Randall Emmett and Martin Scorsese Team Up for ‘Wall of White’
Randall Emmett, a noted producer of low-budget action films, has announced an ambitious collaboration with Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese to adapt the harrowing tale of the 1982 avalanche in Lake Tahoe. The film, titled “Wall of White,” will be produced and financed through Emmett’s Convergence Entertainment Group, as reported by Deadline.
Writers Guild Action
Despite the excitement surrounding the project, the Writers Guild of America West has issued an advisory to its members, prohibiting them from contributing to the film. This action follows concerns regarding Emmett’s history of not fulfilling financial obligations to writers, leading to his being placed on the guild’s “strike list” since 2020.
Background of Disputes
The WGA noted, “Emmett has a long history of refusing to honor obligations to writers and the Guild has filed numerous arbitration claims against companies owned by Emmett over the last decade.” As a result, guild rules dictate that members cannot work with individuals or companies listed on the Strike/Unfair List.
Emmett’s Response
In light of the guild’s stance, Emmett expressed his commitment to resolving the disputes, stating to The Times, “We are fully financing this movie, and we have every intention to settle this dispute in the coming weeks.” His team is expected to reach out to the Writers Guild to address the longstanding issues.
Film Overview
“Wall of White” draws inspiration from both a 2010 book and the 2021 documentary titled “Buried: The 1982 Alpine Meadows Avalanche.” This tragic event occurred after a severe spring storm, where a massive avalanche engulfed a village and trapped eight individuals at a ski resort. Unfortunately, seven of them lost their lives, while one woman was rescued from the wreckage.
Key Contributors
Screenwriter Petter Skavlan, a member of the WGA, is attached to the screenplay, alongside book author Jennifer Woodlief, who is not part of the guild. Their involvement highlights the complexities regarding the project’s development amid guild restrictions.
Production Plans
Rumors suggest that production for “Wall of White” is set to commence within the year. While no director has been formally attached to the project yet, Emmett’s collaboration with Scorsese is noteworthy, as the two previously worked together on the 2016 film “Silence.”
Emmett’s Production Journey
Emmett founded Convergence Entertainment Group in early 2022 alongside Miami financier Joel Cohen, following the collapse of his previous company, Emmett/Furla Oasis, which faced substantial debt. In recent years, the WGA successfully secured a $541,464 judgment against the defunct company for failing to compensate writers. Including accrued interest, this amount has now exceeded $700,000.
Future Prospects
Despite facing multiple challenges, including lawsuits and negative publicity, Emmett continues to attract collaborators and stars for his projects. Currently, the Writers Guild aims to ensure its members are aware of the restrictions on working with Convergence Entertainment Group regarding this and any other projects.
As the release date for “Wall of White” approaches, industry watchers will be keen to see how Emmett negotiates with the Writers Guild and what further developments might unfold in this highly anticipated film adaptation.