He said, she said

So I've got a few projects in the works. They're all pretty exciting. One, if it works out, will be getting to one of my favorite comedian actor's production company. That same project will also be getting to one of the biggest agencies in Hollywood. "IF" it works out. See, the other two people involved in creating the story with me, there have been issues with making an agreement. I don't have an agent, so that's really the problem. If I had an agent, none of this would be a problem. That agent would say, here's your contract. End of story. So meanwhile you have me, the only writer, and two people who aren't in the business who are working on the story with me.

So what you find out when there's the possibility of a movie getting made, money happening, things get interesting fast. Nothing bad. No one meant any harm. But trying to get three people to agree on who should get what credit and what % if and when it sells/made. Is not that easy. Tensions get high. People's feelings get hurt. Oh the drama!

For me, I just keep trying to get everyone to talk. Keep trying to make everyone happy and make sure everyone felt like they were getting what they wanted. I was even willing to give people more than maybe they deserved, if it meant the script would get made and to the right people. For me, as a writer, getting it to these big Hollywood people was the brass ring I wanted to grab. A lot of our conversations happened through texts and emails, and I can say, that I learned that was a mistake. So yesterday, I got on the phone with one of the people, and amazingly, that seemed to be the trick. It didn't happen immediately. At one point, maybe many times even, I felt the project was going to be dead in the water. But by the end of the conversation, we actually found a way to make everyone happy. For the first time in weeks, it seemed things were moving and back on the table.

Then he spoke to the other person today. Yes, talked to her on the phone today. And he texted me after. And now, guess what, I think we agreed on a deal we can all be happy with! It's amazing what a phone call can do. Sometimes, picking up the phone is just what needs to happen. Graham Bell knew what he was doing, I guess!

So I also have a movie getting made this month, and just today more drama with one of the writers. I don't think it was anything he said intentionally that caused problems with the producer. I tried to gently let the producer know this. But she's not hearing it. Oh, again, the drama! I talked to the writer later and let him know I'll see what I can do to iron things out. I'm not sure I can. I'm not sure how or why I seem to be ending up the mediator in all these situations? All I can say, and if this helps you, is through all this, just remain calm. Try to see it from the other person's side. Be the one that's the calm in all of the mayhem. But boy, all of this is exhausting me. I may be calm on the outside. But I sure look forward to having an agent do all this for me someday!