Okay, I gotta start somewhere....

Some guy on MWS wrote:
http://groups-beta.google.com/group/misc.writing.screenplays/browse_frm/thread/3e4f00b3cbbb4a35/b9f5f7b5ffeb132c#b9f5f7b5ffeb132c
Dear all,

I am writing again from Malaysia. I think my third beginner's question
in the span of four years. I am very amazed by all the bona fide
writers here you continue to have the zest for writing and at the same
time keep encouraging newbies like myself.

When I wrote my first screenplay four years ago, this forum was my
"bookmarked" reading place. I was motivated to write then because I
wanted to spend more time with my toddlers (one of them has epilepsy)
and I also wanted to leave the dreaded IT industry. I truly believed
in my outdoor adventure script. I have polished and re-polished it
until I am dog-gone exhausted.

But four years later, my script hasn't even lifted an eyebrow from
anyone in the US, even after using services from Inktip. I believe in
my story but I doubt my chances because I live so far away, and
everyone seems to say that if you are not in Hollywood, high chances
are your script wouldn't even be opened when it is postmarked
Malaysia. I will continue to pursue my hopeless goal but my dear
fellow American friends, what motivates you to pursue writing in a
similiar predicament as mine?

Thank you.

Vincent

.....................................

The responses he got were outrageous!

So I'm going to put in my 8 cents (2 cents for each newsgroup).

One response he got was:
.................................................................
I have too many ideas floating
around in this damn head of mine, but, the thing is, most of them suck
(Carlin).
Stick with it, man. Work on that next script. Don't hang onto that one
idea. And... I'm sure you've heard this one before... "your first script
usually sucks."

Peace,

Bert
................................................

I don't even want to comment on it....
This guy writies sucky scripts so he assumes
everyone first script sucks, (like if that matters in Hollywood)

The this other guy writes:
................................

Stick it in a drawer and move
on. Write another one.
.....................................

STICK IT IN A DRAWER!!!!! WHAT KIND OF ADVISE IS THAT???

Finally, this NMS guy writes:
.............................................
The fact is -- if you write a great script (and by "great" I mean a
movie that a producer can convince a studio to finance, which they will
if they think it will make them a bunch of money) -- then it doesn't
matter where you live. It will be noticed. It will sell.

NMS
................................................

Finally he writes some facts you can use!

So, here's what everyone should do:

Get a list of all the Hollywood producers
Call them all up
and tell them,
"Hey Mr. Producer, I've got a great script, and I want You to convince a studio to finance it
and make them think it will make them a bunch of money."

And then come back here and let us know what their response was, and I'll take it from there.

The Starmaker

If you guys expect to get six figures from selling your script, you're
gonna have to do a little 6 figure work.

From:	The Starmaker
Subject:	Re: Beginners Q, What motivates you to continue writing?
Date:	Thu, 20 Jan 2005 19:33:10 GMT

The Starmaker wrote:
>
> Okay, I gotta start somewhere....
>
> Some guy on MWS wrote:
> http://groups-beta.google.com/group/misc.writing.screenplays/browse_frm/thread/3e4f00b3cbbb4a35/b9f5f7b5ffeb132c#b9f5f7b5ffeb132c
> Dear all,
>
> I am writing again from Malaysia. I think my third beginner's question
> in the span of four years. I am very amazed by all the bona fide
> writers here you continue to have the zest for writing and at the same
> time keep encouraging newbies like myself.
>
> When I wrote my first screenplay four years ago, this forum was my
> "bookmarked" reading place. I was motivated to write then because I
> wanted to spend more time with my toddlers (one of them has epilepsy)
> and I also wanted to leave the dreaded IT industry. I truly believed
> in my outdoor adventure script. I have polished and re-polished it
> until I am dog-gone exhausted.
>
> But four years later, my script hasn't even lifted an eyebrow from
> anyone in the US, even after using services from Inktip. I believe in
> my story but I doubt my chances because I live so far away, and
> everyone seems to say that if you are not in Hollywood, high chances
> are your script wouldn't even be opened when it is postmarked
> Malaysia. I will continue to pursue my hopeless goal but my dear
> fellow American friends, what motivates you to pursue writing in a
> similiar predicament as mine?
>
> Thank you.
>
> Vincent
>
> ....................................
>
> The responses he got were outrageous!
>
> So I'm going to put in my 8 cents (2 cents for each newsgroup).
>
> One response he got was:
> ................................................................
> I have too many ideas floating
> around in this damn head of mine, but, the thing is, most of them suck
> (Carlin).
> Stick with it, man. Work on that next script. Don't hang onto that one
> idea. And... I'm sure you've heard this one before... "your first script
> usually sucks."
>
> Peace,
>
> Bert
> ...............................................
>
> I don't even want to comment on it....
> This guy writies sucky scripts so he assumes
> everyone first script sucks, (like if that matters in Hollywood)
>
> The this other guy writes:
> ...............................
>
> Stick it in a drawer and move
> on. Write another one.
> ....................................
>
> STICK IT IN A DRAWER!!!!! WHAT KIND OF ADVISE IS THAT???
>
> Finally, this NMS guy writes:
> ............................................
> The fact is -- if you write a great script (and by "great" I mean a
> movie that a producer can convince a studio to finance, which they will
> if they think it will make them a bunch of money) -- then it doesn't
> matter where you live. It will be noticed. It will sell.
>
> NMS
> ...............................................
>
> Finally he writes some facts you can use!
>
> So, here's what everyone should do:
>
> Get a list of all the Hollywood producers
> Call them all up
> and tell them,
> "Hey Mr. Producer, I've got a great script, and I want You to convince a studio to finance it
> and make them think it will make them a bunch of money."
>
> And then come back here and let us know what their response was, and I'll take it from there.
>
> The Starmaker
>
> If you guys expect to get six figures from selling your script, you're
> gonna have to do a little 6 figure work.

