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| THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM | |
| Posted by: Radar123 06:54 am EST 02/10/18 | |
| In reply to: Theater Resources Unlimited presents Writer-Producer Speed Date - 3/4 - Official_Press_Release 01:17 pm EST 02/09/18 | |
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| This guy Bob Ost would stand in the subway car and tell you you need to pay him to sit down. PAY to pitch?? Unbelievable. The way this scam works is most of those "producers" PAY HIM to be in a roomful of suckers who were so stupid they paid $85 for the chance to pitch their project to "Broadway Producers" -- this is a roomful of REAL LIVE DEEP-POCKETED SUCKERS, from their standpoint. The "producers" came to say "WOW, AMAZING" to your project, then tell you why you need their: public relations, media expertise, professional coaching, casting, etc. I know because I once saw this TRAVESTY for myself. Naive idiots don't know most of these shows the experts list as credits are shows NO ONE ever heard of, much less saw. If there's one real "Broadway Producer" appearing, you can bet THEY GOT PAID to appear to act as bait (but really to make the event look legitimate). IF they're really going to show, that is up for grabs, in my opinion. This creep gets money from: the sucker "pitchers", the bogus "producers" and has the nerve to go BEGGING FOR GOVERNMENT GRANTS AS A NOT FOR PROFIT DO-GOODER !! SHUT IT DOWN ALREADY. |
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| re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM (Sour grapes much?) | |
| Posted by: NanWBrains 08:54 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
| In reply to: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM - Radar123 06:54 am EST 02/10/18 | |
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| So "stupid they paid $85"...and you know because you "once saw this TRAVESTY" for yourself. Which means you were just as "stupid" and paid $85 to pitch your project. I think I remember you...you were disruptive, rolling your eyes and heaving sighs. And no one liked what you pitched - we all thought it was a non-starter and frankly lacking in any merit whatsoever. No one said "WOW, AMAZING" to your project. Sad. As far as Bob Ost - he's a mover and shaker. He gets things accomplished for actually talented people. Sour grapes. If you can't take the criticism, get out of the business, baby. Try McDonalds...they're always hiring. |
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| re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM (Sour grapes much?) | |
| Posted by: CCentero 09:08 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
| In reply to: re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM (Sour grapes much?) - NanWBrains 08:54 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
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| OK, you can drop the attitude as well. We get it. | |
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| re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM (Sour grapes much?) | |
| Posted by: NanWBrains 09:28 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
| In reply to: re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM (Sour grapes much?) - CCentero 09:08 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
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| I've just read some of your posts on here...talk about attitude. | |
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| re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM (Sour grapes much?) | |
| Posted by: CCentero 09:34 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
| In reply to: re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM (Sour grapes much?) - NanWBrains 09:28 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
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| Take the note. | |
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| re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM (Sour grapes much?) | |
| Last Edit: NanWBrains 09:36 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
| Posted by: NanWBrains 09:35 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
| In reply to: re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM (Sour grapes much?) - CCentero 09:34 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
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| I don't take notes from anonymous pontificators. | |
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| re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM (Sour grapes much?) | |
| Last Edit: CCentero 09:44 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
| Posted by: CCentero 09:39 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
| In reply to: re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM (Sour grapes much?) - NanWBrains 09:35 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
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| Everyone who has posted responses in the past few days has given pertinent examples of why Bob Ost is a completely honorable and decent person--except you. |
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| re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM (Sour grapes much?) | |
| Posted by: NanWBrains 09:58 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
| In reply to: re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM (Sour grapes much?) - CCentero 09:39 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
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| And I ask again, who are you? To quote you from another thread: "I would rather have an icepick driven through my head than debate the issue with you." I've known Bob Ost for over 30 years, personally and professionally - I know how good a person he is. I also know how he handles his business. My post was about the business. Radar123 is a disgruntled individual who felt they didn't get their money's worth when their project didn't go anywhere with the panel so they figured they'd trash Bob and his program on this forum. I find that untenable. I said as much. Radar123 has a despicable attitude. Go - give notes. |
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| re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM (Sour grapes much?) | |
| Posted by: NanWBrains 09:44 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
| In reply to: re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM (Sour grapes much?) - CCentero 09:39 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
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| He is a completely decent person. That was my point. What's yours? | |
