Hello,
This is the July newsletter for Jen Grisanti Consultancy.
It's been another fantastic month full of seeing tremendous growth and progress. Working as a Consultant is very rewarding on so many levels. Working so closely with such a talented group of writers and directors has instilled in me an even greater sense of love for what I do.
Having your own business is like nurturing a baby. Watching it grow and evolve is quite an experience. I remember seeing others do it and recognizing the value in being able to build something from scratch. I applaud anyone who has done it and I encourage others to think about it.
For my business, the next step is doing a seminar. It looks like my first seminar will be at UCLA on Saturday, September 20th. It is a one day seminar. The goal of the seminar is to help writers and directors have a stronger understanding of the creative process from a studio executive/story analyst point of view. What do the studios look for in strong writing? The answer to this and so many more questions will be addressed.
I asked a bunch of writers who they felt was one of the best Development executives from a writer's point of view. The name I heard a lot was Elisa Roth. I am very excited to announce that Elisa Roth, Sr. VP, Drama Programming at Universal Media Studios is one of my guest speakers. I am still looking for a strong feature Development executive.
The seminar will explore story in depth and help to give those who attend the latest and most current information on what studios are looking for in scripts. I have sent surveys to many studio executives as a way of making this information accurate. I am also sending surveys out to agents and managers as a way to best inform the writer and director.
I also plan on putting together a workbook that will cover what I've found to be the strongest information out there on story.
The seminar will be for writers, directors and I highly recommend it to agent/manager trainees as a way of understanding and exploring what makes a strong script.
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.
HELPFUL WEBSITES FOR WRITERS, EXECUTIVES, AGENTS AND MANAGERS
Looking for the latest information on features and television?
Try subscribing to TVTracker.com, Baseline Studio System or IMDB.
These websites are tremendous resources.
MOVIES
I saw a great movie this month. It's called THE WACKNESS. It was written and directed by Jonathan Levine. It is starring Ben Kingsley, Famke Janssen, Josh Peck, Olivia Thirlby, Mary Kate Olsen.
I found this coming of age movie to be deep, thought-provoking and hilarious. It deals with the things we do to numb ourselves from intimacy. It explores the idea of having your heart broken as being a rite of passage. It made me laugh and cry. It made me think back to all those life moments that make us who we are. I loved it! Also, the soundtrack is fantastic!
GREAT PROFESSIONAL BOOK
My pick for a great professional book this month is:
INFLUENCER
Written by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield. Ron McMillan and Al Switzler
This is a fantastic book to recognize the power of change. It covers how we can all make a difference. It goes into the power of story and how this really affects change. The stories are amazing to read about current dilemmas and how changing certain things can lead to very positive outcomes.
NON-FICTION BOOK
I find that there are so many great spiritual books out there that help in leading a balanced life.
My favorite one this month is:
THE JANITOR
Written by Todd Hopkins & Ray Hilbert
It is an international best seller with more than a quarter million copies sold.
Everyone should read this book. It's short and you will devour its message. It tells the story between a Janitor and a CEO who form a friendship. The Janitor teaches the CEO about how to improve his life through six simple directives that his wife, who passed away, taught him.
If someone isn't already making this into a movie or television show, they should!
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 for entertainment professionals at the X Bar in 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 has a great ambiance to meet people. Usually, 150-200 show up on average each month. I've heard many stories about new opportunities including staffing, pitching and signing with new representation coming out of this event.
The next one is on Friday, August 1, 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 SUSHI SPOTS
Do you enjoy sushi? If so, I have some great spots for you!
Wa Sushi & Bistro
1106 N. La Cienega Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA
(310) 854-7285
This is probably one of the town's best kept secrets. It is in the mini mall on La Cienega and Holloway on the second floor. It is incredible! It is very romantic. It is also a great place to have business dinners. I recommend all of their sushi and their Chilean sea bass is outstanding!
Hamasaku
11043 Santa Monica Blvd.
L.A., CA
(310) 479-7636
Believe it or not, I just recently tried this place owned by Michael Ovitz. It is AMAZING. Honestly, I think it's some of the best sushi that I've ever had. The selection of rolls is absolutely incredible. I especially love their sushi pancakes!
They also have a restaurant in West Hollywood
Kumo
8360 Melrose Ave.
West Hollywood, CA
(323) 651-5866
They have many of the same dishes as Hamasaku. The ambiance is a bit fancier. The service is excellent.
NEW TESTIMONIALS
"Jennifer Grisanti is the writer's port in the storm. As great as you think that first pass may be, she will guide you to make it better. If you hate that first draft, she will guide you to make it better. With clear, concise notes, and an optimism and enthusiasm that is all too often lacking nowadays, you will walk away from the experience not just with better material, but as a better writer. I did."
Jorge Reyes - Television Writer
Kevin Hill, Resurrection Blvd., Rescue 77
"Jennifer Grisanti is the best friend a writer ever had. Not only that, she is the 'secret weapon' you need to get your material noticed. From the moment we met, I knew I was in good hands. She is charming, personable, she immediately puts you at ease, and best of all, SHE KNOWS HER STUFF. As an author and playwright attempting to make the transition into film and television, I had a lot of questions about technique as well as my ability to succeed in this highly competitive arena. Within ONE WEEK of finishing my first spec script with Jen Grisanti (a process that took less than a month), I had a high-powered manager who signed me as a television writing client. Jennifer Grisanti is 'The Goods'!"
Luke Yankee
Award-winning playwright and author
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
We will either find a way or make one. - HANNIBAL
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