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So has anyone entered yet?

Here ya go,

Big Beach Films, Partner (Executive) New York, NY: 41 Great Jones Street, 5th Floor New York, NY 10012 USA Profession: Producer / Actor Known for: Little Miss Sunshine / Laws of Attraction / The Honeymooners News: 26 January 2006: Sherrybaby more

Oops, here is his email and phone number.

Phone: 212-473-5800 Fax: 212-473-5805 http://bigbeachfilms.com/ info@bigbeachfilms.com

I agree!

Congratulations!!! How does it feel?

I like this formula for completing a logline.

(Name of script) is a (genre of the film) about (name of protagonist and a brief description) who must ___________________ or else this terrible thing __________________ will happen.

For example:

Raiders of the Lost Ark is an action adventure about Indiana Jones, an archiologist, who must find the Ark of the Coventant or the world will be destroyed.

This is very plain, but then you can hang other interesting things on it.

Anyone going to the Austin Screenwriters Conference? Have you ever done the pitch contest? What was it like? How do you make the most of the whole confernce experience?

Thanks for the advice.

Thanks so much, Richard!

The thought of pitching in a conference room full of people (as opposed to sitting alone with the people you're pitching) is terrifying, so I appreciate the advice.

Take care,

Heather

I just want to plug my favorite screenwriting blog - Invisible Ink. Brian McDonadl is a brilliant screenwriting teacher a his blog is wonderful.

Here's the link if you're interested. http://invisibleinkblog.blogspot.com/2006/03/on-shoulders-of-giants.html

I also really like http://www.wordplayer.com/, but I think a lot of people are familian with it already.

Linda,

What a great story. Enjoy the whole experience and keep posting when you have time.

All the best, Heather

Hey Tito,

In what way was your script too religious? I thought that about my latest script too, but now it's getting a lot of buzz because it is religious.

I did have a professor tell me that sending it out would ruin my career. Not that I have career to ruin yet.

Hey Tito,

Thanks for your response. I actually won 2nd place ($15,000) in the Kairos Prize last year.

I was told the script would damage my career, but the same script made it to the 2nd round at Austin and a well respected LA agent loves it.

Keep polishing, and I can tell you that agents relly DO care about grammar.

Take care and good luck!

Heather

Oops, I meant I won it this year.

Hi everyone,

I just got back for the Austin Screenwriter's Conference and it was amazing. If you can ever get it together to go I highly encourage you to do it. The panels are amazingly valuable, the speakers are so accessible and the support you receive there is fantastic.

Where else can you run into Sidney Pollack, Shane Black and Christopher Vogeler in the hotel lobby or bar and get the chance to chat with them? How else can you get Christopher Vogeler in a room and ask him to define one of his concept that you've never grasped?

At the Producers round table sessions I sat with producers who freely handed out their business cards and all asked that I send my script to them. Amazing!

At a Writers round table session I really wanted to meet Mike Rich (Finding Forester) to follow up on some advice I'd heard him give at a panel and the moderator told me to take any table and that she's bring him to my table. (I had to leave to catch a flight and only had time to meet one writer during that session) He sat down with five of us and answered all our questions.

I am in love with that conference and hope you'll all get to experience it someday!

Who is the protagonist, the widow and her son, or the gang? Or is it the Ranger? If you use my favorite formula for log lines it should be the protagonist must________________ or this terrible thing will happen.

Must the widow and her son do something or their world will fall apart? Or, must the gang evade the widow or they will be killed, or, must the Ranger hunt down the gang to win the love of the widow?

I think the writing tone is great!

SO glad when things go well for great (and talented)people!!!

Congratulations!

Heather

The people who run this are first rate. I entered the screenwriters challenge and they were exceptionally organized. The prizes were great and arrived very quickly.

Love these people. Also, love the forums.

Who did it? Did they publish a list or just send you a notice a few days off from your friends? I was a finalist for Sundance and I got the final "no" five days ago and then my friend got his a few days later. We thought that meant he was in, but they were just taking their time.

I need a new printer and I want to know the perfect printer for a screenwriter. My printer can only print 60 pages without being refilled with paper and it is slow. Does any one have a printer that will print up to 127 (my longest script so far) pages and is fast?

Thanks so much for your suggestions!!!

Heather

Paula,

Thanks so much!

Heather

Thanks, Randy,

I've had lots of problems with my HP, so maybe it's time to try a Cannon.

Heather

What the length of copyright on a short story writtne in 1929?

I know you're not lawyers, so I won't hold you to it.

Thanks!

Heather

Sorry for all the typos!!!! I like to think of myself as a writer!

Heather

Terry,

Great advice. Would you be able to post the link to the LA Times article? Just want to see what they said about the lawyer I'm going to be using.

Thanks,

Heather

Anyone have any blogs I'm missing out on? My new favorite is http://twoadverbs.blogspot.com/

Heather

Anyone hear from the Pheonix Film Festival today?

Exposition is when you have your characters say things in order to give information to the audience.

A really blatent example might be something like:

SALLY Hi, Rick my darling husband of 23 years. I hope that you didn't forget that our daughter Megan will be cooking us a special dinner tonight.

RICK Me, forget? You've go to admit I've been the perfect husband since we moved to Seattle three years ago to start my new business Comfest.

Sometimes we can't get around exposition, but the rule of thumb is to cloak it in conflict.

Good luck!!!

Gary,

I found this in an interview here on moviebytes with Gordy Hoffman. Thought it was a another good explanation of exposition. I included the link at the end.

Good luck,

Heather

Forced exposition. This is when a brother tells a sister on page two that he will be attending a school which dad wouldn't pay for because he bought a farm that the whole family will be moving to tomorrow because he found that the city was a really bad place to live in after mom was really scared because of that mugging thing that happened after they came back from the sister's graduation from high school. When characters engage in an unbelievable conversation about matters in which they would be familiar with, or when they proclaim something completely out of nowhere simply to inform the audience of key facts crucial to their understanding of the movie, you have a problem. This awkward exposition will not be seen as genuine human behavior and will detach your audience from the emotional current of your story. Exposition is necessary and difficult to execute. Be careful how you offer information crucial to your story at the start of your screenplay. This is a common problem in early drafts. Exposition needs to be seamless and graceful.

http://moviebytes.com/AdviceStory.cfm?StoryID=2493

Thanks Laqueta! I'm excited.

Hey Biff,

I was in LA for a week and didn't see your message until just now. Thanks and congratulations on YOUR film. Maybe we'll run into each other there.

All the best,

Heather

Hi all,

I just got Jeff Kitchen's book Writing the Great Movie. He asks that you define a central question that the audience is dying to have answered. I've found that helpful. Anyone else read it?

Heather

Didn't make the semis. Oh well. Just found out I'm accepted into the Beverly Hills film festival. Anyone else?

Anyone going? Has anyone been to it?

Hey Simon,

Great to hear from you. Yes, I will be there. I heard that the people who attended last year had a wonderful time (even the non-winners) and thought it would be fun to go.

Let's look for each other at the dinner and say hello.

Best of luck,

Heather

Linda,

Congratulations. I'll never forget auditioning a fabulous actress for my short film who had really worked hard on her scene. My words - coming out of the mouth of an amazing actress, who looked better than I had imagined! I actually cried. Not a very professional way to run an audition, but I was so moved. Of course, she got the part!

Best of luck with the movie. It looks wonderful!

Heather

Jean,

Thank you for the good wishes. I really appreciate it!

Heather

Dear Simon,

Didn't see your message unitl I came home. Sorry we didn't meet. What are your thought on the event?

Heather

I agree with Laquetta. Mislead the reader so that they can have the same exciting experience that the viewer will have. I had a character that I called the NUN until she became known to my protagonist and then I called her Mother Angelica.

Sorry, Laqueta, I misspelled your name!!!

After reading all the great reviews of Barb's service I decided I wanted to know more. I copied the address Barb typed herself from one of her posts and to my surprise there is no such website. Perhaps the problems have arisen from incorrectly typing in her information. If the owner of the site can misspell her own address, perhaps a client may have too.

Barb, would you type out your address again for us?

Thanks, Heather

Dear Barb,

Thanks for the update on your address. Although this incident has been a drag it must be wonderful to read all the amazing support from happy customers.

Congratulations on your inadvertant, but well deserved, advertising!!!

Thanks again,

Heather

I'd love to know how you "schedule" a film to premiere at Sundance or Canne. Rob, if you write up your "secret" for doing this you might be able to fund your entire movie by selling the info to the rest of us poor idiots who stupidly go through the whole boring process of actually completing the movies and then applying to the festivals. Darn, I wish someone had told me about this "scheduling" trick earlier.

Bill,

I agree that entering contests is a great way to get cheap feedback. If you advance at all you know you made it past someone who had the chance to say "no". If you enter several that offers notes you can see a pattern of your strengths and weaknesses. Much cheaper that a consultant.

I met with Blake Snyder yesterday and I can tell you that the man knows his stuff. If you can afford him I think he's one of the best. (Blake, you can send that promotionnal fee to me at... just kidding)

Best of luck,

Heather

Bill,

I haven't tried the Save the Cat software, but I might since it's realtively cheap.

With regard to contest I have to say that they have done a great deal for me. You can't wait around for people to call you. You have to use the contest wins as a conversation starter with agents and producers.

However, the cheap script notes are useful even if you don't place. I've gotten good cheap notes from Slamdance, so that's one you might want to try.

Best of luck,

Heather

Yahooo, Laqueta!!!!

Congratulations!

Heather

Great job, Jean!

I loved it. Anyone else see it yet?

Hey Bobby,

Which contest does the logline for every script? I got good loglines from Slamdance, but I can't remember if that is for every script.

Heather

Hi all,

I'm just curious why not having a profile available makes people worried about credibility. I rarely allow my information to be made public, but I didn't know that would take away from my credibility. It just feels like a safety issue.

It seems that posters should be evaluated by the quality of the post.

Also, I tried to update my profile here and can't do it. I just keep getting a generic registration page.

Thanks,

Heather

Thanks, Randy and Laqueta!

Thanks, Randy and Laqueta!

Evan Almighty isn't anything like Bruce Almighty. I really liked Bruce, but this one is strictly family fare. That's why I liked it so much. My mother and my children thought it was hysterical.

Terri,

I'm so sorry to hear about Isabel. Our cat of 17 years died last year and I still look for her and then remember that she's gone.

Take care,

Heather

Hey all,

A recent post had some hideous things to say about Christians and I'm going to suggest that we should avoid that kind of thing.

I'm probably one of the most devout Christians you'll ever come across and if you look at all of my posts you might notice (I hope!) that I'm not anal retentive or an idiot.

People who presume to know what all Christians want probably aren't stopping to think about all the perfectly reasonable nice Christians they actually know.

Anyway, I've always felt so welcome here and that post left a very bad taste in my mouth.

Thanks,

Heather

Hi Randy,

Check out John Pusztay's post on the Evan Almighty thread. I wasn't really trying to make a mystery out of it, but it had turned into a condolance post for Terri's cat and I didn't want to take away from that.

I find the post disturbing.

Heather

Hey Randy,

I have always enjoyed his posts. However, sentiments like. "...what if with comedy won't cut it with the anal retentive faith based crowd".

I just think that kind of thing is uncalled for.

Heather

Dear John,

Thanks so much for you explanation. I really appreciate it!

Thanks so much,

Heather

Tito,

Thanks so much for the wonderful story! Have you ever thought of incorporating that into a script and entering the Kairos prize contest? The people who run the contest have treated me really well, paid me lots of money ($15,000) and got my script in front of an amazing bunch of producers.

Interestingly, my script has a very controversial voice - does not in any way simply retell a bible story - and yet for such a conservative bunch of people they love it.

Heather

d (feels funny to address you by just an initial)

Thanks for your post, too!

Heather

Yes! Congratulations.

Heather

Good luck everyone. I went last year (because one of my scripts advanced)and it was amazing . The speakers are fantastic and there is no where for them to go after they lecture so more often than not you get to hang out in the bar with them at night.

Yeah!!!, Laqueta and Michael.

Hi Elaine,

Welcome!

I think a good polily is to start off slowly so that you can send specifically targeted letters. Do your research and try to read up on the people you're sending them to so that you can customize each letter. The other reason to start slowly (and then go crazy a bit later) is to build a very specific system for keeping track of you queries, responses, follow up system etc. It's easy to lose control of the process if you hurry.

Best of luck,

Heather

Oops, sorry for the poor editing. My children are home!

Congratulations, Lisa!!!! Very exciting.

Heather

A friend's script has been requested by a legit. producer. They say they won't look at it unless she submits it through a lawyer or agent. Do any of you know of an entertainment laywer who would write a cover letter for a fee? It appears important that the attorney be from California. No idea why.

Thanks, Don! I'll suggest that to her.

Heather

Congratulations, Jean!!!

Thanks, Bill. I'm glad I've never had to go this route, 'cause it sounds like an expensive pain.

Heather

A friend heard from Austin today. Anyone else hear yet? Unfortunatly, I didn't enter this year.

Good going, Jean. Will you go? I had a 2nd rounder last year and had so much fun at the conference.

Great job, Paula!

Yeah, John!!!! This is amazing.

Congratulations!

Martin,

I copied the paragraph from the release form my agency sent me when they first looked at my work. It looked similar. If they do it then I think it's really standard. Here it is.

Hope that helps.

