Creating Back to the Future, 40 years on - Witness History podcast, BBC World Service

Key Concepts:

• Screenplay development of "Back to the Future"
• Initial rejection and eventual acceptance of the script
• Role of Steven Spielberg and Amblin Entertainment
• Evolution of the time machine concept (refrigerator to DeLorean)
• Impact of Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) on visual effects
• Early screenings and audience reactions
• Global premiere and cultural impact
• Influence of "Back to the Future" on subsequent films
• "Back to the Future" musical adaptation

1. Origin of the Idea:

• Bob Gale recounts the genesis of "Back to the Future" during a visit to his parents' home in St. Louis in the summer of 1980.
• While sifting through salvaged items from a flooded basement, he discovered his father's 1940 high school yearbook.
• He was surprised to learn his father was the president of his graduating class.
• This led him to ponder whether he would have been friends with his father in high school, sparking the initial concept for the film.
• Quote: "If I had gone to high school with my dad, would I have been friends with him, and that was the bolt of lightning striking me saying that is a movie."

2. Initial Pitch and Rejection:

• Gale and Robert Zemeckis pitched the idea to Frank Price, the president of Columbia Pictures, who had liked their previous film, "Used Cars."
• Price immediately gave them a deal.
• The first draft was submitted in February 1981, followed by a second draft in April 1981.
• Columbia Pictures rejected the script, deeming it "too sweet" and suggesting audiences preferred "raunchier" content.
• They were also told that "time travel movies don't make any money."
• The duo was advised to take the script to Disney.

3. Disney's Rejection:

• Gale and Zemeckis pitched the script to Disney executive Tom Wilhite.
• Wilhite was "appalled" by the script, specifically the scene involving Marty and his mother in the car.
• Disney rejected the script due to its perceived incestuous undertones, stating, "We're Disney, we don't do that."

4. Persistence and the Turning Point:

• Gale and Zemeckis refused to abandon the project, believing in the strength of the idea.
• Robert Zemeckis directed "Romancing the Stone," which became a major success.
• The success of "Romancing the Stone" made Zemeckis highly sought after, leading to renewed interest in "Back to the Future."
• Steven Spielberg had always believed in the project.

5. Spielberg's Involvement and Universal:

• Steven Spielberg, having established Amblin Entertainment at Universal in 1982 after the success of "E.T.," played a crucial role in getting the film made.
• "Back to the Future" became the first movie produced under Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment deal with Universal.
• Spielberg's influence and Amblin's backing secured the necessary resources and support for the project.

6. Evolution of the Time Machine:

• In the initial drafts, the time machine was conceived as a refrigerator-like "time chamber" located in Doc's lab.
• The power source was a "power converter" that required a significant amount of energy.
• The initial destination year was 1952, aligning with the anticipated production year of 1982.
• The power converter was activated by Coca-Cola, accidentally spilled by Doc's chimpanzee, Shemp (named after Shemp from The Three Stooges).
• The climax involved harnessing energy from a nuclear test at a Nevada test site to send Marty back to 1982.
• The DeLorean was not the original time machine.

7. Visual Effects and the DeLorean:

• Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), George Lucas's special effects company, was enlisted to create the visual effects for time travel.
• Ron Cobb, a legendary artist, designed the DeLorean's iconic look, including the coils, during a two-week period.
• ILM contributed the idea of flaming tracks during time travel, which later evolved into the concept of the DeLorean icing up upon arrival.

8. Early Screenings and Audience Reaction:

• The first screening took place in May 1985, just three weeks after principal photography.
• The audience was initially concerned when Einstein disappeared during the time travel demonstration.
• The scene where Marty encounters his young father and Biff in the cafe in 1955 elicited a strong positive reaction from the audience.
• The audience was on their feet at the end of the movie, even though the shot of the car flying was unfinished and in black and white.

9. Global Premiere and Cultural Impact:

• The U.S. release was in the summer, while the London premiere was in December 1985.
• The London premiere was a Royal premiere attended by Princess Diana and Prince Charles, benefiting the Prince's Trust.
• The film's intricate plot and attention to detail made audiences aware of the importance of the screenplay.
• The film's influence is evident in later movies, with direct references in films like "Avengers: Endgame."

10. Musical Adaptation:

• The "Back to the Future" musical has been successful, attracting both fans of the movie and newcomers.
• The musical is designed to be accessible to those who have only seen the movie once or not at all.
• The musical has opened in Japan and is sold out for the rest of the year.
• Future productions are planned for Australia and Hamburg, Germany.

11. Legacy and Pride:

• Gale expresses pride in the film's recognition of the importance of the screenplay.
• He notes that the film made audiences aware that the intricate plot and details were carefully planned and executed.
• The creators are happy with the three "Back to the Future" movies and have no plans for a fourth installment.
• The musical adaptation serves as a way to re-experience the spirit and energy of the original film.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The journey of "Back to the Future" from a personal reflection to a global phenomenon is a testament to the power of persistence, collaboration, and a well-crafted story. Despite initial rejections and skepticism, the unwavering belief of the creators, coupled with the support of key figures like Steven Spielberg, ultimately led to the film's success. The film's intricate plot, innovative visual effects, and enduring themes have solidified its place in cinematic history, influencing subsequent films and inspiring a successful musical adaptation. The story highlights the importance of a strong screenplay and the impact it can have on an audience's appreciation of a film.