I have received a few requests from people who would like to continue reading my blogs. To do this I will no long be unknown. Perhaps that's okay.
My personal professional blog is here: www.markallen.net - there are a lot of movies on the movie page to view here.
I also blog a lot more lately and more casually here: www.alivenotdead.com/?markallen
The latter link has a great deal more inspirational discussion at the moment while the former is just a headline news of things.
The big update right now is that I have two projects going with well known actors which I am writing and developing for television. I have also been directing a lot more spots for music videos and commercial clients.
Hope to see you all at the new locations. At some point I may steal a blog posting or two from here to share in the other locations now that I'm reminded about the content here.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Time Investments
I've not blogged much as I've been very focused on marketing myself. I figure for years people have hired me to make them look good, it was time to try to make myself look good. I cut a new demo reel - assembled my favorite movie clips and made a relatively involved website. I'm debating whether to switch my blogging efforts entirely over there or if I'll maintain a little bit of the anonymity factor so I can say things about people. :) If I switch I'll give any regular readers the address somehow. (The blog is using wordpress and not blogger as i wanted to control the system more.)
An agent from a large agency contacted me to write a pilot for his newest client. Sounds impressive? Well, let me restate it.
An agent's assistant from a large agency who is a friend asked me if I'd write something for his friend who he has taken on as his first client. Less impressive - the truth is somewhere in the middle. See? This is stuff I wouldn't write i a non-anonymous blog.
Anyway - so at first I was pretty unenthusiastic about the prospect, but then I emailed a TV writer friend about what the TV structure was. Outside of the 3 shows I watch on DVD, I do not see television at all. When she did that, I was pretty excited about the concept. It was so structured... 5 acts, all one length, each with about five beats, and each act ends with a twist. That just sounded fun to try, and very manageable, so in one morning I outlined the entire show. The agent couldn't believe the turnaround time. Since then I've done nothing on it because I've been so busy, but I have to be done with it by the 20th. Yikes. But I will - with a structure in place, the writing is pretty smooth sailing and, frankly, fun. But it really enthused me about writing again. I was having fun. If I wasn't, I wouldn't have put in the time.
There are so many times this issue comes up - what to invest your time in. Up until now I'd never thought time spent in marketing was worth it. Huge mistake. There is no point in having things to show if you have no format or venue to show them.
Was it worth the gamble to spend the time on the TV pilot? Never know, but since it was fun and therefore gave me energy, I would say yes. What is important is to look for the things which are draining energy and cut them off as soon as possible.
It also actually got me excited to write this new project I alluded to in my last post. I have 3 projects to finish before I can dive into that, but I plan to do that within a couple weeks with a finish date of January 1.
And other than that, I'm working on everything I laid out last time - including the prospectus.
The only other news I'll mention because it's a land of "could be." I got a call from a producer I'd had a 3 hour meeting with recently and it sounds like everyone is liking the project I pitched (already finished screenplay). They say they will have some clarity on it by the holidays. Could be - would be amazing, but I've learned to temper my enthusiasm.
An agent from a large agency contacted me to write a pilot for his newest client. Sounds impressive? Well, let me restate it.
An agent's assistant from a large agency who is a friend asked me if I'd write something for his friend who he has taken on as his first client. Less impressive - the truth is somewhere in the middle. See? This is stuff I wouldn't write i a non-anonymous blog.
Anyway - so at first I was pretty unenthusiastic about the prospect, but then I emailed a TV writer friend about what the TV structure was. Outside of the 3 shows I watch on DVD, I do not see television at all. When she did that, I was pretty excited about the concept. It was so structured... 5 acts, all one length, each with about five beats, and each act ends with a twist. That just sounded fun to try, and very manageable, so in one morning I outlined the entire show. The agent couldn't believe the turnaround time. Since then I've done nothing on it because I've been so busy, but I have to be done with it by the 20th. Yikes. But I will - with a structure in place, the writing is pretty smooth sailing and, frankly, fun. But it really enthused me about writing again. I was having fun. If I wasn't, I wouldn't have put in the time.
There are so many times this issue comes up - what to invest your time in. Up until now I'd never thought time spent in marketing was worth it. Huge mistake. There is no point in having things to show if you have no format or venue to show them.
Was it worth the gamble to spend the time on the TV pilot? Never know, but since it was fun and therefore gave me energy, I would say yes. What is important is to look for the things which are draining energy and cut them off as soon as possible.
It also actually got me excited to write this new project I alluded to in my last post. I have 3 projects to finish before I can dive into that, but I plan to do that within a couple weeks with a finish date of January 1.
And other than that, I'm working on everything I laid out last time - including the prospectus.
The only other news I'll mention because it's a land of "could be." I got a call from a producer I'd had a 3 hour meeting with recently and it sounds like everyone is liking the project I pitched (already finished screenplay). They say they will have some clarity on it by the holidays. Could be - would be amazing, but I've learned to temper my enthusiasm.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
A New Approach
Considering that the good news this year was getting directing work with the opportunity of maybe getting more for commercials and music videos, I'm taking a new look at what the plan will be.
Instead of rushing in and "shooting just anything" this year just to keep my word, I'm thinking now that my energies might be best spent taking what I've learned from everything this year and applying that to a new project.
The problems I've run into this year with indie projects have been:
- locations too expensive, whether they be specific or not, I need something where I can actually access the locations.
- horror films seem to not really be what I want to define myself with or, frankly, would be willing to deliver the way they need to be delivered in order to be salable (which would be the point of a horror film).
- small, personal dramas with no stars simply are not money well spent and beyond that will have a hard time exciting people. People weren't even READING the damn thing. People who were meant to be involved. People who did liked it, but it obviously shows that the idea is a tough pitch.
- Something totally unique really touched people's interest an imagination.
- Trying to get celebrities without making an offer was a slow and lousy experience.
Anyway - so adding all this up I am thinking of doing two things at once.
1. I will try to get one of my scripts I really love indie financed PRE-actor but with the agreement that the investment can be cancelled without one of the approved actors.
2. I will start writing something which is very "out there" - the kind of thing you just don't see often. Touching and beautiful - the kind of movie I would want to see. I might adjust one of my scripts to be this story, not sure. But it will need locations I can actually access. But costumes and extras I think I could motivate and afford.
The RED camera comes out by May 1. So, that should be when I go into production. Why not? Plenty of time to write and prepare.
In the meantime I am pursuing short form work as well - making demo reel - improving my (real) website.
Instead of rushing in and "shooting just anything" this year just to keep my word, I'm thinking now that my energies might be best spent taking what I've learned from everything this year and applying that to a new project.
The problems I've run into this year with indie projects have been:
- locations too expensive, whether they be specific or not, I need something where I can actually access the locations.
- horror films seem to not really be what I want to define myself with or, frankly, would be willing to deliver the way they need to be delivered in order to be salable (which would be the point of a horror film).
