Hey all, it's been a while but with all that's going on I figured it was time. While I've been keeping busy with tutoring and teaching at Westwood college in LA, I managed to find the time to do the following:
On the feature film front...
I recently saw a rough/assembly cut of my first feature Near Fall (aka Beyond the Mat) and I have to say, it looks like a freakin' movie! Ha. Seriously, folks there is nothing quite like the experience of sitting down for the very first time and screening a film you wrote, the actors do their parts, the director's vision, the production all coming together. To say the least, it was quite the moment. So, with that said the director is trying get a finer cut done so he can screen it for people and get some feedback and then show it to the distributors who have expressed interest while sending it out to festivals. So be on the look out for mentions of Near Fall in 2009.
Also, my human trafficking script, Los Coyotes, is currently in the hands of a director who is seriously considering it as his next project. He has worked with some top name talent in TV and film, and is currently my management company's top pick for the project. So here's crossing our fingers that the film kicks into pre-production in 2009.
I also completed work on Bounce With Us, and Indian-American dance film being developed by fellow Chapman alum Sabina Shamdasani. She's currently rewriting the script and with any luck we'll be in pre-production by the latter half of '09.
In other film related news, I'm currently at work on a new spec, which both myself and my manager are extremely excited about - it's an action romantic dramedy with a Latin twist - more as this one develops. Also, I'm currently circling to work for hire jobs (and gasp, they're paying jobs!), one with long time associate Kirk Wong, who is planning on shooting a new film next year. Financing is nearly in place and cast is already in talks for the film, which is sort of a martial arts "superhero" film with a bit of a sci-fi twist.
On the digital/web horizon...
I'm currently developing a web series which I hope to put into production next year. The idea is still in its early stages but the great thing about it, is that I'll be running it like a TV show complete with a writing staff (who come in the guise of my ever talented writer's group). I'm also developing a web series/commercials with my management company in the style of the BMW films but with a very tongue in cheek tone.
In comic book news...
July saw the publication of my first comic book short, Everybody's Hero, in Image Comics' Popgun Vol. 2. In July of '09 you'll see me contribute another short story, titled The Proposal, to the Popgun series (Vol. 4). I've also completed a polish of my first full length book, Solomon Wakes. All were waiting on is some art revisions, then we can get to fine tuning the bad boy. The book is set to drop in Spring of '09. And if that weren't enough, I'm gearing up to pitch a new on-going comic book series, titled the 7th Wonder. Set in the not too distant future, it's the story of a 19 year old Latina named America who has been raised by six of the world's greatest hero's. When they are murdered during her first official mission with them she takes it upon herself to discover who killed them, while struggling with carrying on their mission and saving the world in the process.
Whew! Seems like a lot, and it is, but it's all part of my love of the craft of storytelling and writing.
More as it comes...
Tuesday, December 23
Thursday, September 25
M.I.A.
Been away from the blog, but then I've never been a very good blogger. It's not my thing really but keeping a presence on the interwebs seems a bit mandatory these days,e specially in the writing game - establish a presence, get yourself known, get the work done and then hopefully spin that all into a dedicated following. Sounds easy enough.
The past few months have seen me trudging through the 50 mph hours gusts that are my graphic novel. Finally finished a fairly solid draft of the last half of the book. Editors are happy with the first 60 pages and are going to publish it in two chunks. It's done, it's finally done and I can finally move onto something else. I love the work I've done on it, very dark, atmospheric sci-fi, brooding horror it's kicked my ass in more ways than one. But it's done and I'm a better writer for it. David's art kicks major ass.
Coyotes is in development/pre-pre-production. I never thought finding a director interested in such a project would take so long. But the producers have a good handle on how they want to handle it all and are making excellent strides towards nailing someone down. But of course that could all change in a day, a week or a month.
My next comic book project (The 7th Wonder) is coming along nicely as I've finally finished the treatment which I'm in the process of polishing. I'm also rewriting the first issue and getting a workable pitch ready to take out soon.
