Message Board

We are seeking clients that write very smart, innovative and distinctive Action and Action/Comedy screenplays, based on very unique, yet commercial ideas.

We tend to like the dynamic of writing teams for these genres.

For information about Crescendo Entertainment Group, please go to:

www.crescendoentertainmentgroup.com

When you send your query, please type the words ACTION or ACTION COMEDY into the subject line of the e-mail.

Thank you.

CRESCENDO ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

Again?!

Damnit Marc, don't you have your stable of writers, yet?

ROFLMFAO!

Pass...

Ron

There's obviously some history here I'm not privvy to, being a relative newcomer. Anyone care to share?

We have a stable, but have to ALWAYS be looking for new material/clients.

Marc

Seeing that you are lurking- I read that you're really only interested in writers who have 7 or 8+ polished scripts at hand.

Also could you be more specific as to the TYPE of Action scripts or an Action Comedy Script you are interested in seeing.

For instance- are you looking for writers for the next American Pie or more like Steve Martins Bringin Down the House.

Action scripts- Die Hard vs Terminator or Predator

Interested in your take of what Hollywood isn't doing as a remake these days.

Thanks WD

Mr. Marc: You didn't respond to the last two major feature film length screenplays sent to you. Not even a "pass." Each writer is not a faceless, vaporous puff of smoke that somehow puts words on paper in such a sequence that some pros recognize their commerical value. "I forgive my enemies, but remember their names." I'm a professional who does not carry resentments around like badges of honor.

As Trottier told me, "its a tough business."

Grover

"I read that you're really only interested in writers who have 7 or 8+ polished scripts at hand."

If that's true, then why are there so many good Writers I know who have that and more--who have told me their queries have been ignored?

Actually their looking for the new vioce. Like me. If only someone would actually read them. I can guarantee that if George Lucas' name was on my "Extinction" I'd get 2-3 million for it. How sad is that and he's a horrible writer, but with a good instinct for mythology. You'd think my name alone would get me further, who'd think that you'd have to prove your talent? That's okay though, I welcome the oppurtunity.

Holy geez gang, relax.

Mr. Hernandez really doesn't have to justify himself to anyone. The fact that he openly comes out looking for scripts is something in itself. He's not a wallflower or sitting on the bench, he's a busy guy and the fact he makes these open calls, knowing full well that he will receive an avalanche of query letters from people like ourselves who think they have the next big thing sitting there in .scw, .rtf format ready to fly it to him in a second's notice, well, I think it's a wee bit crazy myself.

But come on gang, hundreds of queries, hundreds. We can't get upset because he doesn't reply. What we do is move on, keep plugging away. Sure throw the pasta against the fridge, it just might stick but don't get ticked because he doesn't reply. We send out tons of queries and how many reply? Really? 10%? 5%? 2%? Just throw your pitch and move on.

Trust me I know. I've sent Crescendo queries on 4 separate scripts, each unique with both comedy and or action elements. How many replies back? Zero.

Tim

"Mr. Hernandez really doesn't have to justify himself to anyone."

Here, here, Tim. I couldn't have said that better myself.

Why is the position of some writers on this board that their work alone will stand out amongst tens if not hundreds of thousands of other writers trying to make it as a screenwriter?

Confidence is one thing. But bellyaching about getting no response won't get you anywhere.

Use that energy toward something positive like writing another script.

Richard and Tim,

People simply have a right to their opinion about this matter, and this BB is here to serve that end. There are many people who are learning about the symantics of this business (good or bad) by the very fact that bitching and moaning about what some believe to be consistant unprofessional behavior is worth having something to say about. Marc is salesman, not some icon that unsold writers should tremble before, hold in awe, or have endless understanding for, simply by virture of the fact that he decides what is fit or unfit for the marketplace. If people have product that he can sell, he'll respond. If not, you don't exist for him. It suck. But, it's business. It's they way he chooses to conduct himself. We can not change that. Accordingly, I believe he's handling this rejection very well by his silence. But calling it " his job " for not even taking a few seconds to respond " Pass " to people who are in desperate need of a little dignity, doesn't make it the right thing to do.. It's sadly ironic, that I've had major Hollywood producers get back to me with very curtious responses, in a timely manner; yet I routinely can't expect the same from the management companies that come to this BB. Frankly, I'm not sure of what you are so passionately defending. Hollywood is a tough place. We know this. Guy's like Marc have very tough skins, and laugh at this kind of squabbling among " wannabe writers. " He doesn't need you to defend him. And to the people who want to strike back, and get under the skin of a gate keeping " Player " like Marc; don't tell him he lacks professional skills. Ask him why guys like Marty Bowen/UTA never come to this BB - and he does. Believe me, it's not about having a stable full of good material or good writers.

