tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post2703135343565697010..comments2023-10-19T17:34:21.067+01:00Comments on Jason Arnopp's Bloggery Pokery (RIP): Eight Ways To Annoy People Whose Help You WantJason Arnopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876042845400963850noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post-48906927934644011672013-08-19T09:26:12.506+01:002013-08-19T09:26:12.506+01:00Great blog! Lovely to see so much feedback too. If...Great blog! Lovely to see so much feedback too. If I may add a few more thoughts here...<br /><br />I'm incredibly supportive of trying to support people who want help and advice. However, a lot of what Jason and others say above rings so true. Adding to that:<br /><br />- Don't chase a follow-up - unless someone says that's okay from the outset.<br />- Don't send in a script that's unsuitable for the reader. I once got a bragging email (almost enough to put me off) sent to me with a script attached saying, 'you have to make this, it's genuis'. Turns out it was a motion picture screenplay. We make audio. Next step? Time to stop reading.<br />- Let's say you've got through all your P's and Q's on the email. Make sure your script looks and reads as if it's 'professional'. Working out smart formatting, sensible spacing, avoid typos; anything that makes it tough to read. If you want to be taken seriously, then treat your script presentation seriously.<br />- Listen to those notes. Let's say you've been gracious enough to accept my notes, with a view to encouraging me to get your script into production. Those notes are, therefore, absolutely vital. For example, copyrighted music is a no-no for us. People get told this, most listen. But don't then send the script back saying, 'but it has to have this music in it', after the reasons why it can't be there have been clearly explained. There are practical reasons as to why Britney Spears cannot be part of any actual production, so don't fight people on what isn't possible. In other words, understand the difference in feedback between what is my opinion and what is a vitally important, practical point.<br />- Be humble. As silly as it sounds, you put your work out there to be analysed, but don't do it with any bravado and gusto. Act gracious; a lot of people are very busy so if they are going to give you the time, then don't throw a generous helping of negelected, tortured genius into the pile at any point.<br /><br />Just a few thoughts there. Thanks for reading. :)Jack Bowmanhttp://www.wirelesstheatrecompany.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post-42993647505252471362012-11-21T16:55:47.393+00:002012-11-21T16:55:47.393+00:00Man, the "lack of thanks" thing is espec...Man, the "lack of thanks" thing is especially infuriating. I gave some total stranger I 'met' online 16 pages of script notes (for 41 pages of his rough-draft screenplay).<br /><br />SIXTEEN pages! Of notes! <br /><br />And he never responded. <br /><br />Not even a "April fool! I actually hate you and your opinions! Ha, fooled you into doing hours of work! Hehe mega LOLZ"<br /><br />Nope. Just silence.<br /><br />Needless to say that person is now living in my imaginary pit of pointless maggoty scum.Dave Scullionhttp://www.davidscullion.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post-64784613313592338332012-09-26T15:29:03.839+01:002012-09-26T15:29:03.839+01:00Great article Jason. I do have to say that this no...Great article Jason. I do have to say that this not only applies to scriptwriters, but also for agents, producers, casting directors, or anyone in the business for that matter. I've made my fair share of unprofessional blunders and certainly have learned about when to be patient and when to give chase. It's also important to note that what works for one person may be annoying or arrogant to another. It's a steep learning curve, but having a bit of intuition, or what I like to call "people mojo", will certainly help. It took a while for me to develop it. Even still I find that, despite my best effotrts at politeness and professionalism, I stll get the one person who refuses to respond to my emails. Can't win 'em all I guessMartinhttp://sleepyeyedfilms.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post-52728029705249238662012-07-20T17:07:11.100+01:002012-07-20T17:07:11.100+01:00Worst approaches via my Script Advice website;'...Worst approaches via my Script Advice website;'this is a great story and it will make you laugh' no. it did not. 'You are experienced in television - any tips on how to get into the industry?' I am not going to help you. now or ever. There are writers out there who, having paid me to read their work then argue point for point, the actual merits of their work where I have commented otherwise and lastly, (The Biggy) a writer who asked me to read their work, and when I gave him my fee structure, he said 'God will help me be a better writer'. Now, I think I need a lie down....yvonne gracehttp://www.scriptadvice.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post-59944771042520756782012-07-15T06:20:42.827+01:002012-07-15T06:20:42.827+01:00Great post. I have had every experience imaginable...Great post. I have had every experience imaginable and everyone you've mentioned here. I have been stalked by random submitters with the story of their lives laid out for me,send me another script on top of the one I didn't ask for and then harassed me to no end for an answer, telling me that polite people give answers. It's truly some amazing stuff. We should all pool together and write a book.