I mentioned in a previous blog that I expect Laurie Scheer’s latest book, “the Writer’s Advantage” to be most useful as I prepare to pitch my various projects. With the Midwest Writer’s Institute now only about three weeks away, I am focused on exactly that – honing my pitch for “Andy." (the TV series)
I’ll be brief – it is a blog post after all.
One step in the process is to identify the quintessential text within the genre of your work. “Andy” is sci-fi, and more specifically robots and/or androids raising the question, “Why can’t I be human?” Of course “Star Trek, the Next Generation” deals with that in the character of Data (Brent Spiner’s role). Some readers have said they are reminded of the Cylons from "Battlestar Galactica" when they imagine an android indistinguishable from a human.
In the world of feature films, the quintessential texts are “Westworld,” “A.I.” and “I, Robot.” A little less directly related are “Blade Runner,” “The Stepford Wives,” “Terminator” and “Bicentennial Man.”
In nearly all of those, the android/robot poses a threat to mankind – “robots run amok,” perhaps as a theme. “Bicentennial Man” stands out as the exception. The Robin Williams character is funny (duh!) but what’s unique about the story is that his goal is to just be the best person he can be.
So as I prepare to pitch “Andy,” I am readying myself for the question, “How is ‘Andy’ like the other texts within its genre – and what about your story makes it unique?” My time is well spent, I think, making sure my answer is well thought out and carefully crafted.
I’ll be brief – it is a blog post after all.
One step in the process is to identify the quintessential text within the genre of your work. “Andy” is sci-fi, and more specifically robots and/or androids raising the question, “Why can’t I be human?” Of course “Star Trek, the Next Generation” deals with that in the character of Data (Brent Spiner’s role). Some readers have said they are reminded of the Cylons from "Battlestar Galactica" when they imagine an android indistinguishable from a human.
In the world of feature films, the quintessential texts are “Westworld,” “A.I.” and “I, Robot.” A little less directly related are “Blade Runner,” “The Stepford Wives,” “Terminator” and “Bicentennial Man.”
In nearly all of those, the android/robot poses a threat to mankind – “robots run amok,” perhaps as a theme. “Bicentennial Man” stands out as the exception. The Robin Williams character is funny (duh!) but what’s unique about the story is that his goal is to just be the best person he can be.
So as I prepare to pitch “Andy,” I am readying myself for the question, “How is ‘Andy’ like the other texts within its genre – and what about your story makes it unique?” My time is well spent, I think, making sure my answer is well thought out and carefully crafted.
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