Posts Tagged ‘director Matthew Porter’

Years ago, while in Northwest Alabama for a film festival, a local guy offered to take me and the only other filmmaker at the fest– the hilarious Terry Ray– on a tour of the area. I had no idea, but the region has a lot of significant history. Scores of major artists and musical acts recorded in Muscle Shoals in the 60s and 70s. Florence was home to ‘the father of the blues’ W.C. Handy. Plus, Helen Keller was born in Tuscumbia. And all of these places, just a matter of miles apart.

When our host took us to Keller’s childhood home in Tuscumbia, I remember being happily surprised with how unremarkable it was. The place was small, quiet. Probably not too different from when the woman herself lived there — okay, it was originally a plantation, so there are some significant (and positive) differences. What I’m trying to say is that had Helen Keller grown up where I did, in Central Florida, things would have turned out a little differently. Instead of a modest home, it would have been ‘Helen Keller: The Theme Park!’ complete with rides, costumed characters, and sprawling gift shops featuring souvenir coffee mugs and tacky tourist t-shirts that read ‘Helen Keller didn’t see her house, but I did!’

In all, I was impressed with three things: One, the generosity of our volunteer tour guide. Two, how great people often have humble beginnings. And three, the folks who have every reason in the world to say they got a raw deal, but don’t, steadfastly refusing to be victims.

Ms. Keller was one such person and today’s quote from her reflects that unconquerable spirit:

“Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.”

- Helen Keller
from The Open Door (1957)

- Matthew Porter

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I’ve previously mentioned that I (along with my producing partner) have been developing a reality TV show. Well, after a lot of exciting twists and turns and a three-way bidding war, I’m happy to tell you that the show has now been optioned.

While this is indeed exciting, there’s still a lot of hard-but-fun work ahead of us in shopping the show to network and cable channels. Even by the most optimistic standard, it’s a longshot. But then, that’s my favorite kind.

So, what’s the name of the show? What’s it about? Man, I wish I could tell you all about it, because it is truly amazing. However, in order to give us the best chance for success, I have to keep the specifics on the down-low. Sorry. Not trying to be cute or coy. I can say the show concerns a one-of-a-kind real-life family that is living in the midst of extraordinary circumstances. These circumstances will hit you in the gut and how they’re overcoming them will touch your heart. Aughh… wish I could tell you more, but that’s all I can say right now.

I think it’s a timely concept since we’re at a place in our country when we really need encouraging stories. Not gushy, sweet, melodramatic stuff, but true, honest, life-affirming stories that remind us that we’re not alone in this struggle. For these reasons, I like our chances.

I’m also encouraged in another, more roundabout way: one of the production companies we were talking to (but didn’t sign with) is now actively developing a knockoff of our idea. To them I sincerely say ‘best of luck’. For two reasons. A: I (and the rest of the team) welcome the competition, and B: for all the reasons listed above, we need more TV shows like these, so the more the merrier.

Will keep you posted on progress as events warrant.

- Matthew Porter

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What does this guy have to do with this article? Surprisingly little.

“I will take ‘no’ for answer; I won’t take ‘no answer’ for an answer.”

What is life but a series of questions (including this one)?

Some are big…

- Will you marry me?
- What is the meaning of life?
- Can I have one of your kidneys?

…while others are less consequential:

- Can I borrow your stapler?
- What’s today’s date?
- What was the name of that other guy in Wham?

Regardless of their relative levels of importance, every question needs an answer. And when it comes to business, a lot of the ‘big questions’ terminate in a ‘yes’ or ‘no.’

As a writer / director and creative consultant, sales is half the game. As such, hearing ‘no’ or ‘not now’ — while an undesired response — is all part of the process. To make it in sales (and we’re all salesfolk on one level or another, agreed?), ‘no’ must be an acceptable answer. You don’t have to like it– you shouldn’t like it– but you must be able to roll with it and move on.

But what about when there’s no response? Do you assume the answer is ‘no’ and move on? Or do you keep pushing?

Two quick real-life scenarios:

One, a production company a producing partner and I pitched. The producers we spoke with were very enthusiastic about the project and promised to get back to us ‘soon.’ But a day went by, then two days, then a week, then two weeks… no promised response.

Two, a conversation with a successful business owner back in December. This CEO was interested in possibly hiring me as a creative consultant to help form and lead an in-house marketing team. I’ve consistently followed up with him this year and yet, no returned call.

Now, ‘the rest of the story…’

We followed up with the production company and– long story short– the deal is going through. Big win all the way around.

Re: the CEO who needs creative help… still no response. I have a strong feeling his answer will eventually be a ‘no’ or ‘not right now.’ But what if it isn’t? What if he’s been too busy? What if– like a lot of people I eventually get in touch with– he says ‘thank you so much for your persistence. I’ve just been swamped lately’ ? What if I stop following up and in so doing– to use a metaphor from success guru Zig Ziglar– I stop pumping the handle just a few seconds before the water would have started flowing?

Now, an important note: does the person you’re querying owe you an answer? No. Absolutely not. Following through on a question assuming someone owes you an answer doesn’t make you persistent; it makes you a stalker (sidebar to Jodie Foster: did you get the hair clippings I mailed you? They’re a symbol that we’re meant to be together. CALL ME!!!)

Therefore, the CEO I’m currently following up with in no way owes me anything at all, including an answer. Period. Conversely, I owe him nothing as well, including the obligation to assume his silence is his ‘no.’ And again, ‘what if?’ What if, like the production company, the CEO’s silence isn’t a ‘no’ but a ‘yes-in-progress’?

So, to sum up: before you write off an opportunity because you’re not getting an answer, first ask yourself if losing a potential ‘yes’ is a risk you’re willing to take.

And finally– and I can’t stress this enough– Andrew Ridgeley. Andrew Ridgeley was the other singer in Wham.

- Matthew Porter

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