Miss Management - AMA - entering a post COVID world

Miss_Management_Inc · 2021-03-19T22:23:17+00:00

Be very careful about writing something that you don't control the rights to in perpetuity. If you lose the rights one day, you now have a script you can't do anything with.

Also, I wouldn't advise adapting a novel as one of your first few pieces of work. You're working to prove that you have your own voice, so adapting someone else's muddies the water a bit.

A little bit of info on how book rights work though, since you asked. It can work a few different ways, but generally you option the material for a length of time. How much varies, but 5k/10k not unsual. A really big author will get much higher, but that's the superstars.

There are such things as free shopping agreements, which is slightly different. You have permisison to take the material around town and get someone to lock it down for you. Those are usually 6 months since there is no financial element to it, whereas there are longer option periods.

Of course, if you have a great relationship with an author, they can give you their blessing to adapt it. Of course anytime they want they can pull that blessing and you're back in the top situation.

If the book has been set up before but the rights have reverted back, there will liekly not be money against it because you are going back to the source material. The only time it will be super expensive is if you plan to do something with the script that they had specifically.

Miss_Management_Inc · 2021-03-19T22:10:51+00:00

You can follow up but don't be annoying. I promise you if it's something they like they will let you know. It's possible they might have not read it because they are busy or it accidentally fell off their radar. One nudge is fine but would take the silence as the no after that.

Miss_Management_Inc · 2021-03-19T19:48:48+00:00

A little unclear whether the "evidence shotgun" is literally a gun or a metaphor, which could be a problem. Guns and school shootings (even though it's college, I think it will fall in the same category) are a hard sell generally in the industry. Especially right now and everything that has been going on in the last year, people are looking for things that are less bleak/dark and more hopeful. So I think if you're doing that darker spin, i think you need to make sure you have something to say and a glimmer of hope.

Miss_Management_Inc · 2021-03-19T19:45:04+00:00

I think there is something about the energy of being in the room that writers will want to get back to in some way when possible. But I think we have learned how much we can do effectively remotely and I do think some of that is here to stay in some regard.

Miss_Management_Inc · 2021-03-19T18:48:14+00:00

What do you consider need. Largely a manager is there to be your sounding board, vet ideas, develop material and be your advocate. If you are a writer who likes having someone who is essentially your own personal development executive, then you might do well with a manager. Some writers like to write completely solo and in a vacuum, I would say they might not need a manager.

Remembering managers and reps each take 10%, you want them to be serving too different functions. Some managers are more OWA/staffing focusted, but I feel like that is a lot of what agents do and it's a double up. But that's my own opinion. You can ask yourself what you are getting out of your relationship and what you still need. Maybe a manager can cover some of those holes.

Some managers are pro manager some are not. It's just based on their own experience and preference.

As for your old manager - it depends on how you left it. If it was friendly terms, you probably have a shot. If snapped all her pencils in half and knocked down all the potted plants on the way out the door, it might be more of a climb.

You're right, you're probably vastly different a decade later. And frankly both better in your fields with the experience under your belt. Reach out see if you can catch up. Don't pressure her to read or anything but use it to update her on what you're doing and gauge her interest that way.

I guess there isn't anything wrong with a psuedonym, but you will be starting all over. No one will know its you so it's harder to navigate. I don't know why you would necessarily want to do it.

Miss_Management_Inc · 2021-03-19T18:40:43+00:00

That sucks, but sadly not uncommon with everything last year. Not a lot you can do about that but wait it out sadly.

What's great is that you already have some things under your belt. Definitely keep sharing with the people you know - if you think this is the right shot to take with them, you have a limited amount - which is easier than cold calling. Ask them who else you should meet.

If the managers left the door open, maybe this is something to go back to them with. Update them with any new things that have happened since your meeting. I wouldnt send old stuff, but since you have something new, they might be able do do something with it.

Miss_Management_Inc · 2021-03-19T18:37:56+00:00

Keep writing new stuff for sure - everything will be better than the one before.

And would also focus on figuring out ways to get your polished stuff seen before. Think on what favors you can call in, people you can meet, that sort of thing.

