Brand New Me
M U S I C M O N D A Y
I wrote a screenplay twelve or so years ago. The name of it was, Brand New Me. It was a romantic comedy about a neurotic, stunted therapist who one day finds that her high school nemesis has been randomly added to her case load at the agency where she works. She recognizes the name and face immediately, even though it’s been thirty years, but her client is completely unaware. Twisted psychological games ensue.
I’m sure you’re wondering about the romantic comedy aspect, right? Well, it just so happens that Leslie Payne, the therapist, has a shrine in her closet to David Cassidy, where she worships him daily. She talks to him and pretends he’s her boyfriend. She applies the lyrics from the Partridge Family songs to her troubled life – her version of a self-help book.
Fast forward, stuff happens, and Leslie is on her way to a class reunion. On the airplane she is seated next to a David Cassidy look-alike (that was the plan unless I could get the real David Cassidy). He’s slightly confrontational, a little smug, but also quite charming, and just like in real life, he is a true boy-man. As much as Leslie is put off by his know-it-all attitude, she is attracted, nonetheless.
Oh my gosh, I just love her face!
As it turns out, this little dyslexic screenplay writer was able to attract the attention of Annette Bening to play the role of Leslie Payne. I was even able to meet her for lunch at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills. Let me tell you, she was every bit the person that you believe her to be. She couldn’t have been more charming and thoughtful. She’s not just a talented actress, she’s an intelligent and beautiful spirit, a real gem. Don’t even get me started on her voice – I love her voice quality, don’t you?
More good things happened, lots of positive feedback, and it looked like it would find its way to a studio for production. Then, sadly, it sort of fell apart – as many projects do.
Before it fell apart though, it just so happened that David Cassidy was on tour, and playing in Aurora, Illinois. What good fortune! I got the script to him, attended the concert, which, by the way, was full of women my age acting like 12 year olds, and afterward, met with him in his dressing room. We enthusiastically discussed the screenplay. He thought Chuck Lampley would be a fun part to play – right up his alley. It was amazing! He was so very kind and sincere. He still had that sparkle in his eye and was, as I’d imagined him to be, light-hearted, a genuinely happy, good person. It was a thrill to meet him even though I wished it had been 25 years earlier. (Lily, my daughter, was with me on this fun occasion, and got a picture with David Cassidy. She was probably around 12 or 13 at the time.)
The name of the screenplay, Brand New Me, is a Partridge Family song. I thought it worked perfectly. It’s probably still a viable screenplay and just needs to be tweaked and updated, if anyone is interested? And if Annette Bening or David Cassidy happens to read this post, thank you for being a part of my Gripping Life. (I was going to say, “I Think I Love You,” but thought it would be too much.)
You must be so proud to see Lily blushing near one of your heroes.
My only complaint about your story is you didn’t make the main character’s name different enough from your own. That’s my greatest strength.
I always get Annette Benning confused with the Home Alone mom. Too bad this wasn’t more recent. She could get the whole American Beauty cast together into it. How did all of their careers kind of go downhill after that? Scott Bakula not included. He was already dead in the water. Poor guy. Quantum Leap was classic.
I think it’s hard to be a mom and a successful actress. She’s very smart and choosey with her scripts – that’s what I think. American Beauty was a great film. She was brilliant in that.
The name was chosen carefully. Payne, for obvious reasons, and Leslie because it’s ordinary, forgettable, and close to my own. That character isn’t completely fictitious, you know.
The best characters never are completely made-up, are they? I got into an “argument” with another blogger about that. He said people told him not to write about himself in fiction. I don’t have a palm big enough to smack my own face with.
After writing a few fictional, full length features, I started to realize that there’s no way to avoid adding pieces of yourself into your work. A lot of sub-conscious stuff bubbles up to the top. Now, if it’s a known story and you’re just re-working it, then you can keep your life out of it. But they always say, “Write what you know.” I think that’s good advice.
Couldn’t agree more! And hearing it from you it makes me glad I know what I’m talking about.
Ok, pretty sure it would never have occured to write that if I were making up your biography.
Dust if off and send it out. Maybe it will get some traction!
I like to keep everyone on their toes.
I’m the worst when it comes to dusting things off and re-working them. And by, “The worst” I mean, I’m too lazy. It just sits on my shelf – literally collecting dust. Lol!
I think Guapola is right on this one.
It is so irritating when things fall through well down the line for no major reason one can think of. I had it happen with a novel/movie contract after it was offered, amendents approved, and notarised.
How nice it would be if a major studio now decided your screenplay would be a good idea – and this time carried it through!
