I’m reaching out from a spot I hoped I’d by no means revisit. You may know me as an actor who additionally produces motion pictures (I imagine the children name it a ‘aspect hustle,’ although I take my second line of labor very critically).
My profession obtained off to an exceptional begin again within the ’90s, however then I used to be derailed by a public and painful film flop. After that, it felt like I entered each room preceded by a cloud of farts. It took years to crawl out of that crater and rebuild my popularity, however I finally did.
Quick ahead to the streaming age, the place I discovered new success producing and starring in a number of initiatives that garnered respectable acclaim.
However simply after I thought I had lastly left these darkish days of the ’90s behind—together with Tamagotchis and low-rise pants—lightning struck twice.
My newest enterprise has tanked horrendously, and it’s like reliving the nightmare from 30 years in the past. Besides it’s worse as a result of in 2024, anybody generally is a reviewer. The web has allowed everybody, together with bots, to inform me simply how massive of a turkey I’ve unleashed on the world. The viewership metrics are dismal.
I’m unsure if I’ve the energy to endure one other resurrection. The self-doubt, public scrutiny, and business whispers are all too acquainted, and never in a great way. I used to be lately at dinner at Chateau Marmont, and the individuals on the subsequent desk—solid members of Love Island US—requested to be moved. I’ve sunk that low.
I’ve weathered storms earlier than, however this one feels totally different, extra private. The stakes are increased, and the comeback appears extra daunting. I would like your famend knowledge and maybe a little bit of your no-nonsense powerful like to navigate this disaster.
Wanting ahead to your insights on how I can flip this catastrophe into one thing I’ll finally snigger about over Negroni Sbagliatos on the subsequent awards season.
Greatest,
Your favourite Hollywood comeback child
Pricey Comeback Child,
Your resilience is inspiring. Navigating Hollywood’s ups and downs as soon as is an achievement; doing it twice is heroic. Your story has extra twists than a Hitchcock thriller, and I’ve little question you’ll flip this newest flop into one other success story.
To get you again on observe—and smelling of Boadicea aftershave as soon as extra—let’s give attention to just a few key areas:
1. Analyze and Be taught: Have you ever pinpointed what went incorrect? Was it the script, course, advertising and marketing, or one thing else? What invaluable classes can you’re taking away from this expertise?
2. Community and Suggestions: Have you ever reached out to your business contacts for suggestions or assist? A recent perspective from a trusted colleague can present the perception wanted to show issues round. Additionally, take into account partaking immediately along with your followers for suggestions – they’ll supply shocking assist and insights. You’ll be able to ask them to verify their non-bot standing by asking for his or her suggestions in video type or get them to pick all of the visitors lights in a grid of 9.
3. Ardour and Self-Care: Is there a venture that actually excites you, one thing you’ve all the time wished to do? Now is likely to be the proper time to dive right into a ardour venture. And don’t neglect, you might be your largest asset. How are you taking good care of your self by means of all this? Take into consideration scheduling a mani-pedi or a sound tub.
Your story isn’t over; it’s simply beginning a brand new chapter. Hollywood loves a comeback, and also you’ve already confirmed you know the way to stage one. Hold these artistic wheels turning, and bear in mind – even the largest stars have confronted flops. It’s the way you rise from them that actually defines your legacy.
Wanting ahead to your subsequent blockbuster,
Remy
Illustration by Russ Tudor
Pricey Remy,
Hollywood is all about reinvention, and I’ve had my share: laughter strains erased, sagging jawline lifted, and common lipo post-40. If the Fountain of Youth had a frequent flyer program, I’d be platinum standing by now.
I’ve all the time mentioned, “Your physique is sort of a automotive: keep it often (simply don’t overload the trunk).” However now, my girlfriends are leaping on the ‘cosmetic surgery reversal’ pattern. Authenticity is the brand new black, and it’s reached our faces.
This has me in a dither. Ought to I reverse my surgical procedures too? A good friend in her 50s had all her fillers eliminated, and the press fawned over her like she’d cured world starvation. She obtained an enormous function the following day—as a grandmother to somebody ten years youthful, however nonetheless, a job’s a job.
Might this pattern enhance my profession? Alternatively, am I courageous sufficient? As soon as I reveal my undoctored face, there’s no going again. It’s an actual ‘Pandora’s Face’ state of affairs.
Then there’s the sensible aspect: reversals are difficult, unpredictable, and, let’s be sincere, painful. I’ve grown keen on my Botox-free, tea-sipping Tuesday afternoons, not swollen and bruised with remorse.
