Lights, Camera, Action...not quite yet. by Arthur Cola
Lights, Camera, Action…not quite yet
By Arthur Cola
Film Producer, Ron Kolman, and I met yesterday to plan the steps needed to be taken in creating a live presentation of the “Table Read” for my screenplay, “Ring of the Magi,” The event will be held in the Chicago and southeastern area of Wisconsin this fall with auditions for the roles to take place this summer. The unique aspect of this “Table Read” is probably the aspects of having it open to the public who will then be able to give input on the story. In a nutshell here’s the basic premise of the story or what’s called the logline.
“Ring of the Magi” by Arthur Cola
Based on the novel: The Stone Cutter Genius by Arthur Cola
Registered with Writers Guild of America #1530884
Logline:
A sexy curator of a traveling exhibit of Michelangelo’s art introduces a teacher and his two teen sons to the legend of the Magi Ring, said to possess supernatural powers. Together they and a gay friend come face to face with a living example of that power as they try to outwit and outfight a fanatical sect who also seeks to prove the ring’s existence as they travel through Italy to find it.
The other aspect of the presentation is that it will be filmed and the video would be used to promote the project to film production companies. Right now we hope to have it broadcast on CAN/TV, the Chicago Access Channel as well. When the site for the presentation is chosen and that will be at the TV studio or on a theater stage, a limited number of invitations will be made available to view the performance.
It’s not time for actors to assemble on a sound stage or on location to hear the Director’s call for “lights, camera, action.” But the “Table Read” will give us and the audience a feel for the story and how the dialogue adds to the plot’s development.
Special thanks to itsfilm.com and Actors Craft of Kenosha, WI for getting the word out on the auditions.
You may now view updates on the Ring of the Magi movie project at
Http://www.Facebook.com/RingoftheMagibyArthurCola
(The books of Arthur Cola may be found at amazon.com/Kindle and through the Arts Council of England at www.feedaread.com).
Lights, Camera, Action…not quite yet
By Arthur Cola
Film Producer, Ron Kolman, and I met yesterday to plan the steps needed to be taken in creating a live presentation of the “Table Read” for my screenplay, “Ring of the Magi,” The event will be held in the Chicago and southeastern area of Wisconsin this fall with auditions for the roles to take place this summer. The unique aspect of this “Table Read” is probably the aspects of having it open to the public who will then be able to give input on the story. In a nutshell here’s the basic premise of the story or what’s called the logline.
“Ring of the Magi” by Arthur Cola
Based on the novel: The Stone Cutter Genius by Arthur Cola
Registered with Writers Guild of America #1530884
Logline:
A sexy curator of a traveling exhibit of Michelangelo’s art introduces a teacher and his two teen sons to the legend of the Magi Ring, said to possess supernatural powers. Together they and a gay friend come face to face with a living example of that power as they try to outwit and outfight a fanatical sect who also seeks to prove the ring’s existence as they travel through Italy to find it.
The other aspect of the presentation is that it will be filmed and the video would be used to promote the project to film production companies. Right now we hope to have it broadcast on CAN/TV, the Chicago Access Channel as well. When the site for the presentation is chosen and that will be at the TV studio or on a theater stage, a limited number of invitations will be made available to view the performance.
It’s not time for actors to assemble on a sound stage or on location to hear the Director’s call for “lights, camera, action.” But the “Table Read” will give us and the audience a feel for the story and how the dialogue adds to the plot’s development.
Special thanks to itsfilm.com and Actors Craft of Kenosha, WI for getting the word out on the auditions.
You may now view updates on the Ring of the Magi movie project at
Http://www.Facebook.com/RingoftheMagibyArthurCola
(The books of Arthur Cola may be found at amazon.com/Kindle and through the Arts Council of England at www.feedaread.com).
