It's Not Easy To Break Into Show Business

January 22, 2008

Mr. Todd Federman:

Thank you for submitting your screenplay "Governor Mom." We regret to inform you we will not move forward with this project in its current state, but encourage you to prepare a rewrite incorporating the following feedback. The concept has potential.

Lifetime Movie Network draws its viewership largely from the sort of "red" states that in your story propel an unknown governor to national prominence due to an unlikely Republican vice presidential pick. Our hesitance is due to the insulting view this paints of Republican voters. That they would support a disinterested and unqualified candidate due to gender politics or strict party allegiance stretches disbelief even if it does not risk offending.

The Lifetime brand does not wish to promote a partisan agenda or alienate a wide segment of its audience.

We did like your suggestion to prepare an offer to Tina Fey for the titular role but one of our assistants discovered that that she looks very much like Alaska governor Sarah Palin. Though virtually unknown outside her state due to her disinterest in national politics or foreign affairs, this would create confusion among residents of that state and show disrespect for the Republican party's vetting practices.

We also believe this narrative would reach an unavoidable roadblock in the third act. In order for the protagonist character (as written) to prevail in the climactic vice presidential debate scene, the entire first 90 minutes of the film would have to be dedicated to lowering expectations for this character so far as to defy credulity. The catch-22 is that this would create an inherently unsympathetic character.

Do continue to work and keep in touch regarding the progression of this screenplay. You may find this story develops more naturally as a comedy.

Regards,
Geoff Enderson
Lifetime Movie Network
Executive Vice President In Charge Of Movie