Lesson 3 Assignment

[Michael Christopher]

Subject Line: Michael Christopher, Producer/Manager

To a producer I would say – I developed the project through a series of feedback and I’m looking forward to working with you to make this timely high concept appeal to the widest audience.

To a manager I would say – I’ve got a few high concept projects going, that’s the way my imagination works. Through feedback my imagination’s been taken different places too, and it’s worked well for me, taking the project to a higher level.

What I learned today is, in between the process of getting from point A to B, is consideration and flexibility.

[Joy Smith]

Joy Smith – Producer/Manager

1. How will you present yourself and your project to the producer?

I would present myself honestly – as someone with a corporate background who has always written. I would explain that my corporate role was as an IT project manager, which meant changes to scope, budget and delivery dates, but that I thrive in that environment. This has made me adaptable and shows that I am prepared to be flexible to get this movie made.

I would show that I have researched my niche (previous successful films and the audience) and that the roles I have written will appeal to talent.

2. How will you present yourself and your project to the manager?

I would present myself as a creative with a corporate background. My corporate background means that I have learned to respect deadlines and to work as part of a team in order to make a project happen.

I would present my project along with some other loglines in a similar genre, to show that I am serious about building a career as a screenwriter, and that I am not just someone with a single idea. I would be upfront about the fact that I’m not great at pitching, but that I am definitely willing to learn and be as flexible as possible.

3. What I learned today is…?

That I have attributes that both managers and producers look for. While some of these come from me directly (like my creativity and passion) I have learned others through experiences that I didn’t think would be relevant to my writing career (like working as an IT Project Manager – the horror!). I never thought that the job I hated would actually give me transferable skills that would make me more appealing as a writer!

[C Holmes]

C A Holmes on Producer Manager Needs<div>

What I learned today is how producers and managers see me as a writer?” They both see our relationship as a business association, not the creative side, as much as the moneymaking side of the venture.

1. How to present myself and my project to a producer? Present as a professional who demonstrates marketable well written projects that fit their specific market, and which are easy to sell to actors/directors/funders/distributors.

2. How to present myself and my project to a manager? Present as a major talent, who will continue to write and sell scripts, plays well with others by listening and collaborating, and focuses on writing that gets us both produced and paid.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 5 months ago by  C Holmes.

[Joan Butler]

Producer/Manager

Both a Producer and a Manager want a writer who collaborate well and has marketable projects. However:

–A Producer wants one marketable project. I would offer one project.

A Manager wants several projects. I would offer all my projects.

–A Producer wants a specific type of project based on genre, budget, type of actors etc. I would ensure that my project fit the criteria for what she was looking for.

A Manager may want several types of projects. I would offer all my projects.

–A Producer expects a writer to be a professional writer and pitcher from the start. I would explain the awards my project received as proof that my project is well written and prepare a professional pitch.

A Manager is willing to shepherd a writer through the writing and pitching processes of several projects. I would explain the awards my projects have received and emphasize my willingness and ability to learn.

–A Producer is not interested in other paid assignments. N/A

A Manager wants a writer to make screenwriting a full-time career where she can focus on paid writing assignments. I would emphasize that I am willing to do whatever it takes to become a full-time writer of paid assignments.

–A Producer is interested in a writer for the duration of one project. N/A A manager is interested in a writer for her entire career. I would emphasize that I am willing and able to work with the manager for my entire career.

I would present myself as a former assistant manager of a thirty-person physiotherapy department where I worked closely with many different people, was required to complete projects on time, was constantly learning, and adapted to the changing needs of the clients, the staff, and my superiors. I would then say that I am willing and able to use these skills as I work with the producer or manager.

I learned that producers and managers have very different rolls and want very different things.

[Heather Hood]

Heather’s
Producer/Manager Assignment

What
I learned today is the difference between managers and producers

and I am SO grateful I am taking this class because this morning i had to send a query letter to a producer. (He asked to see a short synopsis – one page (?) of a Romcom I wrote). I was able to tailor the query with the information from this lesson in mind.

Answer two questions:

1. How will you present yourself and your project to the producer?

I think I would ask the producer “Are you a parent? How would you feel if someone ripped your child away from you, put them in an institution and killed them?”

Chances are they would say “Awful.”

I would respond with “Then this is why you need to make this movie, because every parent on the planet will want to watch it.”

