My day on the set of Jeremy Fink, the movie!

Totally. Surreal. Day! Seemingly overnight, this amazing, creative, talented trio of producers (Jack Dalgleish, Steven Beer, and Lauren Bullock) put a movie together based on Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life! They invited me to the set on the third day of filming and I was just completely blown away by their warmth and enthusiasm and love of the book. It was great to meet the writer of the screenplay, Tamar Halpern, who I felt an immediate kinship with. She’s also directing the film, which is awesome. The whole crew was so busy but they were excited to share with me what they did on the production—from makeup to location scouting to wardrobe to props and set decoration to the script supervisor who makes sure the scenes and “takes” match up with each other, and so many more hardworking, dedicated people. The composers were right there on set, writing music to match up with the action! I think it’s really cool how the score of a movie can add a whole other layer of emotion. They were so gracious and showed me how they work their magic.
Meeting the actors playing Jeremy and Lizzy was a moment I’ll never forget! Max Beer IS Jeremy Fink!! I couldn’t imagine a more perfect fit. Funny and cute (a passerby thought he was a young Zac Efron!), smart and modest. Just a great kid! (sorry, teenager!). I know this movie will be the start of a great film career for him (he’s already earned his stripes in the theatre). And Ryan Simpkins is TOTALLY Lizzy! She had read the book a few years ago and had even done a school project about it! She’s been acting in films since she was little, and started teasing Max/Jeremy as soon as they met. (lots of fart jokes!). They had the perfect chemistry going right from the start.
The scene they filmed today was near the end of the book (the whole shooting-things-out-of-order is such a weird part of movie making!) and was held in Central Park—bright sunny skies and about a thousand degrees! The attentive Production Assistants made sure everyone had plenty of water (and kept the looky-loos away. There was even paparazzi! I felt like belting out Lady Gaga, but thought better of it!)
The scene I got to watch (Jeremy’s birthday party) was comprised of Jeremy, Lizzy, Jeremy’s mom (played by the super-talented, beautiful and generous Mira Sorvino whose movie Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion I must have seen about a billion times), and Lizzy’s dad (Daniel Cosgrove, who, besides being soap-opera handsome–which comes in handy when you’re actually ON soap operas–is really funny and friendly and was a great match.) I got to watch them do the scene a few times (ok, a ton of times! Actors must have a lot of patience to stay in one position for hours!), and then also watched it framed on the monitor where it looked like a real movie!
I just noticed how many exclamation points there are in this blog. I apologize! Oops, there went another one! Sorry!
Truly, surreal is the word that kept coming to me because it was so totally opposite from my normal day. Like polar opposite. My baby has grown up and gone out into the world. He’ll take on a life of his own now. I know it won’t be the same life as the one I gave him in the book, and I’m sure I’ll miss some things that just can’t make it into the film, but I’m just as sure that I’ll be delighted by the new things that will add to his journey. I can’t wait to see how he turns out. Break a leg, Jeremy!
clapper.jpg
Setting up the scene
settingup2.jpg
Jeremy’s birthday party picnic
finkset2.jpg
“Lizzy”, me, “Jeremy” and The Box!
box1.jpg

76 Comments

  1. J on August 13, 2010 at 11:25 am

    Did you write the screenplay?
    note from wendy–nope! the talented Tamar Halpern did! It was hard enough to write the book. ;o)

  2. Sam on August 13, 2010 at 9:08 pm

    Max is so funny! I remember when he took time off from school to be in Lost in Yonkers. Such a talented actor! Can’t wait to see the movie!

  3. Lisa on August 18, 2010 at 11:53 pm

    COngratulations, loved the book. But I get worried when they make books into movies. They usually are nothing like the original book. I loved the book so much, I”m almost afraid of seeing the movie. How do you feel about books turned into movies? I know it’s all very exciting for you, just worried they might turn it into mush!~!!
    Thanks!
    lisa
    –Note from wendy–don’t worry, it’s in great hands, i’m sure you’ll love it!

    • Annabeth on September 16, 2010 at 10:33 am

      Oh good.i was nervous too. 🙂

      • Christina on July 21, 2011 at 7:32 pm

        So was I! Whew!

