I did a follow-up call with my producer buddy John, just to see what's up with the adaptation project. He's in a wait-and-see mode on that -- he's set the bait and is trying to find out who wants to make the next cop movie. Meaning, of course, who's going to give him the money. I didn't ask about what happened to the Vegas connection. I'm going to slip into a wait-and-see mode on this as well. If he's really swimming in bigger waters, then my chances of writing the adaptation drop precipitously. I'll take guilty consolation that Paul's chances drop as well -- it's just the way things go.

However, John is still making good on his previous statements to keep the original trio along for the ride. He's trying to hook Tom up with another company that's doing computer-generated material, who need help with their marketing. Since Tom can talk, that's a task he's very suited to pursuing. I'm not sure if Tom will realize the opportunity, but that's definitely his business.

John also enjoyed my script, Mind Games, a great deal. So much so that he asked for more of my sci-fi work. I'm going to send him along a spec script I wrote for Outer Limits, which could stand alone as its own piece of work. Who knows, he might pass it on to someone, or find someone who would want to throw some money at it. You probably know the old adage -- throw something at the wall until it sticks.

John also (and emphatically) volunteered to be a reference for me to the new agent, an offer that I am going to take him up on. I'll call Jo-Ann (the agent) tomorrow to confirm that she received my script, and pass along John's contact info at the same time. It can't hurt my chances one bit.

Hmm. If all I get out of this adaptation is a referral that lands me a good agent, I will consider my time well-invested, even if I never adapt a page of the novel.