2 Comments

1. Dustin says:

   August 10, 2012 at 4:18 pm

   If you write, per the usual, there really is no way to engage the folks that can facilitate dispersal of your IP to the people that can get you that much needed produced credit. I mean, certainly, a friend and I can create an awful clip using subpar equipment with our unemployed acting buddies and attempt to impart a vision in the script — but c’mon. That, more often than not, devalues the content.

   If you’re a filmmaker, musician, or a performer, you have avenues for access. People like me still absolutely need a reliable angle for entry past getting a rub from an industry buddy. This is all stated knowing very well that Los Angeles is full of horrendous writers that would flood the levy; all the same, my path and those like me (the goddamn awesome writers) remains firmly *not* firm.

   Most of us don’t have the resources to do anything past what we’re doing, which is write and pretend to be friendly with people we probably don’t like for benefit of a small chance that person will say, “Hey…I know a guy. I’ll send your script his way.” That in itself is generally soul crushing on its own, but I digress; it is no way to build a career. And before you suggest scriptwriting competitions, fees and putting your work out there for anyone to read is hardly palatable.

   So, certainly, representation will evolve for people that don’t necessarily need to be represented in any official capacity until interest has already been shown. It’s fantastic that amature filmmakerrs with legitimate talent can put out something viable and interesting on the cheap and garner an industry response. I’m thrilled that talented musicians need do no more than upload an album to Soundcloud.com our YouTube to get a call from a label.

   Writers still need advocates pushing their IP, and they need access to those resources. I’ve lived in LA long enough to know that avenues are beyond scarce. So, I agree…representation needs to change. People like me need to stop being relegated to spinning our wheels looking for a crack in the wall that may never come.

   …and of course, I say this without being even slightly deterred by the odds. I simply submit that it sucks.

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   • Seth Jaret says:

     August 27, 2012 at 1:36 pm

     Dustin,

     You raise a lot of issues in your comment. Let me attempt to respond.

     All of your traditional media efforts can and should continue. What I advocate is supplementary to doing everything you might be doing to “get an agent or manager” and find a producer or financier for your projects.

     In the interim, we’ve entered an age in the Mediaverse™ where Content Creators need to think of themselves as brands (even successful, “established” Content Creators). One can no longer be a silo’d writer, silo’d director or silo’d anything. You must see yourself as a brand with a distinct voice and unique point-of-view. In order to be relevant and to stand out from the crowd, Content Creators must publish unique and original content to any one of a number of new distribution platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, a blog, website, etc.) on a regular and consistent basis. The tools are accessible and the cost is virtually nonexistent. It just takes dedication, creativity and time. It also takes some moxie to Hang it Out There, but it’s essential that you do so.

     We’re also in a traditional media environment that requires proof of audience on other platforms, which is why the studios are making so many errant IP grabs and remaking everything in sight or trying to launch franchises from non-narrative board games.

     Yes, writers and directors need advocates, but the role of those advocates must evolve in the same way the responsibilities and purview of those writers and directors (Content Creators) must evolve to remain relevant and vital in this new state of the Mediaverse™.

     Endeavor in all respects and on all platforms. In the meantime, eschew the permission of the gatekeepers and publish your creativity to your own Micro-audience™.

     Good luck!

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