(Re) Born in the USA
It felt like somewhat surreal landing back in LA again after a two year hiatus.
My arrival had been trumpeted in the local showbiz press a bit like the second coming ( I joke you not ) . One wag had asked was it a quiet week on Deadline Hollywood I had to say I agreed. I was excited by the hype and to be back pitching face to face. I lucked-out that I bought a discounted airline ticket a year ago and as the months ticked by I never believed I would be so lucky for the borders to open up for me like the parting of the Red Sea the week my flight was due.
Once in LA most people met face to face with me most of the time but LA is unpredictable at the best of times and one meeting told me they would be late for breakfast and then when I arrived sent me a text saying could I do tomorrow instead. Two meetings cancelled due to Covid quarantine but the rest showed up. Most came to me in my temporary set up office in Soho House West Hollywood which certainly beat me rushing around town. Every other meeting was a breakfast , lunch or dinner …. I certainly came home weighing (even ) heavier and with a hefty expenses bill.
It was all worth it, though. Face to face meetings can’t be beaten and we even had some on the spot brainstorming with networks that you just couldn’t do over zoom and even the broadcaster acknowledged that.
My agent in America has said to me the perfect time to pitch was between Labour Day and Thanksgiving and thankfully for me, my trip sat right between the two. I was on a mission to shake the tree and see if any coconuts fell out. In total I had over 20 meetings and I am confident I will least land one fruit.
Many buyers claimed they would never attend another market but were happy for people to come to them and I for one was pleased I bought that lottery (flight) ticket a year ago.
It clearly is good to be able to return to the States for all British producers and I saw a few eager beavers on my flight and adjacent tables at Soho House, all pitching away.
The gold rush may not have fully returned yet, but there certainly was a trickle of interest from US buyers in having us back in town.
