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Louis Garfinkle ***** Margate St. Van Nuys, California ***** (818) ***-**** Fax: (818) ***-**** |
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November 10, 2003 Dear Eva, I read your story in 1988. When I read your biography, I was enchanted by the possibilities of creating a classic motion picture for the holiday Television Season. Out of that emerged the film play, which we entitled "Zizi", A Christmas Story. You will recall I insisted giving you credit for that film play in the first position. Nobody could have simply written an original version without having been inspired by your work, and I hoped that it was simply going to be the first of a series of films, which would be based on your whole life story. I sincerely believe, and it is my professional opinion that your biography, THE EVA KOVACS STORY, has what it takes to be a winner. Why take my word for it, because I've been writing professionally for almost forty years, and know what I am talking about. One of my originals-THE DEER HUNTER---won five Oscars, including one for Best Picture of 1978. I think I was correct in my estimation of the soulful accomplishment in your biographical account, and I can't understand why Disney or Satellite companies haven't grabbed your biography, and adapted it into a major work for the screen. I understand that the Christmas Story being optioned is a different version we wrote in 1990. I understand, this second version you wrote is called, MIRACLE IN VIENNA," of which you insist in giving me screen credit. Even though I was not involved in this version of the film play re/write as before, I respect your ethics. As to ownership, in my professional opinion, rights emanate from your book and all rights to the film play "Zizi" A Christmas Story, re/written MIRACLE IN VIENNA, emerges from your book. As to screen credit, therefore, the by-line should read: Screenplay by EVA KOVACS and LOUIS GARFINKLE, with your name in the predominate position. In case other writers add material, their work would have to be arbitrated by the WGA, as customary. It is my wish to see your work on the screen, and I don't want money tripping the producer on his way to production. Much love and admiration for your gallant fight, Louis Garfinkle |
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