So this will probably be a stupid question to ask, but I'll do it anyway. I'm on holiday on a cruise at the moment, and at our dining table is a couple whose daughter currently is an actress on a hit television show (more like a mid-hit, ranked in the upper 20's to low 30's in the Nielson rankings).  We have gotten to be good friends, doing a lot of things together. I have not once mentioned my interest in screenwriting, even when the father mentioned the daughter is currently working on a screenplay herself.  I just didn't want to come across as someone just using them to try and get a foothold in the business, BUT it seems like a lot of this business is who you know and the connections you have.  

SO, what would you do in this situation?  Just casually mention that I've written a few shorts (even if nothing has been produced yet) but don't go any further with it and see if they offer an introduction?  Ask for an introduction?  Say nothing at all and try to maintain the friendship past the cruise and bring it up at some point in the future?  We have two days left on this cruise. I'm now going to go drink a lot, but any suggestions appreciated.

Incidentally, I don't want to mention the name of the actress or the show just in case she or one of her friends ever comes across this site!

Gary

Take the chance and tell them about it.  See if it goes any further.

Babz told me to "network as much as possible" for promotional reasons regarding my script so do the same thing.  Go for it.

You need to wedge your foot in the door and kick it through.  Take the opportunity while it's there.

Lee

I got two words for you...

SEX.

TAPE.


Phil
(you bitches all know I'm right)

If possible have them accidentally on purpose see you working on a script.  

If not possible then go for it, best way in would be to enquire about the daughters screenplay then bring yours into it.

Michael

Hey Gary

Bring it up for defs!!! it wouldn't hurt. The worse that can happen, you're not gonna see them again in 2 days... and also you're on a boat and they have nowhere to run :D

Good luck, but I would bring it up, even to say that you enjoy writing in your spare time.

Mark

I'd say just be honest. Straight up tell her that you weren't sure whether to bring it up because you didn't know whether she may consider it bad etiquette. See how it plays out. You could even tell her you asked for advice on a scriptwriting forum.

The reason I say this though, is because it sounds like you have a crush on her, and if nothing else, telling her could bring you closer together. It could add to the 'things you have in common' list.

I have an idea for a rom-com now too, cheers.

You guys are all correct -- well , I don't know about Phil--but I guess you can't be shy if you ever expect to get anywhere in this business. We're about to leave port and we'll be out of any reception service until Friday morning when we disembark, but I'll let you know what happens!  Fingers crossed!

Quoted from Gary in Houston but I guess you can't be shy if you ever expect to get anywhere in this business.

SEX.

TAPE.


Phil

Quoted from dogglebe SEX. TAPE. Phil

Now would that just be me, or does my wife need to be a part....oh, wait.

Gary,

WTF! You're on a cruise. Weren't you just in Vegas a month ago! I'm starting to think the 7WC you started about the rich guy disappearing off his yacht is about you. lol. I kid. I kid.

If the drinks are flowing I'm sure it will be easy to come out and say something to the guy. No harm in trying. Best of luck.

- Dirk

Quoted from Gary in Houston Now would that just be me, or does my wife need to be a part....oh, wait.

Somebody needs to hold the camera...


Phil

Quoted from Gary in Houston We have two days left on this cruise. I'm now going to go drink a lot, but any suggestions appreciated.

If you are going to drink a lot, I'm sure you will mention that you've written some screenplays.  ;)

I think it's fine to mention. Just make sure it doesn't come off as desperate. How about offering the girl help with her script? Tell her you are used to reading first drafts...even scripts that have been produced.  ;)

I would take the above advice.  I was going to say... that maybe you could offer to take a look at her script, tell her you write in your spare time and you're an aspiring screenwriter and you've written a few shorts.

Who knows what could come out of this?  Nothing, possibly.  Something amazing, possibly.

Go for it Gary!  Fill us in if anything happens! :D

-- Curt

I've spoken with actors about this, and a lot of it depends on the individual. No hard and fast rule. Most of it simply comes down to how you ask and how good your timing is. Presumably she's repped, so you might want to mention it generally and suggest you send something to her agent, which will make it feel less of a burden; that then gives her the option to offer to read it directly, which changes the whole dynamic.