It’s very upsetting. It’s enough of a roller coaster ride to begin with – but to get so close only to have your hopes dashed, well, it’s disheartening. Sorry about your novel/movie contract. I can imagine it’s worse for a novel – screenplays are much shorter.
Maybe one of these days I’ll dust it off. It’s a lot of work when you consider updating. Technology is moving so fast, I’d have to add all the latest gadgets. For example, there were no smart phones or apps when I wrote this.
I agree with El Guapo… Maybe it’s time.. smile. At least us mid life empty nesters could relate! I love how you always blast us to the past!!! You know me, always one foot back there anyway! My daughter writes screen plays. She has done some kind of off color comedies lately. One of her indies that she starred in and her film maker friend wrote and produced has made it into several film festivals. It’s not such a stretch if you decide to start dusting! 😉
It might be worth it. That’s really cool about your daughter. That apple didn’t fall far from the tree, huh? (Except for the off color part! lol!) I hope something happens for her. I think it requires a little luck, talent and timing.
Blasting back to the past is what I do best. My kids will tell you the same thing as they groan and roll their eyes! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed this.
Love learning new things about you Lisa. And you are by far NOT lazy. Gripping indeed. Impressive
Thanks, Audra. I almost didn’t post this. It feels like a lifetime ago and I’m not sure that writer in me still exists. I sort of got the wind knocked out of me. Thanks for saying I’m not lazy – this is why I love you. But, yeah, I definitely am. I’m not one who enjoys going back and tweaking. I’d rather give it to someone else to do that tedious work. 😉 haha!
You are too creative not to write—you are just not ” free” yet. It’ll come.
And that’s what editors are for. Hire tweak geek 🙂
haha! Now you’re talkin’!
omg!!! This is so effing cool!!! I love it. You had lunch with Annette Benning…yes I will marry you. I’m with Guap…dust it off and send it out. twenty something don’t own the world…David Cassidy is hot. Show them all that Justin Beiber did not invent cool.
LOL! It was cool. So cool. Even though the screenplay never got produced I still like to think it was a success – because I got so far with it. Speaking of which, Judy, you need to write. Even if you just write a page a day, DO IT! You never know where these things are gonna lead, right?
I would love to take another stab at it (in my mind) but it’s actually a lot of tedious work (I’m lazy) and then I’d sit around second guessing myself. Ugh. I don’t know if I have it in me.
You’re the best for getting me pumped – I soo love you! xoxo
I agree with you on the success of your screenplay, it got very far, famous people have their own projects fall apart for years before they are ‘overnight’ sensations. well…write a new one…just whip it out…hahaha…no agonizing. And thank you…I think I might take you up on the daily thing…it might just be the exercise I need…Imagonna go make some coffee and start right now girl.
like the new blog look btw.
Thanks – it’s a nice change.
Love this post! Lol that picture…! I think I actually might have been older! Maybe 14 or 15? I like how I’m as tall as he is…lol!
I think you should definitely spruce up the screen play. Nothing has really resembled it and I still think it would be relevant and cool! Do it! A little project for ya!
haha! Yeah, I thought maybe you looked slightly older…? That was a fun day. Maybe it is time to dust it off? It’s so much work, though. Maybe you should work on it? That’s the ticket!
Wow, Lisa!! How exciting that you got so far with the screenplay and even met with Annette Bening. I know that’s not as good, of course, as getting it made. It sounds like a riot. You never know. There are fewer movies that get made by the big studios it seems….it’s so tough and you nearly made it. If this is your dream, don’t give up!
It was my dream for a long time – I really thought I had it with this one. I was told once, that it took Clint Eastwood ten years to get “Forgiven” made, or, was it “Million Dollar Baby?” Whatever… my point is that if he can’t get a film made, who am I to get one made? It’s a roller coaster ride, for sure – mostly up hill.
It took me a good year to write – I wrote it long hand on legal pads, if you can believe that. Eventually I switched over to Final Draft, a program that makes it incredibly easy.
I think Romantic comedies are always in demand — I’m not sure I have the energy for such an undertaking… hmm… everyone has me thinking.
Thanks for the encouragement, Amy! xoxo
I was laughing just reading the synopsis… I guess the question is, what do you want to do with it? If you sent the script back into circulation you would have to visit Los Angeles and see me! (Enough about you, let’s talk about me 😉 ) Or, if you adapted it into a novel you would have more creative control and autonomy and a built in readership via your very popular blog – which goes over very well with publishers. Win, win!
…so much wonderful encouragement. I guess I could re-write it, spruce it up a bit and put it back in circulation? Of course, the only reason I would choose that over the novel, Vickie, is because I could visit you! 😉
We shall see… I’d have to locate it first. For all I know it could be in that miserable storage unit. The idea of returning to that place makes me sick. Maybe it’s up in my closet, next to my shrine — just kidding!
