Actually, there might be a group of people in mind when I write this.
This is for all the aspiring writers on the verge of making something happen in their careers. I don't know if my future is going to be bright, but I do know for sure that I won't let it be as miserable as it would have been if I didn't walk away from my stable teaching gig in NYC to go for my dreams out here in Los Angeles.
So what's my point?
My point is that all the "new" guys in the business - and by "new guys" I mean specifically the Black writers of science-fiction and comic books - need to get together to become the new wave of Black creative talent.
Why?
Because we can't expect anybody who came before us to "help" us out. They've already did their bid for King and Country by existing in the first place. They opened the doors, now we must walk through them.
Earlier in my career, I made the mistake of believing that the old guard of Black creators in Hollywood and comics were interested in reaching back to assist the new guys on the block. I assumed (stupidly) that they would see themselves reflected in the passionate eyes of the struggling creator.
Boy, was I wrong. Dead wrong.
This assumption almost stalled my career because my youthful ignorance and idealistic notions of racial solidarity blinded me to the egotism and casual disregard that established talent usually have in their hearts.They aren't being "mean" or "assholes" or "dicks." (not ALL the time that is).
But when your bank account rests above the seven figures and you could live very comfortably off the interest for the rest of your natural life and your kids' lives, the struggles of a broke writer working in a snooty bookstore or waiting tables while eating 25 cent Ramen for weeks on end are as far away as the Andromeda Galaxy.
Put simply, sometimes they forget where they came from.
On the street, they'd say: "n!$$@ I made it, you gotta make it too."
I don't agree with that sentiment, but that is the underlying motivation behind the lack of motivation displayed by established Black talent in Hollywood toward connecting with aspiring talent.
So the advice I've come up with this is, and you're free to use it: "Never, ever try to 'connect' with established talent in any creative entertainment field. They don't care. They're not evil people, they just don't see you as a person. They consider you a parasitic non-entity who want to gleam off their success and steal their coattails. The best thing you can do is meet people on your 'level' and pray that your career circles eventually form a Venn Diagram of connected fates. Listen to the wisdom of the established talent, but treat them as you would your priest or rabbi - worthy of your respect, but they're not your buddies."
Actually, I'm wrong, there was one guy who opened his mind to me, and that was a gentleman by the name of GEOFFREY THORNE. Look him up if you don't know who he is.
Everybody starts somewhere. Remember when you started your career? Think of the questions you had, its easy to answer them for someone just starting out. And it costs nothing but positive kharma.
The best thing the new guys can do is connect with other brand new folks and become the new guard. I've already done this. I am connecting with other writers and creators on the cusp of making things happen and we will make our names heard in the coming months.
I say none of this with malice. If you're one of the guys who helped to open doors, then I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
However, many of you opened the doors and then turned your backs. That's fine. It is your right to do so.
But answer this: How many novice Jewish writers and directors has Spielberg brought into the business and/or given an opportunity to? Something to think about.
And no, I'm not saying you need to "give someone a job." That's the first thing that comes to an ignorant Negro's mind when they hear the word "networking." They feel that someone wants "a job" whenever you try to learn from them.
Which is yet another reason to keep a healthy distance from these folks.
Remember, listen, learn and leave them alone.
If you're starting out, know that I am here to answer your questions. I'm no Yoda, but I sure ain't an Anakin.
Brandon
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