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Where are they now? Catch up with the Top 10
Top Ten Reasons
Actor, writer.....literary agent? It was clear that the jury had to make some very difficult decisions as the screenwriting contest narrowed from 30 to 10 to three to one. But as Miramax and LivePlanet executives were painfully eliminating scripts just hours before the Top Three would be announced, one man in the room seemed to carry a torch for all ten finalists.
Matt Damon, almost sub-consciously, had trouble letting go of these potential projects. Was it that he was not looking forward to playing the role of bad cop when he and Ben Affleck would announce the three winners? Perhaps. But more likely was that Damon was looking at ten well-written and producible scripts, and couldn't imagine picking just one, and dismissing the rest.
Damon did his best impression of a literary agent, appealing to the heart, mind, and pocketbook of Miramax Co-President Meryl Poster, urging her to snatch all of these scripts while she had the chance. Of course, part of a Co-President's job is to show at least a bit of discretion, but Damon certainly made his point.
Both Matt Burch's "The Upgrade" and Brendan Murphy's "Speakeasy" are currently in development at Miramax, both have Chris Moore, Ben Affleck, and Matt Damon attached to produce. No word yet on if Damon has collected his ten percent.
So what have the Top Ten been doing since their brush with fame last February? Some have relocated to sunny Hollywood, while others have kept their screenwriting jones on the back burner. Here is a look at the Top Ten, eight months later:
Matt Burch, "The Upgrade" - Burch continues to work closely with Project Greenlight Co-Producer Jeff Balis on developing "The Upgrade" for Miramax. Remember, just after announcing the Top Three finalists back in February, Producer Chris Moore pulled Burch aside and expressed his interest in producing the jewelry heist screenplay. Meanwhile, Matt is working on new scripts, taking meetings, and revisiting an old project that he was putting together before Project Greenlight came into his life. As for life in Los Angeles, the east coast-raised writer probably prefers New York City, but is taking advantage of the nice weather and his newfound friends.
Katie Fetting, "Under the Skin" - "Under the Skin" was not Katie's first script, but certainly got her a lot of attention in Hollywood. She has recently signed with UTA for representation, and has Sidney Lumet attached to direct one of her other scripts. The 24 year-old native Chicagoan relocated to Los Angeles last summer, and juggles her schedule between rewrite assignments, getting "Under the Skin" off the ground, and paying her bills by working at a pay-per-view company.
Rick Grubbs, "A Just Defense" - Rick lives in Fullerton, CA, 45 minutes south of Los Angeles. Grubbs holds a full-time job in medical sales, but spends his spare time working through the early stages of two new screenplays. Grubbs is still looking for representation, but "real life" makes it hard to devote as much time as he would like to his passion for screenwriting.
David G. Jamieson, "Make of Dawn" - Unfortunately, David was not reachable for comment in time for this article's publication.
Pete Jones, "Stolen Summer" - Pete has been busy since February, directing his film on location in Chicago, and then returning to Los Angeles for post-production. On November 13, 2001, Pete and Jenny Jones welcomed their second daughter, Murphy Ann, to join older sister Molly, who is two years old.
Evan Katz & Barron Ebenstein, "Freeing Mr. Jiggs" - Evan and Barron continue to write together, having started two new high-concept comedies in the last six months. The writing team has landed a manager since they were named a Top Three Finalist last February. "Freeing Mr. Jiggs" has been optioned, and is currently out to directors. Barron continues to sell hair restoration products, while Evan is focusing on his writing career full-time. The two remain close to other members of the Top Ten, and are, in fact, working with Christopher Schlerf on setting up one of their other scripts.
Brendan Murphy, "Speakeasy" - Brendan made the move from Atlanta to Los Angeles in mid-April of 2001, after finishing as a Top Three Finalist. Shortly after the event, Miramax purchased "Speakeasy," with Chris Moore, Ben Affleck, and Matt Damon attached to produce. Brendan continues to work on new projects, rewrite "Speakeasy," and hang out with other Project Greenlight L.A. imports Chris Schlerf, Matt Burch, and Katie Fetting.
Rob Pearlstein, "Avenue A" - Rob P.'s calendar is full. ICM, a talent and literary agency, signed Pearlstein shortly after the Top Ten weekend. Since then, Rob has added "professional writer" to his resume. He is currently doing a rewrite for Working Title Films. When he finishes, Rob will be writing a project for USA Films about high-school wrestling in Iowa. Meanwhile, Pearlstein's reps are trying to get "Avenue A" financed, a project which Rob hopes to direct himself.
Christopher Schlerf, "Movie" - Schlerf made the move out to the Left Coast from New Jersey in mid-April. He has since landed a manager and an attorney, and has taken a bunch of meetings around town. He remains tight with a handful of the Top Ten, and is trying to find independent financing for "Movie."
Bruce W. Wersen & Ken Ekle, "Been There" - Bruce and Ken have given "Been There" several rewrites in the past six months, based largely on notes from film executives, managers, and agents who have read the script. There is strong interest from a Hollywood player in optioning the script, and Bruce and Ken are cautiously optimistic. As for life back in Burlington, WA, the two men remain committed to their work at the church, amid a community strengthened in unity since the events of September 11. Still, screenwriting remains a passionate hobby for Bruce and Ken, until of course, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts opens their doors next month in Burlington, at which time, the two men anticipate taking up a new hobby.
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