What should I do with this manager?

[writer for life]

In April I got a bite from an LA manager. He liked my script and wants to try and sell it, but suggested some re-writes which I've done... but subsequently I've had a change of opinion of this guy. He's not asking for outrageous fees (standard 10%) or anything, I just get the feeling he's not too interested in my career... he never asked me what my ultimate goals are, etc and failed to get back to me several times about the script. He told me to wait until he got back to me before I went ahead with the re-write, but it took him so long that I got fed up with waiting and started it anyway, hell it's my script.

I still want to sell the script, so should I give this guy a call (haven't spoken to him in months) just to see if he can do anything with it?

I haven't signed anything with him and I also have a different script being read at Gersh right now. Should I tell him about the Gersh read to get him off his ass and realize I might be more important than he thinks?

[sidneyfalco]

First off who is this guy? Does he has the leisure of blowing you off? Is he a big shot with a pile of scripts or a nobody trying to get a leg up?

It's been five months and he hasn't done jack. Normally, if someone is hot on a project they'll do something. If not just move on. Saying you're being read at Gersh isn't going to mean anything unless someone actually wants to sign you. Saying "Gersh is going out with the script..." may be a different.

Anyway, I love your anime logo under your name. That is awesome.:eek

[Hamboogul]

What part of your own posting of "haven't spoken to him in months" do you not understand?

Move on.

[boski62]

If the guy can get your script to people that matter, I'd reconnect with him and send him the rewrite. I can't see how it can hurt to have him read the script and talk about it afterwards. If you like the sound of what he has to say after looking at the rewrite, you might want to stick around. If not, move on.

No reason to strike him off your list because you haven't heard from him. As a beginner with only one script, you're probably low on his agenda, and he might only be lukewarm about the project...but that's something you can get a better handle on once you've sent over the rewrite.

Who knows? He might love the rewrite and know the perfect place to send it...

Or not.

On the other hand, I'd continue sending scripts out to other reps, which it sounds like you're doing. Nothing wrong with
you being in a position to decide between reps.

Good luck.

[writer for life]

Well part of the reason I haven't heard from him is I changed my phone number and didn't tell him...at that point I was begining to have doubts, so I never called him. A whole bunch of other personal crap was going on at the time as well, so that was another part of it.

I guess it couldn't hurt to at least give him a ring and see if he can do anything with the script. Thanks for the advice.

[writer for life]

Oh by the way, this is Jeff Johnson at canyon rock ent. if anyone's ever heard of him.

[Greta123]

In my experience, a manager is an individual who nurtures a writer's career, ego and drive.

I've had the same manager for four years. Always returns my phone call - even when we haven't talked for a month because of "life" getting in the way of art. We both love scriptwriting and even if he's lukewarm on something - he encourages me because I'm passionate about it and, hey - "no one knows where the next great idea is going to come from."

A manager is the closest thing a writer will ever get to having a friend in the industry. Your manager sounds more like an agent - spend your time warming up to Gersh and a good manager will come when the time is right.

Take this for what it's worth. I've been incredibly lucky with my guy, so of course I'm biased.

G.G.

[refriedwhiskey]

I think if you've already changed your phone number and never told him your new number, you've already done what you wanted to do about this manager.

Trust your instincts.

[Bystander3]

Jeff's my manager. I stay in touch with him either by phone or by email. I also shake the trees a lot and keep trying to make script opportunities fall out that I can send his way.

I used to have an agent. The agent did absolutely nothing for me. Jeff at least calls me occasionally, and we discuss strategy and what he likes and dislikes about some of my scripts. His rewrite suggestions have been reasonably good, so far.

Don't sit back and wait for a manager or agent to do anything for you. You know what you want to do with your career. Make your own break, then let a manager or agent help you complete the deal.

[Bystander3]

Jeff Johnson (Canyon Rock Entertainment) has just helped me make a deal for a script. I can't reveal any particulars, except to say that the sale won't make either of us rich and you likely won't read about it in Variety or The Hollywood Reporter. Still...it's nice to finally sell another screenplay after a drought of nearly three years.

[Writer1]

I can't reveal any particulars
Why not?

[Bystander3]

Why not?

1. I don't think it's a good idea to discuss business deals in public, especially when the contracts are still moving from Point A to Point B and back again.

2. Knowing "the particulars" would do no good anyway. Every deal is different.

But I'll leak a few writer-oriented details. Someone saw my logline on a screenplay website (it's been on several, and he couldn't remember which one). He requested the script and contacted me again after he read it. At that point, I got Jeff involved. Jeff did some jawboning and helped me work out some issues involving money and writing credits. Then it was up to me to accept or reject the producer's offer.

I've said it before: Don't wait around for a manager or agent to do something for you. I send out queries almost every day. I post loglines all over the place. I send letters. I send faxes. I make calls. Having a manager or agent helps, but you still have to help yourself.