Saturday, January 05, 2008

Quandary

Had the meeting yesterday - they like the script and want to make it (a UK/SA thing) Now I have to make up my mind and sign by 16th. The offer is fine. Only trouble is they want a 'mr big' director on board - aggghhhhh. Now I'm having a Potdoll moment. Should I say yes because - who knows after this one maybe I'll be better placed to direct? Should I say no and stick my neck out for what I really, really want (and risk not getting it at all)? Or should I try a bit of gentle persuasion and say I'll be happy to step aside WHEN 'mr big' director is on board (if that is at all possible?) Is this a girl thing? I can direct it, in fact I'm best placed to do it, I know I am! Maybe I need to show them my shorts. (What if they determined my directing ability from that cell-phone puppet video underneath - that was a family co-production and I only did the camera -work (shaky I know) and the cutting out - aggggh.) Oh I should be dancing round in my flip-flops instead of tearing out my hair. Answers in comments please. Asap. Ta

12 comments:

potdoll said...

Oooh the AGONY!

First of all you should definitely show them your shorts so they know you can direct.

Secondly have you thought about writing some directors notes/directors statement so they can see how you would shoot it.

At the end of the day, it comes down to who they can raise the finance on. Unfortunately big directors bring financiers on board.

Even if it turns out it's not possible for you to direct, you still want it to get made, don't you?

And hey - THEY LIKE YOUR SCRIPT AND WANT TO MAKE IT!!!

That's definitely worth a flip-flop dance! I'll join you - though I'll have to wear slippers...

Congrats!!!!

Near by said...

This is so useful (and true) Pot - thanks muchissimo!
Sometimes you need someone else to put your thoughts in order..

potdoll said...

Ah, good! Looking forward to hearing how it pans out.

Lianne said...

Yes, show them your shorts! Keep us posted!

Near by said...

will do Lianne.

Have thought it through some more and realise there is no hurry on my side - so will see what happens....

Oli said...

I go against the grain and say sell it. But then, I've no interest in directing.

Less flippantly, don't you have a much better chance of being allowed to direct next time if you deliver on the pure writing this time around?

Don't wait so long that they change their minds...

Anonymous said...

Hi Oli!

I started out directing before scriptwriting so I really want to do it :)
Plus the script is 'fresh off the griddle' so maybe better to wait for other responses too..

Elinor said...

Show 'em your shorts. Don flip-flops and dance, baby, dance!

Anonymous said...

OK you daft nun!

flippety-flap-flap
dooo wah wah wah
floppety flip-flop
doo wah wah

ooo ooh shadooo wah wah wah

Anonymous said...

OMG they just INCREASED the offer!!!!

I think I will have to go and lie down....

Elinor said...

There's clearly power in them there flip;flops!

Anonymous said...

Am doing updates in here since comments don't seem to be affected by blog karma (unlike posts). Anyway after a very positive meeting - have now decided rather to enter into a co-prod arrangement with UK producers (and thus retain an element of creative control)
onwards!
tbc