Vincent Saia
Forum Replies Created
-
1-Marketing Campaign #3
2-Will send query letters to agents and managers in the directories that I already have and a list of authorized agents from the WGA.
3-Will send out query letters ASAP
4-I have learned how to right a query letter with good hooks.
-
Vincent Saia
Query Letter Draft ONE
1943. The Germans are ravaging Europe and the Japanese are cutting though China and the South Pacific like a knife through melted butter. The free world desperately needs heroes to turn the tied and a most unlikely one emerges. Greg “Pappy” Boyington: Rebel, alcoholic, failed husband, failed marine. After a tumultuous stint with the Flying Tigers (where, among other things, he had an affair with the executive officer’s wife) Boyington pulls himself together, overcomes his personal demons and fights his way back into the Marine Corps. Unable to secure a combat assignment, he forms his own squadron from mostly young untested pilots from the replacement pool. Dubbed the Black Sheep Squadron because of Boyington’s maverick ways, under his leadership they rack up an incredible kill record andbecome the best fighter squadron in the Pacific with Boyington becoming a multiple ace. When he is about to be sent home to accolades, however, Boyington is shot down and sent to a Japanese POW camp where the prisoners are treated brutally. Boyington become a leader in the camp and manages to help keep his fellow POWs alive when the camp is liberated at war’s end.
Query Letter Draft 2
World War II. Germany has been ravaging Europe and Japan has been ravaging China and the South Pacific unchecked. The free world desperately needs heroes to turn the tide and a most unlikely one emerges. This is the incredible true story of Greg “Pappy” Boyington: Maverick, brawler, alcoholic, failed husband, failed marine. After a tumultuous stint with the Flying Tigers (where Boyington lights up the sky, but gets into drunken brawls and sleeps with the executive officer’s wife) Boyington overcomes his personal demons through sheer will power, fights his way back into the Marine Corps and, when he fails to secure a combat assignment, forms his own squadron out of young mostly untested pilots from the replacement pool. Under Boyington’s leadership the “Black Sheep Squadron” (so dubbed because of Boyington’s rebel ways) racks up an incredible kill record and becomes the best squadron in the South Pacific with Boyington earning the admiration of his pilots and the public. Just as Boyington is about to be sent home to accolades, however, he is shot down and captured and must test his mettle against a brutal Japanese POW camp. Boyington becomes a leader in the camp and manages to help keep most of his fellow POWs alive until the camp is liberated at war’s end.
-
I learned which people to target.
Title: Black Sheep Squadron
Logline: Maverick World War II fighter pilot overcomes his personal demons to form his own squadron which goes on to become the best in the Pacific.
Genre: War movie
Movies: Top Gun: Maverick, Dunkirk, Inglorious Bastards, Saving Private Ryan, Pearl Harbor, Midway, Flags of Our Fathers
Actors: George Clooney, Ryan Reynolds, John Franco, Tom Hardy Ben Affleck
Producers: Jerry Bruckheimer, John K. Campbell, Emily Cheung, Tom Cruise, David Ellison, Don Ferrarone, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, Tommy Harper, Christopher McGuarrie, Chad Oman, Melissa Reid, Mike Stenson, Ian Bryce, Bonnie Curtis, Keving de la May, Mark Gordon Mark Huffman, Gary Levinsohn, Allison Lyon Segan, Steven Speilberg, John Bernard, Erwin Goldschalk, Jake Myers, Christopher Nolan, Maarten Swart, Emma Thomas, Andy Thompson, Lawrence Bender, William Paul Clark, Christoph Fisser, Henning Mofenter, Bruce Moriarty, Lloyd Phillips, Pilar Savone, Erica Steinberg, Bob Weinstein, Chalie Woebcken, Henry Bates, Michael Bay, Scott Gardenhour, Bruce Hendricks, K. C. Hodenfied, Jennifer Klein, Chad Omen, Selwyn Roberts, Pat Sandston, Mike Stenson, Barry K. Waldman, Randall Wallace, John vA. Americarella, Alistair Burlington, Jeffrey Chan, Riu, Cui, Roland Emmerich, Ute Emmerich, Stuart Ford, Samping Han, Peng Jin, Perry Kaim, Leming Ke, Harold Kloder, Thilo Kurher, Carsten H. W. Lorenz, Peter Luo, Xuefing Mu, Brent O’Connor, Miguel Pelos, J. P. Pettinato, Gary Raskin, Jarin Rossiter, Marlo Shephard, Zhou Tao, Xeuanxuan Tie, Wes Tooke, Stephan Trojansky, Les Vandermolen, Rong Xiang, Don Yu, Jie Yu, Mandy Yu, Guadong Zhang, Clint Eastwood, Robert Lorenz, Tom Moore, Tom Hanks.
-
Vincent Saia
Phone Pitch
I have learned to overcome my reluctance to pitch over the phone
1. -I have researched the subject matter for many years and have interviewed some of the people depicted in the script
-Black Sheep Squadron
-Very similar subject matter to TOP GUN MAVERICK
-The most popular of stories: The hero’s journey.
