 Screenwriter Bosch, Roselyne (qv) got the idea for the project  when she discovered millions of untranslated parchments while  researching an article on Columbus. After joining forces with a  French film executive, she finally found an interested director in  Scott, Ridley (qv), who had always wanted to make a movie about  Columbus. Scott agreed to direct the film on one condition: Columbus  must be played by Depardieu, Gérard (qv). Depardieu was contacted,  and eager to take the part.