I recently signed with a distributor to handle my properties and hopefully get some of them into production. She has a great track record and I've got my fingers crossed.
So as I sat with "my people" and "her people" in a trendy downtown eatin' joint - the subject came up... One of my shows has been shopped around a LOT. Everyone has seen it - it's almost been green-lighted for production at several points over the last few years.
Now, a broadcaster and studio are interested - but there's a catch... My characters are all of a certain type of creature. Everyone loves the writing and the idea behind the show - but The Whole World has seen it before. Would I consider changing the species of the main characters - and of course their names - and the show's title?
I thought about it for about 1/10th of a second before agreeing. What's important for me - is the stories. Whether the lines are said by furry woodland creatures or slimy critters makes no difference - its the same jokes.
If we had to stupid-ify the jokes, that would be a different matter. But since they like the Marx Bros styling of the show, we're in good shape.
I spoke recently with some guys who are the polar opposite about their creation. They don't want to change anything and are not willing to compromise.
Who's right? Who's wrong? In the long run, I don't know. I think that I'll have the easier time of selling my show - because I'm willing to compromise. But at what point do you draw a line in the sand and say to the money guy - or other potential partner: "This isn't working for me"?
I guess you have to know your own show - and what you will and won't bend on.
The line you had drawn was not allowing them to dumb down the jocks.You were very smart in the way you handled their suggestions.If your doing Marx Bros. type material and the money people are giving you the green light then you are working with some good folk.I hope you do well.
ReplyDeleteThe point is, you have to choose your battles. I'd rather get a show into production than have it sit on the shelf.
ReplyDeleteThe reality is that your new "partners" will change your creative. You have to ensure that the core values remain intact, while being flexible so that others can have their creative input as well.