.png)
Hi all,
So I'm a writer, mainly doing screenwriting, and I've wanted to break into the industry for a while. In the past year I joined a writer's group, and I became very close to the girls, and friendly with two of the boys (there's three girls and three boys in this group) The third guy, let's call him Evan, is an up and coming producer in Hollywood, but he also works in my home country.
I was debating whether I wanted to go through the visa struggle of coming back to the US but I took the plunge and decided I was going to make the attempt for my dreams. However, I needed a film under my belt, and I had no idea how to do it. Evan suggested that when he returns to my home country he could help produce it as it's just a short, and it would require very little legwork from him and we would be able to connect with other people from our group to get it done.
I was starting to feel positive about my chances. I am not a director, although I am tempted to make the attempt. However, once he got here, he kept dodging a time to meet and discuss the script and postponed our meeting to today. He has indirectly communicated with me and another guy, but no concrete plans. I know the FDS way of handling it, but I was reliant on him to take this project through, and I got the sense from him in our writer's group that he was a serious/professional guy. He has many accolades to his name and that sort of thing. However, he has given us the run around on meeting and even as of today when I messaged him to schedule to do a call, he has not responded. I am actually growing weary of it and unsure how I should (or if I should respond)
A part of me is like fuck this shit, write my own shit and make it, but it's daunting. I got my degree during the pandemic, and directing was not something I really ever got to do. I feel like in order to succeed I am going to have to take this to the next level myself, without any of the tools. Are there any creatives here who can advise me on how to proceed?
Ugh, sounds like he's taking advantage of the power dynamic between you both. You don't need him to succeed, just keep moving forward on your own.
I'm a writer, and from my experience, "producer" means "provides money and contacts". Sometimes it can include some editing direction, but that's it. You don't need him. It doesn't matter that you got your education in the pandemic—there are men with half your qualifications calling themselves something better than what you call yourself.
Fake it til you make it. Say yes to every opportunity and figure it out as you go. Produce something yourself, do it once, and you'll be more qualified than most men in the field. You've got this.
Do it yourself, fuck that shit! Make your own shit! By "produce" did he mean fund? If so, then maybe get money from him. Direct it yourself though. Why would you want some dumb man giving direction for something you wrote. First, find a place to film. Second, find equipment, lighting, etc. Third, create a schedule of what to film and when. Fourth, staff it: hire actors.
If someone's funding you, they also usually want to control your project somewhat. Fuck that shit.
Sorry this guy has messed you around. I have friends in that industry, to get an O1 visa which you would require to work in LA film and tv industry you need to be sponsored by a production company or an agent with some serious kudos. That visa was put in place originally for Nobel Peace Prize recipients and now lets in all sorts of arts based careers, but you have to be at the top of your field. Getting one small film produced won't crack it, you need an stablished career like a TV series under your belt. This guy Evan is talking rubbish and trying to impress you, sorry to say it but he is. My friend had been a screenwriter in the UK for fifteen years and only just scraped through with a working visa supported by a top agent and industry lawyer.
I'm sorry he jerked you around. He was trying to be "the Big Man" and impress you. He's just a loser.
In my career I've noticed that men rarely help or assist women. They only help other men. It sucks.
And women rarely help each other because they're either struggling so hard to make it, or they're low value & competitive.
You are strong, smart and more talented than that scrote. Go for it on your own!