David Mickey Evans
About
Biography
Biography
Virtually unknown screenwriter of low-budget films ("Open House" and "Terminal Entry" both 1987) whose screenplay for "Radio Flyer," a drama about child abuse, created a bidding war among Hollywood studios before Michael Douglas' Stonebridge Entertainment and Columbia Pictures purchased the hot property in 1989 for an estimated $1.1 million. As part of the sale, Evans was to make his debut directing the film as well, but early in production was replaced by veteran action/adventure director Richard Donner and his producer-wife Lauren Shuler-Donner who replaced the initial cast and after test screenings added a more upbeat ending, resulting in what was dubbed an innately noncommercial "expensive flop" and the "first feel-good movie about child abuse." Evans was executive producer of the film. He made his belated directorial debut with "The Sandlot" (1993), a nostalgic tale of childhood and baseball.
Filmography
Director (Feature Film)
Writer (Feature Film)
Producer (Feature Film)
Life Events
1987
First screenplays filmed "Open House" and "Terminal Entry"
1989
Was paid an estimated $1.1 million for both his screenplay for "Radio Flyer" and the chance to direct it; production shut down in June 1989 after 10 days of shooting; Michael Douglas replaced Evans with veteran director Richard Donner
1992
Executive produced "Radio Flyer"
1993
Feature directorial debut, "The Sandlot"
1996
Directed the Disney feature "First Kid" starring Sinbad
1996
Helmed the comedy "Ed," starring Matt LeBlanc
2003
Helmed the adult-themed, "After School Special"
2005
Helmed the direct to video "The Sandlot 2"
2007
Directed "The Final Season," about the fabled Norway, Iowa baseball team, which won an astonishing 20 state championships