This short string has already had its share of bitching and moaning, a bit of sanctimonious altruism - and I've been preaching.. But, the best advice I've heard in all of it came from Tim.. And that was to make your " Pitch " and move on...

Ron

Here, here, Ron -- well-stated, and a bit of reality.

"But calling it " his job " for not even taking a few seconds to respond " Pass " to people who are in desperate need of a little dignity, doesn't make it the right thing to do."

Seriously, Ron. By whose standards is "taking a few seconds to respond" the right thing to do?

At the risk of Ellum getting his knickers in a twist, I'd say follow the advice one old writer gave me. If you receive rejection from one person, send your story out to two more. You can apply that to screenwriting if you don't hear back from an agent/producer in the allotted amount of time (4-6 weeks).

There is no dignity in screenwriting, Ron. Keep in mind that you are writing for an audience with an average reading level that borders on the 6th grade level. If it's dignity you're after, then try writing a novel. Of course, the pay isn't as good, but the work is more rewarding.

Jamie, yes, it helps to have a "name" in the Biz. But I'm not sure I "totally" agree with you.

I remember a couple of Writers who were hired to fly down South to re-write a project Lucas had written. They said it was absolutely horrific (and I'm not referring to him making them pay for their own breakfasts when he insisted on meeting with them at restaurants, etc.)

Of course, they felt they couldn't dare tell Lucas how awful his writing was, etc. Needless to say, they backed out--and the project never got made.

Years ago, when I used to go on acting auditions, the Producers, etc. always asked me the same question. Was I related to so-and-so. I always lied and said no.

When I turned to writing full-time, NO ONE has ever asked me if I'm related to this very famous Screenwriter. Not once! Not ever!

So, as I said, I cannot "totally" agree with you.

"not even taking a few seconds to respond " Pass " to people who are in desperate need of a little dignity, doesn't make it the right thing to do."

I agree. Business is business -- and I would hate for Marc to burn any bridges with us. Just think? The pitch he ignores could get requested from Miramax Acqusitions (which mine did, due to attachments), or could find a reader at WMA (which mine did), or could receive talent interest from UTA (which mine did), or could find an agent (which one of mine did). I would hate for him to have to lose out, because he has been (above all else) a beacon of light throwing a little ray of hope our way.

Double-check those pitches, Marc! Other people have been picking up the nuggets you've discarded. (kiss, kiss)

"Business is business -- and I would hate for Marc to burn any bridges with us."

I don't let people burn bridges easily. Often, through ignorance or callousness, they knowingly (or unknowingly) strike a match to a bridge to me.

Its okay. I'll put out the flame and place your name on a very special list. It's a list of people who, if they want to do business in the future, will pay a heavy toll to cross that scorched bridge.

A little decency goes a long way -- and keeps you off expensive lists.

Richard,

Sorry for a bit of the spelling n my response last night. It was late and I was tired.

I always believe that standards are set by people and businesses who respect a basic understanding that " you have to give some to get some. " If someone asks me to send something, or " pitch " something, and I take the time or spend postage in response to " their query, " I I expect a response. It's like a contract. There is a presumed meeting of minds. If a party responds to a need expressed by another party, and intentionally recieves no response, regardless of the reason, it's an indication that the first party places little if any value on the agreement and is not truly deserving to have been responded to in the first place. A lesson is learned - and not forgotten. Supose a month from now the unresponded to writer is suddenly sitting at the desk of a major producer who wants to cut a deal. Do you think that writer will call the same managagement co. Even is a pitch or a script is terrible, it has value to the writer in terms of time and creative effort. If a two second " pass " is beyond the means of a management company that came calling on this BB for a pitch or material, shame on them. As Deb noted, some people on our BB are getting positive responses from far more influencial people than Marc. I thankfully include myself in that group. And what I've learned, is that they respond, and they respond in a manner that keeps a relationship open. To not respond to a " query " is a cynical gamble, based on a risky presumption - based on your pitch, that you will never succeed to prove them wrong. Time, talent, and creative effort, has every opportunity to prove otherwise. There are lessons to be learned for all of us - including Marc, who has the uncanny ability to turn a positive BB " query " into a heated point - counter point on a very sensitive topic, by consistantly following a practice of salutory neglect that serves no end other than to draw attention to not what works - but what doesn't work.

