Message Board

Seems to me Weaver's Endeavor/Miramax connections legitimize them rather well. If you didn't hear back, well they probably weren't interested in the script. I'd say, with their background, it's definitely worth $3.20 in postage to submit.

Has anyone had any other problems beyond just not hearing back from them?

What is so perplexing?

Lots of agencies/prodcos have a non-heirarchical set-up. Thus, each person shares the workload. And they're new; perhaps things are still settling down. At least they do communicate with people.

As for the SASE, 99% of what is submitted is not optioned. They said they'd return your script to you IF they're not interested because YOU provided the SASE. Where's the mystery?

As for where they found my logline, it was advertised in Spec Script Marketplace.

This is starting to sound like a witch hunt. Does anyone have any REAL evidence that they are corrupt or illegitimate or are we just upset because no one has been optioned?

So, even if he was an assistant, that's how all agents start careers. He still has experience with one of the powerhouse writer agencies in H'wood. As for losing more than postage, if your script is registered and copywrighted, what do you lose?

-L

Laz,

I am having the same reaction. I can't figure out why--beyond the fact that submitted screenplays simply weren't optioned--there seems to be such negativity among posters regarding EE. No one has produced any evidence of illegitimacy or wrongdoing. I say ignore the Negative Neds and go for it...

-Lois

Anyone have any info. on Mr. Ross? He contacted me via HollywoodLitSales.com and asked to speak with me re representation. He doesn't show up on the HAD.

Thanks in advance, Lois

Posted to the American Zoetrope message board this morning:

<< Be Warned, Chadwick & Gros are scam artists of the worst kind. Just take a look at their contract, especially article 7. A contract they were claiming was WGA approved before I contacted the WGA people. The WGA forced them to remove the pseudo endorsement. They also doctored some e-mails to make it appear like manager Rob Gallagher was endorsing them. And these are only a few of their exploits. NEVER DEAL with CHADWICK & GROS OR anyone associated with them. >>

Hi Rob,

I was just forwarding a posting I had read--I have no info. myself. The message was posted by Newton Fall on the AZ "other" message boards.

HTH, Lois

Daniel,

You're rabid worshipping of this film is ruining the credibility of your opinion.

Titanic may be the most successful BOX OFFICE film of all time, but please... there's often a big difference between commercial success and artistic quality.

I loved the movie--it was excellently directed, the acting was good, and the story was interesting. But I would not list it even in the top 100 films of all time.

Just my .02, -L

Brooklyn,

We all know you are associated with EA. What we all want to know is why none of us has ever heard a word after submitting material to your company.

-L

Oops, I meant EE--typo.

Of course the only thing worse than winning would be not winning and then watching the winner sell to a major studio for mid six. Hmmm, are we sure this is a NEW contest? :-)

-L

Todd,

Weren't you an agent at Writers and Artists? I think we corresponded a bit.

Lois

Just FYI...

Found this on google:

http://www.absolute-sway.com/pfp/bboard/messages/728.html

Yikes.

As far as I recall, there are three stages:

Top 10% -- A bigger cut than the usual quarter-finals in other contests. Letter notification plus release form for potentially interested parties. (They also used to offer a big discount on the conference fees but not this year) :-(

Semis -- Narrowed even further (I think it's the top 30) Phone call notification plus release form.

Finals -- decided right before the conference. Phone call, etc.

The winners are announced at the Friday banquet.

HTH, Lois

Didi,

Got my top 10% letter on Friday. BJ added a handwritten note that said: "Several judges LOVED your script. Keep up the great work!" Talk about mixed messages. I didn't know whether to get drunk or... get drunk :-)

Best of luck, -L

A PS to my first message...

Apparently I was wrong about them not offering a discount to top 10% writers. I got the letter today offering a registration fee of $295. Hope ya'll are able to make it--it really is a first-rate conference!

Lois

Count me in with the Trekkies :-)

I wrote a Voyager spec that got read and rejected three months later. It brought back Moriarty (yum!) and the Countess.

-L

Hi Miriam,

They write the films in-house only but will read two specs (maximum) from anyone as long as you follow the rules for submission. I think you can find them either on this site, Larry Brody's TV Writer site, or at Wordplay. It was so long ago, I forgot where :-P

-L

I love them both but, for me, Star Trek has more soul and philosophical depth.

