We’ve already got the The Black List, which highlights Hollywood’s top unproduced screenplays as voted on by those in the business. In an effort to dig deeper for more independent hidden talent, New York University has recently announced The Purple List, showcasing the top production ready feature screenplays written by students or recent alums of the Grad Film Program.
As voted on by a number of people in the industry, such as Jodie Foster, John Sayles and Karyn Kusama, could the below be the next Sin Nombre, Pariah, Circumstance or Gun Hill Road? Check out the list, which was founded by thesis students Ash Bhalla and Shandor Garrison. There is more on their official site, via indieWIRE, who also provide a quote from NYU Grad Film Creative Director Spike Lee:
“The movie industry has long taken notice of the talent that comes out of NYU Grad Film, but now there is an even greater need for the link to be strengthened, hence the Purple List: not only NYU Graduate student films, but compelling production-ready feature-length projects ready to go – they just need the financing.”
The 2012 Purple List
ECHOES FROM WITHIN by Melanie Delloye – DRAMA
Nina, a young teenager from Bogota’s upper class, meets David, a young delinquent who strangely reminds her of her long lost brother.
IT HAD TO BE YOU by Sasha Gordon – ROMANTIC COMEDY
Surprised by a sudden proposal and subsequent ultimatum from her boyfriend Chris, buttoned-up Sonia embarks on a raunchy, bumpy journey of self-discovery
LEE by Chloé Zhao – COMING OF AGE
As his two best friends plan to leave for college, a Lakota teen wonders if his future on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is pre-ordained when a tragedy forces him to take dangerous action to protect his family.
NEWLYWEEDS by Shaka King – COMEDY
A stoner couple get high, get by and get lost.
MY HUSBAND’S CORPSE by Sehaj Sethi – COMEDY/DRAMA
After Beth’s husband dies on a train in India she is kicked off in the middle of nowhere with the body, and no idea how to get home.
THE WHISPERING GIANT by Kim Spurlock – COMEDIC DRAMA
Willa Ochs has it all: a handsome fiancé, a brand new wedding dress, some edible underwear and her faith in Jesus. But in Midkiff, West Virginia, even that ain’t enough to get married!
Which film would you be interested in seeing get produced? Is this a good way to link promising talent with possible financing?