Message Board

It seems you have to fight thru the gauntlet of getting an okay to send a query letter, than sending the query letter with synopsis, if they ask, before producers/agents reluctantly, with much hesitation, ask for another script to submerge Bev. Hills. Thanks to a friendly writer on this BB, I got an ok, after simple query letter, to mail the script! I was so excited, I ordered a third cup of decaf! Keep the good data coming, supportive writers.

I've got two cents to toss into the ring of fire. They're solid copper. Make nice brads until they corrode. Here it is: Stick some tape over the points so they don't scratch the producers teak desk. Now, what kind of tape? Easy to remove for the copy gents/gals? Or, substantial stick stuff? Thanks Paula D. common sense words. If potential buyers are so picky and critical about fasteners, writers might find it best to ignore their ilk. Might ignore their cheap offers, too. Keep the good data rolling,you great professionals.

Mr. Samson Ellis is willing to read the first ten pages of my comedy. He wants it by e-mail since he travels a lot! I can't send attachments with my limited e-mail service. I would rather use regular mail. He doesn't seem to want to reveal his address! The most funny scenes are not within the first ten pages! What think you, writing pros? Advice is needed. Thanks. grovergg@juno.com.

Get a book on spelling, first. Always present the best, professional front. Why not get the tv scripts for the current shows? But, be aware that each episodic series has their quirks, whims idiosyncrasies, etc. To impress them, the pro looking script must conform to the above.

I'm getting some response by doing the following. I'm sending an e-mail with genre, title and several words and asking for their okay to send a query letter, which I do by regular mail, if they indicate any interest. I have one comedy script in the hands of a producer and a two page outline on the desk (not under, I hope) of another one man producer. They have asked for an outline or synopsis to be included with query. The script has only been seen by one NY agent and one producer (no response these past two weeks.)

Advice is appreciated. An agent informed me that two films or scripts are under development based on my theme. Last year, five loglines were sent to R. Kosberg. Never a response. The one page synopsis went to New Line sent by a friendly employee of a studio. This agent, listed in HCD, gave an okay to mail the comedy script in order to rate my writing ability. This was done on Sat. I'm aware that loglines can't be protected. The script is registered with WGAW. Any way to trace the other scripts idea source? Grover grovergg@juno.com.

Can anyone furnish any references for Susan Graw at Susan Graw & Assoc., L.A.? She agree to look at my material. I sent her a piece of my handkerchief. "Here's the material you requested." I risked ten dollars by sending her the 90 page comedy, "Sub's Gold". If her sense of humor clashes with mine, "viva mi!" How about Tom Williams at Smith Entertainment. Does he have any writing, directing, producing b.g." Fresh out of a university? Your great advice is appreciated very much. I need it. When I'm strong enough, it will please me to pass on a lot of two centsies!

I'm convinced that my very brief e-mail query,w/o logline, is a clever, creative way to screen the potential buyers. Andy Cohen, unknown to me, that I was being redundant by sending two queries. Not so. The REGULAR (I don't like snail) mail contains the logline with a bit about my b.g. and which movie meets which movie analogy. Anyway, I sent the formal query letter to him. At ten dollars a request, I'm almost afraid someone will ask for the script! Your invaluable comments are appreciated. Grover

Thanks for your response. Anybody know Andy Cohen or Pacific Entertainment? Mr. Cohen is associated with P.E.

I've had some friendly, respectful interest from Lee regarding my comedy and the low budget thriller. As a bonus, I sent them the 11 other ideas about the spec projects that interest me. They claim to be experienced writers and producers. Anybody know anything about Numenorean Films, Chuck Konzleman? The comedy was mailed on 8-14. No response.

