestigious New York Hotel managed by Dad befriend an Orangutan they discover in the bathroom’s heating vent. The kids try and smuggle the ape, who has been trained to rip off jewelry from hotel guests, into a zoo before he’s caught by Dad and put to sleep. Writer: John Hopkins Agent: Rima Greer Agency: Writers & Artists Studio: 20th Century Fox Price: $250K/$575K Genre: Family Comedy Date Sold: 4/30/1993

34. Title: Off the Board Logline: Sportscaster with gambling problems, shoots heavy weight champ by accident. A blender which gets him in trouble with the mob. Writer: William Mosley-Payne Agent: Ronda Gomez Agency: Broder/Kurland/Webb/Uffner Studio: Paramount Production Co.: Baltimore Pictures Price: ?/$700K Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 5/1993

35. Title: Rainy Day Men Logline: Set in seattle, story’s about three male childhood friends who grow up to find themselves on opposing sides of the drug trade. Writer: Dario Scardapane Agent: Richard Arlook Agency: Gersh Agency Studio: Warner Bros. Production Co.: Maverick Pictures Genre: Drama Date Sold: 5/1993

36. Title: You Should See Them Play Logline: Comic fable about a chimp who plays third base for the Bakersfield Dodgers. Writer: ?? Studio: Universal Production Co.: Longbow Entertainment Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 5/1993

37. Title: Grace Logline: Two 12 year old girls become witches to gain revenge on 7th grade princesses and win the hearts of the boys of their dreams. Writer: John Mattson Studio: Universal Production Co.: Imagine Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 5/1993

38. Title: White House Party Logline: President’s 16 year old son decides to throw a party after his father leaves on business, only to have it go totally out of control. Writer: Joseph Bellissimo, Jeffrey J. LoGrasso Agent: Larry Kennar Agency: The Maggie Field Agency Studio: Paramount Production Co.: Davis Entertainment Price: Low-six figures/$350K Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 5/6/1993

39. Title: Mace & Mardi Logline: Two bounty hunters are lovers. Writer: Jim Uhls Agent: David Greenblatt Agency: ICM Studio: Paramount Genre: Action Comedy Date Sold: 5/17/1993

40. Title: Shakespeare’s Sister Logline: Wealthy impotent industrialist hires an aspiring lawyer to impregnate his wife. The budding banister and fledgling stud is murdered when his one night stand turns into a love affair. Writer: Rick Ramage Agent: Mark Jacobson, Joel Gotler Agency: Renaissance Agency Production Co.: Interscope Price: $250K/$350K Genre: Drama Date Sold: 5/27/1993

41. Title: Out of the House Logline: Story is about an agoraphobic woman and her high school sweetheart, who stood her up fifteen years earlier at the prom. A decade and a half alter, the man takes a public stance to apologize to the woman and rekindle the relationship. Writer: Susan Halli Shaffer Agent: Alan Gasmer Agency: William Morris Studio: Warner Bros. Production Co.: Quincy Jones Productions Price: $125K/$400K Genre: Date Sold: 5/28/1993

42. Title: Cat & Mouse Logline: Big city family ends up on the run and has to adapt to life in a small midwestern city. Writer: Ian Seeberg Agency: UTA Studio: Fox Family Films Genre: Adventure Family Date Sold: 6/1993

43. Title: The Cure Logline: Two 12 year old boys befriend each other, and when it is discovered that one of them has AIDS, the other decides to find a way to heal his new friend. Writer: Robert Kuhn Agent: Marcie Wright Agency: The Wright Concept Production Co.: Island World Price: $1M plus adjusted backend Genre: Bittersweet comedy Date Sold: 6/9/1993

44. Title: To Wong Foo (Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar) Logline: Three drug queens’ car breaks down in midwestern town where they interact with the locals. Writer: Douglas Carter Beane Studio: Universal Production Co.: Amblin Price: Mid-six figures Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 6/15/1993

45. Title: The Stars Fall on Henrietta Logline: Early days of wildcat oil drilling in Oklahoma. Writer: Steve Railsback Agent: Chris Barrett Agency: Metropolitan Talent Agency Studio: Warner Bros. Production Co.: Malpaso Productions Price: Six figures w/ bonus when in production Genre: Drama Date Sold: 6/22/1993

