Little Studio Films

[Tom72]

Is Little Studio Films legit? The little I've gathered on them from Imdb and their website seems so, but they offered me a consulting service? They just passed on my western, Ransom Canyon, but said it had a lot of potential and they could help me market it if I pay for their consultation service. They said my character arc was weak and my dialogue was on the nose and they have extensive notes for me if I hire them as a consultant and rewrite it. I got mixed messages from this pass because it wasn't good enough for their production or management but still has potential for consultation. Is this as wierd as it sounds?

I know usually this means a scam but I'm wondering if they can really help me. Does anyone know about Alexia Melocci and this company? They are a production/management/consultant service. Is this a typical business model? I have rewritten this script a few times already, a lot from feedback I got here on this board, and I'm stumped on how to make it any better. I may need detailed professional advice, so I'm uncertain what to do.

Any comments are appreciated, especially if anyone has used the consultation service.

[dwest]

I think there are a number of threads on them on DDP.

I believe this is the most extensive discussion:

http://messageboard.donedealpro.com/boards/showthread.php?t=44673

I think the general consensus is:

Run.

[Takezo]

They just passed on my western, Ransom Canyon, but said it had a lot of potential and they could help me market it if I pay for their consultation service.

You should email them promptly, and tell them to F-off, and that they should "F" themselves with broken broom handles.

They are not for real.

Be creative--and do it harshly as you can muster.

What a scam?!
And I bet they told you this with a straight face.
I don't have to look anything up on them--anyone who wants dough up front to help you market your literary material is a scam artist.

T

[Tom72]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll follow it!

[mtoomey]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll follow it!

Especially the part about the broken broom handle. write that down, it might be useful in other situations too. :)

MT

[lucidimage]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll follow it!

And then post your email on here cause now Im curious to see how this story ends.

[spacefarer]

...and tell them to F-off, and that they should "F" themselves with broken broom handles.


T

Dude, I like your style. :D

[Farnsworth]

The firm is no better than a vanity press.

I like Takezo's style, too. Love to read his posts.

[Takezo]

Actually here's what everyone on this site should do.
When we catch scams like this we should always spread the word here of course, but here's the other thing we should all do...

Ripoff Report.com

We should also post scathing reports on this site.
The beauty of it is that whenever someone does an internet search on any engine--these Ripoff reports pop up under their company banner.

There is no way to remove them.
It completely destroys offending companies.
To some large companies it causes literally millions of dollars of economic damdge.
Also it can be done annon.

So when I get some time later on today--I'm going to make a post.
This type of scam makes my blood boil.
You may have noticed in some of my other post references to the "side-industries" (scams) surrounding the film industry.
Those shady companies/seminars/classes/services promising to help you break into the entertainment business.
These all have to be stomped out like cockroaches.

I hope someone here beats me to the Ripoff report.
It's much better when there are multiple posts.
It looks even worse.

Scams and individuals preying upon desperation and ignorance should be destroyed.

T

[SBScript]

Actually here's what everyone on this site should do.
When we catch scams like this we should always spread the word here of course, but here's the other thing we should all do...

Ripoff Report.com

We should also post scathing reports on this site.
The beauty of it is that whenever someone does an internet search on any engine--these Ripoff reports pop up under their company banner.

There is no way to remove them.
It completely destroys offending companies.
To some large companies it causes literally millions of dollars of economic damdge.
Also it can be done annon.

So when I get some time later on today--I'm going to make a post.
This type of scam makes my blood boil.
You may have noticed in some of my other post references to the "side-industries" (scams) surrounding the film industry.
Those shady companies/seminars/classes/services promising to help you break into the entertainment business.
These all have to be stomped out like cockroaches.

I hope someone here beats me to the Ripoff report.
It's much better when there are multiple posts.
It looks even worse.

Scams and individuals preying upon desperation and ignorance should be destroyed.

T

So what's the scam? They are charging writers to consult on their scripts? Is that a scam?

