JULY 29, 2008
Keeping in mind that Wes Craven has indicated Kevin Williamson is the first choice to write the film, writer Michael T. Kennedy has answered some questions about his proposed version of Scream 4. Ghostface.co.uk has posted the questions and answers, which originally appeared on the forums at Bloody-Disgusting.com...
Another Trilogy: "My script does not leave anything open. It definitely ends the story for our trio. There is a definitive end. As for my 30 page treatment � there is room for a new trilogy. And actually I set it up so that the original story is finished as a new one begins."
Sidney's Fate: "Now why would you want to know that before the film is released?"
Tone: "I want Scream 4 to be more in the vein of the first two films. I felt Scream 3's humor was more unintentional and cookie cutter. I went for humor that was more character driven and not just from throwaway lines or dialogue that I felt was forced. Scream 3 was a little cartoonish for me in a humor sense. I went more for the witty, self-referential style.
Target Audience: "I wrote it more so for people like myself � huge fans of the genre and the original three films itself. So, basically it is for anyone who loves slasher horror and witty scripts."
Continuity: "It ties in to the entire series, definitely. Treatment and script have references to all three films and many other elements."
Emulating The Previous Films: "I have seen all three films countless times so I didn't need to watch them. What I did want to emulate was Kevin's tone in the first two films. I wanted to take the sharp dialogue and well done referential style of the second film (i.e. the sequel talk) and mix it with the well-crafted story and characters from the first film. I did not really try to emulate Scream 3 as I felt it was the weakest of the series and dispatched the only strong character introduced in that film � Parker Posey's "Jennifer Jolie". In my opinion she was the only bright spot among the new aspects. I did try to take the idea of the killer using other people's voices and use that as a platform for a new inventive ploy used by the killer in the new film. I did use Scream 3 in that sense, for sure."
The Treatment: "The treatment is so long because I really, really wanted to get detailed in the story. The treatment differs entirely from the spec script in almost every sense of the word except for some characters and a scene or two here and there. The things our trio has been doing since Scream 3 are different then in the script. Sid's status is different as is Dewey's and Gale's. The new characters are totally different as well. The treatment also starts a new story while finishing the story for our main trio. And the tone and vibe is a bit darker in the treatment.
Visit Ghostface.co.uk for the full report.
JULY 29, 2008
Reelz Channel:
Will Wes Craven Return for Scream 4?
Last weekend at Comic-Con, Kickin' It Old Skool star Jamie Kennedy stressed to anyone who'd listen that a new Scream sequel is in the works. At first we were inclined to dismiss it as wishful thinking on the part of Kennedy, who starred in the last episode of blockbuster horror franchise, Scream 3, way back in 2000. So later on we sought out a more credible source to check the veracity of Kennedy's Scream 4 claims: Wes Craven, director of the first three Scream flicks.
"I've heard that (Scream producer) Bob Weinstein is thinking about it, and I think he has asked around my agency whether I'd be interested," said Craven, who was at the Con to promote his new movie 25/8. "Right now I don't think anything's official but I have heard that he's thinking about it seriously for the first time."
Roughly translated from vague Hollywood industry jargon, Craven's comments most likely mean that he's in negotiations to direct Scream 4 but is prohibited from talking about it until the contract is signed.
JULY 28, 2008
ShockTillYouDrop.com:
SDCC EXCL: Craven on Scream 4 Talk
The last month has kicked up a lot of Scream 4 buzz with the last update coming from franchise goof and genre movie know-it-all Jamie Kennedy. According to the actor, Dimension doesn't want to move on a sequel unless they can get three-time Scream helmer Wes Craven.
Shock caught up to the man himself this afternoon who confirms "There has been contact. I haven't spoken to Bob Weinstein but they have checked with my agent. I'm not saying 'no.'"
And what would draw him back? "It really is: Is there a script?," he says. "What I found increasingly in the Scream series is that the scripts were being written while we were shooting. The first one was a written script, it went out to the whole town and the Weinsteins jumped on it. There was very little changed in that. But 2 and 3? There were a lot of other people, including myself, writing on those."
