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Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly
Rejecting Elf
Dec 19, 2024
Discover the unlikely journey of the beloved Christmas movie 'Elf' and the rejections that almost derailed it. Learn about the determined screenwriter whose personal experiences fueled the film's creation. Dive into the fascinating casting choices that blended humor and heart, enhancing its nostalgic charm. Hear about the intense behind-the-scenes challenges and how one pivotal scene nearly got cut. Ultimately, this tale highlights the power of community and support in transforming rejection into holiday magic.
42:53
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Quick takeaways
- David Berenbaum's journey of rejections ultimately led to the creation of 'Elf,' which became a timeless holiday classic after perseverance.
- Jon Favreau's innovative direction reshaped the initial script, blending nostalgia with authenticity, contributing to the film's unexpected box office success.
Deep dives
David Berenbaum's Journey to Elf
David Berenbaum, a young boy from Philadelphia, became enamored with Christmas and filmmaking after his father's passing. He initially pursued screenwriting to transition into directing, but his early scripts faced constant rejection. Inspired by his nostalgia for classic Christmas movies, Berenbaum crafted the concept of 'Elf,' a story about a human raised by elves searching for his father. After numerous rejections, the script finally garnered interest thanks to eager believers who championed its potential.
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Discover
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode