Message Board

This is my first time posting on any of these bulletin boards. So far I have found some great info with the exception of the now second one in the pile.(don't want to give it any recognition). As to the question, I think that the more accurate you are in your details about a profession or theme, the better the writer is going to look to his critics.

Accually, my real concern is that you will be sued by some moron that has nothing better to do with his time. I'm from Toronto where lawyers can't file all those frivolous suits.

Personally, the more accurate a story, the more it keeps me interested.

I must say, I am impressed with the advice I'm reading on these sites. I am a new screenwriter that is dabbling in some of the areas, the contests and getting read, the querie letters. I am on my third different letter thanks to some advice given by associates.

I have a background in sales and I know that the first thing out of your mouth must get the persons attention. I have read alot of the screenwriting books and I think Max Adams points out that the first part of the letter has to be the "Eye popping Log Line". Write it out a hundred times until it sounds right then one more time.

I have already heard back from my first letters and the future is starting to look better.

Short, Sweet and Powerful.

Thanks Terry, at least you could pick up on my slight jab at that sight. Up here in Canada it is also a running joke about lawyers suing for putting the wrong kind of cream in my coffee. Oops I was just trying to be funny. I guess I should rethink being a comedy writer, or should I leave that to Bob Z.

Onward and upward?

Hey, I think I smell the premiss for a great screenplay. We could call it the "Bottom Feeder". A pile of writers send very valuable scripts to an agent/manager/producer/director/dishwasher at Ponderosa, trying to get recognised and when they find out they have been dooped, they go on to a web site to see "Who is Buying What".

The more queries go out, the more responses you will get and the more your scripts will be read but I am a newbie and I wouldn't have known either.

I would like to see more help for us newbies or is this some of your ways of keeping us out of the family.

I have three great scripts and another 18 amazing premisses sitting here in front of me and I have Bruce Willis and Pat Benetar banging down the door of my snow covered house to work with me.

And that's the truth th..th..th(or how ever you type out that great noise.

I was going thru some of the older postings and came across this about Brooklyn Weaver.

According to some info from a friend and Moviebytes, Energy is looking to break new talent and help them develop their work. I have heard nothing but good things and I'm sure they are getting a huge response.

I just submitted a couple of queries for scripts and specs. I hope to hear from Brooklyn Weaver or Joel Viertel soon, that unexpected Xmas present.

Mitch and anybody else that is scared to come on to the board, w e l c o m e!

I am new also and have found most of this interesting including responses to some of my messages. Just in case, I am a professional furniture maker and if this board ever needs to be fixed or refinished please e-mail me.

As far as Roam, I am finding that there is hundreds and hundreds of these guys. Does anyone have a top one hundred list of agents and proper contact list and would they share it. By the way, I sold my soul to the bank when I bought my house.

I think that might be my first responsible question. I don't really like red carpet but my ego with settle for a nice burgundy shagg.

Hi Terri, best of the season to you and all the others.

I too have just finished a script and have just sent it to a number of contests. I had it read by 12 different people and the reviews all positive but really varied. Lots of critiques, most helpful but it amazes me how we all see or read something different when the words are the same.

It helps me, but try music for inspiration. I have recently had about 5 story ideas just from song titles.

Hey Billy

I am also a newbie to the board and have found some great advice and some interesting senses of humour. So welcome to this world and the life of screenwriting.

I am getting read and some decent responses but I too seem to get the" I like it but it doesn't fit what we want to do right now". This is coming from people who look at the genre that I wrote.

I keep plugging away and writing everyday and querying everyday. I know that it is only a matter of time before Dreamworks discovers me(a dream I had last night).

Best of the season and good luck in all you do.

Hi everybody

I'm a Canadian visitor and now board member eh!

What is the scoop with Writer's Script Network and Writesafe, who has used their services and any benefit.

I use the Writer's Guild of Canada and can register with The Government of Canada eh! My scripts are protected in the United States also but is this good extra protection for the buck. They seem to provide great contacts and what seems to be a rewarding contest.

By the way I sell snow on the side to any of you west coasters lonely for the frosty stuff. stevencalderwood@hotmail.com eh!

For Lord of the Rings at Burger King you can get "onion rings". I don't seem to remember those being in the diet of Hobbits and Elves.

Up here in Toronto we were blessed with a huge exibit of movie props, wardrobe and many pictures form the movie. The detail to accuracy was mind boggling.

I'm going to see it tomorrow night thru advanced ticket sales. Every show is sold out for atleast the first week. And please never consider yourself a dork for seeing one of earth's real masterpieces. Now you might be an Elfin Dork, boy did that sound rude. Sorry.

Thanks Anna...

Last year at this point, I was looking out of my studio at almost three feet of snow. This year there is about an inch of the white powder. I here there is a problem mailing white powdery stuff down to the states. Sorry if that was in bad taste. It seems that I may be golfing on Christmas day instead of skiing. I live in a ski resort area north of Toronto.

I going to wait and see for more imput before I proceed with Writers' Script Network.

Just wanted to wish everyone here on the board the best of everything at this, the Holiday Season.

May we all get that call that makes 2002 a great year for all of us screenwriters whether new or seasoned.

ALL THE BEST

I have had a few doors open for me because of this great site. I actually found out about Moviebytes from Max Adams' great book. I owe Max and Frederick the beginning of my career.

For this I will always be grateful and will mention you when I receive my Oscar. That might be Shrimp Oscar but the feelings are there.

Thanks and be safe at this the greatest time of the year no matter what your beliefs.

Hi Donnamarie

I did a quick check with my list of agencies/management and prodcos. registered with the Writers' Guild of Canada and found no listing but I have also found American Co.s have offices up here because of all the activity in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.

Check out all the lists we have at our finger tips. Somewhere out there, there is good intell on Creative Leisure Group.

If you get good reception please let us all know.

The script could have been better but I thought Planet of the Apes was pretty amazing. The DVD gives you alot of insight into the making of.

Speaking of DVD's-- I have noticed that alot of the movies have deleted scenes included in them. The common thread is that they change the flow of the movie. What I'm seeing is that alot of these scenes are important to the character development and actually are important to the story.

If you have ever seen the Abyss(original version) and the later released Editor's version now on DVD, the editing changed the whole movie.

I have seen alot of movies this year but other than Lord of the Rings, my stand out was "Final Fantasy". The technology blew me away and I liked the concept and story.

Finally, when is Hollywood going to wake up and smell the Latte. There is going to come a time real soon that they have to look at us writers for original and dynamic screenplays. I'm getting real tired of re-writes from the 5o's and 60's and ripping off stories from foriegn made movies. I hope I don't have to point these out.

I have original scripts and stories and so far Hollywood is saying yes to Rambo 4. Sometimes I wish I could come out with my Rocky ?

New Year Resolutions:

Last year, I committed to quit smoking, lose weight and finish my first script. I am happy to confirm that I am smokeless for the whole year of 2001. I forgot that I would gain weight from this and low and behold I finished my first script and actually I am now on my 3rd and 4th.

I have now entered 3 contests and may have some interest in script #1 up in Toronto.

I just want to be better at what I'm doing and be able to commit all my time to writing. I have the patience to develop my work so that I am not putting worthless work out there.

Now for the reality. I want an agent. I want them to get me my first real deal and I want to be respected by my fellow writers. I'm dying for a smoke and just got back from a buffet where I ate far too much.

Seriously, I have a gut feeling that this is going to be a good year for me and I hope for all of us.

Happy New Year and all the best for 2002

Hey Billi-- fellow newbie

I have already sent off my first script to Monterey County Writing Contest. It was recommended to me by another writer from here in Toronto. He got a good response from it last year and made some great contacts in Hollywood.

I have to be lean with the contests due to the fact that $55 U.S. is about $110 Canadian and with all the contests it really adds us fast.

There are some Canadian writing contests coming that are endorsed by the Wgc. Due to the exchange rate, the pricing could be really good for the writers in the States. www.wgc.org

Always be choosy but always ask on the board as to the wealth of the contest.

Ashley:

I kissed the X on the screen as you commanded my "Mistress". The static shock I received was amazing.

That was almost sexual... Oh damn, I always have a smoke after a good ^&%##%^^%$%&^%^%$%$&*^^$#$#^.

New resolution--- Don't kiss the screen anymore when your room-mate is watching.

I'm okay now.....

I can't resist this response--

Perhaps if you didn't jerk the mouse and stroked it gently and used a kleenex, the mouse wouldn't get all sticky. I really get excited about alot of the Moviebytes stuff but come on... Pardon the play on words.

The ball on the underside of your mouse has picked up alot of dust or contaminent. This can cause interference and that "jerk". There is a removable plate. Clean out with a burst of air from one of those airnozzle computer dust cleaners or I am afraid your mouse has been jerked once to often.

I have put two of my log lines on the site.

Has anyone else ever done so and had any response. Reading the total entries of 655, there are some good ones in there.

I went to Staples and picked up a cheap 2 page per day- daytimer. I keep this with me everywhere I go. If I get an idea or something comes up I can jot it down. Between the daytimer and my calender on MSN.com I can keep track of everthing and of course I use MYSCREENPLAYS. I don't want to spend my day figuring out what I doing.

I want to spend my day writing and sending out queries.

I went through the report card reports for the contests and I wonder if there are not a lot of sour grapes putting down bad reports. How accurate are the report cards for a contest with prizes like that of Final Draft.

This is a contest I am going to enter this year. I know from a contact I have that this contest as a finalist is great for a bump in your resume and the contacts with the industry.

It's a break through idea and a concept worth looking into.

I think I will wait for the Wal-Mart roll over prices.

How about telling agents that you will give them 25% if they rep you at the studios or prod-cos.

Where do I get this book and is there a web-site on this kind of information.

Any help would be appreciated

I noticed on the topic "Creative Leisure Group(Vancouver)" somebody posted as HJ, he/she refered to a 411 blue book for LA and actually posted some of the list.

Take a look and see if this is familiar to anyone or HJ if you could elaborate on this book. I know of the HCD, I was looking for other sources that also include Canadian contacts.

I have been through the report cards and have seen alot of postings and read articles. I would be interested what the consenses would be as to the best 5 contests.

So far I intend on entering the Monterey, the Austin and the Sundance this year.

Any comments about these.

Billy-

writersscriptnetwork.com

Hey Josh

I'm relatively new here but this is a posting board for generally us screenwriters. Not to say that an agent or two don't pop in from time to time.

Congratulations on your work so far but you will find that agents will not come to you.

You will have to contact them through queries and submissions and hopefully some day a studio or prodco will like something you have done and you will get the call.

Contacts are abundant on this Moviebytes web site and there are other sources through the internet. If you get interest in a project you will have agents wanting to talk to you.

If you know all this I appoligize for the info but I found it interesting that you would post "Needing an Agent" here.

If you need help we are all here, just post here and ask away. Lord knows, since I came on board, I've had great advice and a good laugh.

Talk to ya .... Steve

I think the toughest thing I have had to deal with is the constant distractions. Right now it is the NFL playoffs. The 49's are loosing to Green Bay(no surprise).

I too have a full time job making furniture(my second love) but a year ago I realized that if I didn't stop procrastinating, that my writing would only be for my eyes.

I have set out a schedule for myself like it is my job. I have set hours during the week and on the weekends that I will spend on my writing.

I first came up with about 20 stories and then started on a formula for the first 4 or 5 that I thought would be commercial(face it, not commercial- hard to sell).

I have read a few books, a few scripts and bought some software. I have followed the steps and worked on all the areas you have too. It took me about 8 months to come out with my first script that is now being read.

For the sake of not being bored of the first script, I also dedicated time to 2 other scripts all along adding to my list of stories.

My goals might be unrealistic to some but if you saw what I have accomplished so far you might see this differently.

I have set high goals because it motivates me to work harder. If I work harder, the rewards will come faster and I can set even higher goals. I have already met some goals and I will reward myself with a nice trip as soon as I can take a break.

I have a totally positive attitude with everything I do. I had negative feedback for my first script, I didn't totally agree but to every problem there is a solution.

Oh you might say I have my head in the clouds but better that then having your butt sticking out with your head in the sand.

Just as a side piece, In talking to an agencey here is Toronto, they complimented me on a great Query letter and that is why they read my first script and are looking at other work. They showed me some of the other queries they have received. In sales you have to sell yourself first. Some of the loglines didn't make sense and there was wording like "my friends like it, I hope you will"

My first job was to find out how to write a proper Query letter. Go to the library and read. It worked for me.

Im sorry if I sound pompous or arrogant but it is my positive attitude coming out. I will be successful because that is what we were taught in high school. I am the least successful of a group I went to school with including the likes of Mike Myers and brother Paul Myers(by the by, Paul has written a great book on the life and times of the Toronto native band "The Bare Naked Ladies) no charge for the plug Paul.

I have something to prove and dawm it I will.

And now for something completely different.....

Hey Josh

The only person that can get in the way is you. Read, study, work etc.

If you are determined to succeed then you will, when is something you have to have the patience for.

I believe that I am above average and will sell one of my first 3 scripts. This is a goal I have set and will do what ever to make it happen.

There are two girls that were told that they couldn't do what they are doing and they stuck with it. They worked their butts off and now the Olsen Twins are 350 million a head of the game. Yeh the have help but so will you.

Best of luck, the youngest writer to win a major writing award?

I totally agree with Bob. I have had the workshop experience and the family and friends reading and offer the suggestions. Only you really know where you want the story to go.

I find that the more I struggle over what I have written the more out of control my work gets. Now when the big guys of La La Land come knockin and want changes, that's a different thing.

Like any Chesterfield, it was just recently re-upholstered and it takes time to break it in. I'm sure this site has caught the attention of the contest organizers, if it hasn't, I'm sure it will get back to them and they will try to do better.

Right now I will wait to see if they make a notice of any changes before I enter it this year.

Maybe the workshop saw that your screenplay was a dog.

Just kidding Bob!

Coverage is one thing because we believe that it is a professional service of advice. Advice from other writers or friends has to be kept a arms length because it could confuse or cloud ones judgement.

If you allow others to influence your work or progress of your work, can you still call it your work?

KEYBOARD You've been banging on me with those Moviebytes guys for six hours.

STEVE I'm so sorry babe, what can I do to make it up to you?

Keyboard A Fu key will do.

That did look like a script when I typed it, what's up with that?

Craigy lost CONTROL. He used his PAGE UP and DOWN to fast and he SCROLLED prematurely when he tried to INSERT his END at HOME.

How's that!

Hey Kevin, if your still reading.

I can hardly wait to be a wannabe cause right now I'm just a smart ass and a dumb ass.

I have noticed a couple of cyber attacks from people around here and I find that it keeps me at bay with my expression.

At the risk of being attacked, we as writers should try to get along. Maybe if we did, we could make a change to get some of these dick heads in La La Land that are freakin lawyers and bean counters to recognize that some of us wannabes have talent and real original stories to tell.

The contests are a great way of getting noticed and getting your script read but for some of us who are along way away, the benefit is limited. The Chesterfield like Nicolls does'nt attract me because of where I live.

Kevin, I've read some of your postings and you have something to say. This is a site to speak your mind about our industry so by all means don't let a couple of people get to you (not that they probably are).

My humour and my way have earned me a reputation within my circle of writers and actor friends and some of them are quite famous(no name dropping).

I don't even remember what the hell my point was but if necessary we can start topics for us smart/dumb ass wannabes.

I appoligize for the rest of January, if I decide to be obnoxious or sarcastic.

What I would like to know is who do you have to marry to get an academy award winning movie on the screen like "Kung Pow, Enter the Fist".

Husband, wife, brother friend etc.... any connection to get a script produced is a major bonus. Quality does'nt always seem to be what is needed as to this recent barage of crap that is being produced.

I think that we should spend all our time developing contacts to get produced and then spend a day or two on the script.

An example: I recently made up a stupid logline and sent out a few test querries along with one of my serious loglines of a finished script. Guess what, my contacts want to see the fake stupid script. Now I have to come up with some crap to so that I don't burn my contacts.

Oh silly me!

Hats off to the writer with a great connection of a husband. I would take a husband if I knew I could get one of my quality stories out there.

Commercial is all relative.

The success of the story is based on what. To some just getting the script sold, to others having your work going through the whole production process and to others just having someone read the script.

When I started screenwriting seriously, I took a hard look at what was on the screen. Some I liked and alot I didn't. I find it funny that a large part of the commercial success lately has been the teen grossout movies but to the writers defense, they are commercially sucessful.

Yes it is difficult to decide what genres are going to be commercial at what time but I as see it, drama, romantic comedy and crime are always going to sell if the work is good.

The toughest part of my writing is making sure that I am truly original. The twists are unique and no one can say "Oh I saw something like that last year".

You have to write what you love and stick with it and hope that at some point someone will want to put it up on the big screen.

I have to admit, I am a good writer and I am in this for the love of my work and to make "Big Bucks". Commercial success is my drive to keep working every day on my stories.

I'm sure you would think less about us. I'm sure you would be with your hunky Hollywood star.

Don't think less of me but I would.

Seriously, if my wife was a big TV or movie producer, I'm sure she would not want to sacrifice her rep. for some lame hack job script. If she did, she wouldn't get away with it a second time.

I think Coleen has a talent and an incredible future with or without her connected spouse.

I Seeeeeee: Wow, I'm so impressed that you get info from JUNIOR EXECS.

I smell a gossiping little....(come up with your own word.

There is a stupid job for you at the Enquirer or such. Mind you I'm sure you don't have any talent for that either.

The attack continues.... Marc Hernandez or Zide/Perry haven't responded to e-mails to you so you want to rag on them.

I Seeeeeee, I think you're blind. If there is any truth, I know that Marc will be successful and we know that Zide/Perry will continue their success.

With that said, I hope I get a response from my e-mail querie.

I Seeeeeee is probably out partying with all those "Junior Execs."

Did you here the one about Spielberg being an alien? I guess that is how he got all the success with ET.

I Seeeeeee

You are so insignificant to my writing that this is my last response.

Marc, Oh Marc, where are you buddy. He is reading all this and laughing his ass off.

I don't worry about my postings because I can speak my mind. My mind doesn't always make a lot of sense, but that is why I am a writer.

Nobody knows me from "Adam". Who am I, where am I from and who in the business do I work for.

Interesting idea of being anonmyous but I think I will keep putting my name on my work.

I look forward to "Whoever" seeing my work because I choose who gets to see it and right now, there is about 30 copies of my work being read as we speak. CAA, ICM and Atlantis/Aliance to name a few. Doh!

I much prefer to read about Craig and Ashley's banter than the stuff I've been screwing around with on the Marc Hernandez topic.

By the by, Craig, if you haven't read into it lately, your now part of the topic. It is like starting a story and passing it around and seeing what happens to the story after 50 people have added their flavour.

Oh what we do for fun somedays, back to my writing

Marc, Oh I mean Steve

Is that "American Standard" porcelin.

BEEDAY Mate! Get It! Ha ha ha ha

Sorry.....

Ashley

The accent on the e, nice touch. How did you do that?

Marcel-- Hello fellow Canuck

Bob you're right Canadian Bacon was a great movie(helped employ all the out of work Canadian actors)

It's "Eh" not ah, an easy mistake eh. Hang on a second, I must close the door to my igloo, the draft is warm.

Haven't been writing as much as I should... it is hunting season and those dawm Caribou run so freakin fast Eh!

Marcel-- do you know about the Writers Guild of Canada and some of the Canadian contests. The prizes are like our game shows... you win a free subscription "Who writes with crayons" and a free ticket to the Second City show "I'm From Tarana(Toronto) Eh"

Bob - have you ever watched the "South Park" movie? They even sing a song about how much Americans think of Canadians Eh!

You know why Candian's say Eh all the time? That is as far as we got in the alphabet.

Welcome Marcel, I'll watch for your postings.

ALL ABOUT CRAIG

Full Length Romantic Comedy--- I see Alan Alda as your dad, Mel Brooks as your Step Dad. Rachel Welch as your mom, have to have vintage TNA.

Craig looks for "wuv " in all the wrong places. Ashley blows him off (no sex intended) Oh and Terry is a guy and Paula declares she is only 10 years old.

I Seeeeee/Turk isn't sure what "It" is and he really doesn't know about Kevin, Bob and Steve. All Craig knows is that he is agentless, isn't sure he really needs one. With a recent assassination attempt on his life he turns to his friends for support and comfort only to find out that "Oh My God, Marc is Gone".

As a last resort(somewhere in Palm Springs I think) Frederick finds him his resolve by luring Colleen back and all becomes One with the Universe.

Oh somebody turn my brain off.........

How about Tawny Welch, the way she looked in "Cacoon" in a twosome with Rachel. A threesome if Craig can pull himself away from banging on the keyboard defending his honour from the ruthless attackers on the infomous "Hernandaz Thread". I have this sudden recollection of "Get Smart" where Zigfried tells Schtalker that "At Kaos Vee don't Brvutt Here".

Speaking of Canadians, I am freezing my ass off, (Yes assassination has two asses in it) I wonder if that is why my butt falls asleep at long movies in the theaters.

I know, Craig you can take us on a bus ride to Wallyworld, we just have to figure out who gets dragged from the bumper and who gets tied to the roof rack. Speaking of Beverly D'Angelo, Pacino you lucky guy and bravo of having the Uhhhhh to have twins at your age.

Gotta go , I'm having a beer and some bacon for dinner. A Quote from the best movie ever made in Canada, "Strange Brew--- Get lost you hosers"

Ooops. I think I just crossed my threads.

Shhhhhhhh--- there are children on this thread. Where I come from, we don't talk in inches, we talk in metric, O dawm, it still doesn't hit double digits.

That is a funny one if you know you're metric conversion.

Yeh, I remember spring break in Fort Lauderdale in the late 70's.

Oh did I get "Lucky down there". I would call that a great exchange rate.

Well then enough about you now it's...."All about St(eve)" Why does that title sound familiar.

I was born in Toronto in 19.......















Sorry, I just woke up. Did I miss anything?

The worst thing is that Bigfoot would have representation before you would. His people would have the rights to everything and before you could say "Relative of the Wookie", his publisist would even be controling what you would be able to say.

I think it is every guys mother-in-law, but don't tell our wives.

Bob you make me laugh.

I churned out two scripts just reading your post.

You mean that "Harry and the Hendersons" wasn't a documentary. Alas, another bubble bursts.

Actually, if you have ever been to the beach lately, have you ever seen those guys that look like walking shag carpets. Ask them if they have any relatives that live in the foothills or north California.

Worse case scenario, have him as your star of your scoop and make it a true "Blairwitch" hoax.

Hey D.G.

Don't be startin a problem with my fellow Canadian Marcel.

I will start a snowball fight and I believe we have the upper hand. EHH!

Ask and ye shall receive, the worst one can say is no. But it does help if someone knows who the Hell you are.

I have found that the WGA Signatory agencies seem to all have this policy. I have sent out a number of queries to these companies and the ones that responded back told me politely that I had to be referred to them.

Most will not even respond unless you yourself are not a WGA member and they really are looking for the "Producer/director/actor" that is attached.

I would ask Mr Brandt if there is someone he personally recommends or my favorite "I have a number of people looking at this work right now, can I send you a sample, say three pages, and you can see why I am getting a good response for this work."

That line has got me into a few doors I was told are always locked. (Max Adams)

The veteran thief, though nervous, was still able to crack the combination on the vouchsafe.

There, I even used the word in a sentence. You know I dun bin egimecated!