I don't really want to get in to a big debate, but I'd like to know what the scam is and your anonymous BS about "stamping out these cockroaches" when you know nothing about the people you're talking about is lame. Full disclosure, I know Alexia. In fact, I introduced her to Mimi Leder :) They have a great project about Woody Guthrie, which Alexia has procured foreign financing for. Also, BTW, I know and have met with the Italian company which is putting up part of the budget and they are real, so I know it all checks out.

Alexia knows the business, particularly the foreign sales and distribution side, she was a foreign sales agent for ten years. She is connected to many quality people, and I haven't heard anything negative about her.

Now, if you want to talk about wether or not it is good for writers to pay for consulting services from people that are also looking to manage clients, that's one thing, but calling them scam artists and all this sort of thing is unjustified.

By the way, personally, I would not pay for, nor would I advise paying for notes from anyone. But, not everyone feels that way.

[RGF]

Here's the scam.

Producers option, develop and purchase material. They don't ask the writer to pay. Simple.

Granted there are some grey areas and I know DD doesn't want anything to do with a blacklist....so it's up to each writer to research each company and ask questions like the OP did.

[umo]

So what's the scam? They are charging writers to consult on their scripts? Is that a scam?

I don't really want to get in to a big debate, but I'd like to know what the scam is and your anonymous BS about "stamping out these cockroaches" when you know nothing about the people you're talking about is lame. Full disclosure, I know Alexia. In fact, I introduced her to Mimi Leder :) They have a great project about Woody Guthrie, which Alexia has procured foreign financing for. Also, BTW, I know and have met with the Italian company which is putting up part of the budget and they are real, so I know it all checks out.

Alexia knows the business, particularly the foreign sales and distribution side, she was a foreign sales agent for ten years. She is connected to many quality people, and I haven't heard anything negative about her.

Now, if you want to talk about wether or not it is good for writers to pay for consulting services from people that are also looking to manage clients, that's one thing, but calling them scam artists and all this sort of thing is unjustified.

By the way, personally, I would not pay for, nor would I advise paying for notes from anyone. But, not everyone feels that way.

Hi, SBS...

I have no doubt Alexia is legit and knowledgeable...but she ain't minding the store. Her "people" only sell their consulting services. They won't take on representation of a writer without charging a fee. Period.

If I'm wrong, and her "people" have offered representation without charging fees, please...have that (those) writer(s) step forward and clear up our confusion.

umo :)

[SBScript]

Hi, SBS...

I have no doubt Alexia is legit and knowledgeable...but she ain't minding the store. Her "people" only sell their consulting services. They won't take on representation of a writer without charging a fee. Period.

If I'm wrong, and her "people" have offered representation without charging fees, please...have that (those) writer(s) step forward and clear up our confusion.

umo :)

I have never dealt with her in regards to that side of her business. If they are asking for a fee in order to take on clients, then there is no way I would ever approve of that. That's unfortunate and thanks for the info. I will ask her myself, I'd like to know.

[umo]

I have never dealt with her in regards to that side of her business. If they are asking for a fee in order to take on clients, then there is no way I would ever approve of that. That's unfortunate and thanks for the info. I will ask her myself, I'd like to know.

Thank you.

umo :)

[RGF]

Guess it comes down it if they are portraying themselves as a producer/production company and preying on the dreams of un-knowing writers who think that they will make their movie if they sign up for their consultation fee. Or if they are portraying themselves as script consultants. I will pay a script consultant with a great reputation. Not a production company with mixed motives.

Writers pay script consultants.

Writers pay agents and managers 10% of their earnings.

Producers/studios pay writers.

Anyone who operates in the grey areas between is suspicious.

[lucidimage]

My issue is if they don't think your project is commercial enough to warrant their representation, then it shouldn't be worth enough for any writer to have to pay to make it better. I hope SB does talk to her because it would be great information to share with the DD boards as to what exactly their mindset/business plan is.

