Screenwriter David Franzoni's first produced script was "Jumpin' Jack Flash" (1986), but he really opened the industry's eyes with his screen adaptation of "Citizen Cohn" (HBO, 1992), a biopic of famed attorney Roy Cohn, earning CableACE, Peabody and PEN West Literary awards as well as an Emmy nomination. While working on the screenplay for Steven Spielberg's "Amistad" (1997), about a slave ship mutiny, Franzoni signed a first-look deal with DreamWorks involving three projects, two of which he would write and produce, and a third he would write, produce and direct. Before the release of "Amistad", however, the author found himself at the center of controversy when author Barbara Chase-Riboud filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction to block the film's release, claiming that her novel "Echo of Lions" was used as a source. A federal judge reject Chase-Riboud's motion and the film opened on schedule, earning respectful reviews.
- Also Credited As:
David H. Franzoni
- Born:
March 4, 1947
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Job Titles:
Screenwriter
Family
Significant Others
Milestones
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1986 First produced screenplay, "Jumpin' Jack Flash"; credited as David H Franzoni; provided the story and was one of four credited writers on the script
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1992 Breaskthrough script, the teleplay for the HBO biopic "Citizen Cohn"; earned a 1993 Emmy nomination
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1996 Signed a first look deal with DreamWorks SKG to write, produce and direct features
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1997 Named (along with Spielberg and others) in a plagiarism suit brought by author Barabra Chase-Riboud who claimed "Amistad" was based on her novel "Echo of Lions"; suit settled out of court
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1997 Served as screenwriter for Steven Spielberg's "Amistad"; reportedly Steve Zallian rewrote his script, but Franzoni ended up with sole screen credit
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2000 Co-wrote script for "Gladiator"; also served as one of the film's producers; film received 12 Oscar nominations including Best Picture and Best Screenplay