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Lorelei
Introduction
In the interest of stimulating cultural unity in the Romanian Diaspora, while fostering western interests in Romanian literature, I am proposing an independent film production of Ionel Teodoreanu’s 1935 classic tragedy, Lorelei. My proposal addresses the problem of the Romanian identity in crisis, but also seizes the opportunity to enrich western audiences with the overlooked merits of Romanian literature. My goal, thus, is to positively influence a renaissance in Romanian culture and the arts, and at the same time, earn a reputable and meaningful place in western academics and culture for Romanian literature and art.
Background
My proposal originates with my doctoral dissertation at Wayne State University. My project was the translation and adaptation of Teodoreanu’s Lorelei from Romanian to English, and from novel to film script. I undertook this enormous and innovative task in order to demonstrate the significance of including Romanian literature in the English canon, which presently includes many diverse, though more popular cultures, like Hispanic, Asian, and other Eastern European cultures, while virtually excluding Romanian. Sadly, Romanians are largely misperceived for a variety of reasons; consequently, they tend to lack credibility as a people both in the arts and commercial industry. Culturally, they suffer from disunity and ineffective management of their potential contributions to social, cultural and academic activities, despite the valiant efforts of many passionate fellow Romanians and American Romanians. My proposal aims to resuscitate the Romanian identity in part by redefining it through literature. Because of the formidable challenges of competing against politically empowered cultures in the publishing and academic community, however, I decided to introduce Teodoreanu’s novel by way of a film adaptation. I believe I can target a much larger audience this way. To my knowledge, there has never been an English adaptation of a classic Romanian novel. It is true that there have been a few films that featured Romanians, or Romanian themes, however, they did so with little accuracy and even less dignity at the hands of Hollywood studios.
Proposal
I want to produce an independent film production of Lorelei with the support and resources of the American-Romanian community. Since the film is as much a commercial venture as an artistic one, I seek investors who have vision and appreciation for the cultural and commercial significance of my project. Although funding is critical, it is also important to locate talented professionals whose expertise or business connections can play key roles in the overall film production. Because Lorelei must emerge as a worthy model for future works, it must be produced independently. It can be shot on location in Romania, using Romanian film crews, and feature Romanian actors, however, at least one major American actor is necessary for increased chances for success. The film will be in English and distributed in the United States.
Experience and Qualifications
I have a proven track record in cultural activities in the American Romanian community, most notably through my work as founder and artistic director of Ţărăncuţa Romanian Folk Dance and Music Ensemble. Ţărăncuţa initiated a momentous unification of the divided Romanian-Americans by bringing together members and audiences from all the various factions of the community for the first time in forty years, with its debut concert in 1982. In the following years Ţărăncuţa extended her activities into the next generation, remaining instrumental in sustaining unity and cultural growth by offering the Romanian community a vital service: the preservation and perpetuation of Romanian cultural heritage through tradition folkdance and music. The key to Ţărăncuţă’s success as a semi-professional non-profit company was her independence, and her dedication to a cultural agenda. By the sheer power of Ţărăncuţa’s celebration of the Romanian cultural identity through folk dance and music, she continues to evolve even today without formal financial support. Her tireless, joyful and enthusiastic commitment to celebrating the Romanian spirit is driven by love and respect for the Romanian birthright.
Based on my interdisciplinary background in the arts, and my devotion to my Romanian heritage, I earned my doctorate degree in English by stressing translation studies in general, and Romanian translation and literature in particular. I am told that my dissertation project of Teodoreanu’s Lorelei is in the top 5% of dissertations in thirty years at Wayne State University for its merit and innovation. It took me three years to win approval for my project, however, the dissertation was well received and I am encouraged by my colleagues and mentors to follow through on an independent film production of my screenplay. I have the additional approval of Teodoreanu’s heir as well to move forward. I am also pleased to note that I have signed a publishing contract with the Edwin G. Mellen Press, who has agreed to let me retain the rights to my screenplay. It is significant that the editor is particularly interested in promoting scholarly research of Romanian literature, and that the publication of my dissertation will be marketed to every major academic library in the world. Such exposure will benefit the independent film production of Lorelei, while Mellen Press looks forward to future submissions of Romanian literature in translation.
I bring to the proposed project my skills as a writer and translator, my experience as an artistic director, and my creative vision as an artist. I also bring a deep humility for such the precious heritage my parents gave to me. Previously, I published the first English translation of Lucian Blaga’s play Zalmoxis, and some original Romanian verse. Presently, I am a visiting Assistant Professor at Oakland University, after teaching as an adjunct faculty for eight years at Wayne State University and the College for Creative Studies. This reflects my abilities to communicate and lead students of diverse cultural and social backgrounds, and stimulate interest in Romanian literature among my colleagues. I am passionately devoted to the goal of preserving and perpetuating Romanian culture, personally and professionally.
Business Plan in Brief
* Form a limited partnership film production company in order to preserve artistic control and guarantee a strong model for future productions; prepare the offering memorandum for investors out of following options:
* Identify initial investors
* Pre-production phase: secure permissions and copyrights, file forms, create a hire list, explore resources (industry contacts), determine budget, secure locations for film shoot
* Production phase: three-week shooting schedule on location (Romania—Iaşi)
* Post-production phase: U.S. film and sound editing, find distributor
Lorelei will represent a seminal artistic work in its own right, but also serve as a platform for other cultural projects. A feature film of this scope will generate interest in Romanian literature, as well as influence cultural awareness among American-Romanians, and just as importantly, all Americans. With the support of investors and patrons from the business and private sectors, this project will stimulate and inspire Romanians and American-Romanians to embrace their rich culture, but more importantly, take responsibility for its survival. In addition to fulfilling important cultural needs, Lorelei will also raise awareness in the scholarly community to the long overdue acknowledgment of Romanian literature as a vital and refreshing force in the traditional literary canon. This project can also open the door to other translations and adaptations that will secure a Romanian presence in literature and film. Above all, it will correct the misperceptions of Romanians and their culture as nothing more than an exploited metaphor for Dracula and Nadia Comaneci.
Timing for this initiative is crucial. Investors must be located and secured in the next two months in order to schedule shooting for spring and summer of 2006. Therefore, it is imperative that I aggressively seek investors now. Once investment capital is secured, a total time frame from pre-production to post-production of eight months is not unreasonable.
I am asking for your participation in this project either as an investor, or as someone in a position to help me identify other investors or professionals who can attend a formal presentation of the Lorelei project proposal. I have conducted already some research with a leading production company, Parafilm, in Romania, regarding their services in the event that we can film on location. I have also discussed my project with Romanian film director Nicolae Mărgineanu, who was impressed with the script and concept, though he agreed that an independent America-Romanian production would do the film justice.
I am anxious to undertake this fantastic opportunity to make a lasting contribution to our common heritage. I invite you to join me in this odyssey.
Thank you for your time and interest.
Sincerely yours,
Doris Plantus-Runey