I have to take issue with this line "to see something that you had a hand in creating": that's for Make-up, or Wardrobe, or the Editor, or the Director, or a Producer.

For a writer I think that would be better worded as "to see something that wouldn't exist without *you*".

The writer may not be the only creator - but he's the source, without the writer there is nothing.

(I can only look forward to it...)

Thank you Scott. I needed to see something like that more than I realized.
Thanks you very much.

"Call your mother and say, 'Thanks for believing in me.'"

If only that were true...

my movie just premiered last night, so I will be driving around this weekend going to theaters. This whole week has been surreal.

Marvelous post, Scott. Thanks so much for sharing!

I'll remember the drinking part if if make it!!

Congrats Ragazza!

Thank you! Today is a little bananas but I will definitely email you soon.

Arlene

Sorry if you've covered this before (only came across your blog today, via the Leigh Brackett piece):

What about listening to people's comments as you walk out of the cinema? I imagine that's something you want to avoid, in case it kills your buzz? I mean, it would be awesome to hear people in the cinema singing your praises too, but I guess you want to wait till later for that, not letting the risk of negative comments get to you?

@Rory: Perfect time to whip out your noise-cancelling headphones, eh? Seriously it depends upon what your goal is. If it's to thoroughly enjoy Day 1 of your movie's release, how about this: Leave just as the movie is ending, sprinting out of the theater. However in a community as isolated from the 'real' world as Hollywood is, it's important to hear reactions of typical moviegoers. The positives and negatives you garner can help influence how you approach writing your next project. Of course, this brings up the subject of test screenings, which is a good topic for another Business of Screenwriting post. So thanks, Rory! And welcome to GITS!

I remember when my movie "Billabong Odyssey" came out it was surreal to see all my best friends at the premiere...to hear them cheer when my name came up.

The flip side was when I DID go to the theaters, and there was no line for the picture. Ugh...everyone must be inside already right?

Uh, no. I bought a ticket, went in and there was like, 7 people maybe? I don't even remember how long I stayed, I just remember walking out and thinking, "I'm fucked."

Key Points: 1)If there's two competing movies, be first. And 2)He who has the best marketing wins...at least in the beginning.

Damn, that was good. Thanks, Scott.