FLIP THIS CITY

This week I was able to get some information on how the poor economy, aka recession, is affecting the screenwriting profession. It's not surprising that the scribes are feeling the impact; no trade is safe in today's climate.

There were some recent warning signs leading up to these tough times. STEVEN SPIELBERG took out a loan with a mogul from India, "to get some action films shot", in his words. I guess that's good news if you write action, it just seems strange that the financing came the way it did. Another sign was a deal cut between DREAMWORKS and DISNEY earlier in the year. When competitors start teaming up it's usually a sign that both are struggling.

THE GUIDING LIGHT aired their last episode yesterday. You couldn't miss all the reports on the sad demise, how they were down to shooting the show on simple video and using company offices as sets. It's just hard to accept the fact that an icon in the TV soap industry has been shut down, but times have changed. Women have better things to do than to watch afternoon soaps, thank god.

A source in the loop said that a lot of writers are only being offered "one-step" deals, and that production companies don't want to pay for rewrites or polishing. There is also talk of lack of negotiations; you take what they're offering or that's it.

The box office, however, doesn't seem as affected. There was a scare with theaters because of DVD and the advent of online movies, but from the numbers it seems that people still enjoy going to the cinema. That's a good thing, and something that is bound to stand the test of time because there is a cultural, community-like atmosphere at the theater that no technology can reproduce. As long as the numbers are there, Hollywood can't pass on the gamble, and if they are cutting corners on the script they're playing with the profits of a potential hit.

I have a theory that Hollywood might move, literally. California has big economic problems right now, has had for a long time. The fires got a bit too close this year. Earthquakes are a "gimme", but you have to wonder how long people will stay in denial about the fault line. Power, water, pollution, traffic... it's all there and more condensed than the rest of the United States.

My guess is that it will be a large scale move, kind of a "Flip This City", with SPIELBERG and KATZENBERG scoping out some new, midwestern location to settle down in. Goes something like this:

EXT. GENERIC MIDWESTERN TOWN - DAY

Steven and Jeffrey meet with their realtor in the parking lot of a big-box chain, let's say "Best Buy", or "World Market". Steven hold a lens to his eye, scanning the lot, while Jeffrey goes down a list on a clipboard.

JEFFREY
(concisely)
..and you said there is a "Whole Foods" here?

REALTOR
(matter of factly)
Yes, right around the corner, one of two in this town.

STEVEN
(pans to Whole Foods sign)
I see it, nice, I enjoy Whole Foods.

JEFFREY
(concerned)
And a Wal-Mart?

REALTOR
Of course, across the street.

STEVEN
(elated)
Cool, I always wanted to own a Wal-Mart!

JEFFREY
Steven, I think we're going to have to convert that to a studio.

STEVEN
(disappointed)
And pass on the "rollback" pricing? I love those happy faces!

JEFFREY
We'll figure it out.
(to realtor)
How far to temple?

REALTOR
(points to hill)
El B'nai is right over there.

Jeffrey motions to Steven, calling for a discrete discussion. After several minutes they have come up with an offer.

JEFFREY
We'll pay asking price, with one contingency.

REALTOR
(hopeful)
That is?

STEPHEN
It's contingent on the sale of our "other place".

REALTOR
You mean Hollywood?

The two, embarrassed, mumble affirmatively.

REALTOR
(disappointed)
In this market? Not happening!

STEPHEN
(curiously)
Hmm, think we can still get the Wal-Mart?

JEFFREY
(complacent)
Oy veh!

FADE OUT