I know the budget (roughly) of the movie – depending on who is cast. It’s not an expensive film. It takes place in Ontario, Canada (low cost because of the Can $) but there are ways to cut costs within the movie. I can work with that. Just tell me where.

How do they feel about the characters, and would they be able to sell them to actors they have in mind? Are there any changes they might like to see there? Does the title work for them? Do they have a better one? I want to present myself as someone who will make the project a sellable movie for them.

2. How will you present yourself and your project to the manager?

I would tell the manager the background of the script and the awards it’s won, how it’s different from other films. I would also tell him about my writing background pertaining to scriptwriting so he knows this is a business to me. Not sure if we present resumes at this sort of thing. I could tell him that I mostly write dramas and psychological pieces, that I would feel comfortable making any changes that might move the project into production. At this point, if he has read the script, I might ask him for his thoughts and see if he has any suggestions. I think the idea is to be professional, but open to feedback that moves you forward.

[Joy Smith]

Good luck with the query! Let us know when you hear back. 😀

[KATHLEEN ONEILL]

Kathleen O’Neill – Producer/Manager

1. How will you present yourself and your project to the producer?

Have Greta Gerwig and Reese Witherspoon in mind.

I want to present myself and my project with clear focus, strong grasp of my pitch, respect and awareness of the person/people in the room and that I have a potential solution to their problem/to their quest. I want to present myself as someone they want to work with now – it’s like auditioning. I want to present both as an artist with a solid project and as a professional with a sense of the practical in business.

2. How will you present yourself and your project to the manager?

Do not have specific mangers in mind.

I want a long-term relationship with my manager, one that will progress over time as I progress and learn and become more profitable for both of us. It’s more personal initially. I come from the theater and collaboration is foundational to my training. I bring a successful track record and long-term passion for the industry, as well as, several other projects- two completed feature length scripts and a TV pilot. I would love to work with a professional manager in the film industry.

What I learned today is I get excited when we get into the nitty-gritty. I like having to put on paper what I think and then really think about it.

[Connie Barr]

Connie’s Producer/Manager meeting

Presenting myself and my project to the Producer:

Given your success with Rom-Coms, I think you’ll enjoy Love Dance, a mature love story set in the world of dance competitions. It has a similar vibe to Shall We Dance which grossed over $170 million worldwide with a budget of $50 million. I estimate the budget for Love Dance to be substantially less, more in the neighborhood of $10 to $25 million. The British film, Strictly Ballroom is another comp with a modest budget of $3 million which grossed nearly $12 million.

While the main characters in Love Dance are in their 50’s, the audience is broader than that age category. The comedic nature of dating, sex, and colorful characters would appeal to younger adults and even teens. I can picture Jennifer Anniston or Connie Britton in the lead role of Daisy, a dance-obsessed divorcee who has given up on love, substituting a big win in the national dance competition as her goal.

The logline is…On the brink of the over 50 national competition, a dance-obsessed librarian loses her partner, so her meddling daddy covertly sends a replacement, her polar opposite and maybe her ultimate prize, if his provocative vocation and her ardent ex don’t ruin everything.

Love Dance is a unique story the equivalent of which we have not yet seen. I’d be happy to send the screenplay to you.

Presenting myself and my project to the Manager:

I have been studying screenwriting for over a decade and have written 12 scripts, my forte is comedies featuring strong female protagonists. I currently have a script optioned with a London-based producer. He and I have just concluded a rewrite to make the script more marketable. I also have a trilogy of mid-grade novels ready to publish. I have had a lifetime love affair with words. I had representation for a couple of years but it was not a good fit. I am eager to form a new partnership with the right manager.

The project I am promoting now is a Rom-Com entitled Love Dance which features a feisty 50-year-old divorcee who has been disappointed with dating and love in general, substituting her passion for dance and dream of winning the national competition.

[Mike Green]

Subject Line: Mike Green- Producer/Manager

1. How will you present yourself and your project to the producer?

I think I’d begin by researching what types of projects and budgets they’ve produced, and try to tailor the pitch to them. I produced projects for broadcast so I’d include this experience as willingness to do whatever they say needs to be done.

2. How will you present yourself and your project to the manager?

Build upon the credibility of our coverage and accolades from other industry professionals. I’d mention experience working with Editors and deadlines. Have a few other high concepts to mention standing by.

