A lot of them will only deal with agents
Producers? Page 2
Quote: bushbaby @ May 26 2008, 3:15 PM BSTA lot of them will only deal with agents
That's true - that's life sadly.
You just have to get lucky.
Quote: Martin Holmes @ May 26 2008, 3:12 PM BSTThat's the problem I have with ringing a company, I just feel they will try anything to get around giving out a producers email. It's always worth a try though I guess.
I know that some people get lucky and guess producers emails, especially those with BBC email addresses. Not sure if it's as easy to do that as it once was though.
I can't imagine if you rang up a company and said 'Does so-and-so work here?' they'd give you an answer. You could be a nutter or someone.
I'm sure these places must have a policy of not giving names out.
The problem at the Beeb is no bugger works there anymore, they're all jumping ship.
No, one asks. 'I wish to get in touch with [then the name] would you kindly give me his/her email address please?'
Quote: Martin Holmes @ May 26 2008, 3:12 PM BSTI know that some people get lucky and guess producers emails, especially those with BBC email addresses. Not sure if it's as easy to do that as it once was though.
I got a BBC producers email the other week. I just rang up the main BBC number and asked for it. The receptionist gave it to me in a second. I haven't tried that approach with any indie prod co's though, so it's perhaps more difficult with them.
All you can do is try. The worst they can say is no. I doubt there's many people you can't contact. It's just how determined you are.
Quote: Seefacts @ May 26 2008, 3:55 PM BSTThe problem at the Beeb is no bugger works there anymore, they're all jumping ship.
I've noticed that a LOT of people, including Seefacts, have made contact with producers, but then that producer suddenly leaves the company. Is being a producer not a very safe job?
Quote: Winterlight @ May 26 2008, 5:19 PM BSTI got a BBC producers email the other week. I just rang up the main BBC number and asked for it. The receptionist gave it to me in a second. I haven't tried that approach with any indie prod co's though, so it's perhaps more difficult with them.
All you can do is try. The worst they can say is no. I doubt there's many people you can't contact. It's just how determined you are.
I've noticed that a LOT of people, including Seefacts, have made contact with producers, but then that producer suddenly leaves the company. Is being a producer not a very safe job?
Twice prods have left the Beeb I've been in touch with - they're all jumping ship due to BBC uncertainty, change of location and it's generally easier to work as freelance and not be tied to the Beeb.
Everyone knows it's better to work for yourself!
There in lies the problem. I only got in with a production company because the producer knew them well, and had done stuff with them in the past.
The issue is that there's more obstacles for a script to get through. Even if a producer likes it, there's no guarantee a prod co he takes it to will.
Quote: Seefacts @ May 26 2008, 5:39 PM BSTit's generally easier to work as freelance and not be tied to the Beeb.
Everyone knows it's better to work for yourself!
Arguably much of what is wrong with BBC's entertainment output nowadays is that pretty much nobody is under contract, in the old sense of the word, with the corporation any more. John Birt made sure of that. And as a result there are a lot of people in fear of their jobs -i.e. their short term contract will not be renewed. Fear is not a good environment for creativity.
Quote: Winterlight @ May 26 2008, 5:19 PM BSTI've noticed that a LOT of people, including Seefacts, have made contact with producers, but then that producer suddenly leaves the company. Is being a producer not a very safe job?
I'm sure it's similar (but not quite as bad) as other areas of television. I worked at a production company as a runner, when I returned two years later as a researcher, mostly everyone was new and it often was the case that those I did recognise were from other production companies I had worked at in the meantime.
Or in other words, it's a merry go round of 3/6 month contracts and uncertainty.
My script was once on the Head of Drama desk [BBC.] She liked it and had agreed to take it on and was due to sign as such. The week after, she left and the new one in didn't want it....it wasn't her 'baby'
Quote: Seefacts @ May 26 2008, 11:39 AM BSTI prefer email - it's instant, and right to them personally.
My pet hate is my work being rejected or thrown away by someone who's probably a secretary.
The other problem is, no one works anywhere anymore. Every bugger is freelance.
Hmmm & get yure schpelin rite towo!
This trade has always been free-lancers as far as I am aware. Back in 87-93 production companies only had a core staff of 4 or 5 people; all production teams being hired free-lancers for any given production. Including the Director!
It's probably still the same structure.
I can't quite see how producers can be freelance though.. They usually OWN the production company, or used to.
Are people confusing Directors with Producers?
Quote: billwill @ May 26 2008, 8:44 PM BSTHmmm & get yure schpelin rite towo!
I can't quite see how producers can be freelance though.. They usually OWN the production company, or used to.
Are people confusing Directors with Producers?
Which one of these producers in this trade own the BBC Bill. That's the one I want to invite round for a BBQ.
Mervin Watson?