Okay, when I’m not being selfish, and having been down the same road with some of my own scripts, in all good conscience I’d advocate the novel route. Even though publishing is in turmoil… the people are really nice and there’s something so gratifying knowing you are producing the finished product, nobody else. Your words, your book. (And, you can visit me anyway!)
Yes, but you’re forgetting one thing — writing a novel takes a great deal of talent, whereas writing a screen play is very wimpy. I seriously don’t think I could write a novel. Maybe a child’s novel? haha!
Tp-bb-ff! You are too silly – you seriously COULD write a novel. As a matter of fact consider this the start of spate of pestering. I LOVE the way you write, and I don’t think I’m alone in that.
This is why I adore you, Vickie. You, who ooze such wit and raw talent – it’s like a wink from the writing goddess. Thank you, my kind friend. xoxo
(But even you can’t convince me. I know better.)
Do you want to know the god’s honest truth? Writing a blog is the most DIFFICULT thing. After what you’ve been doing for 18 months on WordPress working on a novel or a memoir would be like a vacation. (Look! We’re fighting and I still love you!) Book… lovely… blog… difficult to sustain… screenplay… too many cooks… Where were we? Oh yes, book… LOVELY. xox! V
What a cool share!
If I had any power or money, I’d bankroll your project, young lady.
Thanks, Hook! I’d let you bank roll it, simply for calling me young lady. 😉
That’s an amazing story! I’d totally help you out with anything if you’d need me to participate. It sounds like a great idea. We should all work together to get it done!
🙂 😛
😦
See! Not very fulfilling are they! I love it when I make a point. HF
Umm… usually they come at the end of a thought, some text, maybe a paragraph? The only point your making is the one on your head. Lisa
Ouch! I shall slink back to my cave and ponder my abiding affection for Susan Dey. She actually did a nude scene in a movie–wowzer! HF
Well, I hope to God she doesn’t use any emoticons. A nude Susan Dey… this blogging day has just gone down in flames.
Thanks for the visual, Harper.
She was beautiful!!!!!!!!!
okay, settle down… before you start a ‘fire down below.’
Looker was the name of the movie:
The film contains female nudity, though none of it is explicitly sexual in nature. Despite these graphic depictions, the film was re-rated PG, although originally rated R.
Susan plays a model that is the perfect woman and they tastefully show us why. Yep, won’t forget that one. Take that David Cassidy! HF
Oh, heavens! My daughter-in-law to be is a successful playwright, but this more reminds me of my time as the friend of a successful screenwriter. I am not naming any names, but her brother is quite well known. I made many trips to L.A., and I met Natasha Richardson, among others, at one of her play openings. Outside, waiting for seating to begin, many of these famous people asked me if I was a dancer. “You have a dancer’s body.” Well, I have since given that poor dancer her body back, but what these folks really wanted to talk about was their kids—their family. So, you met Annette Benning?? Oh, and David Cassidy…well, I loved Davy Jones but never missed a Partridge Family episode, or album.
That’s so exciting. I betcha anything, that most of us are sitting on some juicy stories. You’re right, in that we did discuss a lot of family/ parenting stuff. It’s hard not to.
A dancer’s body, indeed. 🙂 That’s amazing!! What a great memory. I’d love to hear more.
I loved Davy Jones, as well. That was such a great time of pop music mixed with TV shows.
The “more” part is that my friend was a bit nutty, to be kind. She’s written for several major TV shows since, and at the time we met, was up for an Oscar. I pray that she is well. From that nutty came the end of our friendship. We were both nutty then. However, I was an extra in a film with Charles Bronson, and he was so sweet!
That’s unexpected! haha! Who would think that Mr. Tough guy was so sweet? Let’s be honest, it’s hard to be normal out there – it is pervasively nutty.
I love this story, although I knew some of it. I wonder if David would hook me up with my true love Shawn Cassidy?
Point me in the direction of Albuquerque?
xoxoxox
I got a tambourine for one my birthdays because I aspired to be Tracy Partridge.
OMG! I was gonna do a post on my favorite Partridge Family episodes. The Albuquerque one would have defs been in there. Do you remember the Fire house one with Richard Pryor where they sang, Bandala? It was as if they had landed on another planet with black people. It may have been the only episode with any ethnic diversity. LOL! I love that one.
Tracy Partridge! haha!