- small, personal dramas with no stars simply are not money well spent and beyond that will have a hard time exciting people. People weren't even READING the damn thing. People who were meant to be involved. People who did liked it, but it obviously shows that the idea is a tough pitch.
- Something totally unique really touched people's interest an imagination.
- Trying to get celebrities without making an offer was a slow and lousy experience.
Anyway - so adding all this up I am thinking of doing two things at once.
1. I will try to get one of my scripts I really love indie financed PRE-actor but with the agreement that the investment can be cancelled without one of the approved actors.
2. I will start writing something which is very "out there" - the kind of thing you just don't see often. Touching and beautiful - the kind of movie I would want to see. I might adjust one of my scripts to be this story, not sure. But it will need locations I can actually access. But costumes and extras I think I could motivate and afford.
The RED camera comes out by May 1. So, that should be when I go into production. Why not? Plenty of time to write and prepare.
In the meantime I am pursuing short form work as well - making demo reel - improving my (real) website.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Facing Reality
It's nearing the end of the year and it does not look like a feature is going to happen. Again. Obviously this is sad news. The good news is that I've been working professionally as a director pretty much as my primary job this year. So, I don't want to downplay the significance of that; it's a big step forward.
Lately I've been feeling like my approach to getting a film made might be becoming too rushed and intended mostly just to have kept my promise to myself. I am right now analyzing a couple other pathways which might prove more logical.
One major problem I'm finding is that all the projects I'm really passionate about AND I think have a solid return potential are simply more expensive than I can afford to make myself. And the ones I can afford are either still expensive considering they have little sales return potential or I just don't feel passionately about them.
As a result, I am thinking of going back to investors with an alternate method. I would go to them with a script and a list of potential actors. They would invest based on the ability to attach one of the actors. But they would invest first. If no actors were attached, they lose nothing. The advantage here is that we are able to make OFFERS to actors rather than beg on spec. I'm talking to various industry people trying to set this up.
The best news I have is that I'm very proud of the last project I directed and I've been hired for another one next month. I'm trying to focus on the wins here.
If I could package something with investors, by the end of the year, I think I would feel accomplished on this goal of stepping into features. I am still considering a micro-budget, self financed movie - but I am tempted until the brand new camera comes out because at least that would be one facet I would not have to worry about (since I'm already paying for it).
Lately I've been feeling like my approach to getting a film made might be becoming too rushed and intended mostly just to have kept my promise to myself. I am right now analyzing a couple other pathways which might prove more logical.
One major problem I'm finding is that all the projects I'm really passionate about AND I think have a solid return potential are simply more expensive than I can afford to make myself. And the ones I can afford are either still expensive considering they have little sales return potential or I just don't feel passionately about them.
As a result, I am thinking of going back to investors with an alternate method. I would go to them with a script and a list of potential actors. They would invest based on the ability to attach one of the actors. But they would invest first. If no actors were attached, they lose nothing. The advantage here is that we are able to make OFFERS to actors rather than beg on spec. I'm talking to various industry people trying to set this up.
The best news I have is that I'm very proud of the last project I directed and I've been hired for another one next month. I'm trying to focus on the wins here.
If I could package something with investors, by the end of the year, I think I would feel accomplished on this goal of stepping into features. I am still considering a micro-budget, self financed movie - but I am tempted until the brand new camera comes out because at least that would be one facet I would not have to worry about (since I'm already paying for it).
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Stars in the Future
I actually think that Hollywood type star-fame is being diluted as people from youtube and myspace become more and more stars of their own.
I'm guessing that in the future stars will be much more niche - meaning that people who love horror films may love this actor and she is famous to them (Angela Bettis for example) - but no one else knows who she is. Same for comedy. Then split those categories vertically between age groups and then in z-space between cultural groups. Fame from single projects will therefore become more common and it will be hard to hold onto fame more than a decade - nearly impossible. People will grow out of their demographic and crossing over will be nearly impossible.
That said, there will be a lot more momentary stars.
However... I do believe there will be some crossovers and some people who appeal to everyone. The super-beautiful, super talented types will always retain some crossover appeal. HOWEVER - I think that there has become so much media exposure (both intentional and unintentional) that these untouchably perfect people with either reveal themselves to be or will be sneakily shown to be less-than-perfect.
If I were trying to market a star today I would probably market the fact that they are so mysterious and we don't know anything about them. Rather than talk about who they are, talk about how we don't know who they are.
I'm guessing that in the future stars will be much more niche - meaning that people who love horror films may love this actor and she is famous to them (Angela Bettis for example) - but no one else knows who she is. Same for comedy. Then split those categories vertically between age groups and then in z-space between cultural groups. Fame from single projects will therefore become more common and it will be hard to hold onto fame more than a decade - nearly impossible. People will grow out of their demographic and crossing over will be nearly impossible.
That said, there will be a lot more momentary stars.
However... I do believe there will be some crossovers and some people who appeal to everyone. The super-beautiful, super talented types will always retain some crossover appeal. HOWEVER - I think that there has become so much media exposure (both intentional and unintentional) that these untouchably perfect people with either reveal themselves to be or will be sneakily shown to be less-than-perfect.
If I were trying to market a star today I would probably market the fact that they are so mysterious and we don't know anything about them. Rather than talk about who they are, talk about how we don't know who they are.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Starting To Budget
Could this be? A post not about the script but about budgeting? Indeed.
Just a quick thought (as someone who used to make custom excel programs for budgeting long before there were computer solutions).... Independent films need to have their own budgeting format.
The way the studios do it is to include the labor for the departments within the sections of the department. That makes sense when you have 100 people working on something and you are in the department mindset where each person is in charge of their own department essentially.
But Indies don't think this way - they think about the people separately. They're not thinking about the DP in the same category as the camera for example. There are surely other examples that would make things easier to work with as well.
While budgeting this I will try to make my own format, when done I'll post it online for anyone else to follow if they wish.
Just a quick thought (as someone who used to make custom excel programs for budgeting long before there were computer solutions).... Independent films need to have their own budgeting format.
The way the studios do it is to include the labor for the departments within the sections of the department. That makes sense when you have 100 people working on something and you are in the department mindset where each person is in charge of their own department essentially.
But Indies don't think this way - they think about the people separately. They're not thinking about the DP in the same category as the camera for example. There are surely other examples that would make things easier to work with as well.
While budgeting this I will try to make my own format, when done I'll post it online for anyone else to follow if they wish.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Script is Out
Script is off to some new readers as well as the Famous Friend who will read it before sending it on to her friend. She may have someone else read it as well.
In the meantime, getting my life back in order and actually starting to jot tons of notes about two other projects. Just things that have been building up in my head over the last couple months but I didn't want to distract myself with. One is an epic sci-fi adventure, the other a kid's adventure film.
In the meantime, getting my life back in order and actually starting to jot tons of notes about two other projects. Just things that have been building up in my head over the last couple months but I didn't want to distract myself with. One is an epic sci-fi adventure, the other a kid's adventure film.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Finished the Re-Write
Yep. Re-write is done.
