Hello,
This is the May newsletter for Jen Grisanti Consultancy.
It's been quite a month. I incorporated this month. It was very exciting! I had no idea of all that was involved with this. I was fortunate to have a great attorney, Keith Elder, to take care of it. This is when it all becomes very real.
My client base is growing by the day because of the strong recommendations and referrals from many of you. I am very grateful. I am seeing strong results with this process. Working one on one and being there to listen and guide based on my 11 years of being a studio executive has made a real difference. The value in really taking the time and making the commitment to getting your material in the best place possible is paying off. I've had clients get staffed based on scripts we worked on, I've had a couple clients who I've brought to outside producers who want to use them and help them to get their projects made, I've had clients feel stronger about the pilots they're handing in, I've had a few do well in script competitions based on scripts we've worked on, I've had others who don't have agents get attention from some top agencies based on work we've done. The most fulfilling part for me in all of this is seeing the difference it makes in the confidence of the writer/director knowing that their material is being elevated and that there someone there to give them individual attention in their creative process.
This is a new way of doing business. As a result, I've been blessed with so many new opportunities. It shows me more than anything that everything we learn in this business means something. I want this business to be used as a tool to help writers be informed as to what to expect in the studio process. I also want this business to help studio executives by having writers be better prepared when they come in.
If you are a writer contemplating this service, understand the value in having your own studio executive to help guide through your process. I design proposals specially to fit your needs. My current proposals go from working on one script with written notes and two development meetings all the way to working on as many as 10 scripts together, hearing story pitches, and having 20 meetings to go over notes, career strategies, prep for writer meetings, etc.
If you feel that you want to take the next step in your career by elevating your material, having your material assessed, having someone there to hear your story ideas and to help guide you in your process, please take a look at my website at www.jengrisanticonsultancy.com and let me know how I can help you get where you want to be.
GREAT BOOKS
Pretty Is What Changes By Jessica Queller This month I am highlighting a book, PRETTY IS WHAT CHANGES, written by my friend, Jessica Queller. Jessica is currently a writer on GOSSIP GIRL. This is no an industry related book but a book about life and how things can change in a moment. It's one that I feel everyone should read. Jessica has been in NEWSWEEK, LA TIMES, GOOD MORNING AMERICA, and THE WALL STREET JOURNAL to list a few. She has a beautiful website at www.jessicaqueller.com. What I love about the writing in this book is that Jessica is able to be so completely open about her truth and her experience of losing her mother to cancer and then finding out that she tested positive for the "breast cancer" gene mutation at a time in her life when she is young, single and has the desire to be married with children. What does one do when faced with such a dilemma? The writing is raw and from the heart. It is revealing and inspiring. It doesn't hold back. She adds humor to her story while also informing and answering the questions so many of us have about cancer. I sobbed in several spots because her words really make you think about life, your own family and what it is to have to make serious choices regarding your health. Through her story and the stories of so many other courageous women in the book, you come out of it feeling emotionally fulfilled on every level as well as informed. I applaud Jessica for the tremendous courage it took to come out with her story as a way to help others.
PROFESSIONAL BOOK
Getting Started In Consulting By Alan Weiss Alan Weiss began his own consulting firm, Summit Consulting Group, Inc., out of his home in 1985 after being fired by a boss with whom he shared a mutual antipathy. Today, he still works out of his home, having traveled to 49 states and 54 countries, published 21 books and over 500 articles, and consulted with some of the great organizations of the world, developing a seven-figure practice in the process. His website is at www.summitconsulting.com. I've had so many people ask how I came up with my business plan, how I knew what to charge, who to target, what I needed, etc. My answer is Alan Weiss. GETTING STARTED IN CONSULTING was the first book of his I read. Then, I bought a few more from his website. His story is inspiring and his books are incredible. They are a large part of the reason my business is working as well as it is.
NEED LAST MINUTE RESERVATIONS?
I came across the greatest website through a friend of mind for those of us who need last minute dinner reservations. The website is www.opentable.com. If you suddenly realize that you forgot to make reservations or someone wants to meet up for a meal last minute, this is your answer.
LOOKING TO INCORPORATE?
Keith F. Elder - Attorney at Law
I had a great experience with Keith F. Elder. He came highly recommended.
Keith F. Elder - Attorney at Law
Telephone - (818) 344-9001
18321 Ventura Blvd., Suite 420, Tarzana, CA 91356
NEED TO NETWORK?
Networking is everything in our business. It is such an important part of the process of getting hired. As many of you know, I have a networking night the first Friday of every month at the X Bar at the Century Plaza Hotel. It is located at 2025 Ave. of the Stars. The X Bar is an incredible venue. They have a beautiful restaurant as well as an outside patio with a ton of seating. It is a great ambiance to meet people. I started it two years ago as way for studio executives, network executives, agents and managers to meet writers and directors in a more casual environment. I started with 25 people. I now have over 700 people on my evite list through word of mouth. Usually, 125 -150 show up on average each month. I've heard many stories about new friendships being made, staffing opportunities being given and agents and managers signing people as a result of this event. The next one is on Friday, June 6, 2008. It starts at 7:00 p.m. and goes to 11:00 p.m. If you know someone who would benefit from this, please have them e-mail me at jennifer@jengrisanticonsultancy.com and I will add them to the evite list. I also have the event listed on Facebook.
HOT SPOTS
Akasha
9543 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
Phone: (310) 845-1700
This is a new restaurant in Culver City. The food is AMAZING! The ambiance is incredible. I love the shrimp appetizer, the tuna lettuce cups, scallops, the short ribs, the vegetarian choices and the desserts!
Owner Akasha Richmond (former chef to Barbra Streisand) goes full-throttle with organic and sustainable food, wine and decor--the hot young waiters even wear organic-cotton Levis. Non-vegetarians will enjoy dishes like wild pepper scallops, rustic mushroom tart, and pork chops with sambazon acai.
COMING SOON
I will be doing my first seminar in September. I will keep you posted on the details. It will be a one day seminar geared towards getting information out about story to television and feature writers from the studio executive/story analyst point of view. The goal is to help writers and directors to be better prepared for what to expect in the creative process as well is to inform them about what they need to help them get the job.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
Accomplishment of purpose is better than making a profit.
- Nigerien Proverb
Have a GREAT month!
Warmest,
Jen
www.jengrisanticonsultancy.com
|