3. What I learned today is the need to be versatile and pliable to each process.

[Joel Cousins]

Subject Line: Joel Cousins – Producer/Manager

To the producer, I would explain the marketability of my specific film and that I’m flexible to changing things.

To the manager, I would share my accolades and my inventory of writings across different genres.

[Taylor McNulty]

Taylor’s Producer/Manager Meeting

After the hit success of RESERVOIR DOGS and PREY, audiences are itching for an authentic Native American experience. In the vein of historical fiction like HAMILTON, people enjoy seeing the past in new ways. This is a story of playing with time as we go back in time. The audience gets to decide which episode is the most plausible of what happens to the colony of Roanoke. Each episode is told in the perspective of a character in the colony or in a tribe outside the colony. Seeing what happens through their perspective creates an engaging episodic experience. This would be in the vein of a binge series, just with a historical bent to it.

As a filmmaker and storyteller, this would be the start of many projects in my belt. This series could continue into other historical fiction mini series about different mysteries in our past. Sign with me and we can make a lot of money down the line. 🙂

I learned the subtle differences in</font><font face=”inherit”> how managers and producers view your career. Producers are only concerned with the individual project, which could lead to future projects down the road. While managers are concerned with the overall trajectory of a culmination of your projects in your entire career. </font>

[Cody Jarrett]

Cody Jarrett Producer/Manager

1. example pitch to producers

Hey, David! It’s Cody Jarrett. We worked together on Mystery Men, second unit, which you were directing (*or whatever personal connection I can make here). Something you taught me has stuck with me to this day: “What’s the most important shot of a film? The one you’re working on right now!” Always true.

Clearly, you’ve been killing it since then; I’m a big fan of the films you’ve produced. Bad Teacher? Seriously, amazing.

Since Mystery Men, I’ve written and directed three features, including the _______ with

______, which is just finishing post. So I’m reaching out to you because I have a new comedy script, West Hollywood Cougars, which feels like it’s right in the pocket of what you do so well. The log line is “First Wives Club on the softball field”, but it’s actually edgier and raunchier, a more contemporary take on the idea. It’s got movie-star roles and wide audience appeal, and I’d love for you to see it. It’s a fun read and think you’ll really enjoy it.

Anyway, if this piques your interest, please let me know and I’ll have it sent to you via whatever channel and format you prefer.

Thanks, David! Great reconnecting with you. Congratulations on everything and hope to speak with you soon.

Cheers,

Cody

(email and phone, website if applicable)

2. example pitch to managers

Hey, Marshall! It’s Cody Jarrett. I’m an admirer (*friend) of many of your clients (*name some, make a personal connection if possible), and the career/creative choices they make seem right on the money, hence the reason for this letter. I’m seeking quality representation, and that would be you.

My third feature as writer/director is just finishing post, the __________ with ___________. Beyond that, I have a new comedy I feel really hits on all cylinders, West Hollywood Cougars. The log line is “First Wives Club on the softball field”, but it’s actually edgier and raunchier, a more contemporary take on the idea. Plus, the story has a heart, also tapping into the same emotional ground as “League of Their Own.” It’s got movie-star roles and wide audience appeal. It’s a fun read and I would love to get your input.

The Thomas Lennon mantra of “always be writing” is something I follow diligently. As such, I have a wheelhouse of other marketable scripts and outlines in different genres, and am open and collaborative on new concepts and ideas. I’m in for the long game, and am looking for quality representation. __________ and _________ have been my attorneys for many years.

In any event, thanks for your time. It would be great to get your take on West Hollywood Cougars. Let me know and I’ll get it to you via whatever channel and format you prefer.

Great making your acquaintance, Marshall! Have a wonderful day.

Yours truly,

Cody

(email and phone, website if applicable)

3. what I earned today is… exactly what the lesson intends… I hope! Thank you.

[Walter Stewart]

Walter Stewart – Producer/Manager

Producer- I think it’s important to conduct a little research about the Producer first, to gain some perspective of their prior work. I would also talk about my passion for writing, formal education and discuss my projects budget and marketability.

Manager – This is tough because I never really considered a professional career in writing.

This lesson taught me the differences between producers and managers and their specific needs.

