Too Legit To Quit

So we started working in the new offices today, and its been a whirlwind of dusting, moving things "just so" and making this new place "home."

It gives one a sense of legitimacy to tell someone "drop by the office," which for me used to mean the "home office." I still use the home office as do many of you, but I'm certain there's someone in the grand pulp masses out there saying, "Wow. I need to get an office."

What you're really saying is, "I need to become legit."

Legitimacy doesn't come from having an office, it comes from having work written and produced or published. It comes from your showing up to meetings on time and ready to get to work. It comes from going the extra mile to meet and greet people who are at the same level as you are and above. Especially above. It comes from reading the trades and learning how the business works and how you fit. It comes from being ready for your "big break" when it comes.

That's legitimate.

And you can do that from your kitchen table at home. Trust me. That's where SCARECROW was re-written. That's where SCARECROW: SLAYER took form, and those stories for TALES OF THE SHADOWMEN. THE SKULL. THE SOUND. P****** P***. WOLFSBANE. PATCHWORK (the first script I ever wrote, which was written during my day job at a local gym).

And dozens of other ideas, scripts, treatments, designs, drawings and numerous blog posts.

I put off trying to find office space for the longest time because it's expensive, time consuming and it can often be one more thing to worry about. I didn't want to be that guy who overextends himself into something he can't back up. You see it every day here in Los Angeles: some little production company gets office space in an expensive Beverly Hills, West Hollywood or Santa Monica address; announces a bunch of projects... and nothing happens. No deals. No scripts. Not even a piece of key art.

So if you're looking to legitimize your effort, sit your butt in the chair and write. Anywhere.
(Except at the coffee shop because damn -- sorry Bill Martell -- ain't that the cliche'?)

Your (manu)script is your business card. Your badge of legitimacy. Invest in it first. Get something produced then build on that. Be legit before it costs you a monthly rent...

Sincerely,

Your Mad Pulp Bastard