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The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of… Next time.

By Eric Dean Seaton, on July 3rd, 2009

celebrateI recently interviewed for my first pilot at a big network.  I was very excited and really prepared by reading the script and breaking down the scenes and I really came up with some great ideas.  All the things I do for a normal episode but with a keen eye for creation because everything we show would be for the first time.  I also did a few other things that go beyond the normal interview but I won’t mention (have to keep some secrets) because I plan on doing them again the next time I get the chance to interview for a pilot.

I had a really great meeting and even bonded with one of the Executive Producers over the Cavs because we are both from Cleveland.  (Which means we have that wait “till next time gene” inside us)  I even knew the guys who created the show.  They are wonderful writers and it’s great to see them finally get their chance to take it to another level.

I was also pleased that the network recognized all my hard work and asked me to come in.

After the interview, which went really well, you go through your usual, “I rocked it” day when you feel you are the one, followed by the “Oh no, I’m not going to get it” day where you feel you totally blew it and how could they not pick you.  If you are smart you end up somewhere in the middle with a “relax, relate, release” day and you keep it moving from then on.  Look if you lay it all out on the table, there is nothing else you can do so why stress?

In the end did I get the job?  No.  They went with another really good director with whom they had a prior relationship.  What is the lesson learned?  The same one they always say…  It’s all about relationships in this town.  But honestly it’s also about the work because good work gets you more relationships.

What do you lose when you don’t get the pilot job?  You don’t get the perks like a payment for every new episode, the marquee of saying you are a pilot director and a big fat check for your work on that first one.   You also don’t get to collaborate in the creation of something from scratch.

Is there a bright side?  Absolutely.  I will get to direct the show.  I have now made a pilot list.  (There is a list for everything in Hollywood.  There is even a list to get on the list).  And I know that everything I have done thus far has led to this moment so I must be doing it right.

A year ago I was not a “go to” guy but just somebody “in the rotation.”  Now I am.  In life you look at your path and if it’s still going up, then it’s a good road to stay on.

So as we say in Cleveland, next time.  Next time… I will be even better prepared.  Next time… I will be even more determined.  Next time… I will be beyond passionate.  Next time… Will be my time.

July 3rd, 2009 | Category: directing

144 comments to The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of… Next time.

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