Hollywood producer, writer tells students ‘how it is’
Kurt Inderbitzen speaks to students; picks scripts for possible production

By Melissa Christensen
STAFF REPORTER

Radio-TV-film students received a dose of Hollywood honesty from movie producer and writer Kurt Inderbitzen Tuesday as he commented on six script pitches, choosing only three to read for possible production.

“He was really telling it how it is, being forceful, honest and abrupt,” said Darren Theisfield, a junior radio-TV-film major, who attended the two-hour session in preparation for his directing pitch. “The business seems much more intimidating and scary, but it’s good, too, because now we all know how to structure (a pitch) in the future.”

At the invitation of associate professor Richard Allen, Inderbitzen, who is president of Abandon Television and vice president of Abandon Pictures in Los Angeles, is heading up a week-long screening process to teach radio-TV-film students about the competitive environment found in the movie business. He will announce today which one of the three scripts will be produced.

“I want them to really understand, at as deep of a level as possible without actual experience, what it is they’re getting into,” he said.

“I hope they really take my advice to heart.”

Tim Cox/SKIFF STAFF Kurt Inderbitzin, a Hollywood producer and writer, speaks Tuesday to a radio-TV-film class. He is on campus to read three movie script pitches made by students in the radio-TV-film department, one of which will be produced.

Once the final script is chosen, four directing finalists and five producing finalists will have 24 hours to prepare their respective pitches. Inderbitzen will choose students to fill those positions Thursday.

As a directing finalist, Theisfield said he will probably read the chosen script more than a dozen times and keep Inderbitzen’s advice in mind when creating his concept.

“(Inderbitzen) said you must always have a reason for the choices you make,” Theisfield said. “He also said to focus on the tone and to show honesty. He’s really big on honesty.”

Allen said the money for production of the film, which will be 10 to 15 minutes long, will come from the department’s budget, but the total amount has not been determined. He said the final piece, which will be submitted to film festivals and contests, is a chance for students to take their talents to the next level.

“Something real is at stake,” Allen said. “Now it’s do or die.”

Joe Williams, a senior radio-TV-film major, whose script, “Run of Luck,” was chosen for reading, said preparing for the pitch was nerve-racking, but said he has a good feeling after Inderbitzen’s critique.

“He was very honest about Hollywood and about what is expected,” Williams said.

Inderbitzen said his goal for the week is to prepare students for the typical five- to seven-year adjustment period for an inexperienced filmmaker in Hollywood.

“I’m hoping to shave that by six months or a year,” he said. “It’s a painful five or seven years.”

In addition to speaking to several radio-TV-film classes, Inderbitzen presented “Thrill Seekers” Tuesday, a made-for-TV movie that he co-wrote and executive produced. He answered questions about his scripting and producing decisions from the audience of about 30 students and faculty.

He will also deliver a public lecture at 7 p.m. tonight in Moudy Building South, Room 164.

Melissa Christensen
m.s.christense@student.tcu.edu