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| re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM (Sour grapes much?) | |
| Posted by: CCentero 09:50 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
| In reply to: re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM (Sour grapes much?) - NanWBrains 09:44 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
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| It's bush league to guess that you know who the original poster is--when you don't. The McDonald's comment is gratuitous and undercuts all the other people who have posted. You're common. | |
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| re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM (Sour grapes much?) | |
| Posted by: NanWBrains 10:04 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
| In reply to: re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM (Sour grapes much?) - CCentero 09:50 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
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| That is hilarious. | |
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| re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM (Sour grapes much?) | |
| Posted by: NanWBrains 09:21 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
| In reply to: re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM (Sour grapes much?) - CCentero 09:08 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
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| Who are you? | |
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| re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM | |
| Posted by: Xavier_99 05:17 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
| In reply to: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM - Radar123 06:54 am EST 02/10/18 | |
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| I've attended a couple of Bob's events and found them both extremely valuable and value for money, and I couldn't object more to the content of this post. Others that attended the events also commented to me afterwards that they got plenty out of them. When I met the producers, none tried to pitch a service to me, they offered me honest advice, and all were legitimate. | |
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| THIS IS NOT A TOTAL SCAM | |
| Last Edit: T.B._Admin. 05:09 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
| Posted by: writeon12 04:35 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
| In reply to: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM - Radar123 06:54 am EST 02/10/18 | |
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| I was disappointed to see someone attacking an event that I participated in and a group that I find helpful. I'm a writer who has had his work presented numerous times. I attended and enjoyed TRU's pitch event. I believe it does many positive things, including forcing you to shape and polish your pitch. You then get feedback from various producers. I did not have anyone try to sell me, but had a good experience. I also learned by seeing others present projects. I think it's a long shot that a brief pitch will hook a producer - and always knew that. That'd be great, but not easy. But I do believe I got to present work to producers - of big and small work. Someone spent time, coaching me and others before we presented. And I had a chance to connect with and form the basis of a relationship that could lead to things later. I have found that TRU itself is a great resource, in general, at once letting me meet directors and others with whom I’ve worked since. I’ve listened to producers give their perspective, about my work and issues, ranging from those who did the original Broadway production of Grease to other Broadway shows, as well as smaller productions. I find that it’s important to be aware of people who produce smaller shows, since they're more likely to be interested and get involved with smaller projects. I have met people at TRU events who found producers there. And I hope that some relationships I formed at events may lead to other things even further down the line. I've also recommended the group to others and brought them to events - which they enjoyed. Plus I’ve gone to various events free to the group’s members. I look forward to TRU events. I think it’s a rare group and appreciate that it exists and the effort it takes to keep it going. I think it's very easy to be negative and critical of anything. It's tough to go to a pitch event and find a producer. But I found the experience was positive and well worth it and intend to continue going to TRU events. We need more groups like this, fostering a sense of community and putting people in touch. I'd rather give kudos than criticism to this group. My only reaction to this negative post is that I hope others who took part in the event and had a positive experience also express that as well, showing the value that it as well as other TRU events can have. | |
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| re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM | |
| Posted by: incrediblemarie 02:51 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
| In reply to: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM - Radar123 06:54 am EST 02/10/18 | |
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| TRU offers valuable services at affordable costs. I have pitched projects at TRU events and I have NEVER experienced any of the criticisms posted by Radar123. I have gotten good advice and even secured a producer, at no cost except the fee to participate in the program. Reasonable prices I might add. Bob Ost is well respected by many, so I am totally shocked to read the unfounded criticisms. There are many costs to run the programs TRU offer. How can someone not understand that. | |
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| re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM | |
| Posted by: sxor (xoregos@gmail.com) 04:28 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
| In reply to: re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM - incrediblemarie 02:51 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
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| I have been a producer on TRU's Speed Date a number of times and have never received remuneration, nor been asked to give anything but honest feedback to the playwrights who are there. Actually, I am shocked at the scurrilous attack on Bob Ost, who tries in many ways to help those in theater. Everything in this loco complaint is either untrue or fabricated. TRU is an organization which has recently celebrated its 25 Anniversary; its longevity speaks for itself. I also wonder about a person who would publish this libel without the courage to use his/her real name. Shela Xoregos |