Now I have time to sit down and tackle this new feature idea that my manager is really into, so am I. A good follow up to Los Coyotes and much more lighthearted (but with the same action/drama tinge).
Been reading tons of stuff as research; including loads of scripts, books and comics. Duane Swierczynski's Iron Fist one shot is an excellent read. And it would make an excellent series or mini. Iron Fist as a tough guy detective type in 1920'2/30's LA. I'd read that. Hell, I'd write it if I could.
The past few months have seen me trudging through the 50 mph hours gusts that are my graphic novel. Finally finished a fairly solid draft of the last half of the book. Editors are happy with the first 60 pages and are going to publish it in two chunks. It's done, it's finally done and I can finally move onto something else. I love the work I've done on it, very dark, atmospheric sci-fi, brooding horror it's kicked my ass in more ways than one. But it's done and I'm a better writer for it. David's art kicks major ass.
Coyotes is in development/pre-pre-production. I never thought finding a director interested in such a project would take so long. But the producers have a good handle on how they want to handle it all and are making excellent strides towards nailing someone down. But of course that could all change in a day, a week or a month.
My next comic book project (The 7th Wonder) is coming along nicely as I've finally finished the treatment which I'm in the process of polishing. I'm also rewriting the first issue and getting a workable pitch ready to take out soon.
Now I have time to sit down and tackle this new feature idea that my manager is really into, so am I. A good follow up to Los Coyotes and much more lighthearted (but with the same action/drama tinge).
Been reading tons of stuff as research; including loads of scripts, books and comics. Duane Swierczynski's Iron Fist one shot is an excellent read. And it would make an excellent series or mini. Iron Fist as a tough guy detective type in 1920'2/30's LA. I'd read that. Hell, I'd write it if I could.
Friday, July 18
Wednesday, May 21
Saturday, May 17
Sunday, May 4
TFF - Beyond the Mat interview
Interview with BTM producers - Moniqua, Kurt and John - at this year's Tribeca Film Festival.
Friday, April 25
The Race Card...
I never really considered the importance of being a Latino writer until a few years ago, especially in Hollywood. Many of my professors in grad school were quick to inform me that it would be an asset, many of the potential managers I met with said the same thing.
In my writer's group, we have a fairly diverse mixture of people, something I wanted specifically. There are about eight of us: 5 men, 3 women, 1 African American, 1 Asian, 2 Mexican-Americans, so on and so forth. I like the mix, and race rarely is ever an issue, but I can't help but notice the tendency for most writer's to write towards their own race.
This isn't necessarily a bad thing, write what you know and all. Still, I can't help but wonder how things might be a bit different if we put more of an effort into writing more (ethnically) diverse characters - if we made conscious decisions towards this end. The idea isn't to make an issue about it, just inclusion. I'm aware that Hollywood carries much of the blame for various reasons, but how much might that change if writer's made more of an effort to create universal stories.
My life is not an episode of 'Friends'. Hell it ain't even an episode of 'George Lopez', it's more of a mixture and I suppose thats a reflection of my world and the way I was raised. I don't think I've even written a full feature script with a white male as the lead. With the exception of a 'Smallvile' spec I wrote, every script I have written thus far is either Latino, Asian, female or something in between. Race is really only an issue in one (maybe two) of the scripts and done so for the sake of character development.
That's not to say I write 'ethnic' scripts - most of my stuff covers universal ground (the kind of stories I touched upon above), usually within some recognizable genre (sports, action, martial arts, sci-fi, comedy). I enjoy what I write and so do tons of other people and I'm sure the 'film world' will as well. It's just something thats been long kicking around upstairs and feel like I needed to get it down on the page (cyber or otherwise).
I'm stepping off of the soap box... for now.
In my writer's group, we have a fairly diverse mixture of people, something I wanted specifically. There are about eight of us: 5 men, 3 women, 1 African American, 1 Asian, 2 Mexican-Americans, so on and so forth. I like the mix, and race rarely is ever an issue, but I can't help but notice the tendency for most writer's to write towards their own race.