[Takezo]

Yes it is okay to charge for script consulting--there are pros that do this. But to take someone's dough and at the same time say we will use every effort to market you literary material is a scam. This is the same as those "invention" consulting/marketing services--also a scam.

They are dancing around the edges of being a managers/agents/producers--a bit to close to the edge for comfort.

They are playing upon hopes, dreams and desperation--and delivering very little (mostly nothing) for your money.

You should never, ever under any circumstances pay someone to represent you or your material.
A ten-percenter is just that... they hustle your material and take their cut. This is how they make a living.
It's not the other way around. Anything like this is a BIG F-ING SCAM!!

I may not be illegal, but it is certainly highly unethical.

And for anyone to argue the other way around means that you are connect to this scam in some manner.


T

[SBScript]

The reason this is a scam is because they are using some deceptive hooks and lures to make people think they will also market/produce their material. And with these type of companies marketing means a mass emailing by hitting th enter key on the computer.

Yes it is okay to charge for script consulting--there are pros that do this. But to take someone's dough and at the same time say we will use every effort to market you literary material is a scam. This is the same as those "invention" consulting/marketing services--also a scam.

They are dancing around the edges of being a managers/agents/producers--a bit to close to the edge for comfort.

They are playing upon hopes, dreams and desperation--and delivering very little (mostly nothing) for your money.

They are no different from those supposed "Hollywood Talent Scouts" that show up at all the high-school and college plays and variety shows--and then offer some of those involved access to the entertainment world... then two steps down the line these guys want money for "head-shots, lessons, yada, yada, yada." These people are scam artists.

You should never, ever under any circumstances pay someone to represent you or your material.
A ten-percenter is just that... they hustle your material and take their cut. This is how they make a living.
It's not the other way around. Anything like this is a BIG F-ING SCAM!!

I may not be illegal, but it is certainly highly unethical.

And for anyone to argue the other way around means that you are connect to this scam in some manner.


T

I agree that you should never pay anyone to represent you in any form or fashion, that includes "costs" or anything else. We are on the same page on that. So, I hope that you recognize that I am not "arguing the other way around", and that you're not implying that I am connected to anything like this.

[Tom72]

Here's a copy of the original email they sent me:

"Hello Tom:
We read the script.
The premise attracted us from the moment you pitched it- but I am sorry to say it did not deliver. It still needs another run through/polish.
There have been some incredible movies on this genre in the past and to
compete with those, the bar needs to be raised greatly. We felt that character development and emotional arc were often lost in too
many scenes that were confusing/hard to follow, Also the dialogue was
often "on the nose" and it's a shame as the message came through muddled and lacking punch as a result. I see the value in your concept and we are big fans of western genre and the social messages of a period like that but how do you stand out amongst thousand of period scripts from already established writers?
I wish I could give you more detailed notes to take it to the next level as
I think you really have a potentially unique angle of a story to tell but
our feedback (which is very extensive) is something that falls more into our consulting services. (SEE REVIEWS on our WEB SITE). Our rates are very competitive and every writer who worked with us LOVED the process.
From purely an informational purpose, our Company as you know has one of the widest network of direct connections in Hollywood: Financiers,
Distributors, Studios, International Producers, Studio Producers,
Independent Producers, Directors, Name Talent to name a few.
Technical guidance is one factor only. This would explain why sometimes
"poor" writing level scripts get made. And that is why our focus when
consulting for our client to not only demand technical excellence but guide
you to make the script readable, marketable and of APPEAL TO TALENT AND DIRECTORS which truly is our expertise. Dealing on a daily basis with A List Actors and Directors, I know how picky they are and it¹s not as easy to get their attention as it may look. Our consulting experience is not limited to script improvement, although this is pivotal, but covers GUIDANCE for MARKETING and PACKAGING on how to make the screenplay stand out amongst thousands. We have received nothing but RAVE REVIEWS from every single client we worked with, whether they were
writers we ultimately signed, in house clients or even some that just wanted to experience the uniqueness of our work who were already represented elsewhere.
Sorry for the long and winded answer but you deserved that courtesy.
Should you ever feel you want to get our assistance, I can send you more details and we can take it from there.
Please let me know either way so that I can instruct my assistant to either keep or discard your script.
Katerina"

