AboutRoger S. H. Schulman Expertise I can answer questions on the creative aspects of writing for features and television comedy: brainstorming, character development, plotting, story structure, dialog, rewriting, editing, etc. I can also address the business side of show business: pitching, writing and presenting treatments, "taking" meetings, common pitfalls, etc. I'm also well versed in the relationship between screenwriting and computers: software for scriptwriting, brainstorming, presentation, outlining, an d general organization. I'm also a producer, and so can answer questions regarding the ins and outs of television production, specifically the half-hour arena. Visit my scriptwriting blog at http://scriptwriting.blogspot.com.
Experience I have been working in Hollywood as a screenwriter for both TV and features for many years. I'm an Executive Producer and "showrunner" who has run several prime-time and cable comedies. I've written several featurs and contributed to many more for several major studios.
Organizations Writers Guild of America, West
Publications Newsweek, BusinessWeek, GQ, Connoisseur, UPI, New York Daily News, please visit my blog at http://scriptwriting.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials I have a Masters of Science in Journalism from Columbia University.
Awards and Honors Academy Award Nomination, Best Adapted Screenplay
British Academy Award, Best Adapted Screenplay
NAACP "Image" Award, Best Television Comedy
"Annie" Award, Best Animated Film
Writer previously met two-time Oscar winning Producer at
semi-social event. Producer said he might be interested in
a particular pcript by Writer, and gave him contact info so
Writer's agent could call. Subsequent email, but ostensibly just
friendly.
Writer has falling out with agent, currently no representation.
So now. Producer, who works in L.A. is coming to East Coast, where Writer lives, this weekend for screenings. Writer sent email to Producer saying script might be ready in several weeks --would Producer that to chat a bit when in town? In one paragraph of this email he mentions some of research for script, to whet Producer's appetite.
About ten days out from email, no answer from Producer. Maybe email is lost in the Producer's sea of incoming mail, maybe Producer know longer uses this email address -- who knows(?).
Writer is tempted to send one very polished 10-page sequence from script, with message like "Maybe you didn't see my email." But he doesn't want to come off as obsequious, or very aggressive. (Writer has spoken with someone he knows who is likely to be hosting Producer, and there might not be much time to meet Producer when he's in town.)
What do you think?
Answer This is a tough one because there's no right answer. On the other hand, that means there's no wrong answer, which is something of a relief. Going strictly on your limited information and my experience, I'd say this guy was most likely shining you on. In other words, trying to be polite but not particulary interested unless he heard from a powerful and/or persuasive agent. In short, I have the feeling this whole thing is much more important to you than it is to him.
So I would send him one more email. Try and verify the address if you can via phone or Internet. And just say, taking another opportunity to express my hope that you can give me five minutes of your time, blah blah blah. Sending material to someone who won't even reply to a standard email feels to me like throwing good money after bad.
Then let the chips fall where they may, and move on.
