Today, someone at S32 sent a friend request that I approved and, within moments, said, I would like you to read my script. When I read a script and take notes, it can take almost a full day's work; So I'm amazed someone who doesn't know me would ask me that.
Like many other businesses and creative endeavors, building relationships with people is the key to success. Recently I've had two well-known produced screenwriters on FB respectfully ask me to exchange work because they were interested in reading a particular script I'd written. And that was after having several online discussions about writing and film. Nevertheless, I don't look fondly at strangers asking me to read their work a minute after connecting online. Particularly without offering at least offering to do the same for me. Call it an issue of respect.
I have several screenwriting friends and still more friendly acquaintances. But In truth, I only have a half dozen folks I occasionally share or exchange work with. However, I'm generally willing to offer help when someone approaches me respectfully with something that will take a limited amount of time.
Finally, when it came to reading a stranger's screenplay or writing this post this morning, the choice was simple. Bwahaha!
What say you, forum dwellers?
3 people like this
Build relationships first. That's so CRUCIAL. Sometimes when you build a relationship, the person will offer to read your script. You don't even have to ask them to read it.
2 people like this
Thank you for sharing Phillip E. Hardy, Prolifique, I know as artists this issue in general can be frustrating. Especially in an industry that can seem "take" and not "give". In a large community like this, I always assume there will be some people that just don't know the protocols, or perhaps come from a different culture background. But no matter what your response is, you can always refer them to Stage 32's Script Services, https://www.stage32.com/scriptservices. We got your back!
2 people like this
Yea, or if you kindly offer notes on something and the person then asks if you couldn't just fix it, while you're at it.
2 people like this
Maurice: Exactly.
Niki: Thanks for watching my back. But Oy! I could tell you some horror stories. But I'll save them for another post.
Christiane: Sure, let me do your homework too. L
4 people like this
Great post, Phillip E. Hardy, Prolifique - I chalk these experiences up to inexperience. And it is a teachable moment for them. Perhaps you can use this moment to explain to them the relationship-building part of the business. Maybe it will save them from making the same misstep again.
I don't even think about stuff this trivial. Someone asks me to read a screenplay I just tell them I don't have time.
2 people like this
Jason: Perhaps I already deleted them. Oops. But your suggestion is much nicer and less impulsive. Still, I'm always wary of folks that don't post a profile picture. Are they homely? Are they hiding something? Are they hiding that they're homely? Are they just playing a trick on old Philly? These are the questions that drive my decision-making. Thanks for your support and productive feedback.
You have no idea what you just passed up. How do you sleep at night?
1 person likes this
Dan G: One man's trivia is another man's forum topic. And, I seem to remember reading and offering notes on one of your pitches a few years back. But I'm happy you're now above my banal post.
1 person likes this
I know the feeling and totally agree .
Derek: Oh, you, don't want me touching your car. But if you need cardiac surgery, I"m your man!
1 person likes this
Right! Pretty sure some festivals will pay you some pennies per paragraph to do that!
1 person likes this
Jay: I know, right? I'm having second thoughts. I think this person was the next William Goldman. Damn!
2 people like this
Just one more reason I keep my network very small - only those I know, have worked with, a few I hold high in esteem - and that comes only after time. I still get folk trying to sucker me, but rarely.
Dan - I don't have the time to tell 'em I don't have the time.
2 people like this
Drew: On occasion, I've accepted those pennies. Won't do that again.
Phillip "Post Prolifique" Hardy. You asked us our opinion. I just don't think someone asking me to read their screenplay is a big deal and it's not something I even think about.
Dan G : Point taken.
I blame your profile photo...it looks like you're encouraging people to pitch you.
1 person likes this
Mark: Haha! I better change that.
Phillip E. Hardy, Prolifique well I would simply tell them I will read and critique the first ten pages for a thousand bucks, that should keep one's schedule fairly uncluttered.
Something similar happened to me. I tell strangers who ask me to read their screenplays that I don't read other people's screenplays while I'm writing.
But then again, I'm always writing!
1 person likes this
Phillip. It says you are the “Creative In Charge at Improbable Solutions Productions” people think you are with a production company that produces movies. That may even be the case, I don't know, but that may be one reason the person asked you to read their screenplay. When I put down that I was a Screenwriter and a Producer I would sometimes get people asking me to read their screenplays. Most of the time I wouldn't even respond. Maybe that's why it never really bothered me. Yes you did offer notes on one of pitches and I really appreciated it so thanks again.
Dan: You could be right. You're welcome on the notes.
4 people like this
Here is a tactic for business. It has served me well. When you connect to someone. Your first contact should be to help them.
Your second contact should be to help them.
This builds a bond and a friendship. Eventually they will say “I feel guilty, is there anything I can do for you”
4 people like this
Craig, there is a certain logic to what you're saying. However, I have a different take. Though I've had a quid pro quo with several writers, I've had a much higher quantity that did nothing for me, which is okay. But I've also had writers that I spent hours helping that didn't even thank me for my time. For example, I recently mentored a woman on Facebook. After I finished spending several hours reviewing her pitches, she wrote she didn't need any more help. However she forgot to say the magic words, thank you. So I don't help people because I expect anything in return, I do it for karmic reasons. Nevertheless, I don't think much of somebody fails to say thank you. That's just common courtesy.
3 people like this
Thank you Phillip E. Hardy, Prolifique on behalf of all the ungrateful hooligans out there. I think when you are robbed the thank you's, that's when positive karma builds up exponentially...so...ummm, can you show me how to make my own pilot for 10% stake? Lol...just kidding. My crap is too expensive anyway. Take it easy.
3 people like this
Abdur: You're correct.: My positive experiences far outweigh the negative ones.
2 people like this
Hi Phil, if they had of followed my rule. They would come to you and say “Hi Phil, is there anything I can do you for?”. They would have kept doing things for you before asking you for a favour. What you are describing are parasites.
Sorry to be hard in people. But plain english removes any chance of a misunderstanding.
1 person likes this
Craig: you're direct. Nothing wrong with that.
2 people like this
Phillip E. Hardy, Prolifique I will help people out, when I have the time, without expecting anything in turn. I find it a good exercise to cast an editor's eye on someone else's work. It can give me some insight on my own at the same time.
That said, it has led to useful feedback on my own work as well and, recently, an excellent collaboration. Giving and receiving feedback is a great way to identify people you vibe with, creatively speaking.
1 person likes this
Dunno...If someone charges for notes, yes, I guess they'll see this as a waste of time which is money under those conditions...I've given two of my scripts recently for a reads by Dutch and US actors/producers, both gladly accepted... maybe it's approach one has to mind asking these things...
4 people like this
Daily occurrence here along with "can you produce my script" and "can you pass this on to Mr Stanley for his consideration".
Getting cold and numb to it now.
7 people like this
Also, show me someone who randomly solicits people for feedback and I'll show you someone you really don't want to be engaging with over their content. It will not end well. They're not looking for feedback at all. They just want you to read the script, fall in love with it, and help make all their fantasies come true.