Gavin Scott | Small Soldiers
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29 Jan Small Soldiers

Small Soldiers was the first film script I sold, and was written while I was still living in England – although by then I was commuting to arin County several times a year to work on The Young Indian Jones Chronicles. I had been working on the idea for years but was never able to find a story to fit the concept. But when I got an agent in LA and began pitching my ideas around the town, this one aroused enthusiasm. Nobody hired me to write the script, but I got so sick of talking up the story I decided it would be easier to write it than pitch it one more time. Jason Hoffs at Amblin Entertainment was enthusiastic about the idea and kept tabs on me as I wrote the script. When it was finished and was sent out by my agents he encouraged Steven Spielberg to buy it for Amblin, which then of course became Dreamworks. It was in development hell for about 6 years, undergoing many incarnations, but finally got made with director Joe Dante. There was an amazing line of toys created to go with it too, most of which I still have! They turn up quite often in antique markets too!

 

15 Comments
  • J.R. DeJesus
    Posted at 16:12h, 10 May Reply

    Hi there good sir. I am a huge fan of Small Soldiers. I’ve always wanted to own all the toys but sadly Hasbro and Kenner only released archer and chip in 12″ form. Last year oil showed my 7 and 4yr old sons and they quickly asked for the toys. Long story short I’m currently recreating them as close to accurate size. I have been featured on Stan Winston Schools in an artist spotlight for my custom small soldiers. Even Adam Rifkin has shown great interest and support morally. There are a few roadblocks I’ve run into in the form of reference or lack there of. If you could message me at my email so I can discuss my project with you in depth I would greatly appreciate it. After all these years I’m still eager and waiting for a sequel with practical effects. I’m even recreating the boxes. Have a great day good sir

    • Gavin Scott
      Posted at 10:34h, 10 April Reply

      I’m flattered! There was a huge range of toys, and I occasionally find them at flea markets: one day I’ll do one of my assemblages … Best regards, Gavin

  • Nick G
    Posted at 13:34h, 19 July Reply

    Hi.
    Was a huge fan of this film when i was a kid. I was wondering if there was scenes cut from the film, I’ve heard that it originally was to receive an R Rating,.

    • Gavin Scott
      Posted at 11:38h, 26 July Reply

      I’m sure there were, but I don’t know what they were. My original script was a little less violent! But I’m delighted to hear from a fan. Best regards, Gavin

  • Quentin Congress
    Posted at 00:10h, 12 August Reply

    I remember going to see “Small Soldiers” in theatres I enjoyed then and I enjoy it now. I wish I could read your original draft.

    • Gavin Scott
      Posted at 10:39h, 05 July Reply

      Thanks, Quentin.
      I wish I could show it to you, but it’s vanished into the same warehouse where they stored the Ark of the Covenant in Indiana Jones!
      But if you want to read some actual words by me, check out my detective thriller The Age of Treachery!
      Best regards,
      Gavin

  • Kaitlynne Pegii Limberg
    Posted at 05:10h, 26 March Reply

    I love this movie so much. I thought that Greg Smith was amazing as Alan. Everything was wonderful, the plot, the music, the dialogue, the acting. It is an incredibly underrated movie.

    • Gavin Scott
      Posted at 10:35h, 05 July Reply

      Dear Kaitlynne,
      It’s so good to hear from someone who loved the movie: I’m quite proud of it! And I particularly agree about the music: Jerry Goldsmith did a terrific job. Let me know if you get a chance to read my current detective thriller series, the first of which is The Age of Treachery. I’d love to know if you like that too.
      All my best,
      Gavin

  • Jason Woods
    Posted at 05:25h, 15 December Reply

    Hello,
    Like others that have posted, I am a huge fan of the movie. Thank you for your work on the story! I own a copy of the Small Soldiers script by Adam Rifkin. It is the Polish 5/11/1997 version. Reading through it, there are several major changes than what actually turned up in the movie. Of course, script revisions are a very common part of movie making, but my question was in regards to some of the character names, specifically the Commandos. For example, Chip Hazard is called Chip Braddock, Kip Killigan is called Kip Killcrazy, etc… Were these your original names for the characters, or just the names given to them during this particular revision of the script? If they were your original names, how did you feel about the revisions? Thanks!