I still have David Cassidy’s phone # – it’s not too late to make a break with Derwood and switch him out for Shawn Cassidy. Although, I don’t think Shawn Cassidy could clear the land or handle a chain saw like Derwood… better leave well enough alone. 😉
I remember you mentioning once that you wrote a screenplay. I’m so glad you shared the whole story with us and what an amazing story it is too! WOW! It sounds like a wonderful screenplay! And I”m with everybody else here, I think you should get it out again. What about just leaving the old one where it is — what with all the trouble of going to the storage locker (that would be enough to dissuade me of just about anything, except maybe for retrieving a box of cold hard cash and even then I’d probably put it off until I was starving), and just rewrite it from memory. Now that you’ve met Keith Partridge in the flesh and Annette Benning too I bet you’d do an even better job with it! And that picture is so cute!! At first I thought it was you! 😀
haha! I’d do anything to avoid that dreaded storage unit!
I surprised myself with that screenplay – it actually made me giggle while I was writing it. It was a fun project. It had a life of its own — like the little engine that could. A friend of mine, here in Illinois, is a writer and had a chance meeting with an film agent while she was vacationing in Hawaii. The agent was retired and getting on in years. Still, my friend persuaded me to send her the script, and lo and behold, she liked it enough to get it into the hands of Annette Bening. That got the ball rolling. It just goes to show you that following up on random chance meetings is the right thing to do. Sadly, my agent, died a few years later. The fact that she believed in me, was what helped me keep the dream alive. Eventually, I found someone in Austin, Texas who would be instrumental in helping me carry it further. I think the film industry is 90% networking, making and maintaining contacts. The world of publishing is a lot less so. I think you need to write a book – I’m serious, Linda. Do it. 🙂 If my pea brain could pull off this little endeavor, imagine what Peanuts could do?!
Lily does look like me in that picture – I think she hates it because she’s at that awkward age. LOL!
Oh Lisa I’ve been thinking about your comment all day. Do it is sticking in my head. The story of your screenplay is so inspiring and just goes to show you that maybe long shots aren’t as long as one might think.Oh I bet that was a wonderful screenplay you wrote. It’s definitely going good when you make yourself giggle LOL
But seriously, I promise to start my book if you promise to get out your screenplay or maybe start writing another one. I gotta say just thinking about it makes me excited about the possibilities. Thank you so much Lisa for always encouraging me and for being such a wonderful presence in my life. 😀
That is so amazing that you were able to meet with them! I’m impressed that you were able to get the door open like that. I hope you do tweak it and shop it again.
It was flukey. I was just telling Linda Vernon, in the comment above, it was like the little engine that could. It had a life of its own. If it hadn’t been for my friend introducing me to an ex-agent she met on vacation in Hawaii, it would never have gotten as far as it did. Maybe when my life gets more settled I’ll give it another go? At the very least it’s fun to dream of the possibilities. I think you have it in you, Sandee. I’m sure of it. If you ever want to give it a try, go out and buy, Final Draft – a computer program that formats the screenplay for you. All you do is write slug lines, describe the int or ext shot, and dialogue. It’s easy. Just think, if I could do it with my inadequate brain, you could write an award winning drama! (although, maybe it takes some one who is a slight moron to think they could do this? That’s the catch. lol!)
I appreciate you saying that you believe I have it in me. Sometimes I feel as if I have no power or influence among humans (my instinct is always to say power among ‘men’ — hehe). I was thinking this about your experience with the screenplay, that you seem to have the power to push things through. And thanks for the suggestion about Final Draft. I do have a screen play — that “Best Daaamn Yogurt” one in my collection of short stories. I do hope to push it through. I’d be really excited to hear about your play being produced. It’s a quirky interesting concept. Keep us posted!
niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice. Great post, great memories. Ahh, Susan Dey. I bet she still has it.
Would love to see that screenplay see some life. Just sayin’…
Even I had a crush on Susan Dey. 😉 I think I wrote letters to her fan club when I was a pre-adolescent. haha!
Maybe when my life settles down I’ll take another crack at it. The irony is, I’m surrounded by amazing writers, you being chief among them. I know that if I could do this then you could do it blindfolded with one hand tied behind your back. For you it would be a cake walk. Your gift of dialogue alone would catapult you to the top of the heap. Brian, you should do it. Just sayin’…
Ummmmm your film sounds amazing. I think the last movie I saw in a theater was Cave of Forgotten dreams, and that was like three years ago. I would actually get a babysitter and go see your movie! So, you should pretty much make that happen because I need a night out ;D
The irony is, I’m surrounded by really talented writers here, in this blogging community – Emily you are in that elite group. I hope it occurs to people that if silly Lisa can write a screenplay, what’s to stop me? You should do it, Em. Get Final Draft and get going. Maybe write a comedy about your adventure in South Korea? You’ve got a lot of rich material. I still have some of my contacts… maybe you can write a page a day? It doesn’t take much. It could be quite lucrative… just sayin’…. The way it unfolded for me was flukey. I had no assistance from you- know-who. It was just a lot of luck.