Another nonspecific genre movie to my name. :)
I have this incredible temptation to write something 100% formulae. Just to see if people eat it up and that all the classic "you musts" of screenwriting really do make for "the best" movie. But first... I think I'll enjoy being done with this rewrite.
It's hard to finish a re-write because by the time your done. You're bored with the material.
Another nonspecific genre movie to my name. :)
I have this incredible temptation to write something 100% formulae. Just to see if people eat it up and that all the classic "you musts" of screenwriting really do make for "the best" movie. But first... I think I'll enjoy being done with this rewrite.
It's hard to finish a re-write because by the time your done. You're bored with the material.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Review of Previous Horror Script
Since I am not doing the horror film I sent it out to a company looking for horror projects. Note that one company late last year wanted to buy it - maybe more - so it doesn't totally suck - however, this new company didn't care for it. I had the rare chance to talk to once of the people at the company as to why.
The interesting thing about this discussion was that nothing they said surprised me - it was just whether or not that aspect was a good thing or a bad thing. For example - there isn't a lot of running around and physical danger until the end. Well, I thought that was okay - but for them - that was really a horror film sin. It was around this moment that I realized that if I'm going to write a genre film... I am really going to need to play by the rules. Regardless of whether the movies I've been writing are good or not - I've been making bread and calling it cake. No matter how good the bread - if you're looking for cake - it's going to be disappointing.
The conversation made me leap into jotting some notes down for genre heavy movies which play exactly by the rules. I will have to do this for fun at some point and to test my theory now that I seem to have places to send the scripts to. But I would almost say every movie I've written is a genre bender. Maybe not the best career move.
Furthermore... it made me think that maybe what I really need to do is totally leave genre all together - just go on a wild ride of my own and see if I find an audience.
But for now - with the music videos finally over - I'm just about done with the rewrite. Next couple days max. Finally. I am letting some stumbling blocks go - meaning not trying to add in something I thought would be good but just don't seem to be happening. Once I'm moving forward I will address this again.
In other news, I got a call to direct something in September. I like being called to direct. Makes me feel like I do this professionally. :)
The interesting thing about this discussion was that nothing they said surprised me - it was just whether or not that aspect was a good thing or a bad thing. For example - there isn't a lot of running around and physical danger until the end. Well, I thought that was okay - but for them - that was really a horror film sin. It was around this moment that I realized that if I'm going to write a genre film... I am really going to need to play by the rules. Regardless of whether the movies I've been writing are good or not - I've been making bread and calling it cake. No matter how good the bread - if you're looking for cake - it's going to be disappointing.
The conversation made me leap into jotting some notes down for genre heavy movies which play exactly by the rules. I will have to do this for fun at some point and to test my theory now that I seem to have places to send the scripts to. But I would almost say every movie I've written is a genre bender. Maybe not the best career move.
Furthermore... it made me think that maybe what I really need to do is totally leave genre all together - just go on a wild ride of my own and see if I find an audience.
But for now - with the music videos finally over - I'm just about done with the rewrite. Next couple days max. Finally. I am letting some stumbling blocks go - meaning not trying to add in something I thought would be good but just don't seem to be happening. Once I'm moving forward I will address this again.
In other news, I got a call to direct something in September. I like being called to direct. Makes me feel like I do this professionally. :)
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Music Video Delays Writing
Wow. I am still not done with this rewrite. I had a music video fall in my lap which I had to go to Vegas to shoot. Crazy limitations on the shoot - but it went well overall I think.
Unlike other types of work, I do not mind delays in progress when it is due to directing because that's the end goal anyway.
One observation from this shoot was how the big star musician had like 10 people swarming around her and generally seeming to make things more stressful than more easy. Their job was to make everything smooth (I think) - but the summation of their presence seemed to be more of stress - like the kind of stress one might see at a wedding around the bride.
Another thing... I really want to have at least a 5 minute discussion with whomever is the key decision maker before hand. I felt like 30 minutes into the 2nd video that the artist and the person I had been talking to leading up to the shoot were not at all seeing eye to eye on what the video should be. The very first shot I saw that the artist's' interpretation of the song was nothing remotely like I'd been told. And when the artist basically refused to do what the other key decision maker had said was the plan - that made for some very interesting improvisation on my part. Very odd shoot. Will end up being a tad more minimalistic than originally intended.
So, I'm setting aside 2 hours everyday still - despite the editing schedule - to try to get this script done. Ironically - the PA on the shoot is hanging out with the "Famous Actor's Famous Friend" this weekend. He's totally willing to put in a word about the script - but better if he's read it! So trying to finish it in the next couple days. At least to a version where all my little notes are out of it and it is showable to the PA as a pre-final - if not the final itself.
Unlike other types of work, I do not mind delays in progress when it is due to directing because that's the end goal anyway.
One observation from this shoot was how the big star musician had like 10 people swarming around her and generally seeming to make things more stressful than more easy. Their job was to make everything smooth (I think) - but the summation of their presence seemed to be more of stress - like the kind of stress one might see at a wedding around the bride.
Another thing... I really want to have at least a 5 minute discussion with whomever is the key decision maker before hand. I felt like 30 minutes into the 2nd video that the artist and the person I had been talking to leading up to the shoot were not at all seeing eye to eye on what the video should be. The very first shot I saw that the artist's' interpretation of the song was nothing remotely like I'd been told. And when the artist basically refused to do what the other key decision maker had said was the plan - that made for some very interesting improvisation on my part. Very odd shoot. Will end up being a tad more minimalistic than originally intended.
So, I'm setting aside 2 hours everyday still - despite the editing schedule - to try to get this script done. Ironically - the PA on the shoot is hanging out with the "Famous Actor's Famous Friend" this weekend. He's totally willing to put in a word about the script - but better if he's read it! So trying to finish it in the next couple days. At least to a version where all my little notes are out of it and it is showable to the PA as a pre-final - if not the final itself.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
A Paradigm Shift of Focus
A job came in for me today. Free and clear and easy and even a tidbit lucrative.
And I turned it down.
I am proud. I made a choice to curtail the things which distract me from the mission critical goal of doing my first feature (or as trek fans would say, my "prime directive.")
The script is coming along, I am really just trying to make it better before I leave for the shoot.
And I turned it down.
I am proud. I made a choice to curtail the things which distract me from the mission critical goal of doing my first feature (or as trek fans would say, my "prime directive.")
The script is coming along, I am really just trying to make it better before I leave for the shoot.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Close to Done on Rewrite
This was a hard rewrite to do. I'm mostly just checking in.
Yes, I've had my other work distracting me, but that hasn't been the only issue. I really struggled to find this rewrite. I just finished the last page of the new ending and now I'm headed back into the script for my second pass. I already made some changes, but I still want to heighten the story focus more. I always says "hopefully in the next couple days." This time I mean it because I have to go out of town for a shoot for a few days and by then I want it in the hands of Famous Friend's Famous Friend.
