The Get A Mentor program
We met some time ago back in April of this year. You came to Boulder and were kind enough to come and speak to a group of aspiring writers. I was the one in the front who asked the question about the character Ronna (if she was meant to be black).
I wanted to find out if this Get A Mentor program is worthwhile. I’d like to be a director, but I’d like to obtain some practical experience beforehand. Any advice?
–Rayna
Denver
Rayna’s referring to the character Sarah Polley played in GO. In an early script, I had written that she was “eighteen, black and bleeding.” When we were casting the film, we met with black, white and Latina actresses for the part, and ultimately picked Sarah, who was sublime. Over the years, a few people have written to ask if I was forced to change Ronna’s ethnicity, or if I felt it changed the movie in any way. No, and no. Her race was never a story point, so all that mattered to me was finding the actress who could nail the part.
I’m assuming the program you’re writing about is this one, but I’m not familiar with it beyond what I’ve just read on its website. It seems legit, up until the point you’re paying a couple thousand dollars for privilege of being mentored. Call me old-fashioned, but I consider mentoring to be a pro-bono thing. And I don’t know what value you’d get talking to this mentor on the phone.
As an avid snoop, I’ve been trying to figure out more about this program. Based on its Better Business Bureau profile, it’s located at 7095 Hollywood Blvd. #325. That may be a rented mailbox. There’s a “Mail and More” at that address, and the guy who answered the phone said #325 was probably one of their mailboxes.
Now, a lot of legit businesses use rented mailboxes. But I always get a little nervous sending money to strangers, especially if I couldn’t track them down if I had to. None of this is meant to scare you off, or say that this organization is in any way shady. Its mission is certainly laudable, so I’d love to say that it’s as helpful as it claims. If any readers have experience with it, please write in.
Articles
August 12th, 2004 at 3:21 pm
Good LAWD! That link you provided looks like the sketchiest scam job I’ve seen in some time! I wouldn’t give those people a dime without some kind of references and a list of who they can set you up with. Of course, that site may not be the one Rayna is referring to, but still. Yikes! Someone who’s name is on the P.O. Box is making some easy money.
Although my previous comment bashed on a company I interned for, I still think being an intern is the best way to get a foot in the door right now. Sure, you don’t get paid but at least you aren’t shelling out money to work for free. Or since you want to direct, get a job as a P.A. and get to know some people.
Good places to for PA and internship spots are: http://www.hcdonline.com http://www.entertainmentcareers.net and http://losangeles.craigslist.org/
Look on those and see if anyone needs an intern or assistant. You might even get paid!
As far as interning goes, my theory was that unless you needed to complete your internship for school credit (and you may need to take like, one unit at a community college in order to intern) you should take any internship that suits you and if you meet someone who can help you more while you’re there….jump ship! You don’t owe them anything…they aren’t paying you!
One last note- I met a guy at an internship I had who told me he had paid some pretty good money to be “placed” at various “big” internships. He told me that basically, he filled in for sick interns across the greater L.A. area and generally had NO idea what he was doing at any time. And trust me, since he was interning for the company we shared space with, he wasn’t being placed with any “big” places. He was getting ripped off.
Anyway, he said he’d show up where they told him to go and he’d end up answering phones in a strange office for 8 hours. If he was lucky, he’d get to do some envelope stuffing. Yay!
The long and short of this post is….I would suggest just working on a volunteer basis or for a small sum rather than paying to work for free.
Good luck!
August 12th, 2004 at 8:29 pm
Don’t believe what people say or what you read. A ‘businessman’ who rented out an office in a very rep and profiled building has swindled me before. Well it fooled me. He only got $200 out of me but that didn’t bother me in anyway. Just the fact that you trust someone.
The whole program that you are talking about here, now. The writing mentor. Well it sounds to good to be true. So it probably is!
August 13th, 2004 at 11:05 am
I couldn’t agree with Don more. The best place to learn about directing is hanging out on a film set. Actually, scratch that. The best way to learn about directing is probably to just go our and direct a short.
In the meantime, intern as a set PA or an office PA. Since you live in Boulder (my alma mater, go CU!), the first thing I would do is contact the Colorado Film Commision (www.coloradofilm.org). They can tell you what is filming in the near future and probably get you in touch with their production office. Call said production office and tell them you’ll work for free b/c you need experience. Who can say no to free labor? They will probably happily take you on… and feed you too. Most likely they will be filming commercials which is great, because they are short and sweet. They will also give you much more access to the crew (read director) involved in the shoot.
There are also a few production companies in Colorado. To get an office internship, follow the same proceedure. The film commision can tell what production companies are in town. I know Rick Ramage (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0707931/) has one.