The *truth* is, MOST of the scripts that are in production, given to
casting directors to cast,
being submitted to agents, registered with WGA and the Library of
Congress,
ARE NOT VERY GOOD!

So take out that first script out of your drawer and bring it on! Who's
going to
notice the difference? I'm willing to bet Your first script is a lot
better
than what is being put in production today. So take your baby out of
your drawer and
give it some life!

Get a list of all the top Hollywood producers and (middle and bottom
producers)
Call them all up...(get their cell number from the receptionist)
and tell them,
"Hey Mr. Producer, I've got a great script, and I want You to convince
a studio to finance it."

Then come back here and post their response here, and I'll take it from
there.

I'm giving you guys exactly 90 days to sell that script you have stuck
in your drawer!
It should not take you longer than that.
Just pick up the phone and call.

The Starmaker

And if you're in Mayalsia somewhere, use your anytime, anywhere minutes
on your cell,
or get a International calling card and max it! Get a post office box in
Beverly Hills
or Hollywood with an answering service and have someone in the U.S.A.
mail your script
to them. Work the problem.

From:	Robert Morein
Subject:	Re: Beginners Q, What motivates you to continue writing?
Date:	Fri, 21 Jan 2005 03:56:46 -0500

"The Starmaker" wrote in message
news:41F00734.19C@ix.netcom.com...
> The Starmaker wrote:
> >
> > Okay, I gotta start somewhere....
[snip]
>
> Get a list of all the top Hollywood producers and (middle and bottom
> producers)
> Call them all up...(get their cell number from the receptionist)
> and tell them,
> "Hey Mr. Producer, I've got a great script, and I want You to convince
> a studio to finance it."
>

Alright, here's a typical blow-off:
http://www.manifestovision.com/Contacts.html

As it happens, Nadia teaches a course called "Business Strategy for
Filmmakers" at SVA in NYC.
So I asked, if I take the course, would she take a look at one of my
scripts, the better to personalize the course?
The answer was NO!!!

How do you get around that, Mr. Expert?

From:	The Starmaker
Subject:	Re: Beginners Q, What motivates you to continue writing?
Date:	Fri, 21 Jan 2005 17:24:54 GMT

Robert Morein wrote:
>
> "The Starmaker" wrote in message
> news:41F00734.19C@ix.netcom.com...
> > The Starmaker wrote:
> > >
> > > Okay, I gotta start somewhere....
> [snip]
> >
> > Get a list of all the top Hollywood producers and (middle and bottom
> > producers)
> > Call them all up...(get their cell number from the receptionist)
> > and tell them,
> > "Hey Mr. Producer, I've got a great script, and I want You to convince
> > a studio to finance it."
> >
>
> Alright, here's a typical blow-off:
> http://www.manifestovision.com/Contacts.html
>
> As it happens, Nadia teaches a course called "Business Strategy for
> Filmmakers" at SVA in NYC.
> So I asked, if I take the course, would she take a look at one of my
> scripts, the better to personalize the course?
> The answer was NO!!!
>
> How do you get around that, Mr. Expert?

I don't if you have trouble reading the instructions,
but I wrote:

1. Get a list of producers
2. Call them up on the phone
3. Tell them ""Hey Mr. Producer, I've got a great script, and I want You
to convince a studio to finance it."

