That first meeting ...

Hi gang, this is sort of a sidebar to Crash's great thread. It got me to wondering. I am hoping to walk into a meeting with a production company before too long.

My question is, "How do I dress?"

I know writers are sort of the rebel contingent, and Hollywood is supposed to be laid back, but having never "been there", I don't know if that would apply to the larger companies as well. Are they more formal than we have been led to believe?

Is a suit and tie too dressy? Is a sport coat with or without a tie appropriate? If I showed up in blue jeans and a Hawaiian shirt would I get thrown out of the office? Am I the only guy that worries about such things?

Bill -

I have wondered the same thing. Do I dress like Erin Brockovich or like the stuffy attorney lady in the movie or somewhere in between!

Choices!

Tina

There are no rules, only guidelines. Here's what I was told by a writer friend prior to my first:

1) Be yourself. Only executives tend to wear suits. But if you're an attorney, and you're comfortable in a suit, and it's who you are, then go with it. If you're goth, go goth (try not to scare people, unless that's going to get you the assignment). If you're a surfer, hang, Bro. If you're a regular, semi-geeky writer, then wear khakis or jeans, a nice or funky shirt, and either tennis shoes or loafers, but remember...

2) Be comfortable. Don't wear something that you can't relax in. You might end up talking for an hour or two. The key is that you don't want to be thinking about your clothes; you want to be thinking about stories.

3) Be clean. Nobody likes a slob.

Hope this helps,

In my experience the following has held true. The worse I dressed the more respect I got. "Nobody likes a slob" -- throw that out the window. If you wear cowboy boots with shorts and a tank top- you will be labeled "eccentric." Don't shave or shower and watch the execs whisper, "He's soooo creative and earthy." So dress down, look like you don't care, and you will be revered.

Bill,

I've dressed up, down - I've even thought about not dressing at all. It comes down to the writing. Oh, and that myth about producers and agents loving eccentric writers who drift in wearing clothes that should be burned? They'll be remembered all right, but not the way they think. This is a business for crying out loud - you have just as much luck (I would say more) walking in wearing a nice blazer than a ripped t-shirt and dog collar. However, there are some people who have the hard bodies to carry that sort of thing off.

I don't.

Just remember, if you walk in and you've dressed nicer than they have - you'll be in trouble.

G.G.

Go for comfortable/casual. You don't want to look like an agent, you want to look like a writer so I wouldn't wear a suit or a tie. Jeans and an expensive shirt is one way to do the casual look without looking grubby. Spend a little time thinking about the kind of writer you want to be seen as and the image you want to project. Dress accordingly, but above all, the advice about being comfortable is good.

Especially if you are the type who leans towards suit and tie.

And Bill, for God's sake, DO NOT dress like Erin Brockovich! For your sake, for their sake... for the sake of all humanity!!!!

So, the fish-net hose are out?

Well I guess the "Father Knows Best" jacket with the elbow patches is out...darn. I guess the thing with the pipe is out also...darn.

Well I'm going back to JCPenney and get my money!

Is it too hot for corduroy in LA? I kind of like the Don Johnson...Miami Vice...no socks and white jacket/pants.

Of course I'm being silly...probably wear a nice shirt and pants...if it's a major...I'm going suit and tie.

That's it - I'm wearing a towel and dark sun glasses.