Posted by Breckiono at ool-435151a8.dyn.optonline.net on January 19, 2003 at 04:23:52:
In Reply to: Fame..How We Forget Our Desperate Wannabe Days posted by Adam Ace on January 19, 2003 at 04:13:54:
: Dear Kevin,
: Hello and how are you? I would just like to start this letter by saying that I am a big fan and I very much like your films. This letter is not directed towards you per se, but once you read what I have to say...I hope that you will respond with your opinion.
: I am a producer and I am currently involved in my first feature for a major Hollywood studio. My friend wrote it and we have been trying to make this film for 7 years. We could have made it sooner, but we were not going to compromise on anything. Basically we were like Sylvester Stallone...either we play Rocky Balboa or we are not selling the script. However, we finally prevailed and the film is going to get made with major actors and a well known director attached.
: The point of this email is that I have going through hell trying to make this film over the last 7 years and the majority of these hip new independent filmmakers or "players" have totally forgotten what it was like when they were loser wannabe's. They don't recall at all that they once wished that someone would help them or give them a break.
: In the process of making this film, I contacted various hot new directors that maybe did one or two films that were hits. These directors had the same status that you had after Clerks. Many of these directors would actually call me back at home...I actually never had to deal with their agents. I had their home phone numbers and called them to discuss my film proposal. All of them would appear interested, loved the script and were happy with the money that we were offering them.
: The problem was that they were completely stringing me along for months, making me think that they were going to be attached. They would actually tell me to inform my investors, the studio etc...that they were going to do the film and that we could draw up the contracts. So we would draw up the contracts and then nothing...they would never return my phone calls. Four well known directors did this...directors I am sure you have had contact with in some capacity. One minute they were desperate for me and calling me at my home...then not returning my phone calls after they told me that I could tell the world that they were attached.
: It's insane and one thing that I have learned from this whole process of making this film and struggling so much for 7 years...is that I am NEVER going to forget the people that helped me and I will absolutely help anyone that I can to make their dreams come true. I know the hell of trying to make it and get that break. If my film does very well and I become a name producer in whatever capacity...I will use my abilities to help others.
: For example, I will let fans call me on occasion or I will call them. I will allow myself to be approachable to the people that respect me and would like my advice. I will set up a phone line, where people can leave messages and I will do my best to call back every single one of them. I realize that I can spend my life talking on the phone to fans, but I will do my best to give them the courtesy that unfortunately I didn't receive from the majority of people that we tried to deal with. Meanwhile...two years previous...they were working at Blockbuster Video or Starbucks. I will keep my word and help these people in whatever possible way that I can. Set up the appropriate way to reach me and I will answer any of their questions. Obviously I can't make everyone's dreams come true, but I can take the time to show that I honestly do care and that I am willing to answer any questions or give advice.
: Now on your site, you say not to ask about jobs and you say that you will not accept scripts, etc. I say why the hell not. I think that if you structure a way that there isn't overkill...you can allow people to ask about jobs or send you a script. You could be turning away the next Michael Mann and I think it's foolish to not consider that. I just don't get it. I will set up a site similar to yours at some point and like I said...I will be approachable. There are ways to do with and still be able to maintain a private life. Basically I will have a "Project Greenlight" mentality for my entire career...not just for an HBO series.
: As well, I actually did contact you once...not for this film, but for another project that I was involved with through another company. We required a half an hour of your time and your assistant told us that you would love to do it, but you just didn't have the time. We gave her multiple times, days, places...where we could accomodate you. However according to your assistant...24/7, you were completely unavailable. Now if you didn't want to do it fine, but she expressed that you did want to do it. I don't care if someone is Steven Speilberg...people are not 24/7 busy all the time, that they can't take a moment and maybe do an interview while they are having lunch or whatever. Yes, making a movie is stressful and people are obviously busy as hell through the process of it...but let's not be pretentious to think and tell our assistants to inform people that we don't have a single second to spare on anything. Meanwhile...with all the amount of waiting around on a movie set, there is more time than anything.
: The bottom line is that I won't forget where I came from and what it took to finally get my movie made. I am so thankful for the people that have helped me and I will try to offer the same assistance to others. Most people, become famous and forget the fact that a few bombs in their career...could have them right back working at Blockbuster Video or Starbucks again. It's a shame, but it will not be something that will happen to me.
: Please understand that I do know you help people and I very much appreciated your "An Evening With Kevin Smith" project. This is not directed at all towards you and my comments about your assistant...was just her doing her job. She filters through the people and offers that come your way. I suspect she didn't even ask you about what we were proposing and that's just how assistants are.
: Thank you for your time and all the best with Jersey Girl.
: Yours truly,
: Adam