Heather

I warrant that I am the sole owner and author of said material, that I have the exclusive right and authority to submit the same material to you upon the terms and conditions stated herein, and that all the elements of said material are summarized herein. I agree to indemnify you against all liabilities, losses, claims, demands, costs (including reasonable attorney’s fees), or expenses arising in connection with any breach or alleged breach of the foregoing.

Lisa,

Fantastic news. Good job!!!

Heather

Who's going and if you are do you want to meet at Starbucks for a cup of coffee one morning? (Usually I like little indie espresso places, but I happen to know there's a Starbucks across from the Driskill)

It would be fun to put a few faces to the names we read here.

Hey John,

That sounds great. I'll check our dates and pick a morning and post it here.

Anyone else?

Heather

Julia,

Have you asked the directors of the conference if they could help you with sharing?

Heather

Thanks, Jean.

Two of my scripts made the top 20%, but sadly not the quarters. I've never seen a % list posted before. I've have had notes written on letters (namely by the wonderful Greg Beal).

Heather

John and Julia,

My Firday starts pretty early at 9:00. I'm trying to check the Saturday schedule, but the Austin site is SLOW today.

I'll pick a time and post it ASAP and then you can tell me if it works for you or not.

By the way, two things. Have you sent in your picture for your badge? If not, they'll make you wait in line. Also, did you know you can make your own personal schedule for all the panels on-line? It was really helpful last year.

Sorry if this is all info you know, but a friend going down with me didn't know either yesterday.

Heather

Julie, John and anyone else on the board,

Let's meet in the 1186 Cafe in the Driskill on Friday at 8:30AM.

I have long brown hair and will be carrying a huge straw purse (to carry all my writing in!)

Looking forward to it,

Heather

I just took one of Blake Snyder's Save the Cat seminars this weekend in Seattle and it was amazing. Has anyone else on here taken one?

If so, what did you think?

Heather

Great! Hope some other board lurkers are reading this and will show up and surprise us!

Cant' wait.

Heather

Hi all,

Colin, he said they were coming out with a new version of the software. Don't know if that will help you or not. He also told us to be sure to check out his site for updates to the existing software.

John, see you in Austin. Glad to know you're a fellow Cat fan. All that much more to discuss.

Heather

John and Julie,

So much fun to see you in Austin! Made an already wonderful event even better.

Next year!!!

Heather

Hi Deb,

I think I've read every single one out there. Save the Cat is my favorite along with Save the Cat Goes to the Movies. Everyone needs to have read Story by McKee and The Writer's Journey by Vogeler.

Those are the four that I would keep if forced to get rid of all the rest.

Take care,

Heather

How will this affect us? Any opinions?

Heather

Do you think it's okay to send a letter to an actor's agent during the strike for a script that has already been written?

Not sure where to look for that kind of info.

Hi everyone,

How can I teach myself i movie editing quickly? Any ideas. Got myself into a pickle and need to get up to speed as quickly as possible.

Thanks for any input.

Heather

Thank you!

I just have trouble trimming the clips.

I'll go to the website and check out the tutorials!

Many thanks to both of you for responding. I can always count on my moviebytes community.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I'm really thankful to have this community to run things by and ask advice of.

Heather

I say buy the old version. I have it and never have a problem (except for my inability to create a title page). My friends with 7 hate it and always have problems. I'm terrified I'll lose my 6 and have to settle for 7.

Heather

PS I think I have an unopened Movie Magic (won in a contest). Let me know if you want it and I'd be happy to give it to you. Hope I didn't give it to the thrift store.

Lou,

I will look for it and contact you when I find it in my messy shelves.

It's my pleasure,

Heather

Is it okay to sell a screenplay to a non-WGA company right now without risking future WGA membership?

Urgently need this info.

Thanks so much for your input.

Heather

Dear Ron,

Thanks so much for the info. Darn, I was hoping for the swimming pool, but I'll just have to settle for a car that runs.

Cheers,

Heather

Hi all,

I won second place the first year of the contest, which got me a check for $15,000. They have treated me very well in the last two years and I think you'll be pleased if you place.

Good luck to everyone and I'll see you at the Gala if you win.

Heather

Hi all,

I won second place the first year of the contest, which got me a check for $15,000. They have treated me very well in the last two years and I think you'll be pleased if you place.

Good luck to everyone and I'll see you at the Gala if you win.

Heather

My husband and I were victims about seven years ago and we're still cleaning up out mess. I actually did my own detective work and helped them catch the people who did it. The last detective was really helpful and couldn't believe I had made phone calls of my own and compiled a description. They got prosecuted in the end, but I don't think fo rvery long.

Some tips:

- Don't carry your SS card ever. - make sure your mail is delivered into you house. (The people who stole ours removed our bank statement from our outdooor mailbox. Copied down our info and got new drivers liscenses with thier photos and printed up new check with my banc account number that had thier fake driver's liscene # printed on it. They then closes the envelopes back up and placed the statement back in our box so we never knew anything was missing) - Don't pay by paper checks if at all possible. - Put a low cash advance limit on your credit cards and debit cards.

Heather

Hey, Lou,

Here is the MM stoy - and it isn't over yet. I searched my shelves and realized that I probably donated it to the stinky thrift store close to my kid's school. I went back up there and searched the shelves to no avail. Yuck.

Then, I told my friend what I had done and asked him if he still had another copy he could give me so that I could send it to you. He said he'd search his shelves and then got called out of town for a family emergency.

He should be back this week and I'll try again. So sorry for the delay and I hope that I'll get my hands on another copy soon.

I can't belive that I couldn't give the thing away the whole time I had it on my shelf and now that someone could use it I don't have it. My husband would laugh at me if he knew becuase he's a total packrat and would never have given it away.

I will email you the minute I get my hands on it.

Heather

Semifinalists are up

http://moviebytes.com/NewsStory.cfm?StoryID=3151

Hi Keith,

Thanks for your story. I called all the places that they passed the bad checks and asked to talk to the clerks that had done the check-out. One adorable 18 year old had an amazing memory and described their car and had part of the licnese plate number. I asked him if they looked suspicious and he said "no" - he just had a habit of memorizing plate numbers. SO cute.

They finally got caught when they tried to spend $1000 at Salvation Army. I can't even imagin how one would spend that much at Salvation Army.

Okay, enough said about that.

Be safe, people.

Heather

Terry,

No, sadly, not WGA yet. I've come SOOOOO close.

Decided not to make the sale to be on the safe side though. I had so many people (the buyer especially) swearing that it couldn't hurt my chances and then at the last minute friends who told me to STOP before I committed career suicide.

Thakfully they chimed in before I did it.

Cheers, Heather

Hi all,

Do any of you check out the "Recent Sales" section here at Movie Bytes? Each day there are recent sales that sound legit. How is this happening during the strike? Here's one with Martin Scorses listed. Chaos Drama Two lovelorn people's lives intersect in the city. (01/17/2008) [Script] Buyer(s): Production Company: CP Productions Producers: Michael Cerenzie, Christine Peters , Harvey Keitel, Martin Scorsese

Seller(s): Writer: Daphna Kastner

Any thoughts?

Heather

Dear Frederick,

Thanks so much for the explanation. Makes perfect sense.

Heather

Lou,

I finally got a copy of Movie Magic for you. Do you still want it? Sorry it's been so long in coming.

Heahter

I'm so glad all of you are getting a chance to see what an amazing guy Michael Trent is. He has really been there for me for the last two years (since winning one of the first Kairos awards) and is amazingly dedicated and kind.

I second what John says about waiting until after the 12th to contact him. He is practically a one-man-show at producing and directing a televised gala with hundreds of guests, dozens of celebrities, and all the details that go into an event like that. The event is held in the same room as the Golden Globes to gives you an indication of the size.

I'm going to the Gala agan this year so I'll give you an update after the event.

Heather

David,

Have you read Rebel Without a Crew? So inspiring when it comes to making your own films and doing it all yourself. Making shorts is perfect training ground for making your first feature.

Getting them into festivals is a long shot, but it's a numbers game. Sign up with Without a Box. Do your research and apply to as many of the festivals that apply to your situation as you can.

In Seattle there is a great shorts festival called One Reel. They take only Amercian made shorts and the program runs for three days for about 10 or 12 hours per day. In other words, lots of films are programed.

Good luck. I made a short a few years ago and it has paid off in more ways than I could have imagined. It only got into three small festivals, but has led to many other things.

Best of luck,

Heather

PS Great sound is crucial. One cheap sound "back-up" I like to use is to get an old video camera and hide it on the set as a back up to my sound track (very close to the actors). It's not always perfect, but it's almost free and can sometimes capture audio that doesn't record elsewhere.

Another one is to sit in your car with the actors to do ADR. You can pay to rent a studio and a tech or you can do it my way and sit in your own car and try to get the lines that way. That way it's at your own pace and free. Carpeted bathrooms are also good.

I went to the awards last night. It was so much fun and I got to see the hard working Michael Trent. He is the BEST guy around.

Macie Gray (sp?) sang Amazing Grace with the whole ballroom on its feet singing along. Wow.

All in all a great event.

At least 2.

Heather

Great post.

Sue, I don't think they in any way mimiced The Passion of the Christ. They just used the title as a clever play-on-words. You couldn't get farther away from the graphic violence of The Passion of the Christ than a slapstick comedy like Evan Almighty.

I agree that Hollywood used to make amazing biblical epics. I also love all the old "nun" movies too. Song of Bernadette, Nun's Story, etc. And I'm not even Catholic!

Tell him to check out Thefilmschool.com if he's interested in screenwriting. A short intense course will tell him if he wants to be a writer. A relative has $150,000 in film school debt and isn't being offered any jobs. (you need to add in the cost of making a film to the cost of tuition) Other than that a degree in English or HIstory is sufficient.

Connie,

I didn't know about your accident and I'm so sorry that you've had to go through such a horrible time.

I hope that the community we have here will continue to be a place for you to come and get encouragement. We're here for you!

Heather

I think Cody is in a different league because she was writing a blog about stripping, someone approached her because of the blog and then she wrote a script. She had a connection and a story.

For those people cold-calling agents it is difficult for a newbie with no connections to get an agent with only one script. Two might not be enough, but it is certainly the least you should have.

Heather

Hi everyone,

I just tried Barb for the first time with two scripts and I can't tell you how amazingly impressed I was with her service. She was professional, gave me a date to expect the feedback and met it promptly.

I've just sent her two more.

Thanks for the info on Sheila, John. I'm so glad to have these two women who come so highly praised.

Take care, Heather

Hi everyone,

What movies with low budgets $250,000-$750,000 look polished and good to you?

Thanks so much for your input.

Heather

If a small production company wanted to become WGA sginatory (so that the writer could get into the guild) what would the ramifications be? Are there other financial implications beside the WGA minimum for the writer?

Thanks for any help you can give me. Have I ever said how much I love this board?

Heather

Thanks so much, John.

Douglas,

I've tried that. They never answer a phone or return an email. Perhaps it's the aftermath of the strike.

Thanks thought :)

Heather

Thanks so much you guys! I forgot about Napoleon Dynamite.

Hi Ron,

I want to find out what would be required of a company that became a WGA signatory. I know what is required to become a guild memeber as a writer, but I'm curious to know signs the agreement.

Any thoughts on that?

Thanks! Heather

Oops, I got interupted.

I meant to say that I'm curious to know what a company takes on when it signs the WGA agreement.

Fantastic, Connie. Keep up the terrific work.

I want to read it too!

Hi girls,

Just want to encourage all of you to apply for a Hedgebrook Fellowship. I was awarded one last October/November and it was a magical experience.

They provide a private cottage on a lovely wooded estate and provide all your meals. There are six women there at one time and a staff of about ten! The retreat manager Vito joked it was like being given three "wives".

You are allowed the freedom to rest and write. Such luxery. It's hard to get into, but on the other hand they only have 600-700 applicants each year for thrity or so spots. Piece of cake compared to the number we are used to competing against in screenplay contests :)

The application are available in June http://www.hedgebrook.org/index.php

Cheers, Heather

Yippie, moviebyte friends!!!

Congratulations!

Hi everyone,

I am on the board of The Film School in Seattle. We are having a short screenplay contest and the winner will receive a fully funded scholarship to the school (Tom Skerritt and Stewart Stern are two of the teachers).

In addition the winner will have thier screenplay produced as part of Seattle International Film Festival's fly filmmmaking series. The short will debut at next year's SIFF.

This is a very prestigious film series and past filmmaker have had their fly film picked up by Sundance.

Here is the link if you are interested.

http://thefilmschool.com/index.php/screenplay-contest/238

Heather

Thanks, John.

We do have a great environment for filmakers. Very supportive arts organizations. SIFF is particularly nurturing.

Heather

Hi all,

This is a bit redundant, but I wanted to post the official press release for the short screenplay contest I posted earlier.

I just think this is an amazing opportunity and I want to pass it on to all of you. (I only wish I was allowed to enter, but as a board member I can't) Anyway, the guarantee that the winnig script will be produced and screened at the Seattle Internation Film Festival next year is a truely amazing prize. So many people make shorts and then struggle to get them into any festival. This one is guaranteed. Not to mention that the tuition is worth $3000.

Okay, off my soapbox. Press release below. By the way moviebytes is offering a $5.00 discount of the $10.00 netry fee.

Heather

This spring, Seattle's TheFilmSchool expands on its already impressive arsenal of reasons to apply for admission by introducing The Great American Short Screenplay contest. This is an unprecedented opportunity for the winning writer to enjoy a full scholarship to the Summer Session of TheFilmSchool (July 5 - July 26) as well as have their script produced as part of Seattle International Film Festival's Fly Film series in 2009. There will also be five runners-up each awarded a $500 partial scholarship. Submit all entries by mail, postmarked June 1st with a non-refundable check for $10. All scripts must be seven pages or less.

