Unscripted

 

Unscripted  by Davis Bunn   317 pages

I had never heard of Daivs Bunn before I started reading his latest novel, “Unscripted,” but I’ve since learned he is a prolific writer, with more than twenty novels to his credit.

Danny Byrd has a reputation in Hollywood for being a guy who is tru to his word. He produces films on time and on budger. But Danny has landed in jail thanks to his best friend (former best friend now) who has stolen all the money he has in the world. And Danny is the one who winds up in jail.

It was not clear to me how, but Danny is released, and given a majority share in an abandoned hotel in the middle of nowhere. The opportunity to redeem himself comes in a quick deal…Not sure exactly how that came to be either…if only he can make a movie on a tight, tight deadline and for an exceedingly low budget. Unfortuately there is no script, so they’ll have to wing it.

During the transfer of the hotel to Danny, he encounters lawyer Megan Pierce. Megan is tired of the long hours and cutthroat ethics of her law firm. I was never really clear on how Megan came to represent Danny.

As Danny tours the abandoned hotel, he comes across the caretaker’s daughter, Emma, who has the voice of an angel.  That gives Danny the inspiration for the film he needs to make. He calls LA and brings in his crew: two writers and a cameraman. The writers write the script the evening before it is to be shot….or as the cameras are rolling.

Emma is the star. With her gorgeous voice and natural talent, she give suca studied performance that it is hard to believe that she has had no training.

 “Unscripted” receives  3 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.