So, my script sucks but the concept is good, you need our help- that's what she is saying right. I would agree about the on the nose dialogue comment because my main characters are all pretty straightforward with their motives and prejudices. Having a weak arc could be true but my main character is a prejudiced ex-civil war hero who must get over it in order to save his family with the help of Mexican banditos and Buffalo soldiers. As the scenes progress he becomes more pragmatic about saving his family and loses his prejudice in order to save them. I though the arc was clear enough. This email has just confused me even more about the quality of my writing. Hell it was only the second script I have written and I rewrote it with feedback from a lot of people here on this board and other places. I haven't paid for a consulting service ever but since I am a self-taught screenwriter I've been thinking there probably is something I didn't do well enough and there maybe a lot of things I need to learn.

So anyway, the email answers my main question - this script is not good enough. If it was I would have been offered a managerial service at the typical rate, 10% of the sale if any. Hell even Circle of Confusion passed on it.

I guess I need to study screenwriting more or something. Because honestly, I get this all the time - great concept, poor execution. The frustrating thing is I have read all the recent westerns out and in the pipeline and they read a lot slower than mine and have less action than my testosterone filled plot. So there's something I'm not understanding.

[spacefarer]

Here's a copy of the original email they sent me:

"Hello Tom:
We read the script.
The premise attracted us from the moment you pitched it- but I am sorry to say it did not deliver. It still needs another run through/polish.
There have been some incredible movies on this genre in the past and to
compete with those, the bar needs to be raised greatly. We felt that character development and emotional arc were often lost in too
many scenes that were confusing/hard to follow, Also the dialogue was
often "on the nose" and it's a shame as the message came through muddled and lacking punch as a result. I see the value in your concept and we are big fans of western genre and the social messages of a period like that but how do you stand out amongst thousand of period scripts from already established writers?
I wish I could give you more detailed notes to take it to the next level as
I think you really have a potentially unique angle of a story to tell but
our feedback (which is very extensive) is something that falls more into our consulting services. (SEE REVIEWS on our WEB SITE). Our rates are very competitive and every writer who worked with us LOVED the process.
From purely an informational purpose, our Company as you know has one of the widest network of direct connections in Hollywood: Financiers,
Distributors, Studios, International Producers, Studio Producers,
Independent Producers, Directors, Name Talent to name a few.
Technical guidance is one factor only. This would explain why sometimes
"poor" writing level scripts get made. And that is why our focus when
consulting for our client to not only demand technical excellence but guide
you to make the script readable, marketable and of APPEAL TO TALENT AND DIRECTORS which truly is our expertise. Dealing on a daily basis with A List Actors and Directors, I know how picky they are and it¹s not as easy to get their attention as it may look. Our consulting experience is not limited to script improvement, although this is pivotal, but covers GUIDANCE for MARKETING and PACKAGING on how to make the screenplay stand out amongst thousands. We have received nothing but RAVE REVIEWS from every single client we worked with, whether they were
writers we ultimately signed, in house clients or even some that just wanted to experience the uniqueness of our work who were already represented elsewhere.
Sorry for the long and winded answer but you deserved that courtesy.
Should you ever feel you want to get our assistance, I can send you more details and we can take it from there.
Please let me know either way so that I can instruct my assistant to either keep or discard your script.
Katerina"

So, my script sucks but the concept is good, you need our help- that's what she is saying right. I would agree about the on the nose dialogue comment because my main characters are all pretty straightforward with their motives and prejudices. Having a weak arc could be true but my main character is a prejudiced ex-civil war hero who must get over it in order to save his family with the help of Mexican banditos and Buffalo soldiers. As the scenes progress he becomes more pragmatic about saving his family and loses his prejudice in order to save them. I though the arc was clear enough. This email has just confused me even more about the quality of my writing. Hell it was only the second script I have written and I rewrote it with feedback from a lot of people here on this board and other places. I haven't paid for a consulting service ever but since I am a self-taught screenwriter I've been thinking there probably is something I didn't do well enough and there maybe a lot of things I need to learn.