  4. Danielle on August 20, 2010 at 5:38 pm

    I cant wait for the movie!!! i loved the book so much! one of the few books i have actully finished! Keep on writing Wendy!

  5. Ryan on August 21, 2010 at 1:26 pm

    Love you wendy! I’m so excited to see you again! How does Good n’ Fruity taste now?
    p.s. the day gordon/ Dr. Grady comes, we’re all wearing our sesame street shirts!!!

    note from wendy–you guys have sesame street shirts? :o)
    xo

  6. Diana on August 22, 2010 at 7:14 pm

    OMG I loved the book! I can’t wait till this movie is out! Where will it be playing? I hope it’s not just a local movie; I REALLY want to see this? I live in New York City btw, so I’m close to where you live. But the movie is probably filmed somewhere else, even though the book takes place in NYC.
    note from wendy; actually it IS being filmed in NYC! So be on the lookout. Not sure yet when it will be out, but i’ll let you know! :o)

  7. Karen Rittle on August 24, 2010 at 5:27 pm

    When do you think the movie is coming out? We are SOOOO excited to see it!

  8. Tuna on August 31, 2010 at 10:19 am

    I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE MOVIE!!!!!! I loved the book so much and after I read it I kept telling myself that is either has to be a Broadway play or a movie! I don’t know anything about what the dude who plays Jeremy has been in but I trust the casting people. Also… maybe you could do some sort of cameo role in the movie! You could be a person who says something small to Jermey or Lizzy or anyone else. You should ask them if you can do that! Please?

    Love,

    Tuna (=

    Note from wendy–i had to laugh, since i just filmed a cameo last week! I’ll say this much–i won’t be winning any Oscars any time soon!!

    • Abra Civjan on January 18, 2013 at 8:42 pm

      We just watched the movie and it says that you played the character Wendy… but who was Wendy? We cannot figure it out!

      NOTE FROM WENDY: I was supposed to be a girl scout leader. I didn’t think i’d make it to the credits! It was a lot of fun doing that cameo, but scary, too! I am soooo not an actor! :o)

  9. Maddz on August 31, 2010 at 9:23 pm

    I had no idea that Jeremy Fink was going to be a movie!!! Congratz!

    What was the news about the Twice Upon A Time series…?

    -Maddz

    note from Wendy–new book in the series sometime next year or two! Beauty and the Beast. :o)

    • Maddz on September 1, 2010 at 2:41 pm

      Yayyy! I can’t wait! Beauty and The Beast? It’s gonna be so awesome!! Can’t wait to hear the funny title 😀

      It’s gonna have the same kind of cover as the others, right? ‘Cause I kinda want my books to match, LOL

  10. Kate on September 6, 2010 at 7:15 pm

    I can’t wait to see the movie!! I absolutely loved the book! Congratulations! How is the movie coming???

    -Kate

  11. callie on September 14, 2010 at 9:00 pm

    hi i am ten years old and i love your books i have just started on 12 finally !! i have not read this book though ,but i hope to soon.And congradz!!:)

  12. Annabeth on September 16, 2010 at 9:14 am

    I am soooo excited! max looks exactly how i pictured jeremy (although maybe a little cuter :)) and ryan isn’t EXACTLY how i pictured lizzy, but she’s pretty close! i also think u should be in the movie. it would b really awesome if u could be one of the people selling keys at the flea market (if they do that scene). you really should ask.

    • Kristen on September 29, 2010 at 9:41 pm

      that would be awesome!

    • Christina on July 21, 2011 at 7:36 pm

      I thought Lizzie was supposed to have RED hair! Oh well, the movie will still be amazing!

  13. Astria on September 22, 2010 at 10:44 pm

    I just finished reading my 4th book! I love your books! I feel like I’m actually the character!!!!!! I can’t believe Jeremy’s gonna be a movie!!! I just Dreamed it after I read the book! This is so amazing! I’m gonna be the first in line when it comes out!!!!!!

    • Annabeth on October 1, 2010 at 10:11 am

      That is SO weird becuase i just read ‘A Mango-Shaped Space’ and last night i was dreampt that i found a cat with orange eyes and named it Mango!

