Totally agree with so much if Mike's views. My problem has always been: do I side with the system or keep telling to fuck off and die? Can I find a middle ground. Not against the commercial or money side of it...as long as those involved with are simply honest and hardworking and against using/abusing others. Refuse to believe the only way for success in the Hollywood system is through cheating, lying,backstabbing, etc. Especially in this digital world now...where the creators have closer access to audiences on a global level...directly to them thru HD distribution. Yes...it means more work/sacrifice on my part; if I go into self distrubtion or alligning myself and work with the right business - creative partners. But, I will always refuse to believe that the only way to success in Hollywood and the world itself is by using, abusing, cheating and crossing boundaries into unethical behavior. Maybe it's because I've had some deeply personal, spiritual moments in my life that I never saw coming or expected. I don't know. I just know and accept which lines I WILL NOT cross. For any amount of success.

Mark, I hear you. In fact, I posted something about this general subject: Two paths: Write what they're buying or sell them your dream.

Long time no post for me! I love the focus on Michael Arndt. Scott, I'm wondering if you ever came across the Questionnaire that Arndt sent out with his early drafts of Little Miss Sunshine. I would love to see what sort of questions he asked of his readers in order to better shape subsequent drafts.

No, Gabe, have never seen any questionnaires re LMS. But I will be posting on something Arndt has made several presentations about: Keys to a killer ending. Look for that later this week.

Wow....this is 'theme' in a nutshell. We have our 'destiny' to fill, a passion of writing that out weighs all other endeavors. But we must never overshadow our private lives and disregard what makes us whole, our own family values and inner spirit. Thanks once more Scott.

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