Yes, I've had my other work distracting me, but that hasn't been the only issue. I really struggled to find this rewrite. I just finished the last page of the new ending and now I'm headed back into the script for my second pass. I already made some changes, but I still want to heighten the story focus more. I always says "hopefully in the next couple days." This time I mean it because I have to go out of town for a shoot for a few days and by then I want it in the hands of Famous Friend's Famous Friend.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Finding Inspiration
It's been two weeks since my last posting. Took me a while to figure out where I wanted to take this story. I have had projects in the past where everyone wanted a piece of it. So much so that it ended up being torn to shreds. This one is not feeling like that. I sort of feel that while the general response of the reading (especially in follow up discussions) was positive - that no one really cares that much if I finish this. Or make a film. Or become a filmmaker.
When I was younger, people were very excited about it. But I think when you near and cross 30, people start to sort of wish you'd just do something else with your life. They may think you're talented. They may even want to see the stuff you create, but the sense I get from most people is that they wish I'd just let myself live a normal life that wasn't obsessed with this goal.
So. Here I am rewriting a script that I really am not sure anyone cares if I finish. That's one thing I like about writing fantasy - it always seems like it really captures people's imagination much more and they want to visit that world for a while. With drama and even comedy - while they might enjoy the movie, it's never as sexy. It's like suggesting going for an organic salad verses a chocolate Sunday with caramel and chocolate syrup mixed... Well, no matter how much of a healthy eater you are - that Sunday sounds so good!
So here I am mixing a salad together anyway (though I must admit I'm also jotting notes about a very large Sunday as well).
The rewrite is finally coming along. I would very very much like to have it done in the next day or so. There are some placeholder details which are slowing me down. Many times in writing there are things which don't affect the story itself much, but affect the impact of the story.
When I finish I will be sending it to a well known actor who is friends with Famous Friend. Then, I bet, I'll be waiting. However - if I'm committing to making it I can just start preproduction on it anyway. Lining up the locations will be the biggest trick. But the locations (unlike the film I started with this year) are much easier to do.
What I keep longing for is a team. A team of people who would have a vested interest in making this movie happen. I think that will come though after I get it moving. That's my hope at least. And after it is done, hopefully there will be momentum for another. Ideally something I've already written so we can move right into it.
When I was younger, people were very excited about it. But I think when you near and cross 30, people start to sort of wish you'd just do something else with your life. They may think you're talented. They may even want to see the stuff you create, but the sense I get from most people is that they wish I'd just let myself live a normal life that wasn't obsessed with this goal.
So. Here I am rewriting a script that I really am not sure anyone cares if I finish. That's one thing I like about writing fantasy - it always seems like it really captures people's imagination much more and they want to visit that world for a while. With drama and even comedy - while they might enjoy the movie, it's never as sexy. It's like suggesting going for an organic salad verses a chocolate Sunday with caramel and chocolate syrup mixed... Well, no matter how much of a healthy eater you are - that Sunday sounds so good!
So here I am mixing a salad together anyway (though I must admit I'm also jotting notes about a very large Sunday as well).
The rewrite is finally coming along. I would very very much like to have it done in the next day or so. There are some placeholder details which are slowing me down. Many times in writing there are things which don't affect the story itself much, but affect the impact of the story.
When I finish I will be sending it to a well known actor who is friends with Famous Friend. Then, I bet, I'll be waiting. However - if I'm committing to making it I can just start preproduction on it anyway. Lining up the locations will be the biggest trick. But the locations (unlike the film I started with this year) are much easier to do.
What I keep longing for is a team. A team of people who would have a vested interest in making this movie happen. I think that will come though after I get it moving. That's my hope at least. And after it is done, hopefully there will be momentum for another. Ideally something I've already written so we can move right into it.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
The Cycle
We had the reading on Wednesday. Took me a couple days to think about it.
Last time I had a reading it was for a much more commercial project and it went very well. I made some changes after it which were easy and obvious.
This time it's not so easy.
It seems the lack of a clearly defined genre is a problem because people aren't sure how to prepare themselves. It's not all comedy - it's not all mystery. And it doesn't seem to be either one enough.
That said, people seemed to enjoy it and like it - mostly the relationship. However, the irony is that most people also wanted more of a pay off and follow through on the mystery. So - it's not dead, it's just hard to decide now what I want from it.
One producer warned me of course that ...Well, here's the discussion.
Now this producer understands why I want to make a film - she is just cautioning me from losing sight of the overall goal.
But this of course makes me think - Well, once again I've created something which isn't necessarily the answer. The first time around the problem was the locations were so expensive and the production as a whole was just too big to do. The second time around (this time) now I'm discovering that I've maybe created something which won't accomplish my goal (unless I can get a name actor in it... which... was exactly the thing which killed my chances before). HOWEVER - there is one little difference. Actors get offered horror films all the time. They rarely get offered oddball little movies with very interesting characters. If they are going to do something for backend, they're probably going to want to do something they don't get to normally do. This might do that. But then I'm suddenly relying on getting some actors.
Do I just pony up the cash to do the other one since it might not require name talent to sell?
Do I start the process of rewriting this and then hope I get a name actor?
Do I write a whole new project which will be easy enough to shoot, but still be a genre film enough to sell without a lot of trouble?
Lots of questions.
It's always this same story. You can't get the money to do a movie on the scale you need to show you can direct - then you can't do a smaller scale movie because it won't show that you can direct a salable movie. I could word that better when less sleepy - but the basic idea is there.
I need to get my motivation back. At the moment I feel so beat up by the process that I almost just want to quit. But then I realize. What on Earth would I do? I feel a calling to this like I would imagine monks feel to the church. It makes sense to me - I find the idea of being a storyteller to be too luring. I see the storyteller's role in the history humanity and I see myself being that person.
Sometimes I wish I didn't.
The next blog ought to be more clear.
Last time I had a reading it was for a much more commercial project and it went very well. I made some changes after it which were easy and obvious.
This time it's not so easy.
It seems the lack of a clearly defined genre is a problem because people aren't sure how to prepare themselves. It's not all comedy - it's not all mystery. And it doesn't seem to be either one enough.
That said, people seemed to enjoy it and like it - mostly the relationship. However, the irony is that most people also wanted more of a pay off and follow through on the mystery. So - it's not dead, it's just hard to decide now what I want from it.
One producer warned me of course that ...Well, here's the discussion.
PRODUCER
It's going to be hard to sell this without it having name cast and without it being a thriller. A no-name romantic comedy which isn't really even that is going to be hard.
ME
But I just want people to have a chance to see that I can direct and tell a story - direct actors.
PRODUCER
If you make a movie that doesn't sell, you're not doing yourself any favors. You are suddenly a guy who makes unsalable movies. How does that help your career? Your first movie is very important.
Now this producer understands why I want to make a film - she is just cautioning me from losing sight of the overall goal.