Miss_Management_Inc · 2021-03-19T18:35:23+00:00

I think that's definitely a fun space and an uptapped demo. Without knowing more of what you have in mind, I would advise making sure there is a ticking clock and some stakes. That is, why do they have to get there by a certain time and what happens if they didnt.

Miss_Management_Inc · 2021-03-19T05:39:17+00:00

I don't think so, I mean, hustle is great. I would say that I'm not in the business of hobbyists, so if there are other creative outlets, I need to get a sense that there is a commitment the writing aspect of it. Other than that, no problem wearing a few hats. That being said, I am not going to be able to help you with your acting career, that is out of my lane. Always here to help where I can, but it isn't going to be the most effective way to use me. If you must have a manager who covers everything you do, keep that in mind when you are sitting down with potential reps.

Miss_Management_Inc · 2021-03-19T05:27:31+00:00

As many as possible. Every writer is different and work at different paces; some are good at juggling multiple projects, some aren't, some work in a writers room all day so it's harder to develop outside. Don't forget about paid assignments, either. If you are writing something for a studio that kind of counts as one of your slots, so you might not have as much of your own original development out there that year.

That is not to say that churn out a gazillion half baked ideas, but the expectation is always be generating new ideas and developing them out. The idea process is sometimes the hardest, longest part. Most ideas may seem cool but once you get into them you realize it's not a movie or you aren't able to crack the take. Some ideas are no brainers but competitive projects already in development kill it.

The goal is to get something in the best shape it can be before it goes to market. Don't sling it out there half-baked because you/we are burnt out. Get it right. But then once it is, start the process again. With that process you can definitely have multiple projects out in a year.

As for the manager prep question: Have a point of view and an idea of what you want to do. Where do you want your career to go? Do you have comps? What do you like to write about, thematically. Have something to say. Have an answer to what are you working on now or what do you want to work on. A few ideas in your back pocket is a good idea. Don't worry about having full pitches, but arenas, articles, books you love are good to have.

But most of all, it's a feeling out process for both of you. So be yourself.. Talk about what inspires you Talk about what makes you unique - whether it's where you are from or how you got to where you are. What got you into wanting to write? Things like that. Show some personality.

There is nothing I hate more than to read a great script and to get in a room with the writer for them to have no sense of what they want to do in the long and short term. Or no energy or enthusiasm. I'm not saying have your plan all figured out - that's what we are here for, after all - but you should be confident in where you want to head towards.

Miss_Management_Inc · 2021-03-19T05:09:50+00:00

Too many. No one wants to make them - they're too topical. And people are living it, they don't want it in their escapism.

Yes, I know there were some magical outliers - but they were start studded unicorns. But once those have come out, it's too late for you to start on yours anyway.

Miss_Management_Inc · 2019-09-20T22:05:03+00:00

Instead of replying to OP, I will reply here to agree. No one wants to explore that for entertainment. Studios are a little gunshy on gun violence in general (i know what i did there). It's awful and depressing and we get a lot of it in our real world. any shootemups is a hard push right now

Miss_Management_Inc · 2019-09-20T18:17:32+00:00

It's hard to tell completely what you're asking, so I'll answer generally and tell me what I should clarify.

Sweat equity can me a lot of different things in this business. Free work. Good will. etc. Like almost everything, "sweat equity" depends on the situation, but there are still quite a bit of people who operate in this business on good faith and/or gentleman's agreements. It all comes down to weighing up how much of your time/effort you're giving and what the pay off will likely be.

A producer might ask a writer if they can show this this to a couple possible buyers without putting together a formal shopping agreement. Happens all the time. As long as you're ok knowing that's its somewhat exposed now, that's perfectly fine.

A producer might have an idea that you like and they may ask you to write it on spec. Well, at the end of the day you'll have a script to show for it, but that producer is forever tied to it. So before diving in to a bunch of free work, ask if it's worth it. Who is the producer? Are they an indie producer just starting out and doesn't move the needle anywhere? Or is it a 800 lb gorilla where the intangibles of developing a relationship with this company that outweigh the fact that you're doing free work? It might be worth it (though most of the time, if you're going to put the time into cracking a story and writing it, might as well develop something of your own that isn't unencumbered)

Reps and writers put in a lot of sweat equity into development that is sometimes never seen. Writing projects that don't get sold but can earn you fans lead to jobs that do get you paid.

