Hi there! I'm Jay Bell and I like making up stories! I'm the guy who wrote Something Like Summer – The Movie!
Written by Jay Bell on December 21, 2011 – 1:06 pm -
Yes, it’s true! Something Like Summer is becoming a movie. Producer Tom Ly approached me a few months back, smoothed talked me into giving him the film rights and then wrangled up some of the best talent in gay cinema. I had the honor of speaking with many amazing directors, and like puppies, I wanted to take them all home with me. Choosing felt impossible, so I watched and rewatched their films. There was one—Judas Kiss—that to me feels like the future of gay cinema. Not only is Judas Kiss fresh and new, but the cinematography and quality of directing is worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster. I’m absolutely thrilled that the talent behind Judas Kiss has agreed to transform Something Like Summer from ye olde fashioned text to glorious moving pictures! The road from script to screen is a long one, but if you want a hint of what Something Like Summer will be like as a film, I urge you to check out Judas Kiss. I know I’ll be celebrating this news by watching it again tonight!
Here’s the official Something Like Summer movie press release:
‘Judas Kiss’ Director, Producer Re-Team for ‘Something Like Summer’ Adaptation
SEATTLE — The makers of this year’s acclaimed scifi fantasy, “Judas Kiss,” are teaming with Seattle-based Jade Knight Productions to adapt the bestselling coming-of-age love story, “Something Like Summer,” for the screen.
The new project will be helmed by director J.T. Tepnapa, with screenwriter Carlos Pedraza penning the screenplay, based on the book by author Jay Bell. Tepnapa’s and Pedraza’s Los Angeles-based company, Blue Seraph Productions is a co-production partner.
“I’m honored that Jay Bell and producer Tom Ly have asked Blue Seraph Productions to turn the critically acclaimed novel into a movie,” Tepnapa said. “The life of the main character, Ben, mirrors so many moments in my own life, I cannot help but want to treat his own journey with care. I love this story, and I want to see it come to life.”
“Something Like Summer” traces the tumultuous relationship of Ben and Tim, secret high school sweethearts who grow over the years into both adulthood enemies and complicated friends.
The novel is Bell’s second and most acclaimed, earning a spot in Amazon’s Best Books of 2011 list, with a customer rating of 4.7 out of 5, and outstanding reader reviews on the popular literary site Goodreads.
Queer Magazine Online said the novel “not only has lots of passion, humor, angst and twists and turns, it also takes an in-depth look at how the choices we make in life affect not only ourselves, but everyone around us.” The Alpha Reader review commented: “Jay Bell has written one of the most heartfelt and sincere romances I have ever encountered.”
The book was optioned by Jade Knight Productions of Seattle and producer Tom Ly. With Blue Seraph Productions on board, the project moves into development immediately.
“We are on track to have the screenplay ready by Spring 2012,” screenwriter and co-producer Pedraza said. “J.T. and I are looking forward to translating the magic of this story from page to screen.”
“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to work with J.T. and Carlos,” Ly said. “I was so impressed by what they accomplished with ‘Judas Kiss.’ I know they’ll take us to the next level with ‘Something Like Summer.’”
Author Bell had similar praise for “Judas Kiss”: “I was blown away after seeing the film in Germany this year. My heart was pounding when I left the theatre and I knew that this was the right creative team for a ‘Something Like Summer’ movie. Ben, Tim, and Jace are in very safe hands, and I can’t wait to see them on the big screen.”
“Something Like Summer” will be Tepnapa’s and Pedraza’s second feature film, following quickly on the heels of their debut, “Judas Kiss,” the genre-bending scifi fantasy released in 2011, garnering critical acclaim and multiple awards from film festivals around the world. The film is in distribution worldwide, and continues at the top of the sales charts in its genre.
Blue Seraph Productions is a Los Angeles company headed by Tepnapa and Pedraza. Their work has been featured in the New York Times, BBC, Variety, The Advocate, Edge Magazine, ATV Network, Frontiers, Fab magazine, the Today Show, MSNBC, and other international news outlets.
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Posted in Movies, Something Like Summer | 50 Comments »
Wow, congratulations. You deserve it, SLS is a fantastic novel. I loved it and so did my 2 girls (21&15).
I’ve not seen judas Kiss, but I am looking forwards to seeing how they adapt SLS for the screen.
Happy Christmas to you both.
Thank you, Jan! I love hearing when families read my books. Hopefully the film will please you guys just as much!
skandar keynes for Tim..Vote Now!!
I thought I would play the role of Tim *checks mirror* Or not! Skandar would be good. I had to find a photo of him from this year, but he’s a little hotty.
Dont know why, but I had pegged you more for Jace. Do you think you’ll get a cameo?
I’ve always wanted to be an extra in a film, so I would love to be some guy walking by in the background or something subtle. Nothing like Stan Lee’s cameos that tend to halt a story. More like Hitchcock.
