Response to Josh Olson
Yep, that’s right. Because everyone else wanted to drop his or her two cents on Josh Olson’s article, “I Will Not Read Your Fucking Script”, I thought I should join in on the fun. So here’s my take:
Why all the anger? That was my initial reaction to the comments I read in response to the article. It was as if he had personally rejected these aspiring writers while slapping them in the face. On one side, a large group of people said, “Bravo! It’s about time somebody said it.” While on the other side, there was a, “How dare he! His stuff is crap anyway, I wouldn’t want him to read it.” Because adding personal attacks legitimizes their disagreement. Those who disagree are missing the bigger picture of the article. I’m not saying his thesis is perfect, but it was about more than him being a bad person for not helping another writer out. His essay addressed two issues in particular: one, that screenwriters are not treated with much respect, and two, how to best manage relationships in your network of acquaintances.
I’ll address the lack of respect issue first. It seems that those who were supportive of the article really saw this point above all others. He compares it to asking a house painter friend to paint your house in his free time. A loose comparison yes, but the point is clear: you’re asking for a big favor, for free, from a professional. I think that is lost on a lot of people. People who aren’t writers think, “how hard can it be?” and the fact that they don’t know the answer says a lot. In no other profession does someone follow up your response by degrading it.
“What do you do?”
“I’m a screenwriter.”
“Oh yeah? I had this great story idea…”
Now try it this way:
“What do you do?”
“I’m a doctor.”
“Oh yeah? I was thinking of trying an appendectomy on a friend…”
And I’m not likening screenwriting to being a doctor either.
“What do you do?”
“I’m a truck driver.”
“Oh yeah? I drove from Phoenix all the way to Houston once.”
In what other situation is that response not a slap in the face? Yet, it’s the typical response to the “I’m a screenwriter” statement.
Addressing this first point sets up his overarching story related to the douche that asked him to read his synopsis. This brings us to point number two – managing relationships. The most important thing to realize, for those who disagree, is that the article title was not a sweeping, all-encompassing statement. He was not pledging to treat anyone that approaches him like trash and never read another script again. Keep it in context. He was tying the two points together.
The second point relates to the presumption that as soon as you meet anyone of stature in the business you have to fling your script in his face and pray. Add to that the audacity of asking for honest feedback and it borders on ridiculous.
His point, I believe, was that you should treat a relationship you have with an established writer with the same respect you would any other business relationship. Yes, business relationship. He made sure to mention that it’s different for friends. What value are you bringing to the relationship? Are you pro-active? Asking advice? Offering help? No? Then why should the other person?
There are writers I have met multiple times, got along great with, but wouldn’t trouble them with reading my scripts. I have a close group of friends that I circle all my drafts too. I really value their opinions and it helps my writing. I would love it to expand and include people in the industry I fawn over. All in good time.
If there were a subtitle to his article it would read – “If you’re not going to put in the same effort as I am”. You can’t ask for brutally honest feedback and then get upset when someone thinks it’s crap.
So if you’re an aspiring writer, looking for a mentor, keep in mind two things.
Ask for the sale after the presentation
If you’re on speaking terms with someone you’d love to read your material, build some equity in the relationship before asking for a favor.
Not everyone is a mentor
Some people make great mentors – they go out of their way to teach and to help others. Some people are just writers. Some people can take a younger employee under their wing and show them the ropes, while others prefer to do it their own way. That doesn’t make them an asshole. I’m sure they’re not cold and unfeeling when they’re around their group of close friends. They don’t owe anyone who doesn’t respect their profession or relationship anything.