In terms of screenwriter " dignity. " Horton Foote, Steven Zallian, Robert Towne, Harriet Frank Jr.and Irving Ravetch, Woody Allen, Dudley Nichols, Shane Black, Paddy Chayefsky, John Houston, Robert Riskin, Sidney Buchman, Ben Hecht, Akira Kurosawa.... bla, bla bla... Get the picture...?

Ron

I beg your pardon. Working with Lucas (I assume you're referring to the George Lucas) was a horrifc experience? And he made these poor writers pay for their breakfast? Oh my God. What an evil man.

Things happen. People don't respond to queries. Maybe it got deleted after so many days, like mine does at AOL.

Marc did respond to a query of mine and wanted to see the script, I sent, it was a pass. I moved on. And if I had a script of the like in which he requests ------hey, I'd query him. Actually, I do, but it needs editing, or a little rewrite. And I'm still on break. haha Yes, I work hard, I take a break. I work hard, I take....

Agents and managers have a list somewhere of what they want, what's hot and what's not. A "real" place to look at this trend list is at AEI. At least, they used to have one going and it might be of help to some.

If there's one thing that I've learned while awaiting a sale, fussing and stewing doesn't do anything but make me sad and angry. I'd rather be happy and creating. We choose every day.

PS Lucas made people pay for lunch? Was this before or after he made it big?

This subject reminds me of a Scott Abrahamson of Artists Industry Management.

He contacted me because of a contest result and asked for the script, a multi-paged synopsis, loglines of previously finished scripts, details of my first sexual experience (I'm hazy here--that may have been somebody else), other contest results, and a detailed bio.

And after all that, I never heard from the guy again. I wouldn't judge this guy as badly if he told me my work sucked, as I do for him blowing me off.

(Hmmm...I see that I've chosen two terms that don't juxtapose well with each other. Please excuse this--I was only trying to make a point.)

Has anybody else had the same experience with him?

The query process--more accurately, the whole marketing process for any kind of writing--is a frustrating one. Some answer. Some don't. Most pass when they do.

But as bad as I hate to say it, a LOT of the blame must be laid at the feet of the writing community itself. If the screenwriting submission pipeline resembles that for novels, then it is sadly a pipeline filled with garbage. I've read articles in which editors say that over 90% of what they receive is not only not publishable; it's UNREADABLE. And having seen a bazillion samples across a gazillion venues, I don't doubt what he says.

Marketing would be infinitely easier if people didn't jump into the fray until they were ready. I know of nothing that suggests that will happen, but it's only fair to assign the lion's share of the blame appropriately. Can YOU imagine reading hundreds of queries and/or subs a week, when wading through the vast majority of it is like slogging around in a garbage dump? Every end of the game undoubtedly has its frustrations.

Just something to keep in mind.

amen, jerry!

