Die-hard followers of J.J. Abrams, and fans of the illustrated tome Boilerplate: History’s Mechanical Marvel, recently learned that Abrams plans to produce a big-screen adaptation of Paul Guinan and Anina Bennett’s book. The Portland Comic Books Examiner dug up some additional, exclusive details about how the project wound up on the slate of the hottest guy in Hollywood.
Before the Boilerplate book was published, galleys were sent to Outlaw Productions, a production company in LA that was interested in the character. The head of the company, Deborah Newmyer, previously worked with Steven Spielberg at Amblin Entertainment. According to Guinan, Boilerplate’s creator, she asked about the tone of the potential film and whom the artist might like to see as a director.
Having recently seen the new Star Trek film, Guinan immediately suggested J.J. Abrams. "Anina and I both recognized that Boilerplate and Star Trek had similar narrative challenges," Guinan said. "Each has a very involved history, but that can be intimidating for a new audience. The goal is to craft an entertaining story that doesn’t rely on the viewer’s knowledge of that background, but contains plenty of references for those who are buffs." Guinan felt that Star Trek successfully achieved that balance. Newmyer’s response was, "J.J. Abrams? I’ve known him since he was a teenager."
When the book was published in October 2009, Outlaw sent a copy to Abrams, who loved the concept. A few months later, Guinan and Bennett flew to LA for a meeting with Abrams’ production company, Bad Robot. Sherryl Clark, the head of feature film production, told the authors that Bad Robot gets numerous pitches for robot movies (for obvious reasons), but that Boilerplate is the only one they plan to produce.
Guinan and Bennett knew that Abrams grasped the underlying point of Boilerplate when he mused that "we can sneak in some real history." Besides being an exciting story with cleverly retouched photographs, Boilerplate presents factual events in world history that are often omitted from the average textbook. To have a Hollywood producer recognize this element without prompting from the authors was a sign that the story would be in good hands. "It took some months to finalize and sign the paperwork," reports Guinan, "because we were negotiating with Paramount, which has a first-look deal with Bad Robot." This meant that he and Bennett could not talk about Abrams’ involvement when they exhibited at Comic-Con in July. The news went public only a week later, broken by The Hollywood Reporter. "Everyone tells us there are no real secrets in Hollywood,” says Bennett, “and I guess there’s your proof."
Guinan did get to meet with Abrams at Comic-Con, however, at the Warner Entertainment booth during the producer’s signing for his TV series Fringe. A few hours later, Abrams came into the main hall with two security men, made a beeline to the Boilerplate table in Artists' Alley, introduced himself to a stunned Bennett, reiterated his enthusiasm and commitment to the project, then left the hall. The husband-and-wife team were suitably surprised and encouraged by the gesture.
Guinan trusts his creation will be well served, and he and Bennett may even participate in the development of the film. Nevertheless, they’re prepared to say goodbye to any control over the project. "We have no illusions on that score," he says. "If we get to be involved and collaborate with J.J., we’ll be thrilled." "And if not," adds Bennett, "we’ll be happy if the movie gets made and we enjoy it." With Abrams at the helm, the odds are in their favor.
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