Before one agent meeting, I declined water because I wanted to dash to the ladies’ room. When I sat down with the agents, they were all incredibly concerned that I didn’t have water. They were so disturbed by it, I thought the assistant was going to get called into the room and fired on the spot for not forcing some kind of beverage on me. And that agency ended up passing on me. I’m not saying it was because of the water — in fact, I know it wasn’t — but still … take the drink, just in case. Plus, it gives you something to do with your hands if you’re nervous.

My adds for the TV side of things: Be familiar with their slate, both of current on-air shows and of stuff coming up the pipeline. Be ready to talk about why you’re passionate about writing for TV and not film. Be ready to talk intelligently about whatever script got you the meeting. They’ll probably ask you what your immediate goals are (are you interested in just development or staffing), and where you want to be in ten years. And they’ll ask about your favorite shows, of course. Naturally have few from that network/studio/etc, but don’t be afraid to mention other people’s stuff. TV execs love TV, and they have favorite shows like everyone else. So don’t be afraid to geek out a little and shoot the breeze about any great show.

For TV, they’re looking to see if you’re someone who will fit well on staff, so the ability to relax a bit and just be social while being smart is key.

Also, don’t be surprised if your meeting is rescheduled at least once, and don’t forget to double check your directions (says the girl who got screwed by Google Maps on Monday with near-disastrous results).

Also as a former assistant, I would add that the good thing about water or diet Coke is that they are low-maintenance drinks. I grab the can/bottle, give it to you, done.

The problem with coffee: it can be spilled. By you, or by me. Or accidentally by me on you, in a worst case scenario. (Or, “accidentally.”) I also, as an asst., felt very awkward making someone coffee. I don’t know why…maybe it was just me. Plus, people have such high maintenance coffee needs that it’s just not practical to have every milk and cream iteration on hand, leading to scenarios like me running to other assistants on the lot looking for the “right” additive, only to find when I got back that calls were missed, boss is pissed, and the person in the meeting was already gone.

And while I may be reading way too much into this, there is something very servile about making such a simple drink for someone else, where me handing you a bottle or can has more of a feeling of camraderie.

More than you wanted to know…

Regarding asking for water, we have a variety of snacks and beverages (including Snapple) just in case and there’s no reason why anyone taking a meeting shouldn’t take advantage. No writer has not been hired because an assistant got a coffee, a bag of chips and a candy bar (or nuts, or soda, or juice, or anything in our over-stocked kitchen). Notably, I work at a large, corporate television studio so we’re probably the exception to the rule, but my point is you don’t only have to ask for water if other things are available.

Oh, and we’re going green. Which means no more bottled water. So there’s that.

You can’t ask for coffee at a morning meeting? And it would be weird if you said “no thanks” to anything?

Fascinating.

It’s rare to bring someone to a meeting. Writers don’t have entourages.

@Ayz (#8):

You can get an avatar at gravatar.com.

@Scott (#11):

I’d say it’s less pressure than a job interview. Most of these meetings are really just “nice to meet you” meetings.

@Nathan (#18):

You could very easily flop the genders in the example given. While I don’t know the real percentages, in general, half the executives you’re likely to meet with are women, and half of all assistants are men.

Thank you for your insight. In your experience, is it typical in these situations that the assistant is a woman and the agent/executive/producer is a man? I’m absolutely not saying your scenario uses gender stereotypes. I’m just wondering if that’s the typical case.

• Nathan