Asshattery, Parts 1 & 2

Part 1: So, a newbie from LinkedIn sends me an unsolicited query letter pitch. Now, there are two responses that one usually gets from this; one is no response, as unsolicited queries are normally deleted.

The second is something that I’m more prone to do; provide as much constructive criticism of the pitch and/or concept as possible. In this case, in a lengthy response, I gave feedback on the title, the logline, the query letter, the synopsis and the overall concept (a bland, extremely derivative psychological thriller). I went the additional mile by offering some ideas for improvement.

I should mention that, before the critique, I informed him that I am direct and honest, and if he were thin-skinned, I suggested that he disregard the email response and simply delete it.

The writer responded back with a snarky comment about getting “a lot of requests for the script.” I sincerely doubt it, but, for his sake, I hope it’s true.

So, keep this in mind. He sent an unsolicited query. It was a terrible concept marketed through unprofessionally written marketing material. When getting feedback, along with constructive advice and tips, this writer chose to respond in a smart ass manner, this assuring that I’ll never assist him again in the future. People like him are kidding themselves as to potential success.

I found his profile on LinkedIn, with all of his 40 network connections, and blocked him. He obviously doesn’t need MY help to be a jerk. He’s successful with that on his own.

Part II: I have a “friend” with whom I’ve shared many exchanges and professional advice regarding his desire to have his self-published book adapted into a screenplay. I made it clear to him a year ago that the book was not a marketable movie concept. In fact, it was more of a technical manual about teaching teens on driving, sprinkled with a few interesting anecdotes- humorous and otherwise. I shared with him a quick idea of what a movie concept might look like using some of the material in the book. When quoted a price, he was honest in saying he couldn’t swing it at this time.

A year goes by, where we’ve enjoyed hundreds of Facebook post back and forth. I considered him one of my closet FB friends, and I assume he did of me as well.

Out of the blue, on an unrelated post, this person asked if I would write his adaptation screenplay on “spec”. I let him down gently, telling him my spec writing is reserved for my own 40+ concepts- but I’d be willing to send him another proposal, giving him a 90% discount from my average fees, and a highly generous payment plan, with an incentive to save yet another $1,000.

He thought it over, and ultimately declined.

No problem; we’re friends and not everyone can afford the luxury of paying to have a screenplay ghostwritten for them. However, he turned down the proposal NOT because of the cost (so he claimed), but because he didn’t like my concept of the screenplay I wanted to write for him.

Huh? We didn’t even discuss concept with this latest proposal!

Instead, he asked for me to write his screenplay AT NO COST, but I wasn’t skilled enough to do so after providing a discounted proposal of 90%.

This person sells solar panels for homes. I guess he’d be a terrific salesman if he gave me the panels and installation for FREE, but since he wants me to pay, he’s a terrible salesman and solar panels suck.

NOTE: I don’t give away my livelihood. This is what I do to put food on the table. I’m not even in the position to HAVE to offer discounts! My entire schedule for 2018 is filled, and any new jobs would require that I multitask and write two screenplays concurrently (which I do all of the time anyway).

To be clear, I’m more hurt NOT at the rejection of the job- I’m used to that- but that someone I considered a friend would say such a ridiculous thing when expected to PAY for the service...but doesn’t seem to have an issue with my concept(s) if it came as a FREE service.

There is no other word to describe these two recent events other than complete and utter "asshattery".

WRITER'S BIO: Geno Scala has close to thirty completed feature film screenplays and television pilots. In 2016 and 2017, his company completed twelve (12) ghostwriting novel-into-screenplay adaptations for his clients. He counts many celebrities among his vast clientele. He has two TV projects, (Hell Hath No Fury; Sextracurricullum) in the hands of Spike TV, and two reality show concepts, including Just Like Elvis, about the lives of Elvis Tribute Artists, currently being marketed. His most recent television project, Bad Priest, is under consideration by another group of television executives, of which, one stated: "This pilot is compelling and clear and offers just enough to tease us with where these stories and characters might go. It begs for a full season..."

 Mr. Scala spent 22-plus years in the Hollywood community, and was the Executive Director for the 72nd Annual Academy Awards. He held similar positions with The Soul Train, The Grammys, Blockbuster Video and Saturn award shows.