This isn't necessarily a bad thing, write what you know and all. Still, I can't help but wonder how things might be a bit different if we put more of an effort into writing more (ethnically) diverse characters - if we made conscious decisions towards this end. The idea isn't to make an issue about it, just inclusion. I'm aware that Hollywood carries much of the blame for various reasons, but how much might that change if writer's made more of an effort to create universal stories.
My life is not an episode of 'Friends'. Hell it ain't even an episode of 'George Lopez', it's more of a mixture and I suppose thats a reflection of my world and the way I was raised. I don't think I've even written a full feature script with a white male as the lead. With the exception of a 'Smallvile' spec I wrote, every script I have written thus far is either Latino, Asian, female or something in between. Race is really only an issue in one (maybe two) of the scripts and done so for the sake of character development.
That's not to say I write 'ethnic' scripts - most of my stuff covers universal ground (the kind of stories I touched upon above), usually within some recognizable genre (sports, action, martial arts, sci-fi, comedy). I enjoy what I write and so do tons of other people and I'm sure the 'film world' will as well. It's just something thats been long kicking around upstairs and feel like I needed to get it down on the page (cyber or otherwise).
I'm stepping off of the soap box... for now.
Monday, April 14
That's a Wrap!
Beyond the Mat finished principal photography last night, and the occasion was both exhilarating and bitter sweet. Everyone on set busted their asses to get this puppy off the ground and there was nothing but great enthusiasm for what we have been collectively striving for over the last 6 weeks. While I was on set yesterday I even got to write a fill in scene that we shot at the end of the night. it's turned out to be one of my favorite scenes of the film. I LOVE this job.
And now the "easy" part is done.
The producers are flying out next week to Tribeca to present a trailer at the film festival for panel of executives, distributors and other industry types. We're hoping to make a little headway in terms of getting this thing out to an audience that doesn't consist of only our friends and family.
And shooting on the RED is amazing.
It's getting better every day...
More as things come.
And now the "easy" part is done.
The producers are flying out next week to Tribeca to present a trailer at the film festival for panel of executives, distributors and other industry types. We're hoping to make a little headway in terms of getting this thing out to an audience that doesn't consist of only our friends and family.
And shooting on the RED is amazing.
It's getting better every day...
More as things come.
Thursday, March 6
Day One
"Beyond the Mat" (the high school wrestling drama I was hired to write many moons ago) finally goes into production today. I'm not on set as my damn day job and a couple of job interviews are getting in the way. I should be there on the weekend though. Am I excited? I don't know. I think once I see some dailies, some of the actors performing lines I know by heart, then my little corazon is going to be kicking up a beat. It's a down and dirty ultra low budget kind of thing but damn if it hasn't been a long time coming.
I signed a deal last week for my own 120 page graphic novel that I'll be writing with the wonderful art talents of David Murdoch. It's an exciting little project that is yet another dream come true. There seems to be a weird push-pull of emotion going on right now as on one end I'm broke as hell but on the other I'm seeing all sorts of success with this whole writing thing. I'm certain the former will change soon enough.
To say the least, it's a whirlwind. Hard work is finally starting to pay off, other opportunities are falling into my lap - lots and lots going on. My head is spinning, but in a good way.
And I turn 30 in 16 f'ing days.
...I feel infinite.
I signed a deal last week for my own 120 page graphic novel that I'll be writing with the wonderful art talents of David Murdoch. It's an exciting little project that is yet another dream come true. There seems to be a weird push-pull of emotion going on right now as on one end I'm broke as hell but on the other I'm seeing all sorts of success with this whole writing thing. I'm certain the former will change soon enough.
To say the least, it's a whirlwind. Hard work is finally starting to pay off, other opportunities are falling into my lap - lots and lots going on. My head is spinning, but in a good way.
