Can 'F Troop' be remade into a motion picture?

Teresa,

Apology accepted. Although I feel compelled to answer your "...don't you have anything better to do?" question:

Yes, I have many "better" things better to do. And I do them often. I help with the Union Rescue Mission in downtown L.A. once a week assisting our homeless folks; I teach (unpaid) a class in filmmaking for a bunch of 6th graders; and I donate my time and financial assistance to several other charities.

So, yes -- I do have better things to do. But making movies, comedy movies, is both my business and career.

Is it okay with you if I pursue making a living?

Further -- allow me to answer your "...why bother trying to come up with anything original when it's so much easier to just re-make the work of someone else?" question/accusation:

Have you seen any of my work? Any of my previous four feature films? Any of my five network pilots? Any of my many FOX or ABC network specials? Or have you ever heard any of the over 50 comedians and comediennes that I've written for over the years (including people as diverse as Joan Rivers, Rodney Dangerfield, Sam Kinison, Garry Shandling)?

I assure you that ALL of the material that I write is ORIGINAL. It's hard to sell anything that isn't original, Teresa.

Now, regarding "F Troop" -- I kind of understand where you are coming from. You are tired of seeing "TV series turned into feature films." To you this is probably "not original" and therefore you think "...it's so much easier to just re-make the work."

Oh, really? You think so?

Do you think it was easy to turn "Gone With The Wind" from a book into a movie?

Or "Mission Impossible" from a TV series into a movie?

Or "The Producers" from a movie into a Broadway Musical?

Or "MASH" from a book -- then into a movie -- then into a TV series?

Trust me -- it ain't easy. Matter of fact it is VERY hard. And the main reason is because the writer has to make the original source material EVEN BETTER if he or she has even the most remote shot at making it a success.

So, Teresa, trust my 25 years of experience when I tell you that it is not "easier to re-make the work." It's much harder.

I can go on and on with examples, but hopefully you're catching my drift here.

BTW, Teresa, it's called "show business." Notice the word "business" in there? These are entertainment projects that we create to (obviously) entertain people. But, they are mainly made to make... a buck. These projects employ millions of people. From the cast and crew, to the studio executives, to the theater workers, etc. They are important to the economy. Something to keep in mind.

I am a comedy filmmaker, Teresa. It is what I do. And to have the opportunity to try and turn my favorite TV show ("F Troop") into a movie is both a privilege AND a smart business idea.

If I had a dime for everyone who told me how they'd LOVE to see "F Troop" on the big screen I'd have the film financed by now.

So, there ya go. I've posted my reply to your (qualified) apology.

Hopefully you will not feel I'm replying to you in a condescending manner.

...Oh, by the way, "condescending" means to "talk down to someone." ;)

Bobby

I assure you that you would like the screenplay, and I plan on assembling the very best cast possible.

I will ONLY have Native Americans play ALL of the roles of the Hekawis. I'm doing this for several reasons, mostly because it's simply the right thing to do. I wouldn't hire caucasian actors to portray African-Americans, ya know?

I appreciate your good wishes, Scott. Here's hoping I can make a nice announcement shortly...

Bobby