But this of course makes me think - Well, once again I've created something which isn't necessarily the answer. The first time around the problem was the locations were so expensive and the production as a whole was just too big to do. The second time around (this time) now I'm discovering that I've maybe created something which won't accomplish my goal (unless I can get a name actor in it... which... was exactly the thing which killed my chances before). HOWEVER - there is one little difference. Actors get offered horror films all the time. They rarely get offered oddball little movies with very interesting characters. If they are going to do something for backend, they're probably going to want to do something they don't get to normally do. This might do that. But then I'm suddenly relying on getting some actors.
Do I just pony up the cash to do the other one since it might not require name talent to sell?
Do I start the process of rewriting this and then hope I get a name actor?
Do I write a whole new project which will be easy enough to shoot, but still be a genre film enough to sell without a lot of trouble?
Lots of questions.
It's always this same story. You can't get the money to do a movie on the scale you need to show you can direct - then you can't do a smaller scale movie because it won't show that you can direct a salable movie. I could word that better when less sleepy - but the basic idea is there.
I need to get my motivation back. At the moment I feel so beat up by the process that I almost just want to quit. But then I realize. What on Earth would I do? I feel a calling to this like I would imagine monks feel to the church. It makes sense to me - I find the idea of being a storyteller to be too luring. I see the storyteller's role in the history humanity and I see myself being that person.
Sometimes I wish I didn't.
The next blog ought to be more clear.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Amazing How Slow Things Move
Well, the actress I'm interested in doing the lead finally read it and spoke to me about it. I am a little bit concerned about how she always has so many things that get in the way. I remember this from working with her before. I will have to make sure that this is not an issue on this project in advance. She is extra-ordinarily talented and interesting though - but the whole thing could crumble around her.
We've set a reading date for June 7th.
When things go slow, I am having a hard time getting my motivation together to do much of anything. The waiting is like a poison. Do I start something new? Do I just commit to this and start working on storyboards?
In other news - there is an actor who about a year ago we decided would be perfect for a movie that is pretty much everyone's favorite writing sample of mine. I was at a party last weekend (rare for me!) and low and behold - who do I meet? This guy. But only for a brief brief moment and I wouldn't say we instantly bonded. You know how that happens? Well, it didn't. He was on his way out. That's okay. He is apparently a friend of someone I know... and I had no idea. So - I'm going to ask her about getting him the script. Now that I know how long it takes, could be until after I finish the first movie.
In the mean time I'm going to do one more pass/polish on this script - there are just a couple simple things that will take maybe 2 days to do right and then it should be pretty solidly finished. I like it when problems are not structural.
More and more I am thinking about the cyclical nature of storytelling and how a story is finding how much of the circle you are revealing instead of thinking of it as a linear step by step process. Things in life go well, then poorly, then good, then bad... and if it isn't true for life always - it's always true for the stories we tell. That's what makes things interesting... the undulating cyclical nature of stories. Then every element in the story has it's own cycles. And much of what you're deciding is simply how many cycles to show - or what cycle to show.
You could almost say that the "arc" is therfore the curve of the circle. However, usually when people are thinking of arc's they have solid beginnings and ends and I think it might be much more exciting to think of them as not having an end. Even if the audience doesn't know this because the movie ends first... fate will turn again - and I think knowing what happens after the movie is quite exciting for the movie itself. Just like an actor... they want to know 1. where they came from 2. where they are going 3. what they want (why they are there).
We've set a reading date for June 7th.
When things go slow, I am having a hard time getting my motivation together to do much of anything. The waiting is like a poison. Do I start something new? Do I just commit to this and start working on storyboards?
In other news - there is an actor who about a year ago we decided would be perfect for a movie that is pretty much everyone's favorite writing sample of mine. I was at a party last weekend (rare for me!) and low and behold - who do I meet? This guy. But only for a brief brief moment and I wouldn't say we instantly bonded. You know how that happens? Well, it didn't. He was on his way out. That's okay. He is apparently a friend of someone I know... and I had no idea. So - I'm going to ask her about getting him the script. Now that I know how long it takes, could be until after I finish the first movie.
In the mean time I'm going to do one more pass/polish on this script - there are just a couple simple things that will take maybe 2 days to do right and then it should be pretty solidly finished. I like it when problems are not structural.
More and more I am thinking about the cyclical nature of storytelling and how a story is finding how much of the circle you are revealing instead of thinking of it as a linear step by step process. Things in life go well, then poorly, then good, then bad... and if it isn't true for life always - it's always true for the stories we tell. That's what makes things interesting... the undulating cyclical nature of stories. Then every element in the story has it's own cycles. And much of what you're deciding is simply how many cycles to show - or what cycle to show.
You could almost say that the "arc" is therfore the curve of the circle. However, usually when people are thinking of arc's they have solid beginnings and ends and I think it might be much more exciting to think of them as not having an end. Even if the audience doesn't know this because the movie ends first... fate will turn again - and I think knowing what happens after the movie is quite exciting for the movie itself. Just like an actor... they want to know 1. where they came from 2. where they are going 3. what they want (why they are there).
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Finished the Script
I finished the changes on the Mysterious Romantic Dramedy. I have sent it off to a couple people for a quick review and then I will set up the reading. So - finally getting some momentum back. In some ways, I am even ahead of schedule since this was my task to be done on the weekend and it is only Friday. Lets see if I can keep that up.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Catching Up
It has been about three weeks since my last posting. Twice a year my "other job" takes over my life - once is in April/May. My plan was to hand off enough of the work such that I could continue the efforts on my own project - but then an unexpected life event appeared and absorbed more than every remaining free moment.
Tonight was my first night back on track. This doesn't mean I've done nothing, but my focus has really not been clear.
In the last three weeks I did a lot of camera research. There are many new cameras coming out - Red, Silicon Imaging, and many enhancements to existing 1/3" sensor cameras. But - technology literally changes daily and while I don't regret spending time catching up with it - but it's really irrelevant until the project is started.
So, in more exciting news - I also did a lot of writing research. I read a fascinating book by James Bonnet called "Stealing Fire from the Gods" and also listened to some audio CDs from www.scriptsecrets.net - both of which I found quite inspiring in totally different ways.
Which brings me to the script at hand. I am now doing my final pass of it. All the new material has been added, I'm just smoothing it through. Yes, I know I'm very late on my original finishing goal. But on the plus side I'm quite excited about it. I plan to be done in a few days and then I will set up the reading and get back on track. There is ONE well known actor I will try to get attached. If that does not happen, I will pursue no one else and simply make it independently - as cheap as possible just to show that I can do what I do.... not sure how to put that... do in feature form what I've been doing in short form?
And in anecdotal news, I had a good meeting with a major production company who apparently liked me. I thought I'd sort of blown the meeting. My stomach started growling really badly as I was feeling not so well and it was so loud I had no choice but to mention it and make it part of the meeting. But even though I thought the meeting didn't go so well, she apparently thought it did and asked my manager to send over a couple of the scripts... not all of them, but 2 of the ones I'd pitched which isn't bad. I may come up with some additional ideas to pitch her way which would fit their charter.
that's a huge thing by the way. Companies get charters... they always do. Whether they all of a sudden want "teen slasher horror" or "contemporary action" - they always have an agenda and are looking to fill that agenda. Something to keep in mind for people writing things on spec for sale. Writing unique script in definable genres is a good idea. Having more than one genre of writing is like diversifying your investment.
