The following report is from author Steve Brewer, author of a whole passel of terrific, usually comic, mysteries and thrillers.
Well, I've had my first experience with Hollywood now, and thought I'd report in...
I spent Thursday and Friday in LA, on location with the film crew shooting my novel, "Lonely Street." I'm a big movie fan, so it was a blast to watch a crew in action. Everyone was really nice to me, the gawking visitor. It was unusually blustery for LA, so naturally we were outside the whole time, mostly shooting in a huge San Fernando Valley park that could stand in for many locations (tree-studded lawns, a lake, parking lots, etc...). I mostly stood around near the food.
Jay Mohr, who plays private eye Bubba Mabry in the movie, was hilarious, both on- and off-camera. I saw some of the dailies while I was there, and he's absolutely perfect as Bubba. Joe Mantegna, who plays the villain, was almost unrecognizable in beard and ponytail, but wonderful as always. Lindsay Price makes a wonderful Felicia, though they did away with Felicia's oversized eyeglasses. I didn't get to meet Robert Patrick because he wasn't on the shooting schedule the days I was there, but everyone says he's splendid as the mysterious Mr. Aaron.
Not surprisingly, the script differs from the book in some ways, but I think I'll be pleased with the final product. They're almost done shooting it, and post-production is scheduled to wrap in Jan. or Feb. After that, it's all about distribution deals, etc., so I don't know when the movie will actually hit theaters, but expect to see it sometime in 2007.
All in all, a terrific experience, so far, having my book made into a film. I recommend it.
(Although Steve doesn't mention it, there will be a new Bubba Mabry book out later this fall, titled Monkey Man. I'm looking forward to it! --DJM)
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