Marcel

Thanks for the information. I have actually looked for help from some friends from York University and Ryerson. I have a few famous contacts but I hesitate to pull that trump card at the moment.

I am developing a possible half hour comedy and I know you have had some background in TV. Maybe you have a contact or suggestions of an approach.

I have one script that is being read in Canada and in Hollywood, I'm playing the waiting game at the moment and I have had interest in two of my other projects by I feel someone with clout.

My e-mail is stevencalderwood@hotmail.com if you wish to contact me outside the board.

Any help we could do for each other, eh!

I have been using Screenstyle. It is a basic program but it gives me a lot of freedom and takes the ever popular format off mind. Very reasonalbly priced.

Has anybody noticed lately that by the time a topic gets to about 5 or 6 postings we have drifted to about us Canadians.

Look, see what I mean. A one hour television drama about Canadians. Of course we will have to borrow an American Production company, do the shoot in Toronto and then pretend we are in New York.

I go hunting for food when moon rises over trees 2 times if anybody wants to come up for a BBQ this weekend. Oh yeh, we have been in darkness for 4 months with 2 to go.

DG - those missiles are being fired over to Buffalo with a giant elastic band. Do you know where I can get a giant elastic band?

Mitchell

Thanks once again for making it about us Canadians.

Hey, I'll have you know that our Canadian women are "Smart like tractor, Strong like Bull".

Personally, I think Bigfoot is a Canadian logger with a big fir coat and we have been pulling your leg.

I have had enough to drink, I am now seeing double.

Did you know that there are a lot of "Polish" in CANADA. They all like to "SKI"

We got eight inches of new snow at the trading post.

Prince Charles wore the hat to keep his ears from setting sail on that windy day.

I think Bigfoot does exist. They didn't evolve the last time around but as to their dead, they believe in cremation "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust".

You would be amazed as to what us hungry Canadians will eat. Groundhog is a delicacy but when you see your shadow, you are responsible for a long winter.

In Canada our motto is "Eat a BEAVER, save a tree".

I have really looked a Zoetrope and I definitly see the benefit of what service they provide. I am just alittle aprehensive about covering someone elses scripts at this point.

The service is free as long as you read 4 other scripts. Make sure you are registered. The list of Zoetropes credits is pretty amazing since it is Francis Ford Coppola who started the company.

I think it is something I will look at soon, but I think I need alittle more knowledge and experience to be fair to the 4 scripts.

I have seen the Empty Pockets name on a couple of sites advertising for scripts but other than that I looked and found nothing.

The name of the company, is it reflective of their ability?

Get references of recent submitions and find out about what the responses are.

I have sent out scripts when they don't ask for a release. Some expect that you know you send one anyways. I downloaded a generic release that is detailed off one of the major companies web sight. I'm sorry, I don't remember which one but if you take a look at some of the big ones you might find it.

Try Energy Entertainment

I'm sure Ellen D'Generous? and Mellisa Ethridge would have to agree.

Oh did I go to far, I might wind up with a "Bigfoot" up my ass.

"RUNNERUP"

That is where most of the American Olympic Athletes are going to be in relation to all the Canadian Golds.

Elvis is in Utah and singing his ass off. So to speak!

Script Pimp.... Empty Pockets these are not names that have a positive reflection.

I'm sure they are reputable companies but we can ill afford to throw away our stories and our money and not get results. If you send a script to an agency, they will say yeah or neah on a script that doesn't fit their needs.

All the studying, the courses and the writing teach you how to do the format of Hollywood but if you don't have the story and the hook, you better look at doing your own indie.

I have heard great things about Redinkworks. They have a contest that is up on the 28th of February and also provide coverage year round.

WWW.REDINKWORKS.COM

Can be found in the contest section of this site.

I think there is enough software to cover all the technical needs it is the talent of the writer that will prevail to hopefully provide a winner for La La Land.

Craig You are a reader and you have seen and read many scripts. If the idea behind the story and the characters have substance would you take a look and pass it along if you thought that it might just need alittle work. Or would it get the passoroonie if it showed some format or structure problems.

The reason being is that a script I have out there got one review of a few problems but the story and the characters they liked. My script got a pass and I get the impression that it was passed because of a structure problem that can be easily fixed rather than a lousy story with perfect format and structure.

What is your view of this?

Craig is right, he is so schmart.

We all have great ideas but one thing you can do is work on 6 scripts at once. You can be doing all the set up process on as many as you like but you do have to settle down and concentrate on one to finish the project.

No one will buy just ideas otherwise we would all be doing it. You can get interest in the concept but that usually comes from a known and produced writer or an actor that is a writer now.

Actors that are writers, next thing they want to direct.

I wish there were more like Energy Entertainment. They are very receptive to good ideas and are asking to read a lot of scripts.

My research shows me that they are having a strong showing in Hollywood and have had very good sales in the past two years.

I wish there were others looking for new writers and doing everything they can to promote our industry but they are few and far between.

I have recently had a very pleasant exchange with Brooklyn and are awaiting the next step in the great process.

I should add that it takes a great query letter and a great logline to attract these people. Work on that and then work on it some more and you might find some more doors opening.

I have got into a couple of doors that are usually nailed shut from what I hear.

You aren't the first and you won't be the last.

I believe this mistaken gender thing happened in December but I'm sure Brooklyn wants a good script and a creative writer, he won't hold a grudge.

Brooklyn Weaver is the Man!

DG

I have been away for awhile, I'll get the bastard Canadian myself. That is if it is not me you are referring to but I'm a good guy.

I am going on AZ and don't want to run into this P***K Canuck with some alias.

Give me an E-mail if you want.

Billy

I can't believe in this time and age that you don't use writer's condoms.

The finger tips are gone do you can feel the sensivity of your work and a piece missing in the back end so that you can still get screwed up the #*@ by La La Land.

Sorry, I'm in a negative place.

First of all, what the hell is with the wide screen version of this thread I'm reading.

Corruption starts at the top. Look at all the bribes to get the Olympics in Sydney, China and Salt Lake. The guy who was responsible for alot of the bribes was from Korea, he came second in the decision for the head of the IOC.

As for "skategate" where have some of you been the past 25 years. The judgeable events have been tainted in so many events from skating to gymnastics.

Just so everybody realizes, the Russian couple will receive over 12 million dollars in endorsements and sponsorships, if they got away with the Gold. Nike in Europe is worth at least 5 million to big Medal winners.

The Russian couple will not get much of that because the Russian Skating Federation will take about 90% to feed their formally communist pockets.

If you don't believe this then I suggest that you read up on sports in former communist countries.

As for the Canadian skaters, they were invited to go on Leno and Larry King and as for the press conferences, the freaking media kept that going. Jamie and David puplically announced that they didn't want the golds, they and alot of skaters from around the world are embarassed for their sport. The judges have never kept to the oath that they swear to, in all areas of the competitions. Once the skater goes pro, the truth comes out.

Finally, I knew you guys would make it about us Canadians again. We get starved for attention and just "WINE" until we get noticed.

How about some cheese for your "WINE"

I don't think that I was including all Americans in my rebuttal only a few that have the 100% Canadian Wool pulled over their eyes.

Miriam, I here that the MN's love our Canadian Beer. If so, you are one of us. It's something we put in the water.

Next Scandal Please!

Ashley

Very impressive site, hope it works great for you.

I thought about doing something like that but Tom Seleck wouldn't pose for the shot on the site for me.

I guess I better be very nice to you from now on, Weapons trained and a White belt to boot.

Beautiful, talented and dangerous... ouch!!!!

I wrote my first script without using an outline. After doing rewrites, it is almost tuned. Doing outlines has made my writing so much easier.

Unbelievable how outlines allow you to keep organized and have made my dialogue writing flow better.

As for a treatment, I was recently asked for a treatment and my response was that "Oh you want to produce my work" The response was "No, I just want to see your work" I sent them a synopsis and character breakdown and now they want the script.

I might be wrong, but is the treatment not done in pre-production after the sale and is usually done to set up for story boards and the technical script.

Maybe someone else can agree or correct the proper use of a treatment.

Olympic clearification....

Speed skating--- only four skaters on the ice, the Chinese skater took down the American and Canadian skaters and the Australian won the race. As for the re-race, the American and Canadian skaters were both injured, Apollo got his silver (he was delivered in a wheel chair) and the Canadian got the Bronze.

No harm, no fowl

No Russians had influence on the French Judge. That is why the French dance skaters won the Gold last night.

You know I just realized something... this is how our business is. The judges are allowing poor performances to get on screen when the real talent can't get a chance to to qualify.

Granted, the screenplay that does wind up with the Gold(Oscar) isn't from Russia but usually deserves the recognition. "A Beautiful Mind"

How about our Canadian Woman's Hockey Team.... Now that is impressive!!!!

I think venting is important expecially when the air is so F O W L.

I tell ya, I can't believe I did that. Who invented Spellcheck, was he or she from eastern Europe.

Back to the hockey games...

Full contact figure skating, sounds like a Budweiser commercial.

Is it just me, or have these Olympics got out of hand. Now the Russians want to pull their hockey team out over one of their drugged up skiers, skategate and I heard they don't like the 98 cent menu at McDonalds.

I heard today on Canadian radio that Apollo Ono has received tons of death threats on the internet. He has been one of my highlights of the games. What a sports hero!

Sitting here watching the gals playing hockey. This ref(American) someone tell her to just let the girls play. 20 penalties, who the hell is she trying to help? Hmmmmm

What are we going to post next week, oh the strain of coming up with something.

I hope you get your MOW, I really miss Sally Fields on TV.

It was a ruff game, the penalties called were pretty suspect on both sides but a new record against the Canadians.

Canada 3 the United States 2

That was a good game!

Brandon

Not advice but an observation. Any of the agent/prodco lists I have seen do not give the e-mail lists, maybe just a few. I have had a decent response to faxing and still better to snail-mail.

Does the HCD have the e-mails or does anyone know if there is a list of these addresses posted. I would like to see the Moviebytes lists with e-mails but I don't know if this can be done.

Once I have received a response, then I get the e-mail so that we can correspond.

Steve

This is becoming a great who done it!

I am totally lost, which is a good thing.

They are an obnoxious Canadian? How can that be?

Shelly and DG

Enough with beating around the preverbial bush...I'm with Brandon.

Guys either spill it or put the lid on it. Somebody has pissed you guys off big time and it effects all of us at MB.

If this person is a threat to our careers or such, it should be made public unless it is me of course.

Steve

Did not find this site, could you please post the actual site for a search

Thanks Steve

Hi Paula

Okay, I'll Movie "Bite"

Esplain Lucy please?

wha... huh?

That's Who Represents, I had to take a closer look.

Anyways, I have just received back some requests for two scripts I have.

This site lets you find the agents, managers and publicists of every actor in hollywood. You can then link to the agent and get contact info and others he or she reps.

I tried this as a lark and have received 3 requests. Ever had a dream of who you would like to see as the lead in you script well I just got requests form one of them directly.

This is a hoot. This might be common to some of you but new to me. I hope someone else sees the benefit.

No E-mail addresses so I faxing off my computer my queries and intros.

Wow, I have my own DG Balls Ass nic name now.

You really crack me up. You remind me of a friend of mine, Phil MeCrackin.

I don't know if anybody else has tried this site but it beats getting no responses from agents and managers and prodcos. I have been told that this is a great way to get noticed real quick.

I have writen a script with two actors in mind and it is one of those actors who wants to see the script. If I can get him attached, he has the pull to get it going. That might sound odd but actually there are quite alot of people who could do it but this is what I had in mind.

The Smiths... surely you are not attacking the wacky husband and wife singing comedy duo from Canada. Mr. Smith is now the head of the RED GREEN SHOW.

Or is it the great band from England, THE SMITHS

Sorry, DG Won't elaborate so I'm grasping at straws.

Paula

Who are you directing the "What did you say"...Who makes no sense and who isn't on drugs?

Name names, be brave.

I treated the contact like any other.

I introduced myself, my brief resume and that I admire (Insert actors name) work and that they came to mind when I finished my script or during.

Warning, I wouldn't do this if you don't really picture the person in the role. I know someone that did this and got back a real nasty response.

I was honest and the actors fit what I have written. If I can get an actor and possibly then a director friend of the actor to look at the project who knows. Its called networking.

I received a response yesterday from an agent stating that their client was looking for an action script, a strong female character and not a cheesy Segal/Van Damme type. I e-mailed the agent a logline of something I have sitting in the sort of outline stage. I received back a request for the synopsis asap.

I have only got a small response from agents for writers, very little from any prodcos I have approached and so far this is working for me.

I have posted on Writers Script Network and have got about 10 hits in three days and I have 9 hits from the contacts at Who Represents.

For those of you naysayers, I am agressively going to succeed. I am a newbie but I am trying anything and everthing to get my work out there.

Try it and let us all know if I'm crazy.

Steve

P.S. Canada 5 United States 2 Ha Ha! That's Hockey for some of you.

Hey everybody

Been very busy, thought I would pop in.

I have a script at hollywood lit sales and have received requests from indies.

I love getting reguests but man it is getting expensive to "Snail Mail" scripts to California. It is about $17 Canadian each. Awe the price of getting your work read.

I would also recommend looking at Scriptsales.com. Some overlap with MB but some valuable info, prodcos addresses and *e-mails* and samples of legal forms, releases, treatments and such.

Take a look

Well back to work, I have a deadline.

PS I got great results from my entry in Redinkworks. The notes I received were great and took my script "MY DAD" to a polished level. Thanks Larry Miles

Does anybody know, recommend or know of a published list of Ent. Lawyers.

We have them here in Toronto but they don't cover offers from U.S. prodcos because of all the different laws.

Appreciate any response here or at my e-mail stevencalderwood@hotmail.com

Mike

I too have had a great response from WSN. Along with WinningScripts here at MB, I also have had a great response from Hollywood Lit Sales. I have a Indie looking hard at a script I am almost finished that fit what they are looking for. Yes I pitched an unfinished script because they liked my writing on another script.

I mentioned it on another thread but I have been using Who Represents to target actors with submission requests. To my surprise, I have sent out scripts for reading in the past two weeks and have received one request for further discussions on a project next month.

Get professional coverage, this alone has changed my position. Agents know that if you payed for coverage, your script should atleast have proper structure and format. Your logline/synopsis has to do the rest.

Really research the genres of your scripts. I wasted queries by not paying attention to Who is Buying What.

Type at y'all real soon

Thanks Mitchell, I will take a look.

What is the web address for the phone book/yellow pages that might have some listings.

Thanks Steve

Bob

First congrats on the kudos for Horror Flick. Wish I could come to the signing but I'm not buying your book for $1200 bucks(The flight you know)

How do we get a copy and is there a MB discount??????????

I had a book signing years ago unfortunately it was for a dork and his yearbook.

Best wishes

Steve

Just a suggestion

The Writers Guild in Canada notes that screenwriters never pay for any submissions. Common sense, right.

Too many scammers and they recommend that a letter be sent to the parties and a report made to the Guild giving details. The guild won't act on it but it does make the situation a matter of record if Story Bay or Tavel Ent. want to be Signatory.

I had one submission that wanted to do coverage before they gave approval, oh yeh that will cost you $150.

These guys might be legit but not a great way to bleed us writers.

A D.G. in the hand, is worth no Bush in the Whitehouse.

Where do I get my Greencard so I can vote!

How about when you are dialoging away and you realize that your characters were in the last script.

I figure after a few organ transplants and I stop drinking "Zima", I will have got to about 45 scripts. I am up to 93 loglines, I dropped the one about the big ocean liner that hit an ice burg.

I totally agree, outlines will provide the guide to see if the idea will fly. Weed out, anything that resembles any big movies that have been sold in the past two years. Don't porceed with anything that is perfect for Polly Shore or Steve Allen.(yeh I know he's dead, he still says he is funny)

I recently had great advice from Mr Weaver and that is do what others aren't and make it commercial. Unique but familiar. Strong characters and proper structure.

I got to admit, I am writing for Hollywood and not for me at the moment but like other professions, I want to be recognized then I can insert my ideas. Pipe dream maybe but hey that is me Mr postiive and aggressive. If that annoys you, we will see who will have a first timer sale in an article soon, so there!

Karl my friend that is why they call it the waiting game.

I have actually heard some 6 weeks after the submission. It depends on the prodcos, who does the reading, screeners and readers and how many scripts they might be getting. I recently talked to one agent and he was telling me that a prodco he has a first look with has to deal with almost 1000 submissions every two weeks. Holly Crap, no wonder some of our best work slips through the cracks.

When I get to the three to four week period, I send an e-mail just to inquire on the status. I make it light and humorous, I also take the opportunity to enlighten them on another script or project just to see if they are looking. A second Query in other words.

There is no consistancy unless you have done your research as to who you sent your script off to.

The wait gives you more time to develop the insomnia and nervous condition, try new coffee flavours and sit here on this bulletin board??????????????????

I'm not a skidzophrenic and neither am I

I know I spelt it wrong cuz I tired from reading all this tread man.

Ya man, I want to go to the islands where the banana trees are plentyful and the dictator ship is floating man.

You know there is so much room for you screwballs up here in Canada. The demacracy is cool up here Eh!

By the way, didn't the Ghostbusters get rid of Gozer the Yossarian, oh you must be the bro Iam. What'ssssssss Up

Hi Miriam

I started out five years ago on a novel based on two of my short stories. A friend of mine that is an actor read my work and told me that I should go into screenwriting.

I will write a novel at sometime but I think I will take some courses and start reading more books. It is just finding time. I wonder if there is all the web sites for novelists that there is for screenwriters. If anybody knows any good ones could we share?

Good luck Miriam

I sold my soul to the DEVIL but wouldn't you know it, he works part-time at WAL MART and I went for $24.94 and that was with a coupon.

Deb and Brandon

We most certainly are in a business. You can lease digital equipment and get nice equipment with out the purchase price.

I have had the honour of talking to some of the big guys. They haven't bought but like where I'm going. Yeh, some of the MB's call me a sell out but if you do want to get in, you have to be so commercial it will turn your stomach.

I absolutely love to write, to develop strong characters and improve and polish my structure. I have that project but I also have the project that will afford me the luxury of this being my full time job.

Like everyone else, I'm pissed and frustrated that a lawyer for a big Studio is the latest big winner with a script. Recent advice to me was to get a job as an intern or some entry level position to get in the door but hey I'm in Toronto.

I am doing the Indie route right now and I tell you, it looks like the way to go to get started. There are small budgets that don't pay much but it will get some money in your account. Money that can be used to lease digital equipment. Buy lunch for some strugling actors and pay for a program to do editing on the computer.

I have to produce 20 minutes of work and I qualify for 25,000 Cdn for another project. That fund gets me to the next level and so on.

As for this thread about being charged for reading, I say send them the bill for what will be a great read.

The Logline-- one sentence for high concept and no more than 60 words.

The Synopsis-- 400 to 600 words and on one page.

The Treatment-- sometimes up to 50 pages and very indepth details.

Just come up with some absolutely crazy and outrageous lines. I am coming to the realization that if you want to be noticed in La La Land that you better be screwing someone that knows someone.

Go after the Indies, much more receptive for real true writing.

I saw E.T for the first time today at the theatres Wow. Who did that writer bend over the office desk to get that one on the screen.

To put this one to rest once and for all.

Brook is a guy, a very hard working guy.

I have talked to him on the phone about my work and trust me he is a guy. A woman could smoke 20 paks of smokes a day and still not have that deep voice.

Like I posted before, if you have a unique query and a good script, he will read it. He read mine and called me at home to discuss the project.

Brook- keep the myth alive man!

Brandon you are a buddy but I have to tell the secret.

Brandon is actually one of the Penis Puppet guys and the white stuff around his mouth is the foam from a Cappucino.

I know because I am his Penis Tech. when we go on the road touring.

Hey Brandon

The company I work for just gave us our lay off notices.

A part time job and the dole will will net me more than I make now. Hows that for luck.

Maybe this is the government subsidy I have been looking for.

Actually while I'm here, InZide is only looking for High Concept. What I can't figure out is why they accept all the scripts they do and with the release. I know they are very reputable but it does get frustrating.

Went there and found it under construction.

When is it supposed to be up and running so that there is some access?

I wish they would just read the FREAKIN script.

Yes to covers. Acually use a larger back cover and do a double fold to cover the brad tips. I have been praised for this step. Buy the FREAKIN script.

My system is this and in this order

Ping--- the idea/title

the logline

the treatment/outline scene by scene

the synopsis

the dialogue and description

the finishing touches

Professional analysis-- the script not me you wise asses.

finally turning down all the hundreds of requests because you can't keep up with all activity.

Oh sure Brandon my friend, it is like Origami.

The script size is 8&a half x 11

The front cover is the same.

The back cover is 9&a half x 11

If you are looking down on a table at your script, the script is all stacked in a pile but the back cover is put through the brads but facing to the left. Like you would bend the back of a book open.

Bend the brads closed as normal then fold the back cover over the brads and into the normal position a back cover should be in and voula... covered brads!

I hope this makes sense. No shit, I have had 6 passes that told me nice touch with the covered brads and send me your next project.

Sam Quo Vadis

Hey wasn't that a Anthony Quinn character or a movie.

Hey guys

Go to the thread"Write Friggin Synopsis" and I have detailed a description of how to use the back cover to fold over and protect the readers hands from the brads.

It Works!!!!

You have to e-mail him through your own service. I used to try to connect through posted e-mails but my system wouldn't deliver.

use query@crescendo-la.com and put in the intro that you are from Moviebytes.

A musical and comedy genious who will be missed and never got to finish his work.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

He is free from his illness and he is looking at us through his telescope, hopefully he is laughing.

I just found out about Uncle Milty on the radio as I came home from work.

These always happen in threes.

Uncle Milty is a classic and I know that I will sad but happily remenissent the next week or two as the tributes and his performances will be not doubt be aired a lot.

An incredible fact-- when his show first aired on television, he was personally responsible for a hugh boom in the TV sales in the United States.

Who could ever match that kind of tribute to a legend.

A sad loss but I will always smile when I remember Uncle Milty

My evil twins name is "WARREN DOWN"

I won't let him post here cause he might offend people

Any company that charges submission fees makes me wonder.

I would check to see if they have ever sold a project or are they in the script recycling business. I wonder if these are script analysis companies trying to break into production. I did hear on another thread that some of the big prodcos are referring scripts to, I think it was called Script or Story bay.com

A third great comedy legend has left us.

It IS a time for reflection but a time to enjoy all the great entertainment that Duddly, Milton and Billy have left for many generations to come.

Hey Paula

If you win these contests, you are going to wind up with a lot of free software.

Can I get a copy of Moviemagic 2000 or another top program after you get five or six copies. "I'll be your friend".

Greg

We do like to help but beware of what you post of your material on these threads. Is your material registered?

Contact me at stevencalderwood@hotmail.com

The first and second loglines could be for the same script, the third is for another.

I would also try to merge the first and third loglines but I give no example. This is your baby and advice is all that is necessary.

I have probably written 50 or more loglines for each project before I was comfortable. Try to keep it to one sentence, that is what Hollywood wants.

Hey Greg try this

Finding himself the prime suspect of a police murder investigation, a man with psychic abilities also must battle demons to save the life of his unborn child.

I don't like doing this but it popped into my head.

Now please sign the release letter enclosed and give me $2500. and a two year option.

sort of kidding

Steve

If the gist of the script, name and author are the same(script 90%) you don't have to re-register but I would register every script with the guild.

Almost every submission I've made has requested a registration number. I actually received an e-mail asking if the material submitted was registered when I forgot mark it down.

