The screenwriter Jeff Nathanson first learned of his legendary experience from Abagno’s interview videos. He felt that Abagno’s story is similar to "Tiger Leopard" and "Leaping the Cuckoo's Nest". Those movies Focusing on illegal or anti-social groups, although they are villains, they can win the support and love of the audience with their irresistible personal charm. He believes that Frank's story can make a good movie. Beginning in 1997, Nathanson’s scripts about Abagno’s experience have been picked up by directors such as Lars Haustrom, Gore Wibinski, and Maurice Forme. It was Spielberg who brought the script to the screen.
In 2001, in order to coincide with the publication of Abagno's book "The Art of Plagiarism", his autobiography "Catch Me If You Can-The Amazing True Story of a Scammer" was republished. Spielberg has seen it and put it down, and thinks that these experiences are worth making into a movie.