Good luck, though. You'll kick yourself more for not mentioning it than if you do and she custard pies you.

You'll regret not making that sex tape, Gary.  

I still regret it ....


Phil

haha I saw Simon Pegg near Covent Garden once and tried to ask him to give me a part in whatever he was currently working on at the moment.

Ok--just got off the ship in Vancouver and a quick update. First and foremost, there is no sex tape. Sorry Phil.

As to the second part, turns out the father blurted out last night that he was working on a screenplay (isn't everyone?) and so that allowed me to casually mention that I had written several shorts and was working on a couple of screenplays.  I said I didn't bring it up before because I didn't want him to think I was just being friendly to get a foot in the door. He appreciated that, asked me what type of stuff I was working on, I told him, and then he gave me his daughter's email address!  I thanked him very much -- and now I have another quandary about emailing her -- but that's for another day when I have finally finished something!  Thanks for the encouragement guys!

And now, on to the sex tape!

Gary,

Glad to see things worked out for you. I wouldn't wait too long to email his daughter because I would assume he told her about you and the longer you wait she may start to forget about you. Get your writing on!

- Dirk

Dirk--you are absolutely right about that.  I need to get my writing back in action.  I've been away too much lately to really focus on it.  Where I'm stifled at the moment is whether to set aside the screenplay I was working on for the 7WC for now, because I realize as I was writing it that it would be a pretty big budget piece.  Maybe for now I need to work on something that is more of an indie or DTV project, something that has a strong female lead that this actress might be interested in, and that would be a way to introduce it to her.

Time for some outlining!

Wow as we talk of networking I had one hell of a chance last night.

I was on the tube heading back and a middleaged guy and a younger man got on, and as it was busy stood next to me. I kept looking at the guy and thinking "I recognise him" and eventually it clicks who it is - Danny Boyle, the best British director and my personal favourite is about a foot away from me.

So I waited for their convo to die down and introduced myself. Turns out he was one of the most approachable people ever, was happy to talk about his films and was happy to answer my question about the ambiguous ending of one of his films (Shallow Grave). I mentioned my writing and acting, asked him if he'd ever give me a shot, and he said he couldn't but gave me the details of his casting director and said to mention we'd met.

Quite remarkable evening I must say!!

Just ask her to give name and telephone number of her producer or agent.
who knows maybe you lucky?

Quoted from the goose Wow as we talk of networking I had one hell of a chance last night. I was on the tube heading back and a middleaged guy and a younger man got on, and as it was busy stood next to me. I kept looking at the guy and thinking "I recognise him" and eventually it clicks who it is - Danny Boyle, the best British director and my personal favourite is about a foot away from me. So I waited for their convo to die down and introduced myself. Turns out he was one of the most approachable people ever, was happy to talk about his films and was happy to answer my question about the ambiguous ending of one of his films (Shallow Grave). I mentioned my writing and acting, asked him if he'd ever give me a shot, and he said he couldn't but gave me the details of his casting director and said to mention we'd met. Quite remarkable evening I must say!!

As if, I have to admit to being very jealous that you met Danny Boyle. lol

That's really cool Goose!  Hope something comes out of it!

I know, I'd have been jealous. Funny thing was after reading this thread I was chatting to a friend of mine who works for the BBC about how those in the industry would take it if you just approach them about getting work.

And then few days later who do I run into? Not just some BBC backroom person but Danny Boyle of all people! Still can't believe it!

I am very jealous of that, Goose! The only person of note that I occasionally bump into is Rob Brydon (a pretty famous British comedian and TV actor for you non-UK guys), as it would appear he lives in the vicinity of where I go to university. I've never actually tried to talk to him, as the times I have come across him have been awkward (ie, him getting on a train as I'm getting off it, him getting into his car as I pass his house, him with his young daughter, etc.). I really should write him a sit-com pilot and keep it in my bag whenever I go onto campus though...