And finally, if you want a mentor. Write Mr. Ramage a letter or anyone else you think will be able to give you good advice. Ask to meet him/her for lunch. If they agrees, well, you have just made yourself a free mentor.
Best of luck!
August 16th, 2004 at 8:01 pm
http://www.mandy.com is another good resource for Intern/PA positions. Also people should look up or call their local film commissions and explain the desire to learn. It’s worked wonders for me!
July 6th, 2005 at 8:35 pm
Hi, John,
I wanted to respond to the comments about Phillip Trout and getamentor.com.
I believe there are many ways into this business and not everyone needs, nor wants, to come in the same way. What may be right for one person may not be right for another.
That said, I am compelled to stand up for Mr. Phillip Trout and the Get a Mentor organization. Phillip runs a business that helps many succeed where they otherwise may not. It is not for everyone, nor is any educational program.
Having been through the program myself, both as a student and as a mentor, I have to let you know that the relationship I have established with these fine people has changed my life completely.
The $6000 I put out to be mentored back in late 2002 made me completely committed to my own success. I had reports to file, someone who looked out after me–even from a distance, someone to be accountable to, and someone who was interested 100% in my every success (my mentors and Phillip), and would listen to me drone on endlessly about every detail.
People ask me if I could have been successful without paying to be mentored. The answer is yes, but there is no way I could have done what I’ve done in less than three years without the relationships I’ve built through this program.
My mentors received nearly 50% of what I paid to be in the program. At the time, this was very important to them as work was pretty scarce here in Denver. Phillip is a semi-retired gentleman with a family, who loves seeing his students succeed. He also needs to make an income. To me, this is a win-win-win situation. Everyone got something very positive out of the arrangement and everyone was satisfied.
Fast forward to late 2004 and I find myself mentoring someone from Boulder who approached Phillip just as I had in 2002. The entire thing has come back around and I have recouped half of my original investment financially, and grown so much myself, from having a student.
Let me be clear that I would never charge someone to be mentored if they approached me directly. Wouldn’t happen. However, if someone comes to Phillip and through the Get a Mentor program to me, then I have no hesitation about being part of the process. Having gone through the process myself, I know the great effort that Phillip makes to be sure that everyone understands each and every step so there are no surprises for anyone and everyone knows exactly what they’re getting into.
Have some people still not understood every detail? Yes. Some have also changed their minds or come up with reasons after starting why they didn’t want to do it any more, and wanted a refund. A few–a surprising very few–have been disgruntled about not getting refunds even though they were fully informed about how that all works in advance. How is this program any different than a university program when it comes to refunds? Phillip always goes above and beyond to be sure to the best of his ability that people understand every detail of what the contract means.
Not everyone is suited for this kind of program, not everyone can afford it, and not everyone even needs this kind of program to reach their goals. That does not, however, make this program invalid or a rip off.
I am a 50 year old woman who, in less than three years, has come out of nowhere to be an award winning indie filmmaker in both documentary and narrative forms. I write, direct, produce, and collaborate with some of the best indie talent that Denver has to offer. On an average shoot, 25-60 people will come out for me for copy, credit, and food because together we are creating magick, and it all started the day I emailed Phillip Trout at getamentor.com.
And although I am not a Hollywood success like our website host, John August, and still have a day job, I do have one major studio and two independent producers after my screenplays, and a great shoot scheduled for September. Next year, look for How to Make a Peanut Butter Sandwich at a film festival near you.
C.G. “Zee” Zarbock Writer / Director / Producer http://www.unfoldingstorypictures.com and http://www.ziamar.com
July 6th, 2005 at 8:35 pm
Hi, John,
I wanted to respond to the comments about Phillip Trout and getamentor.com.
I believe there are many ways into this business and not everyone needs, nor wants, to come in the same way. What may be right for one person may not be right for another.
That said, I am compelled to stand up for Mr. Phillip Trout and the Get a Mentor organization. Phillip runs a business that helps many succeed where they otherwise may not. It is not for everyone, nor is any educational program.
Having been through the program myself, both as a student and as a mentor, I have to let you know that the relationship I have established with these fine people has changed my life completely.
The $6000 I put out to be mentored back in late 2002 made me completely committed to my own success. I had reports to file, someone who looked out after me–even from a distance, someone to be accountable to, and someone who was interested 100% in my every success (my mentors and Phillip), and would listen to me drone on endlessly about every detail.
People ask me if I could have been successful without paying to be mentored. The answer is yes, but there is no way I could have done what I’ve done in less than three years without the relationships I’ve built through this program.
