In my history, I have talked to too many producers that have a very negative attitude or are so pompous, I have no interest in working with them. I had a producer that liked a screenplay of mine but said it needs to be rewritten. When I asked him what percentage needs a rewrite, he said, "About 70%." 70%! What did you like about the screenplay? The Title Page? His suggested changes didn't make sense nor did they add to the story in any positive way.
Needless to say, I don't need a yes man, but I do need a "it can be done" man. People that say, "that'll never work," don't work for me or with me. If that's the wrong attitude to have, too bad. I've followed too much bad advice or poor execution of my work to give a flying rodent's rump what you demand.
Also remember that everything I do comes from my mind which means it's my project. It's not something I spent weeks or months writing for you to come and usurp my ideas and claim them as your own. I need a producer, not a life sucking parasite. I'll listen to suggestions and if they work, we'll implement them but if it turns into your way or the highway, I'll grab my car keys and favorite CD and drive off into the sunset. I'm sure you'll find some soul selling writer that will bow to your every whim. No one is going to P. Diddy me. Of course, I think I'm way over the required age limit. Any questions?
Other than that, I'm a delight to work with. I can prove it if you got the nerve. You know where to find me.
3 people like this
I don’t disagree with anything you're saying, and honestly, 99.9% of us probably all feel the same just don't want to admit it . From my experience, though, you're probably going to be driving off into the sunset listening to your favorite CD a lot—because that's just not how things work in a world that's been set to certain standards for years, lol.
My advice: stick to your guns, stay independent, and do your own thing. Don’t ask for handouts. As far as funding goes, I personally don’t think you’ll get it from anyone in the industry, so I’d start outsourcing—there's money everywhere! It doesn’t matter if it comes from your neighbor’s sister’s friend’s Aunt Julie who’s rich and bored and wants to do something creative and fun. With money, anyone can make a film and figure it out on their own—it’s easier than people think.
For example, I don’t know if you’re familiar with the rapper Wiz Khalifa? In an interview, he said a family from Dubai invested $8 million—more than his own record label! People think just because someone’s in a suit and has a building, they’re the end-all, be-all, but they’re probably the exact opposite, lmao. Where there’s a will, there’s a way! (: .... i believe in you Philip David Lee
3 people like this
Thanks Chase. In my book, it's best to be upfront. I don't want to misrepresent myself or literally make money for someone who would use that money to fund something I was against. I'm not into agenda creating or overblown budgets. I just want to entertain a large percentage of the population. Being honest and upfront has its disadvantages. Elites don't want to work with people with integrity because they are usually up to their necks in immoral and illegal endeavors that a honest person might try and stop it. It's easier not working with someone like that than faking their suicide or hiding the body. Good thing is, I'm 63. If I find honest people to work with, great. If I die an unknown, I won't give a flying rodent's rump because I'll be dead and I'm sure the afterlife, if there is one, won't care either especially if it's just oblivion. If it's just oblivion at least I'll finally be able to get some uninterrupted sleep. I can only win.
3 people like this
Do track records really matter, Dan? Martin Brest directed Scent of a Woman then Gigli now he doesn't direct anymore. Any writers and directors that have worked on Disney, Marvel and Star Wars have probably lost $1B combined and they are still working. Track records don't mean anything. You want my track record? 1) You'll never catch me on a Diddy Freak Off video and 2)I haven't lost anyone any money especially not in the $100M range. If that's not good enough for producers and investors, they can go paper shred all their incriminating evidence. I appreciate your suggestions, Dan. I'm thinking of a YouTube show but I have design it so I only piss off the people that I want to. I have nothing to lose. The world does but I'm fine.
1 person likes this
If thats your attitude, good Luck.
Im gonna delete my first comment on this post for my own peace of mind
1 person likes this
You feel how you feel, DT. I don't believe in BS and like to be upfront. If that turns people off, I can deal with that. People in this industry have to be on the same page. If speed readers try and play with slow readers, it just cost money and I like to keep my numbers under control. Nothing wrong with stretching. Before every contest, it's a good idea to stretch. You don't want to pull a muscle while you're trying to win.
1 person likes this
You don't need luck when you're dealing with the truth. You just need other honest people that can execute plans with integrity and discipline.