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post-31499816158984062002012-06-18T15:11:08.281+01:002012-06-18T15:11:08.281+01:00My personal favourite was a few months ago when I ...My personal favourite was a few months ago when I received a ridiculous email from a youngish woman who wanted to get experience of script reading and film. She asked to spend time shadowing me because - and I quote here - "this shit would be good for me". I immediately wrote back and told her that I thought my shit wouldn't be quite shitty enough for her... :)Douglas Douganhttp://www.fluideyeproductions.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post-29258199925971550222012-06-06T13:15:03.639+01:002012-06-06T13:15:03.639+01:00Happened more than once: give notes for someone yo...Happened more than once: give notes for someone you know well enough (friend of friend, say) that you can't / don't brush off. They get extensive, considered, thoughtful, tactful notes (no 'thank you' of course) ... Disappear ... Then reappear some months later -- asking you to read another draft. That has ignored everything you suggested they needed to address in previous notes!!JKingnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post-22613115072440863812012-03-15T14:13:42.206+00:002012-03-15T14:13:42.206+00:00I had a Twitter follower email me for advice on di...I had a Twitter follower email me for advice on difficulties with her boyfriend last month. Hardly my forte. Why approach a novelist? She was upset so I did give her a very careful response. Guess what? I never heard from her again. Perhaps my advice was so successful I should try writing in this new direction.Ian Kingsleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15461755918545707035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post-7561367414096693912012-03-15T14:03:58.016+00:002012-03-15T14:03:58.016+00:00Hi, Jason, great article. I would add one other wa...Hi, Jason, great article. I would add one other way: Not giving credit where its due.<br /><br />If you were referred to someone by someone else, give them credit. For example, Maureen "Mo" Ryan, of the Huffington Post (formerly of AOL TV and the Chicago Tribune) tweeted a link to your excellent amusing article.<br /><br />The fact you have written for Doctor Who and you apparently like cats was an unexpected bonus.<br /><br />-- Ken from Chicago (who's too nervous to ask favors of the rich and famous)<br /><br />P.S. Thank you for the article. I look forward to more of your work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post-2375478299440093422012-03-15T12:48:38.828+00:002012-03-15T12:48:38.828+00:00Phew! Hopefully I didn't break any of those ta...Phew! Hopefully I didn't break any of those taboos. And a very public thanks again Jason, your advice is very much appreciated.Paul Frenchhttp://www.the-copywriter.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post-87969598289248262372012-03-10T12:28:52.379+00:002012-03-10T12:28:52.379+00:00Hi Nicola, thanks for the great comment. Your las...Hi Nicola, thanks for the great comment. Your last paragraph is truly astonishing. Never heard of that one before!Jason Arnopphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07876042845400963850noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post-66161808586657408352012-03-09T20:03:14.332+00:002012-03-09T20:03:14.332+00:00I work in TV and also get approached a lot for adv...I work in TV and also get approached a lot for advice via my website - often for advice that is easily found on the site or in one of the books I've written on the subject. <br /><br />I used to reply to every email, but I've become more selective due to the number of people who failed to say thank you even though it was apparent that I'd spent a long time on the reply, recommended other resources and included links. Someone even went on to get a deal through a contact I suggested - and only found out when that contact thanked me! I now only respond to those who use my name, introduce themselves - and ideally have some prior relationship with me via one of my workshops or Twitter. <br /><br />My pet hate is people isn't people who want me to read their proposal (everyone in TV is sufficiently paranoid to to do that) but instead say "send me a TV proposal for a TV show about..." i.e. they want ME to write the damn thing for them! I must say that these requests usually come in a one-line email with no greeting, introduction or even a name. I've yet to be tempted by such an opportunity.Nicolahttp://www.tvmole.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post-61324634164177513492011-12-20T14:43:28.676+00:002011-12-20T14:43:28.676+00:00Thanks for raising these points, Clive. I don'...Thanks for raising these points, Clive. I don't think anyone here is saying that 'badly' behaving newcomers are remotely bad people, or that we don't sympathise with their situation. It's just that, if these kinds of conversations don't continue to be had, people will probably keep making the same mistakes, and that's bad for everyone.<br /><br />In an ideal world, established writers, script editors, producers or whoever else would be able to help writers who needed them. And that does happen a lot, of course it does. It's just a good and courteous idea to remember that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, industry folk - particularly those who aren't running a "business" - aren't sitting behind a table with a little sign marked 'Script Help', waiting to serve people.Jason Arnopphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07876042845400963850noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post-7812663555554670202011-12-19T15:03:47.447+00:002011-12-19T15:03:47.447+00:00You're right, I should have been clearer about...You're right, I should have been clearer about my position.<br /><br />I don't solicit script any longer, but I was a long term blogger on screenwriting and the industry, so I got a lot of "can you help?" emails... and a lot of unsolicited scripts.