Jerry,

You're absolutely right. Everyone thinks they have a talent for writing - and screenwriting in particular. One look at a bookstore bookshelf is evidence enough. I've also learned that many of the most aggressive people are those who consistantly come up short in writing talent. We all know people like this. They are unconscious. The writing is secondary. Big on concept, hype, and endless talk about how a story should be told, but completely lacking in patience, craft, and talent to fully make a script everything it can be. And we are hurt by them. At festivals, they are always immediately in the face of name people, and clutter the e mail boxes of every management company, agent and prodco. Many only have a very rough draft of one bad writing sample, yet a slew of high concept log lines. Forget film school, high placement in strong competitions, and the hard work of being a good writer. In place of all that, they throw names around and are relentlessly on the attack. I know someone who gets his photo taken with famous industry people at film festivals and sends the photos(in frame) to producers - along with his pitch. He's had very positive responses. A real schmoozer.. I've seen him pitch. Talk about " over the top.. " So many of them rely entirely on the ability to pitch, perfect a body of hot loglines, practice strong follow up, and ironically, they do get in the doors of the very same people who keep so many talented writers out. Why...? Because they know that in the current buying environment, the gate keepers talk about " good writing " but the game remains all about salesmanship and HIGH CONCEPT. The " pitch king " Robert Kosberg, or whatever his name is, openly suggests on industry panels, and in mag articles, to forget writing scripts; the buyers only want the hot concept; they'll hire their own writers. Of course, we can expect that management companies, agencies, and prodcos are getting flooded with a lot of junk, and that the measures they take to manage this hurts the good with the bad. But it's them who instruct: " Only send a log line and a brief synopsis. " In so doing, they reduce the opportunity to find good material and perhaps a productive relationship to a recipe for likely disappointment for both parties before there was ever a chance. They made this monster, not the struggling hopeful writer, talented or not. A log line and synopsis in response to a high concept query offer to send only that, is not about writing; it's about something else entirely. And the movies/scripts that have been coming out this summer, that have passed muster by " the decision makers.. who managers and agents are trying to sell too " speak volumes about the poor level of judgement that prevails on what is good and indeed bad writing. No wonder people send them junk. I simply suspect that this same low quality, quick judgement goes into the decision to simply not respond to anyone who's concept doesn't immediately " click. " I just don't buy, the " I don't have the time ( a few seconds - pass - send) because so much writing is so bad. " Those of us who have proven to ourselves and others that we are talented should play by the same rules as those of the silent pass, and not send them anything when they come calling. Reduce the playing field to a mutually accepted measure of professional disregard and move on to new opportunities...

William Goldman: " Nobody knows nothin.. "

Ron

Thanks, Gil. Thanks, Ron.

To be clear, I've sure been guilty of the same thing myself in the past, but mainly before it was SO easy to interact with and learn from other writers as to the various stages, learning the craft, understanding when a piece of work might be READY to market, etc.

What's maddening to me is to be talking to a brand new writer, and they tell you how they've just "finished" their first whatever, and could you please "tell them how to query?" You explain politely that they should really do all they can to perfect the work before sending it out, that first drafts are not the kind of thing you send out, and in return they tell you "Oh, it's ready! I was careful while I wrote it so it doesn't need any rewriting." Yeah. Right. Uh-huh. And they don't listen. They go right ahead and stick it into the system. Their mom read it and loved it and, by golly, Mom is ALWAYS honest with them so they know it's great. Sheesh.

/RANT OFF

I agree with you all.

A recent study found the incompetent most confident in own abilities. I found that so sobering that I have the headline taped across the top of my computer. I never want to think that my scripts or I are at our best.

A true professional is probably always questioning their capabilities and it is through those doubts that they rewrite and rewrite...and improve and improve.

And even without that study I always new it was true. I guess I saw too many of Tyson's early fights---the opponants carried out of the ring only moments before having proclaimed their supreme confidence in victory to the world. The poor bastards. ;)

Young Tyson was the most brutal thing I've ever witnessed. When it comes to raw physical ability and potential, I think he was the best in the history of the sport. Simply awesome.

Happen to have a link to that article/study?

Jerry, I don't have the article anymore, but just the headline--which is dated January 25, 2000, if that helps. If I can figure out how to find it again I'll let you know.

Yeah, Tyson was the real thing! Do you remember an early championship fight where he knocked the guy down THREE times with one punch?

I remember another guy who was audibly praying for his own safety as he was walking down the aisle to face Tyson. He lasted 30 seconds so I don't know if that means his prayers were answered (a fairly painless beating) or not (a beating, all the same).

Yet all of these guys spouted off how they were the best and how they were going to take Tyson apart. And then they were humiliated by their ineptitude.

The only exception that I remember was the undefeated Michael Spinks, who acknowleged that he was probably in for a very unpleasant night. And he was right, he lasted only a minute--so maybe a quiet humility isn't necessarily a guarantee for success either. ;)

BTW, they're going to put Tyson back in prison for beating up two guys last month--but these were two guys who really needed to be beat up, so that's too bad, in my opinion. I'd like to see Tyson beck in prison, for his and society's good, but not for this.

BTW--since I'm so off the subject anyway--but I'm writing two boxing scripts at the moment.

One, titled "the Spartan" is loosely based on Cleamachus who was a famous boxer of ancient Greece, and the other titled "The Great John L." is about John L. Sullivan, who was the world's last bareknuckle Heavyweight Champion.

Cleamachus had (presumably) 2000 knockouts, and John L. over 200. And neither of these boys would have lasted 30 seconds with Tyson.

ok, if we're going to talk about boxing, be sure to research one "k.o. christner" a fighter in the 20's and 30's, who was my distant relative.

