Jeff Davis reveals true criminal minds
A lesson in succeeding in Hollywood from Conn. native
Shanna L. Rasmussen The Spectrum
Issue date: 11/17/05 Section: News
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"I thought to myself, 'Wow, if these scripts are this bad then I really have a shot because I can write a script just as bad as this,'" said Davis with a chuckle.
After entering a screenwriting competition Davis received a call from a manager who tried to sell one of his screenplays. Even after Davis rewrote the script many times the manager was unable to sell the script.
"[So] I did what any writer in Hollywood would do when nothing is happening with their career; I fired my representation," said Davis.
Eventually Dimension, owned by Disney, bought the script. However, Davis had yet to have any of his scripts actually go to production.
Davis then came up with the idea for "Criminal Minds". He went off to try and sell it.
"[While driving to the meeting] I had this image in my head of this faceless executive saying, 'I love it,'" said Davis.
When Davis finished the meeting he explained to the executive that he had other ideas for episodes and asked if she wanted to hear them.
"She said, 'No, I love it,'" said Davis.
It was decided that the TV show had a chance to be produced. However, before that, a pilot episode must be cast and then when it is produced it must go through rigorous testing.
"The [test screening] actually turned out pretty positive," said Davis.
The pilot of "Criminal Minds" was viewed by people from all different places around the country who then rated it. The production company was satisfied with the ratings so the show went into full production for TV.
Davis explained that the reason he made it in the TV business was because he never gave up. Davis did not have a backup plan for himself so he was forced to write a script that was worth being produced.
"I found his presentation to be educational, entertaining, and inspirational at the same time. It is clear that Mr. Davis's success is a result not only of his amazing talent, but also due to his determination to succeed and an incredibly strong work ethic," said Dr. Castonguay in an email interview, "I can't wait to see what he does next."
Dr. Andrew Miller hosted the event sponsored by the Media Studies and Digital Culture department.
"Dr. Miller has done an excellent job bringing in talented and successful people from the media industry to talk to Media Studies and Digital Culture students about their professions," said Dr. Jim Castonguay of the Media Studies and Digital Culture department. "Jeff Davis was no exception."
"Criminal Minds" plays on CBS on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. The show is rated TV14 for strong language and violence.
After entering a screenwriting competition Davis received a call from a manager who tried to sell one of his screenplays. Even after Davis rewrote the script many times the manager was unable to sell the script.
"[So] I did what any writer in Hollywood would do when nothing is happening with their career; I fired my representation," said Davis.
Eventually Dimension, owned by Disney, bought the script. However, Davis had yet to have any of his scripts actually go to production.
Davis then came up with the idea for "Criminal Minds". He went off to try and sell it.
"[While driving to the meeting] I had this image in my head of this faceless executive saying, 'I love it,'" said Davis.
When Davis finished the meeting he explained to the executive that he had other ideas for episodes and asked if she wanted to hear them.
"She said, 'No, I love it,'" said Davis.
It was decided that the TV show had a chance to be produced. However, before that, a pilot episode must be cast and then when it is produced it must go through rigorous testing.
"The [test screening] actually turned out pretty positive," said Davis.
The pilot of "Criminal Minds" was viewed by people from all different places around the country who then rated it. The production company was satisfied with the ratings so the show went into full production for TV.
Davis explained that the reason he made it in the TV business was because he never gave up. Davis did not have a backup plan for himself so he was forced to write a script that was worth being produced.
"I found his presentation to be educational, entertaining, and inspirational at the same time. It is clear that Mr. Davis's success is a result not only of his amazing talent, but also due to his determination to succeed and an incredibly strong work ethic," said Dr. Castonguay in an email interview, "I can't wait to see what he does next."
Dr. Andrew Miller hosted the event sponsored by the Media Studies and Digital Culture department.
"Dr. Miller has done an excellent job bringing in talented and successful people from the media industry to talk to Media Studies and Digital Culture students about their professions," said Dr. Jim Castonguay of the Media Studies and Digital Culture department. "Jeff Davis was no exception."
"Criminal Minds" plays on CBS on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. The show is rated TV14 for strong language and violence.