Wiley Bowman: The Last Chapter

​Did I mention that Wiley’s rewrite of “Baja Adventure” (previously known as “The Touristers,”) sucked balls? What was once a comedy about mismatched tourists on a RV excursion to Baja had now become a dark thriller about drug running. At least all the legal advice I was receiving was consistent. With Wiley Bowman at the helm, “Baja Adventure” would never get made. Just wait out your option and the property will once again revert back to you.

The concert promotor who had agreed to raise production funds proved to be quite the con herself. In doing a bit of research, I found that her company had a profile on a website known as “The Rip-Off Report.” Seems some investor had not been paid back and was suing in court. So much for the dream investor. Like rats deserting a sinking ship, the rest of the crew and cast departed, leaving Wiley alone with his project. Before he could quit, Wiley fired the director and announced that he would be helming the picture himself.

After the extremely painful wait of two additional years for the terms of the option to expire, I sent a registered letter to Wiley informing him that I was reclaiming ownership of my work and that was that. Seems easy enough, right? Not so fast, little buckaroos. Wiley was incensed and was not going down without a fight. Mr. Bowman immediately filed Writer’s Guild paperwork along with submitting a copyright application over the material. Luckily, I had a copyright predating his by over twenty years. Wiley’s legal argument was my copyright was for what I had written all those years ago. Again, I went to the the lawyers and again they answered, he will never get any movie, let alone mine, made. Bullshit! I was not having it. This was my material and I would protect it with my dying breath.

​Here are some little-known facts to consider before I continue. Did you know that a copyright is just a piece of paper and if someone does infringe on your work, it can still be challenged? As I was told, you’d probably win but how much is it going to cost you? Something else to consider, the office of copyrights can only do so much. It did not help Wiley’s case when he refused to answer the copyright’s questions regarding his claim to own previously copyrighted material. Still when it was announced on GoFundMe that Wiley was seeking funds for “Baja Adventure” the emptiness in the pit of my stomach returned. Was this ever going to end? I began to doubt it. To my relief, not one person donated a dime to Wiley’s directorial debut.
 

Hollywood memory is relatively short. Years have passed since the saga of Wiley Bowman concluded. The industry stink that was once so associated with the project has finally faded. I have made a film and rewritten others. I continue to get work in the film industry and have learned to never sign anything without first consulting a lawyer. And still the question remains, if my version of “The Touristers” ever gets made, will Wiley magically reappear and demand payment? Looking on the bright side, the whole shit show made me a smarter.
 
“On March 12th, trial was held in Department 98, Superior Court of the State of California, in and for the County of Los Angeles. In a moment the results of that trial.”
 
Just wishful thinking on my part. But I would’ve loved to post a picture of Wiley Bowman along with the above “Dragnet” narration. 
 
Before we say goodbye, I think it is only fitting that I feature a direct quote from Wiley Bowman’s LinkedIn profile: 
 
“Available for your casting needs, for small or big budget films, short film, music video and more. You can count on us to read the screenplay and make a breakdown that fits. Then we will per screen actors and actress for the lead and supporting roles and we have the right connection to proved extra for your project as well.”
 
I think the above speaks for itself. At any rate, I am glad he still keeps a toe in the business. Oh, by the way, besides being a movie producer and director, Wiley is also a photographer. 
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A comedian, a fashion photographer and sells real estate. 
 
Looking forward to seeing you all next week.