In the comments below on the romantic comedy status report, C. Vachon asked me if that was how I really saw producers because most of the ones she knows are hard-working and really trying to get their films made and keep the writer and director happy. And you know what? She's right. I started to answer her in the comments, but when I screw up, I'd rather put it up here instead of burying it.... so to answer C:
You know, after I put that up there, I knew it was going to bite me in the ass. Because I'm not referring to producers like yourself or this particular woman -- but so many of the ones I've had meetings with who brag about getting rid of the writers, or who, at festivals like Austin, will tell writers things they want to hear in the sessions and then afterward, in private moments at the bar, turn around and make fun of the very thing they've said.
But you know what? I hate it when I see others generalizing and damned if I didn't do one of the very things I hated, because I have met some pretty amazing produers as well. I've met some who have championed stories through amazing obstacles and got it made and made nearly nothing (or truly nothing) all because they fell in love with the script and they wanted to see it come to life. There are some real artists and honest producers, and I should have not let my cynicsm in that moment win. Thanks for the reminder.
Posted by toni at February 26, 2004 10:45 PM