A Producer’s Diary with Will Chase

Will Chase / Producer

An Open Letter for The Divine Marigolds

“Its been a bit since last I posted, so my apologies in advance.  I am currently (still) digesting the last of my Thanksgiving meal, which I enjoyed with friends and family out at a restaurant.  No dishes, no disgruntled arguments as to whose stuffing is best, or why defrosting a pumpkin pie heating and eating is similar to the genocide of the 1st Nation People(I just learned that moniker, and for those of you who dont know who the 1st Nation People are…Native Americans, or Indians, if you are insensitive and slightly ignorant)  It was GLORIOUS! But I digress. 
I would like to make a shout out to all the folks who made a brilliant effort on the Pilot shoot of the new television series, The Divine Marigolds.  I am a producer of said series, and it was a long and arguous three days.  Not so much for myself, but for the cast and crew of the show.  We had crew members who effortlessly (that might be a bit strong) worked 15 hour days, and had smiling faces to boot.  Not one member of the crew complained, that I could remember, and the cast brought their A-Game, creating honest, real, and affecting performances.  For this I am thankful.  For each and everyone of you who stepped up to the plate, pointed to left field and proceeded to blast it out of the park,  I am thankful.  For the confidence that each member of our team had in their producers, I am thankful.  But mostly, I am thankful that Seattle’s Independant Film industry is beginning to realize that we have a large pool of creditable crew members, a deep pool of fantastic talent, and producers who are willing to have the courage of their convictions.  So, thank you to my fellow producers on the Divine Marigolds.  I bought a ticket to ride the train about 8 months ago, and I’m not getting off until the end of the line. 
I am truly blessed to work with such fearless cohorts.  You complete me.”  – Will

Photo by Carl Nelson

A Producer’s Diary with Will Chase

Editor’s Note:  We caught up with Will for a moment of his time.

To aspiring writers…

“Writers.  Each day (I shouldn’t say each day, as I”m a Seattle producer) I have a new script that is just “brilliant” and needs my resources for it to live out a long and prosperous life on the big screen, small screen, direct to dvd screen, or download.  It is really encouraging to know that everyone who wants to write a script thinks that it will “make it.” I want to send out a piece of advice: Write five scripts before you show them to anyone.  They all suck.  Believe me.  This is not my sole opinion.  I have been to more film making panels with more film making professionals on them in the last 3 years than I care to count.  And everytime I sit down, I wait and wait, until one of the producers or writers or directors on that panel gets the question, “I have a feature length script, my first, and I’d like to know the best way to get it produced.” Without fail, one of the panel members will bring up the “Gold Meter.”  Ernest Hemingway made this phrase famous when asked at what point in his career did he know that he was a good writer.  He replied (I’m paraphrasing) “Write four or five books then the junk will get flushed out.  Know your Gold Meter.”  If only more playwrites and screenwriters had the benefit of this knowledge, there would be far less flim flam flying around.  Of course, now it is not enough to just have a good screenplay;  you must have a business plan, a Facebook Fanpage, a team of lawyers and if you are really serious about writing, an agent.  I’m not trying to discourage anyone from writing the next Taxi Driver, or Memento, but stay realistic.  Those writers had been writing for quite some time before meeting with any type of success.  Plod on.  Write crap, but keep writing because like Hemingway said, the junk will flush out.  And keep sending me your scripts, as I am, after all, a masochist.  Cheers!”

                                                                    – Will

Photo by Carl Nelson

Producer’s Diary

Your Career Escalator: Going Up or Down?

Editor’s Note:  Want to know how you career is going?  Careful…   Will Chase might tell you.  (For more information about Will, check out his interview on the Seattle Celebrity News!  Want to see one of his projects clicking?  Check out The Divine Marigolds, a local TV pilot.  Want to see trailers of a couple movies he’s been involved with?  Go to:  http://avthemovie.com/  or go to:  http://kck.st/amqjn4  )

“Time.  There used to be so much of it, and as the years pass, so too do the minutes of the day.  Faster, and faster like the whir of a Hard drive, downloading the footage to my last film.  Currently I am working on or developing no less than five projects, all of which are dependent on completion and distribution for remuneration.  Which brings me to my next point: Money.  There seems to be a glut of it these days, even for experienced film makers.  I have been in the business for 10 years and have always had a “job type job” that helps me eat, and you know, pay rent.  What student loans?  Defer, baby, defer!!! This can be a challenge, but if you have a great partner who is patient, willing to listen to your endless stories on how “I will never work with so and so again” and “REALLY!  You show up to my shoot two hours late and don’t come to me and apologize immediately!!!” and “yeah, so I know I’m about, oh, entirely short on rent, but I PROMISE, next month will be different.”  Thank god for the ones who love us, as without them, I know I would be much less effective in producing and promoting independent film in Seattle.  Which brings us to my last point.  The film community in Seattle:  I moved to Seattle 7 years ago, deliberately avoiding NYC and LA for the distinct reason that I didn’t want to be a nameless, faceless number.  This was in my acting days, but I feel like it applies to producing as well. I.E. You have to build your reputation as a creative individual who has impeccable follow through, instincts and you must, MUST know this one thing:  If you are starting out as a professional in the film industry, surround yourself with people that have been at this game alot longer than yourself.  No man is an island, and in this house, if you cast a stone, the whole glass structure will come tumbling down on your head.  I have learned from those around me that are smart, efficient, gracious and professional, that if you intend to succeed, you must know how to listen.  I hope this falls on the ears of the up and coming in Seattle.  We have an incredible opportunity to make Seattle one of the top film locations in the country, but only if we are willing to commit 100%.  I have been to many “networking” events throughout Seattle and each time I hear the same thing: “Why is it so hard to find paid work?”  I’ll tell you why, because all the paid work is going to the individuals that have been at this game for the last 10-20 years.  Please don’t complain to me (or anyone, for that matter) about the lack of paid work.  You have to MAKE the paid work.  This isn’t Monster.com, or anyother website promising you a job.  This is the job you create, and the personality and drive that you bring to the table will help define what you are worth.  If you complain on set, I’ll pretty much write you off then and there.  If you are not anticipating what I want from you, done.  If you are asking me whether or not you are going to get paid before we get the first shot off, get off my set.  I’ve paid my dues.  Pay yours.”

                                                     – Will Chase