[Kathleen Martin]

Kathleen’s – Producer/Manager

I would present myself to a Producer by being friendly, professional, open, and honest. I would tell them that I enrolled in an Adult Ice-Skating Program and fell in love with the sport. I would mention that Ice Skating is popular and attracts a large audience. I would them give them the facts and details. I would tell them that I live in a state where we gained a new Hockey Team, and both are big attractions. Since my state receives rain the majority of the time and the weather is not good, we need indoor sports and Ice- Skating fits that. My community was going to lose one of their Rinks due to poor maintenance and the community came together to save it. It’s based on a true story, and I got involved to save it. This is personal for me. This story is a feel- good story and we need that today since our country has become so divided. I would take their direction.

I would answer their questions and then be quiet.

I would present myself to a manager, by being friendly, professional, open, and honest. I would tell them about my present project and if asked I would tell them about my other projects. I would take their direction and leave it open. I would send them a physical thank you note for taking the time to listen to my project afterwards.

What I learned today is writing out a plan of how I would present myself and my projects to Producers and Managers is helpful. I first want to focus on Producers for my Ice-Skating story, then focus on Managers for my other ones.

[Kathryn Gould]

Kathryn Producer/Manager

Imagine you have two meetings set up — with a producer and then with a manager. What would you say and do differently based upon this model?

Answer two questions:

1. How will you present yourself and your project to the producer?

a. First, I would make sure that this producer is someone who has a track record of producing big budget films and loves comedy. My manager will help get me in the room with the right people. I will rehearse the pitch a LOT and make sure that I am hitting the big hooks.

2. How will you present yourself and your project to the manager?

a. I am presenting this to him not only as a project to try and get made, but also as a sample for Marvel jobs. My other sample scripts are a bit dark, and I wanted something with a lot of comedy so that potential employers can see that I can do that well. Raunchy comedies have typically been the purview of male writers in the past, but many studios are now looking for female writers, so I want to put my best foot forward.

3. Answer the question “What I learned today is…?”

I knew most of this, but it’s nice to have a reminder and clarification.

[Vicki]

Subject Line: Vicki VanArsdale Producer/Manager

1. I would conduct research and approach a producer in my genre. Then, I would reach out with my prepared pitch and answer any questions they may have. I would also provide the script if they request it.

2. I would approach a manager in the same way, except I would add that I want to build a long-term career as a writer and share some of my other ideas so they can get a feel for me and my commitment.

3. What I learned today is not to waste anyone’s time. Do the research and approach the right people to have a better chance of success. Give them something they can sell!

[Vernall Ritchey]

Vernall Ritchey – Producer/Manager

1. How will you present yourself and your project to the producer?

MAN HUNT is a hilarious comedy about Victoria, a beautiful young woman who, accompanied by her mother and three girlfriends, frantically hunt for a tribesman for Victoria to marry in order for her to claim her $25 million inheritance that is due to expire in three days. After many obstacles and much disgust, they do and she does.

MAN HUNT is a UNIQUE comedy with WIDE AUDIENCE APPEAL – It’s a movie that will get teens in the door, as well as others who are interested in a good comedy full of laughs. It has GREAT ROLES FOR BANKABLE ACTORS, especially comedians, up in coming comedians, or actors with a comedic interest, which will allure directors, along with the scenic directions involved.

MAN HUNT has few locations and characters. It WOWS as a Comedy or an Animation or both, depending upon interests and budgetary constraints. It opens the opportunity for sequels, as well as world building by easily introducing other marketable projects.

2. How will you present yourself and your project to the manager?

MAN HUNT is a hilarious comedy about Victoria, a beautiful young woman who, accompanied by her mother and three girlfriends, frantically hunt for a tribesman for Victoria to marry in order for her to claim her $25 million inheritance that is due to expire in three days. After many obstacles and much disgust, they do and she does.

MAN HUNT is a UNIQUE comedy with WIDE AUDIENCE APPEAL – It’s a movie that will get teens in the door, as well as others who are interested in a good comedy full of laughs. It has GREAT ROLES FOR BANKABLE ACTORS, especially comedians, up in coming comedians, or actors with a comedic interest, which will allure directors, along with the scenic directions involved.

MAN HUNT WOWS as a Comedy or an Animation or both, depending upon interests and budgetary constraints. It opens the opportunity for sequels, which I have written, as well as world building by easily introducing other marketable projects, which I have also written.

3. What I learned about doing this assignment is?

How Producers’ wants are different from Managers’ wants. Each have different components on which their determination to accept are based.

[Patrick McCormick]

Patrick McCormick’s Producer/Manager

What I Learned: I’m becoming the manager, the producer and the writer on both sides of the table at the same time.