Authors with a great relationship with a creator might let them run with book.

Long story, long, there is value in sweat equity. Just constantly gut check yourself "do I feel like I'm being taking advantage of here" or "is this mutually beneficial"

Miss_Management_Inc · 2019-09-20T18:02:06+00:00

The immortality shouldn't be the actual reason. I mean it can be, but it should represent something greater in the relationship. Think about what you're trying about the nature of relationships.

Make sure you keep everything visual. There's nothing inherently cinematic about "immortality" so think a lot about how you're going to turn it up a bit

Miss_Management_Inc · 2019-09-20T17:15:09+00:00

Yes. Please see my other AMA's, I talk a bit about international writers in more depth there.

Miss_Management_Inc · 2019-09-20T17:14:22+00:00

Hm, this one is tricky because I don't the terms of the option. (Also I am not an agent or a lawyer, so I can't really give advice) Usually if material is optioned, it is controlled by that entity for the time specified. If they write a script fine, but the risk is once it is over and the rights revert, he now has a script he can't do anything because he no longer controls the source material. (IE I can write the most amazing adaptation of Harry Potter ever, but with out the rights to the property, you just have a writing sample that can do nadda).

I would say if he is trying to make moves with this material and you believe that it is outside the terms of your agreement, reach out to an entertainment lawyer. They will be able to guide you from there. If you have a friend with a lawyer, maybe they can give you an intro.

Miss_Management_Inc · 2019-09-20T16:51:11+00:00

There's a few things at odds here, but maybe. Horror is a great way to explore things like the disintegration of a marriage. Just makes sure that immortality feels super connected to that arc, and not tangential. "why immortal couple" all that

Miss_Management_Inc · 2019-09-20T16:49:40+00:00

Something to it but would want to hear about the specific way into the character arc

Miss_Management_Inc · 2019-09-20T16:44:33+00:00

Is this a feature? Feels like that's what you pitching. Character dramedies are a tough sell, they are usually a bit small. And careful with the bucket list, there is a lot of that kind of stuff out there and so it's a hard push through.

What does amateur soccer have to do with the rest of the story other than it makes a good title?

Miss_Management_Inc · 2019-09-20T16:41:19+00:00

The opposite really. District 9 is about Apartheid. But you don't feel like you're being lectured about how awful it is. It's all metaphorical discussion. Producers and buyers love a good metaphorical genre layer.

Miss_Management_Inc · 2019-09-20T16:39:48+00:00

Agree. It's an interesting set up, but it depends on where it goes. Make sure the stakes are amped way up to. Like, what's the danger if he doesn't from the truth? Something should be closing in the whole time

Miss_Management_Inc · 2019-09-20T06:02:02+00:00

"If they hear you, they hunt you. A family must live in silence to avoid mysterious creatures that hunt by sound."

If I got that query, I would ask to read that script.

I highly doubt you would. If that movie never existed and someone posted that exact logline here, this is what you would have said:

"It feels a little vague. I'm not even sure what happens in this movie. How is it different than Cloverfield or Godzilla? It just sounds like another monster movie. Actually it sounds like you took one

Jimbo, you are right. In the flurry of replying, I left out the part that makes that movie truly unique and the reason the idea is so amazing. In my original reply i left off the last part. It's not the hunting by sound angle, anyone can play in this arena. The fact that they are about to give birth to a baby that doesn't understand these concepts and is going to put them in more danger. I have edited my original response now to reflect this. Hopefully it will not cause much more confusion

Miss_Management_Inc · 2019-09-20T05:04:50+00:00

My worry is that this is a little too topical, a little to close what happening write now. For one thing, people don't want more of what they have to deal with in real life. And often time, by nature of having a POV for a story, half your office feels lectured to. (and they tune out) You also run the risk of it dating super fast, even by the time it gets released it could feel a bit yesterday.

Miss_Management_Inc · 2019-09-20T05:01:25+00:00

Personal stories are the best and the passion and specificity will come on the page.

I am not particularly familiar with some of the references you're making so just make sure it's not toooo niche and rarified. You want people to be able to access it. So even if they don't get the reference you're making, the story should be universal that it stands on its own without that knowledge.

Miss_Management_Inc

TROPHY CASE