So anyway, the email answers my main question - this script is not good enough. If it was I would have been offered a managerial service at the typical rate, 10% of the sale if any. Hell even Circle of Confusion passed on it.

I guess I need to study screenwriting more or something. Because honestly, I get this all the time - great concept, poor execution. The frustrating thing is I have read all the recent westerns out and in the pipeline and they read a lot slower than mine and have less action than my testosterone filled plot. So there's something I'm not understanding.

Hey, Dude, don't feel special because --

-- I got EXACTLY the same email from them, asking $500 upfront for an over the phone consultation session. ;)

I agree with Takezo. It's highly unethical.

But they are not the only ones. I have ousted more companies in another post - the one in regards to the infamous now The Show of Business Institute or whatever it is called.

[LIMAMA]

Hey, Dude, don't feel special because --

-- I got EXACTLY the same email from them, asking $500 upfront for an over the phone consultation session. ;)

I agree with Takezo. It's highly unethical.

But they are not the only ones. I have ousted more companies in another post - the one in regards to the infamous now The Show of Business Institute or whatever it is called.

Yes, this e-mail sounds pretty generic--they just inserted "western" in place of another genre.

[Tom72]

Hey, Dude, don't feel special because --
-- I got EXACTLY the same email from them, asking $500 upfront for an over the phone consultation session. ;)

Don't worry, I don't feel special. Did your email also have that your script had a weak character arc and otn dialgoue?

[spacefarer]

Don't worry, I don't feel special. Did your email also have that your script had a weak character arc and otn dialgoue?

I'm joking, of course.

Yes, it included the arc thingy.

Actually I will PM it to you so you can compare it. But I'm telling you. It's EXACTLY the same.

We're both special.

[Tom72]

You're are right. Exactly the same f-in thing.

Dude, those MF's screwed with my mind. I started reading and looking at my script again, tracking the character arc and trying to figure out what is wrong with my dialogue.

Thanks for the PM Spacefarer.

Now I wish I had never queried them and wasted the paper sending them a copy.

They should just advertise as a script consultation company and quit wasting our time!

[spacefarer]

You're are right. Exactly the same f-in thing.

Dude, those MF's screwed with my mind. I started reading and looking at my script again, tracking the character arc and trying to figure out what is wrong with my dialogue.

Thanks for the PM Spacefarer.

Now I wish I had never queried them and wasted the paper sending them a copy.

They should just advertise as a script consultation company and quit wasting our time!

No worries. Put it down to experience. :)

Actually I have no respect for them. You wanna know why?

Go to this thread: http://messageboard.donedealpro.com/boards/showthread.php?t=44673

Top of page 4.

Have a read. Everybody must read this - at least unrepresented writers.

Threatening is more unethical than charging script consultation fees. It goes one step beyond.

And there are other boards with even worse threats from LSF and the Edwards and Kristinas and every fvcking dimwit working there.

[SBScript]

No worries. Put it down to experience. :)

Actually I have no respect for them. You wanna know why?

Go to this thread: http://messageboard.donedealpro.com/boards/showthread.php?t=44673

Top of page 4.

Have a read. Everybody must read this - at least unrepresented writers.

Threatening is more unethical than charging script consultation fees. It goes one step beyond.

And there are other boards with even worse threats from LSF and the Edwards and Kristinas and every fvcking dimwit working there.