<br /><br />I genuinely feel for newcomers. I remember just how frustrating it was to not know anyone in the industry or how to go about building bridges. Social networking has given people the impression that they can open those doors without having to traipse around the major European festivals, with a hot script and winning smile... and, by having a public profile online, we encourage the belief that we maybe able open doors for people. <br /><br />For every "newbie" horror story, I can counter it with an industry horror story... like the agent who requested a script, then didn't contact me for six months. I chased it, his reply "Oh, damn, I lost the script, can you send it again... it'll have to go to the bottom of the pile I'm afraid." I'd like to say that I dealt with that politely, but actually I decided I really didn't want an agent who loses scripts.<br /><br />I guess I find newbie horror stories understandable, they're mainly about ignorance of the industry. Producer/agent/commissioning editor rudeness, that's a different story. If we tackled that, I think a lot of the newbie insanity would subside. I don't care who you are... if your business is incapable of sending an acknowledgment email it's not being run efficiently. And, actually, the big commissioning agents and producers are very good about that sort of thing, once they know you.<br /><br />About a year ago I found myself not replying to a couple of emails from a writer. I decided (without knowing him) that he was a nutter and replying to him would only encourage him. So, I guess even I have cases where silence is the right option... but, far too many of us use it as a default position.Clive (@filmutopia)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post-44595506317929025502011-12-19T13:48:03.172+00:002011-12-19T13:48:03.172+00:00God, I am loving these stories! Keep them coming....God, I am loving these stories! Keep them coming.<br /><br />Clive: It's probably worth establishing what kind of position you're in. Do you solicit people to send scripts to you? If so, that's a whole different kettle of ball-games. Just for absolute clarity, I'm talking about unsolicited, out-of-the-blue contact. Of course, I take your point that script-recipients (or anyone in this business, come to that) should be polite and professional. I just don't believe they should be taken for granted as some kind of service which they never claimed to offer.Jason Arnopphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07876042845400963850noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post-40823532897328615022011-12-19T13:15:52.923+00:002011-12-19T13:15:52.923+00:00I don't disagree with anything written here......I don't disagree with anything written here... but, I never get "have you received my email" emails, simply because I always acknowledge that I've received scripts... and always I give the writer an honest estimate of when I may be able to read it. If I don't hit that deadline, I email them and let them know. You know, I keep a calendar, run a daily TO DO list and don't make promises I can't keep. In most businesses that's considered the bare minimum of professional practice.<br /><br />Some of these issues are created by poor communication from the recipient and also a degree of snobbery. That being "I am too important and busy to reply to you, and you must be hopeless because I've never heard of you." There is also something deeply cruel about promising to read something, which is bound to build people's hopes up, and then failing to make time to do the actual work. It's actually kinder and more professional to say "Sorry, I'm too busy read people's spec scripts."<br /><br />Yes, there is a great deal of truth in everything that is written here. Unknown screenwriters are ungrateful wretches and prone to wild acts of insanity... but, those of us a little further on in our careers aren't without sin.<br /><br />I know that we exist in a industry where basic communication and humility is consider a sign of weakness, but that doesn't mean we have to pass this nonsense onto other people... and, as writers we're supposed to have a degree of empathy and understanding of people's behaviour. Maybe that's something we could apply to the way we treat newcomers to this dreadful industry. Or not. <br /><br />On a purely pragmatic level, I know that newbie writers are going to make newbie writer mistakes. I'm powerless to alter their insanity. What I do have control over is how I behave. When receiving scripts I try to remember that I'm dealing with a fragile, vulnerable ego and treat the accordingly... when sending them out, I tend to assume that I'm dealing with an ill mannered, egotistic idiot. You'd be amazed how often I am right.Clive (@filmutopia)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post-55503929714399225682011-12-19T13:11:48.695+00:002011-12-19T13:11:48.695+00:00Like the other folk on here, I've offered advi...Like the other folk on here, I've offered advice to strangers who've e-mailed and had both the passive aggressive 'you're wrong because...' response or nothing at all. Then again, some nice folk have been very grateful. I'm sure I've sent the odd presumptious, over-reaching e-mail in the past, but always with a 'please' and 'thank you'. It's just basic good manners.david lemonhttp://www.jetpacksandsuch.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post-67437867984871928522011-12-19T13:05:46.522+00:002011-12-19T13:05:46.522+00:00From my intray, offered without comment:
