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hey all,

I was wondering why they group sci-fi, fantasy and horror together and then the overwhelming majourity of the scripts that make the cut are horror?

I am very frustrated because my scripts have no fantasy (i.e., no dragons or unicorns) and I've yet to write a horror (Don't think I will b/c I root for the monster/slasher). My movies are strictly Science Fiction and I feel I can't get a fair shake in a sci-fi/fantasy/horror category.

Thanks for reading.

Thanks for replying Jean. Depending on how my scripts do in the contests that they're entered in now, I might just forget the contest route and just try to get my scripts to the right people in hollywood. I see no point in wasting my time and money if the contests favour dramas and horrors. I mean, there was a time when there were no screenwriting contests and movies got made.

I see what you're saying Alex and Paula and somewhat agree. I think readers interested in Science Fiction could possibly be interested in Fantasy, but I can't agree with the interest in Horror. I suspect that in the end, I will stay away from contests and try to navigate to Hollywood the old-fashioned way.

I saw it over the weekend and I was not impressed. It was a good movie, but I saw Transformers twice, and have the dvd, I was so blown away. I won't be getting the dvd of Ironman.

I am totally feeling you Ben!!! I saw the trailer at Ironman and it was awesome. I was blown away!!! It is totally gonna beat Ironman, and rightfully so.

Ben, I see that, thus far, we agree on superheroes. And unlike Ironman (no disrespect to Robert Downey, Jr.) I think Edward Norton was an excellent choice. The Hulk opening weekend will be great because I'm going to see The Hulk and The Happening, back to back.

I agree about reading scripts and watchig the movie. I've read the scripts to all the Bourne movies and they were fascinating to read and translated well on the screen.

What's your take on Speed Racer? I am not convinced they chose the right actors, but I'm a fan of Speed ("GO SPEED GO!!!), so I'll go see it. I hope I won't be wasting my $9.50!!

I hope the pundits are right about Speed. I'll be so disappointed if it doesn't live up to my expectations b/c I'm a huge fan.

As for Indy 4, I won't be seeing it in the theatres. I'm sure a friend will turn up with a copy, and I'll watch it then, but it doesn't look all that great.

Regards, Bob

do they even exist anymore or is payment the only way to get analysis and feedback with yourscripts?

So, I have four screenplays that surround one couple that spans 25 years and I was wonderting how that situation is handled. I feel all four movies should be read by the same person to get the scope of the saga. Can a screenwriter ask for all their movies to be read by the sdame reader?

I see what you're saying Walter, but from my standpoint, being an aspiring screenwriter, it means I have to repeat things from previous scripts for the current script to make sense, which takes away for the pages I have to tell the story I'm writing. :-(

Where, oh where, is George Lucas when I need him?! :)

Thanks, Alex. I'm still on the fence about AFF. I looked at your applictaion and I have to enter in Drama and then add $20 for Sci-Fi Award, which encompasses a long list of genres.

Thanks RG.

Bob

I entered my screenplays. Hopefully, they'll do well.

For me, what has happened with the past winners is most important. Winning a contest is great, but I'm in it to get my work represented and my screenplay made into a movie.

The factor that makes me no enter a contest is how they treat my genre. I'm a sci-fi person, without any fantasy (i.e., unicorns or dragons or magic) or horror. So, if I notice that the overwhelming majourity of the scripts that made the cut in the sci-fi/fantsy/horror category is horror, that contest does not have a sci-fi categrory and I won't enter.

I called at least thirty different production companies and none of them would accept a query letter. I mean, what's so hard about accepting a one page letter?!

I did get bold, as chance favours that, and faxed two letters. So, we'll see.

They don't take unsolicted materials. I replied that I wasn't trying to send the screenplay, just a letter to see if they'd like to solicit the screenplay. They, however, still said no.

You know, when I make it, there are some companies that I am going to not work with at all, no matter what they offer.

Thanks for the input. I'm walking a fine line because I don't want to upset them if I decide to send it after being told not to, but I gotta get the movies out there.

I think my loglines might not be great. I sent a query letter to Bender Spink and they responded that the movies sounded interesting and to forward my loglines. I did and nothing after that.

So, I will continue plugging away at the dream.

Logline #1: A Defazin nobleman trying to please his father falls in love with a regenerator from an adversarial plaanet.

Logline #2: A Satarin regenerator's presence on a planet causes conflict and forces her to make difficult decisions.

Logline #3: A conflicted race-mixed regenerator gets pulled into an interplanetray dispute leading to discoveries about himself.

Logline#4: A Defazin nobleman's reunion with his Satarin love faces an unexpected threat.

So, for logline #1, ya'll would prefer: Cristos, a Defazin nobleman trying to please his father, falls in love with Silia, a Satarin regenerator from an adversarial planet?

Please note that in the query letter, it says what a Defazin and Satarin look lilke, gives you the fundamentals of their society and that they've fought at least one war.

I was mainly trying to see if you got what the story was about. At the end of the day it's an intergalactic, somewhat Romeo and Juliet story.

Nathan, I don't know if it's "on the nose" or cliche because it's really "somewhat."

In my story, it's two planets at odds and the story is set post-war, but with a lot of animosity. Cristos, who is the firstborn son of the most powerful noblehouse, is Juliet as he's the one being pressured by his father to select a bride. Paris, who symbolises the threat to Romeo and Juliet's love, comes in the form of a noblewoman with designs on marrying Cristos, a ruthless nobleman who unjustly hates Cristos and Cristos' father. Finally, it's not death that separates them TEMPORARILY, but Silia deciding to go back to her planet because of manipulation by Cristos' mother.

Logline #1 is about how Cristos and Silia met and fell in love. Logline #2 is about how they fell apart and why Silia left without telling him she's pregnant. Logline #3 is what reunited Cristos with Silia and the son, which is his firstborn, he never kew he had. Logline #4 is about someone connected to his greatest enemy, who he put the smackdown on in the first movie, coming for revenge and threathing his newfound happiness with Silia.

As you can see, the first two movies are somewhat romeo and juliet, but my characters don't die.

Connie,

I am positively speechless! I agree with BL that you need to get some explanation of their action.

If you movies fall within their space limitaions, is in the correct format and have no objectionable content (and they should still tell you why they are refusing your stories), then this is outrageous.

This is one contest that will not be getting my movies!!!

Nathan,

Thanks for the "inspired by" comment. It's a great way to say it. I am going to take the vision comment as a compliment. So, thanks!! :)

Yeah, I need George Lucas, but getting to him is kinda hard. ;)

How about this for Logline #1: Cristos, a nobleman trying to please his father and being pressured to marry, falls in love with Silia, a regenerator from an adversarial planet in this intergalactic saga inspired by Romeo & Juliet.

Jean, I agree with Nathan too, but loglines are not my thing either. I'm going to the Hollywood Black Film Festival in less than a month, so I gotta wrap my head around how to pitch these stories.

Could I pitch on paper without the loglines? I mean, can I just sit across from a producer/agent, hand him a piece of paper to read and he'll ask me questions after he's read it?

Thanks Nathan!!! :) Now, to rewrite the other three.

I'm just attending. The festival would not look highly on my movies as they are not "black" movies.

It actually saddens me to think that if George Lucas were black and he enetered his movies in the festival, they'd probably reject them. I get the overall purpose of the festival, but a black person's creativity should not be narrowly defined or limited.

It should be interesting to see how it goes as I will probably be the only black person there not pitching a black movie.

I have been toying around with presenting it as Star Wars meets Romeo and Juliet, but I wasn't sure it would be gotten because it's set post-war.

Thanks for all the advice.

Thumbs up or thumbs down?

Connie,

What made you think your screenplays and not being read and you needed to file complaints with the Better Business Bureau? I ask because, unless you ask for feedback, there really is no way to tell if someone read your screenplay or not. It's a trust/reputation issue with the contest.

Hi Connie,

Thanks. My mother heard the name, which is french, in a movie and liked it.

What did you get from winning?

I am thinking about entering. David Trottier in The Screenwriter's Bible recommends the contest, but there are questionable comments on Moviebytes from people who have entered. Hence, I'm not sure if i'm going to or not.

I see what you're saying Connie, but there has to be a reason why you believe you had to ask the question in the first place.

Thanks, Michael, but for the first movie, it's not right. His father does voice and show his displeasure in the first movie, but there's only one caustic scene between them. The first movie is titled Cristos Rising, and it's really about how loving her makes him find himself by standing up to his father, putting the smackdown on another nobleman who he's been letting get away with crap and basically becoming the person he's always been destined to be.

Yeah, you should ask. Good luck with your screenplay. A Death in Concord sounds a lot like a Sherlock Holmes or Agatha Christie, whom I like.

I agree with Geoff that they should have simply sent Connie her money back without comment and with Michele that Connie should not be making mention of her disability.

From what I've read, contests in general, and this one specifically, are feeling that Connie is trying to get preferential treatment by mentioning her situation. Consequently for the contest, if she doesn't get it, by her movie(s) making the first cut, she's going to call them up and ask them if they read her story and/or file a complaint with the BBB.

This will lead to two things: 1) contests tell her they don't want her movies because they don't want to be unfairly harassesed or have a BBB complaint on them, which is a completely understandable concern, or 2) they list her movies for the first cut, as she needs proof that they read them, but they don't go any further because either they truly shouldn't have made the first cut or the contest is predisposed to animosity towards her.

This, of course, doses not apply to the contests where her screenplays do, in fact, desreve to make th first cut, though I'm unsure how she's be able to distinguish this.

My adivse to Connie is what has been suggested by others, that she enters contests that offer feedback, so she knows her screenplays were read. Another advise is to enter contests you trust, so even if your movies don't make the first cut, you know they were read them.

I wish you the best Connie and hope to see a movie of yours on the screen one day.

Gene, I'm not. I will not be entering. I do believe the way they handled it was completely wrong.

Mark, a thousand thanks for the logline formula!! I'm not sure I can write a logline that follows that formula, but I'll try earnestly.

How about this: A closet free-spirit from a stratified paternal planet falls in love with a free-spirit from a postwar adversarial maternal planet....

What do you think about the start? I think it's a good start, but I'm not sure I need postwar b/c adversarial might be enough. Hopefully, describing the planet as "paternal" indicates that his father is an antogonist. Now, I have to get the other antogonist in there and how falling in love with her affects them and him.

Or this: A closet free-spirit from a stratified paternal planet meets his destiny in a free-spirit from a postwar adversarial planet and needs to embrace himself to protect her from his father and his enemy.

I'm not sure embrace is the right word, but it sounds sexy. I need a word that conveys him standing up to his father and finally putting an enemy he's been letting run amuck in his place.

I don't know what to say Mark, as I am a woman, so I guess it sounds like me. This, I think is bad because while it is fundamentall a love story, there are some kick ass confontations and fights in all four movies that men will love.

I will check out writeruniversity.com.

So, here's my latest attempts at Logline 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Logline #1: A closet free-spirit from a stratified paternal planet being pressured to marry falls in love with a free-spirit from a postwar adversarial planet and must face his father's fury and challenge his enemy to secure the future.

Logline #2: A highly-prized free-sprit's happiness is threatened by a threesome plotting to kidnap her and her lover's family at a time when questions about desire, duty and destiny are being answered in her relationship.

Logline #3: After a planet's Premier is captured by an adversarial planet, a conflicted race-mixed regenerator gets pulled into an inter-planetary dispute leading to discoveries about his identity.

Logline #4: The life of a nobleman trying to convince his newly- discovered son to accept his destiny is threatened by the unexpected resurfacing of a grudge.

I think 1 and 4 still need work, but I love 2 and 3.

Jean, maybe it's you, but maybe it's not. If I kep it simple, it doesn't convey what I want. I can explain the movies, but breaking each down into a logline is killing me.

Maybe I should just parachute onto the set of ABC set of Kyle XY, with the movies of course, and tell Matt Dallas that I have a role that will make him a blockbuster star. hahahahaha!!! Oh, that's who I see as Cristos.

Thanks for all the suggestions. For now, I think it's best if I take a step back and try later. I feel like my head is going to explode!!

I have a 220 page movie, which I wrote like a book, to import into int screenwriter and convert.

Nathan, you're sounding like my mother!! Truthfully, I really don't want to be a novelist. I want to be a screenwriter. I wrote The Red EDs and Rayzmon Paradox (the one I'm converting now) in book format just because, but the movies in the Cristos/Silia saga are only in screenplay format and I am so not feeling converting them to books.

Oh, I see what you meant, but you misunderstood. I'm converting from 220 pahes in book format to 120 pages in movie format. It should be an interesting experience. The Red EDs was only 150 pages in book format and it was brutal turning it into a movie and conforming to 120 pages. Hence, I am not looking forward to doing Rayzmon Paradox. The good thing is that there's going to be a sequel, which I've only written the first 5 pages to, so a lot of things in the 220 pages can be carried over to the next movie.

Yeah, I'm a trilogy writer.

So, after working in another movie, I had these loglines pop into my head this morinng. I think each sum up their movie perfectly, with the exception of the ward "woman" in logline #2 because Silia is not a human.

Logline #1: A nobleman falls in love with a maiden from an adversarial planet and finds the courage to stand up to his enemy and his father.

Logline #2: A woman's future, and that of her unborn child, is threatened by kidnappers and her lover's family, forcing her to make difficult decisions.

Logline #3: A Premier's capture pulls a conflicted regenerator into an inter-planetary dispute leading to discoveries about his identity.

Logline #4: The life of a nobleman is threatened from an unexpected enemy as his son struggles to accept his birthright and fulfill the destiny of a planet.

Lou, I don't claim to be an expert, but I suspect an option is an option, regardless of the amount.

As for the bidding war, yes. hahahaha!!

Michael, I wish you'd let me know. I work in DC, farragut west metro, and have brads in my office. I would have happily gotten some to you!!

I totally see where you're coming from about the submission. I didn't realise until it was time to leave work, that they allowed online registration, but not submission.

Sorry you missed the boat.

Bob

Oddly, the screenplay I thought might make it, didn't, and the one I had the least hope for, did. Of course, the one that was selected is my mother's favorite of the four in the quartet. I am so confused!!

Heather, I've written a sci-fi romance/action mini-saga of romeo and juliet meets star wars where I added an intergalactic aspect by making it two planets/races at odds, took away the ''feuding'' aspect by setting the movies post-wars, but with a lot of animosity, added a happy ending and made the destined union of the star-crossed lovers about changing a planet.

The second movie is titled The Mindscramlber's Daughter and the logline is: A woman is forced to make difficult decisions when her future is threatened by kidnappers and her lover's family. Basically, she's from a planet of a reclusive race whose abilities(telekintics, telepathy, regeneration, breeds toward perferction) makes her highly-valued on the black market. So, we have this threesome plotting to kidnap her, while her lover wants them to get pregnant and his family schemes to get rid of her. From the first movie, you learn that she's the daughter of a mindscrambler (who is a really power telekinetic who can alter a person's reality or manipulate the atoms in a peerson to explode them) and a defender (which is a soldier). Hence, both her her parents are skilled killers and they made sure she knows hoe to protect herself, so the threesome don't stand a chance. She gives into her lover's request for a child, but his family's (mostly his mother) scheming forces her to leave before she even tells him that she's pregnant.

Heather, having written it out, I can see why they chose it. There's a lot of action, drama, comedy(the threesome have dueling personalities which makes for some comedic moments), and romance.

Thanks, Lisa! I would have never thought of that!!

Paula, I'm a female and my name is Bobbette, but I go by Bob. I originally had Bob on my moviebytes identification, but realised that led people to think I was a male. Hence, I changed it to Bobbette.

Is there a formula? What is low, medium or high budget? Does high concept mean high budget? I have no idea where my movies fall budget-wise. I'm a writer, afterall!!

Thanks.

Thanks, Walter. My movies are, therefore, high budget.

Leah, I understand perfectly the time of a script consultant. I am interested in knowing if there are established writers out there who just love writing and want to assist young/future writers in becoming great in the art without concern for lining their pockets.

Thanks, Shell. I had hoped that there are people out there who aren't in it just for the money or "what's in it for me?" I mean, we all want to make a movie and make money, helping a fellow writer along the way out of the goodness of your heart shouldn't be taboo.

I sent movies 1 and 2 of my quartet to scriptsavvy earlier in the month. The feedback won't come before the HBFF next week, but that's my fault. Maybe I'll send them to Barb after I've seen what scriptsavvy has to say.

I sent movies 1 and 2 of my quartet to scriptsavvy earlier in the month. The feedback won't come before the HBFF next week, but that's my fault. Maybe I'll send them to Barb after I've seen what scriptsavvy has to say.

Karen,

I think not. People like that need to do these things. It makes them feel superiour to think they're outsmarting people and gives their life purpose. Still, it's a safe way to deal with their issues.

I don't see the promblem because he can scan the hard copy and turn it into a pdf himself.

He probably just wants to send it on to other producers/investors if he's interested and thinks he can get them interested.

Paula,

I have to disagree. I don't think a contest can help you *sell* your script. A contest can help you get exposure, but unless they wrote the logline that piqued interest or pitched the script, and then they're acting as your agent, they are not entitled to anything.

There's no need to put it on.

I have the whole weekend to read it and decide where to send my query letters. Howllywood, here I come!!!

I am mainly interested in if they have a genre preference. I know they say they don't on the website, but I've found that's not normally the case. Thanks in advance.

Well, it seems like they are well-balanced, so I'll enter one, or two, of my sci-fi scripts by their early deadline. Thanks for all your responses and good luck in the contest.

Jean, I was not amused when I discovered this. I worked very hard to get my screenplay in the best possible shape in by the deadline they had set. Now, they've decided to extend it, which meant I could have worked on my screenplay longer. I do not like it when contests do this and will put this on the "con" side for this contest.

Hey Jean,

Thanks. I also picked a logline and wrote my own. I think it was rather good, if I do say so myself. Now, if I could only write a good logline for my own screenplays.

Hi all,

So my issue is that I love at least one, but possibly two, supporting character(s) more than my protagonist. Any advice?

Thanks, John!!! Barb gave me a *consider* on the screenplay, but I need to tackle my protagonist issue.

Robert,

Mercutio was an awsome character!!!

Terry,

I know what you mean. I gotta introduce him gang-busters style doing something totally incredible!!

Thanks, Poetist. I just re-wrote the protagonists introduction and made it gang busters style. I think that will help with my protagonist identity issue. Now, on to the next protagonist issue!

Gene,

you're a gem and a credit to the screenwriting community!!!

I can't seem to find the information no matter how hard I search. Thanks!

Alas, I was rejected. :( oh well, I'll keep plugging along.

I guess I can't delete the project. Thanks, Joseph.

I am trying to decide if I want to enter one of my scripts.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Bobbette

Thanks, Martin.

I see your point Patrick. The amount of money we all spend entering contests could pay for a pretty decent movie, and I'm sure we all know talented aspiring actors to play the parts, so we won't need to shell out mucho dinero on casting. Henck, we could do the bit parts for free.

Good point, Jean!

Additionally, an older person have more life experience and have a more diverse point of view to write from.

I'm over 30 and moving to CA in 3 months to try and make it. Maybe my age will be my downfall, but I can say I tried. It's Hollywood's loss is they're too age-oriented to just appreciate a good, hard-working writer.

I checked out their website for screenplay requirements and they don't have a Sci-Fi category. Does this lack of a Sci-Fi category indicate that they believe women can't/don't write Sci-Fi? I do have a Sci-Fi action, which I could enter in the Action categeory, but I don't want to waste my money.

Thanks Jean and Patrick. It's a big step, and I'm a little scared, but it's my dream. Hence, I gotta try or I'll always wonder.

I have thought about the math and am flabbergasted everytime I do.

I agree that if the rewards (money and exposure, contact) are worth the cost, then so be it. Otherwise, they are just leeches making a profit off the dreams of others.

Does anyone know what the first screenwriting EVER is/was? Just curious.

I just finished the first act, 32 pages, of a drama I'm writing and would like feedback. I know the direction I want it to go and just need to know if I've set it up to go that way. I will wag the first act to be protected.

