“I’m George Watson, a film and talent agent based in Los Angeles. I represent producers dedicated to bringing exceptional literary works to the screen, working closely with both authors and producers to secure impactful film deals and connect outstanding storytellers with Hollywood’s unique opportunities. I recently had the pleasure of reading your book, and it left a profound impression on me. I truly believe your work holds outstanding potential for a film adaptation.”

There it was in my email, the subject line saying, Your Forgotten Sons – Book to Film Adaptation. I’m sure you can imagine the delirious thrills that ran through me. But I’m not a dope, so I did some digging, and after some researching George seemed like a real guy from a real company. So we emailed back and forth for a few days, me noting the perfect prose and punctuation with which he wrote.  “My project manager will be in touch with you today to outline the next steps and address any outstanding details.”

Then I got a call from Tim who explained that the investors group included Prime, Netflix, and Amazon—which seemed a bit odd, since you wouldn’t expect those guys to sit around, have drinks, and purchase options on books together—still I listened.

Tim was from First Look Studios. “Can I have the link?” I asked.

“Of course.”

He pointed out that I would need to create a trailer for my book, implying that the investors needed a three-minute video to learn about the book. My Spidey senses perked up at that point. Would one invest a shit-ton of money in a film without reading the book it’s based on?

Before ending the call, I asked Tim to email me the information we discussed, a document that magically appeared in my inbox in seconds, but sans the link I’d requested. So, I typed in First Look Studios and found that, yes, it was a film production company. Because I could find no website, I read the information on Wikipedia, and it was only when I got down to the bottom of the article that I found this: “In November 2010, First Look Studios filed for bankruptcy…”

I then went back and called the number that popped up on my Goggle search and left George a message. Later on, a man sent me a voicemail explaing that he was George Watson and that others like me had been in touch. “It looks like a scam, “ he said. “It’s certainly not me so good luck and be careful.”

Here’s the thing. Unlike most scams I’ve encountered, this one, at first glance, seemed legitimate, mostly because the emails were so well written and detailed. I have no doubt AI played a role. I’ll now admit that the first flush of excitement stopped me from doing a more thorough background check. And the scammers know this. Almost immediately, I began preparing that speech thanking the Academy for my Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.

I’m still unsure what they wanted from me. They only asked for a copy of the book and a trailer. I’m going to guess it would have had something to do with the cash they were waving around. They probably would have asked for money and/or my bank account information.

The point, of course, is that we have to be vigilant, especially with AI smoothing out all those rough scam edges. Just remember, if it seems too good to be true…It is!

Your Forgotten Sons

Inspired by a true story

Anne Montgomery

Bud Richardville is inducted into the Army as the United States prepares for the invasion of Europe in 1943. A chance comment has Bud assigned to a Graves Registration Company, where his unit is tasked with locating, identifying, and burying the dead. Bud ships out, leaving behind his new wife, Lorraine, a mysterious woman who has stolen his heart but whose secretive nature and shadowy past leave many unanswered questions. When Bud and his men hit the beach at Normandy, they are immediately thrust into the horrors of what working in a graves unit entails. Bud is beaten down by the gruesome demands of his job and losses in his personal life, but then he meets Eva, an optimistic soul who despite the war can see a positive future. Will Eva’s love be enough to save him?

Release Date: June 6, 2024

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Bookstores, libraries, and other booksellers can order copies directly from the Ingram Catalog.

Anne Montgomery’s novels can be found wherever books are sold.

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