Help! My Agent Is a Drama Queen
Dear Remy,
I’ve been having trouble with my agent for more than a year, and I don’t know what to do about it anymore.
Her life seems to be filled with one crisis following another. If it’s not her grappling with emotional turmoil due to a relationship, she’s taking breaks for self-care after another intense confrontation. At times, I genuinely feel like she’s living in an ongoing soap opera—a situation that has become quite taxing for me.
Initially, I was on her side, assisting her in composing messages to her volatile boyfriend while enjoying a cup of matcha chai. However, it’s no longer amusing. She seems to make mistakes frequently, like an unsteady quarterback who fumbles the ball often, and when I need her support the most, she’s not available online.
Over the past week, she had to skip a meeting with a television executive due to a significant miscommunication about her brother’s birthday present, leading to lengthy family text exchanges. Simultaneously, I failed to secure a contract for advertising a series of herbicide commercials as she neglected to follow up. Remy, the advice to “Be Kind” in 2024 seems ideal, but this situation is more than aggravating. I require a plan. Can you offer some guidance?
Yours,
A Too-Compliant Client
Dear Too-Compliant Client,
In my gaming world, it seems like my character’s life is like a standalone movie, but without a director to guide the flow. Could it be that she’s so engrossed in her own storyline that she’s forgotten about mine?
It’s great that you’ve shown support, but it seems like your agent’s personal issues are causing some obstacles in your professional journey. I understand the challenges of helping someone decipher every message from their partner, but remember, there’s a fine line between empathy and enabling. It appears you might be prioritizing her turbulence over your own ambitions.
If I were to express my thoughts, it would be something like: “Imagine if I had to prioritize my professional growth over focusing too much on her storylines, which are captivating nonetheless. Could you envision how this adjustment might benefit her as well, allowing her to excel in various roles such as a friend, agent, and thoughtful gift-giver for her brother?
And perhaps a pithy question for yourself: Are you ready to let her know that unless she steps up, she’s out? Sometimes, advocating for your own boundaries is the ultimate kindness. So, is it time to take control of your own narrative?
Wishing you fewer theatrics and more deals,
Remy
I Don’t Get What’s So Funny About Murder
Dear Remy,
Currently, there are numerous TV programs that leave me puzzled, and one such perplexity is the unexplained appeal of those easy-going mystery series. You’re familiar with them, aren’t you? – They feature an eccentric yet imperfect protagonist who solves a murder every week, only for everything to go back to normal by the following episode as if nothing at all had occurred.
The formula drives me crazy. I’m an exec at a production company in Hollywood, and my boss is pressuring me to develop the next big lighthearted mystery series. She’s obsessed with the success of Only Murders in the Building and wants us to create something in the same vein, but with a fresh twist. Honestly, it makes me want to throw myself into the mystery as the next victim.
Why is it that these shows consistently portray no long-term repercussions? Why doesn’t the main character never seem to experience burnout or require psychological help after encountering multiple bodies? And yes, I have concerns about my professional future. If I were to work on this show, it would undeniably be a part of my IMDb profile for years to come, and I’m unsure if this is the kind of enduring impact I desire to create.
Remy, how do I explain to my boss that this genre isn’t my thing?
No Time for Lighthearted Mysteries
Dear No Time for Lighthearted Mysteries,
Ah, the charm of the whimsical murder mystery—where every death comes with a quirky joke and a catchy theme song. You’re not alone in your frustration. After all, if a town really had this many murders, it’d be a case for the FBI, not the local amateur sleuth.
However, it’s important to note that such trends tend to recur in cycles. As a creator, mastering their ebb and flow could pave the way for lasting achievement. Have you thought about viewing this as a chance to be imaginative instead? Perhaps your unique perspective on the genre incorporates a touch of self-awareness, embracing the inherent absurdity while still offering something original. Maybe your character grapples with the psychological strain of perpetual detective work, or the picturesque backdrop conceals a hidden darkness.
If the current method seems off, consider trying a less intense project to bring balance to your collection of works. A successful series, even in a genre that doesn’t excite you, could provide a launchpad for greater creative control in future assignments. Demonstrating versatility across various tones and styles makes you an essential asset.
Regarding your IMDb profile: Introducing a bit of diversity could be beneficial. Consider adding a “cameo” or similar credit to enliven your portfolio. Stepping away from the familiar might lead to new opportunities you hadn’t previously considered.
Wishing you clever twists and satisfying endings,
Remy
Should I Take a Role That Scares Me (Literally)?
Dear Remy,
Are you a fan of films with otherworldly themes? To be honest, they tend to keep me on edge for quite some time, even after burning lots of ylang-ylang oil.
Man, I’ve found myself in quite a pickle! I’ve been given an incredible opportunity: playing a character who revives the spirits of those long gone. It’s almost like my own solo production with a massive budget, and my agent is already dreaming in dollars. The catch? I’m a 48-year-old guy who still jumps at the sight of ghostly apparitions.
In one moment, I’m expected to recite incantations towards a mirror with the aim of reviving an arsonist cleric, which makes me believe I might summon a ghost instead. Another instance requires me to whisper into a pot filled with ashes in an ancient cellar, attempting to invoke the spirit of a Victorian gravedigger. It seems absurd to reject a part due to fear that I might inadvertently create a gateway to the underworld, yet here we are.
Summoning your advice (within earthly perimeters),
Superlatively Superstitious
Dear Superlatively Superstitious,
Bravo! You’ve secured a unique opportunity that will undoubtedly leave both the audience and the performer feeling apprehensive. If you’re up for the challenge, why not embrace it as ‘method acting’? Picture the depth your performance could reach by drawing on genuine fear. After all, one might argue that Shelley Duvall in The Shining, or Ellen Burstyn in The Exorcist were doing just that!
Is your apprehension towards the supernatural affecting other aspects of your life as well? Remember, significant opportunities often test our inner limits by tackling our deepest fears. Couldn’t this task be more than just a job; perhaps it’s an opportunity to redefine your potential?
And here’s a practical question: if you’re ready to step up to this role, what small rituals or comforts could you bring to set to stay grounded? (Maybe have some sage to burn in your trailer, just in case.)
Wishing you the bravery to face even your scariest scenes,
Remy
***
Remy Blumenfeld, an experienced television producer, is the founder of Vitality Guru. This company provides professional guidance for successful individuals in the media industry seeking assistance with their businesses and careers. If you have any questions or requests, please direct them to: guru@vitalityguide.com.
Questions edited by Sarah Mills.
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2024-11-16 21:26