T Plus 2

Monday, begins with a much welcomed sleep in, but with every unanticipated sleep in comes the obligatory rush to get ready.  Not an easy task with four guys and one shower.  Unfortunately, we missed the supplied breakfast, but like all low budget filmmakers we adapted... roast beef sandwich.

It's a slow day for me where pitches are concerned but hective as the amount of introductions grows.  People I've only met the other day are now introducing me to people that I have just got to meet, that they only met the other day.   A new piece of information, based on this, crossed my path, which not only helps me perfect my tactics but explains why there is so much crap on television.  The project isn't ground zero until weeks later; it's all about personality, charisma, just how much people like you.  Kind of an intimidating thing when a writer's life is spent in virtual isolation.  Then, in steps the producer.   But, not to blow my own banjo, I believe I'm holding my own.

Robert Fugger, my driver from earlier, has a fellowship with the Canadian Television, from a simple, obviously easy to read application allowed Bob to come to Banff on CTV'S dime.  It also, has an added bonus of a direction, in the form of an individual that's obligated to answer Bob's questions.  I was allowed to sit in as bob practiced his pitch, an ego trip as he's taught to play up the ability of the writer; I was also witness to her display of pencil editing, reworking dramatically the packages.  Not a complaint, not a complaint at all; as someone with her experience and her credentials, we would be idiots, yes; I use the word idiots, to not heed her advice.  At the end, both Bob and I were amazed at how improved our pitch was, evolution.

Fareed though, did have a few pitches, for a film that was close to his emotional centre; unfortunately, not recommended for people trying to make a sell.  His intent, although admirable, is to film his project as a feature film; which is the hindrance to his cause.  Several meetings resulted in the pitchee suggesting he plan it as a movie of the week and they'll look harder at it.  Fareed is sticking to his guns; it's a feature film or a pile of paper forever.  My recommendations, bite the bullet, take the money and live your dream later.

two notes of interest,  I made the faux pas of walking in on someone chatting with a network exec;  it was a party situation and I knew one of the two but still;  once you see the zone,  that of two people BSing about the industry,  stay out of the way.  Even though they're not talking about specific projects,  they're feeling each other out to see if one can take the other serious;  sort of like a mating dance but with real items at stake... my pay day.  It took me a minute to notice my mistake, but I stepped off.  No worries, but I've seen others enter the conversation fully, hurting their own chances of getting into the zone.  Sometimes, done right it works and you're part of theirs, but to interrupt is just rude.

Second, not film related, Bob had a wet napkin with A&E printed on it in black, when he wiped his face, it smeared his cheeks and roaming hairline; people must have thought he was pitching a black face program.  Not important but still wanting to get it out on the net... it's funny.

Kim Catrell sightings -- Zero.

Andrew.