NY screenwriter Roy Carlo signs 7-figure development deal with Astoria Films.

(ContentDesk) April 19, 2004--James La Vita, VP of Astoria Films in New York, has announced a 7-figure development deal with Queens-born screenwriter Roy Carlo. Carlo, 45, unofficially began his career in 1980 when attempting to join the writing staff of Saturday Night Live, but lost out when producer Jean Doumanian was fired. "I was close to getting the job, but was shut out when she (Doumanian) left." In 1987, he submitted a story pitch to Michael Landon for his 'Highway to Heaven' series, but couldn't get representation and again lost out. Ironically, his idea about a rich man who ends up homeless, was the storyline in the following season of 'Highway...'. In 1992, he completed his first screenplay titled "...and don't forget the cannoli!", a tribute to Italian cinema about an overweight girl who comes to America by way of an arranged marriage.

"It made all the rounds, including Marisa Tomei & Madonna, but was passed on by everybody. Truthfully, it wasn't ready to be made back then" adds Carlo. When he hooked up with La Vita in 1997, they attached Pat Cooper, Brenda Vaccaro, Gianni Russo, Gina Lollobrigida, Giancarlo Giannini, with cameos slated for Rudy Giuliani, Richard Simmons et al.. Jimmy Roselli agreed to let them license some of his songs, something no other director could do. Carlo then changed the title to 'Carmela, From Sicily'.

But after La Vita spent several years to trying to arrange production financing without success, Carlo realized he had his eggs in one basket. So he wrote 8 more screenplays, including a remake to 'Swept Away', a project that preceded Madonna's by 3 years. But due to the greed of others, claims La Vita, the remake rights were sold out to the higher bidder. "We told the Italians she would ruin it and our prediction turned out to be not only true, but kind. She doesn't belong in front of a camera, and he (guy Ritchie) shouldn't get behind one again.

Maybe under it, I don't know" quips La Vita. "Roy's NYC/Caribbean version would not have turned out anywhere near that unwatchable." Carlo then won a research grant from the prestigious National Italian-American Foundation (NIAF)for his epic story 'paisan', about a soldier from NYC who goes to fight in WWII Italy, while his immigrant father is sent to an internment camp as an enemy alien. "It's an incredible screenplay about how an entire culture earned their place in the country once and for all" states La Vita. "If this isn't Oscar material, I don't what is." The other projects include 'A NY Bird Tale', an animated/live-action feature about a crow whose mother develops a strange disease and how he and his pigeon friend Hector must fly around the city trying to find the Protected One for help. Adds Carlo "I think birds are fascinating little creatures with comical personalities and a busy agenda.

So I modeled various species after the different cultures in NY, each mimicing their human neighbors." "This is another potentially huge blockbuster, as big as 'Nemo' perhaps. Plus it's a true story. Incredibly clever and sad at the same time. I started to think I was reading about people" states La Vita. Rounding out the slate is a character study and tribute to Italian cinema and Anna Magnagi titled 'Ciao Roma!' which Carlo wrote specifically for Tomei again.

Carlo recalled "I met her a few times and she was very gracious to me. I told her she was right, that 'Carmela' wasn't the part for her, but I would write something else in that genre. It's a dual role and I think she'll sparkle in it. I believe it's her next Oscar." 'King of Clubs', 'Profile of Some Nut Job', 'The Screenwriter' and 'Cousin Johnny Boy' complete the deal. La Vita hopes to set up the first project with another studio before the year is out..


Fantastic Ford Fuel Saving Tips


Over the summer many consumers were shocked to learn that fill ups at the pump were setting them back $45, $60, even $80 or more. After years of cheap gasoline ? who can forget that gas was below one dollar per gallon a mere six years ago ? prices have never been higher. OPEC and the gas companies have us over a barrel, of oil that is! Saving money on fuel has never been more critical for car owners and achieving measurable results is the only way you can keep cash in your wallet. Whether you own a Ford, Toyota, Porsche, or any other car on the road, you can reduce your costs by making a few changes to your vehicle. That's right, there are some great aftermarket Ford parts and other car parts available that can help you save on gas and reduce your pain at the pump.

Performance Air Filter ? Your paper air filter restricts your engine from breathing freely.

To optimize performance and to achieve...

Fantastic Ford Fuel Saving Tips
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Is Estate Planning for Everyone?

Is Estate Planning for Everyone?
By: Chris Cooper
http://www.credit-yourself.com


Many people think they don't need an estate plan.
They relate the term to tax planning and feel that
their estate is not big enough to bother. They
therefore think estate planning has nothing to do
with them.

But estate planning is more than a method to avoid
or reduce estate taxes. Many young families might
be surprised to learn they should think about estate
planning now.

Right now there is an effort to abolish or confine
estate taxes to only the very wealthy. Of course,
Congress changes the tax laws constantly, so there
can be no guarantee that this trend will continue.

Be even a normal working class couple with a home,
two cars, money in retirement or 401K plans and
maybe the start of a college for their children can
have...

Is Estate Planning for Everyone?
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Air Superiority: Why Air Tools Are Pulling the Plug on Electric Tools

Chicago, IL (ContentDesk) February 18, 2006 -- Home improvement battles aren't won with a single weapon, but with the right combination of tools. According to Jon Hoch, founder of Air Compressors Direct.com (http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com), air power is the key. Hoch says that there are three main reasons why a growing number of do-it-yourselfers are pulling the plug on their electric tools in exchange for air tools: 1. Power to Weight One of the biggest advantages is that air tools do not require their own motors, which makes them smaller, lighter, and easier to handle. Air tools deliver more torque and higher revolutions per minute than an electric-powered tool, enabling users to accomplish their tasks more quickly and effectively.

2. Value Accordingly to Andy Landsly, a homeowner who recently switched to pneumatic tools, the less expensive air tools and accessories quickly offset the air compressor expense....

Air Superiority: Why Air Tools Are Pulling the Plug on Electric Tools
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Dick York: Still Magic

Elizabeth, NJ (ContentDesk) June 27, 2005 -- Bewitched is back -- and so is the brilliant, original Darrin.The first season of the 60s sitcom has just been released on DVD, and a Bewitched movie starring Will Ferrell as Darrin just opened nationwide. Meanwhile, the original Darrin, Dick York, who died in 1992, is earning raves for his posthumously published memoir, The Seesaw Girl and Me.A little TV history here: In the 1968-69 season, York vanished from Bewitched. The next season, without any explanation, a new Darrin was kissing Samantha. "They replaced Darrin in the original Bewitched," Ferrell says in the movie, "and no one noticed!" In fact, so many people noticed that the Darrin switch has become a pop-culture milestone.But what really happened to York?According to his memoir, the Bewitched star was dealing with some very human problems. In the years following Bewitched York battled physical injury and overcame an addiction to prescription pain pills.

He spiraled into poverty,...

Dick York: Still Magic
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