I went and took a look at this, which I had previously missed. It's news to me and I completely reject this sort of practice and would advise anyone who asked me to steer clear. I'm glad I know about it now.

[Takezo]

So anyway, the email answers my main question - this script is not good enough. If it was I would have been offered a managerial service at the typical rate, 10% of the sale if any. Hell even Circle of Confusion passed on it.

The lenght of this response should have tipped you off also.
No one gives you comments/coverage like this if they are going to pass on the project.

They'll just say "no thanks," or "we like the writing--but it's not our cup of tea," and so on.

You'll never get anything so comprehensive.



T

[Takezo]

Go to this thread: http://messageboard.donedealpro.com/...ad.php?t=44673 (http://messageboard.donedealpro.com/boards/showthread.php?t=44673)

Top of page 4.

Have a read. Everybody must read this - at least unrepresented writers.

Yeah I read this.
What a crybaby--he got his pants pulled down a couple years back it seems on this same subject.
T

[Takezo]

I re-read thier standard reply to submissions.

Have they actually placed/sold/produced any literary properties?
If so to whom?

Riddle me this question and the whole can of worms will open up.

T

[Peripeteia]

It's not a scam, per-say. It's a "Use At your Own Risk" company.

[spacefarer]

I don't like this "Use at your own risk" mentality which implies a lawless interpretation of the the free market philosophy.

If the whole thing was slightly regulated from the state, so as to protect the weak, the situation in whole would be in a much better state. Like agents are regulated. As far as I know, agents are less inclined to rip you off since they have a licence and then they have to be affiliated with WGAe. But managers/script consultants operate entirely on good faith. Why doesn't the state regulate them too?

Anyway, anyone looking for representation must not be anxious about his/her future and should not be acting desperately because s/he could be dragged to a very dirty path.

Take these examples:

Becker Entertainment asked me to enter their competition if I wanted my script considered by them.

Tom Sawyer Entertainment asked me something similar.

Feldmann Mgmt offered me representation and asked for a retainer fee. I didn't even ask how much was the retainer.

Du Jour Films asks for a retainer too to cover producer's expenses.

Marvin Acuna of The Business of Show Institute asks for a $500 script consultation fee. When this $500 drained up - according to a source - he turned ugly and rude. I know from another source that LSF turned rude and threatening. These sources are DDealers who made the mistake to pay them.

Leo Media Group asked me for an Executive Producer's retainer fee...

And I am sure there are plenty others out there that are hit severely from the economic downturn and try to skim people, selling them feeble hopes and dreams.

You could say that whoever pays them deserves to be treated like a fool but what these companies do is unlawful and unethical. IMHO.

Anyway, I've never believed in free market escapades because human nature at its dirtiest is involved.

If anyone else has more examples of such operations, this is the time and place to come forward. Thanks.
__________________

[Takezo]

[QUOTE=Peripeteia;544676]It's not a scam, per-say. It's a "Use At your Own Risk" company.{/quote]

Well yes you're correct, they are not grifters or scammers.
They are what they are unfortunately.

I did some further digging into them today, and found an insider contact through my rep who is/was (?) somehow associated with them. And I will not give out the full details on this for private reasons--suffice it to say that you should not be paying anyone anything up front to represent your literary properties.

As the poster before, who found other companies doing similar things, it is not illegal--just hmmmm, unethical!? Yes, perhaps.

They are just blurring the lines between a consulting business and prod-co/management/agents.

This should not be done.

If you get approached to do this--turn and run.

T

[Takezo]

Becker Entertainment asked me to enter their competition if I wanted my script considered by them.

Tom Sawyer Entertainment asked me something similar.

Feldmann Mgmt offered me representation and asked for a retainer fee. I didn't even ask how much was the retainer.

Du Jour Films asks for a retainer too to cover producer's expenses. Marvin Acuna of The Business of Show Institute asks for a $500 script consultation fee. When this $500 drained up - according to a source - he turned ugly and rude. I know from another source that LSF turned rude and threatening. These sources are DDealers who made the mistake to pay them.

