Are you kidding? Anyone who has read the book knows it's a story that begs to be seen. It's a classic case of triumph of the human spirit over unspeakably tragic odds. From the depths of hell, anguish and yearning for death to the pinnacle of human experience: sharing his victory with the world. Once bemoaning his very existence, Cory Hanks learned to love life and live it to the fullest. After hearing his story, you feel there isn't anything you can't do.
And ironically, but in perfect response, that's why I'm making this movie.
A little history, then I'm going to ask for your help.
I have always been a Cory Hanks fan. My grandfather was Cory's younger brother. Growing up, I heard stories about how Gramps had to lead his brother around for five prime teenage years. It was a bit of a sore spot, yet Gramps always spoke with glowing pride about his big brother's accomplishments and Gramps's small role in them.
We in the family have always talked about making the book into a movie, but noone had done it. Jobs, careers, skills, all got in the way. Now, I find myself semi-retired, a journalism background (radio, TV, PR) heavy with writing. I have produced many video products over the past 40 years and written many many small scripts for various projects.
In 1999, I was freed from my 25 year career in Journalism, PR, Marketing and Politics. I set out on my own in the PR consulting business. I started teaching Speech and Communication, and Ad Writing in college, which I still do part time.
I also continued what I have done all the while, acting and voiceover performing for a number of commercials, movies, print ads, etc. Check out my current national TV commercial: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Cln6VcV4Glo.
As of today, May 6, 2008, I am in the middle of recording "Up From the Hills" as a book-on-tape CD and will soon (2 mo or so) begin distributing it. I'll post a link so you can get one when it's ready.
I'm excited about this project and know it will change people's lives. It's already changed mine and I invite you to join me. In my next blog entry, I will outline the work I've done so far and the contacts I've made. If you have anything to contribute to the effort, I'd be forever grateful for it. Just post something here or email me directly at john@johnhanks.com.
As Cory said, "All the good things in this world are ours, if we but take them."
John Hanks
702-898-2204
john@johnhanks.com
http://www.johnhanks.com/
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment