I’ve written about resilience and how important it is not to give up on your ideas, your projects, and your dreams – even in the face of opposition. I used my friend and producer, the late Ken Wales, as an example of someone who pitched a movie idea for years and years and eventually made it happen. But the truth is, there are situations when it’s better to drop your idea and move on – even if you’ve spent years developing and writing it. The problem is – how do you know? What must happen before you realize it may be time to walk away?
How To Know It’s Time To Drop Your Idea And Move On
I’ve asked some experienced filmmakers in Hollywood about the danger signs that indicate when it’s time to drop a project and move on with your life:
From Movie and Television Writer-Producer Brian Bird:
1) When I get the same fatal note on the pitch or project from 2-3 people I trust, people who understand story and the business, and have earned the right to their opinion (not my mom or Aunt Connie from Albuquerque).
2) I have pitched the project at least 10 times without even a sniff of interest. Either there is something wrong with the project, or I don’t have a clue what the marketplace is buying. (The 10 times might need to be adjusted upward a little given there are now hundreds of different buyers out there).
3) I am losing my own excitement for the idea. When I’m pitching I can feel my passion for it draining away. At that point, it’s time to find a new idea to be passionate about.
