We are pleased to announce the movie is now in pre-production. The old Soviet city of Vilnius, Lithunia has been chosen as the location where the movie will be filmed. It is a beautiful city where we found everything we need for the Potevka movie: the train station, the safe house, the babushkas, etc. Of the five movie companies that showed an interest in Potevka, only AAMPS, Audience Alliance Motion Picture Studios, with whom we signed, wanted Bon and myself to be involved as consultants from the beginning to the end of making the film. We do thank them, and look upon this as a wonderful opportunity and as well as a great learning experience.
Several months ago, at a movie meeting in California, we spent three days listening to those who will be involved in actually making the movie. It was fascinating to hear their ideas of how they plan to make the movie and to learn about some of their suggested changes to the storyline. The first suggestion put on the table was their plan to move the romance, which I only introduced near the end of the book, to the beginning of the movie. If I were one of the executives making the movie, I think I'd agree to do the same. There were many other ideas kicked around. It will be interesting to see what they do include, what they leave out, and what they change. Many have worried if they will stay true to the basic tenor of the book. I just don't think they would have paid for the Potevka film rights to make drastic changes unless they are well thought out. Needless to say, we are excited. What a Potevka train ride this will be!
Updated: Mar 17, 2009
