Last time we heard of “Hover Car Racer” was back in 2004, when Disney bought the rights to Mathew Reilly’s futuristic techno novel (originally published online for free). But the project, I realized this week, is still very much alive. On Monday, June 2nd, I moderated a Q&A session with John Sayles who presented his film “Honeydripper” at the Tel Aviv International Student Film Festival (alongside on stage was his longtime producer and partner Maggie Renzi). It is quite known that Sayles makes a living doing rewrites and polish work for big budget Hollywood movies, and with the money he earns doing that he produces his own films independently.

Honeydripper Q&A at the tel aviv cinematheque. left to right: John Sayles, Maggie Renzie, Yair Raveh
John Sayles (left), Maggie Renzi and myself at the “Honeydripper” Q&A. Monday in Tel Aviv (Photo credit: Maya Paz)

When I asked what he is currently re-writing he answered “Hover Car Racer“, then turned to the audience and added: “I guess you can tell what this movie is about from the title”. Silly on my part not to follow this up with a question about any director or talent attached.
Sayles added that he self financed the 5 million dollar “Honeydripper” by taking on 12 Hollywood screenwriting gigs. He recently got a rare writing credit for “The Spiderwick Chronicles”. “I was one of nine writers and one of three credited writers”, he mentioned. “Spiderwick” is a rarity because most of Sayles’ rewrites are done uncredited, keeping his name tacked on his more personal work, including his Oscar nominated work for “Lone Star” and “Passion Fish”.
And although “Honeydripper”’s US box-office receipts are a disappointment the movie, said Renzi, is a surprise hit in Spain. How soon does it take him to start thinking about his next project as writer-director? “Not before July”, quipped Renzi. “I have about 12 ideas for my next movie”, said Sayles, “I’ll have to see which one I can finance”.