I will, Gil. Hey, was "K.O" the precipitator or the recipient of the action in which he earned his nickname?

Boxing in the past always developed great nicknames. Some of my favorites: Tombstone Smith; Spider Web; Fainting Phil (I believe in his case there's no question he was the recipient of the harm): The Mannasa Mauler: The Brown Bomber (I think Joe Louis would have to be satisfied with "The Afro-American Bomber" today to satisfy the politically correct);The Bronxville Bomber; The Wild Bull of the Pampas; "The Boston Strong Boy; and, of course, all of the wonderful "Sugar Rays".

I believe we writers need similar nicknames to inspire awe and fear in the market! I'll be working on mine this afternoon--I'll be getting back to you on this. (Maybe you should all work on yours, too, to stay competitive.)

Right now I'm thinking "D. Jay 'He Could Use the Payday' Williams" but it may be lacking the certain panache I'm looking for. I may need to tweak it some.

I think Trevor Berbeck was the guy that Tyson knocked down three times with one punch. He was falling around the ring like a drunk who just had the rug pulled out from under him. When Micheal Spinks was asked about the weigh-in before his fight with Tyson, he said, "I'm not worried about the weigh-in, I'm worried about the way out."

Sean

Thanks, Sean, I'd forgotten his name--Berbick. And if the referee hadn't grabbed him and held him up he would have gone down the 4th time from that one shot. He was a very brave man, to keep trying so hard to stay in the fight.

I hadn't heard the Michael Spinks quote--very funny! And he was very brave. I remember he was on the ropes and Tyson crouched down to deliver the coup de grace, and Spinks started a desparation right hand at Tyson in response. Spinks was unconscience before it traveled 6 inches, but he went out swinging.

A good metaphor for living--what we would each hope for ourselves.

Hey D J

This MANAGER situation is really interesting.

I have querried Marc Hernandez and never been replied to. I have querried Brooklyn Weaver, he replied by talking to me a number of times and his advice changed my direction in my writing.

Scot Abrahamson of AIM, we have talked tons of times but that is because he is my manager. What these guys go thru is unbelieveable. I know that Brook gets hundreds of querries every week and to respond is impossible. Like someone said above, most of it is crap by people who are just starting out or don't have a chance of making it out of the gate.

The biggest comment I have got from some of these guys is that most people don't know how to write a LOGLINE and SYNOPSIS. If you send these out bad, you have already lost the first impression- delete it goes.

The two logline I had posted on Moviebytes absolutely sucked but those were the ones I put her over 2 years ago. I learned how to do them and because of that and the UNIQUE stories I have, I now have a manager.

DJ- Scot is not quite in the same position as Marc and Brook but he represents writers in both TV and Screenplays. He was only looking for a couple of screenwriters who had work in a narrow field as far as genres go.

Scot is only one of a ton of managers now who are doing the same thing. There are only so many deals to be had and now you have all the studio relatives and employees, agents and managers. Not a lot of room.

Keep plugging away- I look after all my own querries and just keep Scot in the loop. He is marketing 2 scripts I have and by God the process is long and frustrating.

Steve

Hey Marc,

How's about this..

Title: " Like Mike "

Log line: Former Heavyweight with a mug and a mind like T-Rex, wanna know where all da bitches and da Bling went..

Action Romantic Comedy..

Ok... Pass..

Geeezz..

Ron

Hey, Guys--

I've been workin' my buns off (wish I literally was) the past few days--but just had to take a break!!!!

Of course, you know, coming to this site--I can't resist making a comment(s).

Re: Writers having professional "nick names." During my senior year in high school, most everyone got a nick name. Mine was Tenacious Terri. Everyone just started calling me "Tenacious" for short. (I won't go into how I got the nick name--I'll save it for Leno.)

As far as boxing matches, I remember watching the one where Tyson "bit the ear." That was somethin' to watch, wasn't it? LOL!

I haven't been personally involved in any boxing matches BUT, once--while still living in Nebraska--this broad who had been after the guy I was seeing, was drunk. She approached me on the third floor of this bar and called me the "b" word. You don't do that in Nebraska. I gave her one punch. She slid across five tables before she hit the wall. I think she then became known as "Missing Moran."

Well, you know how, this week, I've been having a lot of luck--which I pray, for once, doesn't run out. Well, since ya'll seem to also be speaking of managers and agents, something "nice" happened yesterday and today.

