‘DIVINE’ COMEDY

Re Barry Navidi’s cinematic horror story about the collapse of his “Divine Rapture” film, along with the loss of all his money, his home, his partner’s money and his partner’s father’s money (“No Flowers, Send Money,” by Frank Rose, Dec. 17):

Mr. Navidi apparently either never took a film budgeting class or else he ignored the standard advice given to wannabe filmmakers in such classes: “If a film is good enough to make, it’s good enough to make with someone else’s money.” In other words, if an independent film project isn’t strong enough to attract 100% financing from outside investors . . . stop! Do not pass “Go”! Do not invest your own $200! (Or any amount, for that matter.)

Like many writers and wannabe filmmakers in this town (many, like myself, with film degrees), I’ve had projects that could have gotten off the ground . . . if only I had been willing to put up some of the money, persuade my family or friends to put up some money, mortgage my house, etc. Forget it!

If and when I produce one of my film projects, you can bet it will be because it was good enough to complete with someone else’s money, not mine. And what if I never get one of my projects done, with this attitude? Fine! At least I’ll still have a house to come home to.

CHARLES HAIGH

Redondo Beach

*

I too can cry the blues and scream a little in frustration. In the mid-1980s, I produced a film in Yugoslavia entitled “The Secret Diary of Sigmund Freud” for 20th Century Fox’s classics division. The budget was exceedingly low. It was a black comedy and starred Bud Cort, Carroll Baker, Marisa Berenson, Carol Kane, Klaus Kinski and Dick Shawn.

It was delivered on time and, although it was not “Gone With the Wind,” had an unusual and off-the-wall look to it. It was certainly well worth the money spent. They didn’t like it . . . thought there was not enough sex and the music too schmaltzy. The production values were great. I have never heard of it again. It is sitting there gathering dust.

I and others affiliated with the film received $1 for our services to make the film happen. It was a labor of love for me and seven years in raising funds, etc., since I had first read the screenplay.

WENDY ELLIOTT HYLAND

Los Angeles