Hi All, I have been an educator for over 45 years. I've published eight books in my field (philosophy) and I'm presently considering a career change as a screenwriter. I've just completed my first screenplay, Red Crucible and it is in process of being reviewed by three different production companies. I haven't committed to any of them yet so I'm still open to any offers that a producer/director may wish to make. Here is the logline and synopsis: Logline: After his impoverished and orphaned childhood in the Jewish ghettos of Poland, an indomitable refugee escapes the clutches of the invading Nazis only to be enslaved in the Soviet Union and prevails in a desperate struggle against destitution, starvation, and death. RED CRUCIBLE A True Story (Story Summary) Screenplay by Ira Altman WGA # 1236818 Based on the autobiography: Memoirs of a Stormy Life by Harry Altman Harry (Hershl)Altman was born in Poland and grew up a virtual orphan on the streets of Warsaw and the shtetel of Grodzisk between the two great wars of the twentieth century. The early years were years of severe deprivation, the death of his mother when he was but eight years old and abandonment by his father. But they were years in which Harry developed the force of character that enabled him to cope with the challenges to survival that he would be confronted with in the horrific twists and turns of his life. On the eve of WWII, he and his new bride (Andzia, Hanele) escaped the clutches of the invading Nazis only to become ensnared in the limitless archipelago of slavery of the various work camps of the Soviet Union. A true story of survival against all odds.
congratulations. Keep us posted on your progress. May I ask if you used a script ware program?
Yes, Kahish: Stage2Page
Fantastic, Ira! Congrats on the "new shift" in writing. I have been in the aeronautics business for 25 years and was hesitant to attempt this passion and dream. It is quite a departure from fighter aircraft but I certainly did not want to wait another ten years and regret not embracing it now. Your story reminds me of Spiegelman's "Maus". What an amazing tale for film you have, especially, I am guessing, having a family member with the words and visions to draw from. My best regards! Douglas
Yes, Doug. The story is based on my Dad's autobiography and, as you say, I am fortunate to have family from whom to draw on although it was not fortunate for them to have lived through it. Lots of luck to you in fulfilling your dreams.