Contact: John Jacobsen Phone: 206-709-2555 Email: info@thefilmschool.com Website: www.thefilmschool.com

Hi John,

My cousin told me that all the Sundance short were on youtube. Haven't checked this out yet, but I will soon. I also like Atomfilms.com and I have been able to rent the Oscar shorts at my local video store.

Some short that I love that I've seen on youtube include In God We Trust by Jason Rietman, Bullet to the Brain, The Short and Curlies by Mike Leigh (starring his wife) and A Sense of History http://youtube.com/results?search_query=mike+leigh&search_type=

Sense of History is great, but you need to patiently watch it to get into the tone and then wait for the ride that they take you on.

Hope that helps, John. I love a good short. Do you have any favorites?

Heather

Congratulations, Colin!!!

Heather

I'm thinking of producing a film that would have an amazing soundtrack. Are there any books out there that would educate me with regard to maximizing sales (for a small indie film)? I am completely ignorant in this area.

Thanks in advance,

Heather

I want to record an original score and make the CD available apart from the film as well as with it.

Paula, is that the route you're talking about too?

Heather

Paula,

Have you investigated this at all yet? I've just begun, but am having fun learning about something completely new.

Heather

Congratulations!

Thanks so much, Robert.

Heather

Thanks so much, Robert.

Heather

Thanks, Midnite!

Heather

Hi all,

Do any of you have a basic option agreement you can send me? I want to option the screenplay I've been considering? I will run it by a lawyer, but I want to put it together myself first.

Thanks. What would I do without this board?

Heather

I thought Slamdance's coverage was good.

Also, Barb Doyen is wonderful. I've used her 4 times now and every experience has been thoughtful, efficient and delived exactly on time.

Heather

Jean,

I'm a broken record too. Barb is the one you want!

Heather

Peter,

Thanks so much!

Heather

I love Austin and think the screenwriting conference is amazing.

They do "hire" grad students to read the scripts and they do pay them in festival passes. I have heard thought that they aren't handing them to freshmen at the Universtiy, that the scripts are all handed back to the contest director (so I don't think a reader can throw it into the trash without consequences), and that a majoriy of readers have been doing it for year.

A friend of mine won for his script and we actually met his reader who had given it a "yes" after another reader had given it a "no". That got it into the second round pile where it went all the way to the top and won. I was struck by her savy, by her dedication, and her delight in finding an amazing script. I know all the readers can't be perfect, but she was incredible.

I also thought is was a great process to require two "nos" from two differnet readers for a script to be eliminated. That at lease gives you a shot if the first reader just doesn't get you. I've also been told that readers can say that they prefer not to read rom coms or action films if they don't care for that genre.

All in all, I really respect that the Austin people are doing their best to give each script a fair read and that's why it has such a great reputation.

Having said all that I'm sure that some of their readers are bad, but I think the system tries to prevent the bad readers from doing too much damage.

Heather

Hey Paula,

I'm sure there are all kinds of readers even now. The ones I met were impressive, but as you say with thousands of scripts I'm sure everything that can happen does :)

Don't you just love our little espionage network here? We get to pool the info we pick up, compare and then really have a fuller picture.

I love this site!

Heather

Dear Bob,

I second that. This board is an excellent place to pose a question for feedback.

We've critiqued loglines before and would comment on any brief, specific question. The wisdom here is incredible.

I do have mentors that read all my work for free. They are film school teachers that have know me for years, know I take my craft very seriously and know that I won't ask them to read a new draft of a script without having put in extensive work. (ie not too frequently)

I also have mentors that I pay by the hour. Sometimes it's easier not to second guess if I'm imposing.

Good luck,

Heather

I sweat I'm not on the Austin Screenwriting Conference payrole! Having said that, buy a producers pass, go to every round-table, meet the dozens of indi producers that sit there everyday, go out to the parties at night (that's why you have to buy a producer's pass)and get to know them. When they see you're not a complete looney they will ask to see your scripts... lather, rinse, repeat.

Indi films are still being made. Don't be put off by what you read in the trades. All you have to do is be an exceptionally talented writer, work like a dog and be patient.

Have him look up Stephanie Palmer at Good in a Room. It might be worth the money to get a consultation with her.

Hey, Nathan. Congrats!

Heather

Hi all,

Blatantly promoting our short screenplay contest - again. Below is the little speach I'm suposed to give before screenings at the Seattle Film Festival, so here it is again for all of you.

Enter, and I'll take any "moviebyters" who win out to an amzing dinner to welcome them to Seattle. (I'll of course, charge the dinner to my massive Film School expense account)

Anyone going to enter?

Thanks, Heather

Did you ever want to try your hand at writing a short and seeing it procuded? Here is your chance. Write a short screenplay(7 pages or less) and submit it tothefilmschool/SIFF Great American Shorts Contest by June 1st. The Winner is awarded a free session at thefilmschool in July(worth $3000)and gets their film made as a part of SIFF's FLYFILMMAKING program andpremiered at SIFF 2009. Not to mentioned guaranteed distribution through OFFICIAL BEST OF FEST. Yes, you get it all. You can apply online at www.thefilmschool.com

Bobbette,

Congratulations!!!! Moms usually know best. At least thats what I tell my kids and so far they're young enough to belive it:)

Tell us about the script.

Heather

Good job, Jean, Geof and Connie!!!!

Fantastic work.

Heather

Congrats, John Arends!

Shell,

You are too funny! Your Kiaros prize comment - priceless. Made laugh out loud and that never happens.

Heather

Hey Gene,

I was at Austin two years ago and was remembering all our encounters there with him. I was telling my husband how happy I was that my friends dared me to go up and talk to him at the big out door BBQ. He was telling me that he checked out E-bay occasionally to see if a piece of his half eaten toast was for sale.

I also loved him at the Paramount theater when he spoke with David Milch and Shane Black. That was an amazing como of men on one stage.

What a great man!

Heather

Shell,

Correction

Your brilliant writing makes me laugh. You are not laughable.

Heather

I'm puzzled by the fear that someone unqualified will read our scripts. A young agent I know got her boyfriend hired to read scripts for her agency (a VERY big one) for $50 a pop. He is a bicycle repairman!!! I think he went to college, but seriously he doesn't know anything more than his 29 year old girlfriend tells him.

This is the guy who can say "yes" or "no" to your script at an agency you would die to be signed with.

Heather

A producer asked to read a hard copy of my script and wants an electronic copy as well. This is a solo producer with no employees and for some reason it doesn't feel right that he needs access to an electronic copy right now. Is there a reason I'm missing? Am I being too paranoid?

Thanks, Heather

Shell,

Don't stay away too long. I think you're hysterical and I'll really miss you.

I think I may have missed the main debate since I just scan messages for writing wisdom.

Heather

Connie, you ROCK!!!!

We are proud to be your friends!

Heather

Dear Connie,

When I read that you have wanted to kill yourself my heart just becomes so heavy. It shows us what a hard and discouraging journey this has been.

I hope that those dark days are over, and I want you to know that you have a group of people here who love you as a friend, respect you as an amazingly talented writer, and are awed by your succes in contests. We look forward to hearing from you each day and are so glad you come here to share your triumphs and discouragement.

Take care and keep fighting, writing and being such a supportive friend.

Heather

Congratulations, Toby!

I got a "recommend" from a consultant last month which has resulted in some notice and has been a very good thing. (Not millions yet, Alex, but I'm hoping!!!)

Thanks you guys!!!

I had her do coverage on another one first and didn't even know she gave those kinds of "grades" 'cause it got nothing. Then when I submitted the 2nd one and got a recommend I was really happy.

I've sent the notes along with the script to several exec who have been impressed with it since it comes with such an indepth analysis.

Congratulations, Geoff! Well done.

I'm amazed at the talent here.

Heather

Congrats, Janet!

Heather

entitled when it should be titled

Dear Dean,

In my my post above is said that the consultant didn't give my first screenplay anything at all (other than feedback) so I didn't even know consultants gave "considers" or "recommends". The second script got a recommend, so your theory doesn't really pan out with regard to hooking people in by giving false high marks or else she would have given both high marks.

A writer gets a consultation to fix problems before they go out to buyers or contests. If a "recommend" results in notice from a buyer that's great, but not the initial reason for the consultation.

As I said in my previous post I'm now sending the notes with my script and the potential buyers seem to be pleased that I'm offering additional support for my work. (I also send them the "not so good" coverage from my other scipt so that they can compare them to see that she really does give excellent feedback.)

Hope that's helpful.

By the way, I'm talking about Barb Doyen who is simply amazing.

Heather

Dean,

Glad that helped. Sorry for all my typos - I'd been up since 4:00AM!

Heather

Congratulations, Terri!

Keep us posted.

Heather

Hey Christopher,

Is this your first short? The reason I ask is that 15 minutes is somewhat long for most festivals. I've heard many a programer say that 5-7 minutes if best unless it is amazing.

I learned the hard way with a 17 minute short.

Good luck with the money.

Heather

Great job, John!

I hope the dates don't conflict with Austin since Julie and I might want to have cinnamon rolls in the lobby of the Driskill with you again.

Heather

Did anyone go? How was it?

Acton,

Congratulations!!!!!

Heather

Hi all,

What advice can you give me with regard to submitting a script to a star? I didn't write this script. I'm producing it and am not seeking them as a source of funding.

Do I call their agent? Write with a synopsis attached?

Thanks for the advice.

Heather

My agent (got her through a personal connection) was impressed by my list of contest results and actually submitted the list to a client. I think the list helped her decide to take me in the first place.

Secondarily, other fellowships and grant applications have asked for a list of "honors" and I've used my list extensively.

Having said that, I wouldn't enter the 3rd string contests. Not worth it.

Heather

Eric,

Thanks so much! Great tip. Off the IMDPPRO ig go.

Heather

Hi Lyn,

Austin, Nicholls, Slamdance (decent-excellent coverage), PAGE are all good and people know their names and reputatios.

If you want coverage go to Barb Doyen rather than hope you'll get good coverage from a contest. Contest coverage is hit or miss.

Best of luck,

Heather

Patrick, thanks for catching my spelling mistake and congrats on your "recommend".

Lynette, you are very welcome.

Heather

Connie,

You rock!!!!!!!!!!!

Heather

Connie, DON'T LEAVE! I'm shouting, 'cause I want you to hear me :)

Gordy, thank you for your post. Class act.

Heather

Jean, fabulous!!!! Congrats, Geoff.

Heather

Fabulous news,Gene, Paul and Geoff. I LOVE seeing the triumphs here!!!

Heather

Great, Flo!

Flo,

Just keep the congratulation in your back pocket for your Nicholl win NEXT year:)

Heather

Me neither. Top 15% though. Praise for the amazing Greg Beal who always writes a nice note at the bottom.

Heather

Congratulations, Jean.

Heather

Congratulations, Flo and Santa!

Jean,

Nice mention in EXTREME SCREENWRITING this month! Congratulations.

Heather

Yea!!!!, Paula. Great job.

On another note, just for comparison.

I've entered the same script three times without major changes.

1st year the note said "In the next 50 scripts."

2nd year - nothing.

This year- top 15%.

I thought I'd just throw that out there to show that there is a lot of variability in what different reader see in the same script.

Love this contest and Greag Beal is the king of contest world in my opinion.

Heather

Does anyone have a blank budget form they could share with me?

Thanks,

Heather

Hi Paula,

I need a blank budget form. The film is budgeted at 500K and doesn't have much travel or any special effects. There is a major music component.

Would you be willing to share a copy of the form that you developed?

Thanks so much,

Heather

Hi Randy,

Thanks for the info. I'm working with my state film office and I've budgeted shorts, corporate projects and television for a long time. I have spread sheets for those kind of projects, but I just want to see a blank in case there are cost associated with a feature I'm not thinking of.

I have a potential line producer who has offered to budget it for $1000. Is that reasonable?

Thanks, Heather

Randy, thanks for the info and the link.

Paula, I have a great handle on the usual factors. There are limited locations, I've worked with a variety of crews, both with and without thier own equipment. I've supervised the casting of television and movies. I've worked with SAG. I plan to shoot in my state which has decent rebates (there are better places, but I will save more by utilizing my local connections and I have children so I don't want to go out of town)

I'm really mostly interested in seeing a blank film budget template to make sure that I've covered all my bases.

I have budgeted tons of work for the last 18 years, so I'm fairly well versed in the process. I'm really just intersted in seeing the catagoris of a typical 500K budget.

Thanks so much for all the great advice :)

Heather

Paula, I'll email.

Hi Paula and Randy,

Thanks so much for your insight and help. I really appreciate it!

I live in Washington state which has a new incentive program. If you spend 500K or more they will rebate 20% of the budget.

My DP on a short I made had access to a great jib and we were allowed to rent it for $25 a day. It did add a lot to the look.

Randy, since you live in TX do you go to the Austin Screenwriting conference in October. Last year a few of us met for coffee in the lobby of the Driskill. It was tons of fun to meet fellow moviebytes pals.

Thanks again guys,

Heather

Great job, Geoff and Michael!!!

Heather

A freind just used him and was very pleased with the feedback. I haven't used him myself, but the writer I mention has excellent judgement and I may use him in the future due to her endorsement.

