Type cast

[mydoggeorge]

Hi,
Got a question for a gits member -

Is it okay to name what a character is like by using a famous actor?

I have read that it is never a good thing to do that.

Also - In my new screenplay - I am writing about a producers office and some producers - would that throw any would be producer off if they read it and didn't like what I said because they think it might offend them?

I guess the second question needs some elaboration...

[mscherer]

Mark,

Actor reference: don't see this as a problem because you are trying to engage the Reader. After you sell the script, I'm sure the reference would be taken out and not seen in the shooting script.

As for producers? Again, don't see this as a problem unless, of course, you send your script to the producer you reference ;D

One man's opinion -- mileage may vary -- batteries not included.

[lazzard]

Using an existing actor as reference could come across as a bit lazy - instead of creating a charcter through your writing you just say 'think Jack Nicholson' - not a good advert for your writing.

Films about producers? Hollywood is notoriously wary about representations of the 'business'.

If it's good enough, though...