BYRD, ALONE
THE LIFE AND LEGEND OF
ADMIRAL RICHARD E. BYRD
DEVELOPMENT REQUEST
PROPOSAL and TREATMENT
TONY COLLINS,
WRITER AND PRODUCER
BYRD, ALONE
project Description:
Development of a dramatic story
BYRD, ALONE is a WELL-RESEARCHED dramatic story based on autobiographical accounts and other archival materials.
The story is being written in English intended for general audiences worldwide and for students in schools.
This story is UNIQUE and DIFFERENT compared to other films and stories about Byrd, as it tells the story of Byrd's love for his wife, Marie, and his family, in addition to his adventures and achievements.
Story Logline
A renowned explorer journeys many times
to the absolute end of the earth in search of
scientific breakthroughs and meditative isolation,
only to discover a deeper truth within himself.
story structure Overview
BYRD, ALONE is based upon a true story
told in classic three-act structure
Act IAgainst all odds, Admiral Byrd achieves his objectives & dreams in Aviation and Exploration
BYRD, single-mindedly determines to succeed with exploration and aviation science, doing many great things leading up to the second Antarctic voyage and his time alone. BYRD leaves home to explore in Antarctica.
Act II After reaching the top of the mountain, BYRD descends to the valley of death, he recovers, and rises again to a new top
BYRD thrives at Little America and Advance Base, accomplishes much but gradually grows seriously ill, he declines and is near-death, unwillingly in need of rescue. BYRD is rescued by his men.
BYRD gradually recovers, and with the great help of his wife, MARIE, he deals with the experience by writing and speaking about his experience openly. BYRD is transforming himself.
Act III Act III: Byrd's reflection, gratitude, and his road to true happiness
The couple grow more closely together in their advocacy for science and the public good, especially the cause of a peaceful sanctuary for science in Antarctica. BYRD now realizes that finding the inner strength to survive together with the “affection and understanding" of his family were his ultimate achievements.
Project Development
Seeking:
RESEARCH TRIP
Ohio State University Byrd Archives, Smithsonian & Library of Congress, Washington DC
DIGITAL MULTIMEDIA STORYBOARD
Illustrator/artist
Web designer
COLLABORATION (Project Advisors)
Business and Legal
Creative content (scholars, actors, directors, producers)
Script Coverage (readers)
All contributions for Project Development of this educational project are fully-tax deductible in the USA under IRS 501c3.
Potential sources of support:
- CONTRIBUTIONS from donors and supporters, possible investors
- GRANTS from private and public sources
- IN-KIND SUPPORT from iefilm.com
- CONSULTANCY from Project Advisors (i.e. The Ohio State University Byrd Polar Research Archives and other independent scholars
- CREATIVE PARTNERSHIPS
Development Possibilities
BYRD, ALONE is a powerful, versatile story that would work in several contexts:
- 150 minute dramatic feature motion picture and screenplay (described herein)
- 6-part dramatic TV series (Netflix, Amazon, etc)
- theatrical stage production
- illustrated digital multimedia presentation
This project is in Development as a feature dramatic film at this time.
background and contexts
The story explores the History of:
- US Polar Exploration
- Meteorology
- Environmental and Earth Sciences
- Polar Aviation Technology
- Radio Communications
- Aerial & Glacial Navigation
- Motion Picture Production
- Documentary Photography
Who is Admiral Richard E. Byrd?
Admiral Richard E. Byrd (1888-1957)
- Popular American Hero
- Polar Explorer
- Aviator and Aerial Navigator
- Military Leader
- Philanthropist and Fundraiser
- Technology Inventor and Innovator
- Family man
Byrd's achievements
DEVELOPMENT DOCUMENTS
DIGITAL MULTIMEDIA
resources
Other Films About Byrd:
- American Experience - "Alone in the Ice"
- "A+E - "The Last Explorer"
- "Antarctic Expedition I and II"
- "With Byrd at the South Pole"
- "Forged in Ice"
- "Admiral of the Antarctic"
- "The Story of Little America"
BYRD, ALONE is a powerful, versatile story that would work in several contexts:
Research:
- Byrd Polar Research Center, Ohio State University, Laura Kissel, Curator
- "Alone" by Richard E. Byrd
- "Skyward" by Richard E. Byrd
- "Discovery: The Story of the 2nd Byrd Antarctic Expedition" by Richard E. Byrd
- "Explorer: The Life of Richard E. Byrd" by Lisle A. Rose
- "My Compass and Anchor to Windward: A Story of Love, Imagination, and Adventure" by Eleanor Byrd
- "Race to the Top of the World: Richard Byrd and the First Flight to the North Pole" by Sheldon Bart
- "Beyond the Barrier: The Story of Byrd's First Expedition to Antarctica" by Eugene Rodgers
- New York Times Digital Archives
MORE:
https://www.rfcafe.com/references/radio-news/listen-byrd-july-1934-radio-news.htm
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/05/science/antarctica-byrd-distancing-expedition.html
https://byrd.osu.edu/node/3122
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn9lZ6c01f4
Robert N. Matuozzi, “Richard Byrd, Polar Exploration, and the Media,” The Virginia Magazine of History and Biography Vol. 110 No. 2 (2002): 209-236.
Yaël Schlick, “Writing Alone together: Richard E. Byrd’s Antarctic classic and the challenges of reading collaborative autobiography,” The Polar Journal Vol 6(2) (2016): 328-3
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Richard_E._Byrd
https://www.antarcticreport.com/articles/richard-byrds-epic-flights
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/05/science/antarctica-byrd-distancing-expedition.html
Contact
E. Anthony Collins (Tony), EdD, MFA/BFA
Project Producer & Writer
(310) 844 8802
iefilm.com