Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly: Episode Summary – "Rejecting Elf"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly
• Host/Author: Apostrophe Podcast Network
• Description: Under the Influence offers listeners a rare backstage pass into the hallways, boardrooms, and recording studios of the ad industry. Hosted by adman Terry O’Reilly, the podcast delivers fascinating and humorous stories that connect pop culture, marketing, and human nature.
• Episode: Rejecting Elf
• Release Date: December 19, 2024

Introduction

In the episode titled "Rejecting Elf," host Terry O'Reilly delves into the tumultuous journey behind the making of the beloved Christmas classic, Elf. Drawing from the "We Regret to Inform" podcast series, this episode explores how Elf overcame relentless rejection to become a staple holiday film. The story underscores the importance of perseverance, belief in one's vision, and the power of surrounding oneself with supportive allies.

David Barenbaum and the Birth of "Elf"

[04:15] Sydney O'Reilly:

"This is We Regret to Inform you the Rejection Podcast. You are completely insane to think Will Ferrell should be the lead in anything Hollywood."

The episode begins by introducing David Barenbaum, a young Jewish screenwriter from Philadelphia, whose obsession with Christmas fueled his creative ambition. Inspired by classic Christmas tales like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Barenbaum envisioned an original story centered around Buddy, an elf discovering his true human identity.

Barenbaum's initial script, originally titled Christmas in New Jersey, was a light-hearted romantic comedy that faced outright rejection from multiple production companies and studios. Struggling to sustain himself, Barenbaum worked at a lingerie factory while continuing to refine his screenplay.

The Struggle for Acceptance

Barenbaum's dedication never wavered despite numerous setbacks. His script was rejected by major players, including Disney, which instead offered him a writing position without endorsing his project. This period highlighted the harsh realities of the film industry, where even compelling ideas can be dismissed repeatedly.

[04:15] Sydney O'Reilly:

"A short while later, Barenbaum's brother went away to university, leaving his little brother behind."

Left alone to pursue his dreams, Barenbaum's resilience became his driving force. He continued pitching Elf tirelessly, even as his prospects dimmed.

Meeting John Berg and Genesis of the Project

Enter John Berg, an inexperienced producer with a passion for unconventional scripts. Berg recognized the potential in Barenbaum's vision and decided to champion the project despite lacking prior producing experience.

[04:15] Sydney O'Reilly:

"Berg could tell Berenbaum was talented, but he was a virtual nobody."

Together with fellow producer Tom Komarnicki, Berg became Barenbaum's manager, devising strategies to get the script noticed. They realized that attaching a prominent actor to the project was crucial for gaining traction.

Attaching Will Ferrell

The pivotal moment came when Berg and Komarnicki identified Will Ferrell as the ideal choice to portray Buddy the Elf. Despite Ferrell's rising fame from Saturday Night Live (SNL), he had yet to lead a solo film project.

[30:36] N/A:

"He wanted someone deeply innocent to make Buddy the Elf believable."

Ferrell's comedic prowess and ability to embody innocence made him a perfect fit. Securing Ferrell's involvement was a significant breakthrough, aligning the project with a charismatic and talented lead actor.

Jon Favreau's Directorial Influence

With Ferrell attached, the team sought a director who could balance whimsy with heartfelt storytelling. Enter Jon Favreau, an actor-turned-director known for his work on Swingers and Made. Despite his limited directorial experience, Favreau resonated with the script's emotional depth and unique charm.

[04:35] Terry O'Reilly:

"Favreau picked up Elf again. And as he read through each scene, it clicked the missing piece."

Favreau's vision transformed the script from a straightforward comedy into a nostalgic homage to classic Christmas specials, incorporating elements reminiscent of Rankin/Bass animations. This creative pivot was instrumental in shaping Elf into the timeless film it is today.

Casting Challenges and Solutions

Casting Elf presented its own set of challenges. The team aimed to ground Buddy's over-the-top innocence with relatable characters:

• Jovi: Initially, high-profile actresses like Katie Holmes and Wanda Sykes were considered but ultimately declined. Zooey Deschanel was cast, bringing both acting and musical talents to the role.

• Papa Elf and Santa Claus: The team successfully secured legendary actors Bob Newhart and Ed Asner, adding gravitas to the family dynamics.

• Sonny Corleone: James Caan, known for his role as Sonny in The Godfather, brought a formidable presence to the film, despite initial reservations.

