Hello,
And welcome to the December newsletter for Jen Grisanti Consultancy. Happy Holidays to everyone.
This month I'd like to highlight the positive effects of recognition. This focus ties in and was inspired by a book I am going to recommend, THE CARROT PRINCIPLE. The authors, Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton write, "Recognition is effective because it answers a universal human need. We all want to matter to those with whom we work. Communication combined with recognition of strategically important behaviors takes your vision and values off the wall and puts them into the hearts and minds of your people, which is exactly the place you want your vision and values to be." These words really resonated with me as did many others in this gem of a book.
The power of recognition is a huge part of what's so gratifying in my business and why I love doing what I do. Listening, guiding and supporting artists so that THEY themselves recognize their own value and reach their potential, and then watching their skills attract the recognition of others is a phenomenal experience for me.
To continue along this theme, we just completed this part of NBC's Writers on the Verge where the participants finished new specs and are well on their way to wrapping up new pilot scripts. Teaching this group of incredibly talented writers and seeing opportunities arise for them are highlights of my year. I want to take a moment to recognize the most recent accomplishments: Ben Raab and Deric A. Hughes recently staffed on WAREHOUSE 13; Rick Muirragui and Grace Parra signed with UTA; Vivien Lee -- along with writing partner Ann Shrake -- saw her first produced episode of GHOST WHISPERER air and receive great ratings; and Erika Kennair, who helped create and develop Writers on the Verge from the beginning, was promoted to Director of Development at the Sci-Fi Channel. But this is all just the beginning -- there are many things in the works for the rest of this talented group from the program. I also want to give special recognition to Erika for assisting 6 out of 8 of last year's group in getting staffed and with getting all 8 represented. The achievement is a strong reflection of the great work being done all 'round at Writers on the Verge.
On a slightly different note, I know that there are a lot of changes currently going on in our business; and jobs and bonuses are being cut because of the economy. I believe there is no more important time than the present to offer recognition of strong work and to share one's appreciation of another. It is a gift that we can give that doesn't cost us a thing.
And for those of you leaving positions... what you know has value for others. Moreover, as all of us in life come to know at one point or another, there is a lot to be learned through adversity. You come out the other side of it much stronger.
Lastly, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who has helped me during my first year of business. Since I launched on January 8, 2008, I have worked with more than 100 writers. This business has changed my life. Everything that came before it was my foundation and I recognize the blessing in all of it.
NEW TESTIMONIALS
Jen Grisanti was an absolute godsend this season of Writers on the Verge. Her warmth and insight in the note-giving process led to constructive workshops, and amazing scripts. Jen has an incredible eye for story, character and dialogue. She went above and beyond the call of duty, really getting to know the participants, catering her process to their individual styles and talents. She's an incredible lady who genuinely cares about shaping each piece to its fullest potential.
Erika Kennair
Director of Development, Sci Fi Channel
Working with Jen was an amazing experience for which we are eternally grateful. Her insight was invaluable, her feedback educational, and her passion for helping writers improve their craft undeniable.
Ben Raab and Deric A. Hughes
Staff Writers,WAREHOUSE 13
Jennifer understands what makes writers tick, know how to push you so you look into yourself and extract the truth that's in there somewhere. Her passion, insight and enthusiasm will help you to climb to great heights as a writer. And she wears many hats -- teacher, booster, coach, friend -- but most importantly she's a guide, determined to help you find your way.
Rick Muirragui
Script Coordinator, LIFE
EPISODIC WRITING AND DIRECTING
SONS OF ANARCHY
Writer - Nichole Beattie Director - Seith Mann
I am a huge fan of this show. I love what Kurt Sutter has done with it and I particularly love this episode where the writing stood out boldly. What I appreciate most about this one episode is the writer's ability to create intimate, yet universally personal moments amid something much larger going on.
THE SHIELD
Writers - John Hlavin & Angela Russo Director - Gwyneth Horder Payton
I have not had a chance to watch the finale yet but I hear that Kurt Sutter did an OUTSTANDING job on it. As far as this particular episode, it really impressed me because the writing it so poignant. I enjoyed the strength of the suspense and action along with the writers talent to hit pivotal character moments and express them so beautifully. I met this team years ago and I think they're amazing!
Although I usually just point out writers in this section, for both these episodes of SONS OF ANARCHY and THE SHIELD, I had to mention Seith Mann and Gwyneth Horder Payton, respectively. Both of these directors' exceptional visual style made these stories resonate even more for me. I've taken note of Gwyneth's and Seith's stellar work on other episodes of television during this season as well. And I met Seith Mann a few years ago; I feel he's a star and someone to watch.
PROFESSIONAL/SPIRITUAL BOOK
THE CARROT PRINCIPLE
Written by Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton
THE CARROT PRINCIPLE reiterates the power of recognition over and over again. It sites the countless successes that have happened as a result of using this simple tool and details the four principles of Leadership -- Goal Setting, Communication, Trust and Accountability. It is a must read for anyone who wants to succeed on every level and know how to bring out the best in others.
WRITING A GREAT MOVIE
Written by Jeffrey Kitchen
I LOVE this book! I took a story structure class at the beginning of my career from Jeffrey. There was one tool I learned at the class that was especially beneficial in the note giving process. He said to go through a script from the back to the front. Look at every scene and make sure that the scene that precedes it in the same story line triggers what happens in the following scene. This advice was gold. So, when I heard about this book, I was very excited to read it. Jeffrey's approach is easy to grasp. For creating solid stories explore Dilemma, Crisis, Decision & Action, and Resolution in your script. He shows how these key elements affect story structure in great movies. I also find they apply tremendously well to story telling in television.
NEED TO NETWORK?
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, February 6, 2009. It starts at 7:00 p.m. and goes to 11:00 p.m. 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.
NEW RESTAURANTS
Looking to find GREAT healthy food at a very reasonable price, I've got the place for you!
Natura
Pan Mediterranean Foods
8250 W. Third Street (Sweetzer & 3rd)
Los Angeles, CA 90048
naturaeats.com
This is one of my favorite new spots to pick up food. I LOVE the panini's, salads and hummus but I especially LOVE their Fabo Bowl. I could eat at this place everyday. Natura also does catering packages. You should check out their website at naturaeats.com.
XIV
8117 Sunset Blvd. (Sunset and Crescent Heights)
Los Angeles, CA
The decor in this new restaurant by Chef Michael Mina is AMAZING. The dining room feels like you're in someone's home. The food is probably some of the best I've tasted in Los Angeles. My favorites are the scallops, the crab crepes, the tuna tartar and the pumpkin dumplings. They are INCREDIBLE! The place is pricey. The parking is $15.00. But the whole experience is worth the money.
Check it out on Michael Mina's website at
Have a GREAT month!
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
We communicate with the masses, but we manage to the one.
Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton
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