I did it. I drove on the freeway. It’s been my biggest fear of moving here. Well besides failing miserably.
So yes, I drove. I got my ass out of bed at 6:45 this morning to attend the Writer’s Boot Camp in Santa Monica to hear Tim McNeal VP for ABC/Disney Development & Diversity, talk about their year long, paid (yes, they pay YOU) programs and his journey up the ranks. I love hearing those stories.
He worked with John Hughes for two years – John Hughes! If you don’t know who that was you were probably born in the 80’s, not so much growing up in them when John Hughes where everyone was a brain, an athlete, a princess, a basketcase and a criminal.
Tim gave some great advice for people trying to make it in Hollywood – move to the Palisades. Apparently that’s where everyone who’s anyone lives there. Well I can’t do that yet so thankfully he had more to say.
There were so many things that I’ve believed, stressed to others and have had stressed to me and so many people dismiss these things as trivial so it’s great when an executive stresses the same things. You only get one chance to make a first impression – so make sure it’s a good one. Most common mistakes and huge red flags – my friend and former teacher Joyce Thierry will love this one – improperly formatted scripts and TYPO’S! I once read a script that had hand written corrections on the page and I just kept thinking that there had to be some saving grace to the script – there wasn’t. It’s hard enough to keep an exec entertained without giving them a reason to say no.
Tim also talked about making your own path and having initiative. So many people are looking for a handout – why should he help you? It’s your job to sell him and prove what you have to offer him so that when he bets on you, he can back it up. This is something that holds everywhere. Telefilm told me the same thing. It’s about building trust and making them believe that you are going to make them look good. Create your own projects, be an assistant, pay your dues and make the LA move and commit to living in the industry.
Tim’s advice on specs vs pilots – spec 2-3 shows and have at least one pilot. Many people have been advising against specs recently but as Tim pointed out, if you’re going to work in a room you need to show that you can write someone else’s voice.
I’ll end this on my favorite story of the day though was him talking about being the assistant to Ari Emanuel. There were a few snickers when he asked if we knew who Ari was – if you don’t, do your research as Ari is one of the most successful agents in Hollywood. Founder of Endeavor which merged with William Morris last year. Tim said that ‘he wasn’t looking for a pat on the back’, he just wanted Ari to know he was getting the job done. My friends wrote a the “Fuck Sorry Manifesto” which is basically about how we, as Canadians, tend to congratulate each other just on getting a job done and don’t even care if it was done well. I’ve always said, I never want to be hired for any other reason (my ethnicity, my gender, etc) other than I’m good at my job. I still don’t know if I’m a good writer but it’s the only thing I can do. And even if I’m not the best out there, I’m going to do the best that I can. And hopefully someone will give me a chance to make them look good.
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