It is for your protection and theirs.

Okay, how did the villian from The Errol Flynn "Robin Hood" movie get a posting on Moviebytes.

Craig

Was my reference to far out there.

I do put stuff out to see if anybody gets it. Maybe I'm just one of those anoying asses that some of the MB's have posted about here.

I don't have alter egos and pseudonems on these threads, I'm just me.

Mylo

You have had a rewarding past in theater, acting, directing and writing.

Yeh it is great to hear your works being read for nothing but the appreciation and the cudos.

Welcome to screenwriting. Another medium of appreciation and cudos and not much money.

But you know with some drive which I think you have, you will be writing and performing on Broadway. That is Broadway, Pennsylvania, a small town with a population of 48.

That's what I'm talkin' about!!!!

So what makes you happy.

That's what I'm talkin' about!!!!

Do what makes you happy.

The problem is that there is differences with every prodco and agency.

Is it 2 brads or 3?

Washers?

Covers or no covers?

It's all about what is in the fuckin script. You know the content. Why should I have to be concerned with some schmuck tossing my script because I like to use my cover and 3 brads.

But you know I have to, I have to freakin conform.

So far, I have had praises about the way I make script submissions so I will keep it that way.

Brandon and The Other Steve

Is it my imagination or did Craig just tell us that 19 out of 20 scripts will be shit. Well fuck me, I guess I should just blow my head off. No use writing anymore, Hollywood is just too cynical and I hear they like sandwiches.

Too bad I know better. Until some of the "greater" powers that be, tell me different, I will give them the tastiest shit they will ever sink their taste buds on.

As for the synics and the negative asswipes maybe it is time that you used your talent for something else. Oh, I know, a PLUMBER. The shit will look goo on you!

Typos, bad spelling and nasty language.

Sorry about that.

Take a negative and make it positive.

Jerrol Lebarron and Writers Script Network provide a secure service.

I too have posted there and have had a very good response for the price. Haven't heard of too many of the prodocs but some of the requests were from active film makers.

Mylo

I would post a killer logline and a brief, 3 paragraph synopsis and see what happens.

The Internet movie business does not sell many scripts but does get your name out there and you do get to meet the players. At least thru e-mails.

By the way, I like your story on the other thread. You will get some traffic.

Steve

I did BETTY FORD once, literally.

OOOOOOOh those grey hairs on her legs.

Gerald, you are a lucky man!

Craigy--- I'm an ass but it's a cute one

I have one script posted at WSN as a test. It received about 30 hits and 3 requests for scripts. 10% is not bad given that out of those 30 hits, they aren't looking for what I wrote.

I have been e-mailing and networking for a month to prodcos and actors and have had 38 requests for scripts and as of now I am getting serious interest from three different parties.

Guess what, all three have scripts with my custom back cover and told me that it was a nice touch.

Moral of this story is that:

1- have a killer logline

2- have a brief but well thought out synopsis- 3 paragraphs Act 1-2-3

3- commercially viable script in proper format and structure.

4- do something different that draws attention to your work over everbody elses.---- my back cover protecting the fingers from the brads.

WSN provided me great service and I am going to post another script there in two weeks. I like the fact that Jerrol will contact you anytime if you have any questions or concerns and also has helped me with regards to some other stuff.

Thanks WSN and Also Frederick for Moviebytes for all the great information and help I have got here.

Anything I can do to help someone new like me and if you are CANADIAN like me EH!

Steve

Flip out yes. Who wouldn't want a mogle from one of the big studios to come on. Oh the questions, the comments, the advice, the connections.

Hey, what if we sent out invites, who knows.

Celebs do live chat all the time expecially when they have something to promote. This is almost live chat.

Hey Mylo

If you make the lesbian superhero an African American and get Chrysler to sponser the project for the free use of minivans, I think the studios will go for it. I know I would.

Glad to see someone new with a great, worped sense of humour. We will make it, or take them all down with us.

I have been using Screenstyle and it has done a great job for format.

What I was interested in knowing is what does everybody else use and does anyone use Script Werx(Windows software).

Short stories is how I got my start. I started in high school and just kept going. I tried to get some of them published in a series but found no takers.

I started looking at the screenplay medium and here I am. Having written short stories has been a big bonus for my writing.

Take the step and write the script yourself or with a collaborator. Sell that project and then publish your own works. It may sound like a lot but if I can do so can you.

For my scripts so far, I have used the computer spellcheck bla bla bla but something funny.

My first script had the word "DAMN" in it about 30 times because of a character. The spellcheck changed it to DAM. I caught it but what is with that.

You spell it "color" in Canada it's "Colour" and "odor" is "odour" and "center" is "centre".

I got flack from one submission for mispelling some of these words.

Needless to say it is the way you Amerikans like it.

I now have two people as readers of the hard copy plus myself with highlighters and I also use pro script analysis just to be sure.

Don't want to wind up in the pail for a typo or blunder in format.

Great question Craigy, I hope everybody does a thorough check before making submissions. If you don't you better start now, right!

Hey Mr. Couch (POTATO HEAD)

What did I do now?

I gave constructive advice to a fellow scribe and that would be Mylo. It was a proper point based on what seems to tickle Hollywood these days. The unique, the abnormal and the risky and genuine material is left up to the Independents.

Sorry if I spilled something on you're "Couch"

Brando Buddy

What kind of coffee are you drinking and can I get 2 cans...........

I have the voice synthesizer also but for some reason it looks like my wife.

Hey! Where is the cymbol crash.

Look at the hard copy and every word until you are done. Then by sentence until you are done. Then by the paragraph and so on.

Being a NON-Profit and paying no money, they probably can't afford an address to post. It is probably a minivan driving around aimlessly with a man in an overcoat and dark glasses.

Oh sorry, that is my agent/manager.

Nice folks but they just forgot!

That is why it is called the waiting game.

I sent out a couple of my first script in January and I just got a rejection on it last week.

I seems that weeks sometimes 2 months to get in touch. Sending out mailers is a good idea. I do a lot of e-mailing and phone calls.

There is no harm in being careful but I think you might want to broaden your submission list alittle.

I don't think there is any rule for waiting for replies. I think it is up to who is doing the reading and how big the company is and how hot are they for one of your scripts.

I mailed a script to an Independent on April 2 and they sent me an e-mail saying they loved my script and want to persue a writing gig. I just found out yesterday.

Faith, I kind of put the waiting behind me and keep writing on my next project.

The best of the wait for you

Steve

Sam, Buddy, you are right. There are amazing films made in Europe and that is why Hollywood steals them and makes bad remakes.

BTW, the words is R E V I E W S. If you are going to whine like me, at least get your spelling right.

I laugh out loud... I can't believe the typos and spelling mistakes I've made on some of these threads lately. We need spellcheck on here!

Hey Bob

How did the Book Signing go?

My manager is with the renown company of "Dewy, Cheatim and Howe" and the candy does strike a bell, he offered me a "SUCKER".

Steve

I was reading an article up here in the frozen tundra(Canada) about a convention for writers. Huge networking, workshops, guest speakers and no doubt a lot of whining.

Has anyone heard of such an event in Hollywood or New York. I know there is the film festivals but that draws the whole industry. Is there something convention wise for us scribes.

Venders selling projects, software, educational workshops and even a chance to sell work.

Anybody?????????????????

Morons...Morons...Morons

I resemble that remark!

Hey Ron

Congrats on Mocean.

What that refers to from what I have been told is that your are looking at $200k for the project. Against the higher amount refers to the involvement of yourself through the the process.

Meaning the drafts, pre-production and all the great stuff that I hope to have real soon! You can't see it but my fingers are crossed.

There was another thread about this not long ago with a few responses.

P.S. The folks at Mocean have agreed to read a script of mine.

Steve

Sam

Another Canadian, is this a trend?

I from the Toronto area, Marcel is from the Edmonton area, how about you.

Have you ever watched the satelite station "IFC". The Independant Film Channel. Shows classic indie movies, Canadian and European. Many shows about the industry and the players. I got a great contact by watching.

Was in Ottawa/Hull on the weekend. Business and pleasure, a meeting or two. It is unbelieveable the activity around here, just how do you get your foot in? I know, go in head first.

Steve

I think I'm going to make a trip to L.A. this fall and plan my week or two around a full calender of events and meetings. A buddy of mine is moving there in June so I will be able to live cheap.

Don't worry, I'll give you guys lots of warning, so that you can put out the red carpet.

I know this is supposed to be about Foreign Film Reviews but there are foreigners on the Leafs so

*G O L E A F S GO*

Hey Terri

On many of the web articles and some of the books, they all seem to tell the writer to stay away from flashbacks.

Why is it still being used consistantly in movies if it is not recommended.

I wondered about format myself on my last script and was told to set the description of the flashback starting in the Slug line and describe the time/date/location in the begining of the action.

I don't know if this is right but so far I have had no negative comment, even from the pro analysis.

I was recently told that if you use a flashback to explain something really important of the present, then use it but don't design a story involving flashbacks, the powers that be will toss it asside.

Hope this helps, if someone else has a format for this we'd both like to know.

Steve

I have been to the web site and it looks good.

I have one question, I thought agents/prodcos etc... hated getting generic e-mails that didn't have personal flair.

I would like to see a sample of a query they send out or maybe Joe Alexander could tells us how his went.

Steve

Craigy

The word "RECTIFIED", is that the act of shoving Brando's head up his ass?

I know let's ask Mr. Mitchell.

I couldn't resist.

And who is the "REAL CRAIGY"?

I have a copy of Max Adams' book and she relates that (Cont) shouldn't be used anymore, just like you shouldn't tell the director the camera shots.

What I was told is the norm is if you use an action line in the middle of dialogue, to just put the characters' name back in.

Cont. at the top and bottom of pages are out.

I hope this is what is accepted but maybe if Craig is around, he might be able to help.

Steve

Things are going quite well. I have a project being looked at right now. I just finished a script and I am in the middle of a touch of re-writes.

I am finishing another script, about 3 weeks away and this is being done based on the spec of some people I queried that like the synopsis I sent them.

My problem if it is one is what I work on next. My queries seem to be leading me to another comedy or police crime feature.

I am almost finished a great sci-fi but there isn't a big market for that right now.

I am lucky right now cause I can spend about 5-8 hours a day on writing. Speaking of which, back to the art I am selling commercially.

Sorry, Oh artistic ones.

Steve

Marleine

The Baseball is a great distraction and it sounds like you're about to hit a grand slam!

I build solid pine furniture when I'm "knot" writing. Joke of the trade.

Ashley

What are you stressing about? Tell Dr. Steve.

To Steven Karels

Have you seen the sight Screen Writers Utopia. There is a producer looking for a writer that has a background in writing styles of Middle earth, Lord of the Rings etc...

Just a thought screenwritersutopia.com

Steve

One of those cool BUZZ words.

What it refers to is the Agent/Manager is going to send out to everybody. A narrow submission is to strategic studios/prodcos looking for specific genres at the time.

A wide submission is going to expose the writer to a lot of people. It gets your name out there and gives you a better chance to get requests for material.

I have found through my recent experiences that narrow submissions are better. Finding out what studios/prodcos are looking for and submit or query those first. Then broaden your submissions. I have sent out too many scripts to people and never received any replies or e-mail responses. 82 scripts at $10 per submission**EXPENSIVE!

If this is a big agent/manager forget everything I said and go with him, okay.

Steve

For those of you who don't know, HB is Heather Barron, a PORNO STAR. Evelyn Haze is supposed to be the "LIGIT" side of her business. heatherbarronxxx.com

She supposedly has a packaging sale business for the industry but nothing ever happens.

I too sent her a script due to some e-mails she sent me because of hollywoodlitsales.com. Sent it to her, waited the 2 weeks and then I heard every excuse that you could imagine.

If you go on to her porno site you will also find out she lives in Las Vegas and charges by the hour. My recommendation is to totally stay clear of this Heather Barron and Evelyn Haze. There is no Evelyn Haze by the way.

This is the reason we register and copyright our work. Who knows why she even bothers to request scripts based on her last e-mail to me she is to busy f***ing. She should be a manager, they are good a screwing people.

Steve

Mitchell

I sure she'll do the Matronly librarian for about $1000.

You certainly make contacts with all kinds.

Steve

Ashley

Holy crap! My life is great. This is a real mess for you. The house stuff has to be put aside.

You must focus on the project. Fire the driver. Have someone find a cheaper rip off artist. Techs are techs and that's why they are techs and not us.

Dr. Steve prescribes taking a deep breath. Oh I forgot to mention, you are taking a deep breath of the doobie you just lit up while you are enjoying a icy bottle of Chardonay.

Poof! Stress gone ---until tomorrow.

Everyone has skeletons in the closets. Heather was civil to me and professional until I questioned her timing. Like Mitchell, and I did read her Coffee Shop about Mitchell, she unprofessionally screwed around with writers. If you are going to solicit scripts, have the respect to follow through and at least read the script and pass on it.

According to her projects, she is so busy with her packaging that she has no business posting for more work. That is alot of money spent to submit that could be spent on a real Indie looking for a real project.

Apparently, she loves my script and wants it for free. Unfortuately, I have a whole pile of free, so who do I choose.

I wish her well but I really wonder what her interns are going to gain for the experience other than this was a mistake.

Steve

Went to see the Spidy Guy. I was impressed to the toon of $114 Million.

I'm not one of the comic book fanatics but anyone who has even for a minute watched the cartoon should be impressed.

Even Kirsten Dunst, did a better cheerleader job. Toby is a great Spiderman. Watch out for the Chief of the paper that Peter Parker works for, it is a major highlight.

I want to get the rights to one of the comic characters. Ooops all gone.

Who decided to have Sandra Bulock as "Wonder Woman".

Steve

Not to change my own thread but I have waited along time for a live action Scoobie Doo. And to my horror to find out that Freddie Prinz, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and that idiot Matt Lillard were to be the stars and Exec. Producers.

I recently saw a trailer and was hopeful when I saw Shaggy. Lillard actually does a great Shaggy. The CGI Scoobie looks wild.

I will wait and see(Fingers Crossed)

Steve

Does anyone know of any pitch sessions done in New York. One of these days I will make it to La La Land!

Hey Todd

I have queried Zero Gravity but received no response.

I looked into both companies myself and found nothing also.

Zero Gravity had a posting looking for scripts on Hollywoodlit I think.

The best thing to do is politely ask for references and what they have in production. Who are the players. If they won't give you these, then a submission wouldn't be a good thing.

No use wasting money on submissions to companies who can't do anything for you.

I hope they turn out to be gold for you.

Steve

Todd

I think these two companies are tied into each other. There are web sites but they are new and just have the names in print. There is no depth.

zerogravity.com

axialentertainment.com

Steve

Congratulations Miriam, good stuff.

Looks like a great deal. Now you get to experience the pre-production of the business. I look forward to seeing the movie in about 2 years.

And the Oscar goes to...

Steve

I hope you have your work copyrighted and/or registered with the WGA.

That being said, your logline should be a separate entity. The logline is good and the concept also. The synopsis has to be more detailed. Should be 3 paragraphs, Act 1,2,3 if you know what I mean.

By the way, welcome to our little world.

Steve

Hey Grover

Recently read an article on another site about M. Hernandez. He doesn't respond to many queries unless isit is absolutely stunning. He also comments about only being interested in writers with like 8 or more scripts and preferably repped. Why does he solicit scripts here at MB if this is the case.

For the most part, we are all newbies or undiscovered.

Steve

Hey all

I just got a rejection from one of Deniro's prodcos and I am excited. They absolutely loved my writing and have requested more work. These rejections I could take but not always.

I have had very brief, very long and detailed rejections. I made a submission to a Real Estate company in California by accident. I told them that I would trade a script for one of those Beverly Hill estates but no.

I had a nasty experience with Evelyn Haze as discussed in another thread. I have made some great contacts and have learned one very important rule for submissions, make sure they want what you have to offer. Are they looking for the genre you have written. Success will be greater.

Submit by volume and quality

Steve

Hey Mitchell

I don't believe you have to be in LA to be successful in Hollywood. I think it helps but if you have real talent and you write a story that an agent or prodco is looking for, it doesn't matter where you live.

I live a half hour north of Toronto and I am having my work read, I have had some serious acceptance and I have made a lot of submissions. I haven't been refected like that. That was cold. Who needs um Mitchell, were are much better than that.

Move to the next one and please if you don't mind tell us who sent that rejection to you so us out-of-towners don't waste our valuble time.

Dawm it is still cold up here

Steve

D.G.

Good to see you back on the board, Where has you bean?

A good disquise at the fact that so many wackos would want to nail his ass up on the cross again. This time I don't think any forgiving will happen.

Sorry, my faith has been stretched in recent months.

Good thread D.G.

Steve

Congrats Mylo Baby!

I hope this turns out to be a big success for you.

The advice has been great. I too am going to be needing this advice soon. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

An agent and an entertainment lawyer is a must. I wouldn't make a move without one standing there for me.

Best of our writer's luck

Steve

Religion is sent to my door on a Saturday Morning, the one day I sleep in.

You have to see the light of D.G.

Religion or the persuit of has brought us to our knees and we are all going to get are asses kicked real soon.

You stick to your faith because soon no one is going to be here to even reject out freakin scripts.

Our children are't even safe in churches and schools.

I think I will go to the forest to hear the tree and see if bigfoot has that heavenly orah. Maybe I'll find a tree that D.G. carved his initials into a million years ago.

KEEP ON WITH THE WORD MY FRIEND

I appreciate everyones views but I think this has gone to far.

Ha I don't think so!

Onward Christian Solders- why don't you enlist and get religion out there- don't come to my door. I will you smight your ass into Pergatory.

Your loving friend

Father Steve D.G (B.L. Zabubb) yeh that's me

United Airlines motto used to be "United We Stand" the next line is devided we fall. Ouch!!!!!!!!!!!

Like a Porno Station don't, tune in if you are not interested.

Some of us screenwriters like to fuck around with each others heads and lives. I surf and participate. I have learned some great tips here and have given some and I have also had a lot of fun on some of these threads.

Yes some of the personel attacks got out of hand but sometimes frustration gets the better side of you.

Enough said and from a Canadian, MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ALL ON YOUR HOLIDAY WEEKEND.

STEVE

It's raining men! Talk about it amongst yourselves. I'll be back someday.

see yas

Steve

The fastest way is to go to

whorepresents.com

That is Who Represents for those who can't read.

I have made some incredible contacts here.

Steve

Hey Everybody

It seems Bigfoot and Jesus are fine.

Have been real busy marketing my last script. I am working on a romantic comedy. I threw caution to the wind and e-mailed a few contacts to see if there is any interest and to my suprise, I have some takers. They know I don't have a completed script but they have read my last two scripts and now I make them wait. Deadlines Oh Boy!

In the midst of all this, I fried my computer. Damn near lost everything of the past 3 years. It took a buddy of mine two days to recover all of my files. The upside is that I am now Pentium III and lots of upgraded software. Be very sure of what e-mails you open, it seems a virus fragged my ass.

That won't happen again. Mr. Norton is watching.

Something I would be interested in seeing from everybody is what is the genre of the scripts they are working on. How much research is being done on what's hot right now.

I have a script that has terrorist and CIA all over it. Thanks to "Sum of all Fears" I am now getting some interesting requests for it where a couple of months ago, the response was not good.

Well it's Friday night and 11:21 est and I am going back to writing. Hopefully soon I will be able to say "Ah, It's a living."

Steve

OOOOOOOOOh Creamy Nugat Centers.

Allen

The screenplay that didn't make it is the one that I would put full effort in to market.

Steve

Hi Sue

First of all, who forwarded your query to him? What do they know?

Don't send anything until you have references from him or someone in the business can vouch for him. You have his P.O. box, I would send a very polite letter asking for credits and references and if he does reply make sure you check the refs. Make sure you send a SASE, this will give you a bit of a chance.

I don't take any chances ever.

Steve

Sue

I just had a script request and through Imdb.com, I have found that he is quite real. He has significant credit as a writer, director and producer.

I have had another producer vouch for this company and they are most certainly looking for new projects.

Go to IMdb.com and look up Ed Hansen Productions in the search.

Best of Luck

Steve

Hey Mitchell How's it going.

I have queried them twice using their on-line query. The only way they accept it. Looking for dramas and comedies but not mine I guess. Both rejects. Not sure what is up with them. They are a prodco but they are having a script contest.

I think I see a writers coop or script service brewing. I'm not sure.

Talk to ya

Steve

Oh WoW I'm back in!

I have two friends that were Hubbard followers and believers. No lie, they are both in jail for fraud and theft.

They needed money for this new understanding and life. They both claim to be born again and scientologists.

I believe that Christ is among us right now and has not made himself known. He is waiting for the right opportunity.

I know, perhaps when Polly Shore gets and Acedamy award or I know, When Adam Sadler learns how to act.

Personally, I think that D.G. is hiding something and he watches us to see if we are deserving of his devine intervention.

Just something I thought I would through out there... I have Mormons and Johova's Witness coming to my door constantly. Not anymore, I told them I was a paganist and a Druid and that I would plant a tree to salute the end of their existances. The bliss of my quiet religious beliefs.

Religion will be the end of us all. Have faith in yourself and family. That is all we need to survive.

Steve, Maples for Half Price on E-bay.

I hate to say it but there are good things in what he has to say.

There are many Nugent's hiding in the United States and Canada. After 9/11, I don't think they will be hiding when the next act of terrorism falls on U.S. soil.

He was up here doing a show with 38 Special and came under "fire" for his gun lobbying. Actually, I think he ran into to trouble for carrying a gun but left it behind.

We in Canada have many of the problems that are in the US but at one tenth the scale. Do we need guns, hell yes, for the law inforcement officers only. Enough said on that topic.

I think the next problem that will rise is the strength of these right wing Militia groups who hate the government.

There is a story line that needs to be put on the screne by Steven Seagal.

Why can't we all just get along. Oh yeh, I hate everybody that's not like me.

WSN I have had many people look, a couple of requests. Jerrol Lebaron is a real asset to out business. He has offered personal insight and contact to me.

I think I will get my stuff into the next magazine. The resources are pretty good. That linked in with Screenwriters Utopia, Moviebytes and a hand full of others give you a pretty good base for us screenwriters to get our stuff out there.

I for the moment are making heavy submissions to agencies. Now that I have a number of scripts to submit, I am actually getting requests.

Getting requests comes down to how commercial your work is and does your logline/synopsis represent your ability as a writer. Reseach will tell you what genres are working.

Speaking of WSN, I have to check in with them

Steve

#171 What if Christ is circling the earth in a spaceship. Oh sorry, that is the Nation of Islam.

#172 So what if the son of God wear's a size 13 sandle. Should he be cast down, no, get him some Nike's and give him a basketball.

Michael Jordan.....Hmmmmm I wonder!

I looked up JAF Ent. before sending them a script of mine last week. If you go to Imdb.com you will find that they have extensive credits going back to 1960.

9 Movies, 8 TV movies, 4 movies to video and 11 TV series including Entertainment Tonight and Extra.

They are looking at increasing their movie work.

I wish us much luck.

Steve

Hi Barbara

I submitted a script to Noci Pictures their e-mail is moviegossfan@aol.com if that is the same people.

I got the contact through Utopia and they screen their script requests. I hope they are legit. If you know something that you don't want to make public here, contact me a stevencalderwood@hotmail.com

Thanks Steve

I really think God has lost his sense of humor and for the most part we are not in his eyes anymore.

