Catherine Rubey writes about character driven or low concept projects.
Low concept always sounded like a second class project to me. Two years ago when I began shopping Baggage around, I couldn’t get but a handful of reads in LA or NYC. Everything was high-concept, tent-pole fare. Now, thanks to the success of multiple smaller dramas (like Little Miss Sunshine but even something like Ladies in Lavender) the times, they are a’ changin’.
I’ve been working with a producer and a consultant who both are reporting that folks at agencies, prod co’s and the studios are very receptive right now to quirky family dramas – and Baggage is exactly that. The heat on it right now as we look for production partners, a director and a lead is surprising…not because I don’t believe it’s worthy but because I’m so used to the door slamming in my face. It’s refreshing but it’s difficult to trust it.
Catherine Rubey writes about filming in Chicago
The other thing I wanted to mention today is that I love bragging about Chicago…the theater and crew base is so wonderful and people WANT TO WORK. The vibe here is indicative of the “the city that works” reputation that Chicago has enjoyed. WhenEVER I mention that I am in Chicago and we’re shooting here this summer, everyone is like “AWESOME”! Chicago in the summer or early fall…it doesn’t get much better than that.
Stay tuned for updates…we’re “in talks” with a few people for director and the lead! March 1st, we broke the back of winter.