As ususal, I can say enough about the amazing Barb D.

Heather

Jean,

Great job!!!

Heather

Simon,

I can't remember the date, but it might be on the website.

Anyone planning to go to my favorite festival?

Heather

Jage,

Congratulations!!!

Heather

Irin,

Two years ago I sat next to a finalist at the Austin awards ceremony who had a very new baby at home. He said to me, "I sure hope I win this thing or my wife is going to be really mad I left her alone with a newborn to come here."

Heather

No, no, no. Don't give them your money.

Jean, have you given us a log line before? Don't mean to be nosey, but I may have missed it if you have.

Great job, Flo!!!!!

Heather

Ah, ever heard of the Tuskegee Airmen?

Ever heard of "Brig. General Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., the first African-American general in the U.S. Army? I know he served in France in 1944. (Not sure of his complete WWII dates.)

Check out this site if you don't think Aferican Americans fought in WWII.

http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/aframerwar/

Hi everyone,

I'm promoting moviebytes to my film school graduates and wondered if any of you would like to give me a quote in support of it. It would just go out in an email to our alums.

I can leave off names if you like or just do first names and last initial.

Thanks so much,

Heather

I got this from Christopher McQuarrie's quote page on imdb.

(When asked about his stylish dialouge originated from): "I don't know where the dialogue comes from, to be honest.

I just pick things up as I go along, little things that people say in conversations that I find interesting. My belief is that if you can't find an interesting way to say it, don't say it. Allude to it, beat around it.

That seems to be where a lot of my dialogue comes from, the indirect answer. The real answer to your question would have been yes or no, but answering questions with questions and with evasive answers always seems to be a lot more interesting. I'm a big fan of John Boorman's Deliverance. I think that's a great film, a masterpiece in terms of sparse dialogue. But at the same time every line of dialogue means so many different things, every time you watch it you can extrapolate new meanings.

Hi, Irin,

I'm on the board of The Film School in Seattle. It was founded by Tom Skerritt and Stewart Stern (wrote Rebel Without a Cause, Sybil).

I was a student at the school four years ago, but don't teach there (yet!)

Heather

Paula, Fantastic! SO happy for you.

Heather

Irin,

SO exciting! Congratulations.

Heather

Wow. I love it.

Heather

Great job, Paula!

Heather

Great job, Robert!!!

Heather

Hi everyone,

I wrote this Austin article for a screenwriting website and Frederick posted it here.

http://www.moviebytes.com/NewsStory.cfm?StoryID=3333

Heather

Blake's the way to go.

Try to go to one of his weekend seminars if you have the time and can afford it.

Amazing!

Heather

Hi,Irin,

Did you see the article I wrote with Aadip Desai on the home page of moviebytes? Check it out for answers to your questions.

Can't wait to meet you! Last year some moviebyters met for coffee in the Driskill coffee shop at 8:30 on the 2nd day of the conference. Shall we do that?

Heather

PS I'll email you my info.

Congratulations, Michael!

Heather

John, So glad you'll be there again!

Heather

Dorothy,

Thought I had said CONGRATULAIONS!!! already. Sorry for taking so long.

Keep it up!

Heather

Hey, Irin,

This link http://www.nwsg.org/aff.html has my article about Austin BUT if you scrole down past it Bill True (screenwriter) did the same interview and has some differnt opinion from mine. It might be helpful too. In addition, he's really funny and will probably be at Austin as a speaker.

Heather

Hi all,

I anyone enough of a fan of the Oscar show to tell me if there is a specific pattern to how the show goes off?

For instance, I know that Best Supprorting Actress is always the first award and the one of the big awards (Is it best picture?) is last.

We're planning a fundraiser that will take place while watching the show and need to know what parts of the show are predictable.

Thanks so much if you can answer!

I always know I can come here first for anything I need to know :)

Heather

Fabulous, Geoff!!! Keep up the great work.

Heather

Steve,

Good for you!!! We're all so excited for you.

Heather

Wonderful Irin and Jean!!!

Heather

Anyone else going?

Looking forward to meeting all of you there.

Heather

Dear David,

This is an excellent start - especially with the good advice you've been given! I would add (a la Blake Snyder) that you need some irony in the logline. Irony is what gets people to ask for your script which of course is the whole point of a logine :)

Has he tatood his ex-girlfriend's name across his face, or declared that he'll sell everything he owns before he will ever abandon her memory?

Here's how BS says it. "The fix of an idea that doesn't grab me comedy or drama almost always is to find the ''irony'' of it. What gets our attention, what is the ''hook,'' the ''sizzle'' of an idea?

What's ''ironic'' about Erin Brockovich is not the plot, which finds a crusader exposing the wrongs of a powerful company, but the fact that the person doing the crusading is the very last person on Earth who would be called to this duty. Irony is not only the ''sizzle,'' it hints at the transformation of the hero, and the size of the challenge as well."

Hope this helps. I still struggle with this and have yet to write a great logline for the quirky drama that I wrote four years ago.

Heather

I'm a little late, but thank you Frederick!!!

Heather

Wonderful, Irin and D!!!

Heather

Irin!!!! Great job.

Heather

Jean, congratulations!!! You deserve all the great things that are happening!

Heather

Ron,

I have great response (from producers) when I choose a title and ask myself what a movie with that title would be about. For instance, Legally Blonde is a great title. What if the writer had thought up the title and then asked what it was about?

Do that and write from there. This really works for me and producers are delighted. I'm also usually writing in a particular genre, so I'm really asking myself, "What would a romantic comedy called Paper or Plastic be about? Then I begin to think it would obviously be set in a grocery store... and I'm off.

Works for me.

Heather

Barb is wonderful. I love that she is so incredibly prompt in addition to her great prices and spot on advice.

If you save up a bit Blake Snyder gives amazing advice. It's not coverage (ie. read your script and send notes), but the man is like a surgeon. In an hour's consultation he can find the cancer and cut it out. My writing has really improved since I found him.

Heather

Okay, first of all Blake Snyder is one of the most caring, honest people around. He really does love teaching and is not ripping people off. You get far more for your money than you can ever imagine.

I haven't taken Jim Mercurio's class so I can't compare them, but Blake's class will send you out the door with a fully flushed out treatment. During the process of developing that treatment you will learn more about structure and writing than you could ever imagine.

I say this after having attended a wonderful film school and feeling like I have a fairly firm grasp of screenwriting (although I continually realize how much I don't know!)

If the price is too much I agree that studying books is a great idea, but the input from other students in Blake's class can't be experienced through the book alone.

If you can afford it Blake's calls is well worth the money.

Oops. "Blake's class"...although Blake's calls are good too:)

I'd like to add that one amazing benefit of Blake's class is that he helps set up a "Cat Group" in your city made up only of people who have taken his class. This may sound like it's being too exclusive, but the benefit is that you have a group of similarily trained writers who can give you input long after Blake it gone. I've belonged to other writing groups and although they were positive and supportive each member was coming from a different "method" and spouting the vocab of their favorite writing guru.

Blake has his own vocabulary too, but it helps when someone commenting on your script says something like, "The 'All is Lost' moment doesn't really work.", and the entire group knows exactly what is being said. Our Cat Group is like a SWAT team of writers who will send feedback out in the blink of an eye and I think this is primarily due to the fact that Blake's structure and vocab make it so easy to spot and name problems.

I should make it very clear that I don't have any financial interest in promoting Blake. My endorsement of his classes is a reflection of his kindness and genius.

Vol,

Congratulations! Care to practice your pitch on us?

Heather

Yay!!!! Irin!

Hope you do this every week. Thanks!

Great job, Felice!!!

I have the most amazing writing partner and the more we work together the more frequently we have to pass a script back and forth via email.

QUESTION: Is there any way to access the same script from different locations?

Ideally, we could go to the script and see if the other person was writing and if not dive in. The key issue being not having to call or email the other person first.

How do all of you handle this kind of thing?

Currently we officially "toss" the script to the other person and tell them when we'll be available to work on it again. We are strict about resaving the script with date and time of day. This works well, however, if she for instance can't sleep and could devote the whole night to the script, she can't have it because she can't call and wake me up to get the script back.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks so much, Ron, Dorothy and Paula. I can't wait to try one of these out.

Heather

for quarterfinals of Blue Cat!

Rebel Without a Cuase

Janet,

I'm so glad you asked who wrote Rebel Without a Cause! His name is Stewart Stern and he is my mentor (and a teacher from film school)! The most wonderful man.

It's been such an honor these last years to hear about his writing of Rebel Without a Cause and all the stories about filming it.

Heather

Janet,

I was on vacation so I didn't see your references to Stewart. He did write some amazing things. I love Rachel, Rachel.

I also remembered that Ferris Bhuler's Day Off is less than one day. It's from 7:00AM until 6:00PM.

Heather

Congrats, everyone!

Irin, four scripts!!!!

Diane,

I've had three scripts covered by a mojor agency. They all lined up with Barb D.'s coverage.

Heather

Amazing! Great job!!!!

Amazing! Great job!!!!

Bill,

This sounds so interesting. Did you post the whole script here?

Heather

This does sound bad.

I'm wondering how many people who advanced bought coverage (regarding your thought that coverage may be an automatic "in" to the first round).

I didn't enter so I don't know myself.

I meant to add after, "That does sound bad" that when these contests get thousands of entries they very often only have one or two people running the office and can get very backed up.

Hi, Irin,

Thanks for the comments.

Yes, I agree about the ones that you have to buy tickets to. Did one of those onece (with a 90210 zip) and felt a litttle grubby afterward :)

H

John,

Thanks for telling us. So exciting.

My first year was the Sidney Pollack year and everyone dared me to go talk to him at the bar-b-q. I did and from afar it looked like we were having a serious "film" discussion. He really just told me that someone snatched a piece of leftover toast off his plate and sold it in ebay.

See you in Austin.

Randy, do you have it in a shadow box?

Fantastic, Irin! I love it when true talent is recognized... and that talent belongs to such a great guy.

What's a screenwriting template?

I've been asked to write a blog post for a film school/writing blog about pitching.

Anyone willing to share the best pitching advice they've ever been given? Or, the advice you would most like to give? Or, your most awful pitching experience?

If you are I will be giving you credit (or hiding your identity if you like). There is also the chance that other blogs will pick it up so I'll say in advance that I'm not sure how far it will travel. Also, if you remember where you got the advice I will be happy to include the source.

Thanks everyone. I love this blog.

Heather

I couldn't agree more. I look at those loglines and feel sad that they aren't doing what the writer intended which is to entice a buyer to ask to read the script.

A logline needs to present who the story is about (protagonist), what he desires (goal) and what stands in his way (antagonistic force).

Congratulations, guys!!!

I would shoot on digital. I made a short and used the sony dvx 100 and when it was projected many people thought it was film.

One warning though is that some people tend to overshoot when they use a digital camera because it's "free" to do more takes. Treat the work as if you are shooting on film.

THE GRANGE

A womanizer, accused of being a drug dealer, disguises himself as an old man and hides in a retirement home where he meets the love of his life - a beautiful nurse half his 'new age'.

I'd call it BED PLANS.

Dana,

My writing partner and I have experience in successfully rewriting scripts. We call it "flipping" like people do with houses. It really is the equivelant of slapping on a coat of paing and getting the ugly 80,s bathroom fixtures out. Only works though if the structure is sound.

If you want to talk to us about it why don't you email me. We have not done suspense, but our method is aplicable to most things.

Harvey,

Graham is perfecting his craft. Writing what's in your heart without constantly improving your craft is called journaling:)

I'd also encourge you to be really respectful of Barb. I'm working with a producer right now who submits all of my scripts to studio coverage and Barb lines up almost 100% with the coverage he gets back. Now I run them by her first to fix the holes that I know he'll hear about from the studio.

Heather

Hey, Harvey,

I didn't call it "journalism" I called it journaling - ie keeping a diary.

I do agree with you that it isn't wise to be overly concerned with one person's opinion. In fact the best advice I ever got regarding feedback was if a comment makes no sense to you you should discard it. When you hear the same feedback from several people then you should listen to it. So you have my support on that.

My main objection to you comments was calling Graham a sucker. He is getting advice and growing as a writer which is an excellent thing. Let's not beat people up for that.

No hard feeling I hope.

Heather

Harvey,

Ditto what Paula said. Send me your first ten pages and I'll give you my comments.

I've got a stack of friends' scripts that I've neglected for far too long or I would give you notes on the whole thing.

Heather

John! Great work and well deserved.

I thought this was a recipe board. No wonder nothing turns out.

Thanks everyone for the great advice.

Heather

Hi, Julie,

Yes, of course. I'll link to it when it's written.

Are you coming to Austin again by any chance? Remember cinnamon rolls in the lobby of the Driskill?

Heahter

But, John, Ron NEVER posts anymore. Still I guess if he really wants to he can join us:)

Yes, a MB cinnamon roll breakfast for everyone is def. on my schedule.

Blake was a dear friend and mentor to me. He was always happy to unravel a writing problem, take a phone call, critique a log line. I feel so incredibly lucky to have known him and am devestated that he's gone.

Rest in peace, Blake. We love you.

When a 60 year old laid-off auto worker can't find a new job he turn to bank robbery to pay the mortgage.

Lee,

Sorry, I posted my take on your logline without explaining that I thought it could be shorter and that I'd give it a try. I didn't mean to be rude.

What's the title by the way?

Heather

Yay, Tom and Jim!!!

Yes, it's going ahead.

Heather

I wish I didn't know that feeling so well.

