Hi Clint. I want to encourage you to continue to get your work published in some form. I have a couple of suggestions that might help, but I suspect you have already explored those.

I was introduced to The Eager Beaver's story by my neighbor seven years ago. I immediately recognized its commercial value as a movie and began researching the story for my own screenplay. I knew that this was a hit movie just aching to be made. I had written a couple of screenplays, a few live productions, and many skits. While I have not had anything published in a big way, my stuff has been performed before audiences rendering tears and laughter when appropriate. So, I know a good story when I read it and can usually translate it into a script form.

I was derailed from pursuing writing a screenplay further by two things. One, I had another script going (and it is currently pending its last revision before getting it to an agent) and two, my kidneys both failed and I had to go on dialysis for four years. I now have a kidney transplant from five years ago and began researching the story again. I came up on your site and was quite excited. Not so much for my benefit, but for yours and the story itself. It really needs to be told in a big way and I think you are the man to do it.

Let me offer two or three suggestions that might help you along the way as they have helped me. If I were you, I would try to reach out to either a script doctor or a professional screen writer with real experience. They are accessible by folks like you and I and are willing to help you make contact with the right people. My biggest contact was Jim Henson who offered to meet me for a job interview. I had sent him a short video that displayed both my writing and performing abilities and he was impressed. Unfortunately, I could not make that interview because of other commitments that would ultimately determine my future career.

I also contacted a local writer who wrote, "Finding Forester" starring Sean Connery. I made my email to him brief and to the point. He answered my question and encouraged me to keep in touch with him.

My point is, that if you knock on doors respectively (enough of them), one will open. I have read of so many blossoming actors, comedians, and writers who took the gamble to meet the celebrities, producers, and directors that ultimately paid off. I believe you have the personality and intelligence that they would find inviting. You most certainly have the story. One of them might read your story (or treatment) and see potential. It really is worth a gamble.

I would also encourage you to join the Screen Actors Guild. Get a number and attach it to your script. Some agents will not even consider a script without a number.

If you haven't considered a script doctor, you might want to do that. They will go over the whole thing and show you where it needs to be edited, reorganized, reordered, or developed for clarity and character development. They will help you eliminate much of the work that needs to be done when the studio assigns it to "Script Hell." That is the place all scripts go to for final drafting before getting the Green Light. Script doctors are not cheap, like the late Carrie Fisher, but they get your script in front of the studios faster and with some clout.

You could pursue the historical novel route. Get it published with the retention of screenwriting rights. That prevents the publishing house from selling those rights from underneath you.

Or, you can go the cheap route. Enter it into a contest. The writer I mentioned earlier of "Finding Forrester" did just that. He won his competition and launched his career into screenwriting. He has had several hits since. As your story is a true story, you might want to consider the contest sponsored by the Austin Film Festival. This is a very prestigious competition and will get you some attention if your script does well. You don't have to finish first, but well enough that agents will come to you.

These are just a few ideas, most you probably have already considered. Even so, this might offer you some encouragement. I hope you will add me to your mailing list as I truly want to follow your story. As I market my own script, I will pass along any contacts or tips that might help you as well. I wish you the very best, my friend. I want to see this on the big screen!

Most sincerely,

Dennis Grover