Something to think about and a way to feel like you can take your power back. Can you tell I want you to do this? LOL!
This is great and I agree with the others, dust it off and shop it. heck, have you thought about producing it yourself as an Indie film? Ben Affleck & Matt Damon have an awesome Indie film project they founded called “Project Greenlight”.. check it out (I think it is now a TV show too)
Keep the dream alive!!
I may just try and re-write it. For awhile it was floating around out in LA and it got picked over. It started to resemble a carcass. I’ve never looked into Project Greenlight but I’ve heard of it. I would try and produce it but I think ultimately it would be a somewhat pricey film to shoot. There’s a lot of period scenes (1970’s) and that can get expensive. Maybe I can re-work it when I’m in a better place. It was all very flukey but should stand as a message to everyone in this blogging community, that it is possible to break through. I’m probably the weakest writer on here which means that most of you could write a screenplay with ease. YOU could definitely do it, Lynne. I know your daughter is into it and successful – maybe you should give it a whack?
Thanks for the encouragement. 🙂
this is so very cool
Thanks, Lou Ann. It is, isn’t it? 🙂
Wow you wrote a screenplay :O That’s amazing and the fact that it was nearly made into a film! Who says it won’t be?! You should deffo keep trying, I’ll even play that guy in the background randomly sweeping the street while smoking a cigarette 😀 Loving Lils glasses by the way haha!
hahaha! She hates that picture. It’s so awkward. Hey, if I ever find success at something like that, You, Pete Howorth, are coming along for the ride. That’s a promise. 🙂
Woo! I can double as your bodyguard, knocking back all those reporters trying to hound you too!
Totally! That’s exactly what you’d do. Plus you’d be an extra, maybe even have a line or two because your voice is sexy as hell. Yes, I said that. 😉
Dear Gripping
So sorry to have come so late to this scrumptious post.
That screenplay sounds edibly good.
I don’t really know the work of Annette Bening, but will now go and search through her back catalogue.
Any recommendations?
Thank you as always for these glimpses into your rather charming world.
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
She’s fabulous. You might enjoy, “Bugsy,” “Valmont,” “The Grifters,” “American Beauty,” and “An American President.” She’s very intelligent and versatile as an actress. It was beyond my wildest dreams to sit across from her and discuss a character that I had written.
Charming world… Oh, thank you, Dandy for thinking so.
Gripping
I read somewhere that virtually all first novels are autobiographical… or memoirs. I have called my first novel a fictional memoir, because while much of it is close to true, some very important parts of it are not! THIS is fascinating! How on earth did you end up pitching to Annette Bening (one of my very favorite actresses!)? Seriously cool!! I mean really…. how!? And why have you not pushed this further? I told you, more than once, I think that your life is shifting and it seems to me toward a new and positive, exciting direction. Go for it! I’ll be your agent, and we can go on adventures together… or write together! 🙂 This sounds like a very interesting screen play; I think you should do something with it. xox
Hey Dawn. Read what I wrote to Linda Vernon for a full explanation of how it happened. I never had to pitch it to Annette Bening, she just wanted to play the part of Leslie Payne. To be honest, she would have been brilliant. I love her. Our waitress’s name in the restaurant was Leslie so we took that as a sign that it was meant to be. I even spoke with Brian Grazer on the phone, as he was interested in producing it. I’ll have to write you an email to give you the full story of what happened.
Yes, I’ve written two screenplays and a 60 minute TV pilot, and there are pieces of me all over the place. I don’t think it’s possible to write fiction without having your sub-conscious throw things in the mix. I wouldn’t have believed that to be the case until I started writing. It’s actually very cathartic and probably why people write in the first place?
Once my life gets back to normal and I find some balance I’m going to get out my screenplays and brush them up – OR, I’ll send them to you and you can brush them up! Wouldn’t it be amazing to be a writing team? (you’re a far better writer than I am – you could have a solo career.) Screenplays are easy because they’re all dialogue, and who can’t write dialogue? If you buy the program, FINAL DRAFT it does half of the work for you.
I’ll email you Dawn – this is not the best place for lengthy communication.
Thanks for the love and encouragement!!
xoxo
I’d love to hear more! Fascinating stuff. Dialogue is my forte. 😉
I didn’t know about your showbiz background. You’re a woman of many talents.
Thanks, Malcolm! That’s kind.