Go, Irin!!!

Congrats, Paula!

I'm suprised that they can do this legally. Most states have very strict rules about contests that take entry fees sticking to thier published rules. I bet that if anyone challenged it we would find it isn't allowed.

My friend got his notification today. Here are the numbers.

Total entries: 6,380 Quarterfinalists: 321 Semifinalists: 114

John,

He did make it. So happy for him.

Heather

Wait, John. I read your post too quickly and thought you meant you hadn't heard yet! My apologies.

This is FANTASTIC!!!! Congratulations.

Darn, Patrick! Did you hear by email or letter?

Connie, so good to see you back! I've missed your posts.

I submitted my ratings on the new Beverly Hill FF page. Thanks Frederick.

Basically, folks, enter this only if you have nothing on your awards resume and you want a pretty sure thing. They have about 100 "finalists" and they charge you to go to the "awards" dinner. I went one year because I was in LA for another ceremony and I thought the money was worth it to eat at the Beverly Hills Hotel (it's cheaper and better to eat in the bar).

The ceremony was mostly a tribute to the founder of the contest with lots of random people saying how much he's done for them. Most of the speakers had nothing to do with film. It was boring and a total waste of time.

Still, it's an entry on a writing resume and people seem to be impressed by the "Beverly Hills" title.

Congrats to Irin and Stephen!!!!

Hi, Ashraf,

It sounds interesting. Is it a thriller?

Heather

Congrats, Ashley!

Ashraf,

The problem with the logline is that it doesn't tell us what the story is about. If you look back at other posts on writing loglines I think you'll see what we're talking about.

A logline is used to interest a producer in your project (or to get an investor interested in giving you money to make you film). A producer would read the logline you've written and probably decide that you don't tell enough about your story to get him interested enough to request the script.

So, in answer to you question your logline isn't good...yet:)

I suggest that you read a book called Save the Cat by Blake Snyder which gives a very clear lesson on how to write a log line.

Heather

My script Minor Prophet made the second round.

I got a security alert from my computer when I went to their site so I didn't go fuirther.

Also, the term "South Florida's Leading Entertainment Group" doesn't inspire much confidence.

Wow, how did you find that?

Me too:)

Stephen! Congratulations!!!

I have had the good fortune lately to have both Barb and big studio and agency readers cover the same scripts.

Barb and the studio/agency readers offer almost identical feedback.

I actually forwarded Barb's coverage of my script to a producer before he submitted the script to the studio reader. He called me to report the similarities.

Barb is the best bargain out there.

Another thing to contemplate is how many sports coaches never had huge careers, but are amazing at coaching atheletes.

Heather

Dan,

If you want a WGA writer try Herschell Weingrod. Great guy. http://www.scriptmaven.com/services.html.

He does charge $500. I haven't used his service but have met him a number of times and think he's really savy.

Heather

Irin, you've done everything!

Yes, HW is great. We had him up here to speak and I thought he was the nicest guy. Hope he comes to Austin this year.

Cat, Check out the article I wrote for Moviebytes last year about AFF.

Who else is going. We have a 2 year old tradition of having moviebyters meet for coffee and cinnamon rolls and I'd love to continue it. I met John and Irin and Julie. Others too, but I'm forgetting for the moment.

Anyway if you're going post you dates here and then we can decide which day would work best for everyone.

Heather

Irin, A guy named Randy Webb and then sometimes Aadip comes up.

Congratulations, Stephen!

Aw, Irin. Of course, you need to stay home, but I'm coming down with Stewart Stern and really wanted to intoduce you to him. He's originally from New York so I knew he'd love to meet you!

Still, a baby boy.:)

Michael, Don't be intimidated. The setting for the conference is very homey and not huge. You'll really love it.

Heather

Michael, Don't be intimidated. The setting for the conference is very homey and not huge. You'll really love it.

Heather

Dan,

Would you consider a male OB less of an authority on delivering a baby because he'd never given birth himself?

As a mother of two I can tell you I'd rather have a male OB deliver mine than another mom who's had one or two babies.

Heather

John,

Please come. G and I promise another great dinner:) You don't expect me to handle the cinnamon rolls all on my own?

Dan, everyone is welcome at the moviebyte cinnnamon fest.

Heather

Aargh, can anyone tell me how to get my revisions in a new color and still keep the 1st revision colors in Final Draft? So frustrating. BTW I have FD6, so maybe it's because it's so old

Cat,

Moviebyters have had a cinnamon roll and coffee in the lobby cafe of the Driskill before classes the first or second day. Usually try to figure out which day most of us can be there.

Let's try the Sat. the 24th at 8:30 AM. Is that good for most everyone?

We have lots of time to change it if that doesn't work.

Heather

Oh, that's a good idea, Julie!

We usually meet at 8:30 before the first panel.

Robert, Thanks!

It keeps changing the previous changes to the new color. It may just be too old!

Heather

Do you mind saying the name of the company? If it's big and you've head of them it's probably safe, but in my experience big agencies and production companies require you to sign a release. I've never asked anyone to sign a release when I send them material, but all the reputable people have asked me first.

Evie,

I've been really hard up before, but I was much younger then and more resiliant. I'm so sorry this is happening to you right now. You have such a good attitude and know that you'll come out stronger the other end, but it still make the here and now hard.

I'll keep you in my prayers and if you were in the Pacific NW I'd take you out for a hot meal.

Please tell me you're joking about the Baptists. Did they really make fun of you for being Catholic? I hope not. Just to defend the Baptists, I've know lots of them and although they have a rep for being judgemental, I've never personally experienced it myself.

Heather

Thanks, Julie! See you in Austin!

Congratulations, John, Sarah and Jesse!!!

Stephen,

Just curious what "good things" you heard about Beverly Hills?

Heather

The one contest that has really paid off for me it the Kairos prize. I'm currently in contact with two producers that found me through my Kairos win and I cannot say enough about the way Michael Trent (who runs the Kairos prize) has treated me over the years. Amazing.

I also know that Herschell Weingrod (Trading Places writer) optioned one of the Kairos Prize winning script as well as another one by the same writer.

So, although I haven't sold anything yet I've had more contact from that contest than any other and more than I've read about in this thread.

I also know that the guy who won first place my year optioned his Kairos scipt to a company within a month of the contest. Don't think it's been made yet, but still he got the deal through them... as well as a $25,000 check for winning 1st place.

The Grand Prize winner for the Kairos Prize from the first year is currently filming in Michigan.

Stephen - excellent news. Congratulations.

Congratulation, Stephen and Irin!!!

Stepehen, funny! Julie, sorry.

Tender Mercies would win.

Tender Mercies would win.

John! Top 30. Amazing. Co.ngratulations

Stephen,

Good idea! I'll put that goal on my list too.

Basically, the rules say that the script has to be a G or PG rating and when you read it like that then the sex and violence rules make more sense.

The film that's currently in production is the 1st place winner from the first year. It's about a foster child with AIDES that wants a family before he dies. So, they aren't skirting hard issues.

Heather

Irin,

I'll be there for one day. If you go let's have coffee. I need to see some new baby pictures.

Heather

I think the torture would make it hard since the guidlines are G or PG.

Bobette, My "secret weapon" for writing a synopsis is to take a Blake Snyder beat sheet (free on his website) and fill it in.

Then I sparingly add any fabulous dialog in standard script format. Nothing else is in script format.

Then I erase the BS headings and I have a treatment. Every producer I've sent them to has like them.

Even if that results in a bad synopsis, you could then do what James suggested and have them fix it from there.

I think the reason having them read the screenplay first is not the best idea is that it's a ton of work on their part and they would probably charge a lot more to "find" the synopsis in the script rather than to fix your weak one.

No problem! Let me know how it goes.

Stephen,

What a great write up of your story. I love the part about a director having a field day with it. Congratulations.

Heather

Congrats, Irin, Stephen, Robert and Joseph!!!!

Hi, Santa,

I just emailed you. Thanks for the great offer. Let me know if the email didn't come through. I had a problem the first time.

Heather

I think we have all entered our screenplays multiple times.

Stephen, Congratulations!!

Have you ever shared you logline? I love the title.

Heather

ICM moved three years ago, so if the SS directory still lists the Beverly Hills address the whole thing is probably out of date. Then you should go with IMDB. I think the new one is Constelation Ave.

I know, I always expect that any one source is not 100%.

Hi, MBers. I'm here at Expo and wondered if any of you are here.

Heather

Well, I haven't run into any moviebyters (Austin I guess will have to do), but ran into a few Seattle people. Lots of fun.

Well, I haven't run into any moviebyters (Austin I guess will have to do), but ran into a few Seattle people. Lots of fun.

Stephen, good news and congratulations!

I just got home. Less than 24 hours at Expo, but I had a great time.

Movieguide flew me down to be a panelist for a session on the Kairos prize. I had a great time and think I actually did a good job.

I only heard one speaker. Billy Mernitt. He was the one person I wanted to hear and happened to be talking during my only break. He was awesome.

I saw the hundreds of people waiting to pitch and was glad I wasn't doing it. Has anyone pitched there before? It looks really intimidating.

Being on a panel was great since the producers who were on the panel with me took a lot of time to talk with me and had great advice.

All in all lots of fun. I still prefer Austin by a long shot, but if I lived in LA I would def. go again.

Keep in mind that I don't speak FOR them. I just won one.

The story should be one that makes the audience feel hopeful at the end. At least that would be my interpretation. If you keep in mind that it should be a G or PG rating you can see that it allows you to tell almost any story, but that you have to be creative.

Think of the animated movie about Moses (forgot what it's called). They show the killing of all the first born children, but it is in silhouette on a wall. We as grown-ups know what's being shown, but a little child would probably miss it.

The people who give the awards are Christians. They like movies that are either Judeo-Christian in content (without being preachy) or family fare that a Christian wouldn't feel bad about taking their child to see.

Don't know if that answers your questions. I'm going to enter again, so see you there.

Yes, Prince of Egypt, thank you!

My only expericne with Austin is sitting in on an early pitch session. The beats were pretty well thought out, so I'm not sure I would be comfortable winging it.

I agree, Irin. You could pitch an idea, but I would have the idea beat out in advance. I wouldn't just spit out a cool premise. You def. don't need to have a finished script.

Hi, all.

We're here. It's raining.

Are we all up for coffee Friday morning? 8:30? Driskill coffee shop in lobby. Got to get a picture for Frederick. I'll photoshop Irin in.

John Arends are you here?

Hope to see all of you

Heather

What an insulting and self serving letter. He couldn't have attacked a more professional, hardworking, giving, postive (non-carping), talented writer than you, Irin.

I'ts amazing and shocking that he threw insults around so freely... and so inaccuratly.

They're all so shocking that I don't know where to start.

Why would he assume you post anonymously? We met each other last year at Austin because you don't post anonymously. We recognized each other by our names. Our real names.

He just flat out wrong that most contests extend their deadlines at a higher price. Not true. They often have a later deadline at a higher price to begin with, but don't extend them on the day of the last deadline.

I won't go point by point, but I cannot believe he was so scathing.

SO, sorry that you were treated like this.

Heather... er... "Betty"

Julie, Michael and Amanda - sorry for the early hour, but wanted to make sure people could make the early panel.

Irin, it's not the same without you, but let us know if the baby comes while we're here and we can toast his birth at AFF - how fitting for the son of a screenwriter. (I'm not making up th at it's a boy baby I? or did I just imagine that?)

John, I wll tell Greg that you send your regards and enjoyed the experience. Can't wait to see him. Tom is here again and I will say hi to him for you too.

Michael,

I just got "home" from Buffalo Bill's. Darn I wish I'd found you. See you in the morning.

Heather

So bummed not to get my score or coverage back by last night. I entered for the first time with the idea that this contest would be fun because you don't have to wait to get feedback.

Double bummer that it ended on Halloween night since I kept popping back to check my computer when I should have been enjoying the kids.

Congratulations!!!

Just got my coverage back. I see what everyone is talking about!!! Excellent notes and well worth waiting the two extra days. This is amazingly constructive coverage and for the price it's even more awesome!

I sincerely apologize for making a negative comment here :)

WOW.

You were right:)

Great job, Susan. Congratulations!

Don't sweat it. Every script has some problem/typo etc. They can tell if it's one or two little things that you're professional in all other ways.

Congrats, Jospeh!

A teacher once told me that if he's affraid the reader won't "get it" he includes a physical action and an emotional/internal clue.

ie Michael smooths the dirt on the freshely filled grave, realizing that he's alone for the first time.

Parnuphan,

I've used reals song titles and lyrics in all of my scripts and no producer has ever cared. Nor have any contests. They take it as a suggestion for the type of song you would like.

I've even had characters comment on the lyrics (which might make substituting a song more difficult) and no one has ever even mentioned it.

Paula has though, so it does happen. I'm just saying that at all levels of production companies, contests, agents and managers it hasn't been a problem for me.

Heather

Mike,

Fantastic news! Congratulations.

Heather

Can't wait! Thanks Irin.

Mike,

I had to buy a new hard drive. The second in two months.

SO happy to have my computer back!

H

Mike,

So glad you were covered!!!

Toshiba has replaced my hard drive twice, but they require me to give them the old one, so there's no chance of retreiving my old work.

Don't buy a Toshiba!

Heather

Mike, I'll get you a copy of the standard release.

Heather

Actor, CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I don't find this at all odd. Lots of scripts get to execs from a hairdresser or spouse. It's happened to me and worked out quite well.