And I turn 30 in 16 f'ing days.
...I feel infinite.
Tuesday, December 25
Saturday, November 10
Sometimes you just need to know...
Scott Summers
You are a leader. The person most people turn to for advice and information, but don't get weighed down by your responsibilities, otherwise you may forget what it's like to have fun.
Monday, October 29
Out of Sight
Watching Clooney and Lopez do their thing. Damn fine film, better than the book. Really. Scott frank needs to do more of that writing thing he does so well.
My comic book stories are being postponed until Popgun Vol. 2 which should hit right before Comic Con. I suppose that's just how things go.
I finally finished my latest draft (page one rewrite, reinvention, whatever) of Los Coyotes, my human trafficking script a few days ago. Hurray!! It came out to 176 pages Frakkk! Polishing before handing it off to my manager will commence soon.
Still, no time to recoop as I'm in the midst of polishing up the Bhangra script I wrote earlier this year, which will then be followed by a quick polish of the action comedy I co-wrote. This is all happening concurrently as I'm in the midst of paid rewrite work on a variety show pilot, coupled with dreaming up a commercial story/pitch for my management as they're hoping to target the Latino market for some big fast food type companies. Not to mention circling two other potential writing gigs.
Somewhere in there I need to find time for a life.
My comic book stories are being postponed until Popgun Vol. 2 which should hit right before Comic Con. I suppose that's just how things go.
I finally finished my latest draft (page one rewrite, reinvention, whatever) of Los Coyotes, my human trafficking script a few days ago. Hurray!! It came out to 176 pages Frakkk! Polishing before handing it off to my manager will commence soon.
Still, no time to recoop as I'm in the midst of polishing up the Bhangra script I wrote earlier this year, which will then be followed by a quick polish of the action comedy I co-wrote. This is all happening concurrently as I'm in the midst of paid rewrite work on a variety show pilot, coupled with dreaming up a commercial story/pitch for my management as they're hoping to target the Latino market for some big fast food type companies. Not to mention circling two other potential writing gigs.
Somewhere in there I need to find time for a life.
Tuesday, October 2
The Nicholl's Fellowship
My some time co-writer, friend and roommate Nick made it to the top ten in the Nicholl's Screenwriting Fellowship this year, he finds out if he made the cut soon. Well deserved. This bodes well for his work and our script together (Californio) which we optioned earlier this year.
But it also made me realize that I no longer qualify to enter, as half of my income this year has been from screenwriting/producing. Still, I'm not about to run out and purchase a new house or car but it has, for all and intents and purposes, disqualified me from entering. That's kind of frakking cool.
Yes, I said frak.
Lots more to come.
But it also made me realize that I no longer qualify to enter, as half of my income this year has been from screenwriting/producing. Still, I'm not about to run out and purchase a new house or car but it has, for all and intents and purposes, disqualified me from entering. That's kind of frakking cool.
Yes, I said frak.
Lots more to come.
Serendipity
Life and it's unexplainable curve ball struck me this weekend. Highly unexpected but pleasant. There's a bit of a motivational factor that kicks into high gear for me when things like this happen, people have a way of inspiring me which they'd never expect. Considering the current situation with my writing of Coyotes (kicking my ass in at least 7 different ways) it's a case of right place right time, no matter how fleeting.
Things are getting better.
Things are getting better.
Monday, October 1
My Bio for Popgun
Fascinated with storytelling since the day his brother handed him a comic book 20 years ago, Erik Martinez is a writer who splits his time between roaming the gritty streets of Los Angeles and the open country of Bakersfield, California. He’s an Aries and a ginormous fan of Kelly Clarkson (seriously).
Sunday, September 23
Popgun: Vol. 1
My two stories, "Everybody's Hero" and "When Solomon Wakes" will be featured in this anthology from Image Comics, which you can purchase here.
You can learn more about it here.
Tuesday, September 4
It's about friggin' time
It's been a while, so I figure I'm overdue for an update.