Thanks, in advance, for assistance.

Good point Patrick. I think they have to pay the readers on a per script basis, or some other basis, and the reader normally reads at home, on a plane or wherever. The contests are making a killing!

Excellent point, Patrick!!

I think people spend their hard-earned money to go to a movie, see the crap they just overpaid to see and think: I can do better than that! Hence, they start screenwriting.

http://www.kaosfilms.co.uk/bfsc/

Just thought I'd pass the information along. This is a competition like The Movie Deal, where the winning screenplay gets produced.

PRIZES

The winning screenplay will be produced with a budget of up to $2 million.

The winning writer will be required to sign an assignment (writers agreement) which will offer the writer a purchase price (rights fee) of not less than 1% of the budget with a floor of 15,000 US Dollars and a ceiling of 40,000 US Dollars less any sums paid - payable on the first day of principal photography of the film. This fee will be pro-rated downwards if a credit were to be shared with any other writer.

In the case of the work originating from multiple writers the writers agreement will treat the multiple writers as one entity.

The writer shall also be entitled to sums equal to one percent (1.0%) of Kaos Films' share of profits of The Film produced.

In the event that Kaos Films has to commission other writer or writers such that he/she receives a shared credit with the original writer/s this percentage shall be reduced to one-half percent (0.5%).

P.S. There's also a Short Screenplay Competition.

Bobbette

Hey Elaine,

I noticed and it is somewhat pricy for an American (if we got paid in sterlings, it would be fine as many contest here are $65), but you gotta spend money to make money.

Joseph, I understand your need to be the center of attention and I sympathise with whatever shortcomings you have that require it. However, please create your own thread for your grandstanding and don't highjack mine. Thanks, in advance, for your attention and cooperation in this matter.

I second Jean's sentiment!!!

Good to see I was right that was you. Yes, defintely needs to be the center of attention.

Thanks, in advance, for your time and attention.

Thanks bunches, Jean!!!

Thanks, all!! Good suggestions/recommendations.

The FREE SCREENPLAY CONTEST (http://www.screenplaycontests.com/free/)is presented by www.ScreenplayContests.com. This contest is open to all writers age 18 and over and features cash prizes and industry contacts to winners. There is NO entry fee for mailed entries and a $5.00 service fee for online entries.

Awards: 1st Place - $250 cash prize and submission to 5 studios / producers / agents. 2nd Place - $100 cash prize and submission to 3 studios / producers / agents. 3rd Place - $50 cash prize.

Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Detective, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Musical, Mystery, Myth, Political, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, War, Western

Rules: Screenplays must not have been previously optioned, produced, or purchased prior to December 1, 2008. Screenplays must be original work of applicant(s). Winning screenplay submissions written by 2 or more writers require all awards to be divided equally among the writers. Screenplays must be in English. Entrants must submit the first 10 pages of the screenplay ONLY! Finalists must then submit the entire screenplay. Cherub Productions is not responsible for screenplays lost, stolen, or lost in shipping. Multiple submissions are accepted but each submission requires a separate entry form. Screenplays must be between 90 - 125 pages. Judges decisions are final. Entry must be postmarked by midnight December 1, 2008. Each submission must be accompanied with an entry form. There is no entry fee for mailed submissions.

**There will be a $5.00 processing fee to submit online. Please contact Cherubfilm@aol.com to submit your entry online.

Announcements: Finalists announced: Dec 31, 2008 Winner(s) announced: Feb 15, 2009

Can anyone provide information? Thanks, in advance, for your time and attention.

Bobbette

http://wcce.ajula.edu/geller/

How to Enter: Entries accepted from October 23 to December 18, 2008. Entries must comply with our official rules.

To enter, send us a packet containing the following: Two copies of your original screenplay, properly formatted and conforming to the requirements below. (Scripts will not be returned.) A completed entry form including signed waiver. $45 entry fee (check or money order made out to "American Jewish University") A self-addressed, stamped #10 envelope. The three finalists will be notified by phone and email on or around April 20, 2009, and announced on this website. Winning scripts will be revealed at our Award Reception (date to be determined.)

Requirements: Your screenplay must contain a Jewish component. This could be a location, a Jewish character, discussion of Jewish philosophy or any other facet of Judaism. For more guidelines, see our frequently asked questions.

Your screenplay MUST be: Written in English. Approximately 90-130 pages in length. properly formatted. Three-hole punched, bound with brads. your original work, not based in whole or part of any other material. The work of no more than two writers, each of whom must enter this contest and enter separately. Your screenplay MUST NOT contain your name, address, or phone number on any page, including the cover.

You may only enter one screenplay per contest.

Eligibility: Screenplays that have won in other competitions, been produced or optioned are not eligible for submission in the Geller Screenwriting competition. See our official rules.

Employees of American Jewish University, competition judges, and the immediate families of both are ineligible.

Mailing Address:Send your complete entry packet to: American Jewish University, Geller Screenwriting Competition, 15600 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles CA 90077.

Purpose: To increase the richness of contemporary Jewish culture through the creation of screenplays and films that reflects aspects of Jewish American experience.

Contest: Submit a screenplay that relates to, touches upon, explores or includes some aspect of Jewish life. This could be a location, a Jewish character, a Jewish theme, or anything relevant to the Jewish experience. This competition is open to writers of all religious and ethnic backgrounds. Entries accepted from October 23 to December 19, 2008. See the contest rules to learn how to enter.

Prizes: One first prize winner and two runners-up will be selected. First prize is $15,000. The two runners-up each receive $2,500.

Award Reception: Winners will be announced at our award reception.

How do I write a character listening to and singing Russian Opera? Since I won't have a say in the acutual opera chosen for the movie, shouldn't I just write it as action?

Thanks, in advance, for your time and attenion.

Bobbette

CONGRATS!!!!

Thanks, all!!

Patrick, when I write things on computer screen, I tend to write it as an action and not as a shot. I would write "PowerPoint Silde of......" appears on the screen. The director will know that it needs to be a SHOT scene without you taking up space with the BACK TO SCENE format. (Note: most of my movies are 120 pages, so space is an issue with me.)

I have a Sc-Fi with it written as just action and the script got a recommend from Barb Doyon, so it's okay that way. Hope this helps.

Bobbette

Thanks, Kimberly!!

I grew up in Brooklyn and want to support NY as much as I can, but I didn't want to be scammed.

Thanks, Jean!!!

The constant praises she gets on the board, especially you, made me give her a shot and she is awesome!! Two of my movies have gotten a recommend from her and I've made the changes and entered them in competitions. Hopefully, I'll start doing better.

Poetist,

I have used the INSERT function, but I hear that directours HATE when writers direct, so when I want to call attention to something, I usually put it in uppercase. This way, I save space and the director knows it's important, so it should be focused on. I write my love scenes as a SERIES OF SHOTS and my time passing as MONTAGES.

Bobbette

Patrick,

I just put what I want in quotation marks. Say a character is going through a series of letters addressed to people. This is how I would type it:

Alex enters, picks up the stack of envelopes and begins scanning them.

"Deana Dennis" appears on the first envelope. "Daniel Wexler" appears on the next enevlope.

This saves on space and the directour will clearly know that he has to focus on the envelops without utilising the INSERT function.

Bobbette

Joseph,

You are right that the series of shots and monatge usage is directing to a certain extent, but writers need to direct at time as the movie is their vision first and foremost. I use these functions because when I write, I also hear the soundtrack. I understand I'll have no say over what songs get used, but I have my opinion of the approrpriate songs, so they play in my head when I'm writing the scenes.

Bobbette

Hey boys and girls,

My relocation from VA to CA i snow complete. Woohoo!! I am, of course, looking for a job in the field that I am trained: paralegal. However, where do I go from here with screenwriting? I'm thinking I should find a couple of screenwriting groups and join some organisations. I will, of course, continue entering contets. So, what else do I need to do now that I am in the center of it all? Thanks in advance for any help.

Bobbette

company an/or person to do a treatment or two or three at a reasonable price. Thanks.

Bobbette

Thanks Paula. However, coming from the DC legal field, I have no real experience in entertainment law, though I could do entertainment litigation. I am fundamentally a litigation paralegal(any type as the courts are pretty standard once a complaint has been filed), who can do regulatory work in Labour & Employment Law, Telecommunications and Environmental Law.

Patrick, 2 cents is better than none!!!Thanks for all the advice, everyone!!!I've only been in CA 12 days, but I gotta hit the ground running.

I am bringing this to the top for the person who asked.

LOL!! I agree with the poster that said they must have verizon.

So, right off: I am black. Now, I have this script set in present day that currently has all Caucasian characters and there's no reason why it needs to be that way. Well, other than that's how the characters came to me. So, I am contemplating making some characters mixed race or just a different race. The issue is: how do I describe? If say a female is a black/white mix, they can get someone who looks like Mariah Carey or someone who looks like Halle Berry. Then I'm concerned because the mixed race female dies and her husband, who is Caucasian, next love is Caucasian. I suppose I could make his next love Asian and avoid that pitfall. Does it all even matter? I mean: when the movie is bought, they'll just do whatever they want with my characters anyway. Oh, the drama!!!

Good point, Paula. Race isn't central to the story and I'm not changing the character's upbringing, so they'd still speak the same and I think people would still interact with them the same as they are in corporate and government world. I'm just leaning towards writing more worthwhile roles for different ethnicities.

I see what you're saying Walter, but my characters don't normally come to me with ethnic and/or common names, so some description is necessary.

I like to enter the HBFF screenwriting contest, and though I fufill their requirement of being black, the goal is really to write movies with significant roles for black actors and actresses.

Ron, you said a mouthful!! I have the same lament as your couple and refuse to watch shows that I feel depict black people negatively,which is a majourity of them. I love ''Love, Actually'' also and agree with yout thoughts as it pertains to race in the movie. I can't really pin down why my characters are caucasians, but I suspect it's because I'm used to seeing black people portrayed stereotypically in movies and what I'm writing doesn't fall into that sterotype. Hence, the characters are caucasian. The predominantly black movies, in my honest opinion, do not portray black people in a positive light. This, of course, means that writers like me, have to do away with the stereotypes and write black characters better. If we do that, however, one of two things happen: the movie doesn't get made because hollywood thinks it's unrealistic and no audience exists or the characters are changed to caucasin. I feel like I'm in a no win situation. I do agree that leaving the characters as is and avoiding the issue all together is wiset. However, if screenwriters in general, and black screenwiters specifically, do that, then nothing will change as to how blacks are protrayed in films.

I wouldn't recommend holding your breath about the significane of Mr. Obama. While his nomination is monumental, race relations will forever be an issue in this country as it was built on it and is at it's core.

Janet, you gave me a lot to think about. Thanks!!!

Thanks, Patrick. I'm so happy, I'm can barely contain the joy!!

Jean, congrats on your win and great Moviebytes interview!!!

Thanks in advance for any information.

Bobbette

In my opinion, it depends on your script. I've listed three of my scripts and none went anywhere. Of course, my scripts were big budget sci-fi and will require a majour studio or well established indie. I think the scripts that do well on inktip are more low to medium budget indie.

My musical taste is pretty diverse. Currently, when I write, I am listening to gangsta rap and hip-hop. I'm all about T.I., T-Pain, Lil Wayne and Flo Rida right now. Have you ever tried writing to Let It Rock by Kevin Rudolf and Lil Wayne or something bvy Yung Joc? It's off the hook!!!

Hey,

I'm interested in buying a 3D animation software to build a world, characters and have them interact physically and verbally. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Bobbette

Any suggestion for a bank? I've been researching and the industry top 2 are 3d Studio Max and Maya and both ARE expensive.

Thanks, Ron!!!

Any information/feedback on this?

Thanks in advance.

So, I just got a copy. I've looked through it and a lot of companies say no solicitation or only through an agent and/or attorney. My questions are these:

(1) Is is safe to assume that if they don't say that, I can safely send them a query? (2) Should I do a mass mailing or take it a few companies at a time? (3) Should I stick to companies that have done high-budget sci-fi(that's what I have) or should I query any company? (4) Who is the best person, titlewise, to send the query.

Thanks in advance. Bobbette

Thanks, Larry!!!

Thanks in advance for any information.

Bobbette

I don't see Matt Dallas as having his own production company. Thanks, Jean.

Thanks for all the advice and words of encouragement!!! Bobbette

So, I have a sci-fi triology. I've written the second and third movies and both have a recommend from Barb Doyon. I just got her review of the first movie and can fix everything but her comment about the ending. She said that I can't leave a cliffhanger ending b/c every movie has to be able to stand on its own as you don't know which movie a producer might like.

Now, I get what she's saying, but am at a total loss how to write it as a standolone since I envisioned it as a triology and there are two movies after it. Also, can the ending be false or do I need to end it in such a way that you assume how the third movie ends even if it never gets made?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated and thanks in adavance fot your help.

Bobbette

Eric, thanks, but it's kinda hard. Movie 1: How they met, fell in love and fell apart. Movie 2: The event that brought them back together and his discovery that he has a son (i.e. she left his planet pregnant in the first movie. I don't know if I should hint at that or make it blatant.) Movie 3: They finally get their happily ever after with an opening for other screenplays or a pilot.

Basically, I've created a system with 8 planets and different races (note: there are no humans). The protagonist and his lady love are from adversarial race and the societys are very different. It's basically a star wars meets romeo and juliet with a happy ending.

Jean,

Just saw this and wanted to add my congratulations and best wishes. Go get them!!!

Thomas,

I was actually thinking ending the first movie in such a way that the audience believes they'll end up happyily ever after. However, when the second movie opens on her planet (the first movie takes place on his planet.) with her alone and their son, the audience will have a "what the heck?" moment. It does say in the second movie why she left him, so maybe a happy ending for the first movie is workable.

I'm not adverse to you reading screenplay(s) if you have the time and the inclination as I'd rather not give too much away on the board.

Bobbette

I just saw Watchmen and it was pure torture. I liked next to nothing about this movie!!!

Thomas, I agree that the first movie has to be able to stand on its own as if the others will be made is not guaranteed.

I'm still working on the first movie, but I'll email you the second movie and if it grabs you, then the third.

Bobbette

Ron,

You make a good point and I think I've thought of a happy ending with things that can mess it up later. Hence, when the second movie opens the way it does, the audience will know that the sleeper issues came up and broke them up. Thanks.

Ron, here's my two cents: I wanted to like this movie that I saw it twice. I really did because I'm the audience they're going for: I'm the role-game playing, comic-book collecting kind.

What I enjoyed about the movie was visual. The colors were crisp and virbrant, It is a visully stunning work of art.

What I saw as the problem was a lack of emotions from the actors. I didn't connect with any of them. I acvtually left the theathre for a few minutes to decide if I wanted to go back in there. There was just words and actions on the screen. NO emotions. I didn't feel Silk Spectre's frustration or pain over Dr. Mantthan's emotional unavailability. I didn't feel the love connetion between her and Night Owl II. I got no feelins from Night Owl. I feel Ozymandias' need/desperation to save the world from itself or how torn he was to kill millions to save billions. There was nothing to connect to on the screen. I didn't dislike The Comdeian. Here is a man who has done some terrible things, particulary to women, and I felt nothing one way or the other. If i'd hated him, then that would have been some emotion. As for Rorschach, I might possible have felt fo him, but if I do, it's not very strong because it didn't matter that Dr. Manhattan killed him.

Overall, the actors brought not one shred of emotion to the movie and heroes are supposed to be heroes because they feel more than others and care more than others. Even when heroes have to scarifice, you're supposed to know they don't want to do it, but see and feel why they must. When Ozymandias was explaining his actions, it was like he was reading a techical paper. When Night Owl II got angry over Rorschach's death, I didn't feel his pain because they hadn't shown them enough together to make me see the great friendship he was losing.

I just sat in a theatre and kept looking at my cellphone to see how much longer I had to sit there. I want my $10.75 back!!!

Sorry for all the errors in my previous post, but I'm using wi-fi with my laptop and not at home with my big keyboard.

I entered 2 screenplays in bluecat last year and was very disappointed with my feedback as I didn't feel the reader could read because he/she got neither. This year, in an effort to give the contest another chance, I entered a screenply that got a recommend from Barb Doyon. Sad to say, my opinion of the feedback was the same as last year.

The reader asked me who a character was, why was the fact he was captured important and what did it mean. I was blown away!! I said who the character was, why he was captured and the ramifications if he's not rescued alive/released. I mean, seriously, he's the leader of a planet that's been captured by a hostile planet his people have fought two wars with. What the heck do you think is gonna happen?!

I get that EVERYONE gets feedback, but if the reader is too....whatever....to get the script, it's not going to advance. So, I gave them a second chance and they solidified my initial opinion. Now, as far as I'm concerned, bluecat does not exist.

I have a title, but I think it's not getting the script noticed. Mainly, I'm trying to get the first part of the trilogy name down (the part that'll be in every scipt). Any idea how to go about coming up with it? Thanks in advance for your time and attention.

Bobbette

First Movie - The Defazin and the Regenerator.

Second Movie - The Defazin Regenerator: Aztel's Capture.

Third Movie - The Defazin Regenerator: The Rizer Effect.

The titles just came to me, but they only mean something to me. On one hand, it could intrigue the reader to find out what it means or it can turn them off.

I like the second part of the second movie : Aztel's Capture

A Defazin is the lead male character's race and a Regenerator is the classifictaion of the lead female character.

The genre is sci-fi action adventure and it still applies.

Maybe the first movie can be - The Defazin Regenerator: Cristos Rising

Thanks.

Thanks, all. I know I need to change the titles.

First Movie Logline: A nobleman defends a Satarin he's fallen in-love with against body dealers and his own family who consider her a female from an adversarial race.

Second Movie Logline: A leader's capture puts a race-mixed, futuristic physician into an interplanetary dispute that leads him to uncover his true identity.

Third Movie Logline: The up-and-coming leader of an alien world refuses to marry a female he's fallen in love with when he discovers she was pre-destined to marry him.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Bobbette

Martin,

The male's planet is called Defa and his race is Defazin.

The female's planet is called Sata, her race is Satarin and Regenerator is her job title. A regenerator is doctor trained to live on the least amount of energy so they have the maximu amount of energy availible to heal.

Keith,

His planet is very stratfied and based on both feudalism and a monarchy. Her planet is only stratified within the subsets of the governmental structure that runs the planet. Of course, she works for the government within the Regenerator subset.

Thanks, Martin!!!

This is just to say thanks to all who responded. I got my second feedback from Barb and it got a RECOMMEND. I'm totally thrilled!!!

Go, Irin!!! Go, Irin!!! Congrats!!!

So, I go to movies on Fridays and tend to watch multiple movies starting around 2-3pm until closing. This Friday, I saw:

Star Trek, Fighting, Obsessed and Wolverine.

Stark Trek - Loved it!! Loved!! Loved it!! Did I say I loved it?! I loved it so much I saw it twice. I started and ended with it, so I techically sat through five movies. A young James Kirk was as I imagined him to be and Spock, though more emotional with a lot of surprises, was a compelling character. Bones and the rest of the gang were pretty much the way they were in the series and I knew the minute an unknown officer went down with Kirk and Sulu he was gonna bite the dust like in the series. It was familiar enough to make me know I was watching something I have loved for years, but different enough to entertain me.

Fighting - A decent movie, though I found it predictable. Channing Tatum has got to stop playing roles where he's a poor, conflicted and struggling young man who gets a break and makes it big. I already saw him do it in Step Up, so why'd he torture me with Fighting? I see that he's gonna be in the next G.I. Joe movie, so that'll be a different role for him, but I'm not gonna see it b/c from what I've seen of the trailer: THAT AIN'T G.I.JOE. I loved watching Snake Eyes and the gang take on Cobra as a child and as much as I adore you Channing, I ain't paying to see G.I. Joe. Sorry.