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| re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM - This is NOT at all a scam | |
| Posted by: KateGill 12:59 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
| In reply to: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM - Radar123 06:54 am EST 02/10/18 | |
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| I believe you have a mistaken impression about the TRU program and Bob Ost. I was part of the Speed Dating of Playwrights and Producers last year and learned an incredible amount about how to pitch my play. As a playwright, I did not have that much insight into how producers thought about and chose the plays they would consider. There was extremely well directed preparation and one-on-one live coaching before the pitching. I was able to think about my play's appeal, its potential audience and how to catch attention for it immediately in a headline and and an "elevator" pitch. We prepared a pitch deck, got feedback on it, made revisions and practiced our pitch live before the session with producers. Then the producers gave their reactions and invaluable advice during the session. Their reactions helped me strengthen my pitch more. And that was the point of the session. Yes, a few people might actually get a producer interested in a production but that was not the promise of the session. I found when my play was produced this fall - I had a good idea of what to convey in publicity and marketing for my audience - the play's positioning, the visual identity, the tagline, the "elevator pitch" and how to discuss my work thoughtfully and clearly in interviews. And I believe the confidence I had in talking about my play's strength helped attract the professional team I ultimately got. I have found Bob Ost to be brilliant in providing tools, coaching and support for emerging producers and playwrights. He was recommended to me by several people before I joined TRU and I join them with my highest endorsement. Kate Gill |
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| re: The TRU Story | |
| Posted by: SeanK 12:47 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
| In reply to: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM - Radar123 06:54 am EST 02/10/18 | |
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| Don't understand this posting which is both gratuitously nasty and untrue (and even worse, unTRU). I have formed 3 warm and long-lasting relationships with top Broadway producers based on going to TRU events. One of them is producing our next show. I have the emails of 20 other producers who asked to hear more about our work. One of our shows was selected by TRU for their reading series, so TRU paid for the entire reading. And invited producers, two of whom wanted to option it. Also whenever I ask Bob to put information about one of our reading or productions in his newsletter (which I always do at the last minute, I'm afraid) he always obliges, though I'm sure it's a lot of extra work. Bob is one of the nicest, most decent people in the business, which is why this posting is especially troubling. Don't understand why Talkin' Broadway would allow something with this tone to be posted. |
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| re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM | |
| Posted by: boss_yaakov 10:26 am EST 02/13/18 | |
| In reply to: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM - Radar123 06:54 am EST 02/10/18 | |
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| You are completely wrong. TRU is an incredible resource. The speed date was essential to my production, helped me learn how to communicate about my work. |
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| re: This Vitriolic Attack is 100% Unjustified | |
| Posted by: roetzheimw 09:48 am EST 02/13/18 | |
| In reply to: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM - Radar123 06:54 am EST 02/10/18 | |
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| I have no idea what the ultimate motivation of this poster is, but effective communication of helpful information is clearly not one of the motivations. I'm a playwright from San Diego with several productions under my belt (none Broadway, but I'm working to get there). First, i'd like to say that Bob Ost is a kind, gentle, and intelligent man that has always been supportive of me and my work. He does not deserve this vitriolic attack. I was at a recent Speed Date, and I'm pretty confident that by the time Bob paid for the facility (main room plus break-out rooms), wine, and cheese the $85 per writer was gone. So if he had any money to pay anyone else (including himself), it didn't come from the $85 fee. Second, the producers that I met were all involved in the industry and most offered me useful insight on my pitch. They ranged from smaller NYC theater producers through non-profits and up to a few with some decent Broadway experience (e.g., On the Town). It was clear from the beginning that the primary purpose of the event was to work on my pitch and to potentially make some connections, not to walk out with a Broadway contract in hand. The event was a success on both counts. I've had follow-up meetings with two people I met from the event. and provided scripts to three others. I also met some fellow playwrights, and through a chain of introductions coming out of that, I'm now working on a possible film deal in Los Angeles. I'd also add that throughout the process no-one tried to sell me anything. So I don't feel like a "deep-pocketed sucker." In conclusion I'd say that if you have a project where you'd like to practice and receive feedback on your pitch; potentially make some connections that would be useful for script development or early production; and meet some other playwrights -- this is an ideal opportunity. If you want to skip all of this and just have someone snatch up your script and open it on Broadway, you might want to pass. But either way, as a playwright I'd like to thank Bob for doing all of the hard work to organize this as an option. | |
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| Truly GREAT ! | |
| Posted by: edzareh 09:42 am EST 02/13/18 | |
| In reply to: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM - Radar123 06:54 am EST 02/10/18 | |
