UA was incorporated as a joint venture on February 5, 1919, by four of the leading figures in early Hollywood: Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, and D. W. Griffith… Already veterans of Hollywood, the four film stars began to talk of forming their own company to better control their own work as well as their futures.
They were spurred on by established Hollywood producers and distributors who were tightening their control over actor salaries and creative decisions, a process that evolved into the rigid studio system… When he heard about their scheme, Richard A. Rowland, head of Metro Pictures, is said to have observed, “The inmates are taking over the asylum.”
via United Artists – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
You know, I always relate what’s going on in my life back to the motion picture industry and this latest trope was suggested to me by the author, Sophia Stuart, who exclaimed upon hearing of my book deal, “You’re the Mary Pickford of new publishing!” Now, this gal has a way with words that is both provocative and enchanting, see for yourselves!
And so, back to me and my novel and the team that’s making it all happen. All I can say for now is that my publishers are a prominent interactive media company with hands in many digital pies. The book cover is being designed (as I type) by an Academy Award winning Production Designer, and yours truly shot the cover art. The book will be available as a digital download, or a trade paperback.
When? I’ll tell you as soon as I’m certain…
Yes! O brave new world… An exciting Age of Discovery with Ms Vickie Lester as one of the pioneers! Mary Pickford, I like that. 🙂 Maybe you could be compared to Lucille Ball as a pioneer too (actress, comic genius, producer, businesswoman, etc)! Would that make Sophia Vivian Vance? Bwahahaha! I was reading something about the huge successes of new non-traditional publishing last week. Thrilled for you. You’re embarking on a great adventure on your own terms. 🙂
Good morning, Mr. Kaplan! I’ll say this about writing novels vs screenplays, there’s a certain joy in the autonomy of the product itself. A script is often rewritten to the point that the original author doesn’t recognize it. A book, with the well considered notes of the editor, is still wholly yours.
so exciting!
and yes.
it’s either the Moment for Moguls to start their own studios a la silent movie days.
or we’re in the 70s with a devil may care attitude and the collapse of the hierarchy of the corporate systems and time to hit the streets with our metaphorical own super 8 mm cameras.
we Do hope it’s the 20s because those Farrah Fawcett slacks never did Anything for us.
Once upon a time… it was all about distribution. Funny thing about the Internet and kicking down the doors for so many things 😉
Kicking down the doors and opening up the world too. Here is to two of my favorite trail blazers! Bisous to you both and let the successes roll unchained…
Hoping the trail is lined with pots of good strong coffee and friends like you 🙂
and keeping-people-out.
Gate-keepers and dragons. Archetypes that resonate still.
Cerberus.
*shivers*
Dearest G & V
Welll whatever the medium might be… The Dandy can’t wait!
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
I’m inclined toward the paperback, but then things I read on the Kindle don’t seem to stick in my mind. And yes, I’m way over thirty 😉
Dearest V
The Dandy doesn’t do Kindle.
He does however a forest worth of paperbacks that are probably causing structural damage to his abode so perhaps he should.
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
Autumn?! That is so soon! I am very excited about this…!
I think so… Time is blur right now!
Terrific!
Why do I keep hearing this over and over in my head? …the proof is in the pudding…
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