  14. katydanish123 on September 25, 2010 at 5:24 pm

    OMG! I can’t wait to see your movie! I’m 14 and read Jeremy Fink when I was 11, but my mom thought I was too young! I just got done with 11 birthdays, I loved it!

  15. Isabelle on September 26, 2010 at 1:28 pm

    OMG! I love your books! I hope I can write such great books like you. I will watch the movie with excited-ness!

  16. Kristen on September 29, 2010 at 9:40 pm

    I loved the book so much and can’t wait to see the movie! I am currently doing a project on that book (my favorite!) I love all of your books!

  17. kbug on September 29, 2010 at 9:43 pm

    Ive read almost all of ur books! i love them so much and cant wait to see the movie!

  18. Lydia Lee on October 9, 2010 at 8:13 pm

    Congratz!!!!!!!! I hope that ur other books will become a movie! I luved the book! im in a book clib in my school, and we are reading Jerermy Fink and the Meaning of Life! i can’t wait to tell mi libarian!!!!!!!

  19. Melissa on October 16, 2010 at 7:24 pm

    Beauty and the Beast! Thats awesome! My school is doing that as a musicle i am trying out to be either Babette of one of the silly girls. I am kind of obsessed with Beauty and the Beast and I kind of really love your books so its a perfect match.

  20. Lizzy on October 21, 2010 at 11:26 pm

    Thats’s so wierd, my school is doing Beauty and the beast for our musical also!!! I haven’t read the twice upon a time series yet, but have read jeremy fink and the meaning of life, every soul a star, and 11 birthdays and loved all three (i’ve read jeremy fink and the meaning of life every summer since i was 9, and i’m 13 now.) it’s kind of like my own little tradition. I’ve always thought that they should make it into a movie, because it is my favorite book of all time! I also love that Lizzy’s name is Lizzy and my name is Lizzy. I thought that was so cool the first time I read it!! Do you know when the movie is coming out?

    note from wendy: that’s so cool about your tradition, i love that! The movie will hopefully be out in late spring or summer. Watch the blog for update info. :o)

  21. Ashley on November 2, 2010 at 10:20 am

    I cannot wait for the movie! My teacher introduced me to you. She read Every Soul a Star, which is now my favorite book, and I got started on Jeremy Fink. I am currently reading Finally.

  22. Calei on November 2, 2010 at 11:18 am

    I HOPE YOUR MOVIE GOES WELL!!!!

  23. Leanna on November 2, 2010 at 3:46 pm

    Yay! I can’t wait! That was an amazing book! Are you in the process of writing any others?

    Note from wendy: The Candymakers just came out, and i’m hard at work on the next one. And the one after that! and so on! :o)

  24. Mary Mittelheuser on November 2, 2010 at 4:25 pm

    My 7th grade class just finished reading Jeremy Fink. I absolutely loved the novel and the themes and characters. My students REALLY were made to think and used some higher-level thinking skills when discussing the chapter questions and vocabulary. Each and every one of them had their own ideas about what the meaning of life was for them, and it was very interesting to read how some of them actually changed their thinking from the anticipation guide to after we finished reading. They’re are also very excited about the movie coming out. Thanks for such a great story, Wendy!

    Note from wendy: I’m so glad the class enjoyed it! Please say hi to everyone for me!

  25. Rachel on November 2, 2010 at 4:46 pm

    I cannot wait! I loved Jeremy Fink and I’m praying Hollywood doesn’t ruin that love for me. I’ll have to re-read the book before I go and see the movie! AAAGHH! CAN’T WAIT!!! 😀 😀

  26. Layla on November 2, 2010 at 5:02 pm

    you are my favorite author! you must be so proud that one of your books is now being remodeled into a movie! over the years, you have inspired me to write my own books! thank-you, and congratulations! can’t wait to see the movie because my mom and i actually read the book together. so are the actors what you pictured when you wrote the book?

    note from wendy: you’re so sweet, thank you! The actors who play Jeremy and Lizzy really perfectly capture them–the same spirit and look, too!

