Need some thoughts and insights from the savvy ones

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  • Need some thoughts and insights from the savvy ones

    Here's the story:
    I have been corresponding with someone at Miramax
    (in their London office, actually). She made an exception
    and asked to read my script. Got a letter from her, and
    she said a lot of very positive things but didn't make
    an offer. She did say that she'd like me to call her if
    I can get a director/producer attached.
    I actually know of a legit producer/director who is interested.
    But if it doesn't work out with this guy, I am not sure how
    to approach anyone else. There's no firm offer, no contract,
    just an expressed interest. Not sure if I can get anything
    out of this or not. I tend to just move on to the next
    project or producer, but I don't want to shut the door
    completely on this.
    I'm not making any assumptions or getting excited, because
    this is not a real deal, and may not become one. Her comments were very flattering and nice, but there you go.
    Any input would be appreciated,
    Robynn

  • #2
    I don't know if I qualify for under the "savvy" adjective ...

    but why don't you ask your Miramax contact whom she'd like to see direct or produce the film? Then you can call these guys, saying "Bridget Jones at Miramax thinks you're the perfect person for my screenplay" ...

    Jami

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    • #3
      Savvy... probably not... truthful yes!

      I once had lunch with what most would consider to be an Industry legend. He had read a project of mine and just went on and on about how great it was. He then proceeded to tell me why it JUST wasn't right for he or his studio, then I paid the check!

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      • #4
        Funny story, Good Story Two, and good idea, Jami.

        Will see what happens and will keep ya posted!

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        • #5
          robyn,

          you got a very standard rejection letter. i say that you should keep writing and rewriting, enter contests, make contacts, and try to develop what relationships you can cultivate.

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          • #6
            Blue is absolutely right. Here's the psychology
            behind it.

            Rejection is just as hard to dish out as it is to take.

            Execs often reject a screenplay with positive notes
            followed by, "If you can get a director attached or
            an 'A' list actor, I'll reconsider."

            This is a way to reject the project without rejecting
            the script/writer.

            Because what it seems to suggest is that the script
            is quite good but the exec's hands are tied without
            a director attached. This makes the writer feel
            good. "At least it's not my script that's being
            rejected." The exec looks like a good guy, and the
            writer emerges invigorated and motivated.

            It's a nice gesture that leaves a newbie with the
            wrong impression.

            Let's get one thing straight, if MIRAMAX loved the
            project, they would buy it. They'll find a director
            very easily. It's that simple.

            So what was this exec REALLY saying?

            (CAUTION: HARSH REALITY AHEAD.)

            "This script is not good and I want nothing to do
            with it. I don't want to hurt the writer's feelings.
            But I don't want her burdening me with furture rewrites.
            I'll tell her she needs a director attached. She'll
            never be able to find a quality director that Miramax
            would approve. She'll become exhausted in her
            futile search and fail in her quest. And I'll never
            have to hear about this screenplay again."

            This is a standard ploy in the biz - hence a standard
            rejection.

            Move on, Robyn.

            Comment


            • #7
              I echo CE's counsel. I had a similar experience not too long ago. A prodco whom I was told had a first look deal with Miramax was excited about my script. I did a rewrite (based on their notes) gratis. They took it to a Miramax exec, and was advised that the project needed to be further along in "development, financing and attachments." I understand the prodco subsequently did an el foldo.

              C'est la vie. Live and learn and go on..


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              • #8
                You may all be correct in your assessment, but I just
                got another email from the producer at Miramax asking
                me for feedback on her letter. She said again that she loved
                the script. I've just signed my tenth book contract, so
                I do know a brush-off and I do know about rejections. I have
                been around the block more than once :-).
                But, I've had a lot of correspondence with this woman,
                and I don't think she was writing a standard letter.
                It had a lot of personal stuff in it. That said, it doesn't
                mean I'll be getting a deal with Miramax. This woman
                works directly with Miramax and has good creds in the
                imbd., but my sense is that she doesn't have the muscle,
                to make this script happen.
                That's why she is pushing for an attachment. She emphasized their caution when dealing with a writer
                who is unknown and without an agent.
                So, we'll see what happens. I have several projects
                and scripts, but I won't give up on this one just yet.
                Thanks for the thoughts, Robynn

                Comment


                • #9
                  Robynn,

                  Than that makes her actions even curiouser. If she loves the script so much, why doesn't she become it's champion? If she's that enthused about it, she should be willing to stick her neck out.

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                  • #10
                    Do it!

                    Robynn.
                    You said in your first post you have a legit prod/dir
                    who is interested. Call him and say that you want
                    to run him by your contact at MM as a director. Ask
                    his permission to use his name. If he agrees, call your
                    contact and tell her you have an interested director.
                    This will cut to the chase. At this point, she has a
                    "known" director who wants to to the project and a
                    good script. She should be able to talk to someone
                    at MM about the project. If more hurdles appear, you
                    know something else is going on. As for why she wants
                    attachments, it has been my experience that many
                    development people don't want to stick their necks
                    out for a project until they get someone else to say
                    it is good.
                    As for how you approach other directors about the
                    project, you can honestly say you have interest at
                    MM which should get you in some doors.
                    My two cents worth.
                    Cole

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                    • #11
                      Re: Do it!

                      Good advice. I just called the first producer/director
                      and ran this past him. Will let you know what happens.
                      Thanks for the tip. Feels weird trying this, but I
                      think it's worth it.
                      I think like you said that this very nice woman at Miramax
                      is not willing to stick her neck out for an unknown,
                      unrepped writer. She's not the top dog, which
                      makes it more of a risk for her.
                      I talked this over with another friend, who has a friend
                      who knows Halle Berry's agent. (got that? ;-) )
                      She asked if I'd like to send the script to the agent if we get the okay. So, maybe that's another avenue.
                      Otherwise, I'll take your advice and approach other directors if my first guy is a bust.

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                      • #12
                        Re: Do it!

                        I meant to say an extra thank you for your kind, wise
                        advice :-)
                        Robynn

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                        • #13
                          Re: Do it!

                          robynn,

                          you are either looking at this with eternal optimism or the story is not entirely accurate. if she truly loves your script, she will bring it to the appropriate person's attention.

                          i'm sure that if CE truly loved a script from one of the DDers, he'd bring it to the appropriate people in his organization who might be empowered to act on it.

                          miramax is a full-fledged studio. they have the financial resources to greenlight any project that they deem worthy. the whole entire "get X, Y, and Z above the talent people attached" is just hogwash. you can believe otherwise but you are being unfair and delusional.

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                          • #14
                            Thoughts and insight...

                            I don't understand the "Tenth book contract..." thing.

                            I seems to me that with all that going for someone, a lot of juice would be available to recommend/refer the project. Maybe a different approach is in order... your books must have something going for them... you might sneak one book past, but 10 is pretty serious business.

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                            • #15
                              Re: Thoughts and insight...

                              10th book? What kind of technical manuals do you write?

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