I am tot...From my intray, offered without comment:<br /><br /><i>I am totally unaware of you or your works.<br /> <br />However, I have an interesting idea for a plot of a movie, screenplay.<br /> <br />Would you entertain the idea of writing it if sufficiently intrigued by the idea?<br /> <br />I graduated in 1970 from Columbia High School with Hollywood movie producer Joel Silver (Silver Pictures - Die Hard, Consipiracy Theory, The Matrix...). Perhaps he could be of help if it got that far.<br /> <br />I look forward to hearing from you.</i><br /><br />Seriously. I did not make this up.Stephen Gallagherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05280419153030490653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post-11077190188297485142011-12-19T12:34:15.739+00:002011-12-19T12:34:15.739+00:00What drives me absolutely nuts:
"Oh you know...What drives me absolutely nuts:<br /><br />"Oh you know *whoever* I notice from your Facebook/LinkedIn/whatever - can you introduce me, totally randomly, even though you've never read my stuff, met me or have any idea whether I'm a good writer OR stalker?"<br /><br />I'm always polite when I say "no", so when that writer then says:<br /><br />"OMG! What a bitch! NO ONE HELPS ANYONE IN THIS GODDAMN BUSINESS!!!"<br /><br />That writer is BLOCKED forever and ON A LIST.Lucy Vhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15576008511353143019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post-21707237989521575942011-12-17T13:06:24.270+00:002011-12-17T13:06:24.270+00:00Bad manners is always very very annoying and alway...Bad manners is always very very annoying and always switches me off people. Good manners and specificity fire me up every time.<br /><br />Another thing that annoys me is when I've done a really really long answer to something (say spent over half an hour doing it) and get a one sentence reply "Thank you very much. very helpful". Probably with a smiley face... That's just a bit rude. And a bit like they've probably emailed lots of people with that question and that actually my answer wasn't even read properly. It goes back to being specific. <br /><br />Good manners and specificity get you ahead every single time. Not in a *this is how you'll be a successful writer!!!*/here's the formula way... But in a decent normal human being way.<br /><br />Writers, producers and script editors are people too.<br /><br />Sal xxxSally Ahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05621646596642723323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post-41976906388502180692011-12-16T18:00:49.269+00:002011-12-16T18:00:49.269+00:00I received an email from someone early last month,...I received an email from someone early last month, asking me to read her short story. I thought it was cheeky but I was flattered, so I made time to read the attachment and reply. This blog post has reminded me that I have yet to receive a thank you for that!lipsticklorihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01509292962165806049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post-65305113342707112932011-12-15T21:16:44.053+00:002011-12-15T21:16:44.053+00:00Just had a paranoid moment that I hadn't said ...Just had a paranoid moment that I hadn't said thanks to James when I asked him for advice some four years ago. Turns out I had. So that's okay.Olihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03302441388002744047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post-19332460207761377642011-12-15T17:45:25.180+00:002011-12-15T17:45:25.180+00:00Say "please". And "thank you"....Say "please". And "thank you". Not a blunt "do you have any advice for me" (yes I've had that, several times). Don't often get a thanks either, like you've said - they don't even reply. I ignore anyone who doesn't say please, I just can't get past that.<br /><br />Most annoying one is asking me things they could just Google - what is standard script format, what agencies are there, etc etc. Most of them, I'd have to Google it myself for a proper answer! Now I just send people to http://screenwriting.io/ which is really helpful, and explains things better than I usually can.<br /><br />And asking me things I've told them not to ask, or that I've answered on my blog - and they've emailed me using the address on the page that tells them to read the FAQ first and not ask these specific things. Gah.James Moranhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11949906302217025023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post-48998786595268495182011-12-15T17:06:16.471+00:002011-12-15T17:06:16.471+00:00Not sure how true this story is, or would be. But ...Not sure how true this story is, or would be. But still pretty funny/relevant/true.<br /><br />A freshman screenwriter slaps a scrip on a producer's desk. "This script will put you and your company on the map!" says the screenwriter. The producer eyes the screenwriter suspiciously but politely. "Really? Is that so?" "Yes, absolutely!" Says the screenwriter with supreme confidence. "Care to make a wager?" asks the producer, amused. "If this script doesn't make a hundred million dollars, I will give you $20,000!" The screenwriter twitches with excitement. "Your sure you want to do this?" the producer asks evenly. "You bet!" The screenwriter offers his hand. The producer shakes it. "Very well then, we have a deal," the producer says and the screenwriter all but glows. The producer then takes the script and promptly plops it in the trash. "I'd prefer my twenty thousand in cashiers check if you don't mind."<br /><br />Beware the zealous steam indeed!Jasonhttp://scriptsandthings.tumblr.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400514519057660990.post-71888975258377312612011-12-15T16:25:43.427+00:002011-12-15T16:25:43.427+00:00I've had at least six of these happen to me. ...I've had at least six of these happen to me. Even after I left the BBC people tracked me down and sent me stuff to "pass on" to someone.<br /><br />The ones that made me laugh the most, for the wrong reasons, were people who just sent me "Lines of dialogue that could be used in scripts" completely out of the blue.Matt Crusehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00788982593236941532noreply@blogger.com