After a rather hellacious summer health wise, I'm happy to report that I'm doing much better both physically (and "emotionally"). There are still a few bumps I have to get over but good friends and family come through in spades when things seem a bit overwhelming.
Anyhow, on to the good stuff. I'm officially a represented writer as I signed with Treasure Entertainment for management very recently, who I'm also developing my "Coyotes" (human trafficking) project with for production. The plan is to take my existing thesis screenplay and revamp it considerably as we have interested producers and companies waiting for me to deliver.
"Beyond the Mat" is gearing up to film at the end of the year. We're still trying to line up investors and plan on working towards this end so we can get things moving. Reception of the screenplay and trailer has gone considerably well since Tribeca, which has opened some new doors. We're currently pursuing the Latino version in hopes of securing financing for the film.
Back in June one of my co-writers (Nick Sherman) and I optioned the rights to our script "Californio: The Ballad of Joaquin Murrieta" to an independent producer for 6 months, which we wrote while at Chapman. The producer is working diligently to get investors and other talent aboard the project.
The month of July was taken over by my work on the remake of a popular Chinese Martial Arts film which is being directed by Kirk Wong (who I have worked with off and on for the last 5 years). I completed a semi-translation, rewrite and polish in one month (!) and if all goes well I'll even get a writing credit on the film.
Just prior to that I finished a rewrite on a script called "The Decoys" which is essentially Harold and Kumar meets Spies Like Us with fellow Chapman alum William David Lee. A number of actors are interested in reading the script once my partners and I have a draft ready to go out.
This November will see two of my stories being published in Image Comics' "Popgun: Vol 1" anthology; it's been a long time coming but the date is almost hear.
(http://www.amazon.com/Popgun-Erik-Larsen/dp/1582408246/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-2747953-1562813?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1188078183&sr=8-1).
The next two months you'll find me working on my "Coyotes" screenplay and developing my next comic book project, "The 7th Wonder", which I hope to get published next year. I'll also be finishing up rewrite work on the Bhangra/Indian Dance film I have been working on for some time now.
Other than that I'm just doing my best trying to get by in the City of Angels. Some days are better than others but the drive and passion for my work, my family and friends easily keep me going.
After a rather hellacious summer health wise, I'm happy to report that I'm doing much better both physically (and "emotionally"). There are still a few bumps I have to get over but good friends and family come through in spades when things seem a bit overwhelming.
Anyhow, on to the good stuff. I'm officially a represented writer as I signed with Treasure Entertainment for management very recently, who I'm also developing my "Coyotes" (human trafficking) project with for production. The plan is to take my existing thesis screenplay and revamp it considerably as we have interested producers and companies waiting for me to deliver.
"Beyond the Mat" is gearing up to film at the end of the year. We're still trying to line up investors and plan on working towards this end so we can get things moving. Reception of the screenplay and trailer has gone considerably well since Tribeca, which has opened some new doors. We're currently pursuing the Latino version in hopes of securing financing for the film.
Back in June one of my co-writers (Nick Sherman) and I optioned the rights to our script "Californio: The Ballad of Joaquin Murrieta" to an independent producer for 6 months, which we wrote while at Chapman. The producer is working diligently to get investors and other talent aboard the project.
The month of July was taken over by my work on the remake of a popular Chinese Martial Arts film which is being directed by Kirk Wong (who I have worked with off and on for the last 5 years). I completed a semi-translation, rewrite and polish in one month (!) and if all goes well I'll even get a writing credit on the film.
Just prior to that I finished a rewrite on a script called "The Decoys" which is essentially Harold and Kumar meets Spies Like Us with fellow Chapman alum William David Lee. A number of actors are interested in reading the script once my partners and I have a draft ready to go out.
This November will see two of my stories being published in Image Comics' "Popgun: Vol 1" anthology; it's been a long time coming but the date is almost hear.
