Spyglass Entertainment makes presumptive buy worth seven figures for rom-com pitch “Leap Year” from writing team Harry Elfont and Deborah Kaplan:
The Spyglass purchase comes in the wake of its romantic comedy “27 Dresses” topping $140 million in worldwide grosses.
Amy Adams rumored to be circling the project.
No logline given in Daily Variety article, but I did find this:
Adams will play an uptight woman who travels to Dublin to propose to her boyfriend on leap day, Feb. 29, following an Irish tradition in which women propose to men on that day and the man has to say yes. When weather derails her trip, she enlists the help of a surly Irish innkeeper to make an unexpected cross-country trek to pull off the perfect proposal in time.
Okay, all you rom-com fans. Why is that concept such a strong one? I see several elements that should work from a marketing standpoint. What do you see?
Not a romcommer, but I’ll give it a shot:
Main character who must overcome an inner flaw through actions that are the opposite of her state of mind (she’s not a free spirit, and trekking through Ireland to succeed in a limited-time nontraditional goal involves any number of uncontrollable variables that her uptight nature will balk at);
Interesting, colorful locale and easy-to-grasp Sadie Hawkins-esque custom (Ireland, who doesn’t love Ireland and its ways?);
Leap Day proposal (a unique time clock combined with a universal emotional need – the need to be accepted by those we love);
The inherent conflicts (time versus distance, desire to control everything versus need to accept that life isn’t perfectly ordered, long-distance expectations versus up-close realities – the men have to say yes, but what if he doesn’t?)
That’s off the top of my head, I’m sure I’m missing some elements.
Chuck in Colin Farrell as the surly innkeeper, make them fall in love on the way without realising it. Dark night of the soul, she proposes to Colin instead of the established dumb boyfriend. Kiss.
Ch-ching.
Great analysis, luzid – you hit just about every point I’d make. Here’s an obvious one not to overlook: The Protagonist is a female. Key for target demo. The ticking clock element, as you point out, is also helpful in creating a sense of pace and pressure.
Thanks, but give Kiwichick her due – she nailed a pretty important angle!
This romcom does carry a strong premise.
She’s been completely removed from her world as she knows it. The FOOW concept – strange land, strange people and strange traditions – none of it within control of this uptight woman. Sounds like there’s a lot of room for protag growth. The role reversal of popping the big question poses even more of a challenge.
I think Kiwichick’s idea hits the jackpot! She arrives and stands between her intended and her current love – what to do?
And like you mentioned – a strong female protag. You could just envision it in her cross country gear rippin through the snow covered countryside – she’s gonna get her man no matter what it takes!
Thanks for sharing!
kiwichick does deserve kudos, indeed, as I’ll bet she’s right: Protag starts off thinking they’re in love with Guy A, ends up falling head over heels with Guy B.
Julie, too, with the FOOW element.
Let’s face it: It’s a strong story concept.