T Plus 4

I slept in, I really slept in; I mean I really, really slept in today. It was noon before I reached the shower. I remember two groups leaving, each checking to see if I would wake; I questioned their sanity of waking so early, before rolling over again. Recommended, one watch, which is the first thing I purchased upon leaving the motel, a fifty-seven dollar watch with two alarms on it...and it glows in the dark.

Due to my tardiness, I missed another meeting; with CTV, but Bob was not at all bothered as he, better than anyone, understands sleep deprivation; he has two kids and a wife. I should also point out, that he seems to work better without my hindrance, a theory I'll test out someday. Bob quickly, after an hour to find him, filled me in on how the meeting transpired; he pitched Conduit to a receptive person, and was asked for a package. We're taking this as a sign of interest as not every network will ask for one; a rule, never pull out your package unless it's asked for, something most men should have learned through dating. Pitching is tell them a little, get the reaction, if it's positive, give them a little more.... And so forth, the good, really good producers can read the pitchee to a science.

Bob and I went for lunch, where he informed me of the possibility of a co-production with England, which would entail turning one of the characters into a Brit; he sincerely asked me how I felt about that. How do I feel about that, if it gets it made, I feel that Susan, a lead, must have been top of her class at Oxford. It's not a hard choice to make, a simple accent and back ground change not only increases the chances of our project moving forward but allows us a new dynamic to play with. The more I thought about it, the more I liked writing for her character. It's also at this lunch Bob receives great news.  He spots a Leslie, the women he pitched to, and one of her companions from CTV.  Being a good PR man, Bob heads over and not only gets a friendly hello, but a "We were just talking about you" (about the project); a really good sign. I, myself, had a bug in my water and had to send it back, making special note that I better not see it on the bill.

The afternoon brought a pitch with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, hidden deep in the Banff Springs hotel with their own pitching room. The representative was nice enough, listening to us and asking very direct
questions; practice allows her the ability of hiding which direction she feels on the project until the end, when she asked us for a package. Bob handed her one; her only problem was the budget seemed low at $800,000 an episode; which was music to our ears. I must admit though, that I was surprised by the direction of the questions, they both evenly addressed the technical aspects of the project as well as the characters. As a writer, not sure if I would use conceited, I like talking about my projects, where it's going and the dynamics; it's nice to know that the people in the suits do as well. As the meeting ended, she asked to follow up later with a more detailed package, as the story intrigued her; as well as a writing sample of mine...my job position is on the line?

A moment to bring this up, Bob and I have both talked about my position on the project; being this new to the world of television I'm very aware that I'll not be the showrunner (head writer, controls the feel of the scripts).
Not only am I not equipped to handle the pressure, my personal feelings lead me to say that I wouldn't want the pressure. I have to admit though, there's some distress to looking control of the project as my position is
downsized; but what person would come on a project because of how much they like it, only to turn around and turn it into something else.

Jubilant, Bob and I collected Fareed and Keith, who is also being shown interest for his (porn'ology) concept, and head back to the motel for a nap. Not together though, well together but in separate rooms.  Okay, Keith and I share a room, but separate beds facing separate ways.

Nap time ends, Fareed heads to take a young lady out on the town, while the rest of us grab a meal before heading to the Women in Film Martini Madness. On an unrelated note, Keith broke his water glass as dinner, washing our table, not important but funny to those that were there.

At the Martini madness, a crowded bar with booze, we mingle with others and I'm introduced to a few more documentarians. I enter a thought.  Documentary filmmakers are a breed of under appreciated filmmakers.  They not only work hard but also suffer greatly for it, no wealth, some living expenses, and lets not forget virtually ignored by the world consumers.

From this party, we move to the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network party; a blues type theme, general impressions around me were that this was a better atmosphere; still has music but not deafening to the point where conversation was impossible; we also get a free T-shirt. Mabel, the acquisition manager came to us to thank us for attending; which was very considerate. Unfortunately, it was pointed out by Maya Miller, a Vancouver filmmaker who witnessed the exchange, Bob, Keith and I became slack jawed yokels around the attractive young executive; she summed it up nicely: Men.

Throughout the evening, the schmoozing continued, as we gathered information and war stories in producing from the area. I was amazed at the opportunities out there I missed in my research; although some were only offered directly to those with a personal relationship with the sponsors, something I'm making the effort to build. I had another opportunity to talk pitch my scripts for her, I believe I came across less like a nervous twit. Sadly though, I remember nothing of our conversation.

Our evening is cut short as the week is taking it's toll on our minds, sleep is called for; but Bob's PR brain forces us to say goodbye to everyone we've ever exchanged cards with. After it's done, I see the benefit, they
now know that we consider them a priority to us. Bob's a golden god.

Kim Catrell sightings -- Zero.

Andrew