I know I've said this before, but it was such a revelation to me that I keep repeating it.

When we shot Them That's Dead. We had gone through months of prep. Crew and cast. Rehearsals and shot list and endless planning since this was going to be a difficult shoot at a beach and a fort, both at night. When we finally went to shoot, everyone, crew and cast had a paper copy of the script in their hands. Well thumbed too, by this time. Just for fun, I asked everyone to not look at the script and tell me who the writer was. NO ONE KNEW!!!!!!!! They'd worked on this for a long time and Robert Newcomer was printed right on the front page!!!!!! I was astounded and extremely disappointed. That's when I realized that no one gives a shit about the writer. Once they get permission to use the script, the writer immediately fades from their minds.  

Agree with Mark, it's hugely frustrating when people go dark on you... I've one short that I know was shot but never made it out of post-production, a couple I sold where the producer/director has gone incommunicado...

I recently sent emails to the people who'd dropped off the earth and used some tracking on them, my tone was polite and respectful (as always) just asking for an update really...

Each of the emails was opened, but none of them responded ;-(

I know people's circumstances change, things come up etc, but it's unprofessional not to respond... also difficult to know what to do with the script in such circumstances.

Maybe we've had a lucky escape if they can't even answer emails

Whatever the reason for these few people, I will persevere on the basis of the experience I have with majority I've sold/optioned to, the mostly great bunch!

Anthony

It's probably embarrassment more than anything else.

It's quite upsetting and quite a heavy sense of shame when things don't work out.