JULY 27, 2008
MTV Movies Blog:
BREAKING: Wes Craven Admits To 'Scream 4' Talks
Eight years after the "Scream" trilogy seemed to conclude, there are more and more signs pointing to a resurrection of the franchise. And director Wes Craven says he's up for it, but it would have to be on his terms.
"My last experience [with the Weinsteins] was kind of rough with "Cursed" so it would have to be under very very controlled circumstances," he revealed to MTV News while promoting his new film for Rogue during Comic-Con, "25/8." "Cursed" of course was indeed a very troubled production. Massive re-shoots and battles over various cuts ended with a financial and critical dud meekly passing through theaters for a virtual instant.
The news of a new "Scream" film isn't altogether surprising. Just recently it was reported that the Weinstein would begin developing a fourth installment. But it is news that Craven would potentially be a part of it. Clearly watching his words very carefully, Craven told MTV News, "There has been talk between Bob Weinstein and me about doing another 'Scream.'" Pausing a moment and the master horror director smiled, "I don't know whether that's been made public so I'll deny this. I never said it!" Sorry Wes, we have it on tape.
Don't line up for the theater just yet though. Contrary to various rumors over the years, Craven does not have a storyline in mind. He does know however who he and the Weinsteins would turn to for the next tale. "It would be with [original "Scream" screenwriter] Kevin [Williamson]. Bob [Weisntein] always liked that combination.
JULY 27, 2008
Bloody-Disgusting.com:
SDCC '08: Jamie Kennedy, Wes Craven Talk 'Scream 4'
While partying around at the San Diego Comic Con, we stumbled into Jamie Kennedy who talked with us a bit about the Scream 4 rumors. "Bob (Weinstein) wants us all to return in another film," Kennedy tells BD. "I don't know how I'd return, but he wants me back," he jokes. He also reveals that a whole new batch of teens would be part of the film. This morning we caught up with Wes Craven who confirms the heavy talks, but denies being approached to return, while his assistant gave us a firm "no comment." More info soon.
JULY 22, 2008
[UPDATE: Wes Craven has indicated that original screenwriter Kevin Williamson is the likely choice for Scream 4.]
Ghostface.co.uk has an interview with writer Michael T. Kennedy. Six months ago he submitted a full spec script and a 30 page treatment for an alternate story to The Weinstein Company. It's a lengthy interview and includes many details about his proposed approach to Scream 4...
Sidney: "In the script Sidney is the main character. In the 30 page treatment for the alternate story, she is also a main character but it feels more like an ensemble."
Location: "In the script Woodsboro, Windsor College, and Hollywood all play a major role in every aspect of the story. In the treatment Woodsboro is a huge piece of the puzzle. I feel for Scream 4 a return to Woodsboro in one way, shape or form is the only way to go. The fans want it, as do I."
Gale & Dewey: "It wouldn't be Scream without them. So yes, of course. Gale and Dewey have almost become as iconic as Sidney so they are vital to either story's success...that is if the studio chooses to hire me!"
New Characters: "In both versions new characters are essential in continuing the series from where Scream 3 left off. New cast will be aplenty. I would say more but of course and with good reason all details for now are under wraps."
Extending The Trilogy: "The script without a doubt ends the story for our original group. I feel that, like a lot of fans, a trilogy is the way to go. But Scream 3, to me, was not a proper sendoff. So in a way I wrote Scream 4 in a way to see the ending I wanted. I didn't treat it as if Scream 3 didn't happen but rather as the first part in chapter #3 of the trilogy. The treatment leaves the door open for a sequel and possibly beyond."
Further Sequels: "The first one spoke of the genre, the second sequels, the third trilogies - they are so many more topics Scream could skewer - remakes, j-horror, torture porn. With a good story and strong cast the series could essentially live on forever. I do feel that if my script is chosen over the treatment the only way to go with Part 5 and beyond is with fresh faces and a fresh story."
