Ask me about working at WME for 2 years - Page 27 - Other Topics Forum - Discuss Pop Culture, Arts and Entertainment

Riverman · 07-09-2012, 09:27 PM

You assume there are good scripts out there that are being ignored. That's not the case. Everyone whose script is getting thrown in garbage cans thinks they are awesome.

I mean yeah, studios are overly reliant upon tentpoles and sequels, and it sucks that they are taking less chances on material that isn't obviously commercial, but if you write a great script you'll get noticed and get work even if it doesn't get made right away.

sjosnan · 07-10-2012, 09:27 AM

Thanks for the reply. I agree to the trend you describe with the studios. Here's a question related to WME and the talent business. Any international people (Non- U.S Citizens) working at WME in L.A or N.Y while you worked there? I am referring particularly to people who start from the scratch, (mailroom etc. ). Any ideas if WME or its peers sponsors VISA's to get fresh international talent a chance in the talent business?

Khaos4k · 07-10-2012, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sjosnan

That's a fine theory, but do you really feel the scripts out there that get greenlit have 'talent'? Take 21 jump street for example. Its by far the most awful comedy I have seen in years. How would you explain how that got made, other than the fact that a screenwriter with rep will keep getting produced no matter what crap he / she writes and the newcomers would keep knocking at the door, imagining the sleazy agents at the other end are looking for 'talent'?

21 Jump Street made $200 million. Using the metrics that studios care about, it is a very good movie.

fsoyars · 07-10-2012, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Code 3

Shouldn't you submit your script to film festivals? I mean once it wins an award or 2 it proves it's great.

CharlieDontSurf · 07-10-2012, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sjosnan

That's a fine theory, but do you really feel the scripts out there that get greenlit have 'talent'? Take 21 jump street for example. Its by far the most awful comedy I have seen in years. How would you explain how that got made, other than the fact that a screenwriter with rep will keep getting produced no matter what crap he / she writes and the newcomers would keep knocking at the door, imagining the sleazy agents at the other end are looking for 'talent'?

21 Jump Street is like a million times better than most of the unsolicited scripts that get sent to lit managers and producers. Also 21 Jump Street was probably in development for over a decade.

sjosnan · 07-11-2012, 09:32 AM

PA made $200 million + too, but its bad. Most of my friends (including the guy next to me in the cinema hall, who was NOT my friend) felt robbed considering what they got for what they paid. PA2 and PA3 were I think pretty awesome and far improved (not surprising with the talent involved in the crew). Sorry guys, 21 Jump street is still awful!

. My point - $200 million in box office not equal to film made well (atleast not anymore).

mutigers5591 · 07-11-2012, 11:16 AM

groundbreaking insight

mephisto · 07-11-2012, 01:16 PM

Great read.

armada351 · 07-24-2012, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sjosnan

PA made $200 million + too, but its bad. Most of my friends (including the guy next to me in the cinema hall, who was NOT my friend) felt robbed considering what they got for what they paid. PA2 and PA3 were I think pretty awesome and far improved (not surprising with the talent involved in the crew). Sorry guys, 21 Jump street is still awful!

. My point - $200 million in box office not equal to film made well (atleast not anymore).

You have to keep in mind 21 Jump Street had a previous following, so it sold tickets before it was even made. There is too much turnaround in Hollywood to go on a limb and make original content. Losing money means losing your job.

The point is to find what people want to see, and produce it, which in turn makes money. 21 Jump Street rocked the BO, people made a lot of money and kept the jobs. That's called a success.

Riverman · 08-03-2012, 09:51 PM

OK just watched Swimming With Sharks for the first time. That's what it's like.

five4suited · 08-03-2012, 10:44 PM

can't believe you were in the industry and never saw that movie... one of my favorites.

Mystical Panda · 08-03-2012, 11:47 PM

That is so f*cking awesome. I have always wanted to ask a assistant if agents were really like Ari Gold. I read that Ari Gold was based on Ari Emanuel but I never really thought you know. My question is what degree of education do assistants usually have (college major) ?
Thanks