Horror thrillers and Movies for Women are among the most successful movie genres. Could this be my next big hit:
A Filmmaker’s Journal
2020 was my biggest year ever as a filmmaker. Oddly enough, thanks to the-pandemic-that-shall-not-be-named, I had three feature films released, two, Healing River and Notzilla, as the writer/director/producer, and one, Promises to Keep, as the lead actor. I also play small roles in two movies released since then (Divine Decision: Double Down, 2021, and The Pope Drops In, soon to be released).
Both Healing River and Notzilla were originally intended as theatrical releases. But then the coronavirus (remember when we “affectionately” called it that?) shut down movie theaters everywhere! And film production came to a screeching halt (hence, my lack of Filmmaker’s Journal posts).
On the other hand, streaming outlets like Netflix and Amazon Prime were starving for titles, so my production company struck a deal with Prime to release seven already-completed feature films (including mine)!
But now movie theaters are coming back to life! Especially with blockbusters like Spider-Man: No Way Home, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The next big blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick is due next week, but it has a dangerously short title. It should probably be expanded to something like Top Gun: Maverick, the Longest-Delayed Movie Sequel Ever Made!
So, what big blockbusters am I working on? All kidding aside, I’m actively pitching several projects to the studios and networks, including (among others):
- A comedy fantasy in the style of Bruce Almighty
- An epic limited-series about a post-pandemic world in which a handful of survivors attempt to reboot the human race
- And a rom-com about a movie star who chucks it all (maybe) to become a teacher
Will any of these be a “box office smash?” Or even get produced? Only God knows. Meanwhile, I’m negotiating a publishing deal for my novelization of Healing River, and will be doing speaking dates tied to its desperately-needed message of forgiveness. Oh, and you have my promise that I will never make The Texas Chainsaw Manicure (although I did have fun creating the poster), no matter how much…
The studios beg me for it!
Mitch Teemley 
Well, that poster did grab my attention on Twitter! Looking forward to the novelization of “Healing River.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
very interesting…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, I had no idea you were involved in that many movies. I’m adding some titles to my “To Watch” list. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve only seen “Healing River” and “Notzilla.” Are the others on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or …?
LikeLiked by 1 person
‘Promises to Keep’ and ‘Divine Decision: Double Down’ are on Prime. ‘The Pope Drops In’ isn’t out yet. (All three emphasize Catholic issues.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations on all the releases! I loved Notzilla.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jean!
LikeLike
Sounds like a very full creative plate. And while I am not a movie producer, nor do I play one on TV, I think the rom-com concept has a TON of promise. Done well – as of course you would – it could be entertaining AND meaningful, all at the same time. Best of luck with it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Russell!
LikeLike
All the best for your next big box-office hit!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Liz!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: My Next Big Box-Office Hit? — Mitch Teemley | Ups Downs Family History
2 Thessalonians 1:11 for you: “With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Dana.
LikeLike
Hi Mitch,
That’s great you had some great open doors for your projects. I hope the next ones meet with event more fan fare.
In Christ,
Gary
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Gary.
LikeLike
Congratulations on all the movie successes. Mitch, I hope you’re blessed in whatever direction God leads you next.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Manette. Wishing you the same.
LikeLiked by 1 person
But Mitch just think of all the lucrative sequels! The Texas Chainsaw Pedicure – The Texas Chainsaw Barbecue. The list is almost endless!
LikeLiked by 2 people
;>)
LikeLike
” A comedy fantasy in the style of Bruce Almighty
An epic limited-series about a post-pandemic world in which a handful of survivors attempt to reboot the human race
And a rom-com about a movie star who chucks it all (maybe) to become a teacher”
All of these sound like they would be good. I hope you’re able to get the stories together and into production.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Shirley.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats Mitch! I really like the pitches and I see a blockbuster in the near future!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Gregory!
LikeLike
Back around 2015, at a writers’ function, I sat next to Steve Worland, who had co-written the screenplay for the feel-good Australian movie Paper Planes. He had something to do with the financing also, and had done his shirt on that (despite it being outrageously popular). It took him only three weeks to turn the screenplay into a book, which was a roaring success. I’ve never forgotten the story. The Healing River novelisation may take a similar path.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll be thrilled if/when the novel finds an even larger audience, Gwen, since, being a book, it goes into even greater depth than the film. Blessings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so relieved that you will not be making that movie!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
;>)
LikeLike
Mitch, congratulations to you and keep doing what your heart tells you. To be a box – office smash or not, is not in your hands. What is, is the song in your heart. So go ahead and sing it and sing it loud and clear!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Harshi, you too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are a busy man, MItch. I will be watching Healing River on Prime tonight.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great. Enjoy, Carla!
LikeLike
It was wonderful, Mitch. I really enjoyed it. I think it was one of the few times I looked forward to reading the credits. I didn’t realize you wrote the songs too, very talented.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Carla, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! May I encourage you to leave a brief review at Amazon? (The more reviews it gets, the more they recommend it). Also, you can rate it from 1 to 10 stars on IMDb (link below). Note: IMDb only recognizes the rating if you rate a few other movies, as well. Thanks and blessings, my friend! https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5848326/
LikeLike
I am looking forward to watching your movies.You seem to be a humble servant of God, who has been entrusted with great talent and opportunities. I see a, “Well done” in your future. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, thank you, Katie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
But the Texas Chainsaw Manicure is what made me click hahaha! I need more. 🙂 Seriously, good luck on all your projects and your current successes. (And even though I thought the first Top Gun was kind of cheesy, I will be seeing it in the theater since it was the longest-delayed sequel ever.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
;>) Thanks, Melanie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very exciting updates! Also, there’s movies I didn’t know about that we must see!! 🍿🍿
LikeLiked by 1 person
! Thanks, Peach.
LikeLike
I thoroughly enjoyed your previous three movies and I’m especially looking forward to The Pope Drops In. Can you share the gist of it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a comedy about a man who kidnaps the Pope in a desperate effort to bring his ex-wife back to her Catholic faith (a recurring theme in the writer/producer Mike Mergler’s films).
LikeLike
I guess you could always set that rom-com in small-town Texas, where the actor’s romantic interest runs a nail salon, and use the title “Texas Chainsaw Manicure.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
A slasher rom-com — great concept, Michael! ;>)
LikeLike