More soon. I'm back.
Tonight was my first night back on track. This doesn't mean I've done nothing, but my focus has really not been clear.
In the last three weeks I did a lot of camera research. There are many new cameras coming out - Red, Silicon Imaging, and many enhancements to existing 1/3" sensor cameras. But - technology literally changes daily and while I don't regret spending time catching up with it - but it's really irrelevant until the project is started.
So, in more exciting news - I also did a lot of writing research. I read a fascinating book by James Bonnet called "Stealing Fire from the Gods" and also listened to some audio CDs from www.scriptsecrets.net - both of which I found quite inspiring in totally different ways.
Which brings me to the script at hand. I am now doing my final pass of it. All the new material has been added, I'm just smoothing it through. Yes, I know I'm very late on my original finishing goal. But on the plus side I'm quite excited about it. I plan to be done in a few days and then I will set up the reading and get back on track. There is ONE well known actor I will try to get attached. If that does not happen, I will pursue no one else and simply make it independently - as cheap as possible just to show that I can do what I do.... not sure how to put that... do in feature form what I've been doing in short form?
And in anecdotal news, I had a good meeting with a major production company who apparently liked me. I thought I'd sort of blown the meeting. My stomach started growling really badly as I was feeling not so well and it was so loud I had no choice but to mention it and make it part of the meeting. But even though I thought the meeting didn't go so well, she apparently thought it did and asked my manager to send over a couple of the scripts... not all of them, but 2 of the ones I'd pitched which isn't bad. I may come up with some additional ideas to pitch her way which would fit their charter.
that's a huge thing by the way. Companies get charters... they always do. Whether they all of a sudden want "teen slasher horror" or "contemporary action" - they always have an agenda and are looking to fill that agenda. Something to keep in mind for people writing things on spec for sale. Writing unique script in definable genres is a good idea. Having more than one genre of writing is like diversifying your investment.
More soon. I'm back.
Monday, April 17, 2006
New Script & Other Avenues
I've made a lot of progress on the new script. I am not done, but I am very close and I know what is remaining and I'm pleased with everything that has been changed and added. Whenever you aren't sure about something in a script. Cut it out. It's poison. It's wrong. You know. That's pretty much how I attacked this rewrite. I was not happy about how it ended, not so happy in the middle... However - I did like some of the stuff near the end. So, I cut out everything that I didn't like, made the stuff that I did like near the end... The actual end - then added a whole new adventure that provided a much bigger boost to what is now the end. And, I think it worked.
Why am I working on this script?
From the very beginning I said I was going to shoot a film this year. I did not specify what film. I need to shoot something full length for my career to progress. The other film started to seem like too big a horse to drag. Even though it was going to be excessively cheap for what the final product was - it was still going to cost enough that I wanted an insurance policy. I feel like this film will be so much less expensive that even if it didn't get a big sale and I ended up having to pay for it - that's okay. As long as it got out there a little bit.
Also - the other film was a genre film. A good one. However, it wasn't the most unique of the genre - nothing exploitable about it really - not THE grossest, not THE silliest, not THE scariest even. Just a good movie. This one is a different kind of movie altogether. If it works, it will have a strong niche market on it's own.
I've already started trying to set up a time to do a reading for it.
As for the other script - I'm just hunting down new financing avenues.
I'm also (I should admit) working on my "other job" for the next two weeks. I'm trying to hand it off more and more - but I'm not there yet. Soon I hope.
Why am I working on this script?
From the very beginning I said I was going to shoot a film this year. I did not specify what film. I need to shoot something full length for my career to progress. The other film started to seem like too big a horse to drag. Even though it was going to be excessively cheap for what the final product was - it was still going to cost enough that I wanted an insurance policy. I feel like this film will be so much less expensive that even if it didn't get a big sale and I ended up having to pay for it - that's okay. As long as it got out there a little bit.
Also - the other film was a genre film. A good one. However, it wasn't the most unique of the genre - nothing exploitable about it really - not THE grossest, not THE silliest, not THE scariest even. Just a good movie. This one is a different kind of movie altogether. If it works, it will have a strong niche market on it's own.
I've already started trying to set up a time to do a reading for it.
As for the other script - I'm just hunting down new financing avenues.
I'm also (I should admit) working on my "other job" for the next two weeks. I'm trying to hand it off more and more - but I'm not there yet. Soon I hope.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
No, It Is Not Over
So - The horror film is not dead. I've handed it to another actress who is a friend and would be amazing in the role and who has a potentially interested investor. Without that investor, I could not justify her in the role though (from a personal investment perspective because she is not a bankable entity). On the flip side, I believe in her enough that I'm willing to change the intended financial structure to have her involved with the investor taking on some of the fiscal responsibility. I think it would make a great movie. Chances? Not sure. Two big ifs there. Her. Him.
I also had lunch with a producer who has a deal on the Disney lot and we talked about one potential project which turned into two potential projects - but I took the chance to pitch some existing scripts of which this was one of them. So, he is reading it and another film.
I am trying to get SOMETHING going right now - so I'm just trying to get active.
My famous actress friend I mentioned earlier tried to kick my ass a bit and said that basically my goal should be to send out everything to everyone - attach anyone I can. Just keep sending, searching, finding people until a package comes together. So - I'm going to follow this notion with some existing scripts. She was willing to lend her name to two of them. It's a start, will make me seem less nutty-go-crazy. I could maybe get another up and coming star actress to attach to one of them as well. The men are more difficult, though I have a crazy idea for a few of them.
Now - this blog though is not about me running around town trying to package a movie - this is about me trying to MAKE a movie. So - I actually decided I should make one of two alternate movies. A romantic comedy which is almost finished or a surreal adventure film. Both affordable without name talent - pretty much because it is worth it for me to have a finished project. So, I am working on the one which is most close to being finished. I will be done with the rewrite in 1 week. Keep me to that. The rewrite involves writing about 30 new pages. Not a small matter. But the other doesn't even have a beat sheet... So.... better to get the one that is closest to ready. I plan on doing a big reading of it within 2 weeks of the finished draft. I'll evaluate the confidence of the crowd there and if people love it. I'll move forward.
I also had lunch with a producer who has a deal on the Disney lot and we talked about one potential project which turned into two potential projects - but I took the chance to pitch some existing scripts of which this was one of them. So, he is reading it and another film.
I am trying to get SOMETHING going right now - so I'm just trying to get active.
