Last year we finished a screenplay called COYOTE. It isn’t about coyotes, but there is some symbolism in the choice of names.

Anyhow. The story takes place on the Paiute Indian reservation. So this weekend, when we were up north, Chris took me to see the dinosaur tracks located on the Navajo reservation. He had gone there the week before and had thought it was pretty cool.

A little old Indian lady had showed him around the site the week before. She was very kind and helpful and asked for nothing in return.

On Friday, when we returned, she was not there. In her place were other tribe members. Since Chris had experienced the site the previous week, he headed straight for the tracks, claws and fossils. He got about 6 feet when one of the Indians told us that we were on private land and (for a contribution/donation) he would be willing to show us the sites.

Now I was a tad confused, but Chris asked how much and with alcohol-laden breath, he responded with, “whatever you think is fair.” The “tour” he stumbled us through took a total of 8 minutes.

Along the way, he told us where he lived, how many children this little gig of his was meant to support (2) and that a University came and prepaid the tribe for the use of their land and did studies on the site. He could tell he wasn’t impressing Chris so he decided to woo me. The smell of liquor on his breath led me to believe that any money received would not be going to his children!

As we returned to the car, he asked for payment. Chris handed him $5.00, which totally offended him. I usually get 10.00 dollars per person!

I don’t know about this arrangement. You advertise that the dinosaur tracks are there for the viewing and then you tell us that it is private land and for an undisclosed donation/contribution you would show us around.

Can’t imagine shooting a film around here. The logistics would be a nightmare. Too bad because it would be awesome!