My mentors received nearly 50% of what I paid to be in the program. At the time, this was very important to them as work was pretty scarce here in Denver. Phillip is a semi-retired gentleman with a family, who loves seeing his students succeed. He also needs to make an income. To me, this is a win-win-win situation. Everyone got something very positive out of the arrangement and everyone was satisfied.
Fast forward to late 2004 and I find myself mentoring someone from Boulder who approached Phillip just as I had in 2002. The entire thing has come back around and I have recouped half of my original investment financially, and grown so much myself, from having a student.
Let me be clear that I would never charge someone to be mentored if they approached me directly. Wouldn’t happen. However, if someone comes to Phillip and through the Get a Mentor program to me, then I have no hesitation about being part of the process. Having gone through the process myself, I know the great effort that Phillip makes to be sure that everyone understands each and every step so there are no surprises for anyone and everyone knows exactly what they’re getting into.
Have some people still not understood every detail? Yes. Some have also changed their minds or come up with reasons after starting why they didn’t want to do it any more, and wanted a refund. A few–a surprising very few–have been disgruntled about not getting refunds even though they were fully informed about how that all works in advance. How is this program any different than a university program when it comes to refunds? Phillip always goes above and beyond to be sure to the best of his ability that people understand every detail of what the contract means.
Not everyone is suited for this kind of program, not everyone can afford it, and not everyone even needs this kind of program to reach their goals. That does not, however, make this program invalid or a rip off.
I am a 50 year old woman who, in less than three years, has come out of nowhere to be an award winning indie filmmaker in both documentary and narrative forms. I write, direct, produce, and collaborate with some of the best indie talent that Denver has to offer. On an average shoot, 25-60 people will come out for me for copy, credit, and food because together we are creating magick, and it all started the day I emailed Phillip Trout at getamentor.com.
And although I am not a Hollywood success like our website host, John August, and still have a day job, I do have one major studio and two independent producers after my screenplays, and a great shoot scheduled for September. Next year, look for How to Make a Peanut Butter Sandwich at a film festival near you.
C.G. “Zee” Zarbock Writer / Director / Producer http://www.unfoldingstorypictures.com and http://www.ziamar.com
July 6th, 2005 at 8:35 pm
Hi, John,
I wanted to respond to the comments about Phillip Trout and getamentor.com.
I believe there are many ways into this business and not everyone needs, nor wants, to come in the same way. What may be right for one person may not be right for another.
That said, I am compelled to stand up for Mr. Phillip Trout and the Get a Mentor organization. Phillip runs a business that helps many succeed where they otherwise may not. It is not for everyone, nor is any educational program.
Having been through the program myself, both as a student and as a mentor, I have to let you know that the relationship I have established with these fine people has changed my life completely.
The $6000 I put out to be mentored back in late 2002 made me completely committed to my own success. I had reports to file, someone who looked out after me–even from a distance, someone to be accountable to, and someone who was interested 100% in my every success (my mentors and Phillip), and would listen to me drone on endlessly about every detail.
People ask me if I could have been successful without paying to be mentored. The answer is yes, but there is no way I could have done what I’ve done in less than three years without the relationships I’ve built through this program.
My mentors received nearly 50% of what I paid to be in the program. At the time, this was very important to them as work was pretty scarce here in Denver. Phillip is a semi-retired gentleman with a family, who loves seeing his students succeed. He also needs to make an income. To me, this is a win-win-win situation. Everyone got something very positive out of the arrangement and everyone was satisfied.
Fast forward to late 2004 and I find myself mentoring someone from Boulder who approached Phillip just as I had in 2002. The entire thing has come back around and I have recouped half of my original investment financially, and grown so much myself, from having a student.
Let me be clear that I would never charge someone to be mentored if they approached me directly. Wouldn’t happen. However, if someone comes to Phillip and through the Get a Mentor program to me, then I have no hesitation about being part of the process. Having gone through the process myself, I know the great effort that Phillip makes to be sure that everyone understands each and every step so there are no surprises for anyone and everyone knows exactly what they’re getting into.
Have some people still not understood every detail? Yes. Some have also changed their minds or come up with reasons after starting why they didn’t want to do it any more, and wanted a refund. A few–a surprising very few–have been disgruntled about not getting refunds even though they were fully informed about how that all works in advance. How is this program any different than a university program when it comes to refunds? Phillip always goes above and beyond to be sure to the best of his ability that people understand every detail of what the contract means.
Not everyone is suited for this kind of program, not everyone can afford it, and not everyone even needs this kind of program to reach their goals. That does not, however, make this program invalid or a rip off.
I am a 50 year old woman who, in less than three years, has come out of nowhere to be an award winning indie filmmaker in both documentary and narrative forms. I write, direct, produce, and collaborate with some of the best indie talent that Denver has to offer. On an average shoot, 25-60 people will come out for me for copy, credit, and food because together we are creating magick, and it all started the day I emailed Phillip Trout at getamentor.com.
