This is the informational meeting requirement... Since Bancroft Press is pretty much just Bruce Bortz, this post will be about him, and the company as a whole (as it's just him, pretty much)
Bruce has been running Bancroft Press for about 26 years now. His official title is "Publisher" and he's the guy who runs the show. He also deals with all the t.v. and film rights, so he's pretty much my only interaction with the company.
What is the objective of adapting scripts here?
The idea is to sell the scripts to a production company. Selling a script is easier when it's based off of an already existing property. Bruce hires a freelance scriptwriter, and interns, who adapt some of the books they've published, in hopes one might sell.
Selling scripts in the "industry" is a long-shot. Especially for an intern(me). but it's good practice, and it's honest professional work.
What interests you in Publishing/Film?
Bruce got his Master's degree in broadcast journalism. He's always had an interest in politics, law, and entertainment. He spent many years in Law and politics, even helping the successful campaign of William Donald Schaeffer. Afterwards he turned towards entertainment law, and book publishing.
He's proud of being able to publish books he thinks are good. He likes to keep it small and curated, with a focus on quality.
What are some key skills to do the job well?
Besides an eye for a good story, you need to be able to write well, and give good feedback to writers (as an editor).
Being well rounded seems to help as well. Bruce publishes all sorts of books, so having the knowledge to understand what you're publishing, no matter what the subject is.
Also, being a people person... or at least a business person. Just like in any business, it all comes down to who you talk to, and the deals you make. Communication is key.
What does a typical work day look like?
Bruce usually starts with emails. Then updating any writers with notes or edits. If something will be published soon, he places an order/figures out the books dimensions and materials. (Paper is important!)
He takes any meetings when he can. He has tea some time around noon. He's kind of a jack-of-all trades.
Where did you learn to do all this?
In school, and in life. Bruce has his Bachelor's, Master's and a Doctorate. There is no doubt that he needed to have an immense amount of self discipline to be able to complete all of this.
Plus his interests varied. He has a Political Science, Broadcast Journalism, and a Law Degree. He definitely has an interest in public service and government.
He has also worked many different jobs. In politics, as a teacher, as a lawyer, as a book publisher.
It just takes time and effort to explore your interests and learn a lot of new skills. Most of all though, just start doing it, and you'll learn as you go.
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