Monday, April 30, 2007

Is Darren Star Profiting Off of Candace Bushnell ... Again?



(image via theage)

Rabid "Sex and the City"-philes all know the cautionary tale of Candace Bushnell, who made a measly $1 million off of her own creation, but later went on to a measure of fame as an icon for upwardly ascending Manhattanites-in-heat as well as a bestselling author of dodgy books that she insists were inspired by Edith Wharton. We, however, are under no such illusions.

Still, we kind of admire the way Bushnell seems always to be engaged in this Grand Narrative, this never-ending existential battle to attain the heights of Page Sixxiesh boldfacedness, and a permanent place in a Cafe Society that probably died with Nan Kempner (Does Candace really want to tend rose gardens in Newport, Rhode Island with the other old Grand Dammes?). There is something Lalique-fragile and rather heartwarming about Bushnell, a decidedly Minor but curious figure who, we cannot fail to note, has been around the block quite a bit.

"According to those intrepid Page Sixxies, Bushnell, who "made only $1 million from 'Sex and the City,' a pittance compared to Star's earnings from the HBO series" is *allegedly* Darren Starr fucks her over again:

"AFTER 13 years of friendship and huge success from their partnership on "Sex and the City," former best buds Darren Star and Candace Bushnell are not speaking, according to insiders.

"Star, the producer of "Sex and the City" as well as '90s hits 'Beverly Hills 90210' and "Melrose Place," was approached by Bushnell in 2005 to turn her novel 'Lipstick Jungle' into another hit television series.

"Sources said Bushnell very much wanted to work with Star on the project for NBC, but her agents couldn't come to an agreement with him. Because Star couldn't come to terms with her over 'Jungle,' he re- created his own version of Bushnell's pilot, 'Cashmere Mafia,' and sold it to ABC. Pilots for both shows could be picked up next month for the networks' fall schedules.

"'Candace was actually living at Darren's house when she was writing the pilot for her show,' said our source. 'Candace called him to say how happy she was that NBC picked up her script, and Darren told her, 'Oh yeah, I have a similar project at ABC.' She was devastated.'"

Oh, it's on; it's on like Gray Poupon! Lay down your purse and I'll hold him for you, Candace! More: "(PageSix)

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