-It’s the beginning of World War II. Germany is ravaging Europe and Japan is ravaging China and the South Pacific. America desperately needs heroes to turn the tide and an unlikely one emerges. This is the inspiring true story of Pappy Boyington: Rebel, alcoholic, failed husband, failed Marine who, after a tumultuous tour with the Flying Tigers where, among other things, he had an affair with the executive officer’s wife, fights his way back into the Marine Corps and through sheer will power overcomes his personal demons, forms his own squadron from mostly young untested pilots from the replacement pool which goes on to become the best in the Pacific earning Boyington the respect of his fellow marines and in particular his squadron. Just as he is about to be sent home to accolades, however, he his shot down and must test his mettle against the brutality of a Japanese POW camp.
3. Budget range: $30-60,000,000
Who do I see in it: George Clooney, Ryan Reynolds, John Franco.
Why do you think it fits our company: Your company has produced similar subject matter.
How does the movie end? Boyington is libarated from the camp with the other prisoners and when he arrives in San Francisco his Black Sheep are at the harbor waiting for him. Upon seeing him they proceed to hoist him onto their shoulders in triumph.
-
Vincent Saia
Pitch Fest Pitch
I am learning how to make my pitch in the most compelling way possible.
I have written a screenplay on a subject matter of which I am an expert.
War movie – Black Sheep Squadron
The inspiring true story of how Pappy Boyington – rebel, alcoholic, failed husband, failed marine – with sheer will power went from the depths of his deepest emotional valley to the heights of his highest peak by forming his own squadron with mostly young untested pilots which goes on to become one of the greatest squadrons ever to fly and Boyington one of the greatest pilots of World War II. Just when he is about to be sent home to great accolades, however, Boyington is shot down and must test his mettle against the brutality of a Japanese POW camp.
Budget range: $40-60,000,000
Possible actors: George Clooney, Ryan Reynolds, Chris Pine
Act 1: – Boyington has a tumultuous tour in Burma with the Flying Tigers (e.g. drunken brawls, sleeps with the executive officer’s wife) and eventually quits and heads home.
Act 2 – Boyington fights his way back into the Marine Corps, forms his own squadron with mostly untested pilots and under his leadership they rack up numerous enemy kills with Boyington becoming a multiple ace.
Act 3 – Boyington is shot down and is sent to a Japanese POW camp where the prisoners are treated brutally but Boyington becomes a leader in the camp and manages to keep himself and most of his fellow prisoners alive until they are rescued at war’s end.
After being liberated from the camp Boyington is sent home to a hero’s welcome and is greeted at the harbor in San Francisco by his men who hoist him up onto their shoulders in triumph.
I have spend many years researching this subject having spoken to members of the squadron and other who knew the main character and have written over 20 screenplays.
-
Vincent Saia’s
Query Letter
Dear….,
“He made young men brave.”
The subject of that statement is the main character of the incredible true story of a man whose story embodies the most popular type of tale of all time: The hero’s journey
Greg “Pappy” Boyington: Fighter pilot, rebel, alcoholic, failed husband, failed marine went from his deepest emotional valley to rallying himself through sheer will power to not only reach his highest peak, but became one of the greatest heroes of World War II. Fighting his way back into the Marine Corps after a tumultuous stint with the Flying Tigers (where he, among other things, had an affair with the executive officer’s wife) Boyington is determined to get back in the war. When all of his opportunities appear to have dried up, Boyington takes matters into his own hands and forms his own squadron from pilots from the replacement pool, most of whom are young and have yet to see combat. Dubbed the Black Sheep Squadron because of Boyington’s rebellious ways, under Boyington’s leadership it goes on to become one of the greatest squadrons ever to fly and Boyington becomes a top ace earning his pilots’ fierce loyalty and admiration. Just before Boyington is to be sent home to accolades, however, he is shot down and must test his mettle against the brutality of a Japanese POW camp.
If you like the concept, I would be happy to send you the script. I can be reached at [email] or [phone number].
Sincerely,
Vincent Saia
-
Vincent Saia
Synopsis/Hooks
It is the early days of World War II. Germany is ravaging Europe and the Japanese are cutting through China on land and the South Pacific on the sea like a knife through melted butter. America desperately needs heroes in order to win this global conflict. Greg “Pappy” Boyington, fighter pilot, alcoholic, rebel, failed husband, failed Marine is at the end of his rope but he knows he can live up to his potential and make a difference in this epic conflict if given the chance. When it seems his self-destructiveness has exhausted his chances he rallies himself through cheer will power and makes his own opportunity by creating his own fighter squadron from pilots in the replacement pool, most of whom are young green men who have yet to see combat. Under Boyington’s leadership the Black Sheep Squadron, named in honor of his rebel tendencies, becomes one of the greatest squadrons in history and Boyington becomes a top ace and earns the undying loyalty of his pilots in the process. Just when it looks as though he will be sent home to great accolades, however, he is shot down and must test his mettle against the brutality of a Japanese POW camp. This is the incredible true story of a man whose trials and triumphs embody the most popular and retold theme of all time: The hero’s journey.