We have taken a beautiful sanctuary and turned it into a sesspool. All I hope is that he does come back, Christ that is, and he leads us to salvation. We are on the brink of the eve of distruction and if we don't pull together soon, only the cockroaches and lawyers will be around.

PS. Not entertainment lawyers, I may need one soon.

Steve

By the way, my next script funny enough is a Biblical comedy of sorts. I would expand on this but I have some people that would get pissed at me if I let the cat out of the bag. Soon!!!!!

And here I thought you were on about the age thing. No I'm not that old, far from it. No offense to any of us near or past that great age.

As far as the script, even 90 pages polished isn't going to cut it, unless you are writing a comedy. My latest finished off at 143 pages and after all was said and done, the final product is 117.

From what I have been told, you want to give Hollywood something to work with. I think we have been through this before.

I had a block on my latest script but I think I have worked it out. I went on to dialogue further into the script and then back tracked.

You guys were talking about being on a role. I hand write my scripts first and then start the computer process. I wrote for almost 18 hours straight only breaking for the bathroom and coffee. That was the most gratifying experience yet. I have only managed 5 hours straight on this one.

Ooops gotta go, the light bulb just went on. Comedy is not easy!

Steve

Hold ye horses, pardner.

They are charging you a fee so that they can rep you.

How do I say this nicely.... Don't do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Please, these agencies that charge for submissions etc... Next.

Anybody else want to add something?

If he slammed the door in your face and you got your foot caught in the door and it hurt like a son of a bitch, is it still appropriate to scream out "Jesus Christ that hurt"

Discuss this one amongst all you "Geography-ologists" Now you "Science-ologists" just shut up for now and let the other heathens speak.

Steve

Mitchell picked up on the Agent/Jewish and Christ angle. Bonus points for that.

DG-- you never cease to amaze me. Why are you not one of our prolific scribes on the Hollywood screen.

Miss Ashley

I wear a size 13 shoe and was sick of the "Bigfoot" so I changed it to agent. It was a simple as that. I like to start debate and then blend in when the line is drawn.

I am inspired to go back to writing, Adam Sandler has another hit, Oh I found Hollywood and the publics head...It's up their ass!

Holyer than my socks

Steve

A breath is the greatest of God's creations.

I now breathe better due to the fact that I quit smoking 18 months ago.

That makes me smile

Steve

Here's ROMANCE

Your nose is like a Rose, it always get's picked.

Your eyes are like Diamonds, baseball diamonds, with bags in each corner.

Your teeth are like Stars, they come out at night.

Your ears are like Flowers, cauliflowers.

There is always the great poem-- There was a Lady from Nantucket....

Steve

Ron

Be Patient.

Don't get pushy with a busy Prodco. I have submissions active for almost 4 months and they are still active. Some have had almost a year.

Give them call in a couple of weeks and go back to writing.

Steve

0- typos

0- spelling mistakes

0- grammar errors

In my first script, I got nailed on a few things. If you don't present a professional package, then you will come off as a hack.

By the way

0- Format problems Big time......

Steve

Music is my MUSE.

I have come up with total story lines from a line in a song. So far, all my scripts have been inspired from the music I listen to.

I wonder what story lines would I get if I listened to Country all the time. Could be some great redneck stuff.

I listen to music through my computer from all those lovely downloads you get for free, or did.

I am working on a script right now that will have a greatest hits/tribute soundtrack attached to the project. I got the idea from a title of a song from this band, I have been in contact with them but now I need to find a prodco to go with it. If I had a decent credit or sale, I think the band would produce, or atleast front some money. They liked the idea of the tribute album and have given some recognition for the story line.

Music is my MUSE!

Steve

Who the hell can afford lightbulbs, I have to write in daylight or by the light of homemade candles.

I just hope that my wife doesn't find out that I use her leg wax for my candles.

Steve

He has bit the big one.

He is past peaked.

He is in the land of nevermore.

Stick him with a fork, he is done.

I have found that there are more and more strange contests and production companies popping up.

I am getting more requests for reading fees and referrals to coverage houses.

I queried two different prodcos and were rejected but they referred me to another company that is looking for scripts. This company wants thousands to polish my script to get it sold.

I want an agent, I going to hold my breath until I get an agent.........

Huuuu......? Still holding!

Sorry Marcel, popped on, thought you were talking about "Lou Grant"

Frederick is in God's eyes and HELL froze over in one week. Adam Sandler has another hit movie is what I'm referring too.

Steve

Hey Mitch

I had a request for one two weeks ago. I don't have time. It is a more indepth synopsis. Detailing characters, plot points, reversals and basically going through your script in relation to act 1, 2, and 3.

I don't understand why these guys just don't read the freakin script. A treatment is used in pre-production but this seems to be someones idea of a test to see if you have writing skills.

Without some form of committment or imbursement, it will be the script or nothing from me. Now if it Bruckheimer or SKG that is a different story.

Hope that is some help

Steve

As my buddy Marcel knows well from me, trying to get a foot hold in the Canadian screenwriting business is so tight, that you have to make the movie yourself.

I have approached every prodco in Canada and I hear the same thing. When you have it produced, come and see us. Now that is freaking stupid. The French Canadian market is still very supportive but to Francaphones and not Anglos.

There are so many writers looking for a break that live in Canada and our own go to Hollywood looking for the next Men With Brooms.

I am slowly being convinced that I will have to Digital one of my scripts and then go to the next step...The Toronto Film Festival. At least I can walk there.

By the way, I'm still holing my breath until I get an agent. Huuuuuu.....

Steve

I have been blessed to do the two things I love to do. I build furniture from scratch and create pieces for generations to pass along.

I write because when I was a kid I realized I like to direct dialogue when I was playing with my buddies. I have a movie projector running in my head and have to transcribe it to paper or I will explode.

I have the attitude that I will be successfull. I have people reading my work and enjoying it like a piece of my furniture. I have created literature that can be passed on to my kids and so forth. A sale would be nice but at the moment I am satisfying my second love.

My wife has just told me I have three loves and yes she is NUMBER 1. Now if I could just pass her along to someone who would appreciate her beauty. Oh that slap I just got hurt.

Have to go, I'm still holing my breath for an agent and I can't type anymore. My arm hurts from a knuckle Punch Buggy.

Steve

I guess I was lucky. My school taught theatre, acting, production, photography and different writing classes. In Toronto we had Grade 13 up till last year and when I was in Grade 13 I took Satire/Existensulism, Creative writing, journalism and the regular English.

My high school had many graduates that have gone on to some pretty amazing careers. Yes, I went to school with Mike Myers and his brother Paul. Paul and I still keep in touch. A good friend of mine has done so many commercial, TV and movies it is rediculous. A lot of my friends are in production or the like. My buddy Mike recently was involved in "Ginger Snaps"

I have been back to my high school since I graduated 20 years ago and it is all gone. There are at least 30 people that I went to school with have made successful careers in our industry. This is something we all really have to get behind in some form of protest in Canada and the United States.

Steve

Well now I don't feel left out. I received a Permission from Jen about a half hour ago. This is a legit contest but I think they have found a way to get more entries.

I got a 2 for 1 offer before July 31.

I think they are posing as a prodco and getting the info of Writersscriptnetwork, Utopia and Zoetrope, scriptnet etc. and I think some small people are transfering the queries to them. I have made queries in the past months and I am getting requests from prodcos I never queried. ie: E. Hansen productions.

A lot of our web sites post writers/scripts wanted. Sometimes they are good but I'm finding that if they have to post on these sites to get scripts, there is something wrong.

I don't like this feeling I have in the pit of my stomach. Oh yeh, I'm hungry.

Steve

To add and agreement.

I saw that some of my stories would be a hell of a lot better than what i am seeing.

Reality is that Hollywood doesn't really care. The indies are the best direction. Got to get those contacts.

To Miriam

I laughed my ass off at the beginning of the Majestic. What if? All the bashing it got, I was really impressed and enjoyed Jim Carey's performance and the movie.

Patience is the strongest virtue here!

Hi Sue

I new it rang a bell.

Go to nhoentertainment.com

This is a network of writers, directors, producers Bla Bla Bla that will get "their" work on the screen if it costs "you" money.

They want a $20 Registration fee to submit and you can join this group. What you get is at question. No analysis or passing it through. I was confused.

Take a look and you will see what I mean.

I don't think I would go down that road.

Steve

Lorin

I searched five different engines for her prodco address. Na da

All I came up with the is Size 30. Budumbump.

But seriously folks, what I did find is that this is her own Prodco, for her own projects and it seems that she doen't want to be solicited. Therefore the privacy.

Good luck!

Steve

To D.G. from SCALDINGWOOD

Touchy, Touchy...

It seems your verbalance is not appreciated. I don't want to attack anyone but get a freakin life. You lowered yourself here in a big way. Get to you own sand box because you can't piss in ours. We have e-mails, if you have a problem with someone, use it.

The shit runs down hill and there are some very REGULAR people up here.

No names are pointed out. I am one that has always enjoyed the viewpoints and beliefs of the GURU Balasz

Just my thoughts

Steve...ooops I took a breath.

One less rejection to the sale, I like that.

Hey Andrea, Quebec film is starting to look a bit better Mon Cherie!

Steve

You have to ask yourself, what is the strongest theme... Thriller if there is a humor to it...bonus.

I tried to market an Romantic Suspense/Thriller. The prodcos wanted the suspense/thriller but not the romance--Chic Flick. If a romance is part of it bonus.

Steve

To allow second thoughts- Blow your brains out with a ELECTRIC FAN. It will take about 2 years. Slash yourself at the KNEES. Hurts like a son of a bitch. Read one of DG's scripts, that will fuckin do you in.

On a serious note, I have lost three close friends to suicide. I hate them for what they did to us that were left behind. I still to this day have nightmares about them screaming for help that we were never ever going to give them. Counciling has helped with the guilt.

Euthanasia, can be a God-sent. Someone close to me was terminal with cancer and the medical people did a morphine push. End of this is one word "DIGNITITY".

I think we have all thought about it, hopefully the edge is unattainable. I'm here for anybody who wants to talk privately. I really mean that.

DG- Just kidding buddy! I was actually taking about Craigies writing.

Craigy- Just kidding buddy! I was actually talking about me.

Keep the chin up

Steve

Nice job Edward. Nailed it.

Steve

Jock Itch Challenged.

We must be politically correct these days. I was a NERD in high school until I was in Grade 12. I went out with a hot babe. Now I was a dork that got to use his with out his hand.

It is amazing of my friends who made it and who didn't. Hate to tell you but the jocks lost big time.

Just watched the Revenge of the Nerds this afternoon. Needed a creative break. Funny when you look at a cast of actors from 20 something years ago in a bad movie and oh how have they changed. Except for Ted McGinnley, he still is the kiss of death for your production.

Nerds rule! I have two "POCKET PROTECTORS" One I got when I was with IBM.

Steve

A quote from a teacher of mine that inspired me 20 years later to be a screenwriter.

You (screenwriters) are sperm. Hollywood is an EGG. Millions of you will swim like crazy to get to the egg but only one will satisfy the eggs' need and fertilize it. The rest of you will die.

On a good note, there are lots of eggs. You have to find that egg that is compatible to your sperm. You have to exercise your ability each day to be able to achieve that goal.

Most of us laughed because we thought he was telling us to masterbate more but he was speaking in metaphor.

Now I will go on a egg hunt and fertilize till' I can't fertilize no more.

George Kaufman, where ever you are, you were my mentor and inspiration to write .

Steve

Practicing is the right way to go. Tai Chi is not a performing art.

Pocket Pals

Ah yes, that is why us men have our hands in out pockets all the time.

8 ball, corner pocket.

Anomymous

Did all the usual searches imdb.- Google and Hollywood Directory and found nada.

Where did you find them or did they find you.

Steve

I have just contacted Savannah Now and they are going to see if they are able to tell me a yes or no. If it is him, they are going to contact the police and give them the info that I sent them in the e-mail.

Mitch, this is a good one if your reading this. Let me know on my e-mail so that I can LOL.

Steve

Go with the Gersh contact. If they recommend it then it should stay the same.

Rewrites can be done later or if the Gersh contact doesn't pan out.

The Gersh is a biggy, go for it.

Steve

Hey where is the profile?

Here today and gone tomorrow?

Samarai>>>>>>Harri Carri?

Oooooh Spooky!

How do you get on here as a ghost?

Elvis Morrison

Richard Chamberlain-- You were great in the Thornbirds.

A gay guy playing a PRIEST. Like that would ever happen!

Andy Kaufman

This has been a struggle the past couple of days. The emotional rollercoaster is an understatement.

I have really enjoyed watching, reading and responding to this board. I realized today that I have procrastonated long enough and my writing has suffered because of it. I have a deadline to meet and I must get to that deadline. No I'm not being cryptic here.

We all have to face our demons and the events of the past days have me lost in a void and I don't recognise the demons anymore.

I need to get my shit together and clear my head. Everybody be well and stop the fighting for fuck sakes.

For now my guitar gently weeps.

Steve

Hey Chelsea

I have submitted to them a couple of times. They responded really quick and very politely. They have read one of my scripts, liked it but wasn't quite what they were looking for.

Definitly top notch to submit to.

Steve

Cleaning up after the crime scene.

A guy I know had a cleaning company and by a fluke, he got called in by Toronto Police to clean a public place crime scene. He did such a good job that he is now a specialist.

He has special chemicals and solutions to clean up all the stuff. Some of Jay's stories have made me almost heave.

He told me of a company in upstate New York, that has 26 employees that work full time doing nothing but crime clean up.

I tell you, but if you watch CSI on TV, you can pick up all the latest forensic tests and gadgets. Go to there website and they have all kinds of links.

Steve

My mother still has it but on a Grade 2 report card it says "Stevie has a great imagination and if he explores it further, he might just be famous some day."

My mom also told me recently that when I was playing with my friends, I used to give dialogue direction and story direction when we played cops and robbers and stuff. I surprised I didn't get beat up. Oh yeh, I was and still am a big kid. 6'2" and 250lbs.

It is funny that a tragedy such as Mitch causes one to reflect. I have talked to friends that I haven't heard from in years and importantly I told my family how much I love them.

"Looking Back", I see where my writing rootes were planted. Now to work on Famous and not Imfamous.

Steve

I always wanted to be a Martial Arts Actress. It is a dream of mine.

Oooooops sorry, I posted at the wrong web-site.

Please disregard. Unless you want me for your movie, big fella.

Hore Old Phat Guy

Is it a male or female pig? Lord knows that you can't show any male pig genitalia on the screen. That is really pushing the envelop.

Now chickens, that is a whole different meat.

Duff Butthole FDA

The initial query was a couple of days. The script submission was about a month. Pretty good considering some of the submissions I have made.

Got an e-mail for a query I made in February saying thanks but no thanks, that was last week.

Steve

Canadians don't chew tabacca you freakin redneck.

I have ever only seen two brands and that is Skoal and Drum.

Johnny, what the hell are you writing about and could this start another war between our countries.

You think about that.

Steve

Loreen Arbus Productions Inc. 8075 W. 3rd st. Suite 410 Los Angeles, Ca 90048 323-930-1244 fax323-930-0186

www.tanguero.com jbrown@arbusprod.com

Sorry that's the best I could come up with.

Now kids, go to your separate corners and take a time out.

Go to my buddies at screenwritersutopia.com and check out their Global Literary Market. GLM

They do charge for membership $15US but their data base is amazing and some real good tips of scripts wanted.

Steve

I'm still in great pain over the tragic loss of Mitch. It has haunted me since the moment I found out. My writing has turned to shit.

I have the love from friends and family and some comforting words from friends here at Moviebytes. We have all felt this in different ways. Wounds take time to heal and this is a deep gash.

As for the banter on this thread, this is what it is all about people. If you bottle it up, what happens at your homes, explosion!

To Mr. Funny- just like restricted TV stations, if you don't want to watch, switch the freakin channel. There is tons of stuff on here for us Newbies. I just posted on another thread about a great web-site for tips and databases.

We are all writers in different stages in our careers. This has been a great venting board and educational tool and quite frankly been the best since I appeared in December. I don't mean the best because of me, God no.

I have had my fun being obnoxious, being an idiot and being helpful. I like to read and learn from the posts. My writing has improved 10 fold because of comments and advice.

Considering this, Mr. Funny, is your first post that I have seen, take a look at all the topics in the archive and tell me that this site doesn't help writers. We go off course sometimes but if you don't like to bad.

Go to Done Deal or Zoetrope and see how your treated. We are family, (God I feel like singing) so if you don't want to be the outcast cousin, come on in and have a beer.

Steve

I want to share this valuable site with anyone that hasn't been there before.

www.screenwritersutopia.com

Full of articles, advice, resources and data bases.

$15US is the membership charge for the Global Literary Market(GLM). You get access to all kinds of information and newletters for stories and Prodcos when they are looking for scripts.

90% of the scripts that I have submitted came from info at this site or the databases.

A freebee, hope it helps you as much as it has helped me.

Steve

November 16 and 17 at the LA Convention Center.

Is anybody planning on going? I want to come to LA for the event.

Possibly share accomodation, you can E-mail me on the side if this is for anybody. I'm not a psycho, well atleast that what my schrink says.

Steve

I have had a couple of good leads from Hollywoodlitsales but I also have seen some really iffy companies.

No money upfront is scarey. If you can meet with the people to see how legit they are wouldn't be bad but to out and out give over a script, I don't know.

They have a couple of these "make a movie for no money down" guys over there.

It's funny, Not Mr. Funny, but they don't care if they get a release form that all legit companies look for and you can never get a hold of them once you actually submit a script.

I won't do it again. Last time I did it wound up in the hands of a porno scank who also charges by the hour for coverage...I'm not talking notes on a script, if you know what I mean.

My new rule is that if I can't find them on one of my databases, imdb.com or google, they ain't getting some of my words.

Word Up!

Steve

Actually the skank is a woman and oddly it was this skank that Mitch and I started e-mailing back and forward.

We both got screwed in a non-physical sense.

Steve

Fur Traders, Hunters, fishermen, native indians, native irish(sorry that's whiskey)

Johnny get over it. In the land of the frozen cow pucks, we don't chew the shit, we sell it to young children all around the world.

I'm 42 and I have never met anyone who chewed tabacco. I've spit it out when my papers came unraveled but again that wasn't tabacco.

How about jerky-- beef or chicken

Steve

Linda-- Boo! She said mentor not MENTAL.

Mental is my department.

Lotsa' great help around here if you ever log back on.

To Monica

Writerscriptnetwork is pretty good but have you had any success with Scriptblaster? Do you really want to flood agents and Prodocs with queries? I have talked to a couple of industry people and they disregard those types of submissions and you can't hide them easily.

What is your success rate?

Steve

It's a shame-blueberries are so healthy for you.

I would go over the edge for a strawberry/rhubarb crumb pie. Oh oh- has to be ala mode. Vanilla of course.

Steve

Orlando

I think you should try Caribou Goolash! Try it with "LEMMING" marangue pie.

At this point you will go out to the local 7-11 get a 6-pak of BUD and some Chewin Tabacca, fry up some BACON, put on a Freakin Tooque, drive a snowmobile to deliver the mail oh and yes put on "This Hour has 22 Minutes" and then have another 6-pak of Bud, Freshin up your chaw of tabacca and then watch 6 episodes of the RED Green show.

Now that is a great FREAKIN Friday night there EH!

Yeh, Johnny, I'm stockpiling my cow pucks for a special delivery for you pal. Go to EBAY and bid on that Mister.

Here's Spitoonin' at ya

The Great Canadian Baffoon

Steve

The INS finally caught up with ya? Hey that means there is a cave up for grabs in No Where, CA. Here I go, I'm coming bigfoot with my 8mm for some new "Footage". Forgive the Pun.

DG buddy, we'll see ya on the Greenside up.

Keep in touch, you know I will

Steve

I was a Manager with Howard Johnsons for almost five years. You want to talk about pie ala mode baby. We're talking 38 flavours, and 10 different types of pies.

Variety is the spice of life.

And here is one for the adults in the crowd, oh come on, we are all thinking it. A pie that has a seafood aroma but tastes like chicken and oddly you find yourself flossing and smoking afterwards. Aw to be young again.

Gotta go, the wife just baked a cake. Man I miss pie.

Deprived

Steve

Don't get me started on "CLAMS".

101 things to do with an Ice Cream Scoop. I lost my copy, does anyone have it and can down load it to me.

I only remember 43 and my left foot hurts now.

Try putting POP ROCKS on your pie. It gives a tingling sensation that is flavourably ORGASMIC. Yeh BABY! OH Behave!

Blueberry Pie?

Steve

I think I need to change the tape on my glasses and Me thinks someone is getting their "Pocket Protector" in a twist.

A Lan-Party, holy crap next thing you know reality TV will have the Yatzee World Championships.

I wonder if they have "PIE" at a Lan-Party. OOOOH amateur PIE.

See what you started Andrea. My name is Steve and I am a PIE- Aholic. Wow what would the 12 steps be

Steve

Stop it! Oh, there goes a stitch.

And here I am sitting up on my PERCH. I am having a WHALE of a time. I sold my SOLE for a sail. Did I tell you that I am a CARP-enter. Well it's dinner time and I must go and eat until I filled to the GILLS.

Captain Hiliner

I didn't send them a script afterall but what I have found is that they have friends that forward queries to them. I queried a prodco(don't remember who) in June and the reply was that he couln't use it but he forwarded it on to another company he know that was looking for what I had. E. Hansen Inc.

I sent them a letter stating that I had read some negative press about them and could they elaborate on their script writing charges. Were they a production company, management company, reading service or script analysis.

Don't get all bent out of shape over duplicated ideas for scripts. Brooklyn Weaver just dealt a nice deal for the third Valentines script of the year.

I truly had "True Lies" written until I saw it come out. I have varied the story line a bit and now it is being looked at very seriously.

I now do big research for every story to see what is out there or has just been sold. Who's Buying What! Check out Variety and Hollywood Reporter online and get up to the date information.

Hey, I'm willing to sell some of my story lines and for a reasonable price u to can have a High Concept original story.

M. Day Shamalamadingdong.

Got this site through an e-mail from About.com.

Sounds like a great way for any of you Digital people to get some of your work noticed. They are actively looking for submissions.

Thought I would just throw this out there.

Steve

We had 8 inches of snow fall here last night, went skiing this morning. Hey this means it is Caribou season. Ah fresh jerky, get it while it's dried.

I hate when my wigwam gets this cold. Will have to go and chop wood for fire to cook buffalo. 350 degrees for 2 days and voala a feast for your friends.

Don't forget the keg of beer.

Me heep Steve

Orlando, you and I are the Aquarians. My day is the 11th. When I was a kid, I went to school with roughly the same 30 to 40 people for quite a long time. 12 of us had a birthdays between Feb 1 and 15th. We have had some great parties over the years.

I share a birthday with Burt Reynolds. I do consider that an inspiration. Actually one of my first short stories was inspired by Reynolds' Theater in Jupiter Florida. Four young actors go on a road trip to meet Burt and get jobs at his theater. To Jupitor and Back.

Ooops I think my water broke

Steve

I think it is Mohammed or is it Raja?

Myles

I had a script in the last Snailmail and I did get a request for a script. I must say it is a good request from a known Producer.

I will say that I wish it could have been better but I do know that right now is not a busy time in La La Land. Holidays you know. Give it a chance.

Jerrol has be a great help and I don't think there is anything shady going on. I will continue to use their services.

