You definitely have a point there, Gregory.  Often the script takes second (or fifth or twenty-third) place to the packaging you mentioned.  But it’s the nature of the game, being that the game takes so many players, who all have to have their piece of the pie.  (I know that’s a mixed metaphor – unless the players happen to have a big pie waiting for them after the game.)

Deals are made, and wheels are... wheeled.  Or something like that.  It’s the nature of the game.  (Oh, I already said that.)  These days, it’s WHO is in the film more than WHAT is in the story.  (And we won’t even talk about the HOW – even though I don’t know what that means; but it sounds good, doesn’t it?) But, if you look back, you’ll realize that this has been the case in Hollywood all along.  During the golden years of Hollywood, the studios usually chose their projects according to what actors they had on contract.  In a sense, their packages were already often partly put together.  The difference today is that actors usually have to sign contracts for each project.  As do directors.  And directors of photography.  And directors of catering companies.  This is not an easy business, and that applies to packaging.  Try to have some compassion and not be too hard on those in it who are packaged. 

It’s got to be difficult being covered with all that paper and tape.

DcH 

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