David Franzoni
About
Biography
Filmography
Family & Companions
Notes
Franzoni has written the screenplay "George Washington", set to star Robert Redford, and also adapted Randy Shilts' book "The Mayor of Castro Street", about assassinated gay activist Harvey Milk, which is also in development.
Biography
Screenwriter David Franzoni's first produced script was "Jumpin' Jack Flash" (1986), but he really opened the industry's eyes with his screen adaptation of "Citizen Cohn" (HBO, 1992), a biopic of famed attorney Roy Cohn, earning CableACE, Peabody and PEN West Literary awards as well as an Emmy nomination. While working on the screenplay for Steven Spielberg's "Amistad" (1997), about a slave ship mutiny, Franzoni signed a first-look deal with DreamWorks involving three projects, two of which he would write and produce, and a third he would write, produce and direct. Before the release of "Amistad," however, the author found himself at the center of controversy when author Barbara Chase-Riboud filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction to block the film's release, claiming that her novel "Echo of Lions" was used as a source. A federal judge reject Chase-Riboud's motion and the film opened on schedule, earning respectful reviews.
Filmography
Writer (Feature Film)
Producer (Feature Film)
Cast (Special)
Life Events
1986
First produced screenplay, "Jumpin' Jack Flash"; credited as David H Franzoni; provided the story and was one of four credited writers on the script
1992
Breaskthrough script, the teleplay for the HBO biopic "Citizen Cohn"; earned a 1993 Emmy nomination
1996
Signed a first look deal with DreamWorks SKG to write, produce and direct features
1997
Named (along with Spielberg and others) in a plagiarism suit brought by author Barabra Chase-Riboud who claimed "Amistad" was based on her novel "Echo of Lions"; suit settled out of court
1997
Served as screenwriter for Steven Spielberg's "Amistad"; reportedly Steve Zallian rewrote his script, but Franzoni ended up with sole screen credit
2000
Co-wrote script for "Gladiator"; also served as one of the film's producers; film received 12 Oscar nominations including Best Picture and Best Screenplay
Family
Companions
Bibliography
Notes
Franzoni has written the screenplay "George Washington", set to star Robert Redford, and also adapted Randy Shilts' book "The Mayor of Castro Street", about assassinated gay activist Harvey Milk, which is also in development.