I didn't tell you to take a course.
I didn't tell you to pay somebody to take a look at your script.

Now, I know it's very scary to call producers on the phone, but it's
scarier not to.

Mr. Starmaker

From:	Robert Morein
Subject:	Re: Beginners Q, What motivates you to continue writing?
Date:	Fri, 21 Jan 2005 15:34:04 -0500

"The Starmaker" wrote in message
news:41F13AFC.73AB@ix.netcom.com...
> Robert Morein wrote:
> >
> > "The Starmaker" wrote in message
> > news:41F00734.19C@ix.netcom.com...
> > > The Starmaker wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Okay, I gotta start somewhere....
> > [snip]
> > >
> > > Get a list of all the top Hollywood producers and (middle and bottom
> > > producers)
> > > Call them all up...(get their cell number from the receptionist)
> > > and tell them,
> > > "Hey Mr. Producer, I've got a great script, and I want You to
convince
> > > a studio to finance it."
> > >
> >
> > Alright, here's a typical blow-off:
> > http://www.manifestovision.com/Contacts.html
> >
> > As it happens, Nadia teaches a course called "Business Strategy for
> > Filmmakers" at SVA in NYC.
> > So I asked, if I take the course, would she take a look at one of my
> > scripts, the better to personalize the course?
> > The answer was NO!!!
> >
> > How do you get around that, Mr. Expert?
>
> I don't if you have trouble reading the instructions,
> but I wrote:
>
> 1. Get a list of producers
> 2. Call them up on the phone
> 3. Tell them ""Hey Mr. Producer, I've got a great script, and I want You
> to convince a studio to finance it."
>
>
> I didn't tell you to take a course.
> I didn't tell you to pay somebody to take a look at your script.
>
>
>
> Now, I know it's very scary to call producers on the phone, but it's
> scarier not to.
>
> Mr. Starmaker

"Mr." Starmaker? My, my, we are puttin on airs :)

You didn't mention, "See what each producer has done and pick the ones who
have done something similar", or do you recommend a scattergun approach?

From:	The Starmaker
Subject:	Re: Beginners Q, What motivates you to continue writing?
Date:	Fri, 21 Jan 2005 21:17:25 GMT

Robert Morein wrote:
>
> "The Starmaker" wrote in message
> news:41F13AFC.73AB@ix.netcom.com...
> > Robert Morein wrote:
> > >
> > > "The Starmaker" wrote in message
> > > news:41F00734.19C@ix.netcom.com...
> > > > The Starmaker wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Okay, I gotta start somewhere....
> > > [snip]
> > > >
> > > > Get a list of all the top Hollywood producers and (middle and bottom
> > > > producers)
> > > > Call them all up...(get their cell number from the receptionist)
> > > > and tell them,
> > > > "Hey Mr. Producer, I've got a great script, and I want You to
> convince
> > > > a studio to finance it."
> > > >
> > >
> > > Alright, here's a typical blow-off:
> > > http://www.manifestovision.com/Contacts.html
> > >
> > > As it happens, Nadia teaches a course called "Business Strategy for
> > > Filmmakers" at SVA in NYC.
> > > So I asked, if I take the course, would she take a look at one of my
> > > scripts, the better to personalize the course?
> > > The answer was NO!!!
> > >
> > > How do you get around that, Mr. Expert?
> >
> > I don't if you have trouble reading the instructions,
> > but I wrote:
> >
> > 1. Get a list of producers
> > 2. Call them up on the phone
> > 3. Tell them ""Hey Mr. Producer, I've got a great script, and I want You
> > to convince a studio to finance it."
> >
> >
> > I didn't tell you to take a course.
> > I didn't tell you to pay somebody to take a look at your script.
> >
> >
> >
> > Now, I know it's very scary to call producers on the phone, but it's
> > scarier not to.
> >
> > Mr. Starmaker
>
> "Mr." Starmaker? My, my, we are puttin on airs :)
>
> You didn't mention, "See what each producer has done and pick the ones who
> have done something similar", or do you recommend a scattergun approach?

I recommend...
1. Get a list of producers
2. (call the Whole list!)
3. Tell them ""Hey Mr. Producer, I've got a great script, and I want You
to convince a studio to finance it."

Ignore anyone advising you to "See what each producer has done and pick
the ones who
have done something similar".

This is not a scattergun or shotgun approach.

1. Get a list of producers
2. (call the Whole list! one by one)
3. Tell them ""Hey Mr. Producer, I've got a great script, and I want You
to convince a studio to finance it."

