The Development Track

Demystifying the TV/Film development process. Senior-Level Development Executive/Producer. Still obsessed with Film/TV after 20 years in this crazy business!

[The Development Track @DevelopmenTrack]

@RoyPrice Binge model, onslaught of new streamers making bland prestige with movie stars, rise of limited series, decline of ongoing series that go more than 4 seasons, more IP driven shows, more auteur driven TV without traditional rooms, production happening after writing, not during.

[The Development Track @DevelopmenTrack]

@JimJarmuschHair Great box office game today. Had another forgotten gem with a Samuel L Jackson line reading that has been living rent free in my head for 30 years.

[The Development Track @DevelopmenTrack]

@DavidPoland @AdiWriter The film it reminded me of the most was Jeff Nichols Midnight Special, which ironically was his homage to Spielberg. That film was also a big chase, dealt with religion, but had stronger characters and an emotional father/son story. Also, felt like last 2 eps of a season of TV.

[The Development Track @DevelopmenTrack]

@DavidPoland @AdiWriter TV would need to find the right engine on what the reveal actually does for humanity. The film copped out by having people just look in shock for 5 minutes. Characters would have to be much stronger. FX would end pilot with the film’s ending, Netflix would wait til end of season.

[The Development Track @DevelopmenTrack]

@Dave_MW @LukeBarnett Definitely destroys attention span, same with just having your phone connected to you at all times. People loved binging shows that were created for a weekly, but when you create shows to work as a binge it’s just different storytelling that doesn’t work as well for TV.

[The Development Track @DevelopmenTrack]

@JackSutpen @LukeBarnett Sure. But two things can be true. Yes, she probably deserves a piece of profit. But, this was her first job ever, and every industry you pay dues. Also, the way she went about it was very entitled and dumb.

[The Development Track @DevelopmenTrack]

@Danimalish Agree to an extent. But Maverick is at least much better than the original. And Challengers is slightly better. Like B+ for Mav and A- for Challengers :)

[The Development Track @DevelopmenTrack]

@JonShaivitz It’s very well documented where the financing came from and the whole production process. Just a quick google and you’ll have whole story.

[The Development Track @DevelopmenTrack]

@rilaws When I was trying to remember the title I thought it was Thank You For Your Service… which would be a hilariously bad title for a sex addiction movie, but kind of amazing.

[The Development Track @DevelopmenTrack]

@EmpireCityBO @rendy_jones Blum was? Just trying to give Divide and Conquer guys some credit? I cant argue. Ive seen the good and the passive Blum on many projects. But did hopping on a Zoom and giving the good Blum sales pitch help Focus win over other distributers, probably.

[The Development Track @DevelopmenTrack]

@EmpireCityBO @rendy_jones Thats is obviously true. But does Jason Blum deserve the millions he will most likely get from it? For sticking his name on it after completion? Even he admits he didnt get it and had to be convinced to bid :)

[The Development Track @DevelopmenTrack]

@ScottMendelson Oblivion or Edge of Tomorrow? Or do those just count as good movies when audiences didn’t care as much about Tom Cruise at the time. But those weren’t big IP.

[The Development Track @DevelopmenTrack]

@HwoodScrptReadr Encanto was a weird Covid release and dont think the Chapek regime realized what they had. That song was huge and film did crazy numbers on +. The lead actress in Obsession is half Mexican. Wouldn’t be shocked if that has helped with Box Office, but haven’t seen anyone mention it

[The Development Track @DevelopmenTrack]

@HwoodScrptReadr Yup, which was fine movie, but sold as a tier 3 or 4 superhero movie. I mean do a scary Dias De Los Muertos movie and you can probably do Obsession numbers. Its really not that hard.

[The Development Track @DevelopmenTrack]

@DavidPoland @Cade_Onder Buying a major distribution company with infrastructure in place very different than starting one from scratch. It’s taken Amazon a decade with lots of fits and stops and models to get to a potentially good spot, and they had to buy MGM.

[The Development Track @DevelopmenTrack]

@DannyManus It’s the most common trait I see with Gen Z. Assts constantly complain about too much work, my last one said he wouldn’t read on weekend unless he got paid more, cried to HR they had to go on a lunch run and didn’t get paid for miles. They have a big tatter teller mentality too.

[The Development Track @DevelopmenTrack]

@ScottJeschke @alexandra_nich Personally the ten page rule is more about writing ability, engagement, clarity. I don’t always need premise spelled out, but I shouldn’t be bored, confused, disengaged and see no sense of structure. I usually give 15-25 pages.

[The Development Track @DevelopmenTrack]

@ScottMendelson Or Feig!

[The Development Track @DevelopmenTrack]

@ScottMendelson It was a decent movie from what I remember! Apatow could have done a really great Bridesmaids esque comedy with her. Still can!