Filed under: A Bit Of Inspiration, Advertising, America, Attitude & Aptitude, China, Comment, Communication Strategy, Creative Development, Creativity, Culture, Innocence, Insight
So recently, for reasons I don’t quite understand, the Screen Writers Guild of America and a division of the US Government asked me to give a presentation on how writers can attract foreign investment.
My entire deck is the picture at the top of this post.
After I explained what I was talking about – which was basically this [especially #8] – we watched the documentary, ‘Exporting Raymond’ which, for me, is still one of the best documentaries anyone looking to work overseas can watch to understand the differences in culture, on both a macro and micro scale.
Actually, it’s worth watching even if you’re not going overseas … or if you’ve been there, done that – especially if it was Russia or China – so to give you a taste, the trailer is below.
Apparently it went down so well they are trying to get the star of the film, Phil Rosenthal, to come to an event where I will interview him.
WTF?!
I was going to write that if this happens, Mr Rosenthal is going to realise working in Russia was no where near as hellish as being interviewed by me and then I discovered he’s worth $200 million, so my concern for his wellbeing kind of went out the window.
That said, as much as I experienced a lot of weird things in China, being asked to do this talk – and the possible subsequent Q&A – is right up there in terms of madness.
Living overseas. The gift that keeps on giving.
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except you never get fucking fired.
Comment by andy@cynic May 21, 2018 @ 6:30 amAnd he does worse things than write a sitcom.
Comment by DH May 21, 2018 @ 6:45 amHis life is worse than a sitcom.
I think you’ll find my life is funnier than a sitcom, as proven by the fact I’m going to Kansas again.
Comment by Rob May 21, 2018 @ 7:34 amIt’s a black comedy then.
Comment by DH May 21, 2018 @ 8:11 amand how fucked is the screen actors guild and trump’s bullshit department to ask you for help. i knew they were screwes when they remade scooby doo but this is another level of fucked up.
Comment by andy@cynic May 21, 2018 @ 6:32 amI literally don’t understand why they asked me. They even seemed quite happy at the end … though that could be because it was the end.
Comment by Rob May 21, 2018 @ 7:37 am💯%
Comment by DH May 21, 2018 @ 8:11 amThis is a bigger scandal than working with the Russians.
Comment by DH May 21, 2018 @ 6:44 amTrust me, I did kinda say that to them.
Comment by Rob May 21, 2018 @ 7:35 amI am unsure whether you being asked or what you presented impresses me more. Nothing phases you and nothing stops you being true to yourself that’s for sure.
Comment by George May 21, 2018 @ 8:02 amSo much for authenticity being cool.
Comment by DH May 21, 2018 @ 8:12 amCatastrophe.
Comment by Bazza May 21, 2018 @ 8:21 amunderstatement of the fucking millennium.
Comment by andy@cynic May 21, 2018 @ 10:26 amWhat a fascinating assignment. As was your response. You never fail to surprise or entertain, Robert.
Comment by Lee Hill May 21, 2018 @ 8:37 am