Then write their responses and post it here.

The Starmaker

Don't come back here and ask me what color socks you should wear.

From:	Robert Morein
Subject:	Re: Beginners Q, What motivates you to continue writing?
Date:	Fri, 21 Jan 2005 16:41:59 -0500

"The Starmaker" wrote in message
news:41F17122.20F5@ix.netcom.com...
> Robert Morein wrote:
> >
[snip]
> This is not a scattergun or shotgun approach.
>
> 1. Get a list of producers
> 2. (call the Whole list! one by one)
> 3. Tell them ""Hey Mr. Producer, I've got a great script, and I want You
> to convince a studio to finance it."
>
> Then write their responses and post it here.
>
>
> The Starmaker
>
>
> Don't come back here and ask me what color socks you should wear.

I gotta listen to "The Best of Kodo" for 24 hours straight before I do this
:)

From:	The Starmaker
Subject:	Re: Beginners Q, What motivates you to continue writing?
Date:	Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:04:57 GMT

Robert Morein wrote:
>
> "The Starmaker" wrote in message
> news:41F17122.20F5@ix.netcom.com...
> > Robert Morein wrote:
> > >
> [snip]
> > This is not a scattergun or shotgun approach.
> >
> > 1. Get a list of producers
> > 2. (call the Whole list! one by one)
> > 3. Tell them ""Hey Mr. Producer, I've got a great script, and I want You
> > to convince a studio to finance it."
> >
> > Then write their responses and post it here.
> >
> >
> > The Starmaker
> >
> >
> > Don't come back here and ask me what color socks you should wear.
>
> I gotta listen to "The Best of Kodo" for 24 hours straight before I do this
> :)

Whatever makes your boat float.

From:	Michael Rosen
Subject:	Re: Beginners Q, What motivates you to continue writing?
Date:	Sat, 22 Jan 2005 17:30:36 GMT

"Robert Morein" wrote in message
news:s8adnRhwXcdTXm3cRVn-iA@comcast.com...
>
> "The Starmaker" wrote in message
> news:41F00734.19C@ix.netcom.com...
>> The Starmaker wrote:
>> >
>> > Okay, I gotta start somewhere....
> [snip]
>>
>> Get a list of all the top Hollywood producers and (middle and bottom
>> producers)
>> Call them all up...(get their cell number from the receptionist)
>> and tell them,
>> "Hey Mr. Producer, I've got a great script, and I want You to convince
>> a studio to finance it."
>>
>
> Alright, here's a typical blow-off:
> http://www.manifestovision.com/Contacts.html
>
> As it happens, Nadia teaches a course called "Business Strategy for
> Filmmakers" at SVA in NYC.
> So I asked, if I take the course, would she take a look at one of my
> scripts, the better to personalize the course?
> The answer was NO!!!

That response would have led to my own "NO!" when she asked if I would still
be interested in her course.

From:	Robert Morein
Subject:	Re: Beginners Q, What motivates you to continue writing?
Date:	Sat, 22 Jan 2005 17:08:16 -0500

"Michael Rosen" wrote in message
news:05wId.12030$Vj3.4964@newssvr17.news.prodigy.com...
>
> "Robert Morein" wrote in message
> news:s8adnRhwXcdTXm3cRVn-iA@comcast.com...
> >
> > "The Starmaker" wrote in message
> > news:41F00734.19C@ix.netcom.com...
> >> The Starmaker wrote:
> >> >
> >> > Okay, I gotta start somewhere....
> > [snip]
> >>
> >> Get a list of all the top Hollywood producers and (middle and bottom
> >> producers)
> >> Call them all up...(get their cell number from the receptionist)
> >> and tell them,
> >> "Hey Mr. Producer, I've got a great script, and I want You to convince
> >> a studio to finance it."
> >>
> >
> > Alright, here's a typical blow-off:
> > http://www.manifestovision.com/Contacts.html
> >
> > As it happens, Nadia teaches a course called "Business Strategy for
> > Filmmakers" at SVA in NYC.
> > So I asked, if I take the course, would she take a look at one of my
> > scripts, the better to personalize the course?
> > The answer was NO!!!
>
> That response would have led to my own "NO!" when she asked if I would
still
> be interested in her course.
>
I agree. Perhaps Starmaker's motive is to show that all the obvious doors
into the LA development framework aren't doors at all, but fake doors,
plastered onto reinforced concrete walls, by performing this little
experiment.

