T Plus 3

I messed up, I dropped the ball, I, on a cosmic scale took a dash to the credibility today. I had a noon appointment with the Discovery channel over Fareed's documentary; my appointment with the Aboriginal Channel had gone well, built on the energy of that and the excitement of getting to a James Burrows interview, I forgot of my obligation to Fareed. It's not an excuse, as I'll admit, it was unprofessional while at the same time a let down to a friend. And worse, apparently the pitch went as well as apple pie on blueberry Tuesday; Fareed informed us that the representative not only turned us down but also took the time out to insult the product itself.

As for our meeting, Bob my driver and myself, with the aboriginal peoples Television network; it went well. We went into the suite, and were seated with Mabelle the programming manager, and Linda the programming officer. This is where the effort of meeting people at social occasions pays off; I met Mabelle the year before at a sponsored party followed by a pitch. This allows us to move in the pitch with out the, "Tell us about yourself ,"formalities; Bob did explain himself...but he's white and it's expected. Our pitch started with "Clean Fight," a story of a kickboxer sidetracked by a disability, now on the road to a comeback he's torn between his friends, who think he deserves his former glory, and his girlfriend, who's just whiny:). As it was pitched last year, Maybell was familiar with the story but not the recent form; it has merit. Our second short, "straighten up," is about a gay man that believes he's an abomination, who finds a science experiment that will turn him straight. The concept interested them but the lack of native characters would leave it off the agenda.

And there there's Conduit, our television series that I won't pitch here. I will say this, as it was pitched there was a noticeable reaction. It's been a while since I caused a woman to gasp, in that manner, but now I can do it from across the table. All right, Bob did, but I told him how. We have nothing in writing, we have a "send us the package" and we'll talk possible development funding. Doesn't sound like much, but it is if you spin it just
right for the other meetings.

James Burrows seminar, great man.

Returned to the Banff springs hotel to find Fareed upset about the meeting, as he's entitled to be; just as Keith was starting this meeting with two women I didn't know, but it was an information session and he was definitely taking notes...very important. I used this time to reflect on the day and call my mother...yes, so what?

We decided, for the sake of the group that we should miss an awards gala for a nap, ironically something my group of last year did. Nap over, we arrived in time for the gala dinner, and another meeting with Maybell and
Lynda. They started a conversation with Bob, where it was mentioned that they wouldn't mind talking to me again; thus Bob pulled me away from another producer's pitch on lingerie. This time the conversation was on
artistic expression, scenes from movies and such; at one point I brought up the pitch from earlier, thankfully Bob interrupted with talk about food.  It's not a good idea to pitch at these gathers, some may allow it, but you have to remember that these people have listened to pitches all day, this is their time to relax and BS.  I've considered it, and noticed that I don't even consider pitching to other bigwigs at events. I can go on about
anything but the pitch. Mabels a tougher sell, and not knowing anything about her that's all we have on common. Then it was pointed out to me, what else do most writers have but their scripts and ideas to impress
people? I know what I'm trying to do, if not intentional, and that's an awkward situation waiting to arise...so to speak. It's best to be avoided, so avoid it.

On to Karioke, where Bob impressed us all with a perfect rendition of The Mack is back. Losing first place to a thespian from Toronto, but in the end, it brought him some exposure. What else brought him exposure? Using
the urinals at the same time as Ryan Styles, from the Drew Carey show and 'Who's line is it anyway." apparently, as I am told, they were wearing the same shirt; and a conversation was started up; one that ended with Bob saying "well, it was nice peeing with you."

We left the party early, to be fresh for our further meetings the net day; a little more relaxed with the knowledge that one network is already thinking of being interested.

Kim Catrell sightings -- Zero.