Coyote
Original Pitch by John Cawley – September 13, 1984
BEHIND THE STORY...
While pitching to Disney, I remembered that one of Walt’s unfinished films was a feature telling of the Hiawatha legend. Having some interest in the Coyote legends of Native Americans, I thought he could be the focus of an animated feature. My first pitch was a short one sheet explaining who Coyote was, a story idea and a visual suggestion. Disney thought the property interesting, but said they the project could be stronger if I removed all mention of man. So a second pitch was submitted. The studio then decided a feature based on Native American ideas would not succeed.
Around a decade later, Disney put POCOHANTAS into production. The major song, “Colors of the Wind” echoed one of my themes in the first pitch. Concepts in my second pitch also found themselves eventually into Disney features. The proud leader being humbled entered into THE EMPERORS NEW GROOVE, while a humanized god falling in love with a mortal was used in HERCULES.
And now my pitch...
The Legend of Coyote
Coyote is the Indian god of nature. The basis of several collections of folktales, it most recently has been converted into a popular comic book super-hero.
STORY IDEA: Coyote, always the mischievous God, has great fun playing with his animal friends. However, an evil force has recently arisen and is threatening the “hairless creatures” (man). Will Coyote decide even they are worthy of his magical protection?
Using legends and mysticism, there is a great chance here for visuals. The animal world of an early America would be a fine setting. Its moral of respect for nature and all living creatures could be intelligently told.
Alternate Storyline
At the beginning of the story, we find Coyote, the nature god, running rampant. His love of humor and use of magic is creating havoc amongst the rest of the animal kingdom. To teach him a lesson, the master being removes his power. Suddenly, Coyote must cope with everyday problems of the animal world. He interacts with a variety of animals. At first unable to cope with his new position, he soon learns to use his natural abilities and powers to survive. He knows when he truly learns his lesson he will regain his powers. This becomes a problem when he meets and falls in love with a mortal she-coyote.
text, image and format © John Cawley
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