CFP: Remakes

THE VELVET LIGHT TRAP
A CRITICAL JOURNAL OF FILM AND TELEVISION STUDIES

Call for Papers: Remakes

Given how various cinemas have become increasingly reliant on existing (and theoretically more surefire) properties, it seems timely to take remakes into deeper consideration. Remakes have risen in importance in a time when fewer original screenplays can command big budgets (if indeed we can even bandy about the concept of originality in the wake of postmodernity). But as the number of remakes has exploded, so have meditations on what this development can tell us about the current cultural climate. The editors of The Velvet Light Trap #61 thus seek contributions that nuance previous arguments about remakes. We are also interested in a multitude of aspects informing remakes and have defined the term broadly. Possible subjects include but are not limited to:

• Self-reflexivity and intertextuality
• Cross-cultural remakes
• Modes of productions for remakes
• Updates
• Remake cycles
• Rip-offs
• Adaptations
• Sequels and sequelitis
• Critical and/or commercial failures
• Abandoned/delayed projects
• Stages of adaptation (screenplay drafts; the director's interpretation; the cutting room floor; etc.)
• Film literacy and the cultural competence of audiences

To be considered for publication, papers should be between 4,500 and 7,500 words, double-spaced, in MLA style, with the author's name and contact information included only on the cover page. Queries regarding potential submissions also are welcome. Authors are responsible for acquiring related visual images and the associated copyrights. For more information or to submit a query, please contact Kevin John Bozelka (LiLiPUT1@aol.com). All submissions are due January 15, 2007.

Please address submissions to:
The Velvet Light Trap
c/o The Department of Radio-Television-Film
University of Texas at Austin
CMA 6.118, Mail Code A0800