Greatest American Hero Writer lurking on our boards

[Mr. Hamrick]

hey gang.  one of my good friends asked me to post something here.   I started a thread over in the film, movie, tv discussion area but wanted to broadcast it here too.
http://freedomreborn.net/forums/index.php?topic=49843.0 is the link to the thread over on the film,movie,tv discussion area

Spoiler

Hello all! As promised, I'm updating everyone on the "Greatest" decision of my career to date. As most were aware, I was called to a meeting and offered to take the reigns of the Greatest American Hero project. To give you a little history of this movie. It has been pasted from studios, to writers, and actors for the past 8 years. Each time passed over, or the story just wasn't there. Over the last few years there's been a resurgence of interest in the Gen-X shows, movie, etc. We've had a George of the Jungle, Underdog, Transformers, and soon to have a live action movie of the Smurfs (yes...you read that right), and a newer and better Masters of the Universe movie done by Zach Snyder. It was only a matter of time before Ralph Hinkley would fly to the big screen. In March, I appeared at a convention in Chicago to sit on an H2 panel when I ran into one of the people working on TGAH. I was asked to read over the "idea", and what I would do differently. We met for dinner that night and talked stuff over. I never thought that in a months time I would be asked to head the writing of it. I look at that moment now and realize that it was a "preliminary" job interview. I wasn't sure (and still not), if I was the right one for this. The studio said I was recommended and wanted to hear my ideas of how to bring it up to date, and still give it that "something" that drew all of us to the T.V to watch it all those years ago. After that they explained it's failed attempts to make it to the big screen. I still don't know who suggested me, (Rob perhaps). I don't know. So, anyway, I spoke with friends and family, didn't think I could do it, and told everyone I wasn't gonna take it. I went hang gliding (finally), and had a hard time flying. When I was in the air, I came up with a little more of the story. In which time, I came crashing down, hard!!! I died laughing and thought "that must be what he felt like!" The next day, I called and said "I'll take it!" So, I now have 3 months to make Ralph fly into the hearts of all the fans....including me. Cheesy, huh? Good, that's what I was going for. I have one shot at this, and I have so much pressure on my to do it right. I can't give to much away because the studio has the final say of actors, and story. But as of right now, the project is being handed to Owen Wilson to play Ralph. That is not set in stone. Next, I plan on keeping to the original "story" as much as possible, but added a Super Fuzz aspect to it. And before you say "Super Fuzz??!!", I'm not talking about the Simon Pegg movie from a couple of years ago. I'm talking about the 1980 movie starring Terence Hill. Some will remember the movie. But I do assure you Ralph will still be a teacher, Pam a lawyer, Bill an FBI agent, and Rhonda, Tony and Marco still troublemakers. I have asked for the studio's scripts of the show, and ordered the entire series today. But, for those that are interested, William Katt is writing for the Greatest American Hero comic book, check it out, I'm going to. So, now you know the extent I am going to, and my commitment to make it fun, original but still have that old touch... I'll do my best, I promise. Now, I am going to give you an idea of what I am thinking when it comes to the "exchange" of the suit and Ralph's and Bill's meeting. It is not completely unlike their meeting in the show, just an re-imagining and reworking of it. This is by no means concrete or in official form.

- Ralph trying to get the approval of his students and his commitment to their learning takes all kinds of abuse, and jabs from them. Tony tests Ralph's patience by calling him "Mr. H" and veiled treats about his flirting with Rhonda. Ralph calls out Tony. Tony says that if "Mr. H" will fly an ultralight flying machine, he will lay off and stay after school for tutoring. That afternoon, Marco, Rhonda and Tony meet Ralph at the airstrip. After a quick lesson, Ralph takes off into the sunset. After realizing he is WAY off course and over the desert, he starts to panic. The sun is almost completely down, when the engine shuts off all of the sudden. He starts to fall out of the sky, fast. He looks up at the parachute and sees that the wind has picked up and thinks he is seeing things. It looks like the sun is directly overhead, and is brighter than before. He is slightly blinded but sees the car a second before he hits it. Trying to unstrap himself he hears a voice and then sees FBI agent Bill Maxwell. He asks Ralph what the hell he was doing, and where the hell he came from. Ralph asks him the same question. Bill's car has stopped and won't start. And he couldn't discuss what he was doing out there. Official business. The sky lights up and Bill's horn starts honking and the engine revving. Both try the doors, but they're locked, so they dive for underneath the car trying to hide, but their butts are stuck up in the air. Ralph looks over at Bill and asks if "THAT" is his official business, Bill answers....."yeah, unofficially".

Ok, that is just an idea of what I'm gonna put in the screenplay, I have to write it in format, etc. Rough notes right now......That will probably be all you see of it til it comes to the screen. Sorry, but the studio never said anything about me publishing notes, just official text. Sorry. I'll keep you all posted.

There you have it.  My good friend B.G. has taken the job of writing the screenplay for The Greatest American Hero.  In accordance with his wishes, I have posted this here and I am posting the following.

Post what you've read on my note, and let them know I'm watching. Throw out comments, ideas, etc. I'll see them. But please let them know I have no influence on the actor.  But really, assure them I am paying attention to their ideas.

There you have it gang.  B.G. is paying attention to the thread over in the film, tv, movie discussion area.  I am encouraging everyone who might've been a fan of that old show to drop into the thread and participate in the discussion. 

Thanks guys