My good friend and mentor Raymond Obstfeld is one of those slashes - you know: screenwriter/producer/etc. But Raymond's slashes go even further to NY Times best-selling author / long-time teacher / prolific fiction and non-fiction novelist / co-founder of this org and, certainly not least, husband and father.
A few years back he hooked up with NBA L.A. Laker legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to write a non-fiction book: On the Shoulders of Giants: My Journey Through the Harlem Renaissance (2007) ISBN 978-1416534884
Raymond wrote the first draft of the independent feature that is premiering tonight in Hollywood but had to decline further re-writes because of time and other professional commitment issues.
I caught him on the phone on his way to physical therapy for his knee - he's also a cutthroat volleyball and basketball player and apparently went hard to the hoop once too many times...
OCSWA: How did get you involved with Kareem?
RAYMOND: Deborah Morales (producer/director of the film) contacted me through (writer/instructor) Anna Waterhouse.
OCSWA: About a book?
RAYMOND: No, it was initially conceived to be a film but I suggested also writing a book, which then became a New York Times best seller.
OCSWA: But you did write a script?
RAYMOND: Yes, a 1st draft. I had other obligations and had to step away after that. Anna did the rewrites and did a fantastic job.
OCWSA: Was it difficult collaborating? With Kareem?
RAYMOND: No, on either question. Kareem is amazing - being a writer himself, he knew what he wanted and has encyclopedic knowledge of the subject. He also remembers way more than I do about the book we wrote - I'm astonished when he pulls out these small facts at interviews and book signings.
OCSWA: You have over 40 books published, dozens of scripts, have written hundreds of articles, syllabi, how-to's and you're a full-time teacher and have a family with young kids - how many hours do you actually get to write? And when do you sleep? Or do you?
RAYMOND: (Laughing) I write about 4-5 hours a day.
OCSWA: Will you be going to the premier?
RAYMOND: The kids are sick so I'm staying home. I really don't get too involved with that stuff anyway - I saw Kareem last week and we had a celebratory dinner. It was enough for me.
OCSWA: Any chance we could get you and Kareem to do a screening of the film down here and then perhaps a book signing?
RAYMOND: Maybe. Let me check and get back to you about it.
Can't wait!
"On The Shoulders Of Giants" premiers tonight in Hollywood and opens widely soon. Look for it.
There's also more information on Raymond here when he was featured as an Orange County Screenwriter board member and there are also a few articles he's written for the website. Search for his name and you'll find them.
On a personal note, it is fitting that I should write this article about Raymond and his book because the shoulders of the giant I've stood for many years on are his.