46. Title: Suspension Logline: Terrorists seize control of the George Washington Bridge during a traffic jam. Writer: Joss Whedon Agent: Christopher Harbert, Barry Mendel Agency: UTA Production Co.: Largo Price: $750K/$1M Genre: Action Date Sold: 6/23/1993

47. Title: Leviticus War Logline: Fifty years into the future, Indian nations take control of arid land in Midwest and bring what has become desert back to life. The U.S. government decides to seize the land from the Indians, sparking an Indian/cavalry war. Writer: John Rice, Rudy Gaines Agent: Sandra Luchessi Agency: Susan Smith & Associates Production Co.: Cinema Line Films Price: ?/$650K Genre: Drama Futuristic Date Sold: 6/28/1993

48. Title: World’s Apart Logline: Love story about a woman, whose husband has been dead for nine years. Because of undying love, she embarks on a journey in a parallel universe to find him. Writer: Robert Jacobs Agent: Frank Wuliger Agency: Innovative Artists Production Co.: Propaganda Films Price: $250K/$750K Genre: Drama Date Sold: 7/9/1993

49. Title: Maelstrom Logline: “Die Hard” in a hurricane. Federal agent is charged with protecting a woman from her husband, a powerful crime boss who has taken out a contract on her life to prevent her from testifying against him. The crime boss hunts them down when he discovers their location. Writer: Greg Fitzpatrick Agent: Jeff Robinov, Ken Kamens Agency: ICM Studio: Warner Bros. Price: $225K/$625K Genre: Action Date Sold: 7/23/1993 Add’l Info: Writer’s first spec sale

50. Title: The Pearl Logline: Poor fisherman’s life changes when he finds a pearl of great value. Writer: Tom Steinberg Agent: Chris Barret, Maryann Kelly Agency: Metropolitan Talent Agency Studio: Walt Disney Pics. Production Co.: Hollywood Pictures Price: $100K/$600K Genre: Drama Date Sold: 8/1993

51. Title: Tiger, Tiger Logline: Tiger is captured by hunger and taken to LA whereupon he escapes and rooms city’s urban jungle. While the hunter tries to capture the tiger, the police bring in an animal hunter to kill him. Writer: Jerome Gary Agent: Jon Sheinberg Agency: William Morris Studio: Universal Price: $200K/$400K Genre: Action Date Sold: 8/1993

52. Title: Code of Honor Logline: Military themed drama. Writer: Lucian Truscott IV Agent: Joel Gotler Agency: Renaissance Studio: Paramount Price: Mid-six figures Genre: Drama Date Sold: 8/3/1993

53. Title: The Kid Who Stole Christmas Logline: A boy who never gets what he wants for Christmas kidnaps Santa from local mall and finds out Santa is really a petty thief. Writer: Marianne Wibberly, Cormac Wibberley Agent: Jeff Robinov, David Wirtschafter Agency: ICM Studio: Walt Disney Pics. Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 8/4/1993 Add’l Info: Writers’ first spec sale

54. Title: Nonnie Logline: Twelve year old boy, while vacationing with his mom in Ozarks, discovers a sea creature in a local lake. When plans are made to drain lake of water, kid must take matters into his own hands. Writer: MIchael Perry Agent: Mark Jacobson Agency: Renaissance Production Co.: Cinema Line Films Price: Low-six/high-six figures Genre: Family Date Sold: 8/7/1993

55. Title: Till Monday Logline: Thirty six year old man, who’s about to get married, goes to apply for a marriage license, only to find out that there is one on the books for him. He finds out that a wacky judge married him and his childhood sweetheart when he was six years old. The man has to trackdown sweetheart and a romance ensues. Writer: Ty King Agent: Andrew Cannava, Chris Harbert Agency: UTA Studio: Paramount Price: $175K/$500K Genre: Romantic Comedy Date Sold: 8/20/1993 Add’l Info: Writer’s first spec sale

56. Title: Pyromaniac’s Love Story Logline: Off-center love story about a series of people who claim to have set a Brooklyn restaurant on fire to prove their love for their significant other. Writer: Morgan Upton Ward Agent: Ron Bernstein Agency: Gersh Studio: Walt Disney Pics. Production Co.: Hollywood Pictures Price: $300K/$650K Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 8/22/1993 Add’l Info: Writer’s first spec sale