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| I participated in TRU's Writer's Speed Date Pitch session last year, and got a LOT out of it! I found it so motivating to have a deadline to create production assets and prepare myself for meeting producers. My partner and I worked tirelessly for days before the event to make sure we were in top form before presenting (as writers) to the "producers" on hand. NOTE: This event is an EXERCISE, so there is no promise (implicit or explicit) that you are pitching to producers looking to finance your show. The point of the event is to get prepared for the opportunity to pitch when it comes along. Many of the "producer" participants are your fellow TRU PDMP (Producer's Development and Mentorship Program) or Master Class students-- people studying and working to become professional producers. However, that's not to say that there are not real producers in those chairs as well! My experience was one of the rare occasions where several producers expressed real interest in my work. Later, one attended my reading, and followed up with a coffee meeting to talk financing. We're still in touch. Again, this is never promised, but it does happen for some of us. In my opinion, the price of $85 for all that value is a BARGAIN! (Bob will even let a partner participate for only another $20). Compare that to some other producer's programs in town-- it you can FIND one-- and it's such a terrific value. Theater production is a very expensive industry. If you can't raise $100 to invest in yourself, you're probably in the wrong business. As for Bob Ost, the man is a pillar in the community. I can't think of anyone else who is so dedicated and devoted to his students, his craft and his industry. This is evidenced not just by the very high quality work that he produces (on a shoe string), but also by the high caliber of professional Broadway talent (actors, producers, writers, attorneys, financiers) he attracts to guide and mentor his students. The Producer's Boot Camp, the panels, PDMP are all great examples of that. There is a respect and affection for Bob on behalf of students, grads, and fellow industry pros that is unlike anything I have ever seen. It's truly inspirational. Thank you, Bob! |
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| re: Truly GREAT ! | |
| Posted by: Carol2 05:54 pm EST 02/13/18 | |
| In reply to: Truly GREAT ! - edzareh 09:42 am EST 02/13/18 | |
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| Good points, edzareh. I was surprised that Radar123 would vent about TRU's leader who is clearly making constant efforts to help TRU thrive. Any nonprofit group ultimately operates through group decision making, and he and his board have felt the speed dates are worthwhile. I'm glad to read many positive comments on this thread about the speed date. Although TRU is ultimately an organization supporting producers, there are many ways it helps writers, especially the TRU Beginnings Workshops on How to Write a Musical That Works, which I recommend to anyone working on a musical. |
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| re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM | |
| Posted by: writerbob 12:46 am EST 02/13/18 | |
| In reply to: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM - Radar123 06:54 am EST 02/10/18 | |
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| I'm sorry for your pain - clearly you are very frustrated and unhappy. But please don't spread flagrant lies about me, TRU or the event. We are a non-profit and all of our producers are volunteers and actively producing in the industry, not selling services. No producer gets paid to do this; as with everything I make happen at TRU, it is the result of a community of supportive people who give generously of their time and talent for the sole purpose of helping others. Perhaps even you, if you gave them the chance. Also, no Broadway Producer, off-Broadway producer or not-for-profit artistic director (we intentionally include all three in the event) - none are there to sell services. I have never heard of this happening, and seriously doubt it ever happened at all. I would call this a misunderstanding at best, giving you the benefit of the doubt. Radar123, I get that you had some sort of bad experience at, or thinking about, Speed Date. It's unclear whether you actually went through the process of being coached for 5 days via email, coached for an hour at the event by one of our skillful coaches, or went through the circuit of 11 producers and met them, pitched them and listened to their feedback. Some would feel that's a lot of bang for $85. You say you "once witnessed this travesty," and it doesn't sound like, from your posting, you were part of that "roomful of suckers," so I am not clear how you participated. It really sounds like you didn't actually experience this event at all, perhaps have even confused it with something else. Nevertheless, if you tell me who you are, I will send you a refund if you actually came to the event. Every speed date has a range of producers on the lineup, and there are always producers with legitimate Broadway credits and many with awards. It is by design that the lineup of producers also includes off-Broadway producers, indie producers and not-for-profit producers. With 22 writers pitching, I feel it is important to have as wide a range of taste and experience as possible to increase the odds of every pot finding its lid. Even you. I'm afraid that, in spite of your request, TRU will continue to do the work we do for the community, training and supporting producers and offering opportunities to artists. I think a lot of people would be genuinely unhappy if we "shut it down." We have helped hundreds of producers, writers, actors and directors over the years, possibly thousands. Clearly you weren't one of them. Sorry. |
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| re: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM | |
| Posted by: coldprod 11:40 pm EST 02/12/18 | |
| In reply to: THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM - Radar123 06:54 am EST 02/10/18 | |
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| As one of the “producers” who the poster thinks is not worth her/his $85, I confess I’m not a tony award winning broadway producer, just a drama desk winning off-broadway producer, I felt the need to comment. I have done this event as a producer almost a dozen times. I’ve never been paid. I’ve never tried to sell anyone anything. Except when I paid my $85 to sit at the writers side of the table and pitch a hip hop musical I co-wrote to eleven producers of shows no one ever heard of like Grease, Spider-Man, Promises, Promises. With more than a dozen producing Tony’s among them. Had the poster stuck to trumpian hyperbole about the value of the program to the poster I would have ignored it. But while they are entitled to their opinions they are not to alternative facts. In this program: No producer is paid. No producer is selling anything. I’m now involved in hip hop theater, the first thing I learned, and something that this poster epitomized “haters gonna hate” |
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