Leo Media Group asked me for an Executive Producer's retainer fee...

My eyes are rolling up in my head!
I had no idea so many people are doing this.
I guess there is a huge market in deperation?!

T

[SBScript]

[QUOTE=Peripeteia;544676]It's not a scam, per-say. It's a "Use At your Own Risk" company.{/quote]

Well yes you're correct, they are not grifters or scammers.
They are what they are unfortunately.

I did some further digging into them today, and found an insider contact through my rep who is/was (?) somehow associated with them. And I will not give out the full details on this for private reasons--suffice it to say that you should not be paying anyone anything up front to represent your literary properties.

As the poster before, who found other companies doing similar things, it is not illegal--just hmmmm, unethical!? Yes, perhaps.

They are just blurring the lines between a consulting business and prod-co/management/agents.

This should not be done.

If you get approached to do this--turn and run.

T

Takezo, I think you owe these folks an apology. You flew off the handle and made a bunch of accusations about criminal behavior without knowing what you were talking about, trashing their business, etc..

I have also looked into it and talked to Alexia about it. I suggested that they might want to more clearly separate the management and consulting side of the business and she is looking at doing that. She confirmed that they do not "charge a fee" to represent writers or directors but that it is on a commission basis, just like any management company. As well, it turns out I know two of the three people that they use for notes and consulting and they are solid, real executives--far more solid than any of these contests out there that give "feedback" who really don't know sh!t. I believe that they do charge a fee for expenses. Some folks do this. I, personally, would not. But, I will tell you this, considering what's going on right now, I would not be surprised at all to see more boutique management companies starting to do this just to mitigate their overhead.

No, they are not a traditional management company, they also work as producers' reps, sales agents, packaging consultants, etc. And they know what they are doing. So, if you aren't comfortable with their business, don't get involved.

Finally, Takeszo, anonymous trashing of people and companies on the internet isn't cool. You should do your research before you make these sorts of casual attacks.

[night fugue]

That's some song-and-dance answer you got, SB.

They either rep writers or they don't. If they get a script that they think has promise, then they develop that script further with the writer, sell the script, and get their commission.

If they get a script that they don't think has promise, then they should simply pass and not try to sell consulting services by offering encouragement.

[umo]

[quote=Takezo;545151]

Takezo, I think you owe these folks an apology. You flew off the handle and made a bunch of accusations about criminal behavior without knowing what you were talking about, trashing their business, etc..

I have also looked into it and talked to Alexia about it. I suggested that they might want to more clearly separate the management and consulting side of the business and she is looking at doing that. She confirmed that they do not "charge a fee" to represent writers or directors but that it is on a commission basis, just like any management company. As well, it turns out I know two of the three people that they use for notes and consulting and they are solid, real executives--far more solid than any of these contests out there that give "feedback" who really don't know sh!t. I believe that they do charge a fee for expenses. Some folks do this. I, personally, would not. But, I will tell you this, considering what's going on right now, I would not be surprised at all to see more boutique management companies starting to do this just to mitigate their overhead.

No, they are not a traditional management company, they also work as producers' reps, sales agents, packaging consultants, etc. And they know what they are doing. So, if you aren't comfortable with their business, don't get involved.

Finally, Takeszo, anonymous trashing of people and companies on the internet isn't cool. You should do your research before you make these sorts of casual attacks.

Hi SBS,

Thank you for speaking to Alexia for us. Very helpful. A few thoughts, if you don't mind:

Will the management arm will be handled by other personnel? I ask this because the current "consultants" have not behaved professionally--at least not on this board.

If the management arm already exists, can we find out which writers they rep on a commision basis?

I ask this because our consortium project is interested in approaching international prodcos (mainly because of Euros to invest in Latin America) and Alexia has great ties there. But we don't want to subject our writers to fees/retainers and the like.