Obsessed - I wasn't gonna see this, but I have a friend who works at the theatre and he strongly encouraged me to see it. Hence, I put off the 7:20 Wolverine for the 9:50 and went and saw it. I gotta say that my friend was right. I enjoyed it very much and the actress that played the messed-up stalker did such an incredible job that even I had to remind myself that there was nothing to her obsessed delusions. She was convincing!!!!

Wolverine - Okay, I'm just gonna say it: I was disappointed. I expected a lot more. I guess it's nice to know why Logan has no memories of anything priour, but couldn't they come up with something better? I wasn't on the edge of me seat and could have waited for this to come on HBO.

Well, that's my take on the movies I saw. Terminator and Transformers is up next and I can't wait. Live long and prosper.

So, this week, there were two movies that I wanted to see and one that I just couldn't help myself. It's like a train wreck that I can't look away from. The movies I wanted to see were Terminator: Salvation and Night at the Museum: Battle at the Smithsonian. The train wreck movie was Dance Flick (please forgive me!)

Termintor: Salvation — Don't believe the hype!! It's an okay movie, but it's no where in the league of what Star Trek is or what Transformers 2 looks like it's gonna be. You can go see it if you like, but you can also wait. There were no big revelations, no ''OMG'' ending or anything like that. It was just your run-of-the-mill movie that I can watch once and, if I never see it again, it's all good.

Night at the Museum: Battle at the Smithsonian — Highly entertaining!! Nothing's gonna beat the first movie for me, but this gave it a genuine run for the money. It's a movie I can watch more than once and enjoy.

Dance Flick — I really really don't know what I want to say about this movie, so I'll just hide my head and say the truth: I laughed my head off!! I feel so guilty about that because, being black, I don't like to watch movies where black people are acting a fool. However, it is crack a rib funny if you've seen Step Up, Save the Last Dance, Stomp the Yard, Flashdance, Fame and Twilight. Yeah, I said Twilight!!!

BTW, I saw Star Trek again and it's still a thrill ride from start to finish. I will be pre-ordering the DVD release!!

I totally agree with you about Terminator. The first one was so freaking unbelievable that you were blown away!! Then 2 and 3 came along and they were even better. Here they had a trilogy where each movie got progressively better. And I read the interview with the writers where they said they were told to ''ignore'' the previous movies, which was just ridiculous b/c we know John knows all about living tissue over metal, so acting all surprise in this movie was just stupid. John Connor wasn't meant to be a protagonist, and if you think about it, this current movie doesn't even have an antagonist. In essence, this latest movie didn't have a protagonist or an antagonist.

Yeah, Pike was in much worse shape when Spock ''highjacked'' the ship to get him to the planet where he could be young and handsome again. However, It could be that complications later in life caused his state we first saw in the series. It's not a far stretch of the imagination.

Yeah, the stuff the Wayan brothers do stupid things. I'm actually embarrassed for black people because of them and have never actually seen one of the Wayan brothers parodies before. Now that I have it out of my system, I guess I don't need to go see another one.

Title: Killer Screts

Logline: A widowed hitman struggling with revealing his true identity to make peace with his late wife's family gets a contract for his father-in-law's life.

Title: Killer Secrets

Logline: A widowed hitman struggling with revealing his true identity to make peace with his late wife's family gets a contract for his father-in-law's life.

It's a drama and I can change it to "her father's life" instead of father-in-law. The story is more complicated than the loglines you're suggesting, but you gave me a lot to think about.

How about this logline: A secretly married hit man mourning the unexpected death of his wife and struggling with revealing his identity to make peace with his late wife's family gets a contract for her father's life.

OR

A secretly married hit man struggling with the unexpected death of his wife and revealing his identity to make peace with her family gets a contract for her father's life.

I think the above loglines begs the questions:

1) What were the circumstances of his wife's death? 2) If her family didn't know when she was alive, why do they need to know now that she's dead? 3) What's so special about her father that someone would put a contract on him? 4) How does her husband end up with it?

FYI, he's not ONLY a hit man and he's not technically undercover. He's a famous artist and the law knows about his extracurricular activity, but they don't really have anything solid on him, and his wife knows/knew he was also contract killer. They were married out of the country, so no one on her side knew about it until she dies in childbirth. He's mourning her death, but he's also trying to figure out what involvement, if any, will her family have with his sons b/c her father is in law enforcement.

Thanks for all your help.

Hey Eric,

Her father is not the antagonist, per se and there really is no love there because they've never really interacted. Okay, I guess I have to give more information.

Alex (the protagonist) started out as muscle for a powerful chicago crime family with cops and fbi agents on their payroll. He wanted to go independent, to pursue his other talents as well, and the head of the family agreed, as trying to keep a killer as good as him against his will would be unwise, in exchange for markers for future jobs.

When we enter the story, the crime boss is down to his last marker and the person he decides to use it on is Alex's father-in-law. Now, the crime boss doesn't know Alex was married to this guy's daughter, but he figures if he's gonna kill someone so high up in law enforcement, he should use the best hitman he knows, who is Alex so nothing goes wrong.

Terry,

The actual script just got a RECOMMEND from Barb, who's been working with me from the start and it's entered in last month's Script Savvy contest with a full development feedback. However, I'm trying to get the logline just right for inktip.

Yes, it is a godfather type deal. Alex has no choice in accepting the contract, the reason the crime boss decides to have his father-in-law killed is a surprising twist (it's not as simple as he's in law enforcement or trying to catch him), what the father-in-law does when he discovers Alex has a contract on him is a stunner and the actually ending is a shocker.

Thanks for the encouragement. This story has been a project of mine for a long time: the script that just got Barb's thumbs up was the fourth rewrite and I started out sending her the first 30 pages only.

Eric, That's a great start on a logline that I can work with. Thanks!!

If Alex were your run-of-the-mill cold-blooded killer, he would just kill her father. However, he's not. His legit life is that of a world renowned painter/sculptor/art restorer. He's actually quite a good-hearted man, which you get to see when he interacts with his wife, who hooked with a crime boss when he was young who saw he has a talent for killing people.

How aboout one of these?

A newly widowed hitman's final target to free himself from the grasps of a Crime Boss is his late wife's father.

OR

To free himself from the grasps of a Crime Boss, a newly widowed hitman must kill his final target: his late wife's father.

I prefer the first one because I'm not too big on loglines with colons. It's a pet peeve of mine.

Bobbette

Terry,

The perfect hitman sounds great, but that's a pitch. I need to figure out what would be in tv guide as a description for the movie. I sooooooooooooo hate the whoe logline thing!!! AAAAAAAWWWWWW!!!!!

Thanks for everything, everyone. I'm gonna give it my best.

Bobbette

Here are the choices:

1) A newly widowed hitman struggling with his true nature gets the contact for his late wife's father from a crime boss.

2) A newly widowed hitman struggling to make peace with his late wife's family gets the contract for her father's life from a crime boss.

3) A newly widowed hitman gets the contract for his late wife's father from a crime boss.

4) After his wife dies in childbirth, a hitman struggling with his true nature gets the contract for her father's life from a powerful crime boss.

5) A newly widowed hitman must decide his true nature after getting the contract for his ex-father-in-law's life from a crime boss.

PICK A NUMBER.

Bobbette

Sorry Terry, don't hate me b/c I can't write a logline. It's harder than it looks!!

Walter,

It sounds like you're leaning toward 4.

Okay, this is my last effort: A widowed hitman struggling with revealing his identity to make peace with his late wife's family gets the contract for her father's life.

Walter,

His father-in-law is head of the fbi organized crime division in chicago, which ironically, is NOT why the crime boss wants to take him out.

Terry,

It's all good. I paid for full development at script savvy, so I'll find out at the end of the month what they think the logline should be.

I made the cut with the firsct script in my sci-fi action/ adventure trilogy.

So, the movies that I saw this Friday are Transformer: Revenge of the Fallen, The Taking of Pelham 123, Hangover and Drag me to Hell.

Transformers: LOVED IT!!! There was drama, suspense, romance, action and comedy. I don't really want to make a comparsion to the first movie b/c I think that while the goal of the Decepticons were ther same, the motivation behind the goal was different. However, I will say tha I think it was as good as, if not better, than the first. Optimus is still my robot, but Bumble Bee was on the money and The Twins were hilarious.

The Taking of Pelham 123: Now, I am not a fan of remakes, because I think Hollywood needs news stories from people like us, but this movie is an adrenaline rush from start to finish. Travolta was dead-on with his madman act and Denzel went from mild mannered man to hero beautifully. I could see this one again.

Hangover: LAUGHED MY BEHIND OFF!!!! I truly hope this becomes a TBS or TNT classic. This has got to make the top ten list of best Vegas hangover movies. Every actor brought his character to the set and played his role. I was amzed of some of the things that happened on thier forgettable night. I do think one of them getting married to a stripper was predictable, but it was done in a funny as all heck way.

Drag Me to Hell: Ordinarily, I am not a fan of horror because I tend to root for the bad guy as I think the people being bumped off are stupid and the human race would be better off without them breeding. However, here was a movie that I rooted for the protagonist. She was just a girl doing her job and trying to get ahead in this world when this voodoo woman took it personally and went all curse-crazy on her. I was pleasantly surprsied with the ending because I DIDN'T EXPECT IT!!! I see tha Justin Long is still an actour I'm not warming up, but my mind is still open to liking him.

So, I give a thumbs up to all the movies I saw this Friday.

Note: I saw the trailer for The Last Airbender, which will be out next summer, and all I gotta say is this: M. Night Shamalan better NOT mess it up!!! I have the complete series, which I rewatch often, and love Aang, Sokka, Katara, Toph, Zuko, Azula, Mai, Ty Lee and Uncle. I will seriously black list all his movies from then until I die if he messes this up!!! Heck, if I'm reincarnated, I'll still black list him because, with certain movies, you just shouldn't do it at all if you're not gonna do it right. (Case and point: Twilight.)

Janet, I agree with you on most remakes, but I honestly think Travolta and Denzel did a great job. I wouldn't give the remake a higher mark than the original, but it's a better spend of my money than seeing Watchmen or Twilight.

Did you hear about talks of remaking Clash of the Titans? I am a big B movie fan, my favourite movie of all time is Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid, so I'm deeply upset by this.

Dan,

I see what you're saying and tend to agree with it. I think the best movies have a simple concept and the first one had a simple concept. This one was very busy and I found the parts that didn't involve the original cast uninteresting. However, once the decepticons made their move on Sam, it was all-out action and awesome. It is slow to start, but once it gets going, there's no stopping it.

Yes, they're gonna bank some serious coins!!!

Janet,

I totally agree with you on remakes. I do think Hollywood needs to embrace new talent and fresh ideas. However, it seems that they view new blood as a something worse than death and it doesn't appear that's going to chnage anytime soon.

As for Transformer 2, I don't think they needed to spend as much on it as they did, but what's done is done.

I just read on ScriptPimp that they're going to remake Flight of the Navigator. Here is a movie I enjoy so much that I had it on VHS and then DVD and I don't see the need for a remake. I think it's perfect, and classic, just the way it is.

I'm on the "hate BlueCat" side. I don't find their notes constructive at all and would rather spend my money on Script Savvy or Barb for writing a great screenplay.

I got my Script Savvy feedback and I agree that it was very construtive. I love how they tell you that taking their suggestions is up to you as you know your script best and NOT to rewrite your script just to win their contest.

I took some of the suggestions that the reader said and opted not to use others because I had already considered them and thought them too cliche for my script.

I got an email saying one of my scripts had made the first cut and was in the second. However, I received nothing saying the two others didn't. Does this mean they only notify you if you make the cut?

Simon,

I thought it was the top 10% from the top 25% of round 1 that made it to the quarter finals. If that's not the case, why have a second round since you already know the 10% for ALL entries?

Nick and John,

I am completely confused, but since they've been doing this awhile, I'll trust they have the system down.

Yeah, scripts that made the first round won't make the second.

Does anyone know how they handle a script that passes muster in multiple categories? If your script make quarter in both sci-fi and action/adventure, how do they handle that? It doesn't seem fair to other scripts to have one taking up two places.

I cklick on the 2009 Quarter-Finalists liknk and it takes me back to the first page. What's the issue?

Well, I've been trying to get the list up, but it just sends me back to the homepage when I click on it. Hence, I don't know if I made it in either of my categories and and I'm very put off by this.

Dan,

I've tried that link and it just loops you back to the homepage. This experience is making me highly cross and putting me off big time with page. However, others seem to be able to access the list, so.....

I'm out. CONGRATS to all those who made it and good luck!!!

Andrew,

I got my feedback on 6/29. I suggest you check your spam, and if it's not there, drop Donna an email. She responds quickly.

I just saw Shoot Em Up and that was an adrenaline rush. I was glued to my tv!!!

CONGRATS!!!!

I looked at their website and it seems your screenplay has to fall into one of two categories: Female Protagonist or Minority Protagonist. If it falls into both, pick the one that best fits.

I believe that says it all.

Teryy,

I went on their website and started the online application and instead of having genres like Thriller, Sci-Fi, Drama and whatnot, they have two categories to choose from: Female Protagonist or Minority Protagonist. You can also check the archives of previous winners to see what I'm talking about.

Their website is http://www.broadmindent.com/

It says:

The Cynosure Screenwriting Awards [...] is a competition that seeks to expand the scope of mainstream cinema by recognizing and rewarding feature-length scripts with distinctive and challenging screen roles for women and minorities.

Good luck, Terry!!!!

Terry,

Thanks!! It's a pretty unique name. Well, all names with "ETTE" at the end are French and my last name is actually British. I hail from Jamaica, which was another British colony at some point and my paternal great-grandfather is acutually Caucasian, and he's the one who started the blood mixing with a black woman. I am so torn about which country to make the character from, but if I have to vote, my vote would have to be: French!!!

Janet,

Since your protagonist is a female AND a minority, I'd say throw your hat in the ring.

James,

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!

So, I have a character, upon initial introduction, is talking from under the covers in his bedroom. How do I write this?

I was thinking I wouldn't CAPITALISE his name in the first scene because you don't see him, but should I put (O.S.) or (V.O.) for his lines of dialogue? I'd think V.O. since he's, technically, not off- screen and just unseen.

Thanks, in advance, for all your help.

Bobbette

Michael,

I think you're right about it being O.S.

However, the next time you meet him is where I'll be describing him, and capitalisation of name and description normally go hand in hand.

Good suggestion Terry!! Thanks.

Poetist,

No, his voice isn't used for narration and his dad actually uses his name when he comes to wake him up.

I think, given I've already said he's covered completely under the sheets, I'd be wasting space using (under the sheets) everytiime he speaks in the scene. I'm already trying to make it 90 pages, so every line counts.

I can't find anything in The Screenwriter's Bible that covers this!!!

Thanks, all!!! I think Paula's suggestion works best.

The early deadline is 8/3 and I don't want to waste my money if I don't have a script they want. Yeah, I know they say ALL scripts are welcomed, but contests tend to favour a particular kind. Thanks, in adavnce, for your help.

Bobbette

Janet,

I think you can have a good concept, but a weak premise. I view concept as the idea in your head and premise as the execution on the paper. You can have a great idea, but the premises you set up the first act to get to the concept can be weak. It's a hollyoood classic: movie sold on gret concpet, but ot does terrible at the box office because its premise/execution was weak. This is a situation where remake will be bigger than the original. The concpet, however, has to truly be great. Hope this helps.

Thanks everyone!! I'll enter my crime drama and see how it does. It has a Recommend from Barb and got a 53/60 from Script Savvy. I've since made some changes, according to Script Savvy, so it will hopefully do well.

Thanks, again!!!

I'm out too. Oh well, back to writing the current screenplay I'm writing.

Guys and Gals,

Why are you letting this poser start this crap? I have read the things he's reveale about himself and have conluded that it's highly unlikely they are true. There is no way an 83 year old man who's been a prisoner of war, and survived all the other things he's saying, can be this much of a......... Come on!!

Now, if I'm wrong, and everything he's said is true, then he needs our sympathy and prayer. Afterall, to live through 83 years and end up the kind of person he's portraying here means he had a very sad life.

So, please don't encourage his behaviour because I look to board for support and constructive help and when I see things like this, it just makes me want to leave. Thanks.

Congratulations, John!!!! And don't feel lonely, I'm glad you made it.

Paula,

I know about posers and that it's best to just ignore them, which is why I'm asking the guys and girls engaging this person to not encourage him/her. I just hate to see the top of the message board populated with stuff like this when there so many more important things, that encourage each other, out there to discuss.

BTW, I took your advice on the format question about someone initially talking from under the covers, sent my first act to Barb and she's fine with it. So, thanks!! Help like the one you, and others, provide is the reason I visit this board.

Anyone entered or planning to enter? Why or why not? I'm mulling the idea over, as Jim has a good reuptation on this board, but and am still undecided. Thanks, in advance, for your response.

Bobbete

Thanks, Paula. You've given me a lot to think about.

Bobbette

So, this is where all the great MBers are hanging out?! Can this humble MBer join?

Well, I'm 50 pages into a screenplay about a half-wolf, half-mermaid girl. It's been challenging, but I sent Barb the first act after I finally got it done and she set me straight on my set-up. Hence, I have a good feel about it. Hopefully, it'll be done in a month or less and be read for some September deadline entries.

It's a n-go for me. Congrats to all who made it!!!!!

Patrick,

I think I'm the first person who actually asked her to do an act 1 review. Yes, it is much more efficient. What I do is send her the first act, then include a word document that outlines the major plot points and where I'm taking the movie overall. She then tells me if I've set it up correctly for where I've outlined, or even, if certain things I've outlined don't work in general. It's pretty great!!

No big on my name. I've seen it written worse!

Nick,

I'm an old WAB pro, so I worked out all the bugs a long time ago. However, I know how frustrating it is in the beginning.

Ron,

I suggest you take your problem to Jim and see if he'll let you substitute for the correct version.

I'm still mulling it over, but I'm leaning towards entering. I know more when I wake up on the 3rd.

Good luck to all!!!

Congrats to all!!! Ya'll are great insipration.

yeah, I'm scratching my head at this one too.

Nick,

You gotta put your script out there or there's no point in wanting to be a screenwriter. Now, I don't know if this is the right contest for you, but if you're afraid to enter this contest, how are you gonna enter contests like Page, Nicholl's, Sundance or the likes?

Is the script in the best possible condition? Did you send it to Barb or Script Savvy or some other *professional* coverage/feedback person?

You gotta just take the plunge, hope for the best and learn from the rest.

Bobbette

Nick,

I find that programs like WAB, which are written by techies, confuse the average person. However, believe when I say "it will get easier." I still have issues with WAB, but I've pretty much gotten over the rough patch.

Why did you revwrite the script according to the coverage? Did you agree with everything they said? I find that I never agree with everything a script consultant/coverage person says. Take my Crime Drama: it has a recommend from Barb, but only got a 53/60 from script savvy with recommendations. I took some of the script savvy recommendations, but thought others were too cliche because the changes would have significantly changed the motivation of my protagonist. At this point in my career, I think I have to tell the story I want the way I want. Now, if someone options it and wants me to make changes, that's a different story.

Nick,

Thanks for the best wishes!! I offer the same to you if you enter.

Bobbette

Tell me about it Poetist!! The title does get it noticed, but the logline was boring and it doesn't sound like a movie I'd pay to see.

Nick,

Script Savvy is $55 and they are great. It takes at least a month to get the feedback, but it's worth it. Barb is $75 and she gets it back to you in 7-10 days. I don't have any experience with other coverage people because I took the advice of people on this board, but based on how well Barb's MB clients are doing in contests and her August newsletter being chock full of successes, I'd say she knows a lot of something about something.

My sci-fi made the top 25% in Page this year. Granted, it didn't make the quaterfinals, and I've made some script savvy changes that I believe will make it better since I entered Page, but I didn't even make the top 25 last year. Enough said.

Jeff Gordon over at Writer's Boot Camp talks about branding, so I think it's best to be known for one thing. However, I tend to write what interests me. It appears that I'm going to be a sci-fi/fantasy writer, but I just finished a crime drama that I've had in my head a long time and the one I'm writing now is a low budget PG-13 screenplay about a half-mermaid, half-wolf teenager. Yeah, I'm gonna be sci-fi/fantasy writer. Gosh, I love my life!!!!