An instructor at UCLA was kind enough to glance at my old query letter. He said it was too long and rambling. I shortened it, added snap and sizzle and it has been awakening prods/agts to give me an occasional nod to see a synopsis, outline or script. Robert Berman is probably right about convincing suspects to accept a script. He writes we should not send bits and pieces of the script. The NY prod/writer rejected my comedy on the basis of a two page outline. That kind of comedy is not welcome. Back to query letters. To repeat what was written in another message, send a two line query (email) and ask if they will accept a regular mail query letter. There are several screenwriting books that discuss the ways to write a query. Karen L. had some very good suggestions. That's what I like to see on this board. Some verbiage is counter productive to everyone. I'm willing to try and help someone with query letters. Best of all, it's free. grovergg@juno.com a regular mail query

Risa: Good question. What methods are there to help us check out producers? Producers Guild? SAG? WGA? TV sources? Magazines, variety, Daily Reporter? Will lawyers help out? Some lawyers have ignored my letters. Any suggestions from Bill Martell or other pros?

I really like you guys. No proof, no evidence, no connections, no write up in the trades (that I've heard about), an "operator" from a car and phone booth, no references NO ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS FOR FILM/TV RELATED COURSES as Darryl researched. Hey, gang. Maybe this would make a script? How would it end? Or, the end of just the beginning. Mark, Tracy, Eric, Scott and David, I need and appreciate your comments and your insights. We work too hard to be led astray by anyone of questionable ethics. I think we're dealing with used car salesman. Every find one that told the truth? Every one I've talked with I've caught in a lie within three minutes. Too many lies, today,from too many sources. I got a 14 day response from Pacific Entertainment. The young man said that the coverage wasn't too good. Imagine. A personal phone call. Pending since about Aug. 17th are Numenorean Films, Susan Graw and Tim Williams. Another agency asked for a script. Two pg outline rejected by NY prod/writer. Author Robert Berman writes we shouldn't send anything but the full script. I'm not giving up. GG

I agree that the superior script will draw the attention of the A players. RE: Shane Black. I sent a brief letter to him in 98. No interest or response from him. Of course, you can always pay to attend his seminars. Let's see, 30 writers in a class, how much time for each writer's script? Five minutes? Are there any wealthy writers, directors or pros of any skills who assist talented unknown writers? As they mature (read: age) do they lose energy and ability to mentor creative talent? When I get those six digits, I'd like to invite many of you to a party. Grover

Update on comedy submissions. Submitted comedy to this film company on 8-17 and received "pass" letter on 10-1-99. The letter was polite and agreed to read any future scripts. Have yet to hear from Susan Graw or Tim Williams. They've had less time than the above. Brad Wyman agreed to look at the script. I would say my query letters are acceptable. Is it a mistake to mention that anyone passed on the script? If they read this board..................? Grover

Bill: I don't think she was referring to you, a proven pro who has my admiration and respect. Question: When you attend writing conferences, do you take notes with your laptop, scribble on a notebook or record the session? If you record, what kind of equipment do you use, Panasonic microcassette? Or, perhaps you have been blessed with eidetic memory. What's the term for perfect audio memory? I remember from LACC that audio recall is much lower than visual. "selflessness is the cure for all the world's maladies." GGG P.S. I need a pro to look at my resume to see what should be omitted. With no tv-film script sales, how can one impress anyone with a resume? Taste the pudding before you eat it.

Bill: Appreciate your constructive tips and advice. It's very good. The only slowdown for some of us, is that to take all the seminars, tapes, books, online courses, takes more cash than some writers can spare. There ought to be some philantropic organization that would evaluate talent to see who has come far enough along to benefit from such support. It's okay for multimillionaires to help worthy talent. There's no granite stone in Forest Lawn that states otherwise. Any intuitive writers finding their way to the compatible producer's conference room? GGG

Thanks. Your comments are very helpful. I'll reinstate my usual discretion. Names are important. How about Sir Rumford Podsworth Hollingwaddle? Best wishes. GGG

Bill:

Your comments are always needed and appreciated. Never get angry and leave the board, unless you've got another assignment. I believe in miracles. How about discussing several ideas, picking one, and giving a few notes while I do 95 percent of the work on a genre you like? On your tea/coffee breaks you could toss a few notes this way. Miracles happen in India, every day. Why not in California? Obviously, there's more benefit for me than for you. Your temp. name might be Arthur McCloud. I want a copy of Secrets of Action Screenwriting. Best Wishes, Grover

