Part XXXI: BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS, PART II

Last week, we talked about the "wolves in sheep's clothing" - false prophets (consultants) who promise the world to unsuspecting, somewhat desperate screenwriters.

A second “technique” some services promote is the “literary manager” hook. This is a claim by a certain party indicating that they are accepting materials to be considered for “literary management”. As a screenwriter or a novelist, most of us look for these types of announcements and do not hesitate in responding to them, especially when presented by a known agency.

However, we discovered one such arrangement, whereby the submitted materials were forwarded to their “literary management consultant" - who was nothing more than a screenwriting consultant. If your submission didn’t pass muster (and I doubt any of them do first time around), don’t fret: for $50,000, and their help, this consultant will get your script to the point where they can guarantee representation! Now, this is NOT wild speculation on our part, as we have the many email exchanges to support this. We were alerted to this scheme by readers of our newsletter, and they thought something wasn’t right. In fact, these writer felt "used" and taken advantaged. They had a concept they felt would be perfect for Oprah and her production company, and when they contacted Harpo Productions, they were told they needed to have agent representation to be considered. They found this “talent agency”, who specialized in child actors, but were also promoting their new “literary management team”. The writers contacted the agency, who, in turn, passed them on to “A.R.”, (I believe the actual name is an alias) a self-proclaimed “script broker”. This person has a website, where he claims NOT to be an agent, but can get your script to the place where they can “guarantee agent representation”.

Well, of course they can- for $50,000.

Well, these writers made contact with Mr. R. and they shared their story about Harpo Productions having interest in their concept, but they required representation. Mr. R. then made all sorts of claims of being in regular contact with Harpo about this concept. One of his emails even included the following:

"FADE OUT P. 131-- JUST FINISHED. WOW! - YOU SHOULD BE AWARDED THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE!...Let's make an offer to this Brit to buy this script as is and employ (perhaps myself and my partner)... in order to keep the outlay reasonable... and turn it into a workable viable produce-able movie... Anyway we are happy and proud to represent him through our agency."

So, not only is this "script broker" telling the screenwriter - a newbie writer (I read the script); the writer of a 131 page spec screenplay - that, not only should he be considered for a Nobel Peace Prize, but includes portions of his email that he (supposedly) sent to Oprah, trying to convince them to "buy" the script "as is". As if this is not enough, he suggests to Oprah that they also hire him (the script broker) and his "partner" (Whom, his lover? His business partner? His tennis doubles partner?) - you know, to "keep the outlay reasonable" (yes, I'm sure Harpo Productions is pinching pennies these days). He also stated that this writer was "represented through our agency". Yes - a talent agency.

This agency is actually a well-known agency, so I reached out to the owner. It's not clear to me if they knew this person was scamming clients with these outrageous claims and ridiculous emails; the owner was not too forthcoming about their agency; but, before long, this person was NOT associated with their company.

The saddest part of this - to me - is that I KNOW of hundreds of writers who would kill to receive such an email, with such ridiculous claims. I know this, because when I read their screenplay and tell them the truth, and just how much work the screenplay needs, they respond by telling me how crazy I am and how they'll be writing for Oprah, or Tyler Perry, or Steven Spielberg, and I'll WISH I gave them their shot.

If the promises a consultant makes to you sound too good to be true, they are. If they had the power and connections to get YOU produced by Harpo Productions, why haven't THEY been produced by Harpo Productions? Why aren't they WORKING for Harpo Productions?

Because it's a scam, just like "Eccentric Stories" from Craigslist, is a scam. Just like the many hundreds of other agencies and screenwriting services that are scams. Not all; not even close to all. Just some, and these emails are the red flags that should alert you.

THIS WEEK'S PROMO: Sally Barnard, published author; spiritual artist

Ms. Barnard was a successful real estate agent when a sudden illness hospitalized her for a period of time. During this respite, she endured a paranormal phenomena that changed her life's work forever.

"This is a TRUE story about how I became aware of Astral Travel; something I knew nothing about. It is a journey that has given me many messages. I have become an artist, poet, and writer within 3 years. I have NEVER had any formal training. I describe in detail how this is possible... I want to awaken more fellow souls into the unlimited possibilities of creative living. This book is part autobiography and part road map. It shows you how this is possible for anyone. I changed my life`s direction. This will show you how to change yours."

https://sally-barnard.pixels.com/

We at The Script Mentor, are excited about helping Ms. Barnard to bring her story to silver screen.

WRITER'S BIO: Mr. Scala spent 22-plus years in the Hollywood community, and was the Executive Director for the 72nd Annual Academy Awards, as well as The Soul Train Awards, The Grammys, The Blockbuster Video Awards Show and The Saturn Award Show. Today, he and his writing team are actively working on several ghostwriting projects for his celebrity clientele as well, including the adapting the novel "Making Broken Beautiful" by Pamela Millican-Hartnoll; a tragic story of excessive abuse and redemptive success; and biopics of early rock pioneer Jimmie F. Rodgers and iconic folk star Harry Chapin- all while continuing to mentor new writers and self-published authors.

Geno has two screenplays produced into feature films; "Assassin 33 A.D." and "The Tombs". Both are currently available on Amazon Prime.