Thomas,

I think you're right that genre picks you. I've always been big into sci-fi/fantasy, watch a lot of it and will almost almays choose that type of movie over others at the theatres.

TJ - Rock on!!!

Anica - I entered one of my screenplays in The Movie Deal

Nick,

I entered one of my screenplays and am debating the WAB extended deadline for one of my sci-fi. I don't like to enter my sci-fi in contests without categories or in contests that lump sci-fi and horror together b/c the overwhelming majourity of scripts that make the cut are horror.

Did you enter?

Nick,

I did early entry in the Expo Screenplay Competition. Good luck!!!

Bobbette

I agree that it's Fun with Dick and Jane without Jane. The only thing that makes it different, and possibly interesting, is that the person perpetrating the crime is a senior citizen instead of a suburban couple.

If so, drop me an email. I want to pass along some info. My email is in my profile.

Bobbette

Why should I, who work hard to get my script in on time, have to deal with announcements being pushed back because others couldn't get their script in on time?! This is complete BS!!!!!

I'm with you Irin!! This is exactly what I was complaining about in my thread. I'm actually thinking about sending an email asking to withdraw from the contest and refund my money. If I don't, or they saw no, I'm not entering this contest again. It really isn't fair to those who did what was needed to adhere to their posted deadlines!!!!

Think about the people who entered early and have been patiently waiting for the deadline. Now, they have to wait an additional two weeks because, according to my email, the contest received requests to extend the deadline.

While extending a final deadline is annoying, I can live with it if done BEFORE the deadline has passed. That way, writers who plan to enter know they don't have to burn the midnight oil. Now, extending the final deadline AFTER its passed is NOT cool, plain wrong and those who entered on the deadline believing it was their final chance should get to resubmit WITHOUT COST on the new deadline. Of course, I'm a dreamer, so............

I write because I get all these characters and their stories in my head and, unless I write them down, they drive me crazy. I think they have a line formed because when I'm close to being done with one screenplay, a new set of characters and their story pop in. It's a really interesting process and I'm always surprised by what weaves itself in my head and pops out.

Thomas, the name of the movie is Gamer and I am so there. I like to see movies on opening day, but this recent trend of opening movies on non-Fridays is just too ridiculous for me. In my world, movies still open on Fridays regardless of what Hollywood is doing. Gamer looks good and I am hoping they haven't shown all the good stuff in the previews. I'll be there

Patrick, I saw The Running Man and Gamer looks better. Of course, that could just be wishful thinking on my part.

So, here are my thoughts in the order I saw them:

Gamer — It's a good movie. I felt connected to the characters and understood their plight and desires. I wanted the good guy to win and the bad guy to lose. Gerard Butler was good and the kid playing Gerard's character was good too, but it is Michael C. Hall that makes this movie memorable. Michael was off-the-hook, off-the-charts and on the money with his performance!!! I think he's poised to be the next great Hollywood bad guy star and, hopefully, he doesn't mess it up. B+

The Time Traveler's Wife — I was in tears at the end. TEARS!!! This is shocking to me because I'm not the type that cries at movies. The desire to see an emotional movie does creep in every now, but I normally ignore it and wait for the movie to come out of DVD. However, this movie wouldn't stop calling to me. This movie is so touching, so well-written and so beautifully acted that I was caught up with the actors and felt what they felt. I am going to read the book because if the movie is this good, the book has got to be off-the hook. Of course, I'll hide the cover so no one knows what I'm actually reading. B+ to A-

District 9 — I went into this movie not really sure what to expect, because the ads didn't really say much to me, so I thought I wouldn't like it. However, I was blown away!!! This movie shows how barbaric and brutal human nature is and it shows that you can really only understand another person when you walk a mile in their shoes. I'm a compassionate person, so I was rooting for the aliens from the start, but the story told was incredible. I'd have never guessed from the ads they aired what the movie was about, but I was pleasantly surprised and deeply satisfied. B+ to A-

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra — If you are a lover of the cartoon, like I was, you probably won't like this movie. If you are a lover of the comic, you probably will like it. From the ads I saw, I suspected that I wasn't going to like this movie, so I approached it as movie whose characters just happens to have the same names as the characters in my G.I. Joe cartoon. Surprisingly, with this approach, I didn't hate it. However, I didn't love it either. It was an okay way to spend a couple hours, but it wouldn't have taken much to get me to do something else. You can wait for this to come out on DVD. C to C-

I think TTTW gets such low reviews from critics because most critics wouldn't know a good movie if it walked up to them with a neon sign. The people who really sell a movie are the marketing people. Take District 9, I didn't think I'd like it, but it was marketed in such a way that it made me want to go see what it's about and either confirm or invalidate my feeling. Besides, critics are critiquing a movie, not watching it.

I don't have much interest in seeing Inglourious Basterds because I'm not a fan of Tarantino's work, except Reservoir Dogs, and watching a comedy movie about Nazis isn't my idea of a good way to spend my time. However, if you really want me to see it, I'll put in on my list for this Friday.

So, having seen the movie, you think it's something I'd like?

Thanks all and congratulations to my fellow boarders who made the cut!!!

Hey,

I'd be more than happy to.

1) Whether you think the move was worth it.

From strictly a screenwriting standpoint, I'd say no. I think this because given the many ways you can connect with people today ( e-mail, phone, fax, teleconference), you don't need to make the move until you've got someone (agent or actour) *seriously* interested in what you've written. I'm mainly doing the exact same thing here in CA like I was doing in VA: entering contests and mailing out queries.

2) Things you can accomplish while living in LA that you couldn't when you weren't.

First: making direct (face to face) industry contacts. Second: attend low cost or free events without having to buy a plane ticket and/or renting a car and/or paying for gas and/or putting miles on your car. Third: Immediately meet someone who wants to meet you. Fourth: running into stars in Pollo Campero (I ran into Tommy Davidson this way.)

3) Things that you learned the hard way that you can share with anyone contemplating the move.

You won't become a success overnight. Plan the move carefully because did the move almost overnight. 4) Anything else about the move in general that you'd like to share.

The weather is awesome. The traffic is horrible. People are NOT friendly. This might be taken wrong, but there are some many Spanish speaking people in the food industry that you either need to learn to speak Spanish or always check your food before you leave the restaurant.

Hey,

The judge who read one of my screenplays in Barb's contest said I had typos. I ran a spell check and looked, but maybe I'm too close to the work. Hence, I need a recommendation for a reasonably priced proofreader for my screenplays. Thanks in advance.

Bobbette

James,

It's any restaurant. I've had to write off a couple places b/c the person up front takes my order correctly, but the person in back doesn't seem to be able to read what was written and messes it up. Then, I discover it when I get home and have to decide if i want to use my gas and drive back or take what they gave me. The fourth time that happened at one of my favourite spots, I drove back, gave them a piece of my mind and I haven't been back since.

Sorority Row: I liked the beginning, was cool with the middle and was surprised by the ending. I guess this means the movie hold its own. HOWEVER, the surprise ending disappointed me because the reason the killer was killing was stupid. I mean, I'm no fan of the Greek system and have no issue with knocking off sorority girls, especially the lot in this movie, but the killer needed a better reason. Seriously!!! I'm not sure if I can give this a single grade because I think how it ranks in general is significantly different from how it ranks for me personally. So, it's a B- for the general public and a C- for me personally.

Whiteout — Don't waste your time, money and gas on this movie. It sucks big time to infinity!!! I don't know if this movie is supposed to be suspense or thriller, but it falls short on both. I had ''la la la'' in my head the whole time, wanted calgon to take me away and could've had a V8. There's nothing gripping or interesting about this movie and I was not amused with my friend for making me see this film. C- to D+

Inglourious Basterds — I had no interest in seeing this, but my friend said I'd like it and INSISTED, so I did. Well, I can see why he insisted because I LOVED this movie. OMG!!! I was amused, shocked and just blown away. I think it didn't need to be 152 minutes and Tarantino really needs to learn that more isn't always better, but hats off to him. Brad Pitt was hilarious as heck and everything meshed beautifully. I cannot believe Tarantino made a second movie I enjoyed!! A-.

Final Destination: 3D — This is my first final destination movie and my first 3D movie and both experiences were memorable. The movie itself was decent, I actually screamed at few times and I like how the doomed people who escaped death the first time ended up dying. I found their attempts to break the death cycle funny because I already know that you can't cheat and/or negotiate with death. When death's ready for you, you can run and hide all you want, but it will get you. The 3D thing was freaky and I'll have to try it a few more times to know if it's freaky good or freaky bad. C+ to B-

Yvonne,

In possible defence of Thomas, I think that was put on every feedback.

Bobbette

Too true, Ron. Too true.

I am thinking about entering and would like any information/feedback on this contest. Thanks in advance.

Bobbette

Hi all,

I am living in hell with this anal control freak of a woman I'm renting a room from and need to out on the 13th. I am currently in the San Fernando Valley. If you have room available or know a friend or a friend of a friend, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.

Bobbette

They extended the original late deadline for it, so I didn't expect them to make the original announcement date either.

Mad kudos, Stephen!!!!!

Hey All,

I am in need of someone to prepare a synopsis for me on a screenplay. I don't have a lot of money to spend, so I'm looking to pay no more than $100, but $75 would be better.

I've sent an email to Donna over at Script Savvy and I'm waiting to hear from her.

I also see that StoryPros has the service at the price I'm looking for, but I've never worked with them. Anyone here has and can tell me if they were satisfied?

Has anyone here mastered the art of synopsis writing and would be willing to help me out?

Thanks in advance.

Bobbette

Thanks James, but I don't think me writing a rough will be helpful because I get too detailed and into story, which is not what a synopsis is about. It would really be better if someone else read the script and wrote the synopsis because I can't write a synopsis worth sh*t.

Thanks Heather!!!

Nick, I don't think anyone has heard anything. It's said they would announce today, which means they have until 11:59pm.

Me too, Patrick. Please include the price. Thanks.

Nick,

I saw those comments and everyone is asking if anyone has heard anything. I agree that if they have the winners, semi-finalists and finalists already that they just need to post them. I want to blame extending the late deadline, but can't because they're holding onto those names like the devil is afterm the information. Darn them!!!

BTW, I washed out of the Atlanta Film Festival. Got a nice email today saying the usual : a lot of entries....great caliber...can only pick 12 finalist....blah..blah..blah. I wonder if it were set in ATL if that would have helped. Oh, well. Onward and upward!!!

I also joined TriggerStreet and did my first screenplay review. The story was great and I enjoyed it, but the format was atrocious. I got such a headache reading it and was annoyed that someone would care so little for the craft as to not learn the proper format. I have my second one on my desktop and I'll do that tomorrow.

13 minutes to 11:59!!!!

Stephen,

I know I can delete the assignment, but if someone doesn't tell those not writing correctly to get a screenwriter's bible or go to www.storysense.com for format help, who will. I only delete if I don't like the genre. The first one I did was a crime story, ala the British gangster style, which I enjoy. This one is a sci-fi fantasy, another genre I enjoy. I tried to start it last night, but this writer has CLOSE UP and POV and I only got to the third page. Sweet heavens!!! I gotta tell this dude to stop directing. I'm easy to recognize on trigger as I'm beans_22206@yahoo.com (my email)

Bobbette

Jage,

I'll believe it when I see it!! Lies, I tell you, Lies!! hahahaha!!!

Nick,

I agree with you. If they're not still reading and do have the list, what's the hangup? And if they are still reading, the scripts are not being given the attention they deserve. If they're not ready, just say that!! Heck, they could lie to save face and say something like "due to extending our late deadline, we had more entries than anticipated based on past entry amounts, so we were overwhelmed and are still evaluating."

Cat,

I agree with you too. In this economy, they must be out of their minds to expect those who don't live in LA to get out there on such short notice. And, boy is it ever rude!! I did early entry, so I had to sit through the late deadline extension and then they pull this crap. WTF?!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

A writing program I'm thinking about entering wants the first sequence of one of my screenplays. What the heck is this? First act? Thanks in advance. Bobbette

Thanks, Stephen!!!

Well, Stephen, I think is depends on the kind of scripts that you write. I am slowing coming to the conclusion that it's not really worth it to ME. I write Science Fiction and there's no horror in it. Hence, when I enter a contest with they have sci-fi/fantasy/horror grouped (which is most of them), the overwhelming preponderene of the scripts that place are horror and there is/are no horror aspect(s) to my scripts.

I'm also left wondering if the fact that I'm female plays a part, because sci-fi is a male dominated field. I know it shouldn't matter, beacuse a good script is a goos script, but we do not live in a bias free world.

Case and point, I entered my screenplays in the Hollywood Black Film Festival and got a feednack returned where the reader said he/she didn't read past the first page because it was too sc-fi for him/her. I was appalled because I PAID to eneter this contest, and I let the person who runs the program know. She upset this happened and offered me a free entry in next year's contest, which I declined. So, even in a contest where the main criterion is that at least one writer be of african decent, and I'm the only writer and of african descent, my sci-fi screenplay was discrimated against. Shocking!!!

This is probably more than you wanted to know. However, I think it you write a good low-budget contemporary script, the contests are the way to go. I think if you write a low-budget horro, you're chances are phenomenol. However, for the sci-fi writer, whose script is rarely low bugget, it's hard out there for a pimp.

Bobbette

James, do you think she was dropped because she was dishonest about her age or that she was 40? I mean, 20 or 40, a good script is a good script. It makes no economical sense to discriminate based on age if the material is being received well by the public. I don't care of the writer of Bones is 20, 50, or 60. If they keep me glued to the TV, it's all good.

James, young is a relative term and I think the average person, considering how long people are living these days, wouldn't consider 40 old. Now, if they said they wanted someone in their 20s, then she's clearly in the wrong.

Amen, Kenny!! Amen!!!

Sweet heavens!!! It's more than just hard out there for a pimp!!! It's dang near impossible. So, what I'm gathering, the bigwigs in Hollywood believe that a writer in his/her 20s can write a script for an adult audience in their 30-40s, but a writer in his/her 40s can't write a script for the teen- 20s age group? They need serious help.

I hope and pray that DAN is REALLY gone!! That person was just...well, I won't use that word on the board.

Stephen, have you had any bad experiences on TriggerStreet? I did. I evaluated this screenplay and the writer didn't take my critique well. I let him have the last word b/c I wasn't gonna gp beyond two posts with someone who didn't get that a story about a psychotic female bent on revenge against an ex she believes did her wrong and befriending his unsuspecting wife as a way in has been done to death. I've seen that on lifetime so much and told him that , though I found it cliche, it's a lifetime movie dream.

I also tried to point out some formatting issues, but he shrugged those off too saying that there are so many different schools of thought on format. After that, I was done, but the whole incident bothered me b/c the sad thing is that screenplay, if properly promoted, would get made before one of my sci-fi. Oh, the injustice.

I'm not under 30, but I l believe my sci-fi would get the 10-35 males mainly because I'm more of a tomboy. My trilogy has beautiful alien women who are scantily clad and sexually empowered, great fight scenes, wonderful special effects, spaceship/spaceliners and an entire new universe with all these different races to learn about.

Cat,

I checked it out and that dude is a complete a**hole, but with a name like that, he'd have to be. He basically said you were too stupid to get the subtlety in his screenplay. Sweet heavens!!! All you can do is try to point him in the right direction, whether or not he does is up to.

And did that dude really say Movie Magic is wrong?! It and Final Draft are recognized as the screenwriting software in the industry and he's saying they're wrong. Well, alrighty!!

Stephen, you're leaving us?! Say it ain't so!!!!

Congratulations, Stephen!!! Remember us when you're dining with the bigwigs.

OMG!!! I'm in with my drama! I have been studying so hard for the paralegal certification test, which was this past wekend, that I had completely forgotten that I entered this.

CONGRATS TO ALL!!! I feel in good company with all the names I recognize on the semi-finals.

So, I could only watch two movies this weekend because I had to be in Riverside, CA Friday and Saturday for the paralegal certification test and Sunday left me too tired to do my 4 or 5 movie deal.

The two movies I saw were New Moon, which I'm sure almost everyone has seen, and Armored.

New Moon - I don't know why they keep trying to make these books because they clearly can't. IT SUCKED!!! It wasn't as sucky as the Twilight, but it's there. Since I didn't see the love between Bella and Edward in the first movie, this one, on the love front, was pretty horrible. They are playing Bella as this sad and morose person with a constant frown on her face. Bella is not that way!!

Armored - This movie surprised me. I thought I was just gonna like, and starting slow, I thought y opinion was confirmed. However, after they did the heist and things started falling apart, it was a non-stop adrenaline rush to the end. I really really enjoyed this movie!!

Blind Side is on my list to see. Truth is stranger than fiction, so I find it worthwhile to see movies based on actual events.

I am debating going to the movies this weekend coming upor waiting for the following weeken when Avatar opens. Then, I'll see Avatar, Blind Side, Brothers and 2012. Of course, I could go this weekend and see the three that's out and go back for Avatar when it opens.

Thoughts? Opinions? Recommendations?

Avatar - So, I saw it twice, on a regular screen and in 3D. 3D is off-the-hook!!! I. however, have mixed reviews on the film. It is a stunning movie to look at. The imagination and creativity that went into it was incredible and the world that was created is spectacular. It's a movie whose beauty I could look at for along time. However, from a screenwriting standpoint, the script was mediocre. It's basically a story about American colonialism with a happy ending. The humans represent the colonials and the Na'vi represents the Indians, except the Indians didn't do so hot in the reality. The male lead also didn't go through any great transformation. When the movie opens, he was pretty ambivalent about being an avatar driver because it was his brother's dreams to go to Na'vi and he only ended up there because his brother was murdered and, as his twin, he could control his brother's Avatar. So, it's not like he started out dedicated to the human cause on Na'vi and then slowly transformed into being this hero for the Na'vi the more time he spent with them learning about their culture and falling in love. I'd give the cinematography an A+, but the story/script a C.

The Princess and the Frog — It was okay. It's no Lion King, Little Mermaid or even Beauty and the Beast. I didn't think there were any great songs in it, which I've come to expect from Disney movies of this sort, and it's not a movie I'm going to get on dvd. I have The Little Mermaid, Lion King and Beauty and the Beast. I really wish Disney would take a crack at Rapunzel or Rumpelstiltskin because those are my favorite fairytales. However, I'm an adult and a child will have a different opinion. So, this adult gives it a C+.

Brothers — I didn't like it. I can't really say why, but I'll give it a try. There was nothing fresh about the story, I didn't find it gripping and I wasn't on the edge of my seat or anything like that. I mean, considering what Tobey's character went through as a prisoner of war, his behavior wasn't shocking. Natalie's character didn't commit do anything too egregious. Jake's character was the classic black sheep of the family that started getting his act together after his brother's supposed death. Their father was an ex-war veteran himself with a drinking problem and anger issue he took out on their mother and his sons. The only thing I found that made me go ''ooookay'' in the whole movie was the older daughter's behavior. The previews made it seem like such a compelling story, but I could have waited for this to come out on dvd. I give it a C+.

I concur with Nick. I wasted my money.

Janet,

Thanks for the review kudos.

Yes, despite the one dimensional characters, it was extremely entertaining and that IS the point of a movie. Plus, being almost 3 hours, I didn't find myself annyoed at the length or thinking it was too long. I believe my money was well spent, and as my friend who works at the theatre is working on Christmas, I'll probably be seeing it again later that night.

Here we go: Sherlock Holmes — If you love the Sherlock Holmes books, like I do, you will NOT like this movie. There was not one single ''Elementary, my Dear Watson.'' If you can watch it objectively, like I tried to do, you might like it. However, I doubt. When I saw they Guy Ritchie was the director, it all made sense!!! This is not a version/interpretation of Sherlock Holmes movie that I would have signed off on making, but it's a very original take on it. And by ''original,'' I mean completely and utterly wrong!!!! If you absolutely cannot find anything else to do for 2 hours, do see the movie. I'm giving this a D+.