Or maybe they could just have a paperback copy of Something Like Summer in Ben or Tim’s room.
Holy cow! Congratulations – you must be over the moon:) This looks like an early Christmas present and I wish you and Andreas a wonderful “besinnliche Weihnachten”, no doubt they will be happy.
Over the moon is a good way of putting it. The whole thing feels like a dream right now. I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!
Congratutations ! Now I know that there really is a Santa Claus. To see “Something like summer” on the big screen was on top of my wishlist. Merry christmas to you and Andreas
Danke, ich wünsche dir auch frohe Weihnachten und einen guten Rutsch!
Jay! Darling! OMG! My QMO review is in this article! That makes me feel wonderful to play a small part in your acclaim. Love ya baby!
Your review quote was in the press release that went out to lots of sites. It wasn’t my doing either. You simply write good reviews!
Congratulations, that is wonderful!
Thank you, Sylvia!
OMG!!!!!!!!! This is a dream come true for me. I MEAN FOR YOU Jay!! But the fans are equally happy about this, I’m sure. I’m just shocked because usually books don’t get movie offers in the first year of release. Fans usually have to wait years.
Anyway, I can’t wait to see who will get cast. I imagine Ben could be played by VAN HANSIS. He played a gay teenager on “As The World Turns”. You can go to youtube and type in “Luke and Noah” and see if he fits.
Wow this is so exciting!
Thanks! It is pretty wild that Something Like Summer hasn’t even been out a year yet. I think I wrote the first draft back in 2008, so to me it feels like it’s been around forever. And yes, Van Hansis is very cute!
Oh my gosh! I am so fan-girling right now! So, so happy for you, and so excited to see Tim, Jace & Ben on the big screen! Eep!
Thank you! I’m excited too! I was happy to see them giving some props to your site in the press release. That was cool! Thanks for writing such a great review way back when!
Jay,
I’m thrilled for you and for us, your adoring fans. I can’t wait for your movie to come out, but in the mean time I’ll take a look at Judas Kiss. I seem to be “the only gay in the village” that hasn’t seen it yet. Good for you dude!
Bob
Thanks, Bob! I hope you’ll like Judas Kiss. It’s a good movie to watch multiple times, since you pick up more pieces of the puzzle each time. Plus, the guys are hot!
OMG, This is absolutely fantastic. I don’t know the process of picking the main actors, but I highly recommend Richie Nuzzolese to be Tim! You have seen him in my video for your novel. He is perfect for the role and of the right age, too.
I doubt I’ll have any say regarding casting, but if they ask me, I won’t forget your suggestions. After all, you sort of made the first Something Like Summer movie!
Chandler is super cute! He’s a great suggestion for Ben!
I am sure you will have some say on casting. After all you are the one who is most familiar with the story and the characters. These are young and upcoming actors so they will not be too expensive for an independent film. Age will be important since the story spans 10 years. Chandler and Richie are both 21 years old so they are still young enough to play teenagers.
If possible, I would make an investment in the film, too. It has such a great potential, just like the book.
Do you mean that you would want to invest in the film or you think that I should? I’m not sure what kind of opportunities like that exist, but I can ask.
I meant I want to make an investment in the film if there is an opportunity.
Hi Eric,
My name is Tom. I am the producer of SOMETHING LIKE SUMMER working closely with Jay and the makers of JUDAS KISS. I am so glad you are excited about this project. We do have an opportunity for you. If you’d like more information, please contact me at jadeknight75@yahoo.com. Thank you for your support!
Tom =)
For the role of Ben, maybe you can consider Chandler Massey. He played Will Horton on Days of our lives! He will be a fantastic Ben.
WOW! GREAT NEWS!! I am so happy! I will check out Kiss too. This just made my day. I always thought Summer would make a good movie, now I don’t have to wonder. I hope they do your book justice with the movie, because your novel is outstanding. Congrats!
Robert
Thanks! I’m certain the Judas Kiss team will do a great job with the film. Obviously it will have to be different from the book, if only for time and budget reasons, so more like a new version of the story we know. It’ll be interesting to see what they come up with, that’s for sure!
This is excellent news. But however good and enjoyable the movie is, it will not be as good as the book. Still, I look forward to it with eager anticipation.
Here is my unsolicited suggestion: End the movie with a brief shot of Ben reading a book that happens to have as its title whatever you want the “sequel” from Tim’s perspective to be called (with cover art by Andreas, of course).
I’d love to sneak a cameo of my book in the film somehow. Maybe Ben can throw it at Tim during one of their arguments or something.
As long as Brent Corrigan isn’t cast as Ben, Tim, or jace, i’m happy.
I think Brent has the right look for Ben, but obviously it takes more than just that. Whoever they pick, I’d prefer they go for acting ability over similarity of appearance. Not that I have any complaints about Brent from what I saw in Judas Kiss. Regardless, Ben’s going to need a very strong actor, since the whole range of emotions is there.
ehhh, i dont think brent fits very well into the role of ben. i think someone that looks, well, 16. would be better. but, your the author, you crated ben, so youll pick the perfect actor for ben!