Marcus Aurelius Rides On In Rome: by Arthur Cola
You’ve just walked up Michelangelo’s Cordonato and are a bit winded. And yet you’re surrounded by the perfection and balance that the genius of Renaissance Italy created. From the matching palazzos to the design of the Piazza Campidoglio’s pavement that walk up the inclined stairway without real stairs was well worth it. As you look around you, it’s hard to believe that he did it at the same time that he was painting the fresco of The Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel in 1537. Then you look up to a bronze equestrian statue of an ancient dude on a horse. It turns out that this guy is no ordinary dude but is the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
You almost feel as if he’s welcoming you to the most sacred soil of ancient Rome. For on this spot, the Capitoline Hill, stood the governance center of the empire over two thousand years ago. Now his bronze statue glistens in the Roman sun as he extends his arm forward as if to say “Ave.” Hail and welcome to Rome. Now there’s a secret to how the emperor’s statue survived the years of destruction of ancient art. In fact there is another often overlooked side bar regarding the statue before which one who stands in the center of the piazza in front of the statue may not be aware. Those little notes to history and the Campidoglio itself are more than charming. What Michelangelo did to design and create the piazza, its buildings and his use of newly found ancient statuary, like that of the Roman god Castor, and the Emperor as accents to his work is more than phenomenal. It makes for great story telling.
And that is why, when I made that trek up the Cordonato with my students, two of my sons and wife, those anecdotes to history were added to what would become the plot of my new novel, THE BROOCH.
Now, in just a few days, you can learn more about the Piazza Campidoglio and its place in legend and history when THE BROOCH is published at www.amazon.com/Kindle. By August you can actually hold the book in your hands upon ordering it at www.feedaread.com/arthurcola. In fact you Kindle owners can actually go to the Kindle Direct Library and check out the book for your enjoyment for free over the next few weeks.
So give an “Ave” back to the Emperor and enter the pages, whether electronic or paper, to learn about a mystery waiting 500 years to be solved and the six sons who are caught in the thick of the adventure which takes you from Britain to Italy.
New novel on Kindle and feedaread.com
New Novel, The Brooch by Arthur Cola
My fourth novel, THE BROOCH, picks up where The Stone Cutter Genius left off and yet it stands alone in its development of plot. Look for it this summer.
It’s a tale of self-awareness, acceptance, tolerance, and above all love in all its forms.
“Love” comes to us in many ways. In this story we see six sons coming to grips with a collision of love, history, faith and art which had its roots in Renaissance Italy and comes to affect the lives of the Colonna family in touching, violent, intriguing, inspiring, funny, vengeful and unselfish ways. Those bonds of love and the struggles as they develop parallel one of the great artist’s of Renaissance Italy, Michelangelo. Torn between the love of his life long friend, Francesco Granacci and that of the only woman he ever loved, Vittoria Colonna, the artist, called Il Divino, must deal with his heart and his art as a reflection of love and faith. So too do the six sons reflect that same struggle as one desperately hangs on to boyhood until love hits him in the heart, another denies who he is and strives to come out of his brother’s shadow, a third lashes out at what he doesn’t understand because he doesn’t want to admit that the love he feels isn’t the normal he has been taught, the fourth uses humor to hide his feelings as he combats intolerance to prove that a gay dude can be just one of the guys, the fifth separates himself from his heritage only to come to realize through the love of his wife that it is precious and worth saving and the sixth burns with hate and revenge choosing a self-destructive path to destroy the very symbol of Divine and Human Love.
All of this is set in an adventure taking the reader from Britain to Italy as a thief must be found, a plot to destroy the very essence of love as represented in The Brooch must be foiled, a theory must be proved and a message must be presented to the world which has waited five hundred years to be rediscovered.
And we don’t always understand how “Love” comes to us or why it’s arrives one way for one person and another way for others. We do, however, have the ability to share love, reject love, and accept love and that my friend is “amore.”
For God is love and love is of God.
The Stone Cutter Genius by Arthur Cola
A novel blending Renaissance history, mystery, intrique, adventure and a bit of romance too in the present day.
A Chicago teacher seeking only to present the Life and Times of the Renaissance Artist Michelangelo takes his class and two teen sons to Italy to follow in the artist’s footsteps. There they become involved in a quest to search out the legendary Ring of the Magi said to possess supernatural powers.
Ring of the Magi (A Screenplay based on the novel: The Stone Cutter Genius)
by Arthur Cola:
Arthur is left alone and takes out his gold coin. He flips it. Then touches the foot of the David statue.