So, Remy, ought to I be a part of the pattern and rediscover my pure face or follow my sculpted youthful look? I would like your knowledge on balancing staying present with staying true to oneself.
Yours, with a wrinkle or two,
[Name withheld to protect the perfectly imperfect]
Pricey Completely Imperfect,
Ah, the traditional Hollywood dilemma: to face-lift or to face actuality? It’s like selecting between a gluten-free kale salad and a double cheeseburger—every has its deserves, relying on the day and your temper.
Let’s delve into the pattern of cosmetic surgery reversal. Do you assume this shift in the direction of authenticity is extra a few true embrace of pure magnificence or simply one other efficiency? The business loves narrative, and what’s higher than a star embracing their pure magnificence after years underneath the scalpel? It’s the plot twist that retains the viewers—and the casting administrators—hooked.
You’re proper to contemplate the truth of reversing surgical procedures. It’s not like returning a gown to Neiman Marcus. It’s extra like attempting to unbake a cake. Positive, it may be accomplished, however there’s sure to be a large number. And let’s not neglect the restoration. Are you able to swap these Botox-free tea afternoons for ice packs and Netflix marathons?
Right here’s the core of the matter: Hollywood will all the time have a brand new pattern. Immediately it’s pure magnificence; tomorrow it is likely to be alien stylish. The true query is, what makes you’re feeling just like the main woman of your personal life? In case your sculpted visage provides you confidence and pleasure, why change it? If the concept of unveiling your pure face excites you, shouldn’t you go for it? The business respects authenticity, however isn’t the truest type of that being snug in your personal pores and skin—whether or not it’s touched by time or a proficient surgeon?
So, my expensive, as you resolve whether or not to disclose your pure look or keep your enhanced look, ask your self: are you doing it for you or for the fickle applause of the pink carpet?
Yours in ageless knowledge,
Remy
Pricey Remy,
Do you ever have unfinished initiatives hanging over you? You appear to be the type of man who has the whole lot collectively, with an organized desk and a deadline by no means missed—however attempt to put your self in my footwear for a minute.
My dream is to be a screenwriter. My mother nonetheless talks concerning the time I wrote a credit record on paper towels at age 8, proudly displaying it to everybody till my brother used it to mop up some Gatorade.
That dream by no means died, although I obtained sidetracked by a profession as a movie government. I do know, I must be pleased with my success and wage, however I really feel I owe it to the little boy who begged for a classic typewriter at a yard sale (solely to discover a mouse dwelling inside).
Right here’s the rub: I by no means end a screenplay. I get 80% accomplished, then freeze. It’s like making a cheesecake with out frosting or constructing an infinity pool and not using a ladder. My newest screenplay is a spaghetti Western with dragons (Recreation of Thrones meets The Good, the Dangerous and the Ugly). I wrote 167 out of 190 scenes and even went to a cabin to complete it. However as a substitute, I considered new scripts: a musical through the Warsaw rebellion, a comedy about promoting billboard area on the moon, a biopic about Carrot High.
Possibly I’m too snug in my government function to have the worry I would like to complete. Ought to I give up to place a hearth underneath myself?
Yours,
Unfinished Epiphany
Pricey Unfinished Epiphany,
Do I’ve unfinished initiatives? Let’s simply say my summer season sock drawer has seen higher days.
You’ve obtained the dream and the drive, however what’s tripping you up on the end line? Is it the consolation of your government function? It’s a comfortable spot, little question. However quitting chilly turkey is likely to be like leaping into the deep finish of that infinity pool with out understanding the way to swim. Do you actually need that drastic of a push?
Have you ever tried setting smaller, manageable targets for your self?
Are you able to carve out devoted writing time with out retreating to a cabin within the woods? And the way about accountability—may sharing your progress with a trusted good friend hold you on observe?
Take into consideration this: What would that little boy with the classic typewriter and a murine good friend need you to do? Generally, it’s not about burning bridges however constructing higher habits. Are you able to discover a stability that allows you to end that screenplay with out setting your profession on hearth?
Keep artistic, keep dedicated, and most significantly, keep true to your self.
Yours in ending touches,
Remy
Remy Blumenfeld is a veteran TV producer and founding father of Vitality Guru, which provides enterprise and profession teaching to excessive performers in media. Ship queries to: guru@vitality.guru.
Questions edited by Sarah Mills.