James Wetuski's Lounge Discussions

The OP is absolutely correct. I have those 5-10 million dollar scripts in my back pocket in case anyone asks, but I also have two 30k films to show as proof I can direct and edit, and if someone wants a script that'll cost 100k, I have that too ready to go. Anyone planning a career in film should cover all bases. When that ridiculous request for 30mil falls through, have a Plan B for 10-30k. Like the immortal Casey Kasem used to say, "keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars."

@Parker but your statement is very realistic. Everyone should give it their all if they truly love and believe in their craft, but realistically few will garner the level of success they envision, especially if they are looking for a quick payout. I learned about screenwriting and the film industry from an in-law who sold a script for close to half a million. After that he and his manager who came along after the fact were turning down projects left and right saying they couldn't/wouldn't work on a film under 1mill. Now they are both broke with few if any industry ties left. For the 98% of us who won't luck out with a lighting in a bottle project or aren't the child of a industry bigwig, the ones who will make it are those dedicating to grinding it out.

E.B. I'm sorry that's the way you took my post. I'm sorry you think I was saying the relying on luck is better than working hard; "grinding it out". You are correct, realistically few will garner the level of success they envision. Most of the people posting here believe it's better to be realistic. I don't. I believe in "grinding it out", I believe in working hard, but I don't believe that being realistic is an advantage. I now see that most people (most people posting here anyway) prefer being realistic. I don't. I'm in the minority here. You all have great reasons to be realistic. I don't. I refuse to even consider that I will be one of the many who will not garner the level of success I envision.

Cynical, like you mentioned, yet substantive nevertheless!

Parker I didn't take your statement like that and I didn't mean for mine to infer that I did. I believe your statement is realistic in that you understand you are going all out and there is a chance for great success and a chance of failure. I believe to be in this business you have to take chances and shoot for the stars but also understand if you want longevity and the first project you submit doesn't catch lightning in a bottle it is a lot of hard work involved. There are some who enter the industry thinking this is a get rich quick scheme, those are the ones I'm referring to when I say some people are not realistic.