Posted by RedShoes60 at adsl-64-219-129-187.dsl.kscymo.swbell.net on February 07, 2002 at 17:13:34:
In Reply to: Screenplay Writing posted by nodbeggar on February 07, 2002 at 17:03:30:
Nod:
I miss my summers in York Beach, Maine. That's the only reason why I'm not going to flame you like I'm sure you're about to be singed by everyone else. Okay, that coupled with the fact that I'm actually a pretty nice guy, but, still, expect some heat from everyone else.
First, I'll tell you what Kevin would say if he were here, because through the magic of this board I have actually witnessed one such interaction. His response to you would be as follows:
"Feet in the door are best earned yourself."
See, Kevin filmed CLERKS on money he made through the grace of God (a flooded out car's insurance money), maxed out credit cards, and the sale of many of his worldly posessions. So Kevin put himself into hock to the tune of $30,000 in order to make his movie. That's his advice to you: if you really believe in what you've got, put it on the line.
Additionally, it should be noted that his assistance in the GOOD WILL HUNTING script was pretty much just putting his name on it as an executive producer in the hopes that it would enhance Damon and Affleck's ability to sell the script on its own merits. (Yes, I've heard tell of Mosier reading it over and offering advice, and Smith may have, as well, but for the most part that's about all that happened.) And why did he offer to do this for Affleck and Damon? Perhaps because Affleck is one of Kevin's oldest friends in the business, and a close, -personal- friend at that. Affleck didn't just come to Smith, out of the blue, and ask for help.
So, basically, you're left where you started, young Maine-enite. If you really think you've got something good there, find a kid with directing dreams, find a kid with some acting dreams, find a DV camera (your school probably has one you can borrow for a nominal fee a day) and put something together to shop around at festivals. Sure, a DV probably won't get screened in theatrical release, but it's a cheaper way to... get your foot in the door, which is all you wanted in the first place, isn't it?
Good luck, kid. Good luck. And next time you drive by the Yorks, honk for me, will you?
Regards,
Kevin
PS: If you get flamed, it's for blatantly violating the "asking for a job" rule and the "Kevin won't read or help you with your script" notice on the sign-in page. Can't say you didn't ask for it, bud. I hope everyone's nice, anyway.