I got a call this afternoon from a producer that's read one of my scripts. I got the message late so I haven't called them back, but they said they wanted to sit for a meet and greet. Is that exactly as it sounds or what does that mean exactly??
It is exactly what it sounds like. They want to meet you. Find out what you are like. It could be anything. But keep in mind that producers don't meet 'n greet because they are bored. There is always a purpose. It's usually a good thing, but there can be dangers.
Let's deal with the positive first.
It could be that they like the writing and don't like the script. They want to talk to you for any possible upcoming projects or see if you have any other ideas. This is good.
It could be that they like your script, but see some small details that make them reluctant. They know that they will have to suggest some things that a writer might not like (writers are known for their egos), so they want to know how easygoing you are and whether they can work with you.
They might want to know if you are a one shot wonder or if there is an energy and drive to push ahead with your career and ideas.
They might recognize your talent and want to get in early as your "friend" to capitalize on later (rare, but not unheard of).
But, Luke, there is always the Dark Side.
There are some producers who have no intention of doing anything with your script, but know that you will be thrilled to get the meeting and willing to do whatever they suggest. This is where the danger is. They may "suggest" that you do extensive rewrites on your script and that they would be interested in reading it again. This is their way of having you work for them without having to pay you.
There are also some who will suggest training or "mentoring" for you. If any money or obligation is involved on your part, it's a scam. If they suggest a third party, odds are it's not a third party at all.
They may want you to do a rewrite or work on another script but... they want you to do it low key and under the radar. Now, many writers think this is okay because, hey, it's a job. But the usual reason for it is that the money is insulting to writers who have any experience in the business (and if you are one of the writers who say "I don't care if I'm paid, I just want to see my work done!", please stay out of the business... that's naive and fodder for the cannons). Or, they are doing a non-union project where there is a WGA risk involved and can't get any writer willing to risk their career.
The problem with these kinds of producers is that they can't/don't pay legitimately for legitimate work, so they recognize that, now and then, a newbie steps off the bus who has talent. They want to grab that person quickly and use them up as much as possible before they catch on to things. To make a too-similar analogy, it's like the fresh faced actress stepping off the bus and into the cheap porn movies.
Now... having said all that... go back and read the positive things again. Odds are it's one of those. But keep the negative things in the back of your mind just in case.
Remember these very important rules:
1. If there is ANYTHING that feels uncomfortable, smile and walk away.
2. YOU set your own value in this business. If you are a freebie, you will be known for that. If you can be used, you will be known for that. But YOU are the one who sets that level.
3. You CANNOT be awed by this meeting or these producers. Though you are starting out, you have every right to be treated with as much respect as any professional. Again, YOU set that tone.
4. No matter what happens in this career, this meeting is NOT your only shot and will NOT ruin your career. Anyone who tells you that you are risking your career is trying to manipulate you. For one thing, you have to HAVE a career before anyone can ruin it. And, second, if you have a career... hey, don't worry about them, you've already got it.
5. ASK QUESTIONS. Don't feel cowed into sitting there quietly. They know you are starting out, be confident in that. You have the right to ask ANY question at all. Ask them about previous projects, current projects, and so on. Don't be aggressive about it (keep in mind "meet 'n greet" is a friendly thing) but don't be afraid to interview THEM.
6. Keep in mind that it doesn't violate rule #3 to remember that they probably do have more experience than you and you should give them that respect.
7. DO NOT AGREE TO ANYTHING IN THE ROOM! You are NOT there to negotiate a contract or agree to a deal. However, you are ready to "seriously consider" anything they say and will get back to them quickly. Any decisions that have to be made in the room for any reason ("we're going to be meeting other writers this afternoon...") is, again, a manipulation. Besides, if there is an offer, you want time to get a professional to help you... an agent.
8. This meeting is not a "make or break" meeting. If you are in this meeting, it means you did something good (even if they want to use that for the wrong reasons). Which means that if you got this meeting, you'll get others. Don't think this is your shot. It isn't. When your career is well on your way, you'll be able to look back and figure out what your shot was, but you will never see it looking forward.
9. Finally, relax, enjoy it, make new friends. That's the really important thing: make new friends.
Good luck. And congratulations.
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