Alvin and the Chipmunks — I mostly liked it. The antagonist from the first movie was back, which I liked and the chipmunks were themselves. It didn't attempt any great lofty goals; it just wanted to entertain. The thing I found slightly off-putting was the sexual undertones to the chipettes. I mean, I don't know if little kids, who the movie is geared towards, will get it, but the hips swinging and sashaying didn't need to be there. I mean, they may be chipmunks, but they're kids!! Having said that, I give it a B.

Did You Hear About the Morgans? — This is NOT my type of movie. My friend who works at the theatre wanted me to kill time until he got off, so I reluctantly went to this movie. Well, I really enjoyed it!!! It is a cute movie with some funny moments. There are many cliches about how people in the state where the US Marshalls relocated them, but it blended in well at the end of the movie. I give it a B+.

I still haven't seen The Blind Side or Invictus, mainly because they don't seem like my type of movie (I'm a sci-fi, action, adventure, shoot-em-up girl.), but I'm gonna go see them next weekend.

Does anyone know what this movie Nine is about? It was an option, but my friend had no idea what it was about, and other than being some sort of musical, the previews didn't tell me the story that surrounds it.

I saw Avatar again and I still enjoyed it. It's only the second weekend out and I already want this movie on DVD!!! It's going to be long wait for it to come out. My friend works until closing, around 3am, and the last movie starts either 12am or 12:30am and Avatar was the last movie.

Janet,

tahnks for the info. on Nine. I am a fan of musicals, but I wasn't quiote sure what kind of musical this would be. I'll put it on my list for this weekend.

I have seem Avatar from start to finish 3 times myself. However, I've seen it from 30 minutes in twice (this is where he fisrt links with his Avatar) and from an hour in once. It's a good movie to watch in between movies if I have a long wait until my next scheduled movie.

Right now, I'm waiting on Day Breakers (love me some vampire movies!!), The Book of Eli (Denzel; Need I say more?!), Legion (who can resist angels with guns) and Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (It's sci-fi action adventure). Some movies that I might kill time with between films are The Spy Next Door, The Tooth Fairy and Leap Year.

Heather,

thanks for the Kudos. If there's a movie opening that you'd be interested in hearing my take on, let me know. Al would enjoy not needing to bribe me with concession goodies to convince me to watch movies until he gets off.

Jeffrey,

You are correct that Holmes never said the phrase ''Elementary, my dear Watson.'' The closest he comes to that is in the short story The Crooked Man, where he says ''Elementary'' to Watson in regards to his deduction of how busy Watson was professionally. Thanks for point it out.

Heather,

I will see Up in the Air this weekend.

Thanks, Julia!!

Up In The Air — This is an easy movie to give a rating to, but hard to describe. However, I want to state that all the reviews about it being an example of our economic time is wrong. Given how many frequent flyer miles George's character has when the movie opens says he's been doing this his whole life, so he had a job prior to the country's economic meltdown. The meltdown has given him more work and brought him closer to his target miles, but the job was there before. Besides, once he fires people, we don't see how it affects them afterwards; we do hear about one person, but it's cursory. George's character could have any job that had him travelling more than 300 days a year and the movie would have still been the same. This is a movie about HIM, not his job. It's hard to describe this movie because the point of it is subjective. If you're a traditionalist in how you think a person should live their life, you'll think the movie is about a man who's completed isolated himself in a sad and pathetic life, encounters two women who affect him significantly and comes out a better person from the experience. If you're a non-conformist, like me, you see a man who's happy with how he lives his life, encounters two women who screw up his head and comes out a sad and pathetic person from the experience because now he's aware of all the things he wasn't aware of before and has to continue living his life prior to their involvement. I also don't like how either woman is depicted in this movie because, as much as they affect and/or criticize how George's character lives his life, they are quite sad and pathetic themselves. Granted, George's character's relationship with his family is somewhat improved, and I think both traditionalist's and non-conformist can agree that's a good thing, but he didn't think there was anything wrong with it until these two women came along. The ending is also very ambiguous. It ends with him standing at the airport looking at the departure flights and you're not sure if he's taking the advice one of the women gave him or just going somewhere to do his job. This is NOT a MUST SEE movie, but if you do see it, your emotions will be affected and you'll see it's a movie about human nature, comfort zones and the consequences of stepping outside of it. I give it a B+.

It's Complicated — Don't believe the title!!! There is nothing complicated about this movie. Alec plays a man who cheated on his wife of 20 years with his current wife, and after 10 years divorced, realizes he still loves his first wife and wants her back. Meryl plays a woman who steps into the mistress role like Alec's second wife and hurts Alec's second wife the same way that she was hurt. This movie is supposed to be a comedy, and I admit that there are some very hilarious moments, but the situations it deals with its anything by funny. There's a cheating hypocrite ex-wife, a cheating lying and selfish ex-husband and the ex-wife's supporting friends who thinks her having an affair with a married man, just because he was married to her first, is okay. And Lake Bell, who plays Alec's second wife is depicted in a way that we are supposed to feel that she deserves to be cheated on, and I supposed the average movie watcher would, but I don't buy it. Alec knew who she was when he cheated in his first wife with her and then married her after she cheated on him and had a child with another man. The only redeeming person in the main cast is Steve Martin who plays a man who's been divorced for 2.5 years who starts falling for Meryl while she's having the affair with her ex-husband. Well, all I have to say is ''Steve, run for the hills!!! You so far out of this adulterous' league it's not funny!!'' I think I've made it clear what I think about the message this movie sends, however, from a strictly a comedy standpoint, which this movie is being billed as, I give it a B- to C+.

The Blind Side — I loved it!! It left me with a warm and hopeful feeling. It's an uplifting movie that shows what we are all capable off if we give in to the good emotions in us like love and compassion. Sandra's character was a tough woman, which I like to see in movies, and she never really questions her decision to take this young man in. She knows what she's doing is right and doesn't care what anyone else says. I give an A+.

Janet,

There's no love triangle in Up In The Air. One woman is a young upstart that George's character is asked to mentor, and it never romantoc, and the other is a woman that George's character meets and starts a relationship with. In fact, I don't think there's any genuine love in this movie. You could argue that his efforts to help talk his sister in her situation was a sign that he cared, but I think he was just put on the spot and couldn't come up with a way to get out of helping. I do think George's character was starting down the path to love with the second woman until the incident that put the kabash on it.

Heather,

Thanks and you're most welcomed.

I was very disappointed in It's Complicated, particularly Alec's character because he was spineless and without any redeeming quality. You would think a man who takes a woman back after she cheats on him AND gives birth to another man's child would have the upperhand in the relationship. However, he allowed her and that kid to completely dominate and control him. Plus, what he did when she was trying to get pregnant was just more evidence of how dispicable a man he is. Even at the end, what they bith said about the affair was truly sad. I had a hard time getting past the movie to see, and appreciate, the comedy.

Thanks for asking me to cover Up In The Air. It wasn't a movie I'd go see on my own, but it really was very interesting and I understand what the critics are saying. It is such a subjective movie that you can see whatever you want to see in it. I think this speaks well, and ill, of the screenwriter because if there's a particular message being conveyed, the mark wasn't hit. However, it does leave you thinking and that's always a good thing.

I viewed the movie the same way you did, nathan. However, I've spoken to some friends who think when he's looking at the departures at the end, he's planning to take the advice the girl he mentored told him she'd do if she had that many miles. Also, we don't hear him say yes or no to the Bateman's character plan to send him back flying. Hence, I have friends who say that he said no and is at the airport utilising his miles at the end. As I said, the ending is ambigious because you don't what the heck is happening. As I gather, he started out happy in his ignorance of wanting any other life and ended the movie wanting another life, but seemingly staying in the one he had in the beginning. If that's what he's doing, as I believe, he's about to suffer a lot until the day he dies and it's all because those two women, particularly the girl he mentored, couldn't leave well enough alone and let the man enjoy his ignorant bliss.

So, anyone ever taken this? If so, feedback. Is it worth the money?

Well, boys and girls, it was good day at the theatre for me. I enjoyed every movie I saw.

Daybreakers — I'm a big, big, big vampire fan!! Did I mention how bog a vampire fan I am? Hence, I went in expecting to LOVE this movie. However, I only LIKED it. It's an interesting twist on vampirism and an even more interesting and ironic twist on the cure for vampirism, but the movie lacks substance, there are really no great lines and I was left wondering about its point. Having said that, I think all the actors did well with the script they had and the screenwriter had a good premise. However, the execution, i.e., the plot, fell short of all it could have been. I give it a B-.

Youth In Revolt — I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this movie, and when I realized it was a first person telling with a running voice over, I was, to keep it respectable, not happy. However, I'm a movie lover, so I always keep an open mind and let the movie seep into me. Well, this one didn't see. It exploded. It is one hilarious movie!! Michael Cera is great, and his alter ego, are great!! I don't think the object of his affection was worthy of him, as she started coming on to him while she had a boyfriend, but if that's who he wants, so be it. The things he did to be with this girl were so out of his character, and doing them with a straight face, made them truly hilarious. I think the casting was great, with the exception of Justin Long. This just wasn't his role, and based on what I've seen of him, he hasn't found his role yet. I give it an A.

Leap Year — I went into this movie expecting to dislike it because movies about desperate, marriage hungry, men-chasing women annoy me. I'm a modern girl, so I find that portrayal insulting and don't see the need to chase after any man; if he doesn't appreciate how wonderful you are, there are several men out there who will. However, I really enjoyed this movie. It a classic and simple movie about how going after what you think you want can lead you to what you need. It's about opening yourself up to possibility of being wrong and embracing something you thought wrong as right. In essence, it's a movie with a point. There were many comedic moments, many sweet moments and a few moments that had me so frustrate (in a good way) that I wanted to throw Al's popcorn at the screen. It had all the markers of a romantic comedy: tense meeting, slowly getting to know each other, falling in love, breaking up, getting back together and the big kiss at the end. I give it a B+.

The Book of Eli — If you are an atheist, this is not the movie for you. If you're an agnostic, you might enjoy it or you might not; it depends on how open-minded you are. If you are a believer, this is a truly deep movie. From the previews, one would be believe that this is a primarily action move, and while it does have action, this is a movie for the faithful. On the surface, it doesn't beat you over the head with faith like movies on The Hallmark Channel, but once you reach the end, you realize that it's woven throughout. It would do my soul good to see this movie again. I give this movie an A.

The Spy Next Door — This is a cute movie that kids will enjoy, but I don't believe it has enough comedy for its classification. Jackie Chan was classic American Jackie Chan, which I don't like. I love Chinese Jackie Chan. Billy Ray Cyrus played the same character he does in everything I've seen him in. He either doesn't have range or hasn't found the movie to show it. George Lopez was not funny. Jackie and the kids, who are decent actors, are the best things about the movie and the main villain has some good comedic moments. If you have kids, they'd enjoy the movie. If you don't have kids, you wait for this to come out on DVD. I give this movie a C.

Hey boys and girls,

I've been reflecting, which one tends to do around this time of year, and I'm leaning towards throwing in the towel this year. Now, I don't mean I'd stop writing, but I'd just go back to writing for me and my friends and not enter contests or respond to call for scripts.

It seems to me that, fundamentally, even when hollywood says it's looking for fresh and unique ideas, it really just want the same stories over and over and are truly not looking for anything new. So, as far as screenwriting goes, I think I should take 2010 off.

Walter,

You didn't read my post. I'm not giving up writing: that's impossible for me.

Way to go, Stephen!! Good luck.

Thanks for all your thoughts/opinions/advice!! I wrote 4 awesome scenes (in my opinion) this week and signed up for Julie Gray's workshop on 2/13. I'm going to spend more of my money on things that make me happy and imrpoving my screenwriting. If contest tickles my fancy (Page always does), I'll enter. However, the contest circuit, and the frustrations that arise from it, will be on the back burner in 2010.

Thanks, again.

Bobbette

Irin,

Of course I will!!! I'm not giving up screenwriting. I still like doing my movie reviews, even if no one cares.

Bobbette

Thanks, James!! Those are all great suggestions and I've done a few. Of course you can join me. The more the merrier!!

James, I have dated a Mexican!! I've been to Mexico, Peru, Costa Rica and Spain. I'm fluent in Spanish, but I don't speak it unless necessary. When I hit it big in Hollywood, I'm getting a villia in the south of Spain.

Legion — OMG!!! I'm a little afraid. God has come to Hollywood gangbuster's style!! This is a movie for Christians, first and foremost, but anyone with faith and hope for mankind would like it. I don't think most Christians would be okay with the violence in this movie, but it adheres to the bible in that God said he wouldn't smite us with flood again, so people possessed by angels works for me. I knew it was Michael that would come down to protect the child because he is described as an archangel who stands up for children in the Book of Daniel. I liked Paul Bettany's portrayal of Michael; he oozes the quiet peace and confidence one would expect of an angel and even when he's kicking butt, you know he's doing it because he loves mankind and believes his actions righteous. This is a very deep movie. I can see why God would lose faith in mankind, but I also see why Michael didn't and I understood the belief/philosophy behind him disobeying God. The action scenes were great and the right between Michael and the archangel Gabriel were awesome and those wings were something to behold!! I thought the portrayal of Tyrese's character was cliché and I really wish Hollywood would stop perpetuating the stereotype that black men have guns and baby mama drama! There is more to black men than that!! This, like The Book of Eli, is a very subjective movie, but from a strictly screenwriting standpoint, it hits all the right notes. I give it an A- to B+.

Tooth Fairy — Laughed my behind off!! Dwayne Johnson is a very versatile actor. He can play both a kick ass person and a comedian very well, but I like him best when he's doing both, like in Race to Witch Mountain movie he just. Ashley Judd was good and so was Julie Andrews, but the cast member who stole the movie was Stephen Merchant. The comedic scenes between him and Dwayne were hilarious and the serious scenes were touching. I understood why Dwayne's character was who he was at the beginning and the transition to who he was at the end was believable. I, of course, thought Ashley's character took him back too quickly after he said the things he did, but I understand why she did: she loved him AND her kids loved him and finding both those things for a single mother is rare. When he finally started embracing the spirit of being a tooth fairy, you could see the change, and though he slipped, the change had taken hold. I give it a B.

I saw the preview for the new Karate Kid movie for the first time and frankly, I'm surprised I liked what I saw. I think I liked it because they're not doing a complete rip-off of the original, like Mr. Miyagi can be anyone except Pat Morito, and they're setting it in China. I also liked that the kid is younger than in the original and the issue over the girl isn't class. I don't know if I like that it seems more about race, a Chinese boy and an African-American boy fighting over a Chinese girl, but I'm an open minded person.

I also saw the previewed for Iron Man, and I want to say right off the bat, this is NOT a movie I will be reviewing b/c it's not a movie I will be seeing. I don't like how Terrence Howard was treated, so NO WAY, NO HOW. This is about right and wrong and solidarity for me.

Edge of Darkness — I'm not a fan of conspiracy theory movies, but I am a fan of one man standing against many, so as much as I think Mel is an excellent actor, he had me in a bit of a pickle with this movie. Here, he plays a father whose daughter is gunned down in front of him and he wants to find out who killed her and why. I'm down with that. However, the reasons behind her death are tied to nuclear weapons, a clean-up man, government contractors and a U.S Senator. Well, boys and girls, Mel does not disappoint!!! he goes to a dark place and this is a very good movie. It doesn't get incomprehensible and convoluted with the conspiracy (as most conspiracy movies do), and though you only see Mel's daughter for a short amount of time, you can feel how much he loves her. Mel is a man on a mission and there nobody's going to stop him!!! The ending surprised me because no way would I have guessed two of the things that happened. Of course, like in most of Mel's movies, faith plays a role. Overall, it was worth my time. I give it a B+.

When In Rome —This was a waste of my time. It's not an overly good movie. I'd say it's somehere between okay and whatever. There are some pretty funny moments, but I think the underline premise/concept is screwy. If you're a Josh Duhmal fan, it might be worth seeing to adore him. I am a Josh fan and I think he wasted his talent with this. I think even if you're a believer in magical love, this concept would be hard to swallow. Now, when this girl goes to Italy for her sister's wedding and takes the coins out of the fountain of love, the men who threw the coins in all show up in NY to pursue her. First, were all these men already in the new Yorkers tri-state area to begin with? And if they are, don't you think it's a little odd that of the thousand of coins in the fountains, she picks four from the same area? Oh, please! Second, if they were NOT all in the new York tri-state area, are we supposed to believe that they dropped everything they were doing in whatever state/country they were, to fly to new York to pursue this girl. Of course, she picked the coins of some men who, as best I can gather, weren't on the path to doing anything with their life. And two she picked that could be construed as having a meaningful means of income, one was old enough to be her father and the other was prevented from being with her. I give it a C-.

From Paris With Love — There's just something about a man who can handle a car and a gun well that does something to my blood!! That aside, this move is an adrenaline rush from the second Travolta hits the screen until it ends. It is a freaking rollercoaster ride. Jonathan is an actor I like, mainly for his singing voice, but he handled his business in this movie. He starts out one way and with some help from Travolta and his own fiancee, ends the movie as a different person. I found his transformation believable and I think it was a great way to start my movie day. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I give it a B.

Frozen — OMG!! WTF!!! SWEET HEAVENS. I screamed and had to cover my eyes a couple times. I went in thinking that there wasn't much you could do with three people trapped on a ski lift. However, a couple ''oh, my Gods!!'' later and I was proven wrong. This is truly an amazing low budget movie. Go see it!! I give it an A-.

Dear John — I know this movie knocked off Avatar as No.1 this week, but it was bound to happen and this is a date movie. Hence, girls are dragging guys to go see it, while From Paris is mainly a guy movie, so it was bound to take in more money. That said, I didn't feel this movie at all. I didn't feel the love between the characters and I didn't feel their struggles. Now, I know Mr. Sparks is a great novelist, so I'm putting the blame squarely on the shoulders of the script and/or the actors and/or director and/or casting person. I don't think Channing or Amanda was the right choice for this movie because neither one displayed the emotional range or depth these characters needed. Sorry, Channing, I still think you're all kinds of lovely. I heard one girl in the theatre said it was a lame say to end the movie. I concur with her!! I actually said ''I just wasted 2 hours of my life that I'll never get back.'' My honest advice is to read the book: it's cheaper and you'll enjoy it more. I give it a C-.

Well, my much anticipated wait is almost over. This weekend, two movies that I have been waiting impatiently to see opens: Percy Jackson & the Olympians and The Wolfman. I might need a movie theatre combo with a box of goobers on the side this weeken. Yeah, baby!!

Go Stephn! Go Stephen! You the dude!! Congrats!!

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightening Thief — Oh, the disappointment!! Maybe, being a fan of mythology, I expected too much. I mean, it is a movie about a bunch of kids. There were some cool special effects, but special effects alone do not make a passing movie. The story was mediocre, the acting average and the premise slightly hinky. I mean, of ALL the demi-gods out there walking the earth, why did they think Percy stole Zeus's bolt and where did Zeus have his bolt that a demi-god could just roll up on it and steal it? I'm guessing that it was because he was the son of one of the three brothers, and Zeus didn't think one of his kids did it (they didn't say if he had any half kids out there, but based on mythology, there's a rack of them) and they didn't say Hades had any half-kids, so it had to be Poseidon's son. Also, is Zeus just leaving his bolt, the most powerful weapon in the world, lying around where anyone could rip it off?! It seems pretty far-fetched to me. Of course, I got to see Kevin McKidd and that made the movie worth it for me. God, I loved him in Rome!! That is one talented redhead!! I give this movie a C+.

Valentine's Day — LOVED IT!!! LAUGHED LIKE A MADWOMAN!! If you loved Love Actually, you will love this movie as well. It's done in the same style and pulled off just as beautifully. It's a love story with comedy, tragedy and everything in between that interweaves the multiple min-stories seamlessly. As to the acting chops of Taylor Swift, if her character is supposed to be a vacuous, clueless airhead, then she nailed it like a superstar. I won't know if she's any good at acting until she plays a part that requires depth. I would also recommend the soundtrack. I give this movie a B+.