Randy: "I do want to talk to Jamie Kennedy about his excitement to return. I never gave it a thought so I would like to see what he has in mind. It has to be crucial to the plot for it to work. As long as it isn't a return from the dead I am curious to hear his thoughts. I contacted him last night so hopefully he replies."
Multiple Killers: "Hahaha can't give that away - let's just say that the way I did it has not been done yet in the series. Take from that what you will... it hasn't been done in more ways than one."
Storyline: "I can say one thing about Scream 4... I want the media hysteria to play an important role. Media today really takes advantage of people's fear. I want the hysteria surrounding the events to be realistic. Imagine small town USA having a rampant serial killer. Imagine the media frenzy. Scream & Scream 2 displayed that aspect really well but it took a back seat in Scream 3 - I want that back in Scream 4."
Visit Ghostface.co.uk for the full interview.
JULY 21, 2008
Jamie Kennedy spoke to iF Magazine about the development of the film and the possibility of his involvement...
JAMIE KENNEDY TALKS FOURTH 'SCREAM' FILM AND DIRECTOR WES CRAVEN MAY BE INVOLVED
The star of the first three films reveals plans for the franchise.
SCREAM veteran Jamie Kennedy was on hand at the TCA's CBS afterparty to promote his new role on CBS's THE GHOST WHISPERER.
iF Magazine caught up with the funnyman to get an exclusive on the rumored fourth SCREAM movie. The Weinstein Company has been notoriously hush-hush so far on the project except to announce that they're planning to reboot the franchise.
Despite having been killed off in the franchise, it seems as if Kennedy could still be involved.
"I actually had a conversation with somebody very big in the organization, and there�s a way," he tells iF. "I don't know what's going to happen, but they have plans for a lot of things. You can see new faces that you wouldn't expect and you can see old faces that you wouldn't believe. There's a way to bring a lot of things around."
When asked if director Wes Craven would be involved, Kennedy confirmed that it's "the only way they're going to do it."
And what are the chances the project will actually go through? According to Kennedy, "Why wouldn�t they" he says. "Great franchise. There hasn't been one in eight years, so it's due. It seems like it was just yesterday."
Bloody-Disgusting.com commented further on the story...
Update: Wes Craven's assistant tells Bloody-Disgusting that she's 99.9% sure that Wes Craven has yet to be approached for the project, contrary to reports. We'll have official word by days end.
JULY 16, 2008
Moviehole has reported on the current status of Scream 4 and a script for the film...
How far along is Scream 4?
The Weinstein's might be seeking script submissions for a "Scream 4".
One insider tells us that he knows of a couple of specs that may be getting a look-in.
One of those is a "Scream 4" spec by a chap named Michael T. Kennedy. TWC insider 'Cassandra' tells us that "TWC/Dimension accepted a packet regarding the film about 6 months back from that guy's agent �C they contacted Kevin Williamson as well but his assistant stated he currently had no piece of the franchise and all decisions were made at TWC/Dimension. As of last month they said they were still mulling the materials over." Hmmm... so sounds like the film might be moving ahead quickly? Not so.
Our contact says it's no more than an idea at this stage.
"[The Weinstein's] might be taking a look at scripts, and talking about a possible Scream 4, but there is nothing in the works more so than there was 8 years ago. Basically the studio, Bob, Harvey, and Kevin [Williamson] all want to do a 4th film but Neve [Campbell] herself is the holdout. They feel there is no franchise without her and that they will wait for her to come around." Apparently "Scream 4" was included in the press release to merely garner buzz. Seems its still a couple of years away.
Update: We have confirmed that Kennedy��s script is indeed being read. But by no means does that mean he'll get the gig.
JULY 14, 2008
The Weinstein Company announced yesterday that they are entering into a seven-year deal with the Showtime network. Buried in the press release is the first official indication that Scream 4 is in the works...
The output deal also includes releases from Dimension Films such as "Youth In Revolt," based on C.D. Payne's bestselling book and starring Michael Cera, "6 Billion Dollar Man," the remake of David Cronenberg's "Scanners," re-starting the "Scream" franchise with "Scream 4," and "Piranha 3D."