57. Title: Lawfully Wedded Wife Logline: Woman inherits $20 million from dad with the stipulation that she marry within 30 days or lose the money. She marries death row inmate who gets paroled. Writer: Joe Ide Agent: David Saunders, Jennifer Lewis Agency: APA Studio: Walt Disney Pics. Production Co.: Hollywood Pictures Price: $250K/$600K Genre: Romantic Comedy Date Sold: 8/23/1993

58. Title: Luck Logline: Story of luckiest guy in the world. A bumbling innocent who becomes a war hero when every mistake he makes results in military success. Writer: Noni White, Bob Tzudiker Agent: Bob Hohman Agency: Richland, Wunch, Hohman Studio: Warner Bros. Price: $250K/$800K Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 8/27/1993

59. Title: Species Logline: Actioner in vein of “Predator” and “Aliens”. A test tube baby, who is part human, part genetic information, is taken from an alien radio transmission. Writer: Dennis Feldman Agent: Steve Rabineau Agency: ICM Studio: MGM Price: $500K/$750K Genre: Action Date Sold: 8/30/1993

60. Title: Vacuuming the Cat Logline: Young man must overcome the loss of his wife. With the help of his Aunt, he learns how to love again and in turn teaches her how to live. Writer: Ted Henning Agent: Cindy Mintz Agency: Paul Kohner Studio: New Line Production Co.: Permut Presentations Price: $200K/$550K Genre: Drama Date Sold: 9/1993

61. Title: First Kid Logline: Secret service agent can’t cut it as a presidential protector, but gets the gig of guarding the president’s rambunctious teenage son. Writer: Tim Kelleher Agent: Alan Gasmer Agency: William Morris Studio: New Line Price: $500K Genre: Comedy Date Sold: Late 9/1993 Add’l Info: Writer’s first spec sale.

62. Title: The Beth Ex Club Logline: Soon-to-be married man is plagued by the knowledge of his fiancee’s past relationships. He hires a detective to dig up dirt on members of the Bet ex club, but the investigator falls in love with the fiancee. Writer: Steve Morris, Robin Shephard Agent: Glen Brunswick Agency: CNA Studio: Columbia Pictures Production Co.: American Zoetrope Genre: Romantic Comedy Date Sold: 9/24/1993

63. Title: Overkill Logline: “Three Days of the Condor” meets”The Fugitive.” CIA agent comes out of retirement to track down protege turned assassin. Writer: Reed Steiner Agent: Jon Klane Agency: Circle Talent Studio: 20th Century Fox Price: $675K/$1M Genre: Thriller Date Sold: 10/1993

64. Title: The Portal Logline: Reanimation experiment goes awry when scientist brings back a man from the dead, who then tries to destroy the world. Writer: Michael Browning Agent: Fredda Rose Agency: Monteiro Rose Agency Studio: New Line Price: Six figures Genre: Sci-fi Date Sold: 10/1993 Add’l Info: Writer’s first spec sale.

65. Title: Pretty Boy Floyd Logline: Story of depression era bank robber covers his life from an outlaw to his well-attended funeral in Oklahoma. Writer: Larry McMurtry, Diana Ossana Agent: Irving Lazar Agency: Irving Paul Lazar Inc. Studio: Warner Bros. Genre: Action Date Sold: 10/1993

66. Title: Shockwave Logline: Rogue radio astronomer who is kicked out of government research program discovers proof of intelligent extra terrestrial life. He also finds that the aliens are a lot closer than he suspected. Writer: David Twohy Agency: William Morris Studio: Walt Disney Pics. Production Co.: Hollywood Pictures/Interscope Genre: Sci-fi Date Sold: 10/1993

67. Title: Small in the Saddle Logline: Set in the old west, the story is about the son of a frontier lawman, who dreams of becoming a desperado. When the holdup of the train taking him away from school is botched, the kid saves the bad guy’s lives thus becoming their mascot on several robberies. Dad has to bring son and bad guys to justice. Writer: Phil Kassel Agent: Michael Van Dyke Agency: The Agency Studio: MGM Production Co.: Davis Entertainment, White Wolf Prods Genre: Western Date Sold: 10/1993