The Wolfman — This is really and truly a remake of a classic in the truest sense. I commend the screenwriters for keeping it simple and sticking to the basics. There were no great special effects (I was surprised how fake looking the werewolf costumes were given modern technology) and no big moral lesson. It was just a story about a man bitten by a werewolf and cursed to kill every full moon. You loved him, hated him and felt sympathy for him. I enjoyed the old England setting and Benicio, being a great actor, plays the tortured soul well. The movie had no delusions of grandeur and wasn't trying to take the wolfman to the next level. There were some chilling moments, some moments of panic and my heart skipped a beat on a few of the scary moments. Anthony Hopkins was, well, Anthony Hopkins and the showdown between him and Benicio was done well. I give this movie a B.

It pains me to say that I saw a trailer for The Last Airbender that has me a bit pissed. Why is Zuko Indian?! Look, Mr. Shyamalan, I get that being Indian, you want to help Indian actors, but ZUKO ISN'T INDIAN!! I foresee a boycott of ALL of Mr. Shyamalan work in my future. I have the entire series on DVD and I'm quite happy with it, so I think that's just gonna have to be enough for me.

James,

I concur that there have been some reall bad monster movies made.

Yeah, I wasn't quite sure what to make of Benicio as Anthony's son, but I went it with an open and and they handled that well.

The situartionwith The Last Airbender, casting-wise, in beyound stupid. Personally, if they can't get something as simple as casting right, I don't have much hope for the movie. There are enough talented actours out there, famous and unknown, that casting should be easy enough to get right.

Shutter Island - I can't say much about this movie because it'll give things away and this is one ride that you've got to take. I completely enjoyed this movie!! If this movie is even half as good as the book, it's an incredible read. I was blown away and shocked. I would have never seen it coming!!! The audience I saw the movie with was had the same reaction I did. There were some truly stunned faces walking out of the movie and I could truly understand. I give it an A.

Yes, Janet, it was very sad and I totally see your point. Michelle Williams, though limited to flashbacks and hallucinations, did a great job with her role.

Tom,

If they had the movie go along with Leo's view of what he believed, it would have been lame.

You have to remember that the average moviegoer hasn't read the book and walked in not knowing what to expect. Hence, to them, it was a good twist ending. I know screenwriter's watch movies from a different standpoint, but studios are not making movies for screenwriters and the average movie watcher LOVES a twist ending.

Well, I think it's a combination of two things, with the second being more important:

1) It's a relatively new contest; 2) It ONLY awards money.

Most of us are here to have a career as a screenwriter, so a contest that doesn't offer some chance for career advancement doesn't make sense.

James,

This is a good question and one that I've been mulling over for quite some time. I am not sure if I can give one answer to the question, but I have two possible answers:

1) He was blind throughout the entire movie.

2) He WAS blind at birth, but God gave him the ability to see in order to find the book and take it to its final destination.

I think I agree more with the second one because his actions and movement didn't give any indication that he was blind. Also, in the cave with the girl, after those guys tried to rape her, when she made a grab for the Bible, his bag had a sticker with "Hi, my name is ELI" on it. You normally see this on bags that blind children carry.

In either case, being blind throught or given the ability to see after being blind, God was on his side and that's really all that matters.

Irin,

I heard about it when it first started and thought about entering last year, but didn't.

They have to get 100 entries for the contest to take place and the entry is only $20. They are also awarding $3500 total, which is more than the combined entry for the 100 scripts at $20 a pop.

You're right that money is they sole purpose of the contest. It's not a bad reason, and the award isn't enough to disqualify you from other contests, so it might be worthwhile.

I'll mull it over again and see how I feel this time around.

So, I copyrighted my screenplays when I finished them. However, they've gone through significant changes since then and I was wondering if I needed to copyright them as they are now. My feeling is no, because I'd have to copyright after EVERY majour re-write and that doesn't make much sense.

Thanks, in advance, for your time and attention. Bobbette

Hey All,

Well, I am writing a tv feature, probably for nickelodeon or disney (the main characters are high school juniours), and I am hoping to get some pointers. I'll tell you what I know and you either correct me or add. So, my understanding is that the format is same as a big screen feature, but:

1) Keep it at 90 pages for commercials; 2) Have a good ending scene every 15 pages; and 3) Be sensitive to audience and TV ratings.

Thanks, in advance, for your time and attention. Bobbette

I roll with Rob! It only gets put on if it's required.

I'm shocked to hear that an imperfect draft exists!! ALL my drafts are perfect. LOL

Okay boys and girls,

I'm 30 pages away from completing my half-wolf, haf-mermaid story. However, I've been unable to come up with a title. Every title I think of gives the impression that it's some sort of horror, but it's more a Means Girls meets splash. I'm writing it with for Nick or Disney in mind.

It's about a girl (16), who's been home schooled up to when the movie opens, who moves to a NC shoreline town and falls for a boy whose ex still wants him. The ex, with help from the boy's sister, tries to break them up. Of course, since the girl is half-wolf and half-mermaid, her ways of dealing with the conniving ex play to those two aspects of her personality. It's a comedy.

Any idea how to come up with a title or a suggeston of a title?

Paula,

I couldn't have said it better!! LOL

Robert,

The protagonist is the teenage merwolf.

I think I'm unknowingly writing a romantic comedy. I read up on the elements it needs, and I have most of them. If I make the boy the stereotypical NC boy with a truck, a gun rack and a hunter, I'll add the second layer of conflict for my couple. Can one write a romantic comedy with teenagers? I'd think since this is for Disney or Nick, I can't really explore the romantic element with teenagers.

Michael,

I don't think Bay-O-Wolf would work, LOL!! However, I named the NC town Crescent Bay, so it might. Interesting.

Robert,

BTVS was a horrible movie!! It was a great series, but Luke Perry and Kristy Swanson made that movie almost unwatchable and the bad guy was so cheesy, I forgot to laugh.

I like your idea of getting the wolf and/or mermaid aspect in the title. However, she's not a werewolf. She's a regular wolf. Her mom in a grey wolf subspecies native to the Italian Apennine Mountains (yeah, there was research done).

Jersey Shore with an unshaven snooki?!?! OMG!!!

Okay, here's a title I've come up with: The Water Wolf. I think this sounds too horror-like, as I suspect anything with wolf in the title will.

I could go with: Sorelle: The Water Wolf.

I also came out with: Fish out of Water. Though, since she spends a lot of time in water, this title is kinda wrong.

I've also thought about: The Reluctant Wolf. I came up with this because she's more comfortable with her mermaid half until the conniving ex makes her embrace more of her wolf.

Tom,

I do like Crescent Bay, which is why I picked it for the name of the town, but I don't think it really tells you anything about the story you're going to read. What would you think if you saw a screenplay with the title Crescent Bay?

Martin,

I really don't think your comment is very nice or appropriate. However, I'm fine with you thinking it's dumb so that I have the pleasure of writing it.

Boys and Girls,

Thanks for all your suggetsions. You've given me a lot of think about, some of which I wouldn't have come up with myself. I'll toss them all in my head, swirl them around and see which one feels right.

I knew I could count of my moviebytes pals to steer me in the right direction. Thank, bunches. You're all the best!!

I'll let you know, probably at the end of the month (I'm entering it in Scripot Savvy), the title I decide on.

Jon,

I thought the "....meatballs...." title was great, but it didn't look like my kind of movie.

Yes, I am getting the script savvy Analysis. I'm trying to decide if I should do the medium or the advanced. I'm leaning towards the medium.

Natasha,

It;s noy really adaventures, perse.

Well, in my modern world, there are all kinds of Mythics. Mermaid/Meramid, Wovves, fairy...etc. They take human form and live among us, but theyr'e not really human.

Sorelle is half and half because her mother is a wolf and her father is a merman. Being half has it advantages, like she doesn't automatically mainfest a tail, gills or webbed hands whens he hits water: she can swim like a human. However, if she wants to breath underwater, she needs the gills.

I'm writing it for TV, so it has to be low-budget with minimum special effects. You get to see her tail just once, at the end of the movie when the boyfriend asks to see it . It's more "turn around" and he does and we stay focused on him. Since, it's for kids and she has to remove her clothes bottom, you can't show that on televison. She tells him to turn around and there she is as mermaid in the school pool.

James,

You ARE hilarious!! hahahahahaha

James,

When I saw "Hot Tub Time Machine" as I title, I had to scracth my head. I find it hard to believe they couldn't come up with anything else under the sun.

James,

It doe slook funny as all heck. I haven't received and email from you.

Natasha,

This naming thing is positively exhausting. I dislike it alsmost as much as writing loglines!!

I'm not particularly fond of putting two words together (merwolf), though I will if I think it fifits the bill, but I don't think the naming concept behind Sabrina and Buffy work here.

The majour problem with this script is that it's a comedy with some romance or possibly a romantic comedy.

My Mom likes The Mermaid's Moon, but I think The Mermaid who Howled says comedy more.

Yes, Hot Tub Time Machine definitely tells you what the movie is about before you even enter the theatre.

Thanks for finding the article. I'll print it out and read it on my commute home.

Natasha,

Thanks. I'm in beautiful southern california!!

Michael,

NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOO!!! LOL!!

Susan,

I like Full Moon Mermaid, but it doesn't say comedy. The screenplay could be about a mermaid who like to sing under the moon or likes the moon.

A werewolf is someone who's been bitten by another werewolf and turns into one every full moon, normally without consciousness to reek havoc and kill.

Sorelle turns into a wolf like you'd see on animal planet. There wasn't any biting or curse and when she's in wolf form, she'll fully aware. She can turn in and out of a wolf at will, though I did leave the moon thing. She's half-wolf because her mom is a wolf mythic.

She can look like a human, walk, talk, mate (this is important since she's gonna fall in love with a human) and the whole nine. However, if you got a sample of her blood, you'd see that, genetically, she's not a human.

It's not like Roan Innish because everyone is that town knew about Selkies and talked about the. Sorelle and her family are the first Mythics to move to Crescent Bay and Lincoln will be the only human from the town to eventually discovers the truth.

Robert,

My main issue with BTVS is the casting. Kristy Swanson and Luke Perry were all wrong for the roles. I wasn't too happy with the vampire master either, but I loved his main minion.

I like the premise and the title definitely stuck in your head and made you want to see the movie.

Paula,

That is one funny title!!! Sweet heavens!! If she were a werewolf, it would work.

OMG!!! LOL You're all so wrong in all the right ways. hahaha!!

She's Out of My league — Now, this is a comedy!! I think it could use some more romance, but it's structure was: boy meets girl, boy gets girls, boy loses girl, boy gets girl, boy losses girl and boy gets girl. This is one more boy loses girl and boy gets girls then the average structure, but I liked it and thought it worked well in the movie. I like that they didn't show you all the funny parts in the trailer, though they did show a lot of them. I think the funniest person in the movie is the character of Lindsay Sloane. She made me laugh so much!!! I like movies with a simple premise that don't have delusions of grandeur and over-complicate everything. This movie picked a premise and simply stuck to it. Kudos. I give it a B+.

The Crazies — This NOT a horror movie. It's a drama with some horror moments. Personally, I liked the surprise because I'm not really a horror fan. I am, however, sad to say that you know what the deal of the movie is pretty early in, but surprising, that doesn't make it any less of a good movie. Timothy is a decent actor, and this movie only needed a decent actor. Some one bad or great would have ruined it. There was a car wash scene that was truly scary because it's such a simple, everyday thing, made horrible. I give it a C.

Brooklyn's Finest — This movie disturbed me because I'm not happy with how minorities are portrayed. There are three mini stories about cops. Don Cheadle (undercover so long his wife is divorcing him), Ethan Hawke (he plays an Italian who has five kids and wife is pregnant with twins living in a moldy house too small for them) and Richard Gere (a veteran cop w/ 7 days to finish his 22 years). What disturbed me was that the Don and Ethan were dirty cops and Richard was the good guy cop. Of course, the dirty cops got what they deserved for being dirty and the good cop was rewarded. I also didn't like how Ellen Barkin spoke about black people and that derogatory word she to refer to black people. I don't like, and have never liked, how Hollywood portrays minorities, especially black. The ONLY thing I liked about this movie is seeing Brooklyn again. I lived in Brooklyn when I came over from Jamaica at 10 and it's been so many years since I've been back. From a strictly screenwriting standpoint, I give it a B. From a personal standpoint, I give it a C-.

Stephen,

I'm down with Script Savvy, Page and THINKING about Expo. I'm styaing away from Nicholl's and Austin b/c I don't write a genre that interest them. I gave BlueCat 3 tries and decided it wasn't worth my time. I'm a no-go on silver screenwriting because they don't break down into genres.

I like Page because they have genres and a standalone sci-fi category.

Michael,

I hear and will enter Nicholls. I waste more than the entry fee on a regular basis anyway, so I might as well throw my sci-fi in the pot.

Sure thing, Michael. I gotta take every opportunity that comes my way.

Jilua,

She's Not Human remids me of that 1987 Alan Thicke movie Not Quite Human. When I saw the title, I his android creation Chip and started laughing. hahahaha!!

I like Wolfen Scale, but again, you've got the horror aspect. I still think The Meramid Who Howled is both good and says comedy.

LMAO!!!!!

No, it doesn't have anything to do with Justin Timberlake. LOL.

It's based on the work of Elmore Leonard and Timothy Olyphant has the lead role as U.S. Marshal Raylan Given.

No, I'm not. Just like the author's work and want the show to stay on the air, IF IT'S ANY GOOD.

If I'm writing a feature specifically for televison, does it matter if I use the MOW format (break it into 7 Acts) or will standard spec format be fine? Thanks, in adavnce, for your time and attention.

Dave Trottier says: V.O.

I sometimes put (filtered, over phone) in eliipses with the V.O.

Michael,

Barb charges $75 for a review and she runs monthly specials.

Micaheal,

I don't understand what you mean by her price jumping. I just went to her site and it's the same as it's been seince i started ysing her a few years ago. When you got to her website, click on "Store" and "Reviews" is halfway down on the page. She charges $75 for a standard with a 10-15 days turnaround, $150 for expedited with 3 day turnaround, $85 for a standard phone consultation and $160 for an expedited phone consultation.

Yes, I have used Barb on numerous occasion. I send my script to her and Script Savvy as soon as it's done. I think it helps to get two different feedback on the same script to see how they mesh.

Michael, sorry about misspelling your name in the previous post. I was typing too fast for my own good.

Well, I use what's in The Screenwriter's Bible and The Idiot's Guide to Screenwriting and they both say V.O. I've never had anyone say it was wrong.

Andrew, I completely agree!! Hopefully, there's enough of us who think this that it'll stay on the air awhile.

Irin,

I think you should go with V.O. and this is why. When i first decided to learn the art of screenwriting, I bought The screenwriter's Biblle and The Idiot's Guide to Screenwriting. They both say V.O. There's also this site, www.storysense.com/format/telephone.htm and it says V.O. I have NEVER seen one book or site that says O.S. is the correct from these two. Dave's says that O.S. is not correct because the person is not anywehre at the scene/ loaction, so they are more than just off screen. I mean, they can't just walk into the room.

If anyone knows a screenwriting book where it says O.S. is what you use, please let me know.

If you don't want to go with V.O., you can used the (one phone) or (amplified).

The Screenwriter's Bible actually gives you 4 ways to handle telephone conversations. If you want, drop me an email (my address is in my profile) and I'll scan the pages and send them to you.

Michael,

LOL!!!!

AL,

I always got dinged by readers when I used INTERCUT, INSERT, POV, MOS and the lilkes. I kept thinking to myself: If a screenwriter isn't suposed to use these things, because it's directing, why include them in screenwriting books? Now, I don't use them unless absolutely necessary.

Hey All,

Just letting you know that I just finished Act 5 of the script (I'm wrirting it for Tv, so I'm doing MOW format) and am 18- 24 pages (Act 6 and 7 can be from 9-12 pages) away from completion. Hence, all signs point to me making the script savvy deadline on the 31st.

Hey All,

Just wanted to say thanks for all the time and effort you put in helping me name this screenplay. I want to give a special shout out of THANKS! to Michael Scott, whose suggestion I went with. Ya'll are the best !!

Bobbette

Stephen,

You've hit the nail squarely on the head!!! Coming up with a title for this screenplay has been like trying to take meat from a lion.

It's a coming into her own comedy, possibly romantic comedy, about a teenage girl who's half-wolf (NOT werewolf) and half-mermaid. If you want all the deatils, and submit a title suggestion, look at the "Help, I need a Title" thread.

Now, I have to come up with a logline. Oh, the joys of writing never stop!! hahahahaha

I made it!! Congrats to those who made it as well!!

James, Hilarious!! However, it would be Wilma the Wolf and Mark the Merman. You thought what I think most people will think, that the mom is the mermaid and the dad the wolf, but alas, it is not so.

Julia,

Thanks!! I will be on pins and needles for a whole month to hear from Script Savvy. I'm trying to keep my expectations realistic, as this is first draft, but I think it's pretty good. I'll send it to Barb around the 15th, because it takes her about 10 days and I'd like to have the two feedbacks around the same time.

Cat,

Thanks!! I think both you and Stephen are right that the title will definitely pique interest, and interest, afterall, leads to read.

Bring it on, James!! I'm always up for a challenge. LOL

Stephen,

Something like that. It's kinda like Mean Girls meets Splash with a bit of Shaggy Dog for a wolf thrown in. I'm hoping Donna and her readers can help. I don't know if I write comedy well, as this is my first attempt at it, so I'll see if I hit the mark or how far I'm off at the end of the month.

James S,

I've submitted too. LET'S GET IT ON!!! (Said like Judge Mills Lane from Celebrity Deathmatch)

Why do you assume it's Nazis you would be offending?

Walter and Irin,

I think the same thing you do, which is why I asked why the writer thought the reader was talking about offending nazis. In my oinion, that thought made no sense, so I was waiting to see if the reader actually said the offended viewers would be nazis or if that was just an assumtion on the writer's part.

Robert,

I would go with what the reader says about avoiding offending viewers. As to using another historical figure, is the scene with hitler in the basement ESSENTIAL to your story? If you took that scene out, does the story completely fall apart and leave a big question mark or confusion? If not, I'd cut it. If yes, I'd rewrite and find another way to get your point across.

James,

I'm not offended. I like and appreciate differing views. I gave the opinion becaues Robert is an "aspiring" writer and I think it's best to wait until he's made a sale or two to use Hitler. I also haven't read the script, but from what he's written, this isn't a movie that centers on Hitler, so I don't see the need for the scene and believe he can find a less controversial way to get his point across.

I thnk it really comes down to if the scene is essential. If it's not, why run the risk of offending someone who could potentially buy/option your script?

However, script savvy does say that you don't have to agree and/or take their advise and that it is ultimatley up to writer. I have received reviews that, while I understood why the reader made the comment and/or suggestion, I didn't take the advise because it wasn't what I wanted in my script.

How to Train Your Dragon — I really enjoyed this movie. It's a very sweet story about the love between a boy and his pet. Dreamworks animation hits another one out the park. I actually was so touched that I got teary a couple times. Yeah, I know it's out of character, but I can only be so strong with something truly sentimental on the screen. I identified with the hero, understood his plight and rooted for him. This is a good movie for kids AND adults and I enjoyed it. I give it a B+.

The Last Song — This is a very good movie, but it would be great with a different leading lady. Miley Cyrus does a decent job and the chemistry between her and Liam is undeniable, but she doesn't have the depth or range for this film. Her portrayal of the rebellious and tough teenager is far from what it could, and should, be and I cringed at how bad she played that. However, once she dropped that, her acting got better, but then she had to do the tough thing again, and it didn't work again. Bobby Coleman, who portrayed the Miley's younger brother, handled his business. He had depth. The jury is still out on Liam Hemsworth, so I'll say he did well with what he had and see how he does in movies where he's not in love with his costar. The actor who stole this movie was Greg Kinnear. He owned this movie. His portrayal of his character is funny and touching and, undeniable, the best thing about the film. I give the film a B-.