My famous actress friend I mentioned earlier tried to kick my ass a bit and said that basically my goal should be to send out everything to everyone - attach anyone I can. Just keep sending, searching, finding people until a package comes together. So - I'm going to follow this notion with some existing scripts. She was willing to lend her name to two of them. It's a start, will make me seem less nutty-go-crazy. I could maybe get another up and coming star actress to attach to one of them as well. The men are more difficult, though I have a crazy idea for a few of them.
Now - this blog though is not about me running around town trying to package a movie - this is about me trying to MAKE a movie. So - I actually decided I should make one of two alternate movies. A romantic comedy which is almost finished or a surreal adventure film. Both affordable without name talent - pretty much because it is worth it for me to have a finished project. So, I am working on the one which is most close to being finished. I will be done with the rewrite in 1 week. Keep me to that. The rewrite involves writing about 30 new pages. Not a small matter. But the other doesn't even have a beat sheet... So.... better to get the one that is closest to ready. I plan on doing a big reading of it within 2 weeks of the finished draft. I'll evaluate the confidence of the crowd there and if people love it. I'll move forward.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Actress Declined
So I got the decline email from the actress today. So, it's a good day to really think about my other options very thoroughly.
Very much how actors should not obsess over auditions whether good or bad, my best plan here is to just let it go and move on.
So - either I should send off to another actress I think could do the role or commit to another project. I have a lunch meeting with a Producer with a deal at a studio on Thursday - maybe something will come of that. But I think my gut is telling me... to figure out everything that slowed this project down or made it seem problematic and then create a new one which would avoid these issues.
For the record, here is what the decline said:
"Unfortunately at this time [Actress] is going to have to pass on the
project. She has a lot coming up in the near future and doesn't feel she
can give it the time and attention it would deserve."
Very much how actors should not obsess over auditions whether good or bad, my best plan here is to just let it go and move on.
So - either I should send off to another actress I think could do the role or commit to another project. I have a lunch meeting with a Producer with a deal at a studio on Thursday - maybe something will come of that. But I think my gut is telling me... to figure out everything that slowed this project down or made it seem problematic and then create a new one which would avoid these issues.
For the record, here is what the decline said:
"Unfortunately at this time [Actress] is going to have to pass on the
project. She has a lot coming up in the near future and doesn't feel she
can give it the time and attention it would deserve."
Friday, March 24, 2006
Actress Has Script
The Agent's Assistant responded. The Actress has the script and so we are just waiting on her to read and respond. They did want to confirm that the financing was in place. Fair question. I assured them it was. Quite often people are trying to attach actors before there is even money to make the movie. In these cases, you have to make a "pay or play" offer OR have some pretty serious credentials and/or attachments.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Emailed The Agent
I emailied the Agent's Assistant to prod for a response. Not big news, but just keeping record of everything.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Actress Has Scheduling Conflict
The Agent's Assistant contacted me today to inform me that the actress had just accepted an offer for another movie which shoots at the same time as mine. I said "We can push if she's interested in doing my film. Has anyone read it?" She declined to answer the question by saying "I just called to give you this information." At which point I reiterated that the date was mostly chosen because it's hiatus for TV season, but if I knew within a week or so if she was going to be interested, I could schedule around it.
I'm not totally sure what this means because on the one hand, I'm on the radar enough to be called. On the other hand, my suspicion is that no one has read it. Pushing six weeks is fine by me as long as it's a lock. If she locked in next week, I wouldn't mind the extra six weeks of delay - I'll just get the FX started early and have more prep time. But if it will be a decline - then I'd like to know sooner rather than later.
In the meantime, I'm still writing.
I'm not totally sure what this means because on the one hand, I'm on the radar enough to be called. On the other hand, my suspicion is that no one has read it. Pushing six weeks is fine by me as long as it's a lock. If she locked in next week, I wouldn't mind the extra six weeks of delay - I'll just get the FX started early and have more prep time. But if it will be a decline - then I'd like to know sooner rather than later.
In the meantime, I'm still writing.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
No News is No News
It's Tuesday. I called the Agent's Assistant and asked if they had any more questions for me and they said if they did - they would email me. I should have then said "So, I assume it's being reviewed now?" - but I don't know if that was necessary.
So... Next post will be next Tuesday when I email them to find out what might be going on and ask something a little more specific. By then, it's feasible that they should have read it.
So... Next post will be next Tuesday when I email them to find out what might be going on and ask something a little more specific. By then, it's feasible that they should have read it.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Next Tuesday
I am going to call the Agent's Assistant next Tuesday to follow up. I figure they'll have had two weekends at that point though I suspect they did nothing with it the first weekend. And I'm giving Monday for them to contact me first just in case. I don't actually expect to hear anything, but I think it is an appropriate time to try.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Another Follow Up Question
Well, they haven't said no yet. Just got another question from the Actor's Agent's Assistant. It was answered on the offer, but the email gave me a chance to expand on the question - When are we shooting.
I've not figured out yet what my back up project will be. I'm torn between doing something very small and "indie" which is almost totally written or writing something new which is very stated, "loud," and nichefully unusual.
I've not figured out yet what my back up project will be. I'm torn between doing something very small and "indie" which is almost totally written or writing something new which is very stated, "loud," and nichefully unusual.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Follow Up Questions
The Actor's Agent's Assistant sent me back an email with some follow up questions asking:
Who is directing (that was already clear in my first email)? Who is Producing? What is the budget? Is it already financed? Is there anyone else attached?
My only strong card is that it is financed - albeit low budget. The irony is that the next actor I want to approach is also represented by this same agency - so I asked for a contact name for the agent (because my source imdbpro.com doesn't have a specific name). Now, this is a hugely convenient and good thing in that - they are now looking at one project for two clients. Agents like that sort of thing - you can imagine, it's like half the work - especially in the beginning. Agents will often suggest other clients if a project is a "go." That is one of the advantages of being a client at an agency which packages deals.
So - basically - that's that! Could take two weeks, could take a month. If anything more than 2 weeks I will need to push my shoot date for sure.
Who is directing (that was already clear in my first email)? Who is Producing? What is the budget? Is it already financed? Is there anyone else attached?
My only strong card is that it is financed - albeit low budget. The irony is that the next actor I want to approach is also represented by this same agency - so I asked for a contact name for the agent (because my source imdbpro.com doesn't have a specific name). Now, this is a hugely convenient and good thing in that - they are now looking at one project for two clients. Agents like that sort of thing - you can imagine, it's like half the work - especially in the beginning. Agents will often suggest other clients if a project is a "go." That is one of the advantages of being a client at an agency which packages deals.
So - basically - that's that! Could take two weeks, could take a month. If anything more than 2 weeks I will need to push my shoot date for sure.
Do I Send Out the Second Offer?
This is the question now. It has been suggested that I should send out now to the male lead because... Well, mostly if they are going to take a while, then I need to be ready with both. I think I probably will.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Emailed the Offer!
Okay - it's off! We shall see what the response is. I will contact them next Wednesday if I do not hear from them before then.
So - now... it's time to focus on a back up plan. I think the back up plan should be infallible. Something that requires nothing... no contingencies. No actor requirements, no one thing that could bring down the possibility of doing it.