IMHO,

L

Jeff,

Got that link from someone else on the Zoetrope site. It looks like an ftp source. It read fine last time I tried it.

???

-L

I got through just now. Here's the text:

<< Posted by Wendy Darling on March 24, 19100 at 10:15:10:

In Reply to: Re: A question about books vs. scripts posted by Lark Alexander on March 08, 19100 at 13:12:36:

This is a warning about "producers" who ask for scripts and then disappear. Have they stolen them? A friend of mine had this happen to her. The "agency's" address:

ENERGY ENTERTAINMENT 15433 Brownwood Place Bel Air, California 90077

C/o Rosanna Kundrotas

Don't go near these people!!!!! >>

Ron,

I agree the message is a bit ambiguous, but I assume that the poster would not have become so adament simply because she (or her friend) hadn't heard back from a prodco. I have to suspect there's more there that causes her to warn "don't go near these people!"

Lois

Hey Dan,

I understand your frustration and you are justified. But I've long since given up on the scoring stuff and, like Miriam said, I place more importance on the discussions and sharing of info. with other members--like you :-)

IMO, whatever is going to happen with our scripts is going to happen off that site, not through it.

Best, Lois

My opinion:

Way too many uninformed newbies around the AZ site these days. Better to get advice privately from your trusted pals than to subject yourself to the likes of the review you described.

Or, you can just take the good, ignore the bad, and forget the scores.

-L

Hey Miriam, thanks for the invite :-)

-L

Brooklyn,

I found that link on a Zoetrope message board, so I'm not scouring the internet looking for heresy. I just passed on one link that represents a sentiment that A LOT of new writers have echoed in many forums.

I'm not on a personal mission (even though I never heard back from EE re the script I submitted eons ago). I'm just passing on info. for fellow newbies who are ripe for being taken advantage of.

-Lois

Re the "chick" question (BTW, more guys than gals ask about this every year on MWS)...

I live in Austin and it's definitely a casual town. The Omni and Driskill are fancy-schmancy hotels, however.

The good nes is: Jeans work in any situation. I usually wear jeans (with boots, of course), a blouse or T, and a blazer. This way, the look is casual with a touch a business thrown in.

Personally, I would avoid shorts and sneakers because, IMO, it screams amateur.

Also, the all-black NY look is what the female biz folks wear. Can't go wrong with black anywhere, anytime :-)

See y'all in a little bit...

Lois

If you want something less rigid but still very informative and inspiring, try Richard Krevolin's "Screenwriting from the Soul." My favorite by far.

-L

Ashley,

I don't think you have too much time on your hands.

Too much wine on your lips, maybe....

;-)

-L

INT. HOUSE - DAY Blah blah blah

KITCHEN Yadda yadda yadda

BEDROOM Dum dee dum dum



HTH, -L

Okay, that didn't quite format properly.

I think you can get the meaning though ;-)

The movie got made because it's a great idea--and it came right on the heels of the Survivor phenomenon.

While the script is nothing to throw an award at, the film was very original and, except for the third act, very well plotted. Not all good film have good scripts.

The directing and acting were superb. Best, most terrifying plane crash I've ever seen. The almost silent second act was unique and interesting.

Castaway was not Oscar material (except perhaps for Hanks) but it was a good film, IMO.

-L

I entered and placed in the 1999 semis at Moondance. The conference was exceptionally well-run and informative. I think it is a first-class organization. The female-only thing bothered me just a little bit but they have since changed the criteria and now accept material from both genders in a variety of categories.

My decision not to enter in 2000 was based on my personal belief that mainsteaming is the best way to achieve equality. Since the change, I will probably enyer again this year.

-L

I was contacted by a newer, little known prodco in response to my listing in winningscripts. I will let y'all know what happens...

-L

Thanks for initiating the service, Frederick :-)

As a musician, I must add my version:

Why did Hannibal eat Yo-Yo Ma last?

There's always room for cello...



:-)

<< There are good Christians and evil people who call themselves Christians; good Muslims and evil people who call themselves Muslims, etc. >>

Simply, there is good and evil. And it is the responsibility of the good to destroy the evil.