screenwriting omg a/s/l

Posted: November 27th, 2009 | Author: miconian | Filed under: Miconian At Large | Tags: craig's list, screenwriting, street link communications | Comments

Note: Some formatting has been simplified for legibility, but all text below was copied and pasted verbatim. All typos that appear here also appeared in the original context.

new york craigslist > manhattan > gigs > writing gigs
Project Screen Writers Wanted! (Midtown)
Date: 2009-11-25, 3:24PM EST
Reply to: xxxx@gmail.com

STREET LINK COMMUNICATIONS
Experienced Screen Writers Wanted!
Development of original projects for movies & video series.
Including drama, comedy, and action projects.
Email resume for more info.

from Michael Bennett Cohn
sender-time Sent at 2:34 PM (GMT-05:00). Current time there: 9:09 PM. ✆
to Street Link Communications
date Thu, Nov 26, 2009 at 2:34 PM
subject screenwriting gig

Hello,

I have a master’s degree in screenwriting from USC. My resume is attached.

thanks

Michael

from Aaron Miles
sender-time Sent at 12:23 PM (GMT-08:00). Current time there: 6:22 PM. ✆
to Michael Bennett Cohn
date Fri, Nov 27, 2009 at 12:23 PM
subject Re: screenwriting gig

Hello Michael,

We have received your response to our classified ad.
Screen Writers Audition_Applicant Screening Questionnaire!

Project Screening Questionnaire

All applicants must complete to qualify for registration
1. Full Name:
2. Age:
3. Sex:
4. Height:
5. Weight:
6. Profession:
7. Is screen writing a career or a hobbie?
8. Years of experience:
9. Special Skills:
10. Why do you think you could be successful as a screen writer?
11. Why should youb be chosen for this project?
12. What special qualities would you bring to the project?
13. How would you compare yourself to other screen writers?
14. What is the most charitabel thing you’ve ever done?
15. Would you be willing to volunteer some of your time?

Based on your responses you may receive an email response allowing you to continue with the registration process to attend the upcoming screen writers audition.

Thank You!

STREET LINK ENTERPRISES

from Michael Bennett Cohn
sender-time Sent at 12:31 PM (GMT-05:00). Current time there: 9:27 PM. ✆
to Aaron Miles
date Fri, Nov 27, 2009 at 12:31 PM
subject Re: screenwriting gig

Hi Aaron,

Asking for someone’s sex, height, and weight while evaluating their suitability for a job is illegal in the United States. Also, from the last couple of questions, it sounds as if you don’t actually have any money.

If you think I’ve misunderstood your situation, then please let me know.

Thanks

Michael

from Aaron Miles
sender-time Sent at 12:47 PM (GMT-08:00). Current time there: 6:14 PM. ✆
to Michael Bennett Cohn
date Fri, Nov 27, 2009 at 12:47 PM
subject Re: screenwriting gig

Hello Mr. Cohn,

Thank you for your response to our questionnaire.

First of all I usually don’t take the time to respond to emails such as this,
however, this time I will make an exception.

First of all it is not illegal to ask any question when screening,

It is however illegal to deny a person for these reasons.

Our reason for this questionnaire is simply to test ones discipline, or ability and willingness, to follow instructions. You have failed miserably.

We are looking to work with people who we feel will compliment our production and organization.

As for our financial situation, we are not replying to anyones ads for a job,
however you are.

Thank you for you time and good luck with your career.

Sincerely,

STREET LINK COMMUICATIONS

from Michael Bennett Cohn
sender-time Sent at 1:23 PM (GMT-05:00). Current time there: 9:12 PM. ✆
to Aaron Miles
date Fri, Nov 27, 2009 at 1:23 PM
subject Re: screenwriting gig

Hi Aaron,

Thanks for taking the time to respond to my questions.

I wouldn’t normally reply at this point, but I feel sorry for you.

You would have a hard time convincing a judge that your reasons for asking questions about someone’s sex, height, and weight, in an initial conversation about potential employment, are unrelated to your evaluation criteria. That’s why those questions are not commonly asked. But good luck with that.

As far as your financial situation: You are right; I am the one who is looking for a job. However, that does not mean that I am willing to take absolutely any job, under absolutely any circumstances. My experience in the entertainment industry, and in the world of work in general, has shown me that, when early conversations turn to subjects such as my level of charitability and my willingness to volunteer my time, that money is not likely to be forthcoming.

It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there, Aaron, and I don’t judge you for trying to get something for nothing, especially considering that you apparently have nothing to give. But I think you should know that you’d have a much easier time of exploiting people if you’d first proofread your so-called application. The following words are misspelled:

screenwriting
hobby
screenwriter
you
charitable

It’s admirable that, given your painfully obvious lack of education and common sense, you are aspiring to a skilled profession of any sort, let alone that of film producer. I wish you the best of luck.

Michael

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