Regardless, Ben’s going to need a very strong actor, since the whole range of emotions is there.
can’t agree more. i remember there is a rebound guy in super market who worked with Ben (sorry for forgetting his name). Maybe Brent can be this rebound guy.( where there is J.T. , there’s a Brent. XD )
VAN HANSIS is so cute, but he’s a man now instead of a cute boy.
Scott Evans has an uniform image in One Life To Live, something like Jace (daydreaming….)
i really care about who will be Tim. He hurts Ben so much, but i still love him.
WOW! SLS novel surprised me! it changed, literaly, the way i see being gay! it is the best book ive ever read! when i saw that they were planning on making it into a movie, i was like
extreme!!!!!! i cant wait till the movie comes out!!!!
Thanks, Mauro. That’s awesome that Something Like Summer had such an impact on your life. And I’m flipping out over the movie too. I can’t wait!
Congratulations, Jay! I’m so happy for you!
As I write this on 02/27/2012 JUDAS KISS is available as streaming video on Netflix. Please make a big fuss in announcing when the movie SOMETHING LIKE SUMMER is released, and after its theatrical run, let us know as soon as we can buy the DVD since wouldn’t it be wondrous to have it on hand to watch. Thanks and well deserved Congrats!
I just finished reading Something like summer and it was amazing ! I loved it ! I’m impatient to see the movie !
Thanks, Georgies! The movie is still some time away, but I’m excited too! The sequel/companion novel will probably be out before then, so you won’t be bored while you’re waiting.
SLS was an awesome book really made me think a lot. Congrats on havin so much success. Really can’t wait for the movie now
Hello Jay Bell! I read Something Like Summer and it was more than amazing! I loved the way you portray the characters. I felt like I really got to know everyone. Also, do you see a little bit of yourself in Ben or Tim? And I hope the movie comes out with great success! I look forward to your other materials!
Thanks, Al! Which character do I see myself in? That’s an interesting question. I’ll say Ben, but only when he does bad things like skipping school or trashing the journalism room, since both those things are autobiographical.
I don’t have much in common with Tim, but I sure do love the guy!
I randomly bought Something Like Summer on the Kindle Market. The book was phenomenal!!! I loved the characters. The book drove me nuts!! It was hot, charming, well written, and easily relatable. I fricking cried my eyes out. I’m 21 and gay and its nice having stuff like this to read. I relate to Ben in a lot of aspects such as personality and hobbies. I literally just finished the book 15 minutes ago, then I heard it was being made into a movie and now I cant wipe this grin off my face!!!
I’m recommending this book to all of my friends. Congratulations on such a beautiful piece of work!!! Hope they find some amazing actors, it’s one of my dreams to get gay cinema onto the big screens!!
Hi Dustin! Man, what a great response! I’m thrilled you liked the story so much, and that you could relate to Ben. Do you get yourself in trouble as much as he does?
I’m still pumped about the movie coming out. I’ve read the first draft of the screenplay and it has a lot of energy. It’s different, but still very much the same. I too hope gay cinema goes mainstream. The gay romance genre is being read more and more, so there’s hope!
I just finished your book Something Like Summer- there were so many positive reviews about it on Amazon I couldn’t pass it up. Simply put- It was beautiful. Your imagery was moving– one of my favorites was when Ben was returning the key and when he leaves you realize that Tim was awake. . as a reader it was one of those moments when I forgot to breath- so caught up in the moment and pain that both of the boys had to be feeling- I re-read that page five times. I’m a white, middle class middle aged soccer mom from the east coast, my world couldn’t be further from Ben and Tim’s but your writing made them real for me. For me reading is my drug of choice, I am addicted to my kindle, and this was exactly the “high” I was searching for. Of course now I have the low that follows now that there are no more pages to read. . the fortunate thing for me is that this was the first of your works I have read, so I’ve already ordered a few others. Thank you again,and I apologize for my poor grammar and abuse of the dash.
One of the biggest surprises with Something Like Summer is the wide range of people that enjoy it. Before I published it, I figured there might be a few other gay guys out there that could relate. I love that there’s a soccer mom taking that journey with Ben and Tim and feeling all the emotions along with them. I guess love and all the baggage that comes with it is a universal experience. Whatever the reason, I think it’s super cool that you decided to read this story. Thank you!
I just can’t wait to see the movie !!!
Something Like Summer was a real ray of light to me. I’ve never felt so close to a character, and a book has never moved me to tears like this one. The complexity of human feelings is outstandingly depicted.
Simply… Thank you, and congratulations for your success !
From a French student.
Hey Chris!
Somehow I missed this comment until now. Sorry about that. I’m honored that Something Like Summer meant so much to you! I’m excited about the movie too and hope they can capture the same level of emotion. That will be a challenge, but I’m very optimistic. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your kind words.