Is Now the Time for a Polo Movie?

First I must, as always, lead with the caveat that Of Kings & Cowboys is not really a 'polo' movie...it  is a romantic drama SET in the world of international polo.  Ok, got that said, so back to the question:  Is now the time for a polo movie?  (Hey no fair, question guy has more hair than me.)

Interesting question, and you think I'm going to say yes, right?  Well no.  Nope.  Nada.  Now is not the time.  Not during the clutches of economic slowdowns on every continent.  Not for a polo-themed movie to be at your local theater.  But a release of the film in Spring or Summer of 2010.... perfecto!  The economic crisis certainly has put a damper on the usual polo season... evidenced heavily by an international 'pull back', even from the wealthiest among us.  But, as everyone knows, our economies will rebound, and do so splendidly.  (Yes, I said it, 'splendidly'!)   If the film was out now, the audience would be perhaps a bit jaded away from seeing a film set in the world of the sport most notably associated with wealth, and perhaps some excess.  But a year or so from now?  Brilliant.  Perfect timing.  Things will be on the uptick, people will be ready to return in full to their dreams of the lifestyle polo represents.  Count on it.

One thing though...and I think I've said it before in this blog...not sure...but OKC is about the riders and horses...and NOT about the pomp and puffery in the stands.  Not taking anything away from the spectators, but there will be no 'Pretty Woman' scenes in Of Kings & Cowboys.  (I saw that again the other night...ughh were the polo scenes corny and wrong!)

Now for the main point I am trying to make:  this is the perfect time to be filming this movie.  Some of the best riders and their horses are looking for work in 2009.  Wonderful.  We need you.  Seasons come and go, but the very first polo feature film will always be just that, the first, and will be around for your children's children to watch.  What trophy can compete with that?  And now many of the patrons and players have just the opportunity to not only participate, but make a lasting difference on the sport.  Think of it this way:  this $20M film will need to lease fields, hire riders, etc....and that's great for those of you polo freaks who don't want to do anything else!  (I'm looking at you!)  I couldn't have planned the economic charts better.

And lastly, financing.  Ironically our latest investor joined exactly because of the economic downturn.  Yeah, that's right.  (And of course because they loved the script, the project, etc.)  As they explained to me, they would normally have several hundred thousand dollars tied up in fielding their team.  But this season they are staying out of the game.  Thus, they explained, they had the opportunity and available funds to participate in the film, have some fun, make a nice return, and make a huge difference in supporting the sport's future.

Now, all that said.... sure, I wish this economic crud could have swept through after we were already starting production...but, it is what it is.  And there are some shiny silver linings.

So, go figure.  Ride on!