CUT TO: C.D. Payne (Author)
Coming later this year, Michael Cera stars in the C. D. Payne created, Gustin Nash adapted, and Miguel Arteta directed film, “Youth in Revolt,” that chronicles the hilarious misadventures of Nick Twisp.
Our very own Adam Morris sat down with the author and got the scoop on how a book makes the transition from cult classic novel to feature film.
Q: Your book (YiR) has been optioned at one time or another as both a television series and a feature film. What medium do you think would capture the best representation of your work?
A: I think a 9-hour film with a $200 million budget would work best. There’s a lot of story to cram into a script. I also like the idea of having the entire thing acted by four-year-olds in oversized diapers. But I think that’s been done before.
Q: The character of Nick Twisp finds himself in some very graphic situations during the course of your books. Do you think a film could survive by cutting out some of these scenes while still retaining the humor and wit of the source material?
A: Time will tell. I’m told that the script of “Youth in Revolt” is earning a solid R rating, which implies that it hasn’t been toned down that much. The stage version got lots of laughs without being overly graphic.
Q: I know you have stated that you know as much about the production of the film as anyone, but do you know if they are just producing the first book in YiR for the movie, or mashing the three books into one screenplay? Also, which way would you do it if you were the screenwriter?
A: I can’t say what they’re doing, not having read the script. I wrote a version that only covered Book I, but that didn’t fly with the movie folks. Clever screenwriters with a fresh perspective may be just what this movie needs. I’m probably too close to the material.
Q: Speaking of this hypothetical scenario in which you adapted your own work for the screen, did you have any desire to write the screenplay yourself?
A: As I said, I did write a draft many years ago. I don’t know if the producers are using any of my ideas. I think quite a few writers have taken a stab at the script. It’s a difficult book to adapt to a 90-minute film.
Q: When you originally wrote the novel, did you ever have thoughts of what actors or actresses would best fit the characters you created?
A: I never gave much thought to it being made into a movie. I thought the story was too edgy to interest Hollywood. I was wrong, but it has taken them 13 years to get the project going. I think Sheeni would be the most difficult part to cast. I don’t know of anyone around today who seems like an obvious pick for the part. What is needed is a young Paulette Goddard.
Q: How quickly after your novel was released was it first optioned for television/film? What was the process like?
A: The first edition of the novel came out in 1993 and it was optioned I think in 1995. So then it made the rounds. The Fox TV pilot dumbed it down quite a bit. I never read the pilot for the MTV mini series. The script writer on that project died in a boating mishap. Then the rights were tied up for quite a few years while the lawyers went at it. Then various film companies got cold feet or all their executives got fired–the usual Hollywood story.
Q: Are all the Nick Twisp books optioned as a franchise?
A: No, just the original “Youth in Revolt.”
Q: Michael Cera has signed on to play the lead role of Nick. Have you seen any of his previous work? I recommend his online show Clark and Michael.
A: I’ve seen pretty much the whole ball of wax. We have a very high regard for each other’s work. I look forward to meeting him one of these days.
Q: J.C. has one question: Why do people immediately want to know what the letters of our first names stand for? Do you find that annoying, too?
A: That’s right. If I had a name I was thrilled with why would I be going by my initials?
Q: If the film is a hit and a sequel is planned, would you take part in the production if asked?
A: Sure, if asked. By then I should be old enough to play the part of Mr. Ferguson. I’ve always wanted to act on the big screen.
Q: Sum up your overall feelings of Hollywood and the process of adapting novels into film. Is it a good process overall?
A: It’s probably no worse than being waterboarded by Dick Cheney.
Q: What is your favorite film?
A: “Dr. Strangelove.”
Q: Finally, what is next for C.D. Payne?
A: Another book. Another vintage trailer. Who’s to say?
Check out more:
C. D. Payne’s official site @ nicktwisp.com
Youth in Revolt @ IMDb
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