    • Layla on November 4, 2010 at 6:15 pm

      Wendy Mass: my top 100 things to do before i die is to meet you! love, Layla Kinkirk

  27. purplelover on November 2, 2010 at 5:31 pm

    I’m so glad that Jeremy Fink is becoming a movie. I read the book about three years ago and then I read it again last year. I knew it would become a movie all along because it is such a great book. I can also see 11 birthdays becoming a movie and I hope to see this happen soon 🙂

  28. Grace on November 3, 2010 at 12:45 am

    Oh wow! I can’t wait!!!!!!! I love Wendy’s books soooo much!!!! She’s so talented!!! I wish I could write like her!!

  29. Julia on November 3, 2010 at 6:08 pm

    I absolutley LOVE Wendy Mass’s books! That’s so werid, i just finished, Jeremey Fink and The Meaning of Life, and i was thinking, hey they should make a movie about that book an they did! I love Wendy and her books and one of my all time goals is to meet her!

  30. Stella Mannell on November 3, 2010 at 9:51 pm

    I am almost finished with The Candy Makers and I’m really enjoying it. I started reading Wendy Mass’ books when I was 7 including Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life. I can’t wait til the movie is in theaters.

  31. DaDewd on November 3, 2010 at 11:42 pm

    Holy smokes! I Totally suggested this a while ago! Can’t wait to see it!

  32. Layla on November 4, 2010 at 6:12 pm

    that’s perfect. in 5th grade, Idid a book report on 11 Birthdays. that was the first of your books that I read. i can’t wait to read The Candymakers. i hope you keep writing new books!

  33. Carly on November 8, 2010 at 10:23 pm

    CAN’T WAIT FOR THE MOVIE TO COME OUT!! SO WANT TO SEE IT!!

    • samy on November 13, 2010 at 11:12 am

      I KNOW RIGHT? SO CANT WAIT!!!!! CARLY U GOT GOOD TASTE IN MOVIES!!!

    • paula smith on November 17, 2010 at 1:13 pm

      yes but in the book what is the year it takes place

  34. samy on November 13, 2010 at 11:08 am

    OMG!!! CANT WAIT FOR JEREMY FINK MOVIE!!!!!!! i guess i will have to finish the book before the movie comes out. this is a question for wendy and all wendy’s fans. AUTHOR ADVICE!!!! im trying to get all the info i can get. here is a little advice for all u guys. got it from another author which most of u dont know. this advice really got me.the author is giving this advice.
    please,please, do not think you are not a writer. i am a firm beleiver that everyone has a writer in them. remember: write about something that intrest YOU! not something that u think will intrest other people.Gosh you dont want to write somethng that bores u!

    pretty good huh?well theres a lot more that makes it really good. i will put that up later cuz i am too lazy to write it now.

  35. Amy on December 1, 2010 at 9:59 pm

    Hey Wendy I read Jeremy fink and I LOVED it! I did a book report on it; I interviewed Jeremy. I also wrote profiles for ally bree and jack for another report. I love all of your books. Please write more!!!!

  36. Audrey on January 1, 2011 at 2:11 pm

    Sweet!the Jeremy Fink movie! i was hoping this day would come! 4 keyes,2 friends, 1 answer. I am acctually hoping to become a movie director someday or an animator. I LOVE to write and someday I want to be an author. How do you come up with such original ideas such as this? And A Mango- shaped Space? The most original idea…. I’m reading it right now and it’s amazing!!! can’t wait for the movie to come out in theaters, jeremy fink rocks!!

  37. linda on January 3, 2011 at 12:04 am

    OMG I’m so excited !!!!!!! Do we have a date when the movie is to be released? If there is a grand opening, can I come ? xxxooo

  38. Sophia on January 21, 2011 at 4:46 pm

    Hello! You (Wendy) came to my school and talked about this book so now I really want to read it and I also want to see the movie! I also bought A Mango Shaped Space and thought it was really good. I hope you don’t mind but I made a review on my website. I really want to meet someone with synesthisia and I also really want to have it for one day. (The acupunture really grosses me out, though. I have needle-phobia.) I hope to read Jeremy Fink And The Meaning Of Life soon and put a review on it with MY blog. (Unless that is you tell me not to. I can delete the Mango one.)