(http://www.amazon.com/Popgun-Erik-Larsen/dp/1582408246/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-2747953-1562813?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1188078183&sr=8-1).
The next two months you'll find me working on my "Coyotes" screenplay and developing my next comic book project, "The 7th Wonder", which I hope to get published next year. I'll also be finishing up rewrite work on the Bhangra/Indian Dance film I have been working on for some time now.
Other than that I'm just doing my best trying to get by in the City of Angels. Some days are better than others but the drive and passion for my work, my family and friends easily keep me going.
Tuesday, June 5
Oy...
Like a chicken with its head cut off, things have been mighty crazy around these parts and I've been taking it in stride. Well, if by "in stride" I mean not writing a damn thing in near two months but being predominantly focused on Tribeca, getting Beyond the Mat off the ground and then developing a myriad of other projects which I hope to write, or rewrite or work on in some capacity, then yeah, the head is rolling and being kicked around.
Oh and then signing with a manager, being considered by an agency, optioning my western, working on comics and figuring out my writing tasks for the next few months, it's all a little overwhelming.
Oh and then signing with a manager, being considered by an agency, optioning my western, working on comics and figuring out my writing tasks for the next few months, it's all a little overwhelming.
Friday, April 13
Article
So, my hometown newspaper decided to run an article on yours truly...
http://www.bakersfield.com/619/story/118224.html
http://www.bakersfield.com/619/story/118224.html
Local screenwriter hopes to launch career at Tribeca
| Thursday, Apr 12 2007 10:15 PM
Last Updated: Thursday, Apr 12 2007 10:19 PM
It's almost something out of a movie: Small-town guy travels to ultra-hip New York City.
It's his first time on a plane.
He'll pitch his screenplay to movie industry bigwigs.
In this case, the small-town guy is played by Arvin's Erik Martinez, 29.
He and his co-producers are going to the Tribeca Film Festival to meet with film industry executives and potential investors later this month.
Martinez's screenplay, "Beyond the Mat," is part of Tribeca All Access, a program that gives minority filmmakers one-on-one meetings with Hollywood's movers and shakers.
These meetings could lead to financial backing to make a full-length film, parts of which may be filmed in Kern County, Martinez said.
The story is among 32 projects chosen from more than 300 entries for the all-access segment of the festival.
"Beyond the Mat" is a coming-of-age tale about two best friends in a small town, minority experiences in America and high school wrestling. The story idea came from director Van Pham, who Martinez knows through film school.
He didn't know his co-producers submitted the script for consideration and learned of the script's acceptance via e-mail.
"I seriously thought it was spam, some Nigerian money scam," he said.
But Martinez is confident about the script's appeal.
"I honestly feel that the film will get made and we'll all see our careers become what they are meant to become," he said.
Martinez has other projects in the works, including a western and two stories that will be published in comic book anthologies.
Longtime friend Rocio Cantu is proud of him and thinks he'll handle success well.
"Not only is he book smart, but friend-wise, he has this great ability to work well with people," she said. "He's such a positive person."
Martinez's writing interests started with "really bad poetry" in eighth and ninth grade, which turned into halfway decent short stories. He was a teen journalist at Arvin High and wrote for the student newspaper at Cal State Bakersfield.
Judith Pratt, an assistant professor of communications, advised The Runner while Martinez was on its staff as a writer and editor.
"His wheels are always turning," she said, "and much faster than a lot of other students that I've had encounters with."
Ultimately, journalism wasn't the kind of writing he wanted to do.
He transferred to the University of California, Santa Barbara, to study film. From there, he attended Chapman University's film school and has a master's in fine arts in screenwriting.
To pay the bills, Martinez tutors students and writes for a DVD Web site. His schedule gives him time to write during the day.
Martinez wants his words to express the multicultural reality he knows. He's encouraged by programs such as "Ugly Betty" and "George Lopez."
"Minorities are so underrepresented in popular culture ... there needs to be a better balance of the world we live in in our entertainment and media."
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