Steve

Red Inkworks and Larry Miles are pretty good. The contact between Larry and myself was good. His notes were very helpful but only for about the first 30 pages or so.

I don't do contests anymore for my own reasons but Red Ink isn't bad.

Steve

Orlando

Maybe your a short wooden guy, that reads under the rainbow, a bigmouthed tennis playing, lousy acting, good singing wannabe...Oh when you go skiing, watch out for that tree!

I'm just a hasbeen with a bad hair job.

I have to find out who else is on by borned day.

Steve

It was awhile ago but I think they charge $129 US for there services. Thet split it up at $70 for Registration fee and $49 for administration or something like that. It is amazing how all these scams are popping up.

They apparently want to develop new talent but want money from you to put you into some database.

For $19.95 I will put you into my database and I can save you $130 and I bet as many people read my submissions for you as all the others.

Steve

Ah, nice to see 'The Usual Suspects' are contributing.

Kaiser Sotsay

I sitting here, I can't beleive I'm watching American Idol (Justin or Kelly).

I just saw a commerical for the movie with that title. You have got to be freakin kidding me. Who had the money to make this piece of crap. Give me 10% and I will give you an award winner. I will give you something the public really wants to see. I will give you something you can really be proud of.

Think about it, Hi, I'm the Producer of Slap Her...She's French. Or Hi, I'm the Producer of the Award winning, Only for a Moment.

We need to tell La La Land, wake the fuck up and see that there is talent out here. Enough of this crap, Movie goers are not all morons. We like to be challenged and stimulated not grossed out by beer drinking idiots puking. OOOps gotta go Puke.

Who's with me, lets start kicking butt in Hollywood and really get some great stories out there that aren't from England or being ripped off from a Foreign Film Gem.

I've got my NICKERS in a TWIST

Steve

Hey Randalfo De Laurentis

Was I pulling a Stillskin(asleep) or did I just find out that you have a movie going.

I want to tan in your glow. I want details man. Is this all yours and why are we not your interns? I like cigars!

Congratulations and don't run out of Gaffers Tape. Trust me on that.

Cheers

Steve

Hey guys, FUCK American Idol. What a piece of ass that Kelly is. I wonder if she is FRENCH.

Anyways, this is about getting are work recognised. Turning Hollywood's head and getting rid of all the crap.

Yeh! Yeh! Forget about it! It seems I'm all alone again.

I will be pitching at the Toronto Film Festival in every way I can. Denzel, have I got a story for you. I'm not kidding.

Steve

I hoping to be in LA for the Screenwriters Expo in Mid November, I will expect the red carpet treatment.

Hey Randy, I know your broke now so you can go to Wal-Mart and buy a 2x4 red welcome mat and I'll just stand in one place. It's cool!

I know it will sound crazy but try to have someone video tape your experience as a documentary. It could turn into another project and will also allow you to reflect on your decision making process.

All the best

Steve

Randy-- I am a luverr, not a speller.

Slap Her...She's French- To get back to the title of this thread. This is worse than Tom Green and Polly Shore.

We should find out who the money people are and publicly humiliate them. Then query them with a script for the Waterboy 2 and watch their heads explode.

My point for this was that Stupid Shit movies seem to be what is selling. But what these idiots are starting to realize is that we aren't buying anymore.

I belong to many sites in our business and I tell you, it is amazing to see who is looking for scripts and who is behind them. They sure as hell are going to all the big agents. I just made a submission to whom I would say is a real big one and they normally go through agents and managers. They requested to see my work from Writers Script Network.

As far as this movie goes, we as writers should band together and make sure that the producers realize that the money they just lost would have been better spent producing one of our scripts. Pluto Nash- for example is going to cripple two Prodcos and cost Mr. Murphy his comback that was expected.

A smart company produces "My Great Fat Greek Wedding" I think that is the title. It was shot here in Toronto for like 5 mil. It is over 80 mil and expected to go to 250 mil in world release and the DVD who knows. How many of us have a story that could be made for 5 mil and be truly a great flick. Hey, I have 3 right now, finished ready to go.

I know I'm just spinning my wheels but you know, I'm starting to feel some traction.

*As for DG- I am in constant contact with the man. He is doing great and he is very busy. As to what he is doing, I don't think it is my place to say but it is a great thing. You will be hearing from him soon I would think.

And enough with American Idol and reality crap. Now if Kelly does a nude shot on Cable- that's another story.

PS Yeh Andrea I'm really bad, bad bad...

Steve Slap me...I'm Canadian.

Nick Maybe try IMDB.com do some searches for the movies you are looking for.

My favourites are Where Eagles Dare and the Great Escape. But there are so many classics. I wish there was a war movie channel.

Steve

Bryan- You stole my joke, damnit!

I did think that Bruce was great in Conspiracy Theory.

Oh Yeah! Randy Spielbergerbun. May the weather Gods keep in with your Slug Lines.

All the best

Steve

PS Make sure the film is loaded, the batteries are charged and the freaking lense cap is removed. 2 days of FADE TO BLACK

Hey Mel

Go to google.ca and do a search for Barry Katz Ent. Group. You'll find that this is a great find. He is out of New York and has some great credits.

Best of luck.

Steve

Hey John

Don't forget me if you get the nod for the idea. Hey what game are you going to see?

I'm a huge NCAA and NFL fan. Gators and Dolphins all the way.

Steve

I have been e-mailing back a forward with Scot for a couple of weeks. He Reps. writers for both TV and Screenplays. Everything so far has checked out and he didn't hit on everybody in WSN only those who had loglines of something that interested him.

Steve

When I started writing again two years ago, I decided that I was going to write what Hollywood would sell and buy.

I do write for the enjoyment and fulfillment that it gives me but be realistic. If you are writing non-commercial genres and story lines, you better get some money to make it yourself.(The Independent World).

I have spent hours and hours researching what are the trends and future trends of what people are going to want to see. It's not easy. I read a lot of articles and watch television, believe it or not, to find out what is coming. Star TV and The Independent Film Channel are great resources.

I get encouraged when I read and hear about our friends having success but get discouraged when you hear about studio employees getting deals from their employers for big bucks and usually the stories are crap.

Did you know that if you are an actor that you are also a screenwriter and director. It's true!

I have close to 100 story loglines and synopses and if I actually went through them, 90 of them would be commercial and my favourites would be the ones that I will make when I get the money from the sales of the other 90. Actually, I just want one, I'm not greedy.

I think I am starting to see some movement in the old Hollywood ways. The past two weeks have been very interesting as to whom is looking for scripts.

Steve

Faith- I guess your name must help you.

If the trend now is to write Valentine movies then I would not be writng about that. If the trend now is to write about pot bellied pigs then guess what.

I don't know who you are talking to but those I have had the pleasure of talking to say do the reseach, watch the trends and see Who's Buying What! Gee where have I heard that before.

What if your passionate about Pot Bellied Pigs. I will write the Academy Award winner but oh no there are 5 other Pot Bellied Pig movies coming out.

Oh well, I was passionate about it so that's fine. Bullshit, you failed as a writer. If you want to make a living at this craft, I do and will, then you better listen to people like Brooklyn Weaver, Warren Zide, Craig Perry and almost any Agent, Manager or Prodcos looking for a money maker.

You can be passionate about your writing as I am but do the research and look at the trends, past, present and future.

Sometimes to have to have Faith, to be a success.

Be encouraged and be practical, listen to those who are making big bux in Hollywood.

Steve Calderwood

I mean no disrespect to you Faith or the way that anyone else does what they do.

I do follow trends and I really research what all the Prodcos and Indies are looking for. If you go back 2 or three years, you will see what was written and purchased and what is now in production and release.

If you look at all this you will see where Hollywood is, what it is up to and where it is going. As I said before, if your passionate about writing about Valentines, I would wait a few years due to the fact that 3 were just sold in the past couple of months.

Anyways, It is working great for me so this is what I do. I don't push success on anyone.

Steve

Tom Green, need I say more. I feel the traction and my wheels aren't slipping as much. Maybe I should call Lorne Michaels.

Steve

Please tell me that hell just froze over.

Some morons and big money people just put up 10 mil for this movie with 20th Centry Fox.

Here's a trend- Jeopary! The Double Generation. Don't steal this idea it's mine. Alex Trebec is my DAD!

I am going to write the stupedist script I can come up with and market it.

Nah- I'm so much better than that.

Adam Sandler

Hi I posted a couple of times with WSN. First, make sure your logline is amazing. It has to be top notch or it won't grab any attention.

2nd Don't panic. The people who cruise into WSN for scripts are probably looking for something specific. It was two weeks before I got my first request and since then, I have had quite a few.

I haven't brought this up here yet but I have two management co. looking at me right now and both have excellent reps. Both were looking for something and somebody different and went into WSN.

Give it some time and really take a good look at your logline and any other info you have given in the Resume section. If you have any credits or contests places, make sure you post that.

Don't be afraid to contact Jerrol Lebaron or Norma Lebaron to ask questions or of course come here.

Anything else feel free to contact me at my e-mail or on here

Steve

Karl

That page number period was mentioned to me by and English Prodco. I had a manager tell me that my format was out on my script and that I should take a measurement to make sure. I was perfect and so is the software I use. I sent him a e-mail back and he said that if something doesn't fit the format he likes, it is a reject.

I haven't had anyone else ever comment on the format, the story sucked but the format was correct.

I was told awhile ago to never use stage directions or camera positions in anyway or form. But you have to give detail of dialogue for emotions and reactions so that the reader will follow what you are trying to acccomplish.

Steve

Orlando

I entered my first script in Redinkworks and I came in the top 20, Okay, I was number 20. The notes I got from Larry made such a difference. There was little things but he pointed out some big things to help deliver what I needed to get across.

I should go in again but right now, things are too crazy for me.

Steve

Somebody should loosen Carrot Tops face. Man, who did his face stretch.

Even the Porky's movies were ten times better than this crap. I still cry laughing when I see Airplane and I see some little behind the main focus things happening that I never saw before.

The problem is that money people can front 2 or 3 mil. Get it in the can and put it out and still wind up with a 2 or 3 mil profit before Ebert and Roeper give it two PORK CHOPS up.

I go back to the old GOLAN-GLOBAS days. Here was two guys with a bit of coin and did a horror movie for nothing. I think I read they did it for about 500thou and the damn thing went 30 mil--Holloween of course. How many movies did they produce for minimum and they got maximum out of it.

Chuck Norris and Jean CLaude Van Damme could tell you.

I smell the want of the public for really good movies and enough of the crap. Oh yeh, they don't go to the movies, only the crap mongers do.

I wish Golan/Globas were still a team.

Steve

Ah, the Rocky Horror Picture Show!

I first saw this classic in 1976 at an old amazing theater in Toronto called the Roxy.

All the participants, the props and the confetti. A theater up here where I am now is showing RHPS at midnites on Friday and Saturdays. I popped up there last night actually and to my amazement, there were kids, older kids and my generation all there together to share the experience.

For those of us who have experienced this, they had a list of the dos' and don'ts. Only one piece of toast each. Candles can only be 4 inches in length Bla Bla Bla.... No swearing, no standing at the screen to act out the scenes. What the kids missed eh?

The American Pie movies are pretty much the only ones of this group that are worth watching. Even if for Eugene Levy.

Steve

Vin Diesel...what an actor! Wow, he is the next to get 20 mil a movie. He is, or his people are, getting over a hundred scripts a day pitched to them.

Don't spread it around but I heard he is looking at doing Shakespear. Oh, thats Tiffany Shakespear and she likes to get naked in fast cars.

I said to my therapist last night, I wonder why Hollywood isn't making more movies for all these Lawrence Oliviers' in the Wrestling World. Goldberg, made me cry. The Undertaker, chills up and down my spine, Stonecold, I hear women fall down in pain around him.

Freddie Prinse Jr. gets 30 mil for his theatrical creation of Stoney Granite in the Flinstones 3.

I'm glad I'm a writer and that I don't have to be in the hell of being a big named actor.

Steve

There is something to be said for Direct to DVD or Video Productions. Some of the success stories would blow your mind as to how much money has been made.

Hylander? Bombed at the box office, incredible sales at the store.

Just ask the Olsen Twins 300mil later.

If the quality is there and the budget fits the DVD Direct, then it is up to marketing and Advertising to make the project known.

Look at this way, if the porno business direct to video and DVD can bring in a billion bucks, A direct quality film business if done right could bring in 10% to start.

Just a thought

Steve

Orlando

Holy crap- what was the postage to send something to Saturn. I sent a postcard to Mars once but it was only $4.3 million.

As for getting the actor's agent to pay some attention to you. Persistance and having something the actor would be amazing in. I have had some interesting contacts with some people but it really doesn't matter. 99.9% of this has to go through a manager or agent because you are now trying to package something. You are better off going after a director.

Steve

For all the nameless faces on Moviebytes who are not as fuckin bright as you Ashcan, Kiss My ASS!!!!!!!!

I have been helped repeatedly on this message board and I do say I like to help anyone who asks. Even if it has been asked before. New is new and old is old. Your just way beyond that.

Off to MENSA with you and obviously writers block has corked your ass cause you are so full of it.

Bite Me!

Orlanda

Gee Winnepeg in February, it will be what -50c in the sun. They should have the Festival in the week of thaw in what, July.

Just kidding,

Steve

Elise

Impressive- I have just completed my third script this year and I too have stuff at Inzide. Boy are they backed up right now.

Lots of great stuff happening for me right now but can't go into it yet. Don't want to jinx it.

As posted on another thread, Writers Script Network has payed off for me 10fold in the past couple of weeks.

Good going

Steve

WSN is the best $30 you could ever spend if you have something that is commercial. And I did say COMMERCIAL.

There are some small prodcos that are looking for something different but for the most part, they are looking for something that can be made to fit a budget or a script that really hits all the buttons.

If you haven't been there before, I suggest that you go and put in a log line, synopsis and a script. It is very safe and will pay off if you keep on top of it.

Do not querry anybody who looks at your postings. You will be bounced off WSN. This is an agreement between you and WSN and WSN and the Prodcos/agents/managers.

As stated above, freshen up your stuff every two weeks. It makes a big difference.

Frederick, I must thankyou also for providing this great site and will do so personally real soon. Without MB, I don't think I would have gone so far in such a short time.

Screenwriters Utopia is another must. The articles, archives and databases are second to none. The requests for scripts emailed to you are varifiable and plentiful.

I would also like to give a shout out to the posters here and for all the info, the fun and the bantor over the past year. Special thanks to DG, Steven K, Johnny, Miriam, Colleen, Andrea, Marcel, Craigy, The great Randolfo, Where's Bob Ziedman, and to those who are new, the dream is attainable, you just have to listen, watch the "TRENDS", read tons of scripts,(GOOD ONES) and work at the craft every day.

I have some good news and will post it here real soon.

Greatfully yours

Steve Calderwood

My thoughts and prayers go to you and your family.

Your words were moving and beautiful. I could actually picture your words and I would have hit the salesman with water too.

This can be a sad time but it is also a great time to remember and be with family and friends. I have been so uplifted by dealing with the accomplishments of those who have left us.

Everyday gets a little bit better.

Kindest Regards

Steve

In a nutshell, the writer will get 400k upfront. The balance of the remaining 600k is paid and only paid after all the involvement of the writer is layed out in the negotiations.

That being said, the balance falls in the participation in the drafts of the script, re-writes and polishing etc...

Something I have recently learned is that the writer generally should get 10% of the set budget for the project. If there is an OPTION to buy, there is 10% of the purchase price is what that translates to.

You should go to your local library and check out what books are available for screenwriting. There are a number of books about the business of what we are in. My favourite right now is "The Writer Got Screwed but Didn't Have To" by Brooke A Wharton.

Best of Luck

Steve

I am Canadian!

Unfortunately, our Canadian industry doesn't care or doesn't have any resources to help us.

I am really excited about what is happening right now but it's sad that I have to go right to Hollywood to make it happen.

All I can say right now is that I have signed an amazing MANAGEMENT deal and I now have almost all my leg in the door.

I have been in contact with every Canadian mgmt company/agency and they had nothing to offer. The MGMT CO. sought me out and proved to me why they could manage me and what I can write.

I am a NEWBIE- screen writing for 2 years but I have worked my ass off and done my homework and now it is going to pay off.

If you want any other details, my managers will be making announcements soon or you can send me an e-mail. I am in the midst of a re-write and revision and I am under the gun.

Anybody can achieve this, you just have to play the game and keep up with the other players.

Steve

Hey Johnny

You thought I forgot about the cow Pucks?

Trust me buddy, Wiltshire Blvd is never going to be the same when we have a cow puck hockey game in the Mid Afternoon. And yes I am going to bring some fresh Caribou Jerky just for you oh great "Tinker" Man tough guy.

By the way, what if you marketed Chewing tabbaco with new flavors ie: BBQ, Cheddar/Sour Cream, or my fave Cappuccino!

Thanks I needed that!

By the way it hasn't snowed here yet and actually it is 72 degrees here.

Steve

PASS IT ON!

I have been so grateful to the help from these strangers. We bantor back and forward, exchange e-mails and chances are that we will never meet.

Through the kindness, some of us have made leaps and bounds in are writing careers and I personally thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I just hope I have had an influence if but one word for someone else. I will commit myself to always be there to lend a helpful word or direction.

I too, have been amazed at Writers Script Network and Jerrol Lebarron. They provide the best web source to get connected to Hollywood and their record is speaking for itself.

Miriam- I hope this turns into the next project for you, for you have been one of my inspirations...Thank you!

Steve

Voice

The delivery of dialogue. To write dialogue and make it natural. So that it flows, has emotion, gives all the information that should be given without being "on the nose" and it carries the story and dipicts the characters so that they are believable.

It seems that I have "A voice" and that is one of the aspects of my writing that has got me where I am going.

Practice reading your dialogue out loud all the time. If it sounds natural, you are ahead of the game. It is going to take a lot of work. Read good scripts and see how they do it.

Hope that helps

Steve

You'll be hearing from my LAWYERS in the Morning.

From DEWY, CHEATIM & HOWE

You go girl!

Another success story for one of us a Moviebytes.

All the best

Steve

Optimus Prime

WOW, your the head of the TRANSFORMERS. You still have the 18 wheeler?

I bow to you effectiveness!

www.benderspink.com

The big guys are Chris Bender and J.C. Spink.

American Pie- Duece Biggalo

Looking for very commercial specs.

Former Endeavor associates.

Check the web-site, gives you everything you need

Steve

Go to Staples or other business supply store and buy

inch and One Quarter Brad fasteners, no longer.

three hole punch your script and use a brad on the top and bottom holes.

A nice trick is to use a heavier stock for you title page and back cover page.

Put the back cover page in backwards so that it is opposite to your script. Fold the brads against the script and then fold the back cover over the script and you wind up with the back cover, covering the brads and it gives you a unique tidy package.

I have had rejections but tons of compliments for the back cover.

Steve

I haven't been able to access any of the addresses you posted. Can you check to see if they are posted properly or maybe it is just me.

No studios like Disney, Dreamworks and Alliance Atlantis are in searching for scripts and writers.

But there are smaller Prodcos that pitch projects to big studios are in there everyday.

There isn't a web-site out there that is getting the hits like WSN. I have had 2 scripts posted there and I have adjusted loglines and synopsis a few times. I have the full scripts available to be downloaded also.

I have had some requests for scripts, made a few good contacts, Oh did I mention that I now have REPRESENTATION FROM ARTISTS INDUSTRY MANAGEMENT AND SCOT ABRAHAMSON because of Writers Script Network.

WSN is a site for writers to get noticed by smaller companies who are not doing projects for big bucks. There are companies on WSN that have some extensive budgets 10 mil+ and are just looking for the right project.

For $40, for 6 months of exposure if you have something you feel Hollywood wants, what do you have to lose.

I know that I now have my size 13 shoe all the way in the door. The door I keep hearing will never be open for me.

Take that "Catch 22".

Steve Calderwood

Hey, I'm just real crazy about you big fella!

Oh I'm sorry, I'm on the wrong message board again.

I'm not Steve but his cousin Bruce just borrowing his computer. And that's the story we're sticking too.

To H.J.

Calm down!

I answered the question, gave hope to anyone else who is thinking about using WSN's services and I got a Management deal out of WSN.

Why would I calm down. I am floating in the air like a Macy's Parade Balloon-I'm so happy and proud of my accomplishment.

With some help, hard work and some talent, I believe there is a deal out there for everybody.

Steve

Was surfing and found this thru Google but what a cool site. Screenwriting, production and comic books.

instruction, examples and an amazing database with up-to-date e-mail addresses for prodcos.

Third Millennium Entertainment

No advertizers or clubs to join.

So much to look at. I have been their for over an hour this afternoon.

Hope it helps someone

Steve

I know your question is hypothetical but if you do get an offer for an option, first off you should look at an agent or manager. They can put in touch with legal council. You do need to have representation and direction.

Contracts are not to be taken lightly and really you can't trust that they have your best interest in mind. Plus with all the extras, merchandising, and franchising, you really need to get all your bases covered.

Thank G-d, I have a Mgr. that is looking out for me now.

Steve

I tell you, there are productions who have RELEASE forms that make your skin crawl, yet we still send the script to them.

I don't see any difference here. No charge and 25k, I wish I could enter.

If you ever want to get to the next level in this business, you are going to have to take risks.

Steve

This is a book that my manager recommended and I have found it amazing.

It's by Jennifer M. Lerch.

It has already changed my thought process and after digesting it somemore, it will take me to a new and improved level.

Hey, that sounds like my breakfast cereal! Thanks Quaker.

Go to the library, Amazon.com $8 approx.

Steve

William Morris is going into Writers Script Network in a big way.

Since I signed my MGMT. deal, they have looked at my scripts and I have found out that they are looking for new writing talent to REP.

Unique stories, commercial and a different VOICE.

If you have been thinking of posting at WSN, now might be a good time.

Steve

Hi Teresa

It's Writers Script Network.

www.writersscriptnetwork.com

A great vehicle for posting loglines, synopses and scripts. Tons of Prodcos, management and agencies look here for writers and scripts.

I really suggest you take a look.

Steve

Thanks Bryan

Artists Industry Management and Scot Abrahamson.

Mostly TV writers and now a couple of us screenwriters. So far things are going great. There is so much happening, it's real exciting. Getting real feedback and lotsa' tips and good info.

I feel very lucky but I will say that working hard can pay off.

It wouldn't of happened without WSN or Moviebytes. I found WSN through MB.

How's your MGMT deal going. E-mail me if you want.

All the best

Steve

Hey George

My advice is to make your synopsis a properly structured one. Three paragraphs, Act 1, Act 2 and Act 3.

If you have a real eye catching logline to take the onlooker further in, you want the synopsis to give them what they are looking for.

I would also change your logline every two weeks, the fresh look if you know what I mean.

Steve

If you have ever wanted to make your own Movie, there is great info here for you. Story boarding etc...

There is up to the date info with regards to structure and format and many tips for getting going no matter what level your at.

No I don't have a piece of the action!

No advertising or add banners.

Steve

I was just reading an article last week that stated here in the Toronto area, the large theater companies have submitted to get beer and wine licenses.

The biggest apponent to this is the crowd that doesn't want to be bothered by people getting up and down getting more drinks.

I don't think having an intermission is going to make too many people happy.

Perhaps just selected screens.

Michael Moore- I think he has touched on this subject with a big freakin hammer. I love it!

I sure as hell don't blame it on movies, Tv or Iron Maiden.

