The Conversation: The Journey From Page to Film
Diane Sawyer talks with author Ben Sherwood about the movie "Charlie St. Cloud"
August 4, 2010— -- When Ben Sherwood's book "The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud" was first released in 2004, he wasn't really sure anyone (aside from immediate family) would read it. He did not expect to see his story come to life on the big screen.
But fast forward six years -- and that is exactly what Sherwood is now enjoying with the film "Charlie St. Could," which came out nationwide last Friday.
In today's Conversation, Diane Sawyer talks with Sherwood about what it feels like to have his book turned into a major motion picture. Sherwood says that when he was writing the book, he never imagined a heart-throb like Zac Efron playing Charlie – but once filming was underway it all came together for him.
The movie opened to mixed reviews, and did not have the strongest weekend at the box office, but for Sherwood, seeing his words come to life was an entirely positive experience that, he says, left him wanting to hug every person on the set. Sherwood, the former executive producer of ABC's "Good Morning America," said he was especially struck by the film's sailing scenes, which are essential to the story. He says they were so beyond his imagination that he now he is determined to try sailing more with his boys.
Of course, that new sailing hobby will have to be squeezed in between other projects – his second book, "The Man Who Ate the 747," is in the process of being turned into both a film and a musical.
But don't look for Sherwood to be writing his own screenplays anytime soon. He says he is very content with his role as author.