Here are a few of my attempts:

I read a book written by a woman who is a successful movie-of-the-week
writer. She got her start with a cold approach to Tony Bill, an LA producer.
So I figured, what the hey, I'll call up Tony Bill and see what happens. I
got the standard rejection. Perhaps if I'd been a cute young thing, I would
have gotten a different response. Or perhaps it was just a moment of
openness in Tony Bill's life, not to be repeated.

In another case, I called up CAA, hoping to get a script to a star with whom
I had a remote met-a-couple-of-times-while-growing-up type of connection.
Things went OK at the switchboard; I was transferred to the assistant to
this star's agent. The assistant explained to me that it was CAA's job to
prevent unsolicited submissions to this star. And I quote, "They pay us a
lot of money to do this."

In another case, I was developing a script for a biopic about a guy who used
to socialize with several members of a particular ethnic group of actors who
are prominent in the acting community. One of these individuals has become a
prominent producer. We faxed his prodco, and we know the guy knows my guy,
but never got so much as a peep.

In another case, I called up a NYC talent manager. Managers, by definition,
should be the most open to finding opportunities for their clients. He spent
five minutes telling me most politely that he couldn't talk to me because he
didn't know me.

There is also the "query letter" gambit. I've sent out hundreds of those.
Even mention that the script placed in a contest provokes no interest. It is
a well known fact that most agencies cannot recall an instance when they
bought a script based upon a query letter. It appears to be a formal
procedure with no substance behind it.

It goes on and on. I have had one partial success, but my obligation of
confidentiality prohibits me from discussing it.

There are also small producers who are approachable. Generally, they're
looking for limited-location scripts that can be shot with a full union crew
for under $1M.

One successful, working writer on misc.writing.screenplays tells us that he
had no sales until his wife took over the job of pitching over the
telephone, with immediate success. I can imagine her voice, pregnant with
promise and enthusiasm. However, since I'm not female, I can't be pregnant
:)

So, Starmaker, while I don't feel like spending the next three weeks getting
beat up on the phone, I hope these anecdotes will assist you in whatever
point you want to make.

From:	The Starmaker
Subject:	Re: Beginners Q, What motivates you to continue writing?
Date:	Mon, 24 Jan 2005 01:11:47 GMT

Robert Morein wrote:
>
> "Michael Rosen" wrote in message
> news:05wId.12030$Vj3.4964@newssvr17.news.prodigy.com...
> >
> > "Robert Morein" wrote in message
> > news:s8adnRhwXcdTXm3cRVn-iA@comcast.com...
> > >
> > > "The Starmaker" wrote in message
> > > news:41F00734.19C@ix.netcom.com...
> > >> The Starmaker wrote:
> > >> >
> > >> > Okay, I gotta start somewhere....
> > > [snip]
> > >>
> > >> Get a list of all the top Hollywood producers and (middle and bottom
> > >> producers)
> > >> Call them all up...(get their cell number from the receptionist)
> > >> and tell them,
> > >> "Hey Mr. Producer, I've got a great script, and I want You to convince
> > >> a studio to finance it."
> > >>
> > >
> > > Alright, here's a typical blow-off:
> > > http://www.manifestovision.com/Contacts.html
> > >
> > > As it happens, Nadia teaches a course called "Business Strategy for
> > > Filmmakers" at SVA in NYC.
> > > So I asked, if I take the course, would she take a look at one of my
> > > scripts, the better to personalize the course?
> > > The answer was NO!!!
> >
> > That response would have led to my own "NO!" when she asked if I would
> still
> > be interested in her course.
> >
> I agree. Perhaps Starmaker's motive is to show that all the obvious doors
> into the LA development framework aren't doors at all, but fake doors,
> plastered onto reinforced concrete walls, by performing this little
> experiment.
>
> Here are a few of my attempts:
>
> I read a book written by a woman who is a successful movie-of-the-week
> writer. She got her start with a cold approach to Tony Bill, an LA producer.
> So I figured, what the hey, I'll call up Tony Bill and see what happens. I
> got the standard rejection. Perhaps if I'd been a cute young thing, I would
> have gotten a different response. Or perhaps it was just a moment of
> openness in Tony Bill's life, not to be repeated.

"She got her start with a cold approach..."

"So I figured, what the hey, I'll call up Tony Bill and see what
happens."

I'm surprised you didn't follow her to the Ladies room!

"Or perhaps it was just a moment of
openness in Tony Bill's life, not to be repeated."

It was an openness in her life...

She used the cold approach and found an opening.

You forgot to mentioned, did she run into any closed doors before she
found one
that was open? Or was her very first start with the cold approach her
very first opening?

