Caffeinated Clint
Nearly a decade to the day since a TV incarnation of “St Elmo’s Fire” was first floated, NBC has agreed to champion the project. The net has handed out a script sale for the new take on the 1985 film, which is described as a “modern adaptation” of the brat packer-starrer. Josh Berman, of “Drop Dead Diva”, is onboard to write and executive produce.
A previous incarnation of the series, which served more as a sequel to the ’80s film, was previously set up with ABC.
The drama hails from indie studio Sony Pictures Television, whose film arm, Columbia Pictures, distributed the original pic.
Previously…
August 14, 2009 : I don’t know that this excites me, or depresses me… or maybe that it’s a bit of both.
Anyone that’s been reading this site for the 11 years it’s rented space on the InterWeb knows about my adoration for Joel Schumacher’s syrupy-sweet but awesomely-awesome “St. Elmo’s Fire”. You’ll recall it’s my favourite movie (or it’s up there anyway – right beside “Endless Love”, “The Godfather Part II”, “Say Anything”, “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and “The Empire Strikes Back”). Nothing comes close to matching it’s schmaltzy brilliance. I’ve probably watched it more times than anything else… even “Star Wars”… yep, even my beloved “Twin Peaks”. It’s the ‘video’ (or these days, DVD) I pop into the machine whenever I just want something ‘easy’ to watch. In fact, I near always pop in a ‘Brat Packer’ classic whenever I just want to ‘Chill’.
I don’t know what I love most about “St. Elmos” – its tale of friends going their separate ways; the trials and tribulations of life after college and trying to find your place in the world; the terrific soundtrack; the bodacious Brat Packer-cast (Demi Moore, Andrew McCarthy, Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Rob Lowe and Mare Winningham); or Schumacher’s customary slick, music-video-esque direction (sometimes it works for a film, not against)? Probably a combination of all those things. All I know is, as much as it was attacked when it was released way back in 1985 (God, how the years have flown!), it’s definitely got it’s share of fans. And I’m the biggest and baddest. Got the Crown to boot. Heck, I can feel St. Elmo’s Fire burning in me as I type…
But I digress. ABC is developing a TV series spin-off of the film. Yeah, twenty-five years after it’s release; twenty-six years after I first spotted the poster for it in a bowling alley. But of course, it’s got nothing to do with cashing in on a movie title… it’s got more to do with the idea well being near completely dry. Heck, one of the executive producers on the thing is Topher Grace… someone not even old enough to remember the ‘Brat Pack’, let alone to have seen this film in it’s youth. I doubt he even much cares for the movie. If I said ‘John Parr’ would he know who I’m referring to? (Ah, John Parr – as most know I use to be a radio announcer, way back before there was even an Internet, and I remember having to play his track over-and-over… never complained once. Love that tune!). Prob Not.
Thankfully, Joel Schumacher is onboard the series. He’ll be an executive producer. Now I don’t know if that’s just an honorary title ABC have given Schumacher (since he’s the man behind the movie), or if he’s actually going to have something to do with the series, but if he is, I’d feel a lot better about this. – because he made the movie what it was. The movie isn’t a masterpiece, and I know that, but it’s still a joyous couple of hours. And I will be forever in Schumacher’s debt for giving me such pleasure that didn’t end stickily. Still, I don’t know if I’m for this TV series idea. Just don’t like my kids’ leaving home to live with their no-good money-hungry uncle, ya know?
After strong interest from multiple networks, ABC landed the dramedy series project, exec produced by Schumacher (“Flatliners”, “Tigerland”), “That 70’s Show” star Grace (who I assume will take an acting role in the show), Dan Bucatinsky and Jamie Tarses and to be written by Bucatinsky, says The Hollywood Reporter.
The original film, co-written and directed by Schumacher, fixed on a group of friends who had just graduated from Georgetown University and chronicled their adjustment to adulthood.
“More than anything, the movie evokes a feeling that doesn’t go away,” Bucatinsky said, “the feeling of bonding with your friends who become your surrogate family.”
Added Grace, “It’s the feeling of that time in your life when everything is possible but you can’t figure out how to make it possible.”
The series version will use the movie as a takeoff point and as an inspiration as it introduces six new friends: three boys and three girls.
What will remain is the setting — Georgetown and St. Elmo’s Bar & Restaurant, now called St. Elmo’s Bar & Grill, where the friends hang out. And if the set-up looks a little bit like “Friends,” that’s OK with Bucatinsky.
“I feel it is time to re-create ‘Friends’ in the hourlong genre and feel like this is the perfect opportunity,” he said.
Um… thing is, “St. Elmo’s Fire” isn’t “Friends”. It’s a drama about ‘stuff’. And please tell me the Rob Lowe character’s not going to be accompanying a ditzy woman, on Sax, whilst she sings a tune about a ‘Smelly Cat’.