It's not as if the company itself doesn't have a standard release, it's just that it's coming in through a spouse who usually doesn't deal with these things.

Loved Blind-sided.

I wish more people of any color would adopt needy children of any color!

Merry Christmas, Mike,

I'm always happy when I see your name on a post. You've been so helpful this past year. Thanks so much.

Have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!

Heather

Bobette, Love your reviews! Thanks.

Bobette,

I'm so glad I read your post because it convinced me to go the "The Morgans" with my daughter. It was a fun little movie for us to share. All the other reviews were terribel, so I'm glad we listened to you.

I would love to hear what you think about Up in the Air.

Thanks again, Heather

Thanks, Bobette. I can't wait to hear your review. Heather

Thanks, Bobette. I can't wait to hear your review. Heather

Congratulations, Stephen!

I'm thankful for all of you and the love and encouragement you show here.

Let's have a wonderful 2010!

Heather

Bobette,

I LOVE your reviews. I couldn't agree more with you take on It's Complicated. Yes, some hysterical moments and lines ("It turns out I'm a bit of a slut."), but such unlikable characters.

Loved the Blind-side.

Thanks so much for covering Up in the Air.

Heather

Hi Mike,

I didn't see this until just now. Bride-sided is great. We had a reading tonight at my house in prep, for a reading at ACT theater in Seattle on January 19. It went really well.

We turned down the option offer because we got a new agent and she asked us to turn it down.

Hope the new year is wonderful for you and thank you for all your help.

We will be in England in the spring, so we must meet up if we can.

Happy, happy new year Mike.

Heather

Mike,

The option was low, but from a producer who we trust and know is connected.

The agent just wanted to be able to market all of our scripts at the same time and thought that such a quick offer said a lot about the marketability. I think it will work out well.

Cheers,

Heather

Hey Stephen,

Could you elaborate on the WGA registration being useless? I don't know much about why it is? Everyone is telling me this, but I just haven't heard why.

Thanks so much,

Heather

Thanks guys. I have another question. Since the WGA is the one that arbitrates in case of a dispute should you do both? Not that I want to:)

Thanks, Irin! (By the way I have completely lost track of my Austin "surprise" for the baby :)

Thanks, guys! Very exciting.

Thanks everyone! It's worth entering contests just to hear such lovely remarks from my moviebyte friends:)

Thanks Susan!

I was in some focus groups for this product. I think it's especially useful if you are also a filmmaker.

Thanks so much! It's very exciting.

Mike,

Congratulations!!!

Heather

Thanks so much!!! We're really happy.

Congrats, James!!!

Congratulations, Mike!!!

Heather

Hi all,

We found out last week that we didn't win. Of course we would have loved to have won, but other exciting things are happening for us and I'll post here as soon as I can -so we're not really too sad.

I want to take the opprotunity to encourage everyone to give this contest a try next year. This contest, along with Austin, has produced the best resluts of any other contest. Five years after winning a Kairos prize I continue to be contacted by producers and Michael Trent is a fountain of wisdom and is ALWAYS available to answer questions.

I think the Kairos prize is the best bang for the buck there is in the screenwriting contest world.

Thanks again!

Heather

Very sad.

I disagree. VO is for a commentator only. Either a character who is talking over a montage or credits or a narrator.

OS is when someone is "in" the scene, but is not shown. Not shown can either be "not in the room" or "in another location".

The thing everyone should realize about contests is that you can't predict what a win will do for you. You may be entering to get requests, but in the end you get an agent because you attended the festival that sponsored the award. (happened to me)

You may lose a contest but then a producer culls through the "loser" scripts three years later and calls because of that. (happened to me)

It's good to have a strategy, to not spend more that you can afford, and certainly to not apply to horrible contests. (I would include Beverly Hills FF in that list), but be careful about defining success in just one way.

On a side note, one year I applied three scripts to a very major contest that I guarantee you is on everyone's "excellent contest" list. I entered each script twice under two different names.

One script that had done very well in other contests didn't make the cut under either name.

The second script got an option offer before the contest was over and didn't place under either name. The option offer was from another source unrelated to the contest. It came as a result of taking Blake Snyder's class.

The third script which won me a ton of money in another contest advanced under one name, but not under the other.

Moral of the story. Nobody knows nothing! Winning contests or advancing should be seen as an opportunity/excuse to talk about yourself with the people who can get you a read.

When a pill that prevents aging has catastrophic sided effects it's creator must find a way to stop what he's started when he himself becomes infected.

Ooops, that looks arrogant. I meant to say, "Here's my go at it."

Heather

James!!!! Very exciting. Want me to FedEx you some brads?

James!!!! Very exciting. Want me to FedEx you some brads?

Mike,

Love it! Keep 'em coming!

Heather

I am still getting reads from placing 2nd in the Kairos five years ago.

I got two reads from being a 2nd rounder in Austin. (From producers who were there and could see from my badge that I was a quarterfinalist).

I've never received a big bunch of spam after a contest - except from the contest itself/

Cheryl, it was the same script. Family comedy. I have lots of other scripts that get noticed, but that one script constantly gets attention.

Steve, Michael, Janet!!!!!!! Yay!

And Robert!!!!

Yay, Mike. My thoughts exactly.

Great job, Janet!!!! Very exciting.

Mike, When I was really young and moved to England I always got reprimanded for using "gotten" which is correct her ... as you know. H

Hi Robert,

If at all possible see if you can share a room with someone at the Stephen F or Driskill. The proximity to sessions is really a plus. Running upstairs between sessions to retreive something is way better than taking a shuttle.

Having said that I emailed a friend who stayed in a cheaper place last year and I'll post it when I hear from him.

Heather

PS My friend wrote;

The Sheraton Austin Hotel 701 East 11th Street, Austin Texas 78701, United States Phone: (512) 478-1111 Fax: (512) 478-3700

it was a nice room, though a bit farther from the conference than i would have liked. about a 15-20 minute walk, i think. just fine in the morning, but a little long after a party.

Bobette,

This is a contest sponsored by the film school I graduated from. I'm also on the board.

It's on the up and up. Two of the scripts have been produced so far (that I know far). It certainly gets your script into the hands of people who are looking to make shorts.

Here's the site if you want to check it out... or read my bio:) http://thefilmschool.com/index.php/screenplay-contest/238

Heather

I'll update it for this year, but here's the link for last year's article and things mostly stay the same.

http://moviebytes.com/ContestDetail.cfm?StoryID=3664&ContestNumber=157&NewsTab=TRUE

Hi guys, sorry for that. My mistake.

Congrats, Stephen!!!

James P.

The name Strictly Come Dancing sounds very odd to an American ear (at least to mine). Do you know what the title means?

Thanks, Heather

Awesome, Mike!!!!!!!!!!!!

Greg, I hope you won't be breaking your yearly routine.

Don, I wouldn't rent a car if you stay at one of the closer hotels. We take a taxi in from the airport and the festival provides shuttles between all the events. By all means book your hotel through the festival since they have very good rates.

Congrats Stephen!

Lj,

If you were my sibling I would tell you to;

1. Read Save the Cat by Blake Snyder, Story by Robert McKee and a script formatting book.

2. Make sure your current script, properly formatted, isn't more than 115 pages longs. Use Final Draft or Adove Story (which is free online)

3. Go to http://www.script-o-rama.com/snazzy/dircut.html and look around for a script of a movie you like and read it.

4. Correct the sciript you've written using what you've gleened from doing 1-3 and then enter it into Script Savvy for a score and feedback. Scipt Savvy gives you some idea of where you stand and the feedback comes back within a month without too much cost. Then use that feedback to make your script even better.

5. When you've done that send it to Barb Doyan (you can find her address in this site by searching for her name)

If you do all those things you will be a better screenwriter within two months for very little cost.

Best of luck... Heather

LJ - scanned your answers too fast and didn't read that you've already done quite a bit of this. Sorry, busy day. H

Good point Eric.

I do, but just be consistant.

You'll be asked what your "set pieces" are. At first I didn't know what it meant, but it is a quick, hysterical synopsis (sort of a logline) all of you physical comedy sequences.

Unless you're writing really quirky indi comedy you should be prepared to answer that question for your finished script, so be sure to plan them in advance and make sure they're in there.

Andrew, congratulations!!!!!

Congrats, Stephen! Can't wait to hear more about the advice and reading.

Congrats, Susan!!!

Irin, congratulations!!!!!!!

Dear L.J.,

I'm so sorry that you're desperate for a job. I've been there (luckily in the past) and know how it feels.

I wish I knew of someone hiring that I could point you to, but maybe this article at The Simple Dollar will help you get a few ideas to get some quick money together until you can land a job. http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/04/11/50-side-businesses-you-can-start-on-your-own/

Please keep us posted and good luck with the search!

Heather

Congrats Stephen, Chris, Steve, Scott , Mike, Susan,John, Marjory, Paul, Patrick and T.J. !!!!

With regard to temp agencies, most Universities have their own and constantly need workers. My mom and I both got permanent positions from our first temp assignments when we worked at our local university.

Hey all,

I wanted to share this with all of my moviebyte pals first!

My writing partner and I optioned our script Habit Forming to Academy nominated director Matthew Diamond. The negotiations took forever, but the deal is all signed, sealed and delivered. Very, very happy about it.

Thanks for always being so supportive you guys!

Heather

Robert,

Thanks!

Contests played a huge part. I've had two agents now and the only reason they took any notice was because I had some recognition from contests.

I was introduced to my first agency by a non-Hollywood friend and I don't think he would have made the call if I hadn't gotten some results in contests. (And when I say results, I mean I only advanced for the most part.)

Hope that helps.

Heather

Thanks so much. I will keep you posted, although I expect that it will take a long time before things get going. That's why I'm celebrating the option. I know that it's sit-around-and-wait time for me and that all I can do is go back to my desk and start the next one.

Look, my first "commercial" via Edward. I wonder how much it pays.

Thanks Matt for bumping me up in the contests:)

Oooops, Eric. I missed saying thanks to you:) Thanks!

Julie, I will always have time for my friends here:)

Regarding the logline, we aren't legally allowed to give it out, but it was a finalist for the Kairos prize this year, so if you googled it.... Just saying.

John, thanks so much. I was just rereading the Hitchcock interview you sent me. Always so useful.

Thanks L.J, Steven, Don, Walter and Nathan! This has been a really fun week!

Irin, great idea. Now I know what to do with good coverage when the company doesn't buy the script.

Thanks.

Hey, we got listed on trackingb.com. Now I feel like I've really arrived:)

Hi everyone,

Does anyone know when the Disney Channel kids are on hiatus and available to do other jobs... like my low budget movie? I've been looking around for their filming schedules and can't figure it out.

Thanks for any help.

Heather

Great advice Tim. I say make movies cheaply. Nothing will teach you how boring your writing can be until you're sitting in a room with people you respect (or even better want to impress) and your film just isn't what you want it to be. Then you know that you need to make a script great because you've personally experience what it feels like to dissapoint an audience. With each film you'll become a better and better writer. These are films you can throw away after the lesson is learned, so don't worry about making lots of mistakes.

However, spend as little money as possible. Read the Ten Minute Film School at the back of Rober Rodriguez' book 'Rebel Without a Crew'. In fact read the whole book. You'll be shocked at how little you can make films for and how much you'll learn as a writer.

Additionally, read Story by Rober McKee and Save the Cat by Blake Snyder. This will give you a firm grasp of the lingo of screenwriters and help you to discuss your craft with other writers.

Good luck!

Great advice Tim. I say make movies cheaply. Nothing will teach you how boring your writing can be until you're sitting in a room with people you respect (or even better want to impress) and your film just isn't what you want it to be. Then you know that you need to make a script great because you've personally experience what it feels like to dissapoint an audience. With each film you'll become a better and better writer. These are films you can throw away after the lesson is learned, so don't worry about making lots of mistakes.

However, spend as little money as possible. Read the Ten Minute Film School at the back of Rober Rodriguez' book 'Rebel Without a Crew'. In fact read the whole book. You'll be shocked at how little you can make films for and how much you'll learn as a writer.

Additionally, read Story by Rober McKee and Save the Cat by Blake Snyder. This will give you a firm grasp of the lingo of screenwriters and help you to discuss your craft with other writers.

Good luck!

Thanks Tim. I was trying to figure it out before I call the agents because I want to have all my duck in a row before I approach them, including possible shooting dates.

I've seen that some of the shows are on hiatus right now, but I'm not sure if there some kind of unofficial schedule that thay all (mostly) follow.

Julie, perfect idea!

H

Congrats!!!

Congratulations everyone!!!!

I'm always trying to talk people into going to Austin, which I think is amazing and really worth the money.

I got to go to Expo last year as the result of a contest and although it was free it was a bit of a letdown. I didn't try the pitchfest though which might be better than Austin. It was really big and crowded.

Thanks! Not drugs:)

The evening Greg described was amazing and so typical of the type of things that happen at the conference.

There are so many great stories from Austin. Last year I hung out with a guy for most of the week named Danny. His name tag didn't have a screenplay title on it, and I felt a little sorry for him since I assumed he had entered but hadn't advanced in the competition. I thought to myself, what a great guy - too bad he didn't have any success this year, but if he just keeps trying, maybe he'll have better luck another year.

We were so busy with all the events that we didn't get around to talking about our writing for a few days. When I asked him what kind of things he wrote, he said comedy. When we talked a little bit more, he mentioned that he'd had some success with a film he wrote called "Groundhog Day"

Just another Austin experience.

