Hello,
And welcome to the November newsletter for Jen Grisanti Consultancy.
This month I would like to celebrate the power of the word as it relates to the attainment of a dream; the power of words such as YES WE CAN and IT'S TIME FOR CHANGE. It is amazing to see what power the right words in a specific context can have on the emotions of a nation. No matter what your politics are, witnessing the accomplishment of what, in the not so distant past, appeared to be an impossible dream has forever affected all of us. My hope is that everyone will look at this experience and consider how it can apply to their own lives. What dream do you have that you think is impossible? What are you doing and what words are you saying to yourself and others that can change this?
In my business, I witnessed the attainment of a dream this month for two writing teams with whom I've been working. They both staffed for the very first time on new television shows. Hearing about the opportunities and recognizing how they rose to meet them was an honor and a privilege. Knowing that their lives will change and they're going in the direction they've dreamed about is inspiring on every level. Another two writers I'm working with had their very first produced episode air. These were all moments to CELEBRATE the power of words -- and commitment to one's dreams.
As we know, the entertainment business is full of dreamers and dream makers, and I love celebrating both. One of my greatest mentors was Aaron Spelling. He was a true dream maker. I believe it was one of the things that made him happiest about his life. I personally witnessed him help launch countless careers, and backed people he believed in so that they could soar to heights they previously thought impossible. Aaron's powerful dedication to helping visions come true continues to inspire me on a daily basis.
In fact, Aaron's commitment is largely responsible for motivating me to start my business. When I began designing the consultancy, I knew I wanted it to be something very POSITIVE in a town where rejection is a huge part of the journey. I wanted to treat people the way I like to be treated. My goal was and is to use a nurturing approach to inspire people to get the best from their writing and reach the heights they want to reach.
I believe writers know perfectly well the limitless power of words. When used effectively, words inspire myriad reactions. Readers and viewers get to experience a writer's perspective about what it is to live, what it is to dream and what it is to feel universal levels of emotions. When you couple the power of a human being's imagination with the commitment of his or her words, nothing stands in the way of the idea YES WE CAN.
NEW TESTIMONIALS
"At the heart of it, Jen's business is really about helping people to achieve their dreams.
During our first meeting with her, we quickly sensed that Jen brought so much more to the table than just simple feedback on scripts. Her vast experience in the industry, unique insights and tremendous positive energy helped us break through professionally as well as creatively.
When we started working with Jen, we were mired in doubt and frustration after spending several years trying to break into the business. Only a few months later, we are on a network drama staff.
Since then, whenever fellow writers ask how we got staffed, we tell them that it started with Jen Grisanti."
TJ Brady and Rasheed Newson
Staff Writers, LIE TO ME
"There are so many reasons why working with Jen Grisanti is an excellent idea, but if you are a writer, what you should hear is this... From TV scripts to a novel, Jen simply gives the best, most insightful and truly helpful notes I've ever had. She gets what you're doing, and then gets to the right point. Best craft and career investment I've made."
Steve Harper
Author, TV Writer
EPISODIC WRITING
This month was again a strong one for episodic writing. I was riveted by the following shows and writiers:
MAD MEN- Matthew Weiner and Kater Gordon
The season finale was PHENOMENAL! The last scene between Peggy and Pete was probably one of the best scenes ever written for television and all the character journeys on MAD MEN are like no other. I applaud Matthew and his entire staff for another compelling season. You inspire all of us!
ELI STONE - Alex Taub and Leila Gerstein
This episode with Katie Holmes guest starring was sublimely romantic and beautifully written.
ENTOURAGE - Ally Musika & Rob Weiss
Fabulous writing this season and, in particular, I loved this episode that explored the choices we make and the question of what is more important: money or loving what we do? It was wish fulfillment at its best.
SPIRITUAL BOOKS
JUST WHO WILL YOU BE?
Written by Maria Shriver
It took me 20 minutes to read this beautiful and uplifting book, and to benefit from its potent message. Maria Shriver reveals the power behind the question "Just Who Will You Be?" When we graduate from one level to the next, we're usually more concerned with the question "What Will We Be?" But by changing this question at any point along the journey to "Who Will We Be?", we open up new choices and discover an empowered place from which to choose. As Maria reveals her own journey about finding identity, she gracefully points us within ourselves where most of the answers lie.
On the topic of spirituality, I went to a charity event at Steve Byrnes and Jamie Mandelbaum's house this month for the organization SFK, Spirituality for Kids. Talk about the power of words in relation to achieving goals:
"One word. Every child. It begins today. It begins with you."
These are the first words a visitor sees on SFK's website. Simple. Powerful. Gets the message across.
The website goes on to explain: SFK teaches kids tools for life to end the cycle of conflict for children at risk emotionally, physically and spiritually. It begins by teaching the tools that will help them realize their full potential and change the course for them and future generations.
At Steve and Jamie's party, children also demonstrated the power of words. There were several booths where children recited stories about the power of choice: the choice to turn down a positive route or a negative one, and how that choice faces each one of us every day. These children's stories were more than enthralling; they inspired us to action.
I love what SFK stands for and was so impressed by the good they've achieved! You can learn more about it at http://sfk.org.
Also, if you're looking to buy gifts for the holidays, you can buy some GORGEOUS jewelry from Verre New York and choose to give a percentage of the proceeds to SFK. You have my word that the organization and the jewelry will leave you very fulfilled. Verre's website can be found at http://www.verrenewyork.com.
It takes a village to get a writer staffed. We all know this. Networking and cultivating relationships is the foundation to making this a possibility.
As many of you know, I host 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. A fantastic venue, the X Bar has a beautiful restaurant as well as an outside patio with a ton of seating.
The next one is Friday, December 5, 2008. It starts at 7:00 p.m. and goes to 11:00 p.m. Since it is the holiday season, please feel free to dress up. And if you know people who would benefit from this experience, 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.
VALUABLE WEBSITES
Resources for script sales in Hollywood along with interviews, advice and contact information for agencies and production companies. The best part of this site is the industry chat room, where agents and professional writers freely post and swap ideas on hundreds of entertainment industry related topics.
This is a great site for free downloads of produced screenplays and television scripts.
Everything to help screenwriters sell to Hollywood. Free script listing service; interviews, articles and classes from industry pros; books, software, critiquing service, posting from producers.
PODCAST
As I mentioned in last month's newsletter, Pilar Alessandra from ON THE PAGE recently interviewed me. Pilar conducts interviews with industry professionals from working writers to studio executives thereby getting invaluable information out there to listeners on a weekly basis. You can hear Pilar's podcasts, including my interview on i Tunes. Search under Podcasts then ON THE PAGE. And if you're interested in hearing my interview specifically, it's entitled On Career Pilar talks with Career Consultant, Jen Grisanti.
Have a GREAT month!
QUOTE OF THE MONTH YES WE CAN!!
Barack Obama
Warmest regards,
Jen
www.jengrisanticonsultancy.com |
