It was my lucky break: one month in Hollywood and already I was being paid to pitch my ideas to studio execs and production companies. My first meeting was the biggest one: Mel Gibson. After my initial shock of meeting the road warrior himself, I immediately showed him the artwork and premise of my idea: his vision of the crucifixion of Jesus was truthful, but not very family friendly. My solution: keep the original story, but make it easier on kids with colorful animation and heartwarming music.

Needless to say, he, uh… he passed.

I couldn’t see out of my left eye for the better part of three weeks.