Blog 2: Pitching "A Boys Life"

When pitching "A Boy's Life" I would want to focus mainly on the relationship and bonds between ET and Elliot and the message that sends the viewers. Many people think of movies involving extra-terrestrials as horror/sci-fi, and while "A Boy's Life" does indeed contain sci-fi elements, the strength of the movie lies in the support Elliot and ET lend each other, each learning valuable lessons from each other, and they become so close to each other that when ET gets ill, it also affects Elliot who also becomes sick. By mustering all of their strength and fighting for each other, the two are able to prevail, and ET is returned safely to his kind. Capturing this screenplay on Film will bring to life the magic of the friendship in both a light-hearted but serious fashion. It is a film for all ages, with elements appealing to anyone and everyone. There are humorous moments as well as daunting moments, and the audience will leave with a better appreciation for those they love, after seeing the fight put up by a ten-year old boy for someone he cared for and had learned from.

Question Response:

What visual aids, if any, would you use to pitch A Boy's Life?

Which pitching A Boy's Life, I would want to bring in story boards for a couple of the scenes, just to better portray to the production company how this film may look or feel. Melissa Mathison was very descriptive with her screenplay, and while these descriptions don't necessarily have to be followed by the director, I personally would use them to my advantage and construct a story board showing the opening scene with the spaceship first arriving, displaying its appearance as being non-threatening. I would also want to use a story board depicting the chase scene at the end of the screenplay where the bicycles rise into the air. This would show the production company a hint of not only the magic in the film, but also the magic this film will bring to the audiences. 

Discussion Questions:

1. If you were working in the Film industry what genre would you find most appealing to work with?

2. What is your favorite genre, and what films do you find to be the most inspirational in this genre?

-Zachary Linville