Clash of the Titans — I gave 30 minutes of my life to this piece of crap and then left the theater. I proceeded to the customer service center, returned my ticket and got a coupon for reentry. I don't who the heck the audience for this pile of garbage is, but it certainly isn't anyone who knows and/or loves the first movie. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm open to remakes, but this isn't a remake. This movie shouldn't even have the name Clash of the Titans. The reason surrounding Perseus's birth has changed, who Calibos is has changed, how Perseus grew up has changed, Zeus has changed, there's no love between Perseus and Andromeda and Hades is involved. All I can say is WTF?! I can't rightly tell you what that thing playing on my movie screen was, but I know can tell you what it wasn't and it WASN'T Clash of the Titans. No way! No how! Not in this life! Where is a flamethrower when you need one?! Thusly, I won't rate this movie because I've no idea how someone who didn't like or isn't familiar with the original would rate it.

James,

I'm still not sold on seeing HTTM. I both like the premise AND think it's asinine. I'm on the fence with this one. Do you really want a review? If so, I'll put it in my list for next weekend.

James S,

Are you telling me they plan to make more movies with this title?! Say it ain't say!!! Darn them!! Hollywood took a nice, simple classic movies and remade it into a mess.

If you're talking about special effects, then it is better in the remake, but the first wasn't about special effects. At it's core, it was a simple story about a man going on a quest to save his love. In this remake, they butchered the hero's motivation because Persueus wasn't in love with Andromeda, so I don't see why it mattered to him if the cracken was unleashed and she was sacrificed. I had nothing to root for.

James H,

I really do love to laugh. I guess my weekend will be a laughfest because Date Night opens this weekend.

Congrats!! You're keeping the hope alive.

Hi Allo,

My list goes pretty much along the same lines:

Nicholl's (I think I'll do a mini-rewrite on Killer Secrets and enter The Defazin and the Regenerator. I want to enter The Mermaid Who Howled, but since I won't get back the script savvy review until 4/30, I don't think 1 day will be enough to meet the deadline.)

Page (I already entered The Defazin and the Regenerator, will enter Killer Secrets and undecided on The Mermaid Who Howled.)

AAA (I'm going to enter Killer Secret and am undecided about the others.)

I've never entered A Feeding Frenzy, but my interest is piqued.

Any comments on Exposurama? The deadline is 11:50pm tonight.

Oh, I entered Sciptapalooza and Script Pimp one time and realized they were a waste of my money.

TJ,

I entered these contests and that was all she wrote. I heard nothing from them, I didn't get an email and it was like my money went into a black hole. I don't think emails annoucing results is too much to ask.

I think they've been around so long that they don't feel/think common courtesy to the writers who enter their contest with hard-earned money is something deserving.

It could be that they want entrants to pay for feedback to get some sort of acknowledgement, but I work too hard for my money to pay a contest to treat me like I don't exist.

Irin,

I get what you're say, but they need our money and unless we take action, like not entering their contests, to demand better treatment, contests will continue to take our money and say "you get back to us." I'm not feeling that, and given that I have a certain amount of money allocated for contests, I'm not supporting it.

Marjory, Irin & Janet,

Okay, I'm a reasonable person. I'll give Scriptapalooza another chance.

Nick,

I read it. OH, MY!!

Nick,

My understanding is that you get it back on the last day of the following month. Hence, it doesn't matter if you enter 3/1 or 3/31, you'll get your review back by 4/30.

I've been contemplating the e-query/e-blast route and hope to get some recommendations. Thanks.

Michael,

I've never used a script consultant and I'm not sure I believe them necessary. I use Barb Doyon at xtremescreenwriting and Donna White at Script Savvy for feedback and take it from there.

I like Barb because she tells me Yes or No on a particular aspect of my script and then it's up to me to figure out how to turn that no into a yes. I like Script Savvy because they give me more input into what's not working, but again, it's up to me to fix it.

My view is that no one knows the story I'm trying to tell better and feedback will tell me if I'm executing the telling correctly. If not, then I have to figure out how to correct what's wrong.

Nick,

Thanks for responding. I didn't see much when I searched. I looked into inktip, but you have to have the script on thie site to list in their magazine. . I wasn't feeling payiong to list the script and then paying to get it in the magazine. Nope, not feeling it!!

Irin,

I'll chcek out sellascript and see if I'm wooed.

Did anyone mention WriteMovies? If so, who, are they a yea or a nay and why?

Susan,

I'm not sure if they send out a feedback as soon as it's done. I know the rule is by the end of the following month. I suggest you send an email to Donna inquiring as to status of your feeedback and if you can get it as soon as it's done. Now, since the website gives her readers until 4/30, if it won't be done by then, okay, but it might be done earlier. After all, it never hurts to ask.

Irin,

I've never gotten a review back before the end of the month, but then I've always entered on the last day of the month, so maybe that's the reason.

Girls and Boys: it was a great night at the movies.

The Black Waters of Echo's Pond — I chose this movie because I had no idea what it was about. I haven't seen an ad, preview or heard anything. This made me believe it was an indie movie, and wanting to support the indies, I went. When I got to the theatre and saw the poster, I realized it was a horror. Yeah, the title should have been a hint, but that's just me. Now, other than Freddy, I don't enjoy horror movies much. Well, it was quite the ride and I thoroughly enjoyed it. When I saw a bunch of people all going to a remote island for a weekend, I was disappointed because I thought it would be another movie with a psycho on the island killing them off one by one. I WAS WRONG!!! Yeah, I said it. This movie also has a twist ending, which I liked. I give it a B.

Hot Tub Time Machine — I knew what to expect, and I was on the fence as to whether this movie would be worth the ride or not. Well, it was. I haven't laughed that much since The Hangover. I loved it!! Cripsin Glover, the one-armed bellhop, stole the movie! He freaking picked it up and ran away with it. I knew he was a good actor when he played George McFly in Back to the Future and was thoroughly impressed with him as Thin Man in Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle. The camera lights him up and he's yet to disappoint in a movie I've seen him in and I've seen in a lot. I give HTTM a B+.

Date Night — I'm not sure if this is a drama with a lot of comedy or a comedy with some drama. I liked the premise, I liked the execution and I did laugh. However, I think being billed as a comedy, it needed more laughter. I don't think there was any comedy in the first 20 minutes of the movie, though I get they needed to set-up for the comedy. Steve and Tina were great as a comedic duo and I'd love to see them work together again. They've struck gold, and if they know what's good for them, they need to keep digging. I give it a B-.

James,

Thanks for getting me off the fence with HTTM. I really enjoyed it!!

James,

There's no coupon code. $19 is their price for early entry, so just go to www.writemovies.com.

Phil,

I don't usually read what critics have to say until after I've seen the movie. I find I disagree with them most about comedy, be in sync on sci-fi and agree with them most about Drama.

I don't put a lot of stock in critics when it comes to comedy because I don't think they have any idea what the common man likes. I find that the worst the critics rate the comedy, the more I enjoy it and visa versa.

I prefer to see the movie in the theartre because the people watching is the audience I'm writing for and it's good to gauge their reactions to thing. I think it will help me become a better writer.

I find most critics expect a movie to be aiming for the Oscars, which is not the case. My reviews are, of course, subjective, but I factor in how the audience received the film and ask a few of them questions when we're all walking out.

Michael,

I changed it to "HOWLS," so how about 11.25%? LOL!!

I get my review from Barb on 4/21 and then I just have to suffer through 8 days to hear back from Script Savvy.

Susan,

I opted to enter Writmovies with 2 scripts and feel kinda dodgy about it. Here's my experice:

I tried to enter the 11th (twice), but their system had glitches and I couldn't pay. I got an email yesterday apologizing for the glitches, but that they had gotten my screenplay and to forward payment. Henc, I did.

I entered a second script yesterday, and I guess they got the glitches worked out, because everything went smoothly. Here's the problem: I HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANYTHNG FROM THEM ABOUT THE SECOND ENTRY!! Not an email of any kind acknowleding my entry. It's like I dropped $19 in a black hole.

As I see it, they had no problem sending me an email when I hadn't paid them, but can't sent me one when I do? They have a computerized entry system which asks for my email address, so is it really that hard to AUTOMATICALLY send acknowledgment of my entry?

I'm going to embrace Irin's advice that lack of acknowledgment isn't a reason to not enter a contest and remain optimistic. This contest has been around awhile and there's even an interview with the founder, Alex Ross, on the moviebytes. home page.

Hey boys and girl,

I'm looking for a great, and reasonable-priced, query letter writing service. If they give discounts for multiple scripts, that would be good too. Thanks, in advance, for your time and attention.

Bobbette

Susan,

I was wondering the same thing. My script Killer Secrets, in my opnion, is a Crime Drama with more drama than crime. However, one reader classified it as a thriller. I, of course, find it extremely thrilling, but I don't think it's a thrille. Hence, I just say drama and hope the logline tells what's necessary.

Stephen and Walter,

Thanks!! I changed it to Thriller. The crime aspect is clear in the logline because the man character is a contract killer.

Way to go James!!! Congrats!!!

Death at a Funeral — I laughed, but not as much as I had expected. I didn't feel this movie, and I don't really know the reason. There was a stellar cast and good comedy (with the exception of Tracy Morgan and Martin Lawrence), but I just didn't connect with the majority of the cast. I was there with Chris Rock, who I've always been a fan of, and James Marsden was beyond funny, but it just wasn't working for me. Danny Glover was good as the cantankerous uncle, but I didn't find the whole bathroom scene funny. I don't find feces joke funny, but I think I'm in the minority based on how hard the people in the theater was laughing. So, taking into account my views, the reaction of the audience and things I heard when leaving, I give it a B-.

Kick-ASS — There are no words to describe how much I enjoyed this movie. I sat next to two girls, who were way too young to be in this movie, but I don't think anyone enjoyed the movie more than they did. In fact, most of the audience was too young to be seeing this movie. I suspect the girls next to me were high on something because, while it is undoubtedly a funny movie, they had a non-stop giggle fest going on. I found them amusing. I give it an A.

Clash of the Titans — This wasn't my fault. My friend insisted, and as long as I wasn't wasting my money on it, so be it. It was hell and now that I've seen in to the end, I'm glad I returned my ticket last week. They need to fire the camera man on this movie because I have no idea what was happening in the fight with the scorpions. The camera was moving all over the place and telling me nothing. I did find that, like the first movie, I felt bad for Medusa. I mean, she's just minding her own business in her lair and all these people keep coming to kill her. I find her completely justified in turning them to stone. The majour difference in the medusa thing is that I wanted Perseus to get her head to save his love in the first movie, but I was really wishing for her to turn him to stone and smash him to pieces in this one. I would have clapped!! I saw a few people who did the same thing I did the first time I attempted to watch this travesty, they gave it 30 minutes and left. I sympathized!! Well, since I saw it all the way to end, I'm gonna give it a rating w/o taking the first movie into account. That said, I give it a C.

Phil,

You included a spoiler, via Ebert's review, in your comment, which I try to avoid because some won't like. However, since it's out there: I don't know what Ebert is talking about because the top bad guy was killed. He might mean the top bad guy's son, who I think should have been dusted too, but maybe they didn't want to have the hero kill a child.

Phil,

I see your point, and agree with it, but I still try to walk a fine line because some people just don't want to hear anything. Me? You can tell me the whole movie scene for scene and it won't affect me going to se it.

I think you should take your son, if your decision to not take him is based solely on Ebert saying the top bad guy doesn't get it in the end, because he does and I don't know what Ebert was smoking for that error.

Stephen,

They had a very cohesive script in the original and hacked it to pieces. I sincerely think if Clash of the Titans was written by an ameteur, it couldn't come in 3rd in a contest with 4 entries.

Bobbette hugs Scott.

BOBBETTE (strokes back, soothing voice) It'll be okay. It'll be oaky. It'll all be okay.

I can telly you my number No 1. It's Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid. Anny Bythe, William Powell, 1947. I have it on VHS and have been waiting for someone to fiure out they need to put it on a DVd, so Ican finally get rid of my VHS. William Powell is also my favourite actor of all time.

Some of my other all-time favorites, in no particular order, are:

My Man Godfrey Annie (original) Mildred Pierce Peyton Place Robin and the Seven Hoods Pillow Talk Father of the Bride (Spencer Tracey) Daddy's Little Dividend The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes The Absent-Minded Professor Logan's Run

As for modern favorites:

Shakespeare in Love Sense and Sensibility Dead Again Good Will Hunting Primal Fear Nothing Hill The Big Hit Gattaca Avatar

Nick,

I completely agree with you. The reason I always enter Page is because it breaks plays with into genre, and I believe they give your script to a reader interested in that genre. I'm also doubly pleased that they don't group Sci-Fi with fantasy and horror because, I've noticed, that an overwhelming number of the scripts that make that cut are horror.

Using Tj's beginng,how about this:

"In the midst of a zombie apocalypse, a scientist joins forces with the last human survivors, but hides a dark secret: he created the zombies and he is infected."

Mike,

Is Memento really that great? I had a friend tell me the premise a couple years ago, and it sounded awesome, so I bought the dvd. However, I've yet to open it. I guess with screenwriting and going to movies, I figure I'll get around to it, but I might have to get to it soon.

Way to go, people!!!

So, the verdict is in.

I got a 45 from Script Savvy. Hey, for a first draft, it's decent.

The interesting, and great, thing is that I got an 8 for originality and a 9 for marketability. I am very pleased about this because I think they are the two most important things in a script. Everything else can be fixed, but if it's not original and marketable, you're dead in the water.

The Writing Essentials score was just me rushing to get a first draft done, so that's an easy fix.

I'm very surprised by my dialogue score, because I'm normally good at that. However, maybe trying to write how I believe a teenager would speak got me.

And once again, I got the same Plot score that I've always gotten the first time I send a screenplay to script savvy.

As for Barb's feedback, she very politely let me know I should not write comedy, which I suspected. So, I'm going to stick to my sci-fi/fantasy because that's really the brand I want and, obviuosly, what I do best.

I've revised my Crime Thriller a lot, thanks to Script Savvy feedback, since entering the Screenplay Festival, so I think it's as close to great as I can get it. I do want to enter Page, but $70 is too steep. I mean, Nicholl's final price is $45. I think anything over $60 shows a lack of understanding for the situation most of us aspring screenwriters are in. Hence, I will not be entering my crime thriller.

Jack and Janet,

I haven't entered the Crime Thriller at all in Page. I entered it in Screenpay Festival and Script Savvy when I felt it was ready for the world. I made the finals in Screenplay Festival and got a 53 from Script Savvy. I would have revised it right away, and made an earlier deadline for Page, but I was in the midst of revising my Sci-Fi Romance and writing another script. Hence, I just finished the revision a few days ago. I sent it back to Script Savvy and would enter Page IF the price wasn't so steep.

I agree that you shouldn't enter the same script in the same contest twice. What I think should happen is if you entered a script when it was $45 and you want to re-enter when it's $55, they shoud disregard the first script, give you credit for the $45 and let you add $10 for the new script price. However, I'm thinking of it from a screenwriter standpoint and contest are in it to make profit.

Michael,

Are they going to disregard the first entry? Or will someone be reading both? If both score high enough to advance, will they advance them both (I don't think this would make sense) or advance the one with the higher score and then disregard the other?

Yes, it is getting quite expensive. Good luck!

Michael,

My Sci-Fi made Honorable Mention at page last year with a decent score from Script Savy. I revised it and got a high score (57) this year. I made most of the changes suggested (one I didn't agree with), so it will hopefully do better this year in Page.

Janet,

I agree that they don't need to offer $25K. I think most of us would be happy with $1000 as long as there were reads. Personally, I think most contest organizers are ameteur psychologists and understand the need of aspiring screenrwiters to break in to the industry. Hence, they know they can charge whatever and desperation/hope will make people enter.

I don't understand Page's reasoning for $70, other than the obvious, when Nicholl's final is $45 and Austin's in $50. It is ultimately up to the screenwriter to decide if $70 JUST for entry is worthwhile. It's not to me.

Okay, I feel the need to rant about Script Pimp. I entered my Crime Thriller and other than the email from Paypal letting me know they'd sent my entry fee, I've received NOTHING from them. How do I know my script was unloaded properly?! It is NOT hard to automatically generate and email letting the screenwriter know their script was received!! This is just crappie treatment. And I paid for it!!

Chris,

If I'm understanding your explanation of Page's deadlines logic correctly, it's all about how many entries they can accommodate. So, if they can accommodate 3000 entries and they get 3000 entries on the early deadline, do they make that the finaly deadline b/c the judges can't handle any more? (Note: this is the first time I'm mentioning deadlines b/c I don't really have an issue with that. My issue is with the $70.)

Hi all,

I know it's a little late, but here it is:

Saturday May 8, 2010 9AM to 5PM Sponsored by Write Brothers and the Presented at Writers Boot Camp

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Pre-registration price: $45.00 Walk-in price: $55.00

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Seminar/Workshop Description This full day of seminars and interactive workshops is for new and experienced filmmakers who want to better understand and strengthen their craft and business skills. Featuring topics ranging from pitching and story conceptualization to screenwriting and script development, this professional development program is designed to give independent filmmakers a working knowledge of the latest industry tools and information that can save them time and money as well as avoid costly mistakes during production.

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8:30 a.m. — Registration

9:00 a.m. — THE ART OF PITCHING Storytelling That Sells

This seminar explores the key story components that will guarantee success whether pitching your story on the telephone, at a conference or on the elevator... (more)

Presentation by Chris Huntley, Write Brothers

9:45 a.m. — STORY BASICS Expressing Your Creative Vision In any pitch meeting, you have only minutes to sell your story. That means knowing the four key structural points that will make or break your story... (more)

11:00 a.m. — SCRIPT WRITING Shaping Your Ideas Into Screenplays

A story is only as good as its screenplay, and without a good screenplay, there is little chance of cinematic success. Using award winning Movie Magic Screenwriter and the Michael Hauge Story Structure template, you will learn how to shape your ideas into screenplays including how to... (more)

12:00 p.m. — 1:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK

1:30 p.m. — CHARACTER ARC Fact and Fiction

Realistic characters grow and develop in stories, but not all characters are transformed. Using examples from current and classic films, we will explore five fundamental character dramatics that hold the key to understanding the essence of ''character arc.'' (more)

3:15 p.m. — PREMISE LINE Writers Boot Camp founder Jeffrey Gordon on the importance of articulating concept on the front end of Conceptual Development

Discover the importance of articulating Concept on the front-end. Why it's so important to be able to express your idea in a single, explicit and concise sentence. Explore and shed light on some commonly held fallacies about writing — and rewriting - for TV and film, and... (more)

4:50 p.m. — Door Prize Raffle

5:00 p.m. — Program Complete

------------------------------------------------------------------------PRESENTER BIOS

CHRIS HUNTLEY is an Academy Award-winning software developer, Vice President of Write Brothers Inc, and the co-creator of the Movie Magic series of software products. He also co-developed the Dramatica theory of story over a 14-year period. His mastery and wisdom of all things relating to story have made him a widely recognized leader in the world of story development.

JEFFREY GORDON is President and Founder of Writers Boot Camp. Now in its 21st year, Writers Boot Camp alum have received won or been nominated for Academy Awards, Emmys, Golden Globes and even the Tony award! Its writers have written screenplays that have brought in close to a billion dollars in box office and have created or been staffed on close to 100 different TV shows. No matter what a writer has accomplished so far, the Writers Boot Camp has the Tools that can help him or her take their writing to the next level.

I try to avoid the present progrisse, but I've used it and haven't received any comments that it's inappropriate. I think as long as the picture you're painting is clear, it's all good.

Good going, girls and boys!!! Keep up the good work.

Congrats, Janet!!

I copyright. WGA offers no tangible protection in a lawsuit.