  39. Sophia on January 21, 2011 at 4:48 pm

    OMG!!! (Oh my gosh) I totaly forgot to ask you when the movie is coming out! if you can please tell me.

  40. Symone on January 25, 2011 at 1:02 pm

    OMG i can’t wait i have some questions WHAT RATED IS IS? WHEN IS IT COMING OUT? i read the book i love it i’m going to read it again before i see the movie please answer my questions

  41. reepicheep's_fangirl on February 1, 2011 at 8:29 pm

    I am totally excited! i love these pics, i went on Google images looking for a pic of the cover of the book ” Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life”, but it also came up with pics from the movie, as well!!! 🙂
    I’m sooooo happy for u! it must be absolutely thrilling to see Jeremy come to life!!!!

  42. neha on February 5, 2011 at 10:51 am

    Dear Wendy,
    I’m SOOO excited about Jeremy Fink becoming a movie! I’ve read almost all your books and am on Heaven Looks a Lot like the Mall. Will any of your other books be made into a movie? Can you please tell your readers on your blog, when the casting call will be held?

    THANKS!!!!!!!!

  43. Samantha on February 19, 2011 at 11:57 am

    Dear Wendy,
    I love your books! I’ve read A Mango Shaped Space, Heaven Looks a Lot like the Mall and of course, Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life. I love all of them. Do you know what month the movie will be coming out?

    I LOVE YOUR BOOKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  44. megan on March 23, 2011 at 6:27 pm

    I LOVE the book sooooo much!!!!! So when I found out that it was going to be a movie I was ecstatic! I love your writing. I want to be a writer, so do you have any tips? That would really help!
    Thanks,
    Megan
    PS- Is there going to be a sequel to the book? I hope there is!

  45. Kaitlyn on March 23, 2011 at 9:31 pm

    Dear Wendy,
    My name is Kaitlyn,I am 11 years old and I live in Reno,NV, With my sister, my parents, my 2 dogs (Scarlett and Jazz) and my fish Merlin.
    I am a big fan of yours. I started reading your books when I had to do a book project, so I picked a random book off the shelf and it was “11 Birthdays” and I loved it so much that I wanted to read more.
    Then I read “A Mango Shaped Space”,”Finally”,”Every Soul A Star”,and half of “The Candy Makers”. I only read half because I had to give it back to my friend to return to the library. I just bought Jeremy Fink And The Meaning Of Life” on 3/21/11. On my sister’s birthday. I started reading it and I love it.
    I can imagine all your books as amazing movies and I look forward to being able to watch them and own them if they become a movies. I want to be an actor in the movies too.
    Please ooooo Please email me. I am your biggest fan.
    Thank you,
    Kaitlyn

    • Kayla on April 2, 2011 at 8:24 am

      I love your books soooo much! I am Reading Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life. It is awesome! Can I please be in one of your movies? Please? I am 11 years old.

  46. Kayla on April 2, 2011 at 8:19 am

    Wendy, on the back cover of Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life you spelled Lizzy:Lizzie. In the book you spelled Lizzie: Lizzy. Why did you do that?

    • Wendy Mass on June 14, 2018 at 7:53 pm

      You have a very good eye! Thank you for that catch! 🙂

  47. Sophie on April 11, 2011 at 7:40 pm

    Wendy? I’m a big fan. So is my school. In 5th grade we read every soul a star, and in 6th we read Jeremy Fink. I think my favorite book of yours is Eleven Birthdays and Candy Makers. You are an amazing writer. When people review your books and say bad stuff about them, what do you do? Also, I’m writing a book review for Tuck Everlasting. Any ideas to make it better? I know you get many people wanting to be in your movie so you’ll probably think of me as the same fan as everybody else, but I’m not. i have been taking improv (improvisational theater) for awhile and I have been in many plays. I know you don’t choose the actors or actresses, but if you could tell me when an audition is or anything, it would be great. Gosh, I sound desperate, don’t I? Well anyways, just respond or email me (respond if you want my email). Please.