I think it should ideally be bold and different - but certainly should be non-standard in some way.
So - now... it's time to focus on a back up plan. I think the back up plan should be infallible. Something that requires nothing... no contingencies. No actor requirements, no one thing that could bring down the possibility of doing it.
I think it should ideally be bold and different - but certainly should be non-standard in some way.
Phoned the Agent
Okay - so it took me like 2 hours to get up the courage to call... and then the phone call lasted about 30 seconds... after I phoned and reached the receptionist.
ME
Hello may I speak to [agent].
RECEPTION
Please hold.
AGENT'S ASSITANT
[agent's name] office.
ME
Hello. I have an independent film called [NAME] for which we would like to offer the lead role to [actress name].
There is a little bit of a lull and it sounds like she's typing something else. Sensing that I haven't wowed her and that I need to take the initiative I start to speak - she does as well, I say:
ME
Go ahead.
AGENT ASSISTANT
No, please go ahead.
ME
Would you like me to e-mail the script and the offer?
AGENT ASSISTANT
Either e-mail or hand delivering is best.
ME
Is one preferred?
AGENT ASSISTANT
You know, it doesn't matter.
ME
I'll email it, may I have the email address?
AGENT ASSISTANT
Absolutely.
So! There you go. That's what happens when you call an agent. Now, I could have pushed to talk to the agent, I could have tried to sell myself or the project more, but the fact of the matter is that I don't have a lot to sell on the project. Not until I have someone attached.
So now I'm about to make my offer letter and email the script and offer. I should have had this prepared, but it will probably only take me a moment to create since I know the details.
Now, the real trick will be get them to do something about it!
ME
Hello may I speak to [agent].
RECEPTION
Please hold.
AGENT'S ASSITANT
[agent's name] office.
ME
Hello. I have an independent film called [NAME] for which we would like to offer the lead role to [actress name].
There is a little bit of a lull and it sounds like she's typing something else. Sensing that I haven't wowed her and that I need to take the initiative I start to speak - she does as well, I say:
ME
Go ahead.
AGENT ASSISTANT
No, please go ahead.
ME
Would you like me to e-mail the script and the offer?
AGENT ASSISTANT
Either e-mail or hand delivering is best.
ME
Is one preferred?
AGENT ASSISTANT
You know, it doesn't matter.
ME
I'll email it, may I have the email address?
AGENT ASSISTANT
Absolutely.
So! There you go. That's what happens when you call an agent. Now, I could have pushed to talk to the agent, I could have tried to sell myself or the project more, but the fact of the matter is that I don't have a lot to sell on the project. Not until I have someone attached.
So now I'm about to make my offer letter and email the script and offer. I should have had this prepared, but it will probably only take me a moment to create since I know the details.
Now, the real trick will be get them to do something about it!
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Finishing Script Changes
First off - I actually took last weekend off. I took an in-home vacation. Basically - I did what most people probably do on weekends, talked with friends, sat at cafe's and restaurants for hours on end. Yes, of course we talked about movies and movie business stuff - but it was also very social and different and I will definitely try to incorporate more of these sorts of occasions into my schedule. I seem to always spend any "free time" I have traveling away from my home and then being sucked into someone else's schedule. Was nice to actually have the feeling of not having to do anything.
It did put me 2 days behind though.
So, here I am tonight finishing the final changes to the script. I made some slightly more drastic changes than I had originally planned. Still nothing structurally different. I could make a few more changes, but I am going to stop in an hour and leave it at that (assuming I've closed the last hole that I've opened).
Tomorrow I will call the agency.
I'm so nervous about that. It reminds me of the very first time I called a girl up who I didn't know very well and asked her out. I think I sat by the phone for 3 hours. I picked it up. Put it down. I thought about it. I never dialed and then hung up though - but when I finally did dial, I got through immediately and I didn't even stumble in my question. She turned me down in one pretty simple phrase, I think it was "I don't think so." But it wasn't that painful. Almost a relief just to have the question answered.
My expectations are for some abuse tomorrow. We'll see. I'm only approaching the one actress. I'm not offering pay or play because it seems like too little an offer to do that. I know my offer parameters, the hopeful shoot date. I will report it here immediately after I've phoned though.
My biggest concern is the response of.... "Who exactly are you? And why do you think our client would bother reading anything you wrote?" The only thing I have going for me is that the film is financed. Very limited financing to be sure, but it can be shot as scripted. So, unlike many projects, it will happen if she wants to do it.
You know what I'm doing right now? I'm avoiding writing. I've got to go finish.
It did put me 2 days behind though.
So, here I am tonight finishing the final changes to the script. I made some slightly more drastic changes than I had originally planned. Still nothing structurally different. I could make a few more changes, but I am going to stop in an hour and leave it at that (assuming I've closed the last hole that I've opened).
Tomorrow I will call the agency.
I'm so nervous about that. It reminds me of the very first time I called a girl up who I didn't know very well and asked her out. I think I sat by the phone for 3 hours. I picked it up. Put it down. I thought about it. I never dialed and then hung up though - but when I finally did dial, I got through immediately and I didn't even stumble in my question. She turned me down in one pretty simple phrase, I think it was "I don't think so." But it wasn't that painful. Almost a relief just to have the question answered.
My expectations are for some abuse tomorrow. We'll see. I'm only approaching the one actress. I'm not offering pay or play because it seems like too little an offer to do that. I know my offer parameters, the hopeful shoot date. I will report it here immediately after I've phoned though.
My biggest concern is the response of.... "Who exactly are you? And why do you think our client would bother reading anything you wrote?" The only thing I have going for me is that the film is financed. Very limited financing to be sure, but it can be shot as scripted. So, unlike many projects, it will happen if she wants to do it.
You know what I'm doing right now? I'm avoiding writing. I've got to go finish.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Final Script Changes
Just going through the script and making some final changes before sending it off to cast. Several producers have warned me that I'm fighting an uphill battle with no one attached and no lucrative offer ready to go. They're encouraging in that they'll say "They should WANT to be in your movie because the script is good" - but cautious and say "it might take them a month and you need to think up some back ups." We'll see. I'll hopefully finish these up tomorrow, if I do and I feel ready, I'll send out Thursday. Friday and Monday are not great for first contacts - but if I miss Thursday I will definitely try to hit first thing Friday.
As soon as it goes out... I'm on to figuring out the back up movie. I think I should make sure it's something that I can do no matter what. Even if it isn't going to fit any necessary guideline other than being a feature film. It has to be shootable and finishable and it has to be feature length and something I think is good regardless of sales potential (as long as the budget can be limited).
As soon as it goes out... I'm on to figuring out the back up movie. I think I should make sure it's something that I can do no matter what. Even if it isn't going to fit any necessary guideline other than being a feature film. It has to be shootable and finishable and it has to be feature length and something I think is good regardless of sales potential (as long as the budget can be limited).
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