‘Clan of the Cave Bear’ Transforms from Novel to Film at AFM

The film adaptation of Jean M. Auel’s novel, The Clan of the Cave Bear, made its way to the big screen largely due to the efforts of Mark Damon and his Producers Sales Organization (PSO) during the American Film Market (AFM) in the 1980s. This prehistoric adventure centers on a Cro-Magnon girl named Ayla, who is adopted by a family of Neanderthals. Despite initial struggles to secure backing, the project found momentum after PSO facilitated foreign sales that helped raise financing for the film, which had a production budget of $16 million and was filmed in British Columbia.

Producers Gerald Isenberg and Stan Rogow initially approached NBC for a movie-of-the-week option but faced rejection. The entry of PSO into the project proved pivotal. The company sold off various rights to attract international buyers, ultimately enabling the film’s realization. Casting Daryl Hannah as Ayla, who had recently gained fame from her role in Splash, brought significant attention to the project. Her portrayal, featuring striking animal furs, captured the interest of AFM buyers.

In a prerelease interview with journalist John Hanrahan, Hannah reflected on the demanding shooting conditions. “Logistically, it was difficult,” she noted. “There were helicopters, you had to hike, live in a tent. There was no warm water to shower in.” She emphasized that the challenge was not merely physical; adapting Auel’s complex narrative into a film proved to be a significant hurdle. The film’s cast communicated through guttural sounds, with the dialogue supplemented by subtitles, which added to the film’s unique presentation.

The project was directed by renowned cinematographer Michael Chapman, known for his work on classics like Taxi Driver and Raging Bull. Despite the film’s stunning visuals, which were noted by audiences and critics alike, it struggled to resonate on an emotional level. Released domestically by Warner Bros. in 1986, The Clan of the Cave Bear received mixed reviews. While it earned an Oscar nomination for makeup, it grossed less than $2 million in the United States, leading to the cancellation of planned sequels despite initial intentions for a trilogy.

The journey of The Clan of the Cave Bear exemplifies the challenges of adapting complex literary works to film. It highlights the importance of strategic marketing and international sales in bringing ambitious projects to fruition, as well as the unpredictable nature of box office success. Today, the film stands as a testament to the evolution of a novel into a cinematic experience, shaped by the efforts of key industry players at the AFM.