Bill: Thanks for your loyalty to this board. We need your input. I'm looking for a copy of "Secrets of Action Screenplays." grovergg@juno.com

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Hollywood Scriptwriting Institute contest? What's the reputation of their courses? The contest fee is now $50. GGG

Aaron: I tried the website you listed. It didn't work/go through/register,etc. Appreciate your attempt. GGG

Bill: Forget doing business with the sharks. There are better publishers/printers around. Try San Diego County. Also, may I suggest any update thoughts be included in the next publication? $25 price is ridiculously high for struggling, unknown writers. Cordially, Grover

Announcement of winner has been delayed until Oct. 31, because of large volume of entries.

Zaza: This comedy was awarded honorable mention by HSI. How strong HSI is in the film community is unknown to me. They have a contest each month. Rate has increased to $50. Their courses are $495! I'll have to query the producer and ask him if the reader told him about any similarities with the two themes he mentioned to me. There are a couple of established writer-producers who producer the type of film I've written I haven't queried them. Seems my ideas would simply be a springboard for their good ole boys to get together and do their own thing, leaving me at the bus bench! I'm looking for a word processor experienced with screenplay formats in the L.A., Hlwd, S. Monica, San Fernando Valley areas. Any suggestions? Cordially, Grover....grovergg@juno.com

Joan: Thanks for the constructive remarks. I never used the word stolen. But, I would like to have the respect of anyone to whom I send loglines. Having included return postage, I think a "not interested" in response to my creative efforts should be chiselled in granite in all potential buyer's manual of procedures and ethics. Trust me. It's okay to be polite and respectful to hard working writers. I forgive my enemies, but remember their names. Joan, appear on this BB more often. You're a bright, savvy person. Good luck. Grover

A professional stated that there are some producers who share loglines on a private network. I don't know if they also share synopses or outlines.

It reminds me of the banks sharing personal information about their customers with telemarketing companies.

How would you know where your logline has been?

It's a mistake for agents or producers to ask for loglines or synopses or outlines over the internet.

I made a mistake in cooperating with an agent by sending, at his request, a resume, a synopsis and five ideas I'm developing into scripts. AND THAT WAS BEFORE HE HAD SEEN MY COMEDY. Result? A pass from the reader.

Did you read what author Linda Goodman said about readers?

Grover

From whom did you get an okay to send your script? Last year, another name was involved, not the busy Boz.

Difficulty raises its head when a talented writer-producer gets "hot". The unknown writer is left watching the bus go by. Grover

See the movie, yet? The paucity of dialogue is a sledgehammer reminder that my thriller script is too talky.

Of course, this is a international springboard for the long overdue stories that need to be told.

The tobacco company has already complained about the extortion of facts. Another lie. They just cannot stop lying. Money is their god. Grover

I tried to get the free e-zine. None of the links listed went anywhere. Kept coming back to the home page. Help, please, anyone? grovergg@juno.com

Didi:

He prefers to be addressed as Frederick.

Best wishes, Grover

After seeing this movie, I jumped on the keyboard (almost ruined it) and wrote a six page scene that spoofed another industry. There'll be plenty of enthusiastic writers burning up sunlight as they leap into the natural, overdue response on this kind of theme.

The coincidence story syndrome is bouncing around the ether, worldwide, right now.

Caution: These writers should have a company of ex-Marines for bodyguards. Some topics are too hot for anyone.

Grover

Sally:

What's a constests?

Grpver

Frederick:

Congratulations! Regarding babies, I'm sitting on the bench watching the lady bus drivers go by.

As the old cliche goes, "may all your troubles be little ones."

Grover

Writer friends:

The formatting of produced scripts varies more than we could guess.

Where did I read that the scenes should be separated by three spaces?