In the beginning, Colin O. asked to see two of my scripts. I asked him if he was sure he wanted to see CLOUDY DAYS because it was a female "Sleepers." He said, "You're right. It would be a hard sell. Don't send it."

CLOUDY DAYS is the one where I had many meetings with several top prodcos a few years ago--all who were interested in buying it. But, as I explained before, my timing sucks. After eight meetings with the company I REALLY wanted to sell to--they decided it was too risky due to Columbine.

Well, the past two days, I've had several people (for different writing jobs) ask to see a sample of my work. I hadn't shown anyone CLOUDY DAYS for a long time and thought about it, wondering if I should use it. So I went and looked at the first ten pages and said, "SHIT! DAMN! How come I don't write like that anymore?" LMAO!

So I decided to use it as a sample. I've had a lot of e-mails today from Execs/Producers who read CLOUDY DAYS. They seemed to be "extraordinarily" pleased. One said, "Where have you been hiding?" I think maybe that's the nicest question anyone's ever asked me. LOL!

So, today, this is my advice to everyone out there. Just because you have scripts that have been collecting dust, doesn't mean they've bit the dust. Pull them out. (No, I'm talking about your "Johnson.") Reading them may surprise you. AND--one of them might just be FANTASTIC with a little thing called "re-write."

Tenacious

Hi Steven,

I've never sent out a quiery because I know there's little point; I only have one script at the moment, and I know it may not have a market.

But I have responded to the few who have initiated the contact, and I'm suprised when I don't get the courtesy of a response. Not heartbroken--but suprised.

d. jay,

as he never became very famous, i would imagine "k.o." was on the receiving end of his moniker's implications.

Terri,

In the past month that's exactly what I've done. And I suddenly now have three more scripts to pitch. A supernatural thing called " Ghost Patrol, " a thriller, " Alphabet City Blues, " and a comic book/game thing, " Tuna Casanova. " I'm doing the same with three others. I have about five new ones that I want to jump into, but it makes sense if the old material just needs some tweeking and and a more objective spin. I'm, distanced and a better writer now, so it's actually fun to attack this stuff from a different angle. Get's rid of a little guilt as well.

Ron

That's wonderful, Ron. Don't stop. "Run, Ron, run!"

I, myself, am working on polishing an action/adventure which is the most exciting project I've ever worked on (which sort of scares me).

I did something this morning that I hope wasn't insensitive.

A friend told me she's going to be bedridden for several months--because of lupus.

She has a script she's been trying to write for several years--her first. It's a wonderful--yet horrific--story about her mother and father. I've always thought it would be great for a company like HBO to air during Black History Month. But, to be honest, I think the story is better than that and has endless possibilities. Secretly, I've wanted to work on the project for years.

My friend has such a huge, busy life that lupus just doesn't fit into the equation (already has a bad heart and a young son who's bi-polar). She's done some amazing things. She's been a Poet Laureate for several years (plus started a yearly poetry festival and workshops) and, among other things, started a camp for "at-risk" teen girls that's now going national. It's hard to believe that one human being can accomplish all the things she's done during the last few months. (While she was home schooling her son!)

Even before I knew about her life, I thought she was the most amazing human being I'd ever met. She may physically have a bad heart--but it's a beautiful one.

This morning, I offered to work on her project for her. I just hope it didn't come out the wrong way. One never knows in situations such as this.

If I want the chance to work on her project (she hasn't said anything yet), I'd better get that action/adventure polished and start working on it again in a few minutes since I have to go to a meeting at Universal in a couple of hours.

Ron, I hope you're not the only one on this site who's decided to dig out old projects--and bring them to light! One never knows when life can hit us with something unexpected. I've recently learned that procrastination is a disease in itself.

I apologize. I haven't been reading all the messages on these threads since I've been busy and trying to get a ton of things done.

It appears there were some questions I didn't answer. Again, sorry.

The "Lucas story" happened in the 90s which, of course, means he was "big."

I believe the breakfast was only toast and coffee. And if I remember correctly, which I may not, the Writers had to pay for their own air fare. (Again, I may be wrong on that one.)

Terri and dist,

Check out the new BB string that just came in from Marc.

