“The spec script as asset”: The Sequel

Recently I posted this about the value of a spec script, even if it doesn’t sell. More evidence to support my point in today’s Hollywood Reporter:

Michael Eisner and his Tornante Co. have tapped newcomer Mark Hammer to pen a feature adaptation of “Bazooka Joe,” the comic strip that comes with Bazooka bubble gum.

Hammer, who this weekend is attending the graduation ceremony at Orange County’s Chapman University, where he studied film, wrote a spec titled “Sonny Takes to Peru,” which made the studio rounds but ultimately did not sell.

That spec, however, turned into a strong writing sample that got him into meetings as well as representation at management outfit the Safran Co. Execs at Tornante, seeking to fill their open writing assignment, liked the spec and brought in Hammer, who gave them his winning take.

So the spec didn’t sell, but: (A) got Hammer into meetings; (B) landed Hammer representation with a management outfit; © resulted in Hammer taking a meeting with Tornante execs; (D) enabled him to pitch a take on “Bazooka Joe” which in turn, (E) got him the writing gig.

Repeat after me: “Every spec script is an asset.”

And in the “It’s a Small World” category: Burg & Myers’ first movie writing assignment was with Propaganda Films on a project called “Bazooka Joe.” Problem was they never actually locked down the rights to the Bazooka Joe property. But we got paid. And parlayed that script into other meetings, other gigs, etc.

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