Are you capitalizing your SOUNDS? Are you capitalizing visuals...FLAMES. MILLIONS OF GALLONS OF WATER FLOODED THE TUNNEL?

I haven't had enough agents/buyers read my comedy. However, several who did, were positive and would look at future scripts.

One manager and one agent have had the comedy for two months. No response. I sent a reminder this week to one of them. No response, yet.

Authors have stated that if it's a green light, the response is fast. Slow response means morgue time.

I've asked a college drama department head to do a public reading of the thriller. It's protected. Your advice and comments are welcome.

Grover

Didi:

Your comments are always welcome. I tried, for the past year, to find sold brass brads and perhaps washers at 1 1/4" to 1 1/2". Staples does not stock them and cannot special order them.

I tried Office Depot, same situation.

I'd like to make a good impression, too.

On the card stock cover, are you including a large label with the title? Or, perhaps a label with title and name?

Title alone might be sufficient since it's repeated on the title page.

Lot of subtleties won't be discovered until we're, some of us, are selling.

Have you noticed the different ways the agents/prods communicate? Card stock, 24 lb linen stock, 20 lb stock, a brief not interested in your returned query letter, overbooked, not taking on new clients, etc.?

WGA agents who say they will read scripts from new writers doesn't wash.

If their readers read them, then the agent didn't see them. Part of the business ethics. Takes a lot of circulating, networking, taking a variety of classes in Hlwd to make the buyers and agents who will give us the chance. Better be ready when they do!

Keep those letters coming.

Have a suggestion for a contest.

It would be a one minute move script contest. Only two submissions per address, per entrant. The prize?

Something nice from an affluent, established professional.

Best wishes, Grover repeated on the 20 wt bond

Steven:

Your comments are appreciated. The few agents/buyers who have shown interest never asked for a release form.

I have a standard release form from the internet that is standing by in case somebody asks for it.

What Rob Gallagher doesn't believe is that some writers are honest and tell the truth. Maybe that's a handicap in the world of make believe. In my query, months ago, I stated an honorable mention award in a contest. Ergo, I blew my opportunity to deliver the comedy. I didn't know his likes and dislikes.

Somebody has the following portfolios on various buyers and would defeat their purpose to make it public. That would be a manual of the quirks, habits, reputation, etc., of these film pros.

For ex: Mr. Jones, prod-writer, races his thoroughbreds; Mrs. Quinkley decorates her office with different colored roses for each day of the week. Lesson: Don't send her the wrong colored roses.

Bottom line; hire a proven psychic to help you through the labyrinth of unlimited illusions.

Good luck. Grover

Didi:

Thanks for your comments. I'll check the website you mentioned.

on another subject, I went to a business seminar in S.D. It was beneficial

They gave away five days of free info on their money making opportunities by issuing passwords. I tried both passwords given and neither worked. It was a free seminar, so I didn't lose. Lots of aggravation, everywhere, these pre millenium days. Are we tried of the word millenium, yet? I'm ready for the doom and gloom. I have a week's supply of water and food, candles for two weeks and batteries for two weeks.

A young man at a car wash told me that on Jan. 2nd, he would be packing. A 9mm automatic under his belt!

I have some .22 ammo, but no pipe to launch it. Watch out! I have a fish fillet knife. Cordially, Grover

John:

I'm with you 100%. I wonder if there are enough of your ideas used from your pitch to warrant a carefully prepared unemotional (that's hard to do) statement, line by line, from your registered script (I think US copyright may be better) to demonstrate your talent to future buyers.

Imitation is the best form of flattery.

"Mr. Buyer, this is my new script. (laughing at his loss) By the way, see this breakdown of such and such an episode on the blah-blah show. They liked my talent and used all of these ideas. I feel great that my ideas were good enough to "borrow." That's show biz. Now, about this new script....."

Without help from an agent/producer, I sent a quiz show idea to a local TV station in L.A. There was no response.

The same idea appeared on Tv several years later.

I was too immature to know how to present it in a protected manner.

Do we need to hire story analysts to tip us to ethical buyers?

