Hi Jim,
Sorry, not trying to depress anyone.
I don't think Curtis blew his relationship with Wells at all. I've heard nothing about any bad blood between them at all. After all, Wells was the instigator....the big time producer found Curtis.
I think its a case of a big time producer with a vision for DS has to find
him. If I were him, I'd cultivate relationships with more producers like Wells as well as film producers and directors. I'd pitch the idea to the in-house producers like Wells and such rather than to the networks. It may strike a chord that they probably haven't thought of.
If I were him I'd develop a tight lower budget horror film and really pour my heart and energy into it and make it something that would play well with a modern audience, and make it a real white knuckler. You get clout in this town by making things that do well that people like. Then the powers that be come to you.
Honestly, I think he should give the reins to someone younger with a fresher perspective on the material. He's 75 and really not well versed in the films and TV shows of the last 20 years or in the current style and capabilites in storytelling. He needs to delegate it to someone he has confidence in.
Essentially, we need the Russell T. Davies of the Dark Shadows world.
Sadly, I think he had it in Verheiden, who had a solid, exciting and fresh take on the material and would have created a hell of a show.