“After I read the script The Battle of Shaker Heights I was dying to get in touch with the writer. I read a lot of scripts and it’s almost never happened to me that I found material that I connected to so much that I wanted to direct it and it’s pretty ironic and amazing to me that it happened in the contest—that I found a script I love.”
Jessica Landaw
10 Ten Finalist in Project Greenlight 2
In episode two of Project Greenlight 2 producer Chris Moore (Good Will Hunting) says of the tracking shot in a film by director finalist Jessica Landow, “It was one of the most amazing shots I’ve seen in film, period.” When Jessica meets with Moore, Ben Affleck, and Matt Damon to pitch why she should be the director of the Project Greenlight 2 films she boldly proclaims that of the four scripts in the running, “I came here today prepared to tell you that the only script I want to be considered for is Shaker Heights.” It’s a bold move. She clearly communicates her passion for the script The Battle of Shaker Heights.
And before the winning script and director are chosen she says, “The only thing that would really rock me would be if they chose a different director to direct The Battle of Shaker Heights. I kind of feel like Shaker Heights is my baby and I can’t stand the idea of someone else getting to take away my baby.”
They announce the winning script first and it is in fact Erica Beeney’s script The Battle for Shaker Heights. Jessica at that point had directed two shorts and a documentary and in 2002 must have thought everything was lining up nicely to direct her first feature film. Then they announce that the winning directors are Efram Potelle and Kyle Rankin. You can imagine her heartache Jessica felt. According to IMDB, Jessica Lawton (who has an MFA in directing from AFI) has gone on to direct TV programs (Judging Amy, Bones), a couple more shorts, and a documentary. The fact that almost ten years ago she came so close to directing a feature shows you how rough and heart breaking the industry can be.
As does the fact that The Battle of Shaker Heights had a limited release in 2003 and made under a million dollars at the box office. It’s also Erica’s sole writing credit. On the flip side, I believe that film was starring roles in the feature world for Shia LaBeouf and Elden Henson.
But I’m sure all involved would say that it was a heck of a ride.
[…] “After I read the script The Battle of Shaker Heights I was dying to get in touch with the writer. I read a lot of scripts and it’s almost never happened to me that I found material that I connected to so much that I wanted to direct it and it’s pretty ironic and amazing […] Original Source… […]