Get rid of the GUNS and we are back to sticks and stones.

This is a movie that will provoke dialogue and if enough of us talk, maybe someone will listen.

Ooops, 5 of our children were just shot and killed! But we need our protection.

Steve

I see where you are coming from?

Yeh, I just went into an alley and bought a 97 Pontiac Sunfire. Man, now that I have this car, boy can I as a licensed driver, "KILL" a whole pile of innocent people.

How's this, I just shot and killed a 24 year old mother of 2 so that I could JAK her car- a 97 Pontiac Sunfire. Now I can go over to some associates, drive up to the crowd outside a night club, lower the passenger window, and fire six shots into the crowd from the revolver that I stole from your house last night.

I don't think guns kill people, it is the moron who is so scared of the guy who is knocking on his door that he shoots and kills him. The dead guy is an exchange student from Scotland who saw a porch lite on and needed help because his car had broken down outside the house of the gun owner.

There has to be some sort of line drawn in the sand on this subject. Gun crime is on the rise in Canada. A fact is that most of the guns are coming up from the United States.

Murder in Canada, England and Japan equal 50% less than that of say Tampa, Washington DC or even LA.

The answer is in gun legistlation and really stiff penalties for crimes with guns.

I have heard that this rifle might have been bought at a trade show or flea market. When was the last time you heard of ten innocent people getting murdered by a sniper with a knife, fork or spoon.

The United States doesn't need foreign terrorists to attack and kill Americans, it seems that the residents are pissed and are going to take matters into their own hands. And that hand is pointing a gun at your head and they are Hollow-points.

Steve

Hi Terri

New kids on the block but some credits

www.flashdogmovies.com

All the info

Steve

The "R" rating is probably due to the footage of Columbine in the movie. You don't see any of the killings but you do see the bastards that did the killing.

And to think, they were bowling just before they carried out the massacre.

How could the parents lose so much touch with what was going on?

What I can't believe is there is a bank that gives rifles to new customers. Are they for real?

Steve

I can make my own bullets from scratch and I'm not alone.

Hey if we all wore kevlar vests that would give us a fighting chance.

If you kill a person with a gun, you will be arrested and you should be shot and killed with the same weapon. Just think how many wackos would want to pull that trigger.

I have a couple of nuc's, next you will want me to register them in some data base.

Steve

Hey Vincent

First, I'm sure others will agree, but don't type all CAPITALS. Hard on the eyes.

The release form is standard and because originality is offen strained. If you have 2 or 4 thousand scripts entered, you know that there are going to be similiar or alike scripts entered. Yours might not be the one they go to.

As for the contest, you can check a report card on the contest here on Moviebytes under Contests. I'm not a big fan of contests but if you have a good script it can sometimes be the springboard to help the career.

Steve

Hi Crosby's

I found some good credits for Marek Posival on Google.ca go there and look.

I have heard of Bates Ent., I think I queried them but other than being on some databases, nothing.

Hope that helped.

Steve

I don't see any reason for anyone to own any auto or semi-auto weapons. If you want it, the firing pin should be removed. Collectors can have their guns but can't play with them.

Bullit identification leaves way to many open doors for screwing around with it. DNA tagging is already being done on convicts so that they can be tracted if a crime re-occurs.

Fellow Steve, you mentioned ridding the country of paper currency. In Canada, we have already gone to coins for $1 and $2 and according to a buddy of mine in the Fed Government, it will be in my life time that cash will be obsolete.

I very rarely carry cash now, having two credit cards and my bank card. All our drive-thrus take bank cards.

Much to the anger of the US government, Canada now grows its' own WEED. In the next 5 years, you will be able to buy it at stores just like a beer. A huge plant is being built about half hour from here. The legalization of POT is expected to be vary contriversial but will be interesting to see how it effects crime and related crime. I know that the illegal growers in BC and Ontario are not too happy.

Recently it has been very violent in Toronto with Black on Black crime and murders. Civil Rights groups are jumping all over our Police for profiling.

Here's the question being posed- if 8 out of 10 crimes are being reported and the suspects are described as Black or Asian and this occurs day in and day out, would you not look twice at every Black Male or Asian Male that came into your business 5 minutes before you close.

The African Canadian Rights groups will not answer this question. Why is it that when an innocent 23 year old Black College student is gunned down at a big Night Club infront of over 100 witnesses that not one other African Canadian saw anything. Oh we don't trust the Police. A murderer is a murderer no matter what race he is.

What has come to light now is that our African community is also afraid of its' own people. Fear of retribution.

A community without guns is a strong communtiy.

I ask you this question- What if the killers at Columbine were African Americans or Hispanic- How would that coverage have been different?

Steve

2 sentences max

35 words max

Short but sweet.

Protaganist, goal and crisis.

My loglines have been re-born.

Steve

Hey Jill

There is a thread about this from a couple of months ago.

I loved "The Usual Suspects".

It is a script I have in my collection.

Reservoir Dogs, I think would also be a good one to look at.

Steve

Release forms are pretty standard across the board. You should have seen my management contract.

As far as agencies go, it will be a smaller agency that will probably look at new writers. To get with a bigger agency, you need to be connected or it could happen through a sale of a script.

In my case, I have a manager and when it comes time for a sale, I will probably be hooked in with a large agency to put the deal through the studio.

Miriam is going through all this right now and I'm sure she could shed light on it. I can only go by what my manager has told me.

As far as the contests go, I haven't bothered. Sure you can get some recognition but it doesn't guarantee anything.

I did all my marketing and queries and made my decision for representation.

You are on your way Vincent

All the best

Steve

Unfortuntately, William Morris doesn't take queries, you have to be referred.

Although, recently WM has been going through WSN looking for some new writers. They are looking at two of my scripts that were passed along to them.

I was also going to mention that it is not a bad idea to download your script along with the logline and synopisis.

Definitely saves on postage and time plus printing costs. Two downloads and the cost of the WSN posting is covered.

Steve

Probably Scriptblaster although I haven't heard of any success stories for them.

Steve

When I stand there looking at myself in a mirror, I find myself wanting to breath your essence, oh but one more time.

Thinking is not the word- I dwell on those times we had a the park. I drift into a state of warmth of being when I remember those long walks we took at the beach.

God I love my dog Akuna!

Steve

Hey Rob

Thanks for asking- things are going great. Have been working on re-writes from notes I have received. Reading and writing are huge parts of my day now.

Reading some books and scripts and working on outlines for my next two projects. I love the direction that I'm going in.

I'd love to just burst out and tell ya but I have to keep them under wraps.

Rob- have you ever tried Writers Script Network. The contacts come to you and your not doing a mass mailing. I have heard that a lot of prodcos and managers/agents hate getting those types of queries and usually ignore them.

I would still try a data base and selectively send queries yourself. It's slower but you definetly add your own personal touches.

All the best

Steve

Woke up this morning to 6 inches of snow.

Now I have lotsa amoe for a major offensive in a Global Thermal Nuclear Snow Ball fight and Cow Puck launch.

All the best with WSN

Steve

There is activity but do remember that the rest of the month and December are going to be quiet in Hollywood. Things will pick up in January again.

I have taken to changing my logline at least every other Friday or so. The change adjusts the date of submission every time so it looks like a new entry.

Best of luck

Steve

Hey Stephanie

It is www.writersscriptnetwork.com

Definitely worth the look.

Steve

Orlanda

I'm sure the "YANKS" will retaliate but they will have to send in INSPECTORS to see what we are up to.

That could take weeks and by then- ha we got the bastards now. *Insert devious laugh here*

'Puck' them all!

Steve

I see your ?! and raise you %%$#|~

D. Jay

The guru is up in the mountains meditaking in the world.

Would you believe he is actually making a movie in the mountains in N. California.

He is doing well and says

GOTTUM, NEEDUM AND GO WITH.....

Steve

Hey Tom

There are lotsa good programs- I used to use Screenstyle for Windows but now I use Screenwriter 2000.

Seems to be the most popular and one recommended to me by a good friend and also my manager

Steve

Hey Marcel- this is high stakes not Petty Anti

Is you last bid and shoot the load, sort of speak with

&^&#!@~>"[][[[|+___-_*^^^

Wow, I can't believe I did that!

Steve

Yeh, my wife has an inanimate friend she can't live without and it takes 3 large batteries.

Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

OOOOOh baby, that's the spot!

Steve

Remember to give it time.

Don't second guess yourself but make sure the LOGLINE is killer.

Don't be ambiguis about what your story is about- make sure they know what you want them to read.

I know you know that but I have read some of the loglines on WSN and WOW they are really bad.

Steve

Oh Craig

You make me blush!

I have the same motto as Burger King.

It takes two hands to handle my Whopper!

And SPECIAL orders are my speciality!

Modestly

Steve

Hey H.J.

I probably PRAISE WSN more than anybody here at MB but my reason is to promote what it really can do for you.

I was brought into Artists Industry Management with Scot Abrahamson in September soley because of WSN.

I totally agree with Miriam, in that most of the activity is for now and will surface in the next year or two.

They have linked over 120 sales/options and got quite a few of us writers representation.

I know the key to success is to have commercial projects and to understand that WSN is a way to get your foot in the door. These are smaller Prodcos and Reps. but they do have the contacts to push it up a couple of notches.

I could query until Ma Bell came in and disconnected me and I still wouldn't have the access or contacts that I have gained on WSN.

But like anything, it is up to you to make that decision for yourself. I just haven't heard many good things about these mass mailings of a query. If it doesn't have a few personal touches, it will get pitched!

Steve

My wife was surfing on the topic of outlines and found this- it is pretty cool and 30 day free trial.

$49 to buy and I think it will be worth every penny.

Go to www.kitchona.com/products/outliner/ outliner.html

The sample is Casablanca- good choice!

Steve

Hi Crosby's

I don't know if you are interested anymore but I just got a newsletter from Triggerstreet and there is Marek Posival with an entry for a short movie.

Is this a good thing?

If you know somebody who knows somebody maybe.

I did the same with Who Represents.

I managed to actually submit a couple of scripts but what they were looking for was a management co. looking to put a package together. I was asked what director was attached and what funding was available.

I actually discussed this issue with my manager and what he told me is that you really need to have a rep. contact the celebrities rep. and go from there. You can use a manager or agent or entertainment lawyer if you have access to one.

Personally, I would go for it. If your script catches the attention of a celebrity, you never know where that could lead to.

Go for it!

Steve

Frederick- This is a really cool service and once again you have come up with something to keep this the best site on the NET for us budding writers.

Thanks

Steve

The writer is connected and got a green light from the studio based on its' target audience. Special FX and 0 script and story.

I think I will send them a blank script and just give them lots of action.

I'm on top of the world!

Steve

Sixth Sense Producions

M. Night's Prodco

650 vs 900k with a 2-year option on a second script for another 750k+

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Don't tell anyone!

BUNNIES IN BAGDAD

An elite force of Bunnies invade Bagdad in the effort to F*#+ Hussein to death and to "SPREAD" the goodwill of Western Naked Diplomatic Decadence.

Yeh, that was my sale!

Marcel, do you have a crystal ball or are you a Big Studio Exec. undercover.

So what is the next secret that I can Bullshit about?

My manager thought it was funny.

I'm half way up to the top of the world!

Steve

Sorry, I thought you were talking about real SWINGERS videos.

My wife was interested.

Is it a problem if your wife wants to go to a swingers party alone?

Steve

See how rumours get started!

And her I was tinking dat Marcelle wun a spellink countest.

You know I just kidding buddy! Now what was with your post?

Tsvee

Oh yeh, I forgot...I get a Directors chair with my name on it and I am going to get an action figure.

I guess I should ask them for a jacket and T-shirt with my movies name on it.

Do you think it is silly going to the drive-thru of Burger King getting all the toys from your own Bunnies Invade Bagdad movie?

Hey Marcelle, wood yuo bee mie PUBLIAISIST, I cood uuse yore tallents!

You should all be jealous, I wrote the winning script on serviettes at DENNY'S and over the time it took to eat a #3 Grand Slam Breakfast with a side of toast and Coffee, 2 cream and 2 sugar.

Well no more time for chatter, must go out and buy my own PROVINCE up here. Gotta do something with the money Marcel has had me make.

See you at the Golden Globes, G-d I love the boobs on that girl.

Steve

Hey Tundra Popsicle

I actually open a separate folder for my title pages. That way I never send out a page that has a draft number or date on it.

Did that once and will never do it again.

Up to my knees in the White Fluffy Stuff. Man, I wish it would snow!

Ski Bunnie

Just got an E-mail from them about the abuses on the review section of the screenplays.

They are going to blow up the idiots who abused it and come up with a NEW review system in the next couple of weeks.

I'll wait and see if it is worth the download.

Steve

Well I'm one of the lucky ones. My manager loved a script I had on Writers Script Network and contacted me about being my manager.

So far so good.

Having a manager is quite different from having an agent. A manager is going to give you more personal direction and work with you closer that an agent has time for.

There are some legal issues but that is totally a different thing.

I suggest you get the BOOK called "The Writer Got Screwed but Didn't Have to" By Brooke Wharton. Tons of good info.

The problem with querying agents and managers is that 95% of them are not looking for new clients. If they see something that really stands out, story or talent wise, they might give you a look.

Have you ever thought of trying Writers Script Network. Smaller agents, managers and Prodcos look for new writers and even some biggies. William Morris has been in there a lot lately.

I know people around here hate to hear this but if you don't have something different and commercial, go back and start to do that.

That script you love so much that isn't commercial and would be great at an Art Film Festival is fine, but if you don't win the festival, you will never get repped unless you have a really close contact.

My Opinion!

Steve

D. Jay, you wrote Motorcycle Sluts from Hell, way cool.

Oh sorry, that was a dream I had about my X!

Steve

Bryan- the job is yours- I love your excitement and Doug Flutie- He's my hero!

I have a greenlight with a huge budget.

We are talking 6 figures- all blonde!

Now does anybody know where I can get a desert and 6 camels.

Oh, who wants to play Bush?

Steve

Bryan- I drink Labatt's Blue!

How about Ashley Scott- gonna be real hot, sorry she is real hot. Right now staring in TV's Birds of Prey.

Shiri Appleby- from Roswell- she is getting major action for movies.

Sorry No Message Board!

But once you register, there is a really good e-mail newsletter that you will get on a weekly basis. Plus they have many on-site searches for out glorius business.

This is the only message board you will need.

Steve

Hey Todd

I have one in my files- I have your e-mail address- will send you one to look at.

Steve

Everett

I can hear you and let you know that you are definetly not alone.

I started writing my first screenplay less than two years ago. I kept it a secret for quite awhile but when I did finally tell family and friends, there was some support but mostly it was a bad experience.

I don't discuss my writing now with anybody other than my very supportive wife, a few close associates and here on MBs.

I have worked very hard and I still have a long way to go but I have the passion and drive to be successful in screenwriting.

The first step payed off recently when I signed a management deal but even that didn't impress my achievements to the naysayers. I get so frustrated that I am ready to start slugging these people but then I realize that I am one of the lucky few that may realize a dream and have it pay off.

I started this journey 25 years ago in high school and lost my way. I am now on the right path and just like you, I know I have the ability to get their, I just wish I had more support.

This has caused some real scars to appear but when I do find success, I won't be rubbing it in anybodies face. They will be left out and left behind.

Stick with and work hard and never let anybody get you in a negative space.

All the best

Steve

Hey MK

I have my scripts available for downloading and yes they have been.

I like saving the printing cost, the postage and the time it takes to get there.

What I do find that is the Prodcos only download something they are interested in.

One thing that I did want to point out is that as far as loglines/synopsis on WSN, you are not aloud to contact any of the hits. They have to contact you.

As far as the script downloads, I would wait a few weeks at least before contacting them. Hell I just got a request for a script that I queried in May.

Just make sure that your script is formatted properly when you download it.

Steve

Tons and Tons of hits OH MY!

Don't contact any hits other than script downloads on WSN, you will be removed from the SERVICE.

As far as contacting any company or Reps. who download your script, I would wait at least a month. Remember, yours is probably not the only one they have to read.

Isn't waiting half the fun anyways!

Steve

Hey Christine-

I have heard of female novelists using men's names for publishing was quite common at one time.

I don't advertise in my queries that I am from Canada, the distance is definetly a problem for most Prodcos. They want you to be in LA.

My MANAGER wants me to be in LA right now. Truthfully, I will wind up in LA for awhile in the next year, how long, who knows?

Christine, I would be interested to hear from you off site, if you want. Here is my e-mail

stevencalderwood@hotmail.com

Best of luck

Steve

I just wanted to wish everybody a GREAT, PEACEFUL, SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

May all worries be put aside so that we can spend loving time with family and friends.

I have been somewhat blessed this year and I hope and PRAY that some of my good luck falls on everybody here at MOVIEBYTES in *2003*.

That being said- I have saved up about 35 thousand snowballs for one hell of a snowball fight with you CALIFORNIANS. I have arranged for military transport(in Canada that means a "CHRYSLER MINIVAN") to deliver the wrathe Canadian Snow.

One frozen COW PUCK for a game of HOCKEY on Sunset BLVD, I bringing the CANADIAN BEER EH--Johnny!

What's everybody doing for the HOLIDAYS?

ALL THE BEST AND BE SAFE

Steve Calderwood

I would like to be a PRODUCER!

Can anybody lend me 10 million. I'm good for it.

Steve

There was a posting for the New Preferred Newsletter that Writers Script Network members get.

If you get the NEWSLETTER, I need your help...PLEASE!

Thx

Steve

There is a minimum even in the States but if you have representation, they will Champion your DEAL and get you the best $$$$$ they can.

Congratulations I guess, way to go buddy EH!

May the Snow stay white at your feet you big successful Albertan guy.

Steve

I'm sorry...I thought TRASHLEY had come back to TRASH and BASH some newbies again.

If you have a winter scene to shoot, come to where I live.

We have had about 3 feet of snow so far this year and it looks like it is going to be a DEEP White Christmas!

The foot is in the DOOR, snow you just have to keep it open.

Way to go Marcel

Steve

I got the help I needed- and thank you very much.

Orlanda- you will receive the Pref Newsletter in early January. They do it in 3 month blocks.

Steve

Went HUNTIN' on the weekend and killed me some moose and caribou.

I will dry you out some jerky once I sober up, EH!

Did you know that Pres. Bush now wants to put an EXPORT tax on COW PUCKS.

I told them to "PUCK OFF" so you will see them in the mail in a brown paper freezer parcel.

Fresh For X-mas, OOOOOOOOOOOOOH...I can hardly wait!

Steve

Okay...where is everybody's X-mas SPIRIT.

We'll see you in a couple of weeks so that I hope everybody has a GREAT time with FAMILY and FRIENDS.

Kindest and WARMEST REGARDS

STEVE CALDERWOOD

Does anybody have any contact INFO for Sly Stallone...His production CO. or any Reps.

It's really...really Importante.

Mucho Appreciato

Steve

I have tried IMDB, Who Reps. and Google but don't have HCD- is there anything in there for him. My manager is trying to find something.

I have an outline/pitch for a Rocky type spec. that I have some people interested in. Even these people said that it would be a great story line for Sly's Rocky 6.

Trust me, if someone has the contact info for Mr. Stallone and he gets this pitch, he will change his direction for Rocky 6.

A case of DOM will be one of many presents you will receive from this Santa Claus.

Yo, I am energized!

Steve

Thanks everybody...Got the Contact.

On Who Reps...OOOps I spelled Stallone with only 1 (L). Nothing showed up so I thought he was a ghost.

All the best

Steve

Hey Alexander

You should first give them your LOGLINE. What is it that your protagonist is involved in followed by what he is up against with the antagonist. 25-35 words max.

In 3 paragraphs max. describe the gist of your story and I would include your LEAD characters' name. Act 1, 2 and 3. is basically the breakdown.

You want to give them as much info about your story but you also want to leave them asking to read your script. It becomes a fine line.

What ever you do don't be flip about by stating that "You will have to read the script to find out what happens" I have heard that a lot of writers do this and it is INSTANT GARBAGE CAN for you efforts.

I also suggest that you go to the library and look at what they have on the topic.

I find some good websites for you also.

Best of the season

Steve

Go to scriptsales.com which is Done Deal and they have samples of what you should look at.

Also try teako170.com- some good info there for any calibre of writer.

Steve

I want to be the Hypnotherapist Religious leader...Way Cool!

DJ

OOOOOOh Simon Templer- SWEET!

Thanks for reminding me to CLEAN out my EAVESTROUGHS. I should dive into that!

Welcome to the board- AUSTIN powers!

For $19.95 a month we will be kind to you and give you the benefit of our weeks of experience and Hollywood insite.

If you promiss not to ask us what a LOGLINE is, you will get a bonus. If DG Balazs ever tunes in again, he will give you a FunnY unique name.

Every third week, of every 4th month and during the second Tuesday at exactly 4pm, it is Caribou Jerky Buffet at my Place. This is a great event and don't forget to tie the horses up at the front. Always have to remind everyone about that.

Let see what else was there... Oh yeh, this is a very serious sight so no taking liberties with your wacky sense of humour.

If you get any contacts for any of your work, you have to run them through us first so that we can get a jump on you. (NOT PHYSICALLY) unless it is the 30th of February.

That's it for now...

Anybody else have any of the groundrules for EAVESDROPPERS?

Steve

Loved his show "TWILIGHT ZONE"

Mr. Spence- Is that short for Su- SPENSE.

To SERVE Humans- Jolly good SHOW.

I'll have a leg with a GREEN bean cassarole-Frenchs Onion things on course.

I'm sorry Miriam- I couldn't stop myself.

Steve Serling

First of all...I was in a DARK PLACE and I needed the MONEY.

There was nothing dirty about it...It was all very artistic!

I was desperate and I really, really thought it would promote my career.

I'm Italian and I really like to look at myself NEKKID in the MIRROR.

My centerfold in "Harvester Combine Digest Monthly" had an extra page, if you know what I'm talking about!

Crystal...you can tell me...I'm hot and you want me. You know you want me!

That being said... This is a very serious place for intelligent learning and I believe that it is KARMA to help each other. Pay It Forward?

I actually spend a lot of time working on my writing and it is becomming a regiment that I have every day. During the week, I have a full-time job but I always set aside atleast 1 hour during the week and between 8 and 10 hours on the weekends.

It really isn't tons of time but it is dedicated time every minute. What I post here is my off time and I love being here...

Between Moviebytes, WSN and and Screenwriters Utopia, I owe a huge amount of gratitude to everyone for all the help, the laughs and allowing me to feel part of the Writing Community that I hope someday will bring me success.

Crystal, welcome to our home, just make sure you replace anything you take out of the fridge. Metaphor!

Steve

PS Mitch B.--You are still in my thoughts and I hope you are at peace.

Oh Paula...I have tons of extras. Do you want the Special Edition set?

I'm Nekkid right now!

Steve

It is an Annotomically correct snow Angel but it melted and my "SNOWBALLS" fell off.

I was actually thinking of doing something with a WEB-site so that I could feature some of the laughs I find in all kinds of mediums and a forum for feature movie reviews.

I don't have enough time to write now so I had to sort of put it on the shelf.

Well I better get back to pulling my tractor.

Steve

No offence but you didn't check them out before you sent them the first 5.

I have heard of and I think I have queried them before from a posting but where they are located makes me wonder.

Check imdb.com, HCD and google.ca

Good luck

Steve

There web-site is gone but they are active.

They have connections with Shelly Steele and Linlea Enter.