ARTHUR COLONNA: (JOKINGLY) Well David, I hope that I didn’t embarrass you too. DAVIDE METTZINI DORETTI: Oh no, I found it most interesting. Would you mind touching my foot again. Arthur leaps away from the statue. He looks at the coin and places it in his pocket. DAVIDE METTZINI DORETTI: (CONT’D) Really touch my foot, it tickles. ARTHUR COLONNA: Johnny stop the nonsense and come out here right now. DAVIDE METTZINI DORETTI: You down there, the one they call Mr. “C” touch me again. I feel warm all over. Arthur looks around area. He replies smuggly. ARTHUR COLONNA: All right, I’ll play your game boys. It’s the least I can do. Arthur reaches and touches the foot of the statue again. ARTHUR COLONNA: (CONT’D) (Mocking) There, does that make you feel all warm and fuzzy? DAVIDE: Mille grazie, I think it’s working. A naked young man jumps from the statue while Arthur’s back is turned. ARTHUR COLONNA: What the heck was that? Arthur turns colliding with the naked young man and becomes flustered. ARTHUR COLONNA: (CONT’D) Now you listen to me young man. When the guards come in here and see (pauses) well sees you like you are, your game won’t seem so funny. Davide looks at Arthur studying his every word. ARTHUR COLONNA: (CONT’D) Really, I mean it. The guards will cart you off to jail. Now where are your clothes? Davide looks down at himself. DAVIDE METTZINI DORETTI: (Matter of factly) Scusi, but I don’t have any clothes. ARTHUR COLONNA: Oh my God, you’ve got to be kidding. Knock it off and right now. DAVIDE METTZINI DORETTI: (Confused) Non capisco Signore “C”. I don’t know the meaning of this term ‘knock it off’. I may call you Signore “C”, si? ARTHUR COLONNA: Yes of course, but how do you know my nick name. Only my students use that form of address. DAVIDE METTZINI DORETTI: Oh that’s easy. I just heard them when you were gathered around me. You were telling them about the foreskin of the Penis and how... ARTHUR COLONNA: I believe you. You don’t have to go on. DAVIDE METTZINI DORETTI: So Signore “C” do you think my parts are different from the ragazzi, the boys of today? Arthur is walking around the pillars mumbling to self. ARTHUR COLONNA: (Mumbling to self) So he must have been hiding behind one of those pillars. (To Davide) Oh of course not. It’s just that you’re not... David looks at statue version of himself. DAVIDE METTZINI DORETTI: What you called circumcised, like the Jewish boys, si? And I did not come from behind the pillars. I came out of the statue. ARTHUR COLONNA: (INCOMPREHENSIVELY) Si, that’s right. (Sinking in)What? You came out of the statue, is that what you said? David takes a long, lingering look at statue. DAVIDE METTZINI DORETTI: (Admiring statue) Si. My didn’t Il Divino do a fine job Signore “C”? (long look) Do I look like that, so determined and strong? Arthur runs his hands through his hair as if to shake out what is happening. Arthur turns and gazes into David’s eyes which are sincere and watery. As he speaks he takes a step back, gestures to David’s genitals. Then feeling that’s too personal does a sweeping motion with his hands to include Davide’s whole body. Finally he throws up his arms. ARTHUR COLONNA: (Bewildered yet compassionate) Why of course you do. You’re a fine specimen of a young man, and with all the right parts. (Pauses, becomes anxious again) Arthur’s eyes tear up, then he again nervously paces trying to avoid looking at Davide’s nakedness. ARTHUR COLONNA: (EMBARRASSINGLY) (CONT’D) BUT, now listen carefully. I just can’t talk to you like this. It’s all so disquieting. Davide turns his attention to Arthur. DAVIDE METTZINI DORETTI: What is this term ‘disquieting’ mean Signore “C”? Arthur gestures to Davide’s lower regions then again uses arms to include whole body and raises them above his head. He then stands erect and calmly speaks. ARTHUR COLONNA: (Being a teacher again) It means that I am uncomfortable talking to a naked guy as if it was a normal conversation. Arthur starts to turn away again. He folds his arms across his chest with back turned to Davide. Arthur is shaking but tries to control it. ARTHUR COLONNA: (CONT’D) Nothing about this is normal, (getting flabbergasted) you’re naked, you say you came out of the statue, you talk about Michelangelo as if you knew him personally. This is not ordinary young man trust me. Davide stands behind Arthur and walks to him placing his