    • Gavin Scott
      Posted at 12:53h, 18 December Reply

      Dear Jason, I’m so glad you enjoyed and continue to enjoy the movie. The Commando names evolved during the pre-production process, and I’m very happy with the end result. Best regards, Gavin

  • Esthefan Matheus
    Posted at 07:25h, 28 September Reply

    Hi. There is a scene I saw over over in the the spot. But it’s kind of curious. Does the scene with chip hazard and the other commandos running with grappling hooks was intended to be in the film or it is just for the spot? Scene is like this Hazard is running withs the others then he stops near a glass shard and fires a grappling gun . And he had one in each hand if you could help me out here I will be glad

    • Gavin Scott
      Posted at 12:41h, 22 January Reply

      Dear Esthefan,
      Sorry for taking long to reply!
      It’s flattering you have studied Small Soldiers so closely.
      And embarrassing to admit I can’t answer your question because I can’t remember what the original plan was.
      Even director Joe Dante may not be able to recall.
      Perhaps it will have to remain a mystery like the Marie Celeste!
      Warmest regards,
      Gavin

  • Chris Kaplan
    Posted at 02:46h, 21 November Reply

    Dear Mr. Scott, this has been one of the top nostalgic movies that I have revisited throughout my life. I love the cult following it has gained over the years! The concept and time spent in this movie to have more realistic movements instead of tons of CGI which made this movie beyond its time! You’re truly a Picasso with the storyline! I am beyond grateful to have had a chance to see your masterpiece in person throughout the years. I know not much of a professional question but would you sign an item I could send to you or do you have any signings coming up in the near future around a city near Las Vegas? It would be more of an honor to meet you than just a signature. I hope to hear from you and thank you for taking the time to read and respond!

    • Gavin Scott
      Posted at 12:36h, 22 January Reply

      Dear Chris,
      Sorry to have taken so long to reply, and thank you for your kind remarks.
      No plans to visit Las Vegas but happy to sign something.Let me know what it is and I’ll send my postal address. You can reach me via gavinscott942@gmail.com

  • Giovanny Zarete
    Posted at 15:00h, 08 June Reply

    Hey Gavin, I recently read your Small soldiers book the Gorganites quest, and being the huge small soldier’s fan that I am I have some questions about that book. Overall it was great, but my questions are more on the commando elite, and future plans for the Gorganites. Chip hazard comes back in this book and hides inside a BBQ grill to avoid being electrocuted from the acts of the first film. Now although that”s another interesting way to bring back a copy of Chip Hazard as the main villain, The question would be as where did he come from? This new Chip Hazard was just there in your book, no origin story, or how he came about.

    In the first film, there was multiple commando elite figures that came out from the Globetech truck outside Alan’s house, but only one copy of Chip Hazard was present. It’s possible that the original Chip Hazard destroyed or broke other copies of himself to not spark confusion among the rest of the commandos during the final act. Now it would be nice to know if when this new Chip Hazard in your book came from that truck, or did he belong to another child in that city of Winslow. His origins would be more interesting to know.

    As for the part of your book, were Chip creates the new army of commando elite figures out of the pieces of the first film which were burned, and electrocuted; How is this possible if they all require an X-1000 Chip implanted in them, for them to properly function. Chip Hazard in your book is the only one who would have an X-1000 chip implanted into his skull, so how is he able to reconstruct and create his commando brother’s in arms without them each having a chip to properly run on for function. Especially since their bodies were remade from the burned and electrocuted parts from the first film. They almost seem zombie-like in physical appearance as well.

    The Gorganities escape in a hot air balloon at the end of the book, do they ever find Gorgan? The commandos thought they killed and destroyed the gorganities by drowning them; what purpose do they serve now as their objection or mission is completed, so they think? Another book answering these questions would be fantastic for sure!! Much appreciation for all you’ve done small soldiers related. It upsetting a sequel wasn’t made in theaters would of been nice, but us fans love your work.

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