  48. Kayla on April 11, 2011 at 7:42 pm

    Wendy fans rock! Yay!

  49. Mia on April 12, 2011 at 8:01 pm

    I really really enjoyed all of your books!Especially Jeremy Fink. It was SO weird when I saw the pictures of “Jeremy” and “Lizzie. I really want to see the movie.

  50. Sydney on April 27, 2011 at 8:53 pm

    I definitley have to read the book before I see it!

  51. Ak on May 6, 2011 at 9:06 pm

    i loveddd jeremy fink and the meaning of life!!! it was so cool. the characters jeremy and lizzie look so different than what i pictured them to look like! i thought lizzie would look more tom-boyish and jeremy looks a little to fancy. its doesnt seem from the way her looks like he collects mutant candy!!!!!

    i love all your books and hope that this movie is somewhat like the book. alot of times its nothing like the book. the book is always betterrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    sincerely,
    ak
    p.s. wendy please comment on my post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 thanls if you do or dont it doesnt really matter!!

    • Wendy Mass on August 2, 2022 at 2:18 pm

      Thank you for writing me all those years ago, I finally saw this!! Hope you liked the movie if you saw it, and I hope you are doing great!! xo Wendy

  52. Cali on May 12, 2011 at 7:20 pm

    I can’t wait for your autograph tomarrow at my school. your presentation was amazing
    cant wait fo the movie

  53. makaela haynman on June 5, 2011 at 3:58 pm

    HI my name is Makaela Hayman and i am Wendy Mass’es biggest fan. I really wish I could meet her someday… Anyday. I can’t believe that there was a movie and i missed it!! Did I…. For my birthday (a long time… January 7, 199) I will beg my mom and dad to please take me to an autograph signing of yours!!!

    • Wendy Mass on August 2, 2022 at 2:24 pm

      Hi Makaela! I hope I got to meet you since this post! And now you’re all grown up! I found your comment and figured, better late than never! Sending hugs to you!! xo Wendy

  54. meaghan on June 6, 2011 at 9:33 pm

    i love the book cant wait for the movie please tell us what day it is in theaters 🙂 :} 😉 ^__^

  55. Elizabeth on July 9, 2011 at 9:33 pm

    I can not wait for the movie to come out!! Do you have an exact date planed?? If you do, what is it!! I love that book and lets just say Ryan Simpkins is just how I thought Lizzy would look like and same with Max Beer. I share your excitment as well as all your other fans!! Good luck with the movie!!!

  56. Christina on July 21, 2011 at 7:31 pm

    OMG, when I saw this book was being made into a movie, I almost died! I am so excited and plan on seeing it ASAP! I also hope that some of Wendy’s other books will be turned into movies, too! (A Mango Shaped Space is my favorite book of all time, so if this is how I react for Jeremy Fink being made into a movie, I wonder how I’d react if Mango was, too!)

  57. lizzy on August 4, 2011 at 11:21 pm

    when does it come out???? 😀 loved loved the booooook!!!!!!!

  58. G on August 18, 2011 at 12:50 am

    Can you tell me when the movie comes out???????? Please…… Thanks.. So excited!!!!! Just read the book. Loved it. New favorite book : )

  59. Annabelle on October 14, 2011 at 7:46 pm

    When does the movie come out? Somebody told me that it was out, but only at Walmart.
    P.S. I love you, Wendy! You’re very creative and spontainious! ( I don’t know how to spell that.) Jeremy Fink is my favorite book and I literally screamed very loudly when I heard it was going to be a movie!

  60. Katie on June 24, 2012 at 3:54 pm

    I love your books! We just finished watching the Jeremy Fink movie and saw in the credits that you had a role. Who did you play???

    • Wendy Mass on May 27, 2018 at 9:33 am

      Thank you and I was supposed to be a Girl Scout Leader.

  61. Mae on January 10, 2015 at 1:43 pm

    Can’t wait to watch the movie!
    One quick question to everyone, including you Wendy :),
    Does Lizzy get her period in the movie?
    That’s a great part in the book, what being thirteen really stands out like..
    Thanks,
    Mae A.

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