BRINGING A DEADLY STORY TO LIFE —
NOTES FROM THE WRITER:
Finding the words to describe this story quickly to people has been hard at times, getting the syntax to match the scope, and understanding that the concept size greatly outweighs what I am able to produce on my own. That is of course unless the listener has a bit of time on their hands so I can unravel the intricate and woven backstory for our tragic heroes, Don Anton Capuzzo and his five loyal sons.
So far to date, it has been worth that time to every single reader or listener. From critical consultants, to friends and family members. No one has yet told me to stop or that the idea isn’t strong. So until competing insights come to light, I have complete belief that this story needs to be produced for the big screen. That audiences are dying for it. The characters are most certainly dying for it. All of them in fact. There’s no secret there. Every single one of them. This is an ultimate tragedy, start to finish, and exactly what audiences are desperate for right now. Morbid realness wrapped in cinematic poetry.
The story spans 62 years, the entire life of one Anton Michele Capuzzo, from his first memory in infancy, the day of his baptism in 1871, the day his father was assassinated; until the day of his death in 1933. Though by the end of the story, one could argue that he may never die.
I am deeply in love with this concept and these characters. Normally I tire of ideas if they stay with me too long. But after working over 10 years to complete the story, and still we are working to bring it to life by graphic novel, feature length film, or very possibly could be a series on Netflix or other streaming services as well. This story can be expanded one hundred fold from where it is now, it is only beginning. It is my goal to capture both the interest of viewers, but the revenue as well. This is a business.
The Capuzzo’s are the heroes. The Vespone’s, the villians. I no longer control them. Their lives are so intricate that the direction they take is played out organically each time I sit down to continue expand the story. So let’s talk about the sequel and prologue that are also currently outlined and waiting for their moment to be developed in a complete story. A real world of it’s own, but completely based in reality, and just twisted enough to really catch you off guard. Just poetic and poignant enough to balance out the gore and chaos. Someone, maybe you, will realize how powerful, cinematic and money making this story really is. We need the major film industry for this scope. This story cannot be made without a significant budget. The time periods. The sheer size of the zombie hordes on the streets of a recreated 1933 New York. We have a growing audience of supporters and fans who want to SEE this story play out on film or graphic novel.
This is a major idea. Drawn up by someone completely out of the blue. And I have never doubted it yet myself. As a life long fan of film, I know this script hits a cross-genre niche that has not yet been tried. And for good reason, it was very difficult to create such a story that honors both mafia and zombie film fanatics. If it can be done right, like I’ve envisioned, not only will you have one of the most high-concept horror movies of all time, rivalling World War Z or 28 Days Later, but a gangster film that matches, or dares to surpass, what was done with the Corleone Family. I know it’s hard to believe anything could. The truth is in the authenticity of the ‘TDOTD’ story, with it’s intricate origins, huge payoffs and hypnotic timeline. I’ve tried to match the same tone in the treatment. I’m thankful to Jeff Dywelska’s artwork for filling in the gaps and providing the perfect statement for imagination.
I would be honored to discuss any opportunities or connections that could lead to the success of this project reaching it’s goal of the big screen. Please email capuzzoempire@gmail.com or say hi on twitter @capuzzoempire for all inquiries.
— ROBERT W MARKS
— WRITER OF ‘THE DON OF THE DEAD’
