Reports from the Front Lines (querying)

[bhaas]

Also you have 27 posts in 13 years and still says NEW USER so maybe step it up!

Ha! You're not wrong. I took a pretty good break from screenwriting and returned about two years ago and felt like Ant Man emerging after the snap.

Maybe it's time for me to be the change I'm looking for...

[Rantanplan]

I think also screenwriters attract more idiots (read men) who think they know everything about writing movies because they once saw a movie... and novelist tend to be smarter and well behaved.

I beg to disagree. Historically, many novelists and poets have been portrayed as tortured suicidal drunks with all sorts of personal and mental problems. The fact that this seems to no longer be the case is simply shocking and outrageous!

Meanwhile, screenwriters have always been portrayed as... wait, nobody cares! Maybe that's why the need for antagonistic bravado. Just kidding. Some of my favorite movies are about screenwriters. But historically speaking, in real life and in the movies, they definitely don't get the attention and celebrity status of novelists. So in that sense, I agree with Figment. But not about the polite author part.

[Ethos]

Lol. I came here from those some of those boards, and I was initially stunned that everyone here just said whatever they felt. I think the difference is that for an author, it matters that you're perceived to be a good person, and for a screenwriter no one cares, because you aren't usually the draw for a project, the director or actor/actress is.

The film/movie business is much more complicated. There are a lot of players involved and the cost or expense is in the millions, if not hundreds of millions. This is negated through in different ways, one being pre-sales another is procos getting funding from networks(in the case of TV). Before that happens you need to develop a business plan and get contracts signed...(an experienced producer-line producer- can comment more than me), But, it always starts with a screenplay or a pilot and its bible. That's what they sell to the actors, director - and most importantly - investors.

Screenwriters are consequential to all the associated professions as they rely importantly upon the writer to have thought out all the important story elements - and if changes are needed, fix them.

All that being said, you're saying, "I can't believe people act like this and...". For me all this seems very tame. Egos and insanity, real life stuff happens on set, people have personal problems, but also have important roles in the production and any producer that's made a movie will comment, "you just ride it out". Every person I've met that's higher up on the food chain seems stressed and has outbursts or copes in some way. There's a lot of pressure and big rewards - if you do well. As producers become more practiced, they'll identify problems before they happen and you'll never know it could have been an issue. Knowledge and experience is the key.

[figment]

The film/movie business is much more complicated. There are a lot of players involved and the cost or expense is in the millions, if not hundreds of millions. This is negated through in different ways, one being pre-sales another is procos getting funding from networks(in the case of TV). Before that happens you need to develop a business plan and get contracts signed...(an experienced producer-line producer- can comment more than me), But, it always starts with a screenplay or a pilot and its bible. That's what they sell to the actors, director - and most importantly - investors.

Screenwriters are consequential to all the associated professions as they rely importantly upon the writer to have thought out all the important story elements - and if changes are needed, fix them.

All that being said, you're saying, "I can't believe people act like this and...". For me all this seems very tame. Egos and insanity, real life stuff happens on set, people have personal problems, but also have important roles in the production and any producer that's made a movie will comment, "you just ride it out". Every person I've met that's higher up on the food chain seems stressed and has outbursts or copes in some way. There's a lot of pressure and big rewards - if you do well. As producers become more practiced, they'll identify problems before they happen and you'll never know it could have been an issue. Knowledge and experience is the key.

Well, I'm unsure why I'm being lectured to, but I think, per your post, the one thing we can agree on is that there's no shortage of self-important people in the business.

[Ethos]

Well, I'm unsure why I'm being lectured to, but I think, per your post, the one thing we can agree on is that there's no shortage of self-important people in the business.

From my experience you work under people and they expect things. Everyone that I know that worked up the chain had similar experiences. I wasn't trying to lecture you, I was explaining that were part of a team and each person has an important job.

This whole thing you're doing seem like projection of yourself on others. Maybe I'm incorrect?

[figment]

This whole thing you're doing seem like projection of yourself on others. Maybe I'm incorrect?

I was actually calling you self-important for the mini lecture on how important everyone is in the film industry. But nice try!

[Ethos]

socal - I read it as a poorly written whine about "woke nonsense."

I remember being in a classroom with group of students and I brought up how in the nineteen-eighties politicians within California contemplated leaving the union. Pointing out why they thought it would be a good idea, politicians advocating for different sides. This is something I had seen debated amongst sociological PHDs on college campuses many times.

Well during this conversation the teacher and myself were having there was a girl that began to interrupt me - not in a normal, let me say something way - but just muttering "no". She wasn't saying anything else, just saying "no" over and over again, like someone in a trance. I finished my point and the teacher began to discuss the topic and I pointed to the girl. "I think she might having something to add" and the teacher got this look on their face; mentioned her by name and simply asked her, "would you like to say something?" I had the feeling he really didn't want to hear her talk, I honestly didn't either, but her reaction was to bizarre that I had to know. She said, "I can't believe you said that." - I replied, "said what?" - I was confused, the teacher interrupted and say we're just having a conversation and we're not advocating for either side. We're just sharing information and points of view.

North, I do find it strange that you take my comments personally and attribute them to some political movement. I'll do you a favor and try to write more eloquently in the future.