68. Title: Mother’s Little Helper Logline: Three little kids decide to get rid of their mother’s fiance to make room for a new one. Writer: Z.A.K. Studio: 20th Century Fox Production Co.: Wizan/Black Films Price: High-six figures Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 10/1993

69. Title: Mother’s Boys Logline: Based on a book by Bernard Taylor Writer: Richard Hawley, Barry Schneider Production Co.: Miramax Price: $250K/$850K Genre: Psychological Thriller Date Sold: 10/1993

70. Title: Heartstopper Logline: Female lab technician must travel across the country in 7 hours with a new heart for the president, who has suffered a heart attack. Writer: Buckeye Williams Agent: Marion Rosenberg Agency: Marion Rosenberg Agency Production Co.: Morgan Creek Price: $100K/$425K Genre: Thriller Date Sold: 10/1993 Add’l Info: Writer’s first spec sale.

71. Title: Danny Sanchez Logline: A cool & conniving young Puerto Rican from the Lower East side tries to pass as scion of a wealthy Barcelona family so he will be accepted in the snobby yuppie circles of the Upper East side. Writer: Larry Golin, Lynn Geller Production Co.: Propaganda Films Price: Low five figures/”much more substantial sum” Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 10/1993

72. Title: Coup D’Etat Logline: Army general attempts to overthrow government. Writer: Craig Randelman, Michael Berlly Production Co.: TriStar/Fried/Woods Price: $50K/low-six figures Genre: Drama Military Date Sold: 10/1993

73. Title: Trapped Logline: Set on Maine/Quebec border, the story is about a female Yale forestry school grad and a backwood’s legend who survive their odd couple partnership to bust an international poaching cabal. Writer: Denis O’Neil Agent: Sandra Lucchesi Agency: J. Michael Bloom & Associates Studio: Walt Disney Pics. Production Co.: Hollywood Pictures Price: $400K/$650K Genre: Action Date Sold: 10/1/1993

74. Title: The Truman Show Logline: Surrealistic story about a New York-based insurance adjuster who slowly realizes that what he knows as reality may not be so real. Writer: Andrew Niccol Agent: Lynn Pleshette Agency: Pleshette Green Agency Studio: Paramount Price: $750K/$1.5M Genre: Drama Date Sold: 10/6/1993

75. Title: Lightning Man Logline: Boy meets ghost of football hero, and, together, they team up to confront and defeat their fears. Writer: Linda Taddeo Agent: Ken Hardy Agency: CAA Studio: Warner Bros. Production Co.: Witt/Thomas Films Price: $250K/$650K Genre: Ghost story Date Sold: 10/21/1993

76. Title: Overnight Delivery Logline: Road movie about a graduate student, in the Midwest who mails breakup letter to his girlfriend in New Orleans thinking that she’s been unfaithful. When he finds his suspicions have been unfounded, he embarks on a cross country trek to retrieve letter. Writer: Marc Sedaka Agent: Susan Sussman Agency: Premiere Artists Agency Production Co.: Caravan Price: $125K/$300K Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 10/29/1993

77. Title: Tracks Logline: True story of Robyn Davidson, who made history in 1978, when she crossed Australian outback alone with three camels and a dog. Writer: Ruth Graham Production Co.: Caravan Price: $1M Genre: Biography Date Sold: 11/1993

78. Title: Zero Gravity Logline: Pharmaceutical terrorists board a center for disease control on a space station. Writer: John Zinman, Duncan Kennedy Agent: John Lesher, Barry Mendel Agency: UTA Studio: Walt Disney Pics. Production Co.: Hollywood Pictures Price: $150K/$350K Genre: Thriller Date Sold: 11/1993 Add’l Info: Writers’ first spec sale

79. Title: John Q Logline: Boy needs heart transplant. When hospital turns him down because he has no insurance, the father takes hospital’s emergency room hostage. Writer: Jim Kearns Agency: APA Studio: 20th Century Fox Production Co.: Island World Price: Mid-six figures Genre: Drama Date Sold: 11/1993

80. Title: Sandblast Logline: “Cliffhanger” in the desert. Set in Iraqi wasteland after 1991 Gulf War. U.S. government has lost several nuclear warheads in hostile territory, and a race against time to retrieve prize ensues between U.S. commandos and U.S. bad guys. Meanwhile, a howling storm is barreling down on both teams. Writer: Steven Maeda Agent: Justen Dardis, Jasmine Lam Agency: APA Studio: Warner Bros. Price: $500K/$750K Genre: Action Date Sold: 11/4/1993 Add’l Info: Writer’s first spec sale.