They have a movie at some stage called Mr. ID- a jazz movie I think.

MK-

Try teako170.com- they have a large database with e-mails and some other cool stuff.

Actually everyone should take a look at this site. Even cool stuff for making movies.

Steve

Faith-

Your deal should be kept private and definetly find an Entertainment Lawyer and apprise them of your situation.

They, in most cases only take a fee as a percentage of the option. You may also want to query a few agents/managers and see if someone bites the possible OPTION bate. It wouldn't hurt to have them in your corner also.

My manager told me that you should listen very carefully as to the plans of the Prodco. Do they have the ability to make the movie themselves or are they going to do a package and bump it up to a larger studio or company.

See if they have any talent attached or in mind. Also directors, crew etc...

No legit firm would ask you to sign anything right there and then. This gives you more time and opportunity to do research, find a lawyer and quite possibly a counter offer if you don't feel the option is enough.

This is the formula that I have been told is how it works. Example:

Budget is $1mil. script purchase is 2-5% ...20 to 50 thousand.

Option is 10% of purchase so 2 to 5 thousand. Go for 1 Year with an second option for 6 months at an additional 5% of Purchase.

If they are serious, they will be able to get the project going with in a year but if it goes up the ladder, you might need the extra couple of months.

Faith, needless to say I'm no LAWYER so see what they have to say.

Oh by the way-- You GO GIRL!

Congratulations and Good Luck!

Steve

Austin in October- Sounds like a Party

I'm bringing the Caribou Jerky and yes I will bring Canadian Beer eh!

Steve

Hey K

Welcome to our wacky world of WRITING. Pull up a couch and get therapy from some of the best in the business.

Tips, insults, great discusssions(so great it gets an extra s) insults, more about how great we are and we can tell you what a LOGLINE is.

Steve

Oh I see, NASA wants to protect us from FREAKIN alien SNAKES. OOOOOOOh there is a story.

If I let loose on this thread, I gonnna need two more just for the language.

I am just so frustrated at the FUCKIN idiots in HOLLYWOOD that keep pumpin out the same shit.

So much bad crap was made in the last year that the Golden Globes Nominated movies that hadn't been released at the time of the nominations.

I couln't even sit through the whole movie or Ms. Lopez's huge ass.

I'm sure some day we will all be watching our movies on the silver screen. I hear Digital Cams are coming down in price.

DG- do you have good food services for Hobo Grove. I will work for coffee and Krispy Creams.

Steve * I am in a weird place right now!

MK- R and H just reported a big sale yesterday I believe.

Rhythm and Hues 5404 Jandy Place LA, CA 90066

310-448-7500 fax310-445-7600

Go To www.rhythm.com Big Site

Steve

MK- All I could find is

www.focusfeatures.com-

Steve

You know you live in the Artic(Toronto) 1. You tell your neighbor to turn his music down and he slaps you upside your head with a slab of Whale Blubber. 2.You see a warm RED glow coming from your neighbors backyard and it is just his lead REINDEER Rudolf out having a PEE. 3. It snows 364 days of the year but it gets to 95 on the other. 4 Frozen Drinks- INFINITY 5. The Home to every movie be made by Hollywood 6. You still go for dinner at 4pm except it has been dark for 5 months. 7. Have you ever STOOPED & SCOOPED for your pet CARIBOU. 8 Our McDonalds can accomidate DOG SLEDS in the PULL/SKI DOO thru.

How's that.....

Steve

DJ- It was funny the FIRST TIME but the second time I nearly passed a

For Johnny- "A FROZEN COW PUCK"

Steve

Favourite of mine is a TIE- The Great Escape with Steve McQueen(My MOM named me after him) and Where Eagles Dare- with Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood.

Modern is Field of Dreams

Anytime is Independence Day

Future and this is a SCOOP- An Full Length Feature Live Animated for Hanna-Barbarra and Warner Brothers. It's coming guys.

Steve

Well I finished PULLING my TRACTOR and it's over to the-

SNOW BLOWER

My Chestnuts are roasting on an OPEN fire.

Hey Johnny- Women love us big guys- You know what I mean. 3 page full layout.

So I have the GALS in a TITHY- Your dawm lucky I don't have a THONG or SPEEDO anymore. I like loose and FRILLY!

Steve- I'm getting my JINGLE JANGLES ready for Austin- POWERS in my PANTS

Okay, who said let there be snow.

I am looking out my back window and we have had over 3 feet of the white stuff in 3 days.

Enough already, I sorry for what ever I did but stop it.

Ha Ha it's a cover- That's where I am Hiding all those FROZEN COW PUCKS.

COMING DOWN YOUR WAY- JOHNNY Via Canada Geese delivery.

STEVE

Marcel and Bryan- It is brutle. I got caught doing tests on BUNNIES and now I have to owe up to the SPCA.

What I need is some STUNT bunnies, does anybody have a contact for their UNION.

Just to update- I have just signed Jim Carrey to play the part of Momar Kadaffy Duck of Libya, He is going to be a great TERRORIST.

The Role for Sodhim Insane of Iraq is yours Bryan if you want it- Marcel, you can be the Prime Minister of Canada.

Later

Steve

Sorry MK- I searched every database I have and nothing for George- Get It!

Steve

I'd give them a few weeks, keeping in mind obviously that yours is not the only script they downloaded.

I have always sent them a quick hello about 3 weeks in and offer them a hard copy, or if there is any questions.

That's what I have done.

Steve

Hey MK- If it wasn't for Canadians, the Buffalo Bills would have folded or moved years ago.

I like over 8 million Canadians, are huge NFL fans.

Myself, I have been a Miami Dolphins FAN from 1971 the year before the PERFECT SEASON.

The Bucks with J. GRUDEN over the Raiders in the SUPERBOWL.

Also, I have you know that some of the best football ever played is in Canada and the players that we gave the NFL. Too any to count but Flutie, Moon, THiesman, Garcia- we got them the game when the NFL didn't want them- now look at these guys now.

Ha! take that- 10 yard penalty for insulting us Canadians and my the Frozen Cow Pucks float in your backyard pond and make big smelly!

Just Kidding Dahling

Steve

Rafael- I have sent out 2 on discs so far. Both were rejects but I tell you it is cheaper than sending a Hardcopy.

I have also sent out in downloads. He can take it on his end and then upload it, put it to his own disc.

But if you have something going- do what he asks for now. and good luck

Steve

Hey MK- Contact Jerrol Lebaron at WSN- he will give you the skinny if you are in doubt or any question

jlebaron@writerscriptnetwork.com

I think that is his contact address

Steve

Ellum McCurdy- If you have a question ask it!

But don't COMDEMN the best sight there is for us Writers.

This is a SCREENWRITING Bulletin Board that has evolved into a gathering of mentors, friends, teachers, students and I guess YOU.

I suggest that you do an archive search of the topics with regards to contests that we have been thru hear in the last year alone. While you're at it, why don't you ask us what a LOGLINE is or maybe what is a Synopsis is vs a Treatment, or how do I get in touch with this Prodco

If we disappoint you, maybe you would like to lead us in a rousing discussion of what are the favourite CONTESTS.

Just a TIP- Contests don't provide a high volume of sales or exposure these days, they are simply a venue for money and script notes.

Steve

Your contribution is admired and appreciated.

There is a group of us that do communicate all the time off the site.

There is a very serious side of all of us with regards to writing, Lord knows that my serious side has had a major jolt in the past couple of months.

Some of the topic threads or off beat are also posted to make you think and to stimulate responses. Some of the posts from newer names have been outstanding and have contributed to the thought process.

Like anything, we have the beauty of choice, If the thread topic doesn't interest you, than pass on it.

Yes, we do get carried away sometimes but this has been a great way to release the stresses of the business and like myself, I have a full time job on top of the 30 plus hours writing a week, so if I show some humor in my responses too bad.

If you want this to be a serious site for screenwriting, may I suggest that you open a site on WRITERBYTE's and the forum will be all yours.

I think we have a great site that does everything to help every level of writer and we always talk about contests.

No Frozen Cow Puck for You---Get OUT!

Steve

As far as success goes, having signed my management deal does it.

As far as "GEATEST" MK is that SCOTISH? Sorry Dahling! Seeing my first script print off my HP brought a tear.

As far as submissions successes, having a rejection from Jerry Bruckheimer was amazing. He actually read my script, liked my writing, gave me some inspiration but told me that he doesn't except unsolicited scripts. I think it was an assistant who read the script but it was so cool!

Steve

Hah! I got the 49th post of the thread.

The 49's got slapped like the little turds they are.

Go Bucs!

Does anyone know when the Tampa Bay Bucaneers Screenwriting and Film Festival is, I have to make THAT deadline?

Steve

Music is my inspiration and my MUSE.

Jazz or instrumental is my favourite. I have a satellite and get Digital Music stations-40 or more so I can switch to fit my mood.

I find that the quiet is definning, every car door closing is too much of a distraction.

Steve

I'm burnt out right now and I am treating myself to a Massage tomorrow, a long walk with my dog and I am taking my wife out for a very diserved dinner.

I have pulled some of the Write-athons and I tell ya, some great stuff comes out of it but oh the typos.

When you get the juices flowing, you don't want to stop. Up here, we have a coffee chain called Tim Hortons- the coffee is the best in the world- the donuts are close to Krispy Cream- I said close. That is my dayly treat and my fuel for the writing.

Take that breather, the refresher and then get back in the saddle. The new focus is brilliant.

Steve

Man this thread is still going?

When we log in for this bulletin board, I believe it states

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? RANTS? CHECK IN WITH SCREENWRITERS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY. FREE!

Contests, other than above here, I don't see an exclusive corner on contests.

Note: Frederick- If you should read this- you should change that to "Screenwriters from around the world"

Now go and enter a contest so we have something to talk about.

Steve

I was watching the Challenger take off in 1986 when it exploded. I was watching CNN yesterday morning having my coffee and cereal when the news broke.

It is a terrible tragedy!

I was in my buddies backyard in July 1969 when Neal Armstrong stepped on the MOON. We watched it live on TV.

That is what exploration of our Universe is all about.

I shed a few tears for the HEROS of Columbia and to let them know that their sacrifice will not go unanswered. We have to procede, make travel safer and make that stretch to the next level and distance.

We will never forget you and our hearts go out to all who are feeling the loss.

Steve

DISTRACTION AND STAYING FOCUSED

I have found that I am too easily distracted in the past months. Tough time at my full-time job, a couple of minor injuries(Work Related), ONE too many shows on TV that I have got into.

I find it very hard to commit myself to my former schedule for writing. Last year 4 scripts, this year "NADA" but some good outlines. That year was July 2001 to August 2002- Since then "NADA"

As far as focus goes- I am juggling three different scripts, a re-write, marketing and I have interest in a TV project. I also have a side project with another writer to which, I feel really guilty for dropping the ball and not staying into that work.

Since gaining a manager, I actually feel too much pressure to get going and what I was working on before, was deemed to not being very commercial so I had to make a big switch in mid-stream.

I still write for myself but that usually is my GROCERY list.

I am taking some time off to enjoy the wild winter we are having up here in Santa's villiage. Honest, it is 30 minutes from my house.

Steve

They are looking for mostly YOUTH orientated specs but what they want is really strong dialogue, original work for a base of Hollywood that they are connected to.

I suggest that if you submitt to them, I would really take a huge look at your Act 1 or first 10 - 15 pages. The volume of submittions lends to really quick screening. If you don't hook the reader right off the bat, el' garbage.

I received a reply from them that they liked my writing but the stories were not what they were looking for at the time. I asked in a reply as to what they are really looking for for their slate. No reply of course but I did some checking around and that is what I found as stated above.

If you get in that door as in with Brooklyn Weaver, you will be on the short list of Hollywood writers to sign a nice little deal.

Steve

Hey Gregory

Sorry, I didn't see this one.

I have an e-mail address for them but you have to have a manager or agent make the contact.

They are affiliated to the movies and M. Night.

Contact me at my e-mail

Steve

Try "Silence of the Lambs" just kidding.

I remember some BBQ scenes in the movie FREQUENCY. Apollo 13 comes to mind, try Westerns.

Steve

WOW- Thanks for all that ELLUM. Thanks for the lesson that I can get from even the most useless book on screenwriting.

Screenwriting is a craft that has to be fine tuned as one gets practice and review.

By your immense intuneness with this business- where is your freakin accolades, your Oscar, your TOILET PAPER that has your worthless opinion on it.

I can't believe someone can be so abbrassive and not get jumped on as you have been since I have been reading your posts.

Adieu Adieu

I hope I get to read one of your scripts in LA next year, watch out who you call incompetent. The next one at the bottom of your pile will be the top of mine.

DJ- Are you for real. Another HICK that thinks we are the 51st state. Just Kidding - NOT!

I'll have you know that we have one of the most SPECIALIZED Militaries in the world. Special OPS-Task Force is Second to none.

The US Air Force does not fly our boys over seas- they use Air Canada and a very large fleet of Hurcules carriers.

Actually, our Canadian United Nations Force is at the TOP of the list. We spend most of our time cleaning up the SHIT situations that Bush and Clinton left. As it is, the Canadian Forces are replacing US troops in Afghanastan so they can START WW3 in IRAQ.

I wouldn't be knocking Canada too much. We have National Health Care, Welfare and Assistance, a Huge Job creation initiative and YES an ECONOMY that is close to be the HIGHEST in the world.

There are more MURDERS in Washington D.C. than all of Canada put together. We have clean streets and you can walk on most of them at night. Did I say that BUSH is not our BOSS.

I could go on and on but there is no more room because of all the FLAG WAVING below the border.

It is plain and simple- OIL

Wind Turbines is the answer and we are all ready well into it. 1 as in ONE turbine will power 400 households all year, for about $300 a year. Its clean and safe and you don't have to kill your neighbor for it. Unless you have a gun and you are bored. OOOOps- I'm sorry, that wouldn't happen in Canada.

PEACE, LOVE and BROTHERHOOD/SISTERHOOD and for G-D's SAKE get off your HIGH HORSE- there are a lot of people lining up to KNOCK you down.

Marcel

You are a JUGGLER- you got so much going on. I know it is your time to have a gig come thru.

All the best Buddy

Steve

Gil- Huge congrats!

Elaborate on this West Wing item. You are in an episode or one of the writers? I am a big West Wing fan.

Break a Floppy Disc!

Steve

First- MK- thanks for the IMAGERY. One more thing to talk about in Austin.

We all talk about Success and getting that foot in the door. Miriam is going through what will probably what any of us go thru when we get to her level.

I am having my problems too and someone stuck a pin in my fun balloon but this is what makes us the writers we want to be. We have to take the good with the bad and hopefully we grow from the experience and don't kill are AGENT.

Miriam is going to hang in there and she will be our BENCHMARK. Miriam, you definitely have been a guideance and inspiration to me and I know many others.

What goes around will come around and you have a lot of good things coming your way.

The best of the BUSINESS to everyone.

Steve

Wow- I guess I was WRONG about the OIL!

Sadam Hussein is a madman that needs to be executed. For SURE. The human rights attrosities are unsumountable. Now if this was New Zealand where this attrosities were happening, do you really think that the U.S. would be putting troops by the 100k in Australia.

So you really think that the Gulf War in Kuwait was all about Iraq invading and killing the people of Kuwait. No, it was about Iraq increasing their possession of Middle East Oil. That is why they have plans to invade Saudi Arabia but haven't reached that plain yet.

Exxon, Texaco, BP Sunoco and any of the other Petoleum companies hold an incredible amount of Political and Financial Hold over our Governments. These influences put poeple into power and make those decisions that we don't want to hear.

War is going to happen and we can't do anything to stop it. The SWITCH has been flicked.

I talked at great length to a good friend of mine who is a Captain in the Canadian Special Forces. He has just returned from Sarajevo on asignment. He is preparing to go to Italy for a ground force operation in three weeks.

He is the BRAVEST man I know and he is scared, for the first time.

He said that the casualties this time are going to be high on both sides. What he fears the most is that there is going to be Domestic casualties and we will not be able to stop the attacks.

WW3 is on it's way- what ever the reasons, we are going to be the VIEWERS of a much different world thanks to CNN but my last point is that if we didn't bend to the NEED for oil, even this thread wouldn't be here.

Steve

DJ- no offensive taken! I just get a kick out of what Americans believe Canada is all about.

Ooops left the door to my Igloo open!

Nanuck

Here- Here

I waive my Canadian Flag and I am proud to be the NEIGBOR to the States.

Let me put this to you- Why is Bush not going after N. Korea- when they pose as the biggest threat to World Peace.

Korea has no OIL!

And yes they have to BOMB and need FINANCE to do more- Let's find someone to sell it to. Iraq for start.

Steve

Did you know that in the PAST year that 4, count them 4, SCRIPTS were sold in the theme of Valentines. The biggest is a high 6 figure deal which is a Ground Hogs Day meets Valentines.

So just in case you think you have a big deal in this day of HEARTS, I would move on to something else.

JMO

Steve

DJ- LOL- Alec Baldwin won't leave the country. I visualize DR. No and Mr. Baldwin is strapped to that baby enroute to Saddam and Bagdad.

You know what I find amusing lately that WE writers are getting BLASTED by other writers on this site about expressing our opinions. If anybody should understand freedom of SPEECH it should be writers.

I find this Moviebytes like an IMPROV for Stand-ups. I find great material, discussions, rants, raves, info and FRIENDS although we have for the most part never met.

This is for the New PEOPLE on here if you should happen to read this post.

We are all WRITERS at the early stages of our careers. Some have deals, some managers and some are on the brink of the next level.

We are all opinionated and we are from different upbringings, cultures and lifestyles. This is the best FORUM for SCREENWRITERS and if you want to learn something about our craft.....

ASK THE QUESTION!!!!!!!

But keep in mind- if you don't know what a logline is at this point- you need to do some reading and research.

Anyways that is not what this thread is about... I hope to G-d that things come to a peaceful end. I have seen the Hellmouth and it is not a place I would even let my AGENT dive into.

Steve

Does anyone know of a list of TV Prodcos that isn't mixed in with all the others.

I am looking for TV Prodcos specifically interested in Pilots for new shows.

If you have any suggestions it would be greatly appreciated.

Steve

The 2000 Canadian troops are going to Afhganistan to replace American troops so that they will be able to be in Iraq.

We are a PASSIVE nation but have been there for the United States on many occasion- WW1 WW2 Korea Vietnam and all the Middle East conflicts.

I will catch you if you fall and I will be there to support you if you lose your balance.

Peace

Steve

I think you are talking about the Fox Diversity Program. I was really interested in this but you have to be a US citizen.

Here's the link I have for all the info

www.fox.com/diversity/programs.htm

Steve

Miriam and Jill offer wise advice for GRASSHOPPER.

To re-iterate- if you have your outline, which you do, yeh by all means jump around and create. The puzzle can be reassembled later.

One of my problems is that I will get into another story IDEA or come up with something for another project. I will sit down and blast it out to get my head clear of that writing. Once my head is clear, I find I can focus on the original script and dialogue.

A question for you and others- with the Principle Characters in your SCRIPT- do you sit down and make them real?

Break each character down and give them a true personality. Where they were born and raised, education, employment, likes/dislikes- actual personality traits- bad temper, jealously, humor etc.- How do they talk to people and deal with Life situations as they are thrown at them.

Since I started doing this- I am finding that I am getting better reviews of my writing.

Remember- those out there that are buying our work- they want scripts that Talented Actors can sink their teeth into. If the characters stand out and you can really visualize their view of the world- you will be getting noticed.

I only read top scripts and watch top movies to look to see what and why they got their Academy Awards.

The rest is for my entertainment.

Steve- Welcome and always ask questions except, What is a Logline?

Leaving for Athol on Wednesday.

Boy did I PUCKER when you said you were going to my ATHOL on Wednesday.

Ah, MS Ashley- now that's strange, I seem to be PUCKERING again.

The thoughts of Conversing with Ashley again bring me happy thoughts.

Happy trales to deeeee.

All the bust

Stan

Hey Robert

Damn, another Canadian!

Not that that is a bad thing. Gee it seems that we are outnumbering the rest of the "Below our Borders". I noticed another Canuck the other day on one of the other posts, Warren I think.

Anyways, you should register all your work with the Writers Guild of Canada.

wgc.org

$30 CDN for each script but you have to mail it or show up in person, if you live near or in Toronto.

This registration covers you for everywhere including Hollywood of course.

Any other questions ask away here or contact me at my e-mail

stevencalderwood@hotmail.com

Steve

Every POSTER and NON-POSTER, I really think you should go to this site and check out what could be a major break-through for us writers.

It is an amazing CONCEPT and it could really effect our position as writers in Hollywood and the rest of the Markets in the World.

GO TO

www3.telus.net/clive/fairplay.htm

Steve

Any response here would be appreciated.

Well Hey Bob Zeidman- nice to see you are still lurking.

Never did hear how the book tour went.

Jay is a SAINT to care for YOSSRIAN like this. Or is YOSSRIAN the SAINT for letting Jay be there for him.

AH- CATCH 22

Steve

Holy Smokes- Now I know why my manager said to stick with the WGA or WGC. A script doesn't need to be protected like an INVENTION. It is an artists creative work, but face it, how original is the piece. It is a twist on something else.

Go with the Writers Guild!

Steve

I have only ever been asked to write treatments for a script they won't read until they get the treatment.

personally- I have passed on on 4 cases including Grey Line. Maybe it is a mistake but I don't have the time to do this with all else going on.

I don't think Greyline is a huge player with many deals on the go so I don't see them as somebody special like SKF, Paramount or WB for example.

Many scripts are optioned and sold with treatments never being done but it is my understanding that treatments come into play as part of pre-production to set up story boards and cinematography.

I have also been told though some Prodcos and Agents/managers use your treatment as a guide to see some details of your writing with out have dialogue.

It is a Grey area but one I won't get into unless the option or offer to purchase is one my desk in my studio.

JMO

Steve

My insider sources tell me that you have to be dating Costner to get that e-mail address. I dated him and he didn't give me it. How RUDE!

No Luck Dahling!

Steve

Do you have any IDEA how much money Golan Globus made and then on their own afterwards.

It pisses the big studios off every time you hear their names brought up

I would pitch any action or crime movies you can come up with.

Nevermind, I have to go and do some pitching.

Steve

Run fast and hard and don't look back!

They do have credits but from along time ago and they are real artists.

A word to the WISE-----NEVER PAY ANYONE FOR CONSULTATION ON YOUR SCRIPT TO GET IT SOLD, OPTIONED OR JUST PLAIN READ!!!

These guys have taken POLISHED scripts and said they needed major work but with your money and their time at the RACE TRACK, we will get you a winner.

If you are looking for analysis, there are plenty of good services that charge up to $350 Max for great notes.

Hell, enter the Red Inworks Contest that is held twice a year and get amazing notes from Larry Myles for $40.US. I entered one of my scripts and he made some really great suggestions and it made a big difference to the script.

To summarize- Ed Hansen Productions gets a big NO DON'T DO IT- from me and the rest of us here on MOVIEBYTES.

Steve

One thing that I did which got me a little attention was to send the Agent of the Actor letter stating that you have their client in mind for a script that you have written.

I state that I am currently contacting certain Prodcos for the project, would you mind if I sent you Logline and Synopsis to see if you feel that your client might be interested.

You are not going to get Mel Gibson or Julia Roberts but there are many actors looking for a project to sink their teeth into with some very in the door contacts.

I look at it this day, it is a gamble but you have to play all your cards, especially if you are not in LA to schmooze.