Michael, you cheating on me with Janet?! OMG!! I thought we had a thing!! We named a screenplay and all that!!

Shrek Forever After — Let me start with saying that, for KIDS, the first and second movies are better. This final movie conveys its message differently than the firs two, and thusly, is geared more towards adults. So, while I think more kids than adults enjoyed the first two movies, I think more adults than kids will enjoy this last one. Overall, everyone going to see the movie will be pleased. Kids will see Shrek and donkey (what they want to see), and adults will understand why Shrek got mixed up with Rumpelstilskin. It was a bit too mushy at the end for a kid's movie, but a got a little emotional, so it's good for adults. I think it's worth going to see. I give it a B+.

Just Wright — This is a very commercial movie. The story was written pretty much to formula and there were NO surprises. The story was basically true as to how the average man will overlook a good, nice looking woman for bad, hot gold digga. I knew as soon as it looked like his career was over, the gold digga would leave and as soon as Latifah and Common hooked up, the gold digga would come back. I'm serious: the morning after the hook-up, there was a knock at the door and I said it was the gold digga. I knew given he was gonna be a free agent and she was being offered positions at franchises all over, after doing such a great job with him, that he was gonna prove his love and regret by saying he'd leave the team he's been with his whole career for her. I liked the chemistry between Latifah and Common and, not being a big fan of rappers turned actors, I think he's got some talent. Ultimately though, this is a movie you can wait to come out of DVD. I give it a C-.

Next week: Prince of Persia.

Michael,

Well, I think you've successfully avoided me filing separation papers because buying a corvette and ramming into the mini van proves you do care! I think we need to entter moviebytes rehab to work it all out. LOL

James F.

Just for you, I put up my movie reviews for this past weekend. Don't be too jealous, Michael. Also, I agree with Michael about the Michelle McGee thing. (Note: the lack of the use "bombshell'" because of all the words I could use to describe that female, that's not one of them.)

Janet/Irin,

I down with the Corvette and putting in my order for a 1965 Stingray like Nick Mancuso had in the 1986 series.

Michael,

I don't think we qualify as celebrities, so Dr. Drew won't care about us, and Intervention on A&E scares me. I say we start our own program and put it on Lifetime because that channel needs some sort of intervention. What do you think?

Michael,

Bobbette: (batting eyelashes) golly, gee, you're making me blush. LOL!!!

Janet,

Thanks for the compliment. I think Hollywood have good looking gold diggers because it would be hard out there for an unattractive gold digger. Do you think there are unattractive women out there are plotting ways in which to use their unattractiveness to get a wealthy man? I think not! LOL

Michael,

Since this has to be a give and take situation, and I suggested rehab, you can hang out with Fleiss and Sizemore. I'll have to figure out some other way to save Lifetime.

As to Wayne's Wolrld, I don't think they ever gave the call sign for the station, I'd have to rewatch it to be sure, but it was "cable 10". What do I win?!?!

Michaal,

That's a rocking title!! I'm open to reading it and letting you know what I think. If you're inclined (and I won't be offened if you're not), my email is there when you click on my name.

Michael,

I wouldn't have suggested it if I minded and I'll be honest. I'm vetoing that title. I have all rights to titles with howling mermaids!!

Michael,

It was Aurora, Illinois.

Michael,

No script! What sytem are you using? I'll email you an attach it to the reply. If that still doesn't work, I'll send my work email and see how it goes.

Michael,

That's the address I sent my message to last night. I'll send another one in a few miniutes. If you don't get it, I'am at a loss.

If so, I'd appreciate your feedback on it. Thanks in advance.

Bobbette

Janet,

I get what you're saying, and as a black female who's not a size 4, I wish I could have said go see the movie. However, it's predictable, unoriginal and boring. I won't be fondly recalling any parts of this movie months from now. I suppose from a perception standpoint, it's a good movie, but I go see movies to be entertained and this one didn't entertain me.

Yes, it is odd. Do they also handle models and actors and just sent you their blanket release?

Way to go , Mike!!!

So, you're on the train enjoying your commute to work. The person next to you gets off and someone else sits down. Now, this person is one of those who like to TAP their legs (probably unconsciously), which vibates the whole seat. This is something that you find incredibly distracting and annoying. Do:

1) Sit there with your silent irritation; 2) Ask the person to please try and control their leg; or 3) Move to another seat or stand if a set is unavailble?

An inquing mind wants to knows.

Thanks.

Martin,

That's what I did. I was even nice enough to ask him to "try" and control his foot tapping as I suspect it's unconscious. He took offense and did option number 3. Whatever!

Jonathon,

I would never tap my foot because then I'd get irritated with myself and have to ask myself to stop.

bump

Mad props, Robert!!!

It's all good, Heather!!

So, no one on this board has enterd a screenplay AceFest? I wonder if I shoud take this as a sign?

James,

There's also the possibility that she'll find a police officer and have you arrested for groping!! LOL

Way to go, fella!! WAY TO GO!!!

Way to go!!! Best wishes!!!

I agree that it's mainly for low budget movies. My mian issue ith this site is that I believe $60 to list on the site plus an ADDITIONAL $40 if you want to have it in the newsletter unjustifiable.

Splice — This movie is creepy and disturbing in ways I would have never imagined. It has an original twist, was unpredictable and entertaining. The screenwriters did an excellent job. It's a great watch and time passed quickly, which indicates that you're engaged and can't wait to discover what happens next. I did not care for one aspect of the movie, but that's a personal thing. Overall, I give it a B+

Killers - This is a nice, sweet movie with some interesting twists at the end I didn't see coming. Usher makes a cameo in a subplot that enhances the movie. I like Ashton and Katherine's characters and do good portrayals. I found the scenario that set the whole thing in motion too coincidental because if it didn't happen, would all those planted killers just keep pretending for the rest of their life? Still, I laughed and there were some cutely touching scenes. I give it a B.

Prince of Persia — Well, the first thing I need to do is call the Board of Education and complain that in all my years of education, they never told me English was the primary language in Persia. This is one of those movies that, at the end, is a waste of time. However, since it's a Disney movie, which I assume means that it's geared for children, I guess kids will find it entertaining and not give much thought to the fact that the main character goes through all these things which turn out to be moot in the end. I did find the romance aspect sweet and amusing. So, for being geared for children, I'd give it a B-.

James,

Prince of Persia was, for me, a disappointment. I can deal with a slow beginning if the middle and ending work. However, a movie with a good first and second act that disappoints in the third is iinexcusable.

Yeah, the blockbusters this year have been lacking.

I find it interesting that you liked Robin Hood. I didn't see it b/c based on the previews, and my love of some of the previous movies, I didn't think I'd like it.

I didn't go see Iron Man 2, but that's because of the whole Terence Howard drama.

Yes, Kick-Ass was..well, kick ass. Cage's portrayal of Big Daddy will be in my mind a long time.

James F -

I agree with you about those who have no profile.

James P -

There are a particular group of people who have an issue with how Janet expresses her opinions. They are very mean-spirited and I doubt they can be spoken to reasonably. I give Janet credit for standing up to them.

I love the Kevin Costner version of Robin Hood.

I enjoyed Shuuter Island too.

I didn't see The Green zone b/c it didn't look like something that would interestr me.

You are not in the minority with Edge of Darkness. I enjoyed it immensely. Mel Gibson was a man on fire!!!

The Princess and the Frog is a sore spot with me b/c it's Disney's first black fairytale and they didn't do it justice.

Clash of the Titans was a complete disaster. Luckily, I havethe original on DVD.

I think Greg Kinnear did a great job in The Last Song, so I can understand the tears. However, the story wasn't really about him and based on that, I think it wasn't a good movie. Miley Cyrus, as far as I've seen, isn't an actress.

Congrats, Janet!!

You people are freaking hilarious!!! ROTFLMAO!!!

Congrats to all!!!

I gave BC three chances and it struck out. Hence, game over.

So, I have a character, torn between two women, having a dream where the body of one woman speaks with the voice of the other woman. How do I write this?

Thanks, James!! It makes sense to me.

Janet,

calm down!! You rile too easily. However, in your defence, there are those who seem to take some perverse pleasure in being negative towards you.

I think everyne knows what contetst administrators are IMPLYING when they say"exposure." If they meant "we'll email your logline to some companies," and don't say that, then they are being deceptive

I can certainly understand changing the title of the thread, but if you are satisfied with the title of the thread, then that's what's really important. We are adults and and individual can choose to ignore your thread if he/she wants.

Michael,

Janet is right. You are NOT the person I am talking about. You're post was witty and amusing. She knows the culprits I mean. I adore you!!!

Micahel S,

Janet does need to calm down or she'll give herself an ulcer. Personally, I'd like her to live a long and healthy life.

Congrats on the agent!! How did the heck did you do that in TX? Was it that connexion you mentioned to me?

So, I created this minor character as the love interest for the antagonist's lackey. This was to help round out the lackey and give her some depth and vulnerability.

However, this minor character has taken on life and exploded gangbuster type!!. People, he is fighing the protagonist as the most alive character on the page and my favourite. Now, I'm trying to decide if I should give him to the protagonist as a love interest, instead of the lackey, and do a page 1 rewrite. Thoughts?

Oh, the drama of screenwriting!!

Martin,

The minor character is a male.

The lackey, female, has attached herself to the protagonist, female, to feed information to the antagonist, female. The lackey, orginlally, was a one dimensional character whose sole purpose was to follow WHATEVER the antagonist said blindly. So, to round her out, I created this love interest for her that would give you more insight into her personality.

I love the interplay between the lackey and her love interest, but he's quite unique with an interesting voice and presence. I think he's better suited for the protagonist as a love interest, but that means doing away with the protagonist's current love interest (who is the lackey's brother) and starting from scratch.

Michael,

It's all good. I like my stories in alternate universes or on the east coast. Wait. Is the east coast an alternate universe? LOL. Just kidding. I'm a Jamerican (Jamaica American) New Yorker to the bone, regardless of where I reside.

Martin,

I think you're right.

James, Paula and Cameron,

Thanks for the advice. I'm still comtemplating, and dismissing, scenaris.

Cameron, please be careful in Jamaica. It is a beautiful island, but like all, it's got its areas to avoid. Kingston, for tourists, is one of them. I had a tense couple few days a couple weeks ago when the drug madness went down.

Eric, I can't comment on Jerry b/c that show is so unreal, it's...UNREAL!! LOL. I'm currently leaning towards a love triangle among the protogonist, lackey's brother and minor character, who will be upgarded to a majour character. What to do with the Lackey is the issue right now.

Toy Story 3 - This movie is freaking awesome that I was crying at the end. I tried to hold it in, but my throat got all dry, so I had to pull out the tissues. Woody was classic Woody and Buzz went beyound infinity. I think it was a sensible, beautiful, and touching, end to the story. I'm going to have to give this movie the best grade I can: A+.

The Karate Kid - First, this is the wrong title for the movie. It should be The Kung Fu Kid. Second, it can't be compared to the first movie. This is a completely different movie. Third, GO SEE IT!!! This is an inspirational and uplifting movie that shows you Kung Fu at its purest. My favourite Jackie Chan movie is Spiritual Kung Fu ( I have a lot of early work before he went Hollywood) and seeing this movie took me back to classic Jackie. Now, if you need to compare this version to the first, this current version makes more sense. In the first, it's all pretty coincidental that the handyman for the complex Daniel moves to is a karate expert. In this one, given they moved to China, the kung fu handyman is more believable. Both movies have a tragic past for the handyman, but I found the original tragedy better than the current on, if you want to compare tragedy. I could go on and on as to why this movie is great movie, but the best I can do is tell you my grade: it's A.

Jonah Hex - Your life might actually be worse after seeing this movie. Please, for the love of [insert your deity] don't waste your time. I would consider it a favour, as I have already endured this torture, if you wouldn't go see this movie. If you do, it'll be seen as a success and another will be made. This is a F-.

Janet,

I get why you'd give it an A+. However, I find Pat Morita's performance about the death of his family a lot better than Jackie's. I also found the circumstances surrounding Mr. Myagi's family death more tragic.

James,

Sorry it's taking longer for Toy Story 3 to open in the UK. I hope it won't be too big a gap in time!!!

I do.

Michael,

I find that interesting. I've always used CAPS for sounds and it's never been commented on by Script Savvy. I guess it goes to show that it depends on the reader you get. However, even if I did get comment, I wouldn't change it.

Michael,

I get what you're saying, which is why I wouldn't change it if it were commented on. You have to decide your writing style and stick with it. If a producer likes your script and wants changes for an option/sale, you make them then. Until then, remember what they say about opinions and a$$holes.

I Janet's question comes with the understanding that the company requesting your script is looking for something like that. Basically, if a company is looking for a crime thriller and you send them your crime thriller, what reasons do they give if they pass on your crime thriller?

I've had one read for my Crime Thriller and was told it's not what they were looking for. I think the problem is that it appelas to too broad an audeince. Imagine that!!!According to Script Savvy, it's "part hit man case, part love story and part family drama." This is exactly what I was going for, so I see it as a compliment. I try to write screenplays that appeal to both men and women, but I suppose having to many people wanting to watch your movie is wrong.

I have this friend who loves action/adventure/sci-fi, but his wife will only see chick flicks. So to see a movie together, they'd use "you go see a chick flick with me and I'll go see a sci-fi with you." This means one of them have to sit there and endure a film they don't like. That problem was solved when he met me because I like all movies. Hence, he no longer had to do suffer through chick fllicks with his wife. He and spent so much time at the movies together that people started referring to me as his second wife.

Hence, when I write movies, I write so no one has to suffer through an entire movie. In my Crime Thriller, guys get the shoot ups, killings and and hit men they want and women get the drama and love they want. It's win-win all around. Unfortnately, I haven't yet found the person who sees value in what I've written.

John,

While I hope you're right, I don't think the good ole boy network is going to change anytime soon.

Martin,

I think you should consider not posting in Janet's thread. You seem to be constantly repeating yourself and she's shown she's doesn't care what you're saying. Remeber one defintion of insanity: doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

Paula,

I think whatever number of specs gets made is reduced greatly for sci-fi. I read so many posts asksing for scripts that basically say sci-fi need not apply.

Yvonne,

I agree that it's who you know. I see so many movies that I sit there and thing "how in the heck did this get made?!" Then, I kinda feel sorry for the screenwriter(s) if the garbage I'm watching is the best they could write. Then, I think I shouldn't feel sorry for them because they had a movie made and wonder if garbage is what hollywood wants.

I advanced with my sci-fi. I made Honorable Mention last year, but with some help from Script Savvy, I kinda thought I'd make the first cut this year. woohoo!!

Jage, good to see your post!! I haven't seen a post from you in so long. Congrats to all!!

Janet,

I concur with Nick. Sorry! I want to be encouraged, but I am hearing about a slate of remakes that have gotten the green light. I think the old addage "Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst," might be best in this situation.

So, yesterday was my birthday and these two films ruined it for me.

Twilight: Eclispse - Oh, the horror!! This movie is better than the first two, but the first two were beyound horrible. I am seriously worried if the average american audience can recognise a good movie. D+

The Last Airbender - Go have a V-8. You'll be more entertained. I can't really give a review of this movie because if I were honest, words I want to use about the writing and directing of this piece of crap would probably come back to haunt me. So, I'm gonna apply an old saying: if you can't say anything good, don't say anything at all. F-

James,

I wasn't really expecting much for M. Night, as I've already suffered through stuff he's done, but this movie is horrible in EVERY way possible: writing, directing, acting, casting, effects. There really isn't anything redeemable about this movie and I can normally find something.

I'm not a big Cameron or Cruise fan, but I'm going to see Despicable Me and Predators this weekend, so I'll see if I the movie times permit me to squeeze them in between films.

James F

Thanks bunches!! 21? If only. LOL

Nick,

$70 mil for a movie like this is insulting. It should have opened around Toy Story numbers because it's geared for the same audience. Right now, there are fans of all age group, but with the kind of movie M. Night made, mostly small children and those who haven't seen the series would find this entertaining. I also predict a steady decline in ticket sales as word gets out, to the die-hard fans (who you want) that the critics are right about the suckiness of the movie. If M. Night makes the second movie, they've lost more than half of the $70 mil on opening weekend because the die-hard fans of the cartoon are not gonna show up for a second installment from him.

Thanks for the birthday wish!!!

Andrea - I am also a huge vampire fan and I'm talking about from the Dark Shadows days. My mom's a big horr, and British comedy fan, so I was introduced at a young age. I am a twi-head, so I'll go see the movies no matter how sucky they are. However, some of the fan comments made me realise they really think the movies are the greatest thing since slice bread and that confuses me.

Susan - Don't even get me started on The Firelord!! The Firelord isn't seen in the series until the 3rd book (Fire). The great thing about Book 1 (Water) and Book 2 (Earth) is that you hear so much from Iroh, Zuko and Azula about him that you are on pins and needles to see a man that is so evil as to challenege his 13 year old son to a fire duel, scar him, banish him, betray his older brother and conspire to kill his father to get the throne. Then, when you meet Azula is Book 2, you begin to understand the kind of man that would produce a child as conflicted as Zuko and a daughter as cold-hearted and ruthless as Azula. So, when you FINALLY get to Book 3, you are completely shocked to see this utterly handsome and serene looking man. He's like the Oscar Wilde novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray: beautiful outside but completely evil inside.

James P - Ditto on the not being a fan of M. Night. I have given this man numerous chances to impress me and I haven't seen anything by him that would lead me to believe he belongs in this field in any way. There is absolutely no excuse for anyone who calls themself a screenwriter to come up with a movie as terrible as The Last Airbender. A halfway decent writer could come up with a halfway decent script!!

James F - $120 mil IS unbelievable!!

James P - Thanks for the birthway wish!!

Andrrea - I actually asked one of my lawyers if we could get a class action together and sue to get our ticket price back. He found my question amusing and laughed.

Janet - Thanks for the birthday wish!! I agree that the appeal is that it's a classic romantic story. I know I'm swooning. LOL. Tell your niece to pick a side already!! Team Edward all the the way!! hahahahahaha

Andrea - your husband is on Team Jacob?! NNNNOOOO!!

James P - Dude, you shoud have totally yelled that out in the theatre!!

James F - Picturing that musical is the funniest thing I've had in my head for a long time. ROTFLMAO!!!

The closest we have to crumpets are Thomas' English muffins. Crumpets are sweet, so if you aded sugar to the dough of the muffin and bake as usual, you'd have a crumpet.

James F - That was a bloody good post!! You're a right funny git!! LOL

Predators — First, I'd like to say that I've never seen any of the predator movies before. However, I went in know what it was going to be about, so&.I loved it!! I really did. It was a rush from start to finish FOR ME. I talked to several people after the movie was over and for those who've seen the other movies, the first act was a bit slow and they just wanted the movie to get on with the hunting. Adrian Brody, who I've never really thought of as an action star, did an excellent job. It won't be winning an Oscars, but it delivered on entertainment. I give it an A.

Despicable Me — This is just the cutest movie. Of course, the child I was sitting next to made me have to move seats. Don't get me wrong, I know it's a kid's movie, but I hate when people who can't control their children bring them to the theater. This girl kept jumping over the seat, kicking me wit her feet and all that. Her mother kept telling her to sit or whatnot, but she didn't listen and the mom did nothing, so why should she have listened. Okay, enough of my rant about unruly kids. I enjoyed this movie. There are a few moments that kids won't get, unless they followed the banking scandal. Overall, it's a good and enjoyable family movie. I give it a B.

I saw the full length trailer for the Harry Potter movies opening in November and May. I am psyched!! This past weekend was a Harry Potter marathon on Tele and I saw my favourite, The Chamber of Secrets. Well, it looks like both The Deathly Hollows movies will be knocking The Chamber of Secrets off its top spot and that would be an event.

James, what about The Sorcerer's Apprentice? You not interested in that one?

A swing a and a hit for my Airbender prediction!! See, it took in $17 million in the second week, which still has me baffled. However, I think some people just couldn't believe it was as horrible as was said and had to go see the disaster for themselves.

I'm done.