“Well,”said the executive at the conclusion of our pitch, flipping shut his notebook, “give me a minute to talk to my people and I’ll get back to you.”
And with that, he got up and left the room. We briefly exchanged looks, me, my producing partner Vanessa, and author Craig Davidson, then somewhat reluctantly rose and followed him out of the conference room. Of course, by the time we hit the lobby, he was nowhere in sight. Vanessa got her parking validated and we started for the elevators.
“Hold up,”said Craig. And then, stepping in close and whispering conspiratorially: “Shouldn’t we wait?”
Off our uncertain looks: “He said give me a minute to talk to his people.”
I wasn’t sure if he was kidding or not but, all the same, assured him that when the executive said “Give me a minute” he didn’t literally mean “give a minute”. “It’s a figure of speech,”I said.
And, with that, and a shrug from Craig, we headed to the elevators.
Moments later, we were standing outside, waiting for our Uber. I could tell Craig was fit to burst. And, sure enough, he exploded: “Give me a minute?! Who says that?!”
I admitted that it was an odd turn of phrase, but all the same found it extremely unlikely that we would get a decision that quickly. Seemingly satisfied, Craig caught his Uber to the airport, leaving me to figure out how the hell to call a second Uber on your apps (Spoiler alert: You can’t!).
Fast forward to this morning when I woke up to find an email sitting in my inbox with the subject heading: Give me a minute to talk to my people. And the message: “… I’m still thinking about that. Give me a minute, as he was getting up. Who says that, unless he’s actually going out to talk to his people? About what? We shall never know, perhaps. Then we all got up like the meeting was over and we’re out, we’re leaving. That line is gonna haunt me for awhile. Why didn’t we give him a minute to talk to his people, Joe? Why? Oh good lord in heaven, why? WHY???”
I laughed at the thought and then paused to consider the possibility: The executive stepping back into the lobby moments later, glancing about bewildered, and asking the receptionist where we’d disappeared to. He’d taken the brief moment to consult with his people and all had unanimously decided to green light the series. Except that we hadn’t even seen fit to honor his request by giving him that damn minute!
From now on, I’m lingering until security throws me out.
Hummmmm. Yeah. that would leave me second guessing my decision to leave too had it been me. But I would have thought the same thing. He wouldn’t give an answer that quickly. But then again…. urgh.
I’m with Craig Davidson. I would have waited around for a little longer and given him a chance to come back. If that executive was really done with the meeting, why didn’t he just say… I’ll take to my people and get back to you. That would mean you can leave. But I guess you know the routine Joe. How rude!!! I could not do what you do! Sorry you have to go through that BS.
It was LA right ?So do all Hollywood execs complete a mandatory course in how to be an a…hole, or are they selected for that job based on having an expertise in it?
Wait a minute………
LOL! This would make for an absolutely hilarious episode of Seinfeld.
Well, hmmmmmm. … Perhaps serendipity isn’t in such a sour mood this week, after all.?
Gimme a sec. I’ll go check the celebrities spotted website to see if I can discover Jerry’s current location
so you can pitch it to him before you leave town.
I know. I said that I felt like I was in an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm.
The way you describe it I would have expected the executive to be coming back. It’s not a question of who says, “Give me a minute” it’s the fact that you were all in the meeting room and he left without saying any goodbyes or “Thanks for coming” or showing you out the door. Maybe LA is different but in my mind the way he left implied that we would be coming back soon.
Second guessing yourself will only drive you batty. You did what you felt was right at the time. I have no idea how these people think, but you’re experienced so following your instincts is probably best. If they’re really interested, won’t they follow up? Maybe you should yourself with a note thanking them for the meeting and their time. It can’t hurt at this point. Good luck.
I’m guessing you know enough of the routine of your industry to know there is no point in waiting around. The executive will get back to you at later date … OR … seeing how he disappeared so quickly after that awfully weird response … I’m thinking he may not. 🤔 He didn’t seem enthusiastic about you guys at all.
Umm, maybe it’s a California thing but I say that. To me it means “wait, I’ll be back in a short while.” So maybe chalk it up to a cultural misunderstanding??? Yikes!
Oh but there so many “Hollywoodisms”. First you have to acknowledge that “minute” has actually become a joke that the exec in question strangely decided to use in earnest. As in, you meet someone you haven’t seen in a while and say boy it’s been a minute, hasn’t it? Not saying I do that but people do. Some of my others favorites are:
When you call an exec and the assistant says “I don’t have him/her right now.” Don’t have him? Why don’t you just say he’s at his desk but doesn’t want to talk to you.
“We’ll circle back.” If you want to take things literally, every exec in LA is wearing deep circles in their carpets.
“Can we return?” I don’t know. Where have you gone? Did you bring your passport?
Yep, I would have taken that to mean “Wait here, I’ll be right back.” I’d still be sitting there.
That was a funny read.. 😂 and I’m with Craig..