Gawker? Oh, Yeah, Gawker

 Digital gossip tabloid Gawker, like Donald Trump, had its time. Then it ran out of time after it, again like Trump, crossed too many lines. One in particular - broadcasting without permission a video of celebrity wrestler Hulk Hogan having sex with someone else's wife - got it sued. The nuclear jury verdict of $141 million finished off Gawker. 

A sign that not many care much about Gawker any more is that Gawker 2.0 never was able to get traction and went away. It's reported to be having some kind of third try overseas.

However, that hasn't deterred interest by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon to possibly make a commercial film about the infamous trial in Florida for "Hulk Hogan v Gawker." Charles Harder for the plaintiff became a bigger name and eventually it came out that high-profile conservative Peter Thiel did a version of litigation financing.

The studio owned by Affleck and Damon - Artists Equity - bought the screenplay of that litigation which is reported to have been written by Charles Randolph.

There is a juicy rumor, which could significantly boost the film's marketability, that Hogan will sue if the movie, like Gawker, crosses any line. But so far, that remains mere gossip. If that narrative gains traction, Affleck/Damon could be increasingly motivated to go with the project.

The risk is so there, though. With many other downfalls seeming ready to happen, such as Trump's melting down like the Wicked Witch of the West in the "Wizard of Oz," more compelling projects could be available to bring profitably to the big screen. 

For example, on the inspirational side, there can be one of those rah-rah films how the front lines of the Democratic Party pulled off the Kamela Harris miracle. There are plenty of fascinating personalities to feature, ranging from master fundraiser Brad Karp to newly political Melinda Gates to prominent-again strategic genius James Carville. The tone can be totally Frank Capra, delivering the feel-good Americana still needs, even after Everyman Tim Walz arrived on the scene. (Now that's a movie in itself about Walz a la "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington."

Full Disclosure: I have the unique beef with Gawker. For too many years there was a committee meeting every Friday to determine if I should be executed or granted a stay. What followed was a flood of badgering in social and email that I didn't deserve the stay. Somehow I must have really ticked off Gawker.

In business and life you usually have only one shot at whatever. Up the odds of success with Jane Genova. I am an intuitive coach, tarot reader and content-creator. Complimentary consultation (please text/phone 203-468-8579 or email janegenova374@gmail.com)

 


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