I am learning to tell the story in the most compelling way, emphasizing the hooks.
-
This reply was modified 1 year, 10 months ago by Vincent Saia.
-
This reply was modified 1 year, 10 months ago by
-
1. The true story of a man goes from his deepest emotional valley and through sheer will power rises to his highest peak and becomes a legend in the process.
2. World War II. America needs heroes. Pappy Boyington, alcoholic, failed husband, failed marine overcomes his demons to form the one of the best fighter squadrons of all time then faces his greatest trial in a Japanese POW camp.
3. The most marketable theme of all time: The hero’s journey told against the most epic war in history.
Don’t know if I learned anything but this process seems a lot like cooking.
-
Vincent Saia
I agree to the terms of this release form
GROUP RELEASE FORM
As a member of this group, I agree to the following:
1. That I will keep the processes, strategies, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class confidential, and that I will NOT share any of this program either privately, with a group, posting online, writing articles, through video or computer programming, or in any other way that would make those processes, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class available to anyone who is not a member of this class.
2. That each writer’s work here is copyrighted and that writer is the sole owner of that work. That includes this program which is copyrighted by Hal Croasmun. I acknowledge that submission of an idea to this group constitutes a claim of and the recognition of ownership of that idea.
I will keep the other writer’s ideas and writing confidential and will not share this information with anyone without the express written permission of the writer/owner. I will not market or even discuss this information with anyone outside this group.
3. I also understand that many stories and ideas are similar and/or have common themes and from time to time, two or more people can independently and simultaneously generate the same concept or movie idea.
4. If I have an idea that is the same as or very similar to another group member’s idea, I’ll immediately contact Hal and present proof that I had this idea prior to the beginning of the class. If Hal deems them to be the same idea or close enough to cause harm to either party, he’ll request both parties to present another concept for the class.
5. If you don’t present proof to Hal that you have the same idea as another person, you agree that all ideas presented to this group are the sole ownership of the person who presented them and you will not write or market another group member’s ideas.
6. Finally, I agree not to bring suit against anyone in this group for any reason, unless they use a substantial portion of my copyrighted work in a manner that is public and/or that prevents me from marketing my script by shopping it to production companies, agents, managers, actors, networks, studios or any other entertainment industry organizations or people.
-
Vincent Saia
About 20
I hope to get some insight on getting my work to those who can produce it.
I never use a handkerchief. Only tissues.
-
I learned how interesting my script is.
A – My hero must conquer his inner demons (mostly alcoholism) and not only succeeds but excels in his situation and becomes the stuff of legend.
B – A great dogfight.
C – Just before he is to be sent home to receive accolades for his accomplishments as a fighter pilot he is shot down and sent to a Japanese POW camp where he faces brutal treatment and must use his new-found inner strength to help himself and the other prisoners to survive.
D – Hero’s self-destructive behavior and alcoholism.
E- He is kicked off his squadron then decides to create his own squadron within the Marine Corps from pilots from the replacement pool.
F – Instead of going home to cheering crowds and other accolades he must use his new-found inner strength to help himself and the other prisoners to survive as a result of him being shot down.
G- None
H – Celebrity cameo as Admiral Halsey
TEN MOST INTERESTING THINGS
1. It is a true story
2. It is the story of overcoming personal demons.
3. It is about a man who was his own worst enemy and overcomes it.
4. It is a great adventure story going from Burma, to the northwestern US, to Australia, to the Solomon Islands, et al.
5. It is the story of a man his men called “a born leader.”
6. He is a rebel who goes his own way.
7. He is a charming rebel.
8. It shows man’s inhumanity to man and how those subject to it survive.
9. The first squadron he is in has many interesting characters in the jungle in an Indiana Jones milieu.
10. The Black Sheep Squadron also contains many interesting characters.
-
Producer
I would emphasize the marketability of the material as compared to movies such as TOP GUN: MAVERICK and SAVING PRIVATE RYAN and the fact that it is unique in that it is a true story of the hero overcoming his personal demons while he is going on the hero’s journey
Manager
I would emphasize the quality of the writing. It takes place long before I was born in an environment I have never been in and places I have never been to yet the characters are believable and I have established the atmosphere which shows I would be able to handle a variety of writing assignments.
I learned the difference between presenting something to a producer and presenting to a manager and their individual needs.
-
A
The story of a man who conquers his internal demons and not only becomes a better person but the stuff of legend and an action movie to boot.
I
Top Gun Maverick
-
Vincent Saia
Project and Market
1. War Movie/Black Sheep Squadron/A story of a man sinking to his deepest valley and climbing to his highest peak.
2. It is the inspiring story of a man who was his own worst enemy and overcame his demons to become a hero of legend.
3. I wish to target managers first because that is what would be best for me from a business perspective. They would have a vested interest in getting the best deal for me in terms of money and (if possible) participation in the production of the project.
4. I learned today that I must keep my competitive instincts sharp in order to give my work the chance it deserves.