The Official Matthew Reilly Homepage

John G Dunne (writer): Scott, what do think this picture is really about?
Scott Rudin (producer): It's about two movie stars.
-- From 'Monster' (page 105)

Although I'm still reading 'No Logo' by Naomi Klein, this week my publisher, Cate Paterson, lent me 'Monster' and I just can't put the damn thing down! It's about making a living as a screenwriter in Hollywood and all the bizarre twists and turns such a life entails: creative execs who think they know everything; doing 27 drafts of the same script; the concept of 'whammies' (big scenes in action movies that make the audience go 'Ahhh!'). Specifically, the book is about Dunne and his wife's eight-year odyssey to get their screenplay, Up Close & Personal, actually made into a movie. It is very funny and very enlightening about the way you do business in Hollywood (at one point Dunne phones Michael Crichton and casually asks him about string theory).

I once spoke with a 'creative executive' in Hollywood about making Ice Station into a movie. He seemed to have an unhealthy (and somewhat irrelevant) fixation on Schofield being a Marine. 'Why do the heroes always have to be Marines?' he said. 'Marines get such a good rap, and they don't deserve it. If we made this movie, the heroes would have to be US Army Rangers.' Whatever makes you happy. But if you want a career in Hollywood, I'd suggest you read this book.

Okay. After hiding away for several months since finishing AREA 7, I am coming out of my shell and making a few appearances. First up:

This coming week, I'll be speaking at the Byron Bay Writers Festival. Looks like it's going to be a sensational festival: Andrew Denton will be there, Di Morrissey, John Birmingham, even Rob Hirst from Midnight Oil. And some really interesting session topics, too: notably 'Is Popular Fiction Bad Fiction?' Guaranteed fireworks, I'm sure! And hey, a weekend in Byron Bay... can't complain about that.

Spent two days this week at Newington College in Sydney (a private boys-only high school), speaking to several classes there about writing, about the Hollywood Formula, and showing a sneak preview of the video clip for my movie, THE LAST LINE OF DEFENCE. This is the third time I've been to Newington to speak. Great school. Good kids, especially the younger ones in Years 7, 8 and 9. It's always nice to go to a school where so many of the boys are reading and enjoying books. Oh, and the stellar library staff always take great care of me, too!

Folks, we have a taker. At that trip to Newington, one budding young filmmaker asked if he could have a go at making my short film script, REWIND. Go for it, my friend! Can't wait to see it. Remember, the offer is open to anyone who wants to make it.

It is potentially the most fascinating news event in years: Beijing has won the right to hold the 2008 Olympic Games. As a constant observer of 'things international', my only question is this: will China still be happy about this come 2008? As my home city (Sydney) discovered, hosting the Olympic Games means having your city, your country, your people, your culture, put under the microscope -- and not just by Bill Bryson! Will China be receptive to seven years of such intense scrutiny? We shall see. [Story hint: readers should note that I am very interested in China at the moment because there...er...could be...a Chinese element in AREA 7.]

And yes, every now and then I do visit Station 409 and see what you're talking about! In response to those on the Station 409 fansite who have questioned whether I am slowly going insane, the answer is: 'Yes, of course! I have been for a long time now!'

P.S. Some news for my American readers: looks like I'll be doing a brief tour to the United States next February.
P.P.S. My usual sporting aside: what about the Australian swimmer, Ian Thorpe? Amazing. He has talent, guts, and tremendous pride in himself and his country. Well done, Ian, we're proud of you.