Steve and S,

Just two examples of some of the good things that can happen at Austin.

1. Last year I signed with an agent I met at Austin.

2. A friend I made at Austin over the years turned out to have a job as a reader at a company that is considering one of my scripts. When I called to ask if it had crossed his desk he contacted the person in charge and moved it to the top of her list.

H

Irin, I missed the free drinks. Not that there's any shortage of drinks in Austin:)

S, Marjory and Robert,

Congrats on Slamdance!!!!

Don, come anyway!

Heather

Congrats, Matt!!!

Steve,

Thanks for the good wishes and for the compliments on the article. I'll be updating it to reflect all of this's yearls info, dates, speakers, films etc. and will get it posted ASAP.

I'm really looking forward to meeting you and the rest of the MB crowd. In the past we've tried to meet up for coffee on the first day of the conference in the Driskill restaurant. Maybe this year we can get a group photo to send to Frederick so that he can put faces to all the people who post here.

I'm really thankful to be part of such a supportive group!!!

Heather

Sorry for all the typos. Never write anything before you've had your coffee:)

I got THE CALL. Of course after clutching my phone all day it rang when I walked away and my husband grabbed for it and dropped it and we lost the call. Had to call back and wait on hold (for about 15 seconds, but it felt like hours)

Our script 'Bride-sided' is in the comedy catagory.

Melisa, proud to be in that pond with you - congratulations. Congratulations Stephen!

Thanks everyone for the support! It's going to be fun seeing and meeting all of you.

Now we just have to wait and see if Irin gets some kind of special award for the most scripts to make the semis ever.

Clarification. Not that I know anything about Irin's status. I'm just assuming since he's so awesome and it looks very, very likely.

Go Irin!!!

Irin, I think they're keeping you until the end as a treat. I bet they've never met anyone who has done as well as you have before!

Paula, awesome tips. I heartily agree with all of them.

A few years ago we started getting the Moviebyters to meet for cinnamon rolls in the lobby of the Driskill on Thursday or Friday morning. John and Julie and I started it with the idea that if we meet as early in the week as possible then there's more chance that we'll get to recognize each other in the halls. I think this would be our fourth year.

We can tentativy plan that if everyone wants to.

Of course, I won't have much heart for it if Irin isn't there (Please come Irin!!!!!)

Michael,

How fitting that your post was #100! What an amazingly generous offer. You're my new favorite person.

I hope Irin takes you up on the offer, but even if he doesn't this is the nicest thing I've seen in a long, long time.

Heather

Robert!!!! Congratulations. I'm winning that first drink.

Heather

Yay!!! So excited and happy for you. I hope this is the beginning of a fabulous and amazing career.

We're going to want to hear the whole story when we get together for cinnamon rolls at the Driskill.

Congrats Robert and Marjory!!!

Thanks Irin.

Kate, Austin wouldn't be the same without you!!!

People have been calling and writing all day since the article came out with extra tips. So far;

- bring a sweater, the conference room can be very cold and the outdoor temp is hot

- drink two glasses of water for every alcoholic beverage offered at the confernce. The drinks flow fast and furiously, so don't drink too much or you'll miss panels.

- the Driskill ghost tour is amazing (I've never done it myself)

- be sure to submit your photo for your badge early or you'll have to wait in line when you get to Austin

- there is a Starbucks one block away from the Driskill - go out the door by the cafe and take a right. It's one block up

- all the 2nd round, semi and finalist scripts are in a confernce room on the second floor of the Driskill. You can drop in and look at them at any time

- the "A converstion with..." are the most underrated event at AFF. Very close and personal contact with film makers. Mostly offered on Saturdays.

Congrats!!!

Congrats!!!

Just saw Irin's name. Any others?

Hey Irin, the bats sound like fun on Wed. night. Maybe we'll try to join you depending on what time we get in. Grady and I are going to Film and Food too since you said you were. Maybe we'll have a little Moviebytes cocktail party on the balcony.

Who else is going to Film and Food?

I actually thought the UT game two years ago was great. I've never seen anything like it. Austin takes tailgating to a new level. There were massive banquets everywhere and huge, movie size tv screens up in the parking lot. Amazing!

As Kate and I explore new ways of writing effieciently I'm curious about the average time it takes eveyone to write a complete script.

On average how long do you spend on outlining? On actual writing? Have you gotten faster over the years? Has any one peice of advice helped you write more efficienty? Finally, do you have any scripts that aren't finished, but have haunted you over time? (I'm really guilty on this one.)

We just found out that a AFF Driskill reservation wasn't properly registered and thus we are in need of a double room reservation at the Driskill. If you have one and don't think you'll use it would you please let me know? (before you cancell it)

Thanks Irin! Very helpful.

They found one:)

Congrats Marjory, James and Scott!!!!

Yes, just curious. We can write a script in about a month. I don't really want to adopt another method, but love to hear how others work.

The bar after F and F sounds great.

Stephen,

I have notes and will be combining them with my partner's and a few other Seattle writers will be adding theirs as well. Maybe we can try to recreate it by combining all of them.

He talked so fast and I was sitting at the back of the room and coudn't read the screen very well.

What an amazing talk.

H

Julie,

I'd be happy to share the notes when I get them typed up. I'd really like to set up a wiki page so that those of us who heard it can correct and add to the talk until we feel it's complete.

Heather

Congratulations, Mike, Dana and Robert!!!

Hi guys,

Michael Arndt asked that we not post his notes on the internet. Have to respect his request.

Sorry for saying I would and then reversing it.

Heather

I just got my Toy Story 3 and don't think they put the 'Beginnings' film on it. I'm so dissapointed. Has anyone found it?

Julie, Is there a 4 disc set on regular DVD, or did you get a blu ray four disc set?

Irin, don't open the package and return it for a refund.

I don't know anything about blu ray. Do I want to buy one? Do they have blu ray players, or are they like dvd players that have to plug into a tv?

Marjory I saw that you advanced! Congrats.

Kate and I did too. One of the great things about having a writing partner is that she enters scripts and I just get to find out the happy news when she tells me they've advanced:)

Marjory,

This is off topic, but I stumbled onto Aces over Eights and watched the whole thing before I realized it was written by you. It's literally the only short film I've watched online for over a year. Small world!

H

Congrats, Julie, Stephen Hoover, Mike Donald, Irin!!!!!!!!!

Cangrats Paul!!!

Downloaded it.

Congratulations, Irin!!!! You deserved every good thing that happens.

Yay, Irin and Mike. Two of my favorite screenwriting people. So glad for both of you.

Heather

Thanks everyone. (Especially Kate Wharton!)

Oh, dear! Forgot to say CONGRATULATIONS Hallie and Margie!

Mike, TJ and James!!!! Way to go.

Heather

Yay, Robert!!!! Congratulations.

Yay, Mike and Dana!!!! Congratulations.

Is there a way to get film in production listed, or do you need for them to "discover" it before it gets listed?

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. It's a bit late to say Happy Hanukkah, but I'll say it retroactively!!!

Thanks everyone for being such great friends. I loved meeting so many of you in Austin and look forward to meeting more of you in 2011.

Save the Cat

Save the Cat Goes to the Movies

the "Beginnings" video from the Blueray version of 'Toy Story 3' (not really a book)

That's it. All you need.

Austin. Kairos.

Happy New Year everyone!

Yay!!! Stephen!!!!!

I write with a partner and love it. We are a perfect compliment to each other and never really dissagree. Our one "rule" is that if one of us take somthing out of the script it's never discussed. We just go with it. It stops us from endless discussions and has never been a problem. I think it's why we write so well together. That and the fact that she's super smart, incredibly funny and a really hard worker.

Hey L.J.,

Here are my two cents. If I were in your position I would spend $75 on Barb Doyan's coverage service. She is fast, inexpensive and delivers sold feedback on time. My writing partner and I always use her for a fresh set of eyes on every script we write. It's a really easy way to get good feedback.

Best of luck with your writing!!!

Heather

Congrats Julia, Kevin and Philip!!! So happy to see so many MB people there.

Click on "Documents", select "SmartType", click "extensions" and delete (CONTD) from the list. Then save and it's gone.

Dear Timothy,

Please extend my most sincere condolences on the loss of her mother.

Heather

Thanks for the correction!

Irin,

Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!! No one deserves this more than you. You are amazingly talented, hard working and kind to everyone! I've read the script and any producer will be lucky to get it.

So excited for you.

Heather

The page numbers vanished from my script. Anyone know how to get them back?

I used a Header for a little bit and I wonder if I did something when I removed it.

Thanks for any help you can give.

Heather

Thanks so much. Fixed it.

Congrats, June!!! Well done.

Congrats, June!!! Well done.

Kate and I advanced for Bride-sided.

Steve,

Very excited to hear that the shoot is going so well. Best of luck with everything!!!

Heather

Hey Steve,

Sadly, I can't go to Austin this year. I'm really not happy about it, but it can't be helped.

I'll tell Kate hello from you and hope to see you soon. Come up to Seattle and visit.

Heather

Kairos Prize

L.J. congrats. Can you tell us about your script that advanced in Nicholl?

Irin vs Steve... oh dear. If they judged by how extremely nice the writers are there would be a tie.

Congrats everyone!!!

Hi everyone,

I want to strongly encourage everyone to enter this contest. It has changed my life in a very good way.

Reasons to Enter

1. Michael Trent is the most encouraging and helpful person. He follows through and sticks with his writers. It's been a years since I won and I routinely call him for advice.

2. The prize money! I won 2nd place and I took home $15K. My friend David won $25 K!!!

3. Legit producers are calling them asking to see scripts that won AND scripts that didn't. (I know this from several producers and assistants)

4. If you win you get to go on an all expense paid trip to Beverly Hills for two days. I got to stay at the Beverly Hilton, but the next year the winners stayed at the Regent Beverly Wilshire (Pretty Woman hotel)

5. The "restrictions" that some people complain about with regard to the kind of scripts they'll accept are really very minimal. They basically need to be PG or G. So, it's not for everyone, but if you've got a script that uplifting and not rated above PG you fit the bill. This contest is put on by Christians, but they don't reward overtly preachy entries. For instance films the sponsors have honored in the past include Charlotte's Web, Blindside, The King's Speech.

Okay, that's my little speech. I don't qualify to enter any more, but would if I still could. BTW, I don't get anything out of endorsing the contest and am not officially connected to it in any way.

Happy writing.

Heather

Hey Stan,

Good point on Christian films being rubbish. I couldn't agree more and I'm a very devout Christian. They are hands down the worst films ever. Ditto with contemporary Christian music.

I'm sorry you didn't hear back. That hasn't really been my experience, but I'm bummed that it happened to you because it makes them look amateurish. No excuse for that.

I don't really think $50 is a lot for a contest, but that's probably because I've had such good luck with this competition. For me the return on investment has been spectacular. However, with this economy we have to be careful of every penny, so I totally understand.

Although, I encourage people to enter, I would advise you not to enter something that isn't uplifting in some way. That would be a total waste of money because of the subtitle the contest uses - ie "spiritually uplifting". Having known these people for a while I think something snarky wouldn't do well.

I think I'm really encouraging people who have a G or PG script, who might think it isn't religious enough, to give it a go.

Which contests have you really liked? I know for me Austin is the creme de la creme.

Cheers,

Heather

Here's the semi- list http://www.austinfilmfestival.com/new/images/2011SEMIFINALISTSV1.pdf

Can't find the 2nd rounder list, but know two friends heard already.

(I didn't enter this year btw, so don't be sad for me if you don't see my name)

http://www.austinfilmfestival.com/new/images/2011SEMIFINALISTSV1.pdf

Sorry I used the word snark. Didn't mean to offend. I love satire. I think when you said it wasn't uplifting at all and a satire I projected it as snarky. I love snarky writing, so I guess I was just projecting what I'd like it to be:)

John Cleese for instance is amazing and I think every word he utters is snarky. I'd give my right are to be as hysterically funny at he is.

I was a finalist in this contest and really loved the experience. They were great and the story was very, very gritty, so I don't know why anyone would say they didn't like gritty content.

BTW I may be the only person in history who can say that I placed in a Christian screenplay contest (Kairos) AND did well in a contest that honored a positive portrayal of a gay or lesbian character (One in Ten) in the same year. I think that makes me the most versatile writer ever:)!!!

Congrats everyone!

T.J. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Asialeigh,

The most important thing you can "take" is a very, very organized system for tracking the contact info you get while attending. I've written before about keeping business cards in the plastic badge holder that holds your FF pass. When I come home from Austin every year I simply hang the badge on a hook in my office with all the old ones. When I want to retrieve information I can quickly put my hands on it.

Also, whatever system you develop for yourself, be sure to make detailed notes on the card as soon as you can. It's easy to think you'll remember everything, but it's amazing how quickly you forget who was who.

The last thing I would suggest is to make friends with other writers and make a pact to gather any info you get about their genre. For instance I collect horror contact info for a friend and he hands off comedy contacts. This is especially true for round-tables at Austin when the panelist hands our cards to the whole table.

Heather

Thanks for the compliments on the article. Important to realize that I didn't have time to update it this year, so don't rely on dates or specific speakers.

Other than that it's what I would tell you.

This is a great article on AFF. http://austinfilmfestival.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-rock-aff-by-pamela-ribon.html

Yes, please give us stories. I was so sad to miss it, so I need to live vicariously.

Last year the most amazing wisdom came from Michael Arndt in a two hour lecture that changed everything for me. Did that happen this year? Any insights you want to share?