[30:15] Ryan Reynolds:

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Filming: Balancing Reality and Fantasy

Under Favreau's direction, filming Elf required a delicate balance between the fantastical elements of the North Pole and the real-world setting of New York City. Minimal CGI and practical effects were employed to maintain a timeless and nostalgic feel.

[40:36] Ryan Reynolds:

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The team faced tight shooting schedules, especially for outdoor scenes that required authentic reactions from New Yorkers interacting with Will Ferrell's Buddy. The use of real people in these moments added to the film's genuine charm.

Overcoming Studio Skepticism

Despite initial enthusiasm within the production team, New Line Cinema, traditionally known for horror films, harbored reservations about Elf. The executives were wary of venturing into the holiday genre and doubted the marketability of the project.

[30:45] N/A:

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However, a junior executive at New Line saw potential in the script and decided to option it. This gamble paid off when internal screenings received positive feedback, convincing the studio to greenlight the project despite their unconventional background.

Finalizing the Film and Its Release

With a modest $30 million budget, Elf was completed and released on November 7, 2003. The film quickly garnered commercial success:

• Opening Weekend: Recouped production costs.
• Box Office: Reached number one in its second week, eventually grossing $220 million worldwide.

[30:15] Ryan Reynolds:

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Critical reception mirrored the audience's enthusiasm. Esteemed critic Roger Ebert lauded Will Ferrell's performance, transforming initial skepticism into acclaim.

[42:54] Terry O'Reilly:

"The truth was, he didn't. He'd just finished filming a new movie called Old School, but the release date was unconfirmed, which wasn't a great sign."

Ebert noted,

"He convinced me that this was a good movie, and that's a miracle on 34th street right there." [30:15]

Furthermore, James Caan publicly acknowledged the brilliance of Ferrell's portrayal, strengthening the film's reputation within Hollywood.

Impact and Legacy

The success of Elf had profound implications for all involved:

• John Berg: Went on to produce blockbuster films like Wonder Woman and Aquaman.
• Todd Komarnicki: Transitioned to writing successes such as Sully with Tom Hanks.
• Zooey Deschanel: Became a prominent actress in films like 500 Days of Summer and the TV show New Girl.
• Jon Favreau: Elevated to directing major franchises, including Iron Man and creating The Mandalorian.
• Will Ferrell: Solidified his status as a leading comedic actor with subsequent hits like Anchorman and Step Brothers.
• David Barenbaum: Transitioned from an aspiring screenwriter to the creator of one of the most cherished Christmas movies.

[42:54] Terry O'Reilly:

"Elf would stay in the top five at the box office for nearly eight weeks, grossing $173 million in the US, another 47 million internationally, bringing the grand total to $220 million worldwide."

Conclusion: Lessons on Rejection and Perseverance

Terry O'Reilly concludes the episode by emphasizing the universal struggle with rejection and the importance of having supportive allies. David Barenbaum's journey illustrates that persistence, coupled with the right team, can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.

[42:54] Terry O'Reilly:

"Never underestimate the power of believers. And here's the thing. If you can't find a believer in your midst, if you can't find your people, or if you can't find a community to push you up that hill, dip your toe back into the warm waters of this show."

The episode serves as an inspirational testament to the idea that rejection is not the end but a stepping stone toward eventual success. By surrounding oneself with believers and maintaining unwavering dedication, even the most unconventional ideas can find their place and flourish.

Notable Quotes

• Sydney O'Reilly at [04:15]:

  "You are completely insane to think Will Ferrell should be the lead in anything Hollywood."

• Terry O'Reilly at [42:54]:

  "Elf would stay in the top five at the box office for nearly eight weeks, grossing $173 million in the US, another 47 million internationally, bringing the grand total to $220 million worldwide."

• Roger Ebert (Referenced):

  "He convinced me that this was a good movie, and that's a miracle on 34th street right there."

• James Caan:

  "I thought he was way too over the top. But now, I saw what he was doing, and it was brilliant."

Final Thoughts

"Rejecting Elf" is a compelling narrative of resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of belief. Through David Barenbaum's relentless pursuit and the collaborative spirit of his team, Elf transcended initial skepticism to become a beloved film that continues to enchant audiences every holiday season.

For those who haven't listened to the episode, this summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn from the fascinating behind-the-scenes journey of Elf. The story not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons on overcoming rejection and the significance of unwavering support.