Either way Robert, doors open and close all the time. What gave you the
idea you can
use the exact same door someone else used? You cannot go the same path
as
someone else. What kind of world would this be if everyone went through
the same door?

But the doors are there. They are opening and closing all the time. Your
job is to
find the open door. You might run into a lot of lock doors before you
find an open one.

But we don't live in a universe where every door is open, or you can run
through the
same door as someone else. Everybody cannot be sucessful all at the same
time.

Maybe your time will come at March 31st, Thursday afternoon at 4:17pm at
the 54 second.

Maybe that is when the door will open for you. Maybe that is the very
exact time it will happen..
but you gotta be behind the door when it opens, otherwise, somebody else
will be there when it opens.

Sometimes the door is open and no one is there to open it.

I'm the type that is willing to stand behind one closed door and wait
forever if I have to.
Cause I know, if I wait long enough behind the door, it will open, and I
rush in before it closes.
I get into a lot of night clubs for free that way.
Or I get the women I want if I wait long enough.

I love closed doors!

The Starmaker

>
> In another case, I called up CAA, hoping to get a script to a star with whom
> I had a remote met-a-couple-of-times-while-growing-up type of connection.
> Things went OK at the switchboard; I was transferred to the assistant to
> this star's agent. The assistant explained to me that it was CAA's job to
> prevent unsolicited submissions to this star. And I quote, "They pay us a
> lot of money to do this."
>
> In another case, I was developing a script for a biopic about a guy who used
> to socialize with several members of a particular ethnic group of actors who
> are prominent in the acting community. One of these individuals has become a
> prominent producer. We faxed his prodco, and we know the guy knows my guy,
> but never got so much as a peep.
>
> In another case, I called up a NYC talent manager. Managers, by definition,
> should be the most open to finding opportunities for their clients. He spent
> five minutes telling me most politely that he couldn't talk to me because he
> didn't know me.
>
> There is also the "query letter" gambit. I've sent out hundreds of those.
> Even mention that the script placed in a contest provokes no interest. It is
> a well known fact that most agencies cannot recall an instance when they
> bought a script based upon a query letter. It appears to be a formal
> procedure with no substance behind it.

I love closed doors!

>
> It goes on and on. I have had one partial success, but my obligation of
> confidentiality prohibits me from discussing it.
>
> There are also small producers who are approachable. Generally, they're
> looking for limited-location scripts that can be shot with a full union crew
> for under $1M.
>
> One successful, working writer on misc.writing.screenplays tells us that he
> had no sales until his wife took over the job of pitching over the
> telephone, with immediate success. I can imagine her voice, pregnant with
> promise and enthusiasm. However, since I'm not female, I can't be pregnant
> :)

You can even have your mother call for you! Your girlfriend, sister,
....you can
even setup a boiler room operation, hire telemarkerters!

>
> So, Starmaker, while I don't feel like spending the next three weeks getting
> beat up on the phone,

You're used to getting beat up, ....but you shouldn't take it personal
if
a door is closed, it suppose to be closed!

I don't know how else to explain it to you, ..
you suppose to jiggle the door knob to see if it opens...
if it doesn't open, go on to the next door, and the next,
and jiggle the door knob.

Just jiggle the door knob and see if it opens!

1. Get a list of producers [translation: a list of doors]
2. (call the Whole list!) [jiggle all the door knobs]
3. Tell them ""Hey Mr. Producer, I've got a great script, and I want You
to convince a studio to finance it." [is the door open or closed?]

"She got her start with a cold approach..."
It was an openness in her life...
She used the cold approach and found an open door.

> I hope these anecdotes will assist you in whatever
> point you want to make.

JIGGLE THE DOOR KNOBBBBBBBBB!!!!!!

The Starmaker

Alexander Graham Bell once said,
"When one door closes another opens;
but we often look so regretfully upon the closed door
that we do not see the one that is opened for us."

From:	Robert Morein
Subject:	Re: Beginners Q, What motivates you to continue writing?
Date:	Sun, 23 Jan 2005 22:01:14 -0500

"The Starmaker" wrote in message
news:41F44B68.F08@ix.netcom.com...
> Robert Morein wrote:
> >
[snip]
>
> 1. Get a list of producers [translation: a list of doors]
> 2. (call the Whole list!) [jiggle all the door knobs]
> 3. Tell them ""Hey Mr. Producer, I've got a great script, and I want You
> to convince a studio to finance it." [is the door open or closed?]
>
> "She got her start with a cold approach..."
> It was an openness in her life...
> She used the cold approach and found an open door.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > I hope these anecdotes will assist you in whatever
> > point you want to make.
>
>
> JIGGLE THE DOOR KNOBBBBBBBBB!!!!!!
>
> The Starmaker

Thank God we're talking privately, I wouldn't know how to admit this in a
public forum, but you've inspired me :)

From:	Dr. Jai Maharaj
Subject:	Re: Beginners Q, What motivates you to continue writing?
Date:	Thu, 20 Jan 2005 00:28:41 GMT

> What motivates you to continue writing?

