One of one negotiation with a former peer

For this month, I’m embarking upon negotiation and deal-making tactics for my final year of graduate school in entertainment business. A brief interview of a former peer, mentor, and current freelance film writer/line producer located in Los Angeles CA, his name, Pete Abrahams. Time and time again, he has taught success and valued industry experience by producing independent creative management development, and in his everyday life while presently teaching at UCLA, a busy guy I utilized the sample questions from the curriculum. First start off with how he separates his clients from problems when it comes to negotiation with production funds, dealing with FILM LA and booking on-site locations during a reasonable time? A justifying response of, knowing the suitable morals from major agencies in the entertainment industry, such as Screen Actors Guild (SAG), the writers guild of America and directors guild. Having ideal standards and goals when it comes to negotiation and making sure there is no conflict at interest, separating any emotional connection with clients to finalize costs when it comes to booking a location on a client’s behalf. 

         From the past discussion, and learning what is positional bargaining, I was curious on his approach,  “Always go for the agreement yes, don’t accept maybes, if, no’s or but’s”, profound statement from an experienced line producer. For instance, he is currently teaching strong with subtle tactics to current Line Producer students, the biggest advice he gave is know your prey, and always insist to reaching a agreement when it comes to career choices, business choices and representing who you work for confidently and assure the ground I walk on with deal-making. BATNA, happens a lot in Hollywood, especially in California because it’s extremely has grown more costly to film here than other states, and country for that matter. A motive behind a few projects done with gorilla shooting, a great risk when filming in Los Angeles, the best alternative to his is suggesting using close family/friends and connections if any given cost is greater than production financial status, or filming outside of California.  Once wrapped, it did inspire my inner filmmaker part of me again, and motive to not only regain a spot in the entertainment industry through games/film, but media and music as well, let the continued journey begin. 

-A.H.