It's understandable that companies are branching out into consulting. But I think our issue is mostly with disclosure more than anything else.

A million thank youzzz...

umo :)

[jimjimgrande]

Here's a copy of the original email they sent me:

"Hello Tom:
We read the script.
The premise attracted us from the moment you pitched it- but I am sorry to say it did not deliver. It still needs another run through/polish.
There have been some incredible movies on this genre in the past and to
compete with those, the bar needs to be raised greatly. We felt that character development and emotional arc were often lost in too
many scenes that were confusing/hard to follow, Also the dialogue was
often "on the nose" and it's a shame as the message came through muddled and lacking punch as a result. I see the value in your concept and we are big fans of western genre and the social messages of a period like that but how do you stand out amongst thousand of period scripts from already established writers?
I wish I could give you more detailed notes to take it to the next level as
I think you really have a potentially unique angle of a story to tell but
our feedback (which is very extensive) is something that falls more into our consulting services. (SEE REVIEWS on our WEB SITE). Our rates are very competitive and every writer who worked with us LOVED the process.
From purely an informational purpose, our Company as you know has one of the widest network of direct connections in Hollywood: Financiers,
Distributors, Studios, International Producers, Studio Producers,
Independent Producers, Directors, Name Talent to name a few.
Technical guidance is one factor only. This would explain why sometimes
"poor" writing level scripts get made. And that is why our focus when
consulting for our client to not only demand technical excellence but guide
you to make the script readable, marketable and of APPEAL TO TALENT AND DIRECTORS which truly is our expertise. Dealing on a daily basis with A List Actors and Directors, I know how picky they are and it¹s not as easy to get their attention as it may look. Our consulting experience is not limited to script improvement, although this is pivotal, but covers GUIDANCE for MARKETING and PACKAGING on how to make the screenplay stand out amongst thousands. We have received nothing but RAVE REVIEWS from every single client we worked with, whether they were
writers we ultimately signed, in house clients or even some that just wanted to experience the uniqueness of our work who were already represented elsewhere.
Sorry for the long and winded answer but you deserved that courtesy.
Should you ever feel you want to get our assistance, I can send you more details and we can take it from there.
Please let me know either way so that I can instruct my assistant to either keep or discard your script.
Katerina"

Hey, Dude, don't feel special because --

-- I got EXACTLY the same email from them, asking $500 upfront for an over the phone consultation session. ;)

Sorry, SBS but the above is out and out predatory and as such deserves to be called out as a scam. Replying to representation queries with form emails hawking consulting services that promise access is a bait and switch that's complete and utter bvllsh!t. She may show you a professional face, but she has another and it's wrong.

[SBScript]

That's some song-and-dance answer you got, SB.

They either rep writers or they don't. If they get a script that they think has promise, then they develop that script further with the writer, sell the script, and get their commission.

If they get a script that they don't think has promise, then they should simply pass and not try to sell consulting services by offering encouragement.

I don't have a dog in this fight, so this is my last post on the issue. The reason I got involved is that I don't like people making casual and unfounded claims of criminal behavior, that's what I want to correct.

If they want to run a consulting business in which solid consultants are paid to give notes on scripts that they don't want to develop or try and sell, I don't really think that's a problem.

However, let me make it crystal clear: I personally wouldn't choose to use those kinds of services. They have good people on that side of the business, I know two of them and the other is a studio reader. Even with that being said, I personally still wouldn't do it, and I definitely wouldn't pay anybody anything remotely related to representation.

But, the somewhat hysterical claims of criminality that have been bandied about are not justified.

Thanks. :)

[Kevan]

I'm leaving SBScript to have the last word on the matter in this thread.

We don't want unfounded libelous allegations of illegality when there is no evidence of any...

The thread is being locked for now but it'll remain here for those who want to read it.

Whether the thread will remain on the forum - that's another decision that's being pondered.

For now, it's here so anybody can read it and make up their own mind what's what and whatnot or what is and so forth..