As far as I am concerned, that's
like asking "What motivates you to
continue breathing?" I always say
that if your answer to why you are
in your profession isn't "I was born to
do it", then you are likely not in the
profession best suited to you.

Jai Maharaj
Astrologer, screenwriter
http://www.mantra.com/jyotish
Om Shanti

In article <41EECE7F.799F@ix.netcom.com>,
starmaker@ix.netcom.com posted:
>
> Okay, I gotta start somewhere....
>
> Some guy on MWS wrote:
> http://groups-beta.google.com/group/misc.writing.screenplays/browse_frm/thread
> /3e4f00b3cbbb4a35/b9f5f7b5ffeb132c#b9f5f7b5ffeb132c
> Dear all,
>
> I am writing again from Malaysia. I think my third beginner's question
> in the span of four years. I am very amazed by all the bona fide
> writers here you continue to have the zest for writing and at the same
> time keep encouraging newbies like myself.
>
> When I wrote my first screenplay four years ago, this forum was my
> "bookmarked" reading place. I was motivated to write then because I
> wanted to spend more time with my toddlers (one of them has epilepsy)
> and I also wanted to leave the dreaded IT industry. I truly believed
> in my outdoor adventure script. I have polished and re-polished it
> until I am dog-gone exhausted.
>
> But four years later, my script hasn't even lifted an eyebrow from
> anyone in the US, even after using services from Inktip. I believe in
> my story but I doubt my chances because I live so far away, and
> everyone seems to say that if you are not in Hollywood, high chances
> are your script wouldn't even be opened when it is postmarked
> Malaysia. I will continue to pursue my hopeless goal but my dear
> fellow American friends, what motivates you to pursue writing in a
> similiar predicament as mine?
>
> Thank you.
>
> Vincent
>
> .....................................
>
> The responses he got were outrageous!
>
> So I'm going to put in my 8 cents (2 cents for each newsgroup).
>
> One response he got was:
> .................................................................
> I have too many ideas floating
> around in this damn head of mine, but, the thing is, most of them suck
> (Carlin).
> Stick with it, man. Work on that next script. Don't hang onto that one
> idea. And... I'm sure you've heard this one before... "your first script
> usually sucks."
>
> Peace,
>
> Bert
> ................................................
>
> I don't even want to comment on it....
> This guy writies sucky scripts so he assumes
> everyone first script sucks, (like if that matters in Hollywood)
>
> The this other guy writes:
> ................................
>
> Stick it in a drawer and move
> on. Write another one.
> .....................................
>
>
> STICK IT IN A DRAWER!!!!! WHAT KIND OF ADVISE IS THAT???
>
> Finally, this NMS guy writes:
> .............................................
> The fact is -- if you write a great script (and by "great" I mean a
> movie that a producer can convince a studio to finance, which they will
> if they think it will make them a bunch of money) -- then it doesn't
> matter where you live. It will be noticed. It will sell.
>
> NMS
> ................................................
>
>
> Finally he writes some facts you can use!
>
> So, here's what everyone should do:
>
>
> Get a list of all the Hollywood producers
> Call them all up
> and tell them,
> "Hey Mr. Producer, I've got a great script, and I want You to convince a
> studio to finance it
> and make them think it will make them a bunch of money."
>
>
> And then come back here and let us know what their response was, and I'll take
> it from there.
>
>
> The Starmaker
>
> If you guys expect to get six figures from selling your script, you're
> gonna have to do a little 6 figure work.

From:	Dr. Jai Mahadouche
Subject:	Re: Beginners Q, What motivates you to continue writing?
Date:	Sun, 23 Jan 2005 00:12:41 GMT

Johnny Judas Jay "the jackass jyotishithead" Maharaj wrote:

> As far as I am concerned, that's
> like asking "What motivates you to
> continue breathing?" I always say
> that if your answer to why you are
> in your profession isn't "I was born to
> do it", then you are likely not in the
> profession best suited to you.

So your reply to why you are in the profession of hate propagation is,
"I was born to do it"??? I guess that figures!

