When we heard Gary W. Goldstein, producer of Pretty Woman and Under Siege, would be speaking at the London Screenwriters’ Festival, we all knew we were in for great session. What I was not prepared for was just how crammed full of useful— no, vital tips Gary would have for staying afloat in the industry; things I myself have implemented since. Gary is a seasoned industry exec and a great mentor to lots of incredible talent. The level of detail and experience he brought was a rare gift indeed.
These are just some of the suggestions he had to offer for different areas of the industry.
How to handle rejection
We are all in the business of rejection. It can feel disappointing, frustrating, or sickeningly inevitable. I’d always favoured expecting it, so a ‘yes’ would be a lovely surprise and a ‘no’ is just the norm.
What I’d never considered, until hearing from Gary, was the possibility of turning a ‘no’ to your advantage. Rather than just walking away with your tail between your legs, Gary suggests continuing the conversation. Thank them for the feedback, ask why is it a ‘no’?
Make it clear that you value the exec’s opinion, and use the opportunity to learn more about their thought process, as well as your craft. Think of rejection as an invitation to reflect more, and a possibility to further the relationship. That way, everyone’s a winner!
Contacting agencies
Have you ever started to contact an agency, only to write two sentences, delete them both and stare at the screen slack-jawed for a few minutes before watching a YouTube video you’ve probably seen before? I know I have! It can feel like the stakes are so high, and it’s often hard to get right. Which is why Gary’s suggestions for how to initiate that relationship were so welcome.
First off, don’t go straight for the big agent/manager. Gary recommends bonding with the entry level assistants; learn their first and last names, show them some basic sincere friendship. These people will appreciate this now, and may rise to more influential positions later.
Secondly, don’t ask them to read your script. In fact, don’t ask for anything at all. Gary advocates speaking casually to someone at least three times before asking anything of them.
So how do you start talking to these assistants? Ask about them. Gary’s favoured example is researching a client of theirs you know or respect and asking how they came to represent them. People like it when others show interest in them. Be a good listener and a good friend, and let that relationship form naturally rather than going straight for the business angle.
Staying productive
This was a big one for me. I know I, and a lot of us screenwriters, have many other commitments, challenges or temptations that may distract us from doing that precious thing we’re all here for: writing. Fortunately Gary had some brilliant tips for maximising our use of time. Before ending his day, he writes out a list of everything to complete the following day, so he can start out in the morning with a complete and detailed action plan (I’ve tried this and it’s increased my productivity no end!).
During the day, he advises setting 15-minute timers; whenever these go off, consider if what you’re doing in that moment is “mission critical”. If not, time to get back on track! I really needed this in my life, especially during the Mundane Apocalypse.
Of course, reality can intervene and force you to change your plans, but there’s no reason you can’t alter them as long as it helps you to stay on top. “Flexible not flaky,” is the way Gary puts it; as long as you’re not dropping lots of items from your schedule, feel free to change it up as much as you want.
We are super grateful to Gary for appearing in the session ‘Maintaining your Creative Edge’, and to Bob for moderating.
James Alexander Allen has been a screenwriter for about six years. He has also written a stage play (performed at Brighton’s Rialto and the Bread and Roses in Clapham) and directed four short films. He loves all things Star Wars, and dark comedies with a healthy grain of truth in them.
