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July 05, 2007
Three irons in the fire.
1.
With a great deal of help from Liz, I'm nearly finished with a revised treatment for the script that caught the eye of J, the producer I know in LA. Using his notes as a point of departure, I've revamped the plot, eliminated several characters (and created new ones) and developed an all-new third act.
So far, I've pitched the story to two people. Liz thinks it's strong; I laid it out for a screenwriter friend over garlic chicken last week and he gave it his earnest approval. Nearly there. I'll do my level best to wrap things up by Friday so I can send it back to J for his consideration.
2.
I was reading an anthology of Preston Sturges' screenplays last week on the streetcar when a man asked me if I was a screenwriter.
I said "yes." It's the first time anyone's ever asked the question directly.
We spent the remainder of his commute chatting about film; he represented himself as a producer who's worked with a now-retired local film legend. I Googled him thoroughly when I got to work -- he checked out.
K was full of advice and confirmed many of my beliefs about how things get done. Before he got off the train, he asked if I had a copy of the script on me. A day before, I could have put one in his hand. As it was, I could only offer him a business card; he said he'll drop me a line next week so we can meet up for the exchange.
Today, there's a clean copy of the script in my bag and a current draft on the USB thumb drive attached to my keychain. I'm never leaving the house again without recent work product -- you never know who you might run into.
3.
The well-known actor's production partner leaned back in her chair after I'd finished laying out the first act of my script. I didn't expect to be pitching this afternoon; as far as I knew, this was going to be a purely informational meeting; a favor to an aspiring screenwriter from an established producer.
We sat in a cafe near her office; I bought B lunch while we talked about her work and mine. After describing my progress (and lack thereof), she settled into her seat with an herbal tea and said, "Okay. Give me the pitch."
There were several people within earshot. Peter Tosh blared on a tinny stereo, drink orders were being shouted over my shoulder and an espresso machine gurgled and slurped at an unseemly volume. I took a deep breath and dove into my story, stopping only to take sips of an Italian soda.
I wrapped things up after the end of act one, hoping I'd engaged her. B looked at me, then at the bound script on the table. I let out a deep breath, feeling that I'd pitched well and had left her wanting more.
"We don't normally read unsolicited manuscripts, but..." she trailed off as she reached for the screenplay.
It really is about who you know; a friend rented B's houseboat last year and mentioned me to her. After exchanging several emails over many months, B had some free time to meet. She plans to read the script on an upcoming flight and will get back to me with notes thereafter.
Three opportunities.
Since I can't shape the outcome with the sheer force of my will, doing my best work will have to be my guiding principle.
Posted by Your Protagonist at July 5, 2007 10:58 AM