Thursday, July 7, 2011

Decisions: dream or die?

I've made the choice a hundred times. The first time resulted in working for a music/video production company. The second time meant learning how to be a studio singer. The third time meant overcoming my fear of intricate computer programs. The fourth time required moving to New York City...

So why is it so hard to make that decision, yet again? Maybe because this time I know it's serious, that other people will be involved, that I'm going to have to fight for my artistic vision or worry about industry scavengers trying to embed their own seal...

If you're new to my blog, you probably have no idea what I'm talking about. Well, that pretty link on the side there, Immortal the Musical, that's my baby and it finally has a producer.

After a brief hiatus we are about to go into discussions--the scary kind: the kind where we look at that ginormous endeavor (the one we've spent the last 8 years of our lives building,) and figure out how to chop the pie.

Who will be doing what? Who will be paid what? Who will retain the rights for this or that?

*gulp*

When you write a book no one quibbles over lyric royalties vs libretto rights. Granted, these are my shaking knees speaking. I have no idea how this will play out. I only know this is the beginning, the real beginning. There will be no going back. No second guesses. Past the point of no return.

Oh boy. I think I need some muenster to settle my nerves.

Okay professional nail biters, how do you deal with moments like this?

7 comments:

  1. I wish I knew! But I do think you should obtain as many rights as you can. When Oprah started her show a lawyer advised her not to be paid in dollars, but shares. She did so for years until she owned the majority of the shares/company. This resulted in creative control and her being able to branch off and start many sub companies, including her own TV network. Keep as much control as possible. It is, after all, your baby.

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  2. No clue, but I wish you the best. And congrats on your dream's progress!!!

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  3. I, too, am no help, but I wanted to say that I am very impressed at your accomplishments! I think everything will work out in the end, it's just hard to see it right now.

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  4. Hehehe nice Phantom of the Opera reference. ;-)

    Following our dreams is a scary concept. That's why so few of us do it.

    I'm (sort of) in the same book, knowing that I'll probably have to live without constant work for a large portion of my life. That's a scary concept to a person who thought that she'd be a millionaire by thirty.

    But you know what, one day, we'll look back on our lives, proud of the fact that we've really lived them.

    Best of luck!

    Remember that I'm praying for you so that you will have wisdom in making your decisions.

    X

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  5. First of all, HUMUNGOUS congratulations! That is completely awesome! Unfortunately I have nothing to offer on the practical side of things, but I can well imagine that, while being an exciting and amazing moment, it's also rather scary. I'll be thinking good thoughts for you (and your musical) and I hope you get lots of sound advice from people who have your best interests at heart. :-)

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  6. First, you breathe. Then, you clear your mind of all of your crazy, racing thoughts. And THEN, you remember that this is all actually SUPER AWESOME, because it means that you're work is going to be recognized, and you take a deep breathe, because you're doing a damn good job and need to be congratulated. And once that's done, you go through the process and try not to get too stressed and to actually enjoy the fact that your baby is finally being put into motion! WOOHOO!

    <3 Gina Blechman

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  7. Emily--I agree. Thanks for the reminder.

    Leisha--I appreciate the well wishes.

    Shelley--thanks for the encouragement.

    Misha--Yes, Phantom of the Opera. I would have squeezed some Wicked in there too if I could have figured out how to make it fit. It's so great to have conspirators in insanity to agonize with. Best of luck to you as well in your crazy endeavors, and the prayers are much appreciated.

    Crystal--thank you for the positive thoughts. =)

    Gina--Breathing. Thanks for the reminder.

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Hit me with your cheese!