Watch the Video Pitch for the TV Series:

Get to know writer Larry Hankin:

1. What is your story about?

It’s about getting involved for the wrong reason, and that doing a good deed doesn’t always bring the desired result, but doing a good deed often brings the right result.

2. Why should people know this story?

When we lived in caves the dangers were primarily visible and natural: snakes, animals, the weather. Nowadays the danger is Assumptions, Greed, and Lies. Very Invisible.

3. This story has a lot going for it. How would you describe this story
in two words?

Funny, True.

4. What movie have you seen the most in your life?

Chaplin’s, “The Kid”.

5. How long have you been working on this story?

This particular “Emmett Sagittarius Deemus” story: 2 months. But I’ve been working on Emmett’s character for about ten years in my own little film shorts way.

6. How many stories have you written?

Tons. For Emmett specifically as a screen character: about 30 or 40. I write stories all the time. Film short, screenplays, modern funny fables stories – all about Emmett or his younger self – “Sometimes Jones”. I also write Emmett’s rants. Writing is easier now that I trust myself more. Even when the story might be weak here or there, I trust that if a just trust my self and Let It Be, I’ll spot it. Knowing your own work, that’s the craft I’m trying to master: with trusted friends who are writers and/or readers (you can’t be “An Independent” alone). But, short “Stories” are mostly easy (screenplays and comedy are hard). But, it’s trying to get onto a “platform” and finding your audience that’s the real hard part. It’s like trying to jump on a merry-go-round spinning like mom’s plastic lettuce drier. I’m a very late starter. I had a whole other life going in acting.

7. What motivated you to write this story?

I wanted to see Emmett in a long form story on a screen. I like to watch him. He’s actually growing. It’s cool to see. I also wanted to see if I had anything to say and it’s harder to hide the fact that you don’t in The Longer Forms. And also it keeps me busy and out of trouble. I’m very curious. It’s not always a rewarded or rewarding experience.

8. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

Snorkeling. It’s quieter under water. There are fewer cell phones. And, surprisingly, the sharks down there are less confrontational than the ones in L.A.

9. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?

None. I’m still learning. but, I’d be willing to give myself a few tips: find your voice – to repeat – find your voice (tenacity) – I’m beginning to find mine now that I’m committed. Commit. And find out what kind of writer you really are. I want to see the finished puzzle on a screen: basically, I’m a storyteller – from way back: Aesop and Cervantes are my Bob Dylans. And him too. The writing’s gotta be good and driven and entertaining (focus-engendering). Some are born with it, some to it. Learn. And some things I just know. That’s what I want to know if I’ve learned: what do I know that is worth sharing about Homo sapiens that I can make people laff (sic) their asses off: The Big Boffo: connection. Apatow, Allen, Jacques Tati, Keaton, Chaplin. But that’s just me: a funny storyteller. A juggling idea clown. I’m a pointer, a mocker: a satirist, but I’m really just trying to help make The Big Picture a little clearer. Know thyself, what happens next, keep it moving, “kill your children”, have somethin’ to say, be friggin’ funny or forget it, would I really sit through this? But that’s just advice to me.