--
Jai Mahadouche
http://www.claptrap.com/jai
Om Shanty

Hindu Holocaust Museum
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/life/2004/12/17/stories/2004121700070100.htm

Hindu life, principles, spirituality and philosophy
http://www.rediff.com/news/1999/oct/29kp.htm
http://www.secularindia.com/sangh_parivars_hidden_agenda.htm

The truth about Islam and Muslims
http://www.stopfundinghate.org/sacw/part1.html

While in almost all the developed countries, the female lead in the
ratio, it is in India that the males dominate the chart. Worse still is
when we take a look at the child ratio, between the age group of
zero to six. For the nation, the child ratio is 927. But the figures
drop significantly when we see the community report card: 950 for
Muslims, 925 for Hindus, and a shocking 786 for the Sikhs. Call it
shocking or dismal, but the fact remains that the growing female
foeticide and getting rid of the girl child before she reaches the age
of six, is a dastardly crime.

Here is the modern India for you, fast heading towards a daughter-less
nation. In an era of new economy based on knowledge-based systems and in
a fast-track mode, the Hindu rate of growth has also acquired a new
dimension. Here is the new Hindu rate of growth for you, linked to
rising literacy – the higher the economic growth the more is the mass
slaughter of the girl child.
http://www.dissidentvoice.org/Sept04/Sharma0928.htm

A pic of Jay at rest, between sessions of slinging his crap at Usenet:
http://www.museum-kentlife.co.uk/Gallery/images/32%20Sleepy%20Pig_jpg.jpg

How some would _like_ to see Jay at rest:
http://homepage.mac.com/stuffle/.cv/stuffle/Sites/.Pictures/Pig%20Roast/IMG_0575.JPG-thumb_140_105.jpg

From:	Robert Morein
Subject:	Re: Beginners Q, What motivates you to continue writing?
Date:	Thu, 20 Jan 2005 00:40:40 -0500

It pits rational intellect against a solvable problem. Therefore, one
carefully profits by study of one's errors, one has a chance of writing a
highly desirable script.

From:	Michael Rosen
Subject:	Re: Beginners Q, What motivates you to continue writing?
Date:	Sat, 22 Jan 2005 17:28:01 GMT

"The Starmaker" wrote in message
news:41EECE7F.799F@ix.netcom.com...
> Okay, I gotta start somewhere....
>
> Some guy on MWS wrote:
> http://groups-beta.google.com/group/misc.writing.screenplays/browse_frm/thread/3e4f00b3cbbb4a35/b9f5f7b5ffeb132c#b9f5f7b5ffeb132c
> Dear all,
>
> I am writing again from Malaysia. I think my third beginner's question
> in the span of four years. I am very amazed by all the bona fide
> writers here you continue to have the zest for writing and at the same
> time keep encouraging newbies like myself.
>
> When I wrote my first screenplay four years ago, this forum was my
> "bookmarked" reading place. I was motivated to write then because I
> wanted to spend more time with my toddlers (one of them has epilepsy)
> and I also wanted to leave the dreaded IT industry. I truly believed
> in my outdoor adventure script. I have polished and re-polished it
> until I am dog-gone exhausted.
>
> But four years later, my script hasn't even lifted an eyebrow from
> anyone in the US, even after using services from Inktip. I believe in
> my story but I doubt my chances because I live so far away, and
> everyone seems to say that if you are not in Hollywood, high chances
> are your script wouldn't even be opened when it is postmarked
> Malaysia. I will continue to pursue my hopeless goal but my dear
> fellow American friends, what motivates you to pursue writing in a
> similiar predicament as mine?
>
> Thank you.
>
> Vincent

What motivates me to write? Well, first of all, I have to admit that I
don't write very often even though I still have "the dream". But why do I
have the dream? Because I can't think of anything I'd rather do to make a
living. And I have a high enough opinion of my capabilities-which may or
may not be warranted-that I think I actually can be successful in the field
of writing, whether as a screenwriter (because of the money) or a novelist
(because of the autonomy). Also, I haven't been able to find anything else
that floats my boat. I had a successful business but the desire to create
through the written word never really left me. I think a lot of people have
that desire to create and they are just looking for the proper channels to
let theircreativity flow. Mental blocks are a bitch, though, and lead to a
lot of "If only's". But where else can you play God and create LIFE? Many
of the characters that have been created over the years are more real in
people's minds than anyone who actually lived. So getting back to your
question, my desire to write has more to do with my own satisfaction than it
does to meeting with the approval of others, though, of course, that would
be the ideal outcome.

Good luck!