Steve

Here's to a great writer and moviemaker who won the Best Original Screenplay for his Documentary Movie "Bowling for Columbine".

The competition was tough and even beat out "My Big Fat Greek Wedding".

So I wonder how many calls he is getting from all the big shots now.

Way to go Mr. Moore- you are someone who inspires me.

Steve

I started out with an basic software called Screenstyle. It served it's purpose but now I use Movie Magic Screenwriter 2000.

It gives you so many areas to increase your ability and it is the most widely used software in Hollywood.

I love the script notes, the samples and the very easy to use instructions and icons.

Steve

Sorry Buddy, can't find a single thing on any contacts and he even has his own web-site

davidcronenburg.com

not even an agent or manager

Steve

I use the blank side of that script for a scratch pad and for phone messages.

Steve

whorepresents.com

You have to continually register with them but I just got a couple of contacts off there last night.

Steve

Contact the Writers Guild of Canada- maybe they have a contact for him

sjc

Red Ink Works - based out of Vancouver

redinkworks.com

Larry Miles is great with his notes and follow-up. The contest isn't for money but exposure and notes on your script.

All the best

Steve

Rich

I think you answered your own question.

They have credits, B is still good. They have actors connected so I think it is a go as far a submitting.

The release is a standard to protect themselves from duplicate entries.

Meaning, your script might not be the only one about a guy who saves the world.

Just remember, Packaging companies will take longer to put a deal together due to the fact that they have to have everything in place before signing the check. Producers, directors, actors and key production staff and of course all the writers.

I would send it.

Steve

Okay, now I have a question. Where did they Post Script wanted or how did you all come about to be sending in your scripts?

All of a sudden they are requesting to read a large volume of scripts. 3 people here already. Are they accepting all genres or something Specific?

Just Curious

Steve

Deductive Reasoning would lead you to that info on your own wouldn't it.

Or should we get Mr. Watson

Hey Rich

Check out google.ca

There are a few postings about Stephen Gray and Gray Fox that you can look into.

Steve

Holy Crap!

Did you manage to tell him to take his WANNA BEE ass and *^#@ off.

Boycott this BASTARD and PASS the WORD!

This is the NEW thing to DO for US WRITERS. Let's BURN and EXPOSE these SLEAZEBALLS so that they can't screw with us.

Steve

From Roger Rabbit

Jessica- "I'm not BAD, I was just DRAWN that way"

Field of Dreams "If you build it, they will come"

Steve

NO MORE FREAKIN WAR!!!

Now the reasons are starting to be very clear.

The Military action has driven recklessly to take over the OIL FIELDS and PORTS. Lives are being thrown away.

A U.S. soldier has now turned on his own brothers. What his beliefs or religion are doesn't matter anymore. This is a huge setback.

Soldiers blindly are walking up to Iraqi's with hands out and are getting killed, captured and HUMILIATED.

Iraqi's are PRETENDING to be welcoming the Coalition and reeking vengence on their asses.

Who is leading these lambs to the SLAUGHTER. Take control and treat every Iraqi as enemy. Obviously very few can be trusted at this point.

Bush is really starting to look like an IDIOT. He is telling the Iraqi Commanders to treat the American Prisoners Humanely or face War Crime Charges. Is he for REAL. Does he not realize that they play by a different set of rules and will kill until they are killed. Suicide Bombings are going to be a huge everyday experiences over there and unfortunately in the US.

The Bombings have a certain effect on CNN but I think the Iraqis had way to much time to move and hide and set up defences that I think the Allied forces are going to experience in the coming days.

G-D be with all the Forces and I hope that the Bloodshed will not make the rivers red.

Peace and Alternate Fuel Sources

Steve

Andrea Holden My Coffee for me!

Just what I need, Krispy Kreme. I am 6 foot two and 260 lbs. Actually, we have one about a half hour from Barrie.

Tim Hortons coffee and Krispy Kreme Donuts, I have had SEX and gone to that place called Utopia or is that Uphoria.

I will have you know, Boone-STEIN that I am writing like a MAD MAN. I am really busy right now doing Screenplay and Television. Plus I have a day time job, I am living with injuries.

WA! WA! WA!

So after all that, do you still need info for Broad Daylight Prod?

Schmell ya later

Steve

My only problem with this type of handling of Queries is that they CHARGE you for a script submission.

Sure you get "Coverage" on your script. but you are also getting someone elses thoughts put into your project so that YOUR project will make it to the PRODUCER that you wanted to get it to in the first place.

There are many Prodcos out there, it is up to you, but I would go to them before letting Storybay be a third wheel. A manager or agent will be better for you.

Steve

My only problem with this type of handling of Queries is that they CHARGE you for a script submission.

Sure you get "Coverage" on your script. but you are also getting someone elses thoughts put into your project so that YOUR project will make it to the PRODUCER that you wanted to get it to in the first place.

There are many Prodcos out there, it is up to you, but I would go to them before letting Storybay be a third wheel. A manager or agent will be better for you.

Steve

My point was so important that it needed to be said twice.

That was a first for me.

Sorry!

Steve

Holy Crap! You use imdb.com 15 times a day. You must be querying every company that exists.

Good for YOU!

SJC

"Bite the HAND that FEEDS you"

"Who ARE FRIENDS ARE"

Gee are we Canadian Bashing already!

Canadians, Americans and millions of other natives of our PLANET are not happy with this war.

Canada has chosen to Publically not be involved because it was not done throught the United Nations.

Just for INFO- we have 4 battle Crusiers in the Persian Gulf right now. Many of our Canadian Forces are in the Mess called Afganistan replacing the American troops so that another BLOOD fest can occur there too.

One of my best friends is somewhere in Iraq right now with a Special Force. Oh, he is CANADIAN.

Just so you guys know the real truth. The Canadian Prime Minister Jean Cretian was a good friend to President Clinton and many reversals have been made By Bush because of this.

It's funny, you need us more than we really need the STATES. Our economy is BOOMING and nothing because of the STATES. We have the OIL reserves and all the natural resourse to be the NEXT MIDDLE EAST.

OOOOPS- I guess we are next on the Republican hit list. Just so you know, we have weapons of Mass Distruction.

It's Horrifying to see what our Nuk-Caribou Pucks will do.

Canadian Bashers- F---YOU- pick up a paper and see who your real friends and enemies are.

Steve and I am CANADIAN

Oh, defending Canada's IMAGE!

Other than that, I am knee deep in Television. Yeh, I said TV. It seems that a couple of my Pitches are drawing some attention.

I am in the beginning stages of what will be a GREAT Romanitic Comedy.

I am finishing and polishing my submission to the Austin Festival.

I am driving my manager crazy by not being focussed on one project but he does what he is told. I am the Boss and he works for me, not the other way around. That is something I have had to deal with.

It has been a rough couple of months for me personally and for our WORLD climate. I hope that Spring will bring the WARMTH of Summer and a Fresh Future.

Steve

D. Jay- No offence taken, I felt like typing yesterday. Actually, my best Friend Jim, who is now 52, went to school with John Candy and his sister. John wasn't even the funniest guy in the class. I have met a couple of that class, boy they must of had some fun.

Now For CONNIE

Where the HELL did you get Ejemicated(that's educated)

Canada is mostly FRENCH? That is close to be one of the DUMBEST comments I have ever heard.

"Hang on a second the door to my IGLOO just flew open."

Anyways, CONNIE, the population of the idiots above you is 31 million stupid fucking people who live in MUD HUTS.

As far as the FRENCH, they make up less than 10% of the MUD HUT DWELLERS.

As far as the Prime Minister goes, the French Canadians hate him. He looks after the rest of us.

Did you ever think that we don't want to bring down the WRATH of hell on us for OIL that we already have gallons of.

And as I said above, we are already knee deep in the Middle East conflict. We just decided to spend our money on helping us out than 10's of billions on bombs and guns when the United States of America has it's own THIRD WORLD problem, and that is called "YOUR CHILDREN ARE STARVING AND FAMILIES ARE LIVING IN THE STREETS"

Maybe if your own problems weren't so bad, you wouldn't have the largest population of DEMONSTRATORS against the WAR in the world.

Well, I gotsta goes out and katch me mie dinner.

Freakin HICKS

Respectably

STeve

Connie, Connie, Connie....

First, Alaska is NORTH of CANADA. British Columbia is WEST.

The Prime Minister is a CANADIAN and he followed the POPULAR vote of his CANADIANS and chose to stay out of the main battle.

France is not a big fan of Quebec, they don't even speak the same language.

D. JAY- John Candy is a Role model for all of us. Hey, he even let Wayne Gretsky talk him into buying the Toronto Argos(CFL FOOTBALL). I loved the man. I'm getting VAKLEMPT(sp)

SUMMER RENTAL, now that was funny. I have a friend that used to be part of the crew for SCTV.

PEACE BE WITH US ALL!!!

DG

HUH?

Orlanda- you live in that patch of land that connects Ontario to Saskatchewan.

What the hell do they call it. Oh, yeh, Frozen DIRT.

Manitoba is a lovely place to touch down on when you are on a trip to Hawaii.

We love you guys over there. Just make sure you stay there.

All the best

Steve

I received these tips from Larry Brody of TVWRITER.com. I thought they are definetly worth passing on.

They have great contests for Screenwriting and Television.

Here are his tips-

Anyway, here are some things a screenplay should or shouldn't have:

1. It should never start with an interior scene. There's nothing at all intrinsically interesting or attention-getting in seeing people talking indoors, and certainly nothing cinematically intriguing.

2. Unless it's a deliberate film noir, a screenplay should, as they say, "eschew" voiceover. No, not because it leads readers/viewers to believe the story didn't tie together and therefore had to be covered with v.o. verbiage, but because most new writers have no idea of how to match what's being seen with what's being said. Either they write a shot that will be over long before the voiceover is finished, or they write a shot that will go on long after the v.o. is done.

3. The answer to the not so musical questions, "What's this script about?" should be clear to any reader or viewer by page 10. Yes, it used to be page 20, but we're all getting more impatient these days.

4. No scene should be longer than three and a half pages. Sequence, yes, but not scene. Film has a weird relationship with time - somehow filmed "life" seems to take much longer than real life. A two minute conversation usually feels like ten minutes. Which means any scene longer than three and a half minutes seems to the viewer to be interminable...and to the experienced script reader as well.

5. Dialog should be clever, even in the darkest drama, and a comedy had better be funny. Don't write any line of dialog you've ever heard in a movie. Come up with something new. And remember - people in showbiz often consider themselves masters of repartee in real life. To impress them your characters have to be "even wittier" than the men and women exchanging one-liners at showbiz lunches every day.

6. It's got to look the way screenplays look these days. The format should be perfect - and so should your command of the English language. No misue of commas. No misspellings. Nothing that might a reader lose confidence in your expertise as a WRITER.

7. Something about the screenplay has to be so damned wonderful or charming or moving that even if it violates the first six "rules" I just set down anyone who read it would love it anyway.

8. Point number 7 is an "in addition to" not an "instead of." Yes, the script should be so wonderful that any little mistakes would be ignored - but those mistakes still shouldn't be made.

9. Remember that no matter what anyone in the biz tells you the truth is that almost every producer or agent only has time to read the first five pages of any screenplay. Your job is to write those pages so well that the reader forgets that and keeps reading.

10. Oh,and here's a bonus that reflects my own prejudice - try to remember that a screenplay isn't an end in itself. It's not a work of art, it's just part of the work of art called a film. Think visually. Leave room for the contributions of the actors and the director and the rest of the hard-working crew.

Time to get back to the real game at hand and that is WRITING.

I hope this inspires you to write a great page.

Steve

I'm interested in Ellum McCurdy-Devins to tell us the vast knowledge of all your options and sales.

I couldn't find anything posted anywhere!

As far as FORMULA goes, you better take a hard look at your writing and whether or not you want to make it past readers.

What I posted is what a very big player and reader looks for in the first pages of your script. If it is TRITE or Symplistic, I'm sorry but guess what, only 1 out of 100 scripts make it past the readers and based on those TRITE steps.

I'm am not so HOLY'er than thou to tell you how to write but I am not stupid enough to think that MY TALENT will get me a sale.

You all complain that this site isn't about screenwriting and contests. Well I posted benefitial advice for newcombers but you POMPOUS writers are too good for it. So be it!

In my "FIRST YEAR", as a Screenwriter, going by a formula and working with what Hollywood wants, I have achieved what maybe most will never in the business. I have REPRESENTATION and some major activity happening for me in Screenwriting and Television.

Ya, good for me. What I have got from this is the inside look at what Prodcos are looking for and how it is presented.

You know, I don't know why any of us bother. Fuck the lot of you!

"Live in your dream cause that is all it will ever be"

Steve

That's right ELLEM, I am full of myself. I am a hack- I will never be a success.

Reading articles, talking to Producers and readers, I got this message. Narration and Voice overs are the sign of AMATEUR. It should be avoided at all cost as the readers spot it a mile away and will toss the script.

When you have that first script or two out there and sold, then you can start to play with your own identity and style.

Not to say that the first projects won't have your own identity and style but put it down as an audition. If you are a new actor, you are not going to AD-LIB a reading for you first part.

Thanks, have a nice day will be the response.

The analysis and reading I have had on my work has shown me what I have to have in my work as a template to get the readers to take a serious look at my script. Without these key ingredients, the reader will just put it to the shredder. Long dialogue and long scenes will kill you.

When your name is Akiva Goldman, Shyamalan or any of the other major gifted writers, then you can write your free will.

If you write because it is your art, then I applaude you and I hope someday you have your own money to do something with it.

If you are writing to earn a living and become recognized then you better start reading how Hollywood wants to see it coming in. You have to play the game to be able to be in it.

DON'T listen to anyone on here ever again. It is up to each person to make that decision and to read every article and script they can get their hands on.

One last thing, If you haven't read "500 ways to Beat the Hollywood Script READER" by Jennifer Lerch then I suggest you better and maybe some of you will realize that the rules to the game are in place and you can't break them.

I am nothing, well I am better than ELLEM. At least what I have to say is positive.

Thanks for all the e-mails guys.

Karma is a good thing. Yours is coming EM.

Steve

You know ELLUM, I have a supervisor just like you at work. If you don't agree with the way he wants it done, you are nothing, your inferior.

Guess what, the IDIOT got fired and is now pulling lumber at Home DEPOT.

I only offer info and some advice because like most of the people on here, we are new to this industry. I am upfront with what has happened to me to be an inspiration to some of those who really want to be a Hollywood writer.

You are a bitter like a lot of writers who have tried and not made it and now when others around you start to shine, you want to POUR your SHIT to dull the shine.

I think it is time for you to PUT up, or SHUT up. If you have the balls to say that you have OPTIONS and SALES then what are they.

I don't have any sales, you want people here to respect what you say, then give them the STATS so that at least we don't think you are nothing but a HACK yourself.

If you should choose to stay quiet then we well see what you really are. If you are not already somebody else lurking around here. By the way, how is Bill Marks and Veena.

Steve

Anger management- Dost think you need to eat some of your own shit.

Anybody who knows me is laughing there asses off right now and you know what- they are. The e-mails that I am getting from my friends and supporters here are evident that you have no friends or associates here.

How is it I am teaching when I am quoting from those who have made it and actually are PROFESSIONAL SCREENWRITERS.

Obviously you are the one needing some counciling as you are always the one that corrects and attacks everyone who should venture away from your GOD like persona.

I am actually in the happiest place I have been in for years. The writing makes it even better.

You are someone that will stand on a soapbox and will scream utter crap until someone actually stops to listen. Then they walk by laughing because you are going on about absolutely nothing.

I don't attack you, I expose you for who you really are. INSIGNICANT

Wake up and smell my Lilacs, I'm the one walking into the gates of PARAMOUNT and you are begging me for a quarter on the street.

What a PUTTZ

Kindest Regards

Your Friend and MENTOR

That's STEVE CALDERWOOD

You can't even get my name RIGHT!

Here is some more TEACHING from me and I appoligise to everybody for ELLUM

1 - Many scripts start too slowly, or too forward of the actual setup/hook, or they begin with too many characters, clustered and confusingly introduced, thus making it difficult to sort out their importance relative to the developing circumstances.

2 - Many scripts, though well-written and professional in format, simply do not have a story that is intriguing, or the goal of the protagonist and the risk he/she is willing to take is not enough--the stakes aren't high enough, the payoff mediocre. In short, the story wasn't worth the writer's time and talent.

3 - Many scripts are poorly written or are disturbing hybrids--too much narrative as though a novelist is writing a novelist's idea of a screenplay. 4 - Many scripts contain too many irrelevant details that a viewer cannot know or that cannot be shown on film. 5 - Many scripts, though well-written, are cliches of what we've seen too many times, peopled with characters so familiar as to be b-o-r-i-n-g.

Words to live by

Steve

Eleodora

You hit the nail right on the head.

I am writing a serious arguement between a loving couple who's marriage is going to split.

This is great research and I thank Ellum for being the object of my affection.

This is going to be a great piece.

I appoligise to everyone for this. I am what I am and I do what I do. Research has to take on many forms and this is for the ART I TEACH. HUH!

Steve

Warren, Buddy, I sometimes have the mouth of a Marine but if you have seen any movies lately, language is the least of our problems.

Richard, who is the Author of that book, I was trying to find it. Sounds good!

Alexander, offering advice from some of my latest experience is all I try to do. I pass tid bits from e-mails I get and also try to give info where it is do.

This post started with some information from a very Respected person in Hollywood who knows a hell of a lot more than us with regards to script reading. I get jumped by people for being TRITE and whatever. Well that is just Ignorance and disrespect.

Opinion is one thing but don't blast the messenger. People always complain that there is not enough discussion on about our craft. Well this post shows that as always, I am trying.

WHEN ELLUM STARTED ON A RANT, I USED THE SITUATION TO WORK ON A SCRIPT I AM DOING BUT TO ALSO EXPOSE HIM FOR WHAT WE HAVE ALL COME TO EXPECT.

I will think twice before sharing any good info on the board and pass it on through the e-mail contacts I have

Steve

Okay Warren, two can play this game.

A fellow Canadian playing with me now.

Okay, I tried to get a job thru you when we had lunch last weekend. Sometimes we have to see where contacts will lead.

You are lucky that your Agent is in Toronto. Mine, is in LA and is very hard to get time to spend with. Hey, maybe you can hook me up with your Agent.

I would appreciate if you play fair. Your e-mail was funny as hell but I don't think with everything going on that this is funny.

Steve

Hi- the preferred newsletter will start for the next section on April 1 or so. You pay the fee for every 3 months.

It is great if you have many scripts or very unique stories.

Steve

Sorry guys, I needed to lighten the atmosphere.

Respectfully,

Steve

Oh yeh, well take that!

Woo woo woo woo woo!

That's Curly from the 3 stooges, if it didn't make sense.

Steve

Logline- the manufacturing process used to make X-mas or Yule logs.

Synopsis- that stuff in your synussess?

LOL

Steve

Hey MK

What is so funny about what you posted, isn't that how you normally type.

Ha take that!

tseev

A big part of the problem is that Hollywood doesn't know which direction to go in.

Movies that are supposed to be big hits are doing really bad- Tears of the Sun, Basic, The Hunted.

Bad comedies are doing well and the feelings of the public, the war, sickness, economy, the future are really making the Decision Makers sit a take a look at what they are going to do.

I just talked to my Manager in LA and he feels there is going to be an explosion in REMAKES. Yet again, so us writers are going to take a beatin!

Just today, Peter Jackson(Lord of the Rings) is going to re-make King Kong for 2005.

My MGT advice and it is only ADVICE is to think comedy, witty intelligent and original.

I think FANTASY and SCI-fi will also be acknowleged.

It is really weird, out of all my scripts, the one that is getting read the most in the past two months, is a Terrorist CIA type story. Who Know?

Steve

Don't you have some Editing or Gaffing to do.

I am CREATIVE, VIBRANT but I wear GLASSES so that makes me Near Thinker?

Prothoughtis

Unlike alot of sites, WSN and Jerrol do verify all the companies going into look at writers work.

Like MK said, contact Jerrol Lebaron and he will give you all the info.

I had scripts that were downloaded but a lot of companies still want to see the Hardcopy of you script.

You may also put the name of the company out here and see if anyone knows them. You would be surprised at who we have all queried and delt with over the years.

Steve

Ron Sparky Buddy

That was one of the FUNNIEST Posts I have ever read. I truly think that should be published.

Good for you

Steve

Hollywood-Hollywould

If Holly would, and Holly could that doesn't mean that Holly should but sometimes don't you want to give Holly-WOOD

Oh if you could, should, but hey, it is really nice to see Hollywood?

Steve Calder WOOD

I would contact the Canadian Medical Association and see what Historical literature or books they may know of.

I sure there is journals in the Archives in Ottawa- maybe!

Steve

Oh God, I hope not, she was like a MENTO to me.

Can somebody find out for me?

Steve

Guys, GREAT INFO!

I cut and pasted it for future uses but I tell ya, I want to pak the bags and come to LA. I have done some extra work up here and it is a hoot as long as you follow direction. Get out of line and ouch!

Don't talk to the stars and Oh My God did you just look at her. Bow your head!

Hollywood, I'm coming. Be afraid, very afraid.

Steve

Bill- I gotta tell ya, if they charge, they aren't worth sending too.

I quickly looked at their site and it sounds like they are trying to set up some sort of Screenwriter Organization but they want you to pay to be in there.

We'll be your best friend but this is how much we charge. I think the $20 is a lost leader and that they will hit you for more charges once they have the script.

Just think of E. Hanson Productions who have asked up to 8 thousand to make your script polished enough for them to get blown out of the water.

My advice(Oh NO he's Advising) is to have friends and associates take a hard read. There are people here who will take a look at it. As many have said, charging for reading and only 20 bucks doesn't sound too good.

Pro services charge a few hundred bucks and even that can have problems. They can't always see your vision for what it is.

Steve

Why or why is our World not like the movie SOILENT GREEN.

Turn our aged population into food for us.

This way we could consume the wealth of knowledge and understanding from visionists like our dearly departed "VEENA"

She has not died but gone on to a world where maybe there is a Hollywood that reads scripts from unknown writers.

If there is a Heaven....

Steve

The Television Medium has it's plus and minus when the coverage of war is the focal point.

The same stuff repeated over and over.

CNN on Sunday Morning made a big plus in my BOOK.

Live via Video Phone Cam but cool enough showed the rescue and retrieval of the 7 POWS.

What an emotional and any an amazing site to be a spectator of. A bit of home pride here but it was a Canadian Reporter from the National Post who was instrumental in the release with the lower ranked soldiers who held the POWS.

Seeing the live reactions from the families of the POWs put a tear in the old eye.

It's really nice to hear good news for once.

Steve

Hey DMV- how the heck are you doing. It has been awhile.

I have nothing but huge great things to say about WSN. Great contacts, service and exposure.

The difference is that WSN, the Prodcos come to that sight whereas with ScriptPimp they make all the contacts.

WSN now has newsletters for all the Prodcos and A Preferred Tip e-mail that you can get. It all costs money for these services but the results have been really mounting up.

My only concern with Scriptpimp is that there contact on your behalf might get lost with all the other pitches. Whereas an associate or producer will take their time going through what is posted on WSN.

Scriptpimp will only pitch one at a time whereas on WSN you can showcase all your work including any shorts you have written. A good chance to list your resume and successes.

I have never used Scriptpimp and don't intend on using it but all the power to them and their successes.

Steve