And although I am not a Hollywood success like our website host, John August, and still have a day job, I do have one major studio and two independent producers after my screenplays, and a great shoot scheduled for September. Next year, look for How to Make a Peanut Butter Sandwich at a film festival near you.
C.G. “Zee” Zarbock Writer / Director / Producer http://www.unfoldingstorypictures.com and http://www.ziamar.com
July 6th, 2005 at 8:41 pm
Hi, John,
I wanted to respond to the comments about Phillip Trout and getamentor.com.
I believe there are many ways into this business and not everyone needs, nor wants, to come in the same way. What may be right for one person may not be right for another.
That said, I am compelled to stand up for Mr. Phillip Trout and the Get a Mentor organization. Phillip runs a business that helps many succeed where they otherwise may not. It is not for everyone, nor is any educational program.
Having been through the program myself, both as a student and as a mentor, I have to let you know that the relationship I have established with these fine people has changed my life completely.
The $6000 I put out to be mentored back in late 2002 made me completely committed to my own success. I had reports to file, someone who looked out after me–even from a distance, someone to be accountable to, and someone who was interested 100% in my every success (my mentors and Phillip), and would listen to me drone on endlessly about every detail.
People ask me if I could have been successful without paying to be mentored. The answer is yes, but there is no way I could have done what I’ve done in less than three years without the relationships I’ve built through this program.
My mentors received nearly 50% of what I paid to be in the program. At the time, this was very important to them as work was pretty scarce here in Denver. Phillip is a semi-retired gentleman with a family, who loves seeing his students succeed. He also needs to make an income. To me, this is a win-win-win situation. Everyone got something very positive out of the arrangement and everyone was satisfied.
Fast forward to late 2004 and I find myself mentoring someone from Boulder who approached Phillip just as I had in 2002. The entire thing has come back around and I have recouped half of my original investment financially, and grown so much myself, from having a student.
Let me be clear that I would never charge someone to be mentored if they approached me directly. Wouldn’t happen. However, if someone comes to Phillip and through the Get a Mentor program to me, then I have no hesitation about being part of the process. Having gone through the process myself, I know the great effort that Phillip makes to be sure that everyone understands each and every step so there are no surprises for anyone and everyone knows exactly what they’re getting into.
Have some people still not understood every detail? Yes. Some have also changed their minds or come up with reasons after starting why they didn’t want to do it any more, and wanted a refund. A few–a surprising very few–have been disgruntled about not getting refunds even though they were fully informed about how that all works in advance. How is this program any different than a university program when it comes to refunds? Phillip always goes above and beyond to be sure to the best of his ability that people understand every detail of what the contract means.
Not everyone is suited for this kind of program, not everyone can afford it, and not everyone even needs this kind of program to reach their goals. That does not, however, make this program invalid or a rip off.
I am a 50 year old woman who, in less than three years, has come out of nowhere to be an award winning indie filmmaker in both documentary and narrative forms. I write, direct, produce, and collaborate with some of the best indie talent that Denver has to offer. On an average shoot, 25-60 people will come out for me for copy, credit, and food because together we are creating magick, and it all started the day I emailed Phillip Trout at getamentor.com.
And although I am not a Hollywood success like our website host, John August, and still have a day job, I do have one major studio and two independent producers after my screenplays, and a great shoot scheduled for September. Next year, look for How to Make a Peanut Butter Sandwich at a film festival near you.
C.G. “Zee” Zarbock Writer / Director / Producer http://www.unfoldingstorypictures.com and http://www.ziamar.com
July 6th, 2005 at 8:47 pm
Sorry, I didn’t mean to post so many times. I had a computer glitch. Please accept my apologies.
“Z”
July 6th, 2005 at 8:59 pm
I must add one more thing. The other element to my success beginning in 2004 has been CASA–the Colorado Actors and Screenwriters Assembly. Check them out at: http://groups.msn.com/coloradoactorsscreenwritersassembly
July 7th, 2005 at 6:56 am
Jeezum Petes.
February 14th, 2006 at 12:53 pm
I will be in LA in april to attend a 3 day screenwriting conference, and I want to stay and work as an intern. I am 51 and former CA attorney. does my age pose a problem? also, where would be some places to check for internship possibilities. Thanks for any help you can offer.
January 25th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
I’m closing comments on this post, but would like to remind all readers that “paid mentorships” is an idea I loathe. If you’re going to spend money on a screenwriting education, you’re better off doing it at a real university. But if you feel compelled to venture outside that arena, tread carefully, and check with the Better Business Bureau and other online resources to make sure you’re not throwing money away.