The complete press release can be found at Bloody-Disgusting.com
OCTOBER 2006
In an interview with Icons of Fright David Arquette spoke about his willingness to appear in another Scream film...
There's often been rumors of a Scream 4, especially in the last few years. Your name always comes up as a potential returning character. Would you want to jump in Dewey's shoes again should the opportunity present itself?
Are you kidding...? I would love to do a Scream 4. I would hope that all of the original players were involved: Wes, Kevin Williamson, Marianne (Wes' partner), Neve, and of course Courteney.
MARCH 10, 2006
Wes Craven spoke to Cinematical about the prospect of Scream 4...
After four spoof-chocked Scary Movie movies, is a fourth Scream a moot idea at this point?
That will be Dimension's call. Three months ago, I had lunch with Neve [Campbell], and she asked if I was willing to do a fourth. She mentioned that Dimension had her in to ask her if she would do one if asked. The actual answer, though, is, "I just don't know."
JANUARY 25, 2006
In an interview with SuicideGirls Wes Craven raised the prospect of Scream 4...
[Re: a Red Eye sequel] It'd be interesting.
It would be a lot of fun. I had lunch with Neve Campbell a month and a half ago and she said she had been approached about a fourth Scream. Right now I think she would do it.
Would you be interested?
Not really. It'd have to be a situation where the gig and the money were right. Then I would have to have complete control of the film because it just got a little too nutty over there at Miramax for me. I think there's a burnout factor with that company. As much as I was a fan of their daring, their love of film and everything else, everybody who works there is like, "Let me out of here!" It just gets a little bit too crazy.
I'm sure it is a real pressure cooker.
I can operate under pressure perfectly well, but it's very difficult if, like with Cursed, where you shoot for 11 weeks and then they pull the plug then make you completely rewrite the thing and then you shoot for another 45 days. Then after you turn it in, they have somebody else not only cut it down to PG-13, but shoot scenes in video and put that in your picture. If you want to play that way, do it with other directors.
Is Kevin Williamson involved with the Scream 4 sequel?
I don't know. I'm just not in that loop anymore, and I'm not making any effort to be in that loop. I heard about it from Neve and she asked me if I was going to do it and I said I knew nothing about it.
SEPTEMBER 15, 2005
Neve Campbell indicated to FilmFocus.co.uk that she would not reprise the role of Sidney if Scream 4 were to be made...
Wes Craven's Scream trilogy defined horror in time for the new millennium (yes, that's right, we're cliche fans...) and recent reports indicate the director might be up for another go. But Neve Campbell told us today that she'd definitely not be involved should a fourth film go ahead.
"We were really lucky with the Scream films to actually make a good trilogy, I think it's very challenging to find other films that have done that properly," she told FilmFocus, "but I think it was a good idea for me to stop there. They are going to go ahead and make a Scream 4, I guess they're casting it right now and it was offered to me; but to me, for Sidney, it just doesn't make sense."
And why the change of heart? Logic, of course. "Sidney Prescott should have gone insane in the second Scream," she joked, "It was hard for them to get me to do the third one; how far can you go with a character whose friends have either all tried to kill her or died? The only way I could be in Scream 4 is in an insane asylum in a straight-jacket."
It's odd logic, indeed, when you consider that other some other Scream Queens, including Jamie Lee Curtis in five Halloween films, seem to manage it OK, but it makes a great deal of sense, but are scary movies supposed to make sense? How do we find Sidney in Scream 3? Answering crisis-centre calls from an oddly exposed house in the middle of nowhere, miles from anyone that might be able to help her should she find herself in a spot of bother once more. In honesty, with smarts like that we're questioning the intelligence of those who'd tried before - how hard can it be to kill Sidney Prescott?
"In my opinion," she said, "I think it would have been smart to leave it at three. Miramax is going to go ahead and make a fourth and perhaps they'll do a good job; you never know. If Kevin [Williamson] writes it, it's quite possible they'll do a good job."
No chance of a cameo then? Perhaps a well asylumed straight-jacketed Sidney Prescott? "I doubt it," she said, "I seriously doubt it..."
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