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SimplyScripts Screenwriting Discussion Board  /  Questions or Comments  /  Is This Inappropriate
Posted by: justwrite, November 9th, 2011, 1:52am
Just recently, I had a Writer/Director request me as a friend on Facebook, and of course I accepted, not knowing who he was... I pretty much accept everyone.  I was surprised to learn who he was though, (Rel Dowdell); I see him as a great connection.  

I don't use people.... that's not who I am, but my question is...  Would it be inappropriate to ask him if he could connect me with Writer/Director Gina Prince-Bythewood because I honestly and truly would love for her to direct my Screenplay if she's interested?!?!  I still have a couple of months to go, but I have my heart set on Gina taking a first look.  She seems so honest and professional.

Dawn


Posted by: Baltis. (Guest), November 9th, 2011, 2:00am; Reply: 1
I think you should only use Facespace for an info hub... I only use it so I don't have to spend hours tracing around the internet looking for my political news.   So on that note, yeah, probably a little inappropriate if this guy friends you and you want to blast him in the face with your script so he can give it to someone else.

I'd send him a message... Wait to see if he responds back... Wait to respond back by about 1 to 1 1/2 weeks and then slowly build on this relationship you two love birds have brewing.

That's my advice.
Posted by: justwrite, November 9th, 2011, 2:10am; Reply: 2
LOL....  Thank you Baltis.  But it would probably be around the first of the year before I approach him, and It most definitely would be through a private message.
Posted by: dogglebe (Guest), November 9th, 2011, 6:19am; Reply: 3
I'd build a friendship with him before asking any favors, but that's just me.  Then again, I don't approve every friend request I receive on FB.


Phil
Posted by: ajr, November 9th, 2011, 6:44am; Reply: 4
You mean I can't be your friend, Phil?  (0:

Boy do I have Facebook stories...

First off I hate it. I think it's a time-wasting hole. And I only joined it so I could create a page for my feature, and naturally then I created a personal page so it wouldn't look like my sole purpose was to get LIKES for the film.

We had someone read about a year and a half ago, and they liked it and went so far as to request the budget, marketing plan, etc. Then the e-mails started to bounce. We went 2-3 months not knowing where this interested party was.

Then I found him on Facebook. I sent a friend request along with a note, we reconnected, and he's at another company now and still interested.

Another story - I needed to reach a certain manager - actually he's the head of the company - because we were interested in a lot of his talent. This particular company has weird e-mail naming conventions (they mix it up among their staff). And good luck trying to get it by phone.

So without knowing him prior or ever speaking to him before, I contacted him on Facebook and asked for his e-mail address and told him we were interested in some of his clients.

He said "sure" and gave me the address. Fast forward to today and three of his clients are reading / have read, and one is pretty much an attachment once we're financed. We even offered him EP (which he graciously refused).

My point is that if you live your life by decorum, you know what you'll get? The same thing you got yesterday when you didn't try. I get what I consider to be inappropriate requests all the time and I just delete them or let them roll off my back.

You need to ask yourself - what's the worst that could happen? He ignores you? He unfriends you? Well then you're back to where you were a week ago - so big deal!
Posted by: Electric Dreamer, November 9th, 2011, 9:55am; Reply: 5
For what little it's worth, indulge me in sharing my philosophy with an example.

Recently, I was on the hunt for the head of Untitled Owen Wilson Productions.
A producer I pitched was sure she would be interested in my script.
I was unable to track her down on my own.
The company right now is new, just her and Owen Wilson and one intern.

So, I went to a producer I work for and asked if he knew her.
I told him I have a FINISHED SCRIPT that would interest her client.
The timing is right, she's "banging the drum" for this genre for Owen.
If you know her, would you like to take my material to her together?

This example is not exactly like your situation, but consider this.
What I offered my producer pal was a credit on my work to get the meeting.

I didn't ask for a HAND OUT. I proposed a mutually beneficial opportunity.

My point is...whatever you do. Don't waste someone's time asking for a freebie.
Find a way to make it worth their time and investment too.
That's how I want to go into business with someone I click with.

I've found that anyone will listen to you in the industry, provided one thing.
Whatever you are saying, you're not wasting anyone's time, keep it pro.

So, make your script bulletproof, then bang the drum with contacts you've made.
Offer some kind of legitimate opportunity that could benefit others along with you.

Hope this helps. Best of luck!

Regards,
E.D.
Posted by: justwrite, November 9th, 2011, 3:00pm; Reply: 6
Thanks for all the feedback... who knows, I  probably wont need his assistance at all.  However, if I do decide, I will try and be professional.
Posted by: dogglebe (Guest), November 9th, 2011, 3:05pm; Reply: 7

Quoted from ajr
You mean I can't be your frie--
NO!


Phil
Posted by: nybabz, November 10th, 2011, 1:49am; Reply: 8

Quoted from justwrite
Just recently, I had a Writer/Director request me as a friend on Facebook, and of course I accepted, not knowing who he was... I pretty much accept everyone.  I was surprised to learn who he was though, (Rel Dowdell); I see him as a great connection.  

I don't use people.... that's not who I am, but my question is...  Would it be inappropriate to ask him if he could connect me with Writer/Director Gina Prince-Bythewood because I honestly and truly would love for her to direct my Screenplay if she's interested?!?!  I still have a couple of months to go, but I have my heart set on Gina taking a first look.  She seems so honest and professional.

Dawn



PRESENT an intelligent Business Plan and she may take a look.
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