I just returned from my lunch with Tom, John and the novel's author (Paul). I took copious notes, but mostly just listened to John shoot his ideas at Paul and Tom (I'd already heard them). John then presented his contributions to this film project. (I can say this now, with about 80% confidence that we're almost officially "in development.") John brings experience, connections, a close working relationship with a Vegas production company (they can get cheap locations from the casinos) and a New York pased firm who he can probably hit up for $3 million, which is about half of the film's projected budget.

Now, that doesn't mean there's no curve ball on my part. By the end of our luncheon, Paul and I are now cowriters on the script, I'm not sole writer. I'm not exactly sure how that happened yet, but I'm meeting with Tom tonight to more clearly define my role in this project. It may be that Paul misinterpreted Tom's organizational strategy and was expecting a coauthorship all along, or Paul could simply be worried that I can't deliver the goods and wants to make sure that the script does get written. Regardless, it's time for me to assert my position, so that I don't get looped out of the film.

I don't object to writing with Paul. He has some TV credits, he wrote the dang book after all, and he could probably do this without me. Therefore, my position is the most tenuous of the lot. However, I think that Paul's willing to work with me -- we both have full-time day jobs, after all, and I don't think he'll retire from his in order to write his first film. Two writers working together can really write faster than one alone, which would allow both of us to keep our day jobs, if that's what we want to do. This could end up to be a good partnership (and I'll leave it on that optimistic note).

How serious is John about producing this? He wants Tom, Paul and I to present our roles and compensation requirements in writing to him. He's going to make phone calls today to pitch the idea to his money people. He's going to Vegas this weekend to meet with his friends out there, and will take the treatment with him. He is very confident that it will be easy to finance this film, and once he has the money he will then pay us for writing.

This thing's really going to happen.

As Ken put it, I feel like I've been waiting and waiting and waiting on a roller coaster ride. Now I'm getting into the seat and the uniformed college kids are making sure the safety bars in place. Now, the bored guy behind the booth just needs to push the button...