Our romantic comedy Bride-Sided was a semi-finalist last year at Austin. (Written with my awesome partner Kate Wharton)

You don't need to WIN a contest.

Taking 2nd place in the Kairos Prize and being a semi-finalist last year at Austin have directly and indirectly resulted in; paid screenwriting gigs, getting two agents (one at a time:) and numerous meetings with very high profile producers, options and sales.

I've done well or advanced in numerous other contests, but have never won any of them.

The key is to follow up on every single lead that comes from those contests. Show producers and agents that you would be a great person to work with and have more than one script polished to perfection. Go to conferences like Austin and demonstrate that you are a well rounded, flexible, professional, fun person to be around. Don't be weird. Follow up in a non-stalkerish fashion.

Also, be sure to write scripts that will be interesting to real producers who have to answer to real bosses. Have a killer logline, killer title, and know who the audience for your movie will be.

I meet people who've won contests, had plenty of reads through those contests, but have quirky, difficult to sell scripts. They've blown opportunities because they were unwilling to make their scripts more marketable. Several were unwilling to change their scripts because they think having won a contest is some sort of final stamp of approval.

Bruce,

It's even better than that. At Austin you wear a huge badge that says the name of your script on it and how far you advanced. They can tell at a glance that you did well.

Additionally, there are tons of opportunities to strike up a conversation with producers, directors and agents. I think one of the best is at the round tables where one industry professional (usually young, low level producers) sits with about eight writers. Every fifteen minutes the table gets a new "speaker". You aren't supposed to pitch them, but 90% of the time they're unprepared and ask the writers to talk about their writing.

Austin is one of those events where you really want to have your logline down so that you can spit it out in what appears to be a casual manner. I've seen more writers get asked about their work and then watch them stumble and then finally vomit up their memorized logline - myself included. Very awkward.

Yay!!!! Congratulations and YES the prize is the least of the benefits of contests.

We (writing partner and I) write treatments fairly often and have been hired to write them a few times. Sometimes a producer will have an idea for a script and pay you to write up a ten+ page treatment to see if there's enough there to make a whole film. We've been hired to write treatments of books and also as the first part of a five step script deal.

We could never find a good example of a treatment and just made up our own style. No one had ever complained:)

I agree, Irin. Those that we have done for our own, already written scripts have never resulted in a sale. We write detailed treatments for ourselves to write from just like you do.

It's good to know how to write them though since you can make a nice fee for writing them for hire.

Of, course. I thought I already had.

They like to make sure you aren't crazy - that you shower, etc. Mary Coleman of Pixar said she had a writer come in and lay on the ground for half an hour once. He didn't say a word.

Anyway, it's great he gave you that much time and get your next script to him asap!!!! Congrats!

We wrote one for a producer for a book adaptation.

We were hired by Kenny Rogers to write a treatment of a short story he wrote. A producer we had worked with connected us.

We here hired to write a screenplay for the Hallmark channel (through a production company) as the first step of a five step deal. The first step was a 12 page treatment.

Hey Mike,

I forgot to add that we never got one of those jobs by applying for them on a site. Each one came through producers that we have met over the years. In each case they've come up with the idea, we didn't pitch them.

Cheers,

Heather

Dear MB friends,

You are all such a wonderful encouragement and I'm very grateful to have all of you to learn from, complain to and celebrate with!!!!

Frederick, thank you so much for creating such a great sight.

May you all have a blessed end of the year and a very lucrative 2012 with tons of script sales.

Heather

Thanks, guys.

I learned more from attending Blake Snyder's weekend course than I did going to film school. I don't know if the guys who took over after he died are any good at all, but for under $500, if they are teaching the same way he did, it's a great value.

Great article

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/15/movies/lindsay-doran-examines-what-makes-films-satisfying.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=lindsay%20doran&st=cse

Thanks, Athena! We heard Michael Arendt speak about writing great endings and this added even more to what he said (which I thought was impossible:)

Happy writing.

I do love you guys!

Congratulations, everyone!!! Great way to start the year.

I didn't want to talk about this until all the paperwork was complete, but now I can finally spill the beans. Kate and I had two of our screenplays optioned. We're very happy and love our producers. One is up on our imdb pages and the second should be up any day.

Both got a mention on trackingb in the last couple of weeks! Very exciting.

http://pro.imdb.com/name/nm2095955/

Thanks, everyone! The titles are "Amazing Gracie" and the other is called "Catholic School Rocks". "Amazing Gracie" is up, but I think it may be next week that CSR gets put up.

Lana, They are features.

Hi Don,

Thanks. Yes, one was a first runner up in the Kairos prize five years ago. The second one was a 2nd rounder at Austin and a finalist for the Kairos prize.

Chris Lockhart has a post about this on his blog. http://twoadverbs.blogspot.com/

I think it's the second story down.

Congrats, Marjory, Timothy and Paul.

Congrats, Mike!!!

Congrats, Paul!!!!!!!!!

I would like to contact Susan Rossi who wrote "MSG Added". Anyone know how to get in touch with her.

Thanks!

Heather

In support of WGA registration, I recently optioned a script to a company and a producer swooped in and said that he co-wrote it with me - not true. I'd lost track of my WGA registration number, but when I explained the situation they found it within minutes. The WGA was so supportive and great.

I easily proved to the (optioning) producers that I was the actual writer and the other producer got axed.

Sorry guys for the delay. Irin, I did need to copyright it because the producer demanded it. You had told me a couple of years ago to do it, but I'd just been lazy.

I'd always known that someone could steal an idea, or that they could have come up with the same concept, but it was a complete surprise when a producer claimed to be a co-writer. That came out of left field. Luckily I had kept great records and the producers were convinced that I was telling the truth.

There was really no way I could have protected myself from what happened. You need to be prudent, but not paranoid.

Thanks, Robert. Very encouraging.

Either make it a montage or you need scene headings. You should leave off the time of day and "cont'd" to make it read faster. It gives the reader the clue that they are zipping back and forth as they read it.

Hi all,

I thought this might be of interest to those of you who have produced films yourselves and have found distribution a trial.

Indiflix is a great company here in Seattle and is basically a CD Baby for indi films. You can distribute your film, short of feature, and still retains the rights to it. It also makes films available to viewers in a manner similar to Netflix.

They're offering a free trial right now. If you want to try it the code is SIFF2012MJ Once you enter the code the payment part of the sign-up goes away and it's free. Here's the link. http://indieflix.com

Enjoy,

Heather

What festivals have you had a great experience with for showing your shorts? Trying to wade through all of them on Without a Box.

Thanks, Heather

Thanks so much, Marjory! Great advice.

Heather

Congratulations Marjory and Irin!!! Great job.

Congratulations, Marjory!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wooooohoooooo!

Thanks everyone! It was a nice surprise on an otherwise difficult day.

Yay, Paul!!!!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!

My favorite character description and the one I always aspire to emulate is Rossio's description of Jack Sparrow.

"Jack - a man for whom the term 'swashbuckling rogue' was coined"

Perfect. It entertains, it doesn't drown the reader in details, but it can't be improved upon.

PS I've also heard it quoted as "swashbuckling pirate", but I don't have the script so I can't double check.

Thought this was a good exchange about how scripts are judged at AFF.

http://www.reddit.com/r/Screenwriting/comments/xjz78/i_am_currently_a_reader_for_the_austin_film/

I need to put in a good word for Austin. In my opinion it's an amazing contest. I've gone for many years and have had scripts that haven't made it to the second round, a few 2nd rounders and one that made the semis. I've met tons of readers and they are all serious, dedicated, honest people.

However, they are (trained) volunteers who read scripts in exchange for passes. Before you condemn that as amateurish keep in mind that I knew an ICM agent who got her bicycle mechanic boyfriend hired to read for them. So your AFF reader may be more qualified than someone doing coverage at a big agency. AFF mimics the real world situation that you will find in LA. In Hollywood your script will sit in huge piles of scripts and if you're lucky some bicycle mechanic will read 10 pages before he tosses it. He isn't even required to pass it on to some other bicycle mechanic before you get a "no".

AFF is a massive contest and there will be problems. The reason it's so prestigious is, in part, because of its size. When you advance people know you competed against a ton of other scripts and still made the cut. So in entering part of what you're paying for is the chance to compete against a lot of other people. Otherwise you might as well enter the West Omaha Dairy Farmer's Association Screenplay contest. You'll probably have better odds of getting read and winning, but no one will care.

Yes, there will be times that a scripts that did really well in another contest tanks. That doesn't mean that there's anything wrong with the contest or your script - it just means that it didn't resonate with the readers you happened to get.

Just my two cents. AFF isn't perfect, but hardly anything is. Well, may the Nicholl...

Congrats, Paul and Leone!

How many moviebyters are going? Where are you staying and have you ever been before? I've been a ton of times and I'm really happy to answer any questions you might have. I may try to update my article on "How to do the Austin FF" if I get time.

Yes, Seattle. Have we met? NWSG?

Yes, that's the one although it's old and I haven't updated it.

Michael, So sorry I didn't connect the dots. We'll get to say hi in Austin.

Great job, Michael.

Script Dude you need to come find me. I promise to keep your identity a secret. If you do I'll buy you a drink at the Driskill.

Congratulations, Jordan!!! Keep us posted.

Congrats, Bruce!!!

Hey, all,

The Return, a short I wrote with my writing partner Kate Wharton, will be playing at AFF. It'll be shown at The Hideout at 7:20 next Thursday and again on Oct. 21. Kate and I will be at the Thursday show if anyone wants to drop by to see it and say hi.

H

Thanks everyone, it's very exciting. Great, Bruce! See you there.

Is there anything about the sisters that would indicate comedy - that would tell people the sisters are fish out of water? (I know clinging to a moving train is fish out of water for everyone, but...)

Something like;

A germaphobe stripper and her butch policewoman sister cling to a fast moving train racing over treacherous Guatemalan mountains in order to rescue their mom, that neither of them can stand, from kidnappers.

PS Not my best work, but you get my drift.

Nice, Robert.

I'm not bringing a laptop. I just carry a notebook and pen and I take fairly extensive notes. When people do hand out cards I like to keep them in my badge holder between the two pieces of paper. This way I have all my Austin contacts "filed" by year. I keep all my festival badges on a hook in my office closet and when I need to remember when and where I met someone I just look through each old badge.

Michael!!!! That's awesome. We'll celebrate in Austin!

A Moviebyter did some good work at Austin. I'm not saying who, but I wonder if it was hard to get his trophy through security.

Michael, your dad would be (is) proud! Great acceptance speech.

Bruce, glad we got to meet. Wasn't it fun? How's the voice?

Run.

Meeting Frank Darabont - what a delightful man. Paul Fieg's conversation with Pat Hazel. Pat Hazel!!! The screening of our short. The Amazon Studios panel. Just hanging out in the Driskill bar.

On another note - Script Dude, did we at least meet in passing?

Michael, We have had some calls about it after Austin. Somehow they tracked us down, which is flattering. I'll let you know if anything firms up.

Glad you guys are okay. Irin?

Irin, good to hear. The business - is it okay?

Paul, stay safe!

Congrats, Marjory!

I once spent a good bit of time reading a friend's script and giving him notes. I referenced the good and the bad, but he was upset. So was I, since I had spent so much time on it.

When I mentioned the situation to a mentor of mine he told me that there are two kinds of writers - those who want honest feedback and those who want to be told they're brilliant and shouldn't change a word.

I rarely read scripts anymore, but when I do I always ask the writer to send me a logline and title first. The second type of writers will usually say something like, "I'm not very good at loglines - it would be easier if you just read it". (For you or for me? is what I'm thinking:) Those writer's are the lazy writers who haven't bothered to learn the basics of their craft and I know that the script will be bad. It works like a charm at keeping bad script out of my inbox.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I'm thankful for all of you!

Things are a little quiet around here so I thought I pose a question. What movie scene says the most with the least amount of dialog?

For me the two best are;

In "Unfaithful" when Diane Lane's character looks over at the snow globes and realized the one she gave her lover is back in her own home which means that her husband killed him.

and...

In "The Way Home", a Korean film, the little boy (who hated his grandmother when he was left with her at the beginning of the movie) threads a bunch of needles for her when he has to leave. His whole transformation is visible in that one act.

You???

Love that example Scott! Paul was there a particular action that went along with the realization?

I guess I'm asking which scenes have a specific action, usually without dialog, that conveys a boatload of information.

The Sixth Sense realization is in the montage (is that right?). So it has very specific actions.

The Braveheart scene you mention Scott is exactly what I'm looking for. An action that conveys more than words could.

I just love the elegance of conveying so much with no dialog.

Thanks Paul! Merry Christmas.

Gorgeously written up Eric. Thanks!

I also love it in Die Hard when Bruce Willis can't find his wife's name on the company directory and then finds her listed under her maiden name. It tells us exactly the state of the marriage.

CONGRATULATIONS to Paul Undari for making the semi-finals of the Kairos Prize!!! Well done.

Congrats Nathan and James!!!

It sounds like your daughters' career path has been really difficult for you. Writing screenplays is creative, challenging and addictive, so I can imagine why the continue. If supporting them is a strain on you it might be best to cut them off financially. All of us need to take responsibility for our own finances when we become adults and they should as well.

If you do cut them off financially then you might be better able to view their choice to continue as an adult decision that is theirs to make.

Good luck!

I agree with Paul. Erin at AwardWinningScreenwriters.com has never let us down. Always good notes.

Yay, Dan!!!