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ARNOLD AND SLY: "RIVALS"! Heathcoat's script ready for action! Reported By: Randy Jennings Wednesday, February 27, 2002 The ARNOLD FAN recently met with aspiring screenwriter Christopher E. Heathcoat, who is hoping his screenplay will become the one comedy Arnold is hoping to do after True Lies 2. Heathcoat's proposed future project also includes another action/adventure star - Sylvester Stallone. Why Sly? Not only because he admires both action legends but he is well aware of that both of these action stars have admitted serious consideration to working together. TAF: What gave you the idea to write a story for Arnold and Sly? C.H.:: As I have told everyone since I started writing at 17 years old, if you have an actor and project in mind, who better to know what the public would want than the moviegoer himself whom pays to see these films. TAF: Obviously you're hoping to have written the ultimate script that Schwarzenegger and Stallone fans would love? C.H.:: I feel I do. I think a true fan or admirer, also pays to not only see the film, but also "pays" attention to the reactions of the audience to all kinds of films and understands that, though these rivals at the box office have wanted to work together since the early 90's... what would have been "apt" in the mid 90's... may not be acceptable or believable today. So I attempted and feel I succeeded with a formula that they are famed for... but at the same time able to inject and highlight some of the more surprisingly accepted moments they've had with moments in "Twins" and "CopLand". TAF: What is the name of the script? C.H.:: I am glad you asked that. It's what they have always been to each other at the box-office... "Rivals". I have read that Sly wanted to be a villain to Arnold. I have read that Arnold wanted a "back-to-back with an ensemble". Well, I didn't write either (lol)... all I can say is that I wrote an action/ comedy that delivers for the fans whom want they're action heroes to be taken seriously... but not SO action heavy I unbelievable that anyone might think "gee... they've taken everyone on BY THEMSELVES in the last 15 years... who are they gonna fight side by side now? Godzilla?" TAF: Was it difficult to create a premise where fans of both actors won't be feeling that it is one-sided? C.H.:: Very, very difficult. You have to have an equal amount of dialogue for starters. Then, the best, as well as most trying, is a unique and original fight scene for both. I know that both Mr. Stallone and Mr. Schwarzenegger are wanting to have the most kick *ss dialogue, fight scene, rescue scene and climactic ending. And upon reading, will be matching up equality as well. TAF: And evidently you feel you nailed it? C.H.:: I would pay to see this film 5 times. Of course what else am I going to say. But what do you think kept me in the chair writing? If anything is remembered on the comments of this script...it is that I wrote a movie with actors that I have been paying to see numerous times per film for years. I did something that some warn you should NEVER do. Write particulars for a particular. That way the chances of selling/casting are greater for a career. I definitely love all kinds of movies, with comedy and thrillers being my favorites of late. I grew up watching these guys. And I feel that everyone wants to see them together once and for all so I WROTE A SCRIPT THAT I WOULD PAY TO SEE IN THE THEATRE NUMEROUS TIMES. That's how films make the big bucks, naturally. Numerous moviegoers seeing them numerous times before they are on video, it's no big secret. When you are a fan of films or actors... you investigate weather you mean to or not. Some films you know did well because of a big attachment with a star. For instance if I wrote Britney Spears into my project {I DID NOT!} that would be a legion of sure fire fans that would add to the box office. But with the stars of this script, Arnie and Sly, they are not as of yet, how they were in the 80's and 90's. So you think about what people would STILL like about them today... The diehard action fans are easy, that's everyone who still pays to see these actors today. Then again, there are people who stopped following they're careers or only go back for the sequels that they do. Those are the one's I feel want a more realistic, down to earth grasp of reality in they're characters, but still the kick in the pants that they wanted to see back in the day. TAF: And how are your characters so different? C.H.:: The same thing Arnold has said about his latest character in Collateral Damage. Gordy Brewer was initially a F.B.I or the likes of... he requested a change to a firefighter long before "firefighter's" recent patriotism because if anyone sees that the character has all this kick butt knowledge... there is no threat. I have streamlined these characters so that they are more like themselves in real life, which is where the comedy is prominent, and at the same time they are still in tremendous physical shape and wise about combat with all the films they've been in and people they've learned from. That is where the action kicks in... and out... and everywhere else they fight. TAF: I tell you man, even though I am no big Sly fan I would love to see them team up. I'm DYING to read that script! The concept can't lose! C.H.:: I appreciate that very much. To me, that means that the 19th ticket is bought that wasn't bias because of family.(laughs) TAF: It is understandable that you can't go into to many particulars at the moment because of confidentiality, but I was wondering when we could possibly get a better insight towards the project? It is completed isn't it? C.H.:: Yes, definitely. I am looking to have my website up and running with a synopsis and contact information by early March. I WILL contact The ARNOLD FAN when that happens as soon as possible. The ARNOLD FAN wishes Christopher E. Heathcoat the best with his Arnold/Sly project... coming to a website, agent and then theatre near you. ---------- |