Ron

"I beg your pardon. Working with Lucas (I assume you're referring to the George Lucas) was a horrifc experience? And he made these poor writers pay for their breakfast? Oh my God. What an evil man."

it was the dark side that made him do it

mf

i forgot the heavy breathing...a AH a aH a aHH

mf

Sorry if I got into this late, but I had to put in my 2 cents worth.

Marc has never took the time to answer one of my queries either. Why do I think I need a reply? Because I set around and wonder if the query was ever received. I'd much rather get a pass than an ignore.

Brooklyn Weaver always answers his and I'm sure he's a lot busier than Marc.

Not to mention if Marc is too busy to answer queries, then what the hell is he doing posting messages on this BB for?

Greg

Lucas not paying for breakfast OR the air fare, wasn't the horrific part of the experience! I don't recall saying it was. (This isn't directed to you, Marcel.)

But, usually, when a Writer isn't selling on a constant basis (which is more often than not)--paying for your own meals, transportation, etc. when it's the company's responsibility, is horrific!

Anyone who hasn't read the book MONSTER by John Gregory Dunne should!

I cannot find the thread where someone asked about Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio (SHREK).

They were recently at the SHREK "Story to Glory" screening sponsored by The Scriptwriters Network.

When talking about their career(s), they stated that they spent ten years learning the Biz, then wrote for five years AND when they kept getting rejected, they KNEW they'd made it. LOL!

"Elliott"

Sorry, Ted.

On the new string titled " INTERVIEW " Marc is reaching out to do some kind of CHAT with us. Unfortunately Fredrick just doesn't have the capability at this time for CHAT.

Anyway..

Ron

Ron, this makes no sense to me. Why would Marc want to CHAT with us when there are Writers on this BB who have said they've never received a response from him. If he doesn't have the time to respond, why would he have the time to CHAT?

Terri,

I dont't know..

Ron

Here's something I learned from "watching" that Sherry Lansing commercial. LOL!

It's only good business to respond to everyone and everything that comes in. And if you're too busy to respond yourself, that's what Assistants are for--to write the letters for you to sign.

Wow- can you feel the ANGER! I have sent out querries for years and have had success- 10% of the time.

I think of all the e-mails a manager must get in a day. I see the e-mails I get in a day. I get over a hundred a day from contacts and clients. I can't respond to them all every day but I do get to them eventually or I make phone calls.

Someone like Marc H. probably needs an assistant but as for getting back to people who querry him, get in the real Hollywood world. You only get a response if you have something that catches his EYE.

When was the last time any of you folks were looking for job. Sent out dozens of resumes only to never hear from the companies. Damn but it is so frustrating.

See the similarity. Your are applying for a job and the employer is only responding to those he wants to interview.

90% of the Postings these days state exactly that. "We will only respond to those we are interested in talking to".

I want to be first on the list if Marc is able to do some kind of a chat with us. Talk about seeing what is behind a closed door.

Thanks for making that offer Marc- I for one have a few questions and would love to hear some of your inside advice.

WD

When I was a position of hiring, I always sent a "thank you, but" letter to the rejects with an encouragement to try again. The letter may have been a form letter but I signed everyone (100 sometimes). If they already worked for me and were seeking a promotion, I spoke with them personally.

Queries only - no response necessary. If a script is requested - a polite "pass" is needed. If people like Brooklyn, Zide/Perry, and some bigger names can do it so can everyone else. Get an unpaid college assistant. Get software. But get off your damn high horse. If you request a script the writer deserves a response.

I can't say as I've had the same experiences as Warren.

Before I went to work at ABC, I sent out 30 resumes. The next day, between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., I received 30 phone calls for interviews.

That night, I sent 30 more resumes. Next day, same thing happened.

Thank God for "call-waiting."

I went on the interviews and was offered jobs with all. Unfortunately, I went with what I thought was the best, and it probably was. It was at ABC but on the TV lot. Then I got a call that the job wasn't going to be open for another three weeks, but they had another they wanted me for at Century City. God works in mysterious ways. Can't say I was too happy with him during those five years. But everything happens for a reason.

If I sent out resumes for jobs now, things would be different. I haven't really worked at a j-o-b since I left ABC.

I answer all my e-mails. But since I'm a morning Writer, I have to start between 4:30 and 6:00 a.m. because I get between 650-1,000 e-mails on one S/N alone. On the other S/N that I use soley to receive industry news, etc.--I get 200 a day. Unfortunately, it's usually between 9 and 10:30 a.m. before I can get started on my writing.