Sunday 6 June 2010

Not an option

Update, March 2017. This film is now available on Amazon rental in UK and Germany:

I am sad to report that my book is no longer being optioned by Double D Productions for dramatisation in the WHAT ABOUT ME? documentary. My understanding is there have been some legal glitches, and also the director now wants to take the project in another direction. As Susan Douglas, the producer, says on her blog, this is indeed the nature of the beast but, still, it is hugely disappointing for me as the film was very much being promoted as a partial dramatisation of my book. The ups and downs of this novel of mine certainly reflect the ups and downs of the illness and have come to be symbolic. However, although the film now has a very different complexion, I am still glad it is being made. I am sure Geoffrey Smith will do a fabulous job and that the documentary will further the truth about ME. If you are curious, the USA teaser trailer is now up alongside the UK one.

10 comments:

trousers said...

Yes that's sad and very disappointing, I'm sorry to hear this. I note that a certain TPE wrote a comment on the blog in question, one which I wholly endorse - every single word of it.



(word ver = flaygout which sounds barbaric)

nmj said...

Thanks, Trews. Yup, am hugely peeved, hard not to be. When it was first suggested my book be dramatised I stayed grounded and healthily sceptical, but it all gathered momentum, and was very real, these last few months, but now has collapsed, and I have no control over any of it. It really is a metaphor for the illness itself, what I go through with this damned book! But I am genuinely happy the documentary is happening, I can't watch the teaser clips without shuddering, the nightmare that we have all faced with this unbelieved illness, the shameful behaviour of medics. Yes, Greenwords and TPE have been v supportive, I welcome their words.

Alison said...

Hi Nasim,

I just bought your book when I heard about the movie. I'm really looking forward to reading it. I'm sorry it's not going to be in the movie anymore, but I'm glad the movie promotion lead me to your book.

Alison

nmj said...

Hey Alison, Hope you enjoy the novel, glad you found it through the film promo.

Nicky Reiss said...

I'm sorry to hear about this too. Can imagine your disappointment.
Nicky

nmj said...

Thanks, Nicky. Not just disappointed, also angry, feels like I have been wooed and jilted. But I have to move on, these negotiations have been going on since last November, and it was making me uneasy that nothing binding had ever been signed. I just have to look on the bright side, not get eaten up, the book has had some extra profile from the film promotion.

Cusp said...

It's such a pity that they've decided not to use your book after all. It must be so disappointing after you being 'wooed' as you put it.

Unfortunately the film and TV business is very unpredictable and changes like the wind...it's mainly money-driven and they are terrified of legal issues: the slightest whiff of legal trouble will send them running in the opposite direction. (I've made/been involved a few short films for local TV so I know what you've been up against).

The best you can get out of it is to think that they even considered your book and that they held to that decision for a long time until they were apparently forced out by legal stuff. It has no bearing on the creative worth or integrity of your writing. Personally I think TSOM would make a great radio play /audio book: line worth pursuing ??

nmj said...

Thanks for this, Cusp. To be honest, from what I have been privy to, the legal stuff was most likely workable, my feeling is it was more that the film took a different direction (perhaps due to the glitches). But I can never know exactly what went on. I did try to stay grounded and not believe it would ever happen, but I didn't really have any reason to think it wouldn't happen until now! And the way it was all over various websites that my book was being dramatised, that bruises me a little, as it is no longer the case. But, yes, I am flattered the book was ever considered and know this is not at all a reflection on the quality of the book, but more the fickleness and unpredictability of the industry. Still, I feel I have had enough knocks with the book, and could have done without this, but am honestly trying to see the positives. I hope, at least, some of my interview makes it to the final cut, at least that way, the book still gets some promotion, and I will feel less aggrieved. Yes, the book is ripe for dramatisation, it is so filmic, episodic. Disappointing for my publisher too, and they hope now to try to interest alternative production companies.

LazySusan said...

It's sad, and it's their loss. Still, I'm excited for this documentary - it's so important to raise awareness. A foremost expert on CFS, Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, has just put out a new book called Beat Sugar Addiction Now: http://endfatigue.com/. It is written in a simple style and outlines his easy to follow, multi-step plan. He begins by identifying 4 main types of sugar addicts and then outlines a specific plan for each type of addict to follow. He explains how sugar plays into the problems suffered by each kind of addict and goes into detail when clearly and succinctly explaining how to beat the cravings. While Teitelbaum does not provide recipes or meal plans, he does give guidelines for healthy eating and lists of recommended foods as well as the glycemic index for many common foods.This book would probably be helpful not only to people attempting to lose weight, but also to those with illnesses such as Type II Diabetes, Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, just to name a few. Though Teitelbaum is a medical doctor and is clearly coming from a medical background, he writes in layman's terms and creates a book that will be easily understood by most people.

Susannah said...

I'm really sorry to hear this, Nasim. I thought it was the perfect book to be a part of this production!

However, as Susan said, it IS their loss, ultimately.

*sends you a basket with ice cream, chocolate, and wine in it - or whatever equivalents you subscribe too* ;)