81. Title: Drastic Measures Logline: Woman is raped and trapped in a scheme between rapist and boyfriend. Writer: Peter Brown Agent: Jeremy Zimmer Agency: UTA Studio: Warner Bros. Price: $250K/$500K Genre: Drama Date Sold: 11/23/1993 Add’l Info: Writer’s first spec sale.

82. Title: The Climb Logline: Set in Baltimore in 1959, a reclusive neighbor helps a 13 year old boy fit in with the other kids. A central motif is a derelict radio tower, which the kids want to climb before it’s demolished. The boy’s friendship with the neighbor becomes a tutorial as he waits for his turn to perform the rite of passage. Writer: Vince McKewin Agent: Jeremy Zimmer, Risa Gertner Agency: UTA Studio: Walt Disney Pics. Production Co.: Hollywood Pictures Price: Six figures Genre: Drama Date Sold: 11/24/1993

83. Title: Matilda Logline: Child trapped in a world of horrid parents until she takes telekinetic revenge. Based on Roald Dahl’s book. Writer: Nicholas Kazan, Robin Swicord Agent: Geoffrey Sanford Agency: Sanford, Skouras, Gross Production Co.: Bregman/Baer Price: $2M/$4M Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 11/24/1993

84. Title: Stolen Moments Logline: Romantic caper in the tradition of “The Sting.” Writer: Richard Maxwell Agent: David Kanter Agency: UTA Studio: 20th Century Fox Price: $250K/$500K Genre: Romance/Drama Date Sold: 12/1993

85. Title: Mr. Herrick’s Opus (Mr. Holland’s Opus) Logline: Music teacher’s dream to become a professional musician is not fulfilled as he spends thirty years in classroom. Only late in life does he understand the profound ways he has changed students’ lives. Writer: Patrick S. Duncan Agent: Mary Kimmel Agency: Preferred Production Co.: Interscope Price: $475K/$975K Genre: Drama Date Sold: 12/1993

86. Title: Love and Marriage Logline: A man is forced to work for his wife. Writer: Matt Taback Studio: 20th Century Fox Genre: Romantic Comedy Date Sold: 12/1993

87. Title: Tucson Logline: The townsfolk of Tucson, Arizona believe that a great European law man is headed their way to set things straight. Instead, the man who shows up turns out to be a proper Irish constable whose brother has been killed. Writer: Rick Reynolds Agency: ICM Studio: Columbia Pictures Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 12/1993

88. Title: Lucy’s Moon Logline: N/A Writer: Temple Matthew Agent: Justen Dardis Agency: APA Studio: Universal Production Co.: Imagine Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 12/1993

89. Title: Assassins Logline: Veterain hit man is being stalked by younger, hungrier colleague eager to take over slota s top dog. Vet must survive the attack by enlisting the aid of a female surveillance expert. Writer: Larry Wachowski, Andy Wachowski Agent: Rajeev Agarwal, Lawrence Mattis Agency: Circle of Confusion Ltd Studio: Warner Bros. Price: $1M Genre: Action Date Sold: 12/8/1993

Analysis:

• So there 28 spec script sales in 1991, 40 in 1992, and 89 in 1993. No matter whether there is some under-reporting of sales in ’91 and ’92, the number in ’93 is a significant increase. I know we have some GITS readers who are good with math, so at the end of this series, it would be great to the mean and median numbers.
• A lot of first-timers in 1993. Also a lot of $1M+ sales. So while Variety may have reported in ’91 that the spec market was dead, this proves — once again — that everything in Hollywood goes in cycles.
• Some interesting specs that got produced. “Simon Says” became Die Hard: With a Vengeance, “The Truman Show” and “Matilda.” But perhaps even more interesting, some of the projects which did not get produced including “Suspension” by Joss Whedon and “Pyromaniac’s Love Story” by Morgan Upton Ward.

Finally your opinions: Which one of these loglines strikes you as the strongest and why?

For the rest of The Definitive Spec Script Deals List, go here.

Comment Archive