Today I received an email from a new client who did not like the analysis I did of their script. I'm really clear on my website that I am a 'straight shooter', I pull no punches. My passion is to help writers become great writers, to actually get their scripts into production.... not to simply keep...
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I agree with Owen.....and it's a matter of opinion as to how people interpret someone's statements. Some people need a bit of coddling, and some people like the Iron Hammer Approach. There was a simil...
Expand commentI agree with Owen.....and it's a matter of opinion as to how people interpret someone's statements. Some people need a bit of coddling, and some people like the Iron Hammer Approach. There was a similar post last year from a script consultant from Spain, and the reactions were mixed to her tone as well. Sometimes, the actual content of the message gets lost in the form and tone, since some people process the form and tone in a certain way, and let that interfere with the actual message.
For them, "it's not what you say, but the way you say it" holds very true.
I'm not a coddling type. I like analysis bluntly. I'd rather get my analysis in a BANG-BANG-BANG way. But as a business consultant whose clients range from small contractors to medium-size professional service corporations, and who are all across America, I talk to people in the ways that I perceive relates to them the best. There isn't a one-size-fits-all strategy in my consultative conversations, and especially since my clients range from polite and sensitive, slow-drawl types to fast-talking blunt types, and everywhere in between. This process is partly based on the Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT), and partly based on my own common sense.
That's a good lesson for writers, too, when developing characters.....make sure their psychological, cognitive and social identity aspects realistically and consistently match who they are, as represented by you, the writer.
Good Luck and Happy Writing, Everybody!
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Well what an interesting and lively response to my comment. I've been unable to respond sooner owing to travelling to China to write a British/China co-production of a beautiful dragon project.
Sat in...
Expand commentWell what an interesting and lively response to my comment. I've been unable to respond sooner owing to travelling to China to write a British/China co-production of a beautiful dragon project.
Sat in my hotel room I'm digesting all the comments.
Firstly... I can take the critisum...(note the irony).... when I wrote my comment I must admit their was more a mild huff of frustration rather than smoke blowing out my ears.... but I do apologise if it was read that way.
I did not blame or shame anyone. And I never would. My comment never named any individual. A writer who graduated from an MA class is pretty vague if you ask me. And I'll bet that this individual has never even heard of Stage 32.
What else was there...oh yes.... I loved this one. I wouldn't make money if bad writer's didnt send me scripts. I make my living as a writer firstly and as a Consultant second. As a Consultant I mainly work with extremely talented writers and production companies to bring their scripts from good to exceptional. Challenging them to explore every avenue to create fantastic scripts. All professional writer's work with other's developing their scripts. I opened my consultancy to novice writers after delivering many lectures at Universities and seeing the passion they have but lack of knowledge or skills to break the cement walls in this industry. I would very happily survive making my living as a writer and consultant if no bad writer ever sent me a script again.... Sorry to shatter that myth!
My point was more a withering frustration with the level of teaching at MA courses. Not only in basics (I mean.... seriously....how hard is it to write in one font... Courier people....it ain't rocket science)... and this writer's insistence that her tutors thought her work was excellent so she just needed me to write an introduction letter to an agent for her!!!!
I was clear I would not do this.... but what I did do was give her a wealth of advice in a long email on how she could go about helping herself, tips, ideas, etc. But most important was that her script was at a level it could compete in the market. I referred her to my website. I told her to read the recommendations from other writer's I have worked with. I told her I don't pull any punches.
I'm not going to get into the whole 'rant' again about how deplorable it was. And many of you are right it was by no means the first (and I'm sure that last) bad script I will read. I gave clear comments, avenues to explore, rewrote several pages to show how fluid story telling works. But did I pull any punches... no.... I never do.... but I did give guidance.
My post was more about the aggressive and agreggious attitude of someone coming out of a course I would hope would have taught her more in terms of core basic principles, professionalism and reality. I am a writer first and foremost. I respect my profession. Blind belief in yourself is great...but ain't worth shit if you don't have a bloody clue what you're doing.... oh dear.... I might be sliding into rant territory.... rain it in girl....
Any hoot... I sincerely appreciate all of you taking the time to comment and I do mean all of you. It's still your time and that's worth something. Happy writing!
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I will finally add....I find the idea that all "aspiring" writers must be defended as some righteous cause rather vacuous. I'm a woman, I don't believe all women are right. I'm a mother, I don't beli...
Expand commentI will finally add....I find the idea that all "aspiring" writers must be defended as some righteous cause rather vacuous. I'm a woman, I don't believe all women are right. I'm a mother, I don't believe all mothers are right. I base my responses to opinions on knowledge, experience and common sense not blind defensiveness.
I would defend the writer in a court of Law. lol
I think the only reason schools are around like that is to teach you basics. The real lesson lie in the real world. When you are out there writing and being told the truth about your writing. Some I d...
Expand commentI think the only reason schools are around like that is to teach you basics. The real lesson lie in the real world. When you are out there writing and being told the truth about your writing. Some I don't think teach how to prepare yourself for that NO because something is wrong. My opinion here since I never got the fancy education and have learned more in the world than in a classroom.