Nelson, I think what Carol may have been saying is that you don’t have to call the studios to see if they accept unsolicited screenplays because the answer is no. That’s not how the business works. It really is about relationships and agents/managers (and preferably you’ll have both). I think what she was suggesting is that instead of just trying anything you can come up with, it pays to know how people actually build careers and to only do those things. I have never HEARD of anyone who’s gotten an opportunity by sending in an unsolicited screenplay or writing a query letter or any of that. On the other hand, I do have many many friends who have had modest to tremendous success as writers and/or directors and not a single one succeeded by following the tips that amateurs often offer. Which is why it’s such a great idea to listen to people who know. Everyone has ideas, all opinions are valid and blah, blah, blah, but if I wanted to know how to do anything, I’d ask someone who had done it successfully because they’re the ones who know how it’s done. If you look at all the success stories, they all have certain things in common (despite the ways in which these stories vary). The things they have in common are the things you have to do to succeed.

The fact that she doesn’t know about studio hours or what’s the right way to step into the film industry doesn’t mean she can’t be one hell of a storyteller. Probably if there were more talented writers and less people who knew other people, Hollywood films wouldn’t stink so much. The same applies to Spanish films, they just stink in a different way.

I seriously doubt your sarcasm was unintentional -given the way you start your second paragraph- but that’s ok, I like sarcasm too. Hey, sarcasm is cool and makes you seem clever, so what can possibly be wrong about it? For a richer and more complex and mature character try sprinkling some constructive advice onto your comments. That would really make a difference. It’s damn easy to point out what’s wrong about many things without offering alternatives or solutions.

Hell, yes, you are correct, that would be a great opportunity. But considering she’s asking about “studio hours” (no disrespect to Evelyn, how are you going to know if you don’t ask?) I think expecting her to become a Nicholls finalist in order to get some feedback might be jumping the gun a bit. I dunno. Struck me as odd. But, whatever.

What did Spock say? (Paraphrase) “Constant exposure results in a certain amount of contamination.”

Lost innocence. Jaded. And perfectly reflective of the world of which we’re all trying to enter. What’s sad is, to me, is that we all have to walk such a straight line. We have to be so careful as to not do or say anything not within the narrow channels of acceptability and precedent.

In reality John did this girl a favor–probably. In the real world (mine) I found her naivete refreshing.

Long live the iconoclast. Hey, anybody see “Inglourious Basterds”?

Regarding the Nicholl competition, what I meant to say is that the finalists, not just the five fellows, get interviews with producers and agents and other people involved in the competition. From my experience with the posts from the readers of this blog, I think that if you organize a picnic with a few dozens of screenwriters it will end up in a bloodbath.

Reading your sarcastic and patronizing words I assume you write intellectual-kind of cynical-black comedies. Keep up the good work! It was great fun reading you.

Cheers!

Please tell me you are kidding. This just does not sound like sane advice. You must be a screenwriter — has this worked for you?

Also, you won’t “meet people” by sending your script to the Nicholls. It’s a competition where you send your script by mail or electronically, with zero human contact involved. You don’t meet the people unless you ARE one of the fellows — and there are only five. It’s not like you’re going to show up with your script along with every other Nicholl hopeful and have a picnic while you talk shop. Maybe I don’t understand your comment (?)

Possibly you meant the Austin Film Festival? They have a screenwriting competition but also have the “festival” part, with tons of people and and panals and workshops, etc..