The PT Boat Forum
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» Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
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» Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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» Topic:
New PT Boat Screenplay
http://www.ptboatforum.com/cgi-bin/MB2/netboardr.cgi?cid=101&fid=102&tid=2850
Hello,
I'm new to this forum and I'm looking to interview some former PT boat skippers for a new screenplay I am working on.
If you know of anyone that may be interested in speaking with me, please forward my email address to them.
Thanks for your help!
Greg Viggiano
gregviggiano@yahoo.com
GV
Posted By: Greg Viggiano | Posted on: Oct 1, 2012 - 6:51am
Total Posts: 14 | Joined: Oct 1, 2012 - 6:36am
Greg
Welcome to our message board, where you will find a wealth of information, and a good bunch of guys. It should be noted that not many of our PT BOAT VETERANS have computer access, so it might be tough to try and find former Skippers in this manner. I am sure some might, have computer access, although the ones that visit here are crew members and not boat skippers or Execs. I know a few of the guys that were boat Skippers, but I would have to contact them about your wishes, as I would not give out any phone numbers or addresses, without their permission. You may contact me at mosquitofleet@comcast.net and I will be more than happy to talk with you.................
Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Oct 1, 2012 - 8:03am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am
Hi Frank,
Thanks for your reply.
I tried to send an email to you but it did not go through.
I would indeed appreciate any assistance you could lend in putting me in touch with skippers and XOs for my screenplay research. My contact information is below.
Best regards,
Greg Viggiano
+1 703 629 4734
gregviggiano@yahoo.com
610 N. West Street, No. 408
Alexandria | VA | 22314
USA
GV
Posted By: Greg Viggiano | Posted on: Oct 2, 2012 - 12:57pm
Total Posts: 14 | Joined: Oct 1, 2012 - 6:36am
A PT boat-related screenplay (for a feature film or television show, I assume?) sounds nice, but...
Warner Bros. had quite a difficult time locating anything that even looked like a PT boat for their 1963 feature film "PT 109," and only three boats were eventually used onscreen, reworked at considerable expense to resemble real 80' Elco PTs.
What...would you use...for a PT boat? PT 658?
Posted By: Drew Cook | Posted on: Oct 2, 2012 - 6:18pm
Total Posts: 1306 | Joined: Oct 19, 2006 - 10:44am
Drew, thanks for your interest.
My intention is to deliver a screenplay for a two-hour action adventure film. With today's cinematographic technology, having an actual PT Boat may not be an issue when a computer model can achieve the same level of realism.
This would be for the studio to figure out - assuming they like the script.
GV
Posted By: Greg Viggiano | Posted on: Oct 3, 2012 - 6:59am
Total Posts: 14 | Joined: Oct 1, 2012 - 6:36am
Greg
I had the chance to speak with 2 former PT BOAT SKIPPERS that I know of. I only wish you had this idea 20 years ago. Both of them are close to 90 years of age, and I approached them about your intentions. I mentioned it would only be a phone interview, and both declined. I think it has to do with age, and forgetfulness on their part. I am sorry I could not produce positive results, I will keep asking......................
Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Oct 3, 2012 - 7:27am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am
Thanks for trying. If skippers and XOs prove to be unavailable, I would consider enlisted personnel for their perspectives. It may be beneficial to have their insight as well.
GV
Posted By: Greg Viggiano | Posted on: Oct 3, 2012 - 9:35am
Total Posts: 14 | Joined: Oct 1, 2012 - 6:36am
I think it would be great if you could tell us your intentions and what you are planning, and why. It's not every day we get someone on the message board trying to do a movie. What is your background, and why did you choose PT Boats. How did you find out about our message board, I think we would all like to learn a bit more before we roll out the welcome mat.................
Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Oct 3, 2012 - 10:12am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am
Sure Frank.
I have a PhD from Florida State. I'm currently a contractor to the US Government at the Department of Veteran Affairs.
The screenplay is a hobby / side interest. As I already mentioned in response to Drew's post, my intention is to deliver a screenplay for a two-hour action adventure film. With today's cinematographic technology, having an actual PT Boat may not be an issue when a computer model can achieve the same level of realism.
I chose PT Boats because there hasn't been a lot of coverage on the subject. I feel that story needs to be better told.
An action adventure story seemed liked a good idea and another way to show America's finest generation in action.
I came across your forum by doing some simple internet searching.
Thanks again for your interest. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
GV
Posted By: Greg Viggiano | Posted on: Oct 3, 2012 - 1:23pm
Total Posts: 14 | Joined: Oct 1, 2012 - 6:36am
Greg
Thanks for getting back to us on the message board. Trust me, no one would like to see a new movie concerning PT BOATS then I would. I guess the big thing here would be what direction you are heading. The boats operated in just about every theater of operations during WWII, and were involved with many missions, from torpedo attacks, rescue missions, barge busting, you name it. Do you have a clue as to which theater of operations you would be writing this screen play. There is the Pacific area, the Mediterranean, and even the cold area of Alaska. There were also many different squadrons of PT BOATS during the war, all basically doing the same job, but with much different results.
In your mind, where are you taking this. What are you trying to portray in your screen play? I have so many questions and I bet many of us here have many ideas. If you are not well versed on the subject of PT BOATS and what they did during the War, you could very easily put out a product that has very little truth, thus demeaning what these men did night after night. Case in point, the movie "Memphis Belle" was so far off the truth, Hollywood built it up so much it was a laughter, made to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. I mean, a B-17 losing 3 engines, then going into a dive that Chuck Yeager would not have tried, was too much. The ball turret gunner being blown out of his turret with only a few scratches, you get the idea. I know you can't control what Hollywood does, when they make the film, but your product can be dead on, so that we all know it was done correctly. Just so you know, there are a few operating PT BOATS out there, and could be more by the time you finish what you are doing. For me my main concern, my only concern is that the screen play be 100% accurate when you are completed with it...................
Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Oct 3, 2012 - 2:04pm
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am
Go 'Noles!! I got my PhD from FSU in 1983.
Al Ross
Posted By: alross2 | Posted on: Oct 3, 2012 - 3:12pm
Total Posts: 993 | Joined: Oct 30, 2006 - 8:19pm
Thanks Al,
I'm FSU 1998 College of Communication under John Mayo.
GV
Posted By: Greg Viggiano | Posted on: Oct 4, 2012 - 7:07am
Total Posts: 14 | Joined: Oct 1, 2012 - 6:36am