arm around Arthur trying to hug him. DAVIDE METTZINI DORETTI: Mi dispiacere, Signore “C”. Arthur backs away, turning to face Davide. ARTHUR COLONNA: Who are you really? DAVIDE METTZINI DORETTI: I am as you see me. I have been just so for five hundred years. Arthur holds onto base holding statue and slides down to floor. ARTHUR COLONNA: I was afraid that you would say that. Arthur is sitting at base of statue. David follows and sits next to him. Arthur scoots to side so as not to touch him. DAVIDE METTZINI DORETTI: I am Davide Mettzini Doretti of Tuscany, is that not enough? I posed for the Giant as Il Divino Michelangelo called his masterpiece. I was killed on the night before the David was to be moved. I stood in the Piazza Signoria over four centuries and a century in this galleria. ARTHUR COLONNA: Davide, I am so sorry. But I am a mere mortal who doesn’t understand what is happening. Davide turns and looks directly into Arthur’s eyes. DAVIDE METTZINI DORETTI: Nor did I understand when the Confraternity of Savonarola took my soul from my body and trapped it within the stone of Carrara. Davide quickly stands and walks away from Arthur. Davide slowly turns to look down at Arthur still seated on floor. DAVIDE METTZINI DORETTI: (CONT’D) Why do you move away from me? I like your touch. It makes me feel warm all over. Arthur looks surprised then sad. He seeks to make Davide feel welcomed. Arthur stands and gestures with open arms for Davide to come to him. ARTHUR COLONNA: Davide, I am beginning to understand, capisco. I moved away not because I fear you nor because I don’t like you. I moved because I was afraid of what others might think should they see us together like this. Arthur gets up and moves to place his arm around Davide, who accepts the gesture. DAVIDE METTZINI DORETTI: Signore “C” you do not have to be nice to me. You don’t have to speak Italian to me. I understand many languages having heard so many over the centuries. ARTHUR COLONNA: Va bene, but I want you to know that I want to do this. Welcome back to our world. (They hug) John runs in looking for Arthur. He sees Davide and his father hugging. JOHN COLONNA: Holy shit, Dad, the Dude is nude. What goes on? Davide hides behind Arthur. ARTHUR COLONNA: Johnny, keep your voice down. Davide Mettzini Doretti, this is mi figlio, my son Giovanni, John. DAVIDE METTZINI DORETTI: Mi piacere Giovanni. JOHN COLONNA: Papoo, this can’t be, you’re kidding me right? That’s the name of the guy who the Signora la Strega said posed for Michelangelo, Arthur smiles and nods. John points to statue and then to Davide. JOHN COLONNA: (CONT’D) ...for this statue. He’d be over 500 years old. ARTHUR COLONNA: Precisely correct Johnny. Davide goes to John and tries to hug him. John backs away holding up his hands. JOHN COLONNA: Whoa Dude save it for Ryan. ARTHUR COLONNA: John Thomas Colonna I thought I taught you better manners. This is really the one, the model for the Giant David. DAVIDE METTZINI DORETTI: I am confused. What is this “save it for Ryan” term. JOHN COLONNA: Skip it Dude, it’s not important. God almighty how is this possible? DAVIDE METTZINI DORETTI: I ask the almighty the same question. I think he finally answers me today. JOHN COLONNA: Trust me guy, I’m not from heaven John gives Davide a hug, ass out just to be polite. JOHN COLONNA: (CONT’D) Now that’s over, what are we going to do Dad? He can’t stay this way. John walks to Arthur, stands just behind him. Arthur turns to John and pulls him directly in front of him. ARTHUR COLONNA: Right you are. Hands John a credit card. ARTHUR COLONNA: (CONT’D) Go to the gift shop. See what kind of clothes might fit him. JOHN COLONNA: I’m on it. As he starts to leave, Rich enters. They collide. RICH COLONNA: There you are Johnny. Where’s Dad? John points to their Father standing next to Davide. RICH COLONNA: (CONT’D) (Almost speechless) What the heck? Davide walks toward Rich with extended arms. DAVIDE METTZINI DORETTI: Buon giorno, I am Davide Mettzini Doretti of Tuscany. You are the Ryan whom I am to embrace, si? Rich backs away. RICH COLONNA: Hell no! Davide begins to tear up, turns and returns to Arthur. JOHN COLONNA: Now look what you’ve done. You made a five hundred year old Dude cry. RICH COLONNA: Five hundred, what? Oh my God! A look of realization crosses Rich’s expression. Rich goes to Davide. RICH COLONNA: (APOLOGETICALLY) (CONT’D) (To Davide) I am so sorry guy, I didn’t mean to...Dad do you have a hanky, I gave mine to Ryan? Arthur hands over his handkerchief. DAVIDE METTZINI DORETTI: Grazie, I do not repel you then? RICH COLONNA: No not at all, It’s just that where we come from, we don’t stand around naked let alone naked hugging. DAVIDE METTZINI DORETTI: But it makes me feel warm throughout my body. I like to embrace. RICH COLONNA: (SOFTLY) (To John) Johnny, maybe he should meet Ryan. ARTHUR COLONNA: (QUIETLY TO RICH) Richard James knock it off. He means he feels alive. David is only focused on being friends doesn’t get gay reference. DAVIDE METTZINI DORETTI: We are amici, friends, that is good. RICH COLONNA: Si, Davide we are friends and we’ll be even better ones when we get you dressed. DAVIDE METTZINI DORETTI: Ah, now I understand what you mean. I only looked like this when I posed for the master. JOHN COLONNA: That’s really comforting to hear Dude. Come on Richie, let’s get him some clothes. Davide tries to go along. Arthur takes hold of his arm and gently pulls him back as boys turn smile and run off backwards at first. ARTHUR COLONNA: Davide, I think it’s best that you stay with me, va bene? Davide smiles, nods yes. Places his hands in front of his privates. FADE OUT.
The Shamrock Crown (Legend of Excalibur) by Arthur Cola
The Legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table lives once again but not as you may remember their tales from stories shared in your youth.
For this is a 21st Century tale in which the legendary knights come into contact with a not so ordinary family from Chicago, IL in the heart of the United States. As they travel to Ireland and Britain those emotions so closely linked with the heart become endangered. In this tale three generations of this family join forces with the living legends to take on the likes of villains descended from an ancient sorceress and a murderous usurper of the ancient King’s throne.
Once again the Quest of Galahad is resumed so that the most sought after Relic of the early Christian era may be preserved for all time. Once again the Song of Excalibur sings out as it is wielded by the sons of a 21st Century Arthur pledged to save the message which serves as the very foundation of western civilization.
Now you can enter the quest within these pages and begin a journey filled with Faith, Hope and Love in the world of today, the legend of ancient days and the realm of enchantment and magic.
For this is a 21st Century tale in which the legendary knights come into contact with a not so ordinary family from Chicago, IL in the heart of the United States. As they travel to Ireland and Britain those emotions so closely linked with the heart become endangered. In this tale three generations of this family join forces with the living legends to take on the likes of villains descended from an ancient sorceress and a murderous usurper of the ancient King’s throne.
Once again the Quest of Galahad is resumed so that the most sought after Relic of the early Christian era may be preserved for all time. Once again the Song of Excalibur sings out as it is wielded by the sons of a 21st Century Arthur pledged to save the message which serves as the very foundation of western civilization.
Now you can enter the quest within these pages and begin a journey filled with Faith, Hope and Love in the world of today, the legend of ancient days and the realm of enchantment and magic.
Papa and the Leprechaun King (Secret Legend of the Shamrock) by Arthur Cola
Arthur Cola Weaves threads of Irish folklore, Faith Tradition, Fantasy and History into a legendary tale which is sure to delight, inspire and charm. His characters are tourists known as the "Thorn and Roses" who get caught up in a quest to solve a 1500 year old mystery as to where is the lost Pot of Gold of the ancient King of the Leprechauns. Join them as they walk in the footsteps of St. Patrick in the sacred site of Clonmacnoise, climb the pre-hisotric cliffs of Dun Aengus on the Aran Islands, discover an illuminated clue in the Rock of Glendalough, combat an unlikely duo of jaunty cart drivers as they kidnap the Wee Folk monarch in the medieval walled city of Kells and walk on a Rainbow bridge at Torc Falls in Killarney. All this and more awaits you within these magical pages as you discover the most precious treasure of all.