Recently I've been afforded some interesting opportunities. More than once I've been in a position to sleep with somebody who could get my script into the hands of a TV producer or a connected agent. It's not an opportunity to sleep with someone for a job; merely the chance to let my work speak for itself in the right hands. Nobody's issued it as an exchange of services or anything; nobody's asked me to whore myself out. And these aren't even ugly dudes.
So that brings me to the ethical question. I'm not asking for advice; I have my method of handling the situation. But I'm curious about how other people view the scenario. If you knew that a J.J. Abrams or an Aaron Sorkin or a Weinstein was going to look at your script and possibly jump start your career and all you had to do was sleep with a PA or a cinematographer or a grip, would you?
Nope.
ReplyDeleteUnk
No. Why would I give my most personal and sensitive part of myself to someone who I didn't care about?
ReplyDeleteNot to mention in the 21st century... is a lifetime of herpes or Heaven knows what worth it? I think not. If your work is powerful enough to speak for itself once in the decion maker's hands, it's powerful enough to get there through regular channels.
Am I being a typical male if I say yes?
ReplyDeleteIf it was a PA or script supervisor, then no, I wouldn't. Someone higher on the totem pole, like a staff writer, story editor--let's just say I'd heavily consider it.
Plus, I'd have to factor in my attraction to said indecent proposer.
If it's a (younger) Robert Redford, then why not?
And can I ask if these propositions have been in any way subtle? Or were they direct and clear like a business arrangement?
It will come back to haunt you if you did. I would say no. You will most likely achieve the same goals through your writing alone...Thems my opinions.
ReplyDeleteChris
savinoboy.blogspot.com
I reiterate - not looking for advice. Just curious about everyone else's take. Most of these situations have just been flirting that could turn into something. Not a business arrangement at all. But the main attraction would be what they offer.
ReplyDeleteI ask mostly because it does come up a lot in Hollywood and it's not something we really talk about openly. I wanted to start some dialogue. Thanks for being honest so far.
ggThere's another way to approach this:
ReplyDeleteFrom the PA, DP, Producer, Director, Story Editor's side.
I'm sure that ones who would say they would pass your script on to whoever - if you sleep with them - are exactly the types who you don't want to be giving a script to.
It's hard enough to get anywhere in this town without having to compromise yourself in some way. Even script submitted by agents and managers don't get anywhere.
What makes one think this would work?
The only way it really pays off is if your writing is so unbelievable that as a result of a dubious pass on - the receiver doesn't care how they got the script - they want to find the writer.
And if your writing is that good - there are plenty of proper channels to get your work out.
That's not to say that there aren't hundreds of people coming here to your blog thinking of ways to tell you that they can help your career now.... :)
So go figure...
Extras have offered me sex for a SAG voucher, and sometimes just for a booking. One girl had an impressive resume, Princeton grad, good NYC theatre credits. She probably would've been very good. Oh well.
ReplyDeleteMy policy was to always keep my drawers on when at work. Extras you've slept with can come back to haunt you.
I doubt that casual sex will get you all the access you think it will. There's a lot of friendly f*cking in Hollywood, and nothing is implied beyond an entertaining exchange of bodily fluids.
Been in that position a few times, on both sides of it actually (knowing a deal might close if I recipicated attentions --- or receiving attention from those on the way up) - but I have a 'don't fuck the help' rule...so no.
ReplyDeleteI would ask myself if I would sleep with her anyway. If the answer's yes, I'd consider the selling-my-screenplay part a bonus point.
ReplyDeleteBoltron and I are on the same page...
ReplyDeleteThe morality of sleeping with someone in the faint hope they will pass your script on to a potential buyer is clearly, and unequivocally WRONG!
ReplyDeleteLook at the inverse of this moral question -
Would you consider sleeping with anyone who guarantees to read your blog?
I'm sure I know what that answer is - so I won't be leaving my phone # and a flattering vacation photo.
mc
As a matter of fact, I was considering whoring myself out to entire writing community as long as they leave a picture and a spec script.
ReplyDeleteWhat a silly analogy. You're silly, anonymous guy.
Moral absolutes are no fun.