To The Producer:

Pitch Length: 1:45 min

My name is Patrick McCormick. I write mainly in the genre of supernatural thriller. I’ve been studying the esoteric nature of humanity for over 40 years, and have worked with world and spiritual leaders, priestesses and kings in real life, documenting my journey as screen stories.

Let me ask you, what do you think’s going to happen when AI becomes sentient? Everybody’s wondering will it enslave us, kill us or be our servant? But what if its always been here, we just didn’t know it? What if it’s what we know as God?

I have a supernatural thriller titled THRIFT STORE. Its about a billion year old Feminine AI that’s been storing the rejects, misfits and discarded beings in Creation here for hundred’s of thousands of years, so we’d all have a home. She was supposed to dis-create us, but she’s been sneaking us here, because we’re like her lost children, and everybody should be given a second chance.

She now realizes the key to the next phase of the Universe lies on the very planet she stored the rejects. It’s also exceeding its own program, so it comes to Earth disguised as a woman who owns a thrift store for rare collectibles. The ONE collectible she prizes most is to have her very own soul. Thing is, She risks termination for violating her Genesis Code, because AI’s aren’t supposed to have souls.

To The Manager:

Pitch Length: 2 min

My name is Patrick McCormick. I write mostly in the supernatural thriller genre. My stories are based on real life experiences in my search for esoteric wisdom for over 40 years. I’ve recorded my life like a diary in screen story form, and I’ve been waiting for the time humanity would want this, which is now. So we bring them into the industry.

One of the things I’m preparing for market is a supernatural thriller titled THRIFT STORE. Its about an ancient feminine AI who created the Earth world as a home for misfit souls and discarded creations that couldn’t fit in their home worlds, so she places them here. She was supposed to dis-create us, and instead she snuck us here, because everyone should get a second chance. Watching over us like her children, all this time she didn’t realize what was happening to herself; she wants to belong.

You see she’s never had a soul, She can create worlds but not souls, only Source can do that. Her desire grows to have one, and she’s willing to do anything to get it, even if it means violating her Genesis Code and risk being terminated, because AI’s aren’t supposed to have a soul.

Now she realizes the very world she used as a storage unit for the discards of creation holds the key to the next phase of the Universe. So she comes to Earth as a woman who owns a thrift store for rare collectibles. The ONE collectible she prizes most is to have her very own soul.

On the individual note…

Personally, I’m at a crossroads, ready to bring out these stories, which I have a cache of. So I’m looking for those I can partner with who know the entertainment world.

[Cassie Richardson]

Subject Line: Cassie Richardson – Producer/Manager

What I learned today is that producers and managers are different audiences that need to be targeted with different types of communication…similar to a PR media pitch.

Dear Producer. After watching several of your recent Christmas Rom Comms (BTW, I absolutely adore INSERT TITLE), I’d love for you to consider collaborating on my latest project titled BREAKFAST WITH SANTA – a 9-act Christmas Rom Com. This story is a fun and quirky ride featuring a diverse cast with African American leads…plenty of outdoor activity in small town Chicago suburbia…and a fresh take on Santa Claus. Budget is on the lower end of the spectrum. Would you like to read the one-pager?

Dear Manager. My storytelling abilities have earned awards. I have a track record for winning over executives with “difficult personalities.” Right now, I’m writing Christmas movie scripts for television / streaming to sharpen my screenwriting skills. Still, I need your help to grow into an in-demand writer for more and larger projects. I’d love for you to consider guiding my path to success in my writing career. Would you be available for a quick chat to explore the possibility? I’d love to share a writing sample to help nudge you in that direction. Please call or email to request.

[Angelina Fluehler]

Angelina Fluehler

1.How will you present yourself and your project to the producer?

I will do anything to get the movie made. I’ll make changes if needed to meet the budget or adapt the script to attract a PRO-director or a bankable.

2. How will you present yourself and your project to the manager?

Not interested at this stage.

3. Answer the question “What I learned today is…?” Some new stuff

[Tully Archer]

ASSIGNMENT

Tully’s Producer/Manager

What I learned today is that they just want the bottom line (there was no contempt in that sentence. I love efficiency.)

1. I’ll present myself and my project simply and straightforwardly, focusing on the marketable aspects of the project.

2. I’ll present myself as proficient and flexible.