Do producers exchange loglines and synopses among themselves without informing the writers?

The best revenge is to keep producing quality scripts. Here's a title for you, 'THE REVENGER".

Here's another one, "THE EXPOSER".

John, Forgive your enemies,but remember their names.

Let's expose the monsters with no socially/spiritually redeeming traits.

You've made pitches, some of us haven't been in the pitch rooms. I can't do tv because the 20s and 30s don't like anyone older.

Good luck, Grover

Hi, writers, this is fun.

Frankly I prefer 14 carat gold brads with a tiny photo of me on the round head.

Back to writing. I read, on the internet, that their should be a lot of swearing in a script. Can you visualize an FBI fugitive, killer-rapist, who doesn't use cuss words? I reviewed my 115 pg thriller and was stunned. I didn't have many swear words for the villain. Another detail slighted. Lots of details in this business. Also, a lot of tails. Grover

Hi:

Anyone have any experience or references for Brad Wyman? He's had my comedy for more than two months. I've sent one follow up letter, two weeks ago. No response. He's a manager listed in HCD.

Any advice or info is appreciated.

Grover

Anyone have any experiences or references for Susan Graw?

She's had the comedy for more than two months.

One follow up letter has been ignored.

What do you make of it?

Any advice is appreciated.

Grover

Anybody know anything about Brad Wyman, Manager?

No response to comedy script in ten weeks!

Any references for this professional manager? He's in the HCD.

Grover

Congratulations Michael Martin:

I've been skeptical of confiding story ideas, outlines and scripts via e-mail. Haven't heard of any pros recommending this efficient, fast communications method for known or unknown screenwriters.

I imagine you're working on your next script.

Good luck.

Grover grovergg@juno.com

Mike:

I read a pros comments about gross and net. Gross proceeds is supposed to be more protective of the writer than gross budget.

Also, the word "net" is in some of the internet option sample forms. Why it is in there is a mystery to me.

Net profits NEVER happen in the history of the movies, according to the long time pros in the film business.

On other subjects, I've seen and heard of miracles!

Live long, in good health.

Grover

To whom do we address query letters?

The company is not listed in the HCD, my edition.

Is it a signatory of WGA?

Anyone have the answers?

Thnks, Grover

Steven:

Thanks again for some valuable insights.

Until we're optioning scripts, we unknowns need all the help we can find.

I'm still searching for experienced screenwriters in San Diego County who would be willing to share help and support.

Cordially, Grover

Who are you? What is your relationship to WGAW or East, DGA, Prod. Guild, entertainment lawyers, literary agents? Do you expect the writer to pay a fee in order to qualify for a read of the first ten pages, the middle five and the last five pages? I'm 46 pages into another revision of the 112 page thriller screenplay. One of the characters is so unique and different that an episode series might be constructed around him. Naturally, I'll be sending query letters to many buyers ... soon. My comedy script is currently being marketed.

Many of us have been burned by contests, by unknown producers with no references and in many other ways.

So, if you don't have solid credentials, you won't find many writers who will waste the expense of forwarding a script.

Grover at .....grovergg@juno.com

Good luck and live long in good health.

Grover

Writers:

In 1994, I did a rough summation of the funds available in the top 100 foundations. It amounted to $47 billion

Why is it that no funds from these foundations are available to assist qualified, wannabe screenwriters?

I should keep dreaming?

Grover

Hi, Ric:

What do you do on the Universal lot or for Universal Studios? Are you a screen or tv writer?

Any hints or tips for we temporarily unknown writers?

We need more input from active pros.

Cordially,

Grover

Terry:

Congratulations!

Live long in good health.

Health note: The Australians helped a California doctor cure, not remission, his M.S.! No American doctor can make that statement!

Grover

Terry:

Nice to hear of a friendly,helpful guy who gets a break and a trampoline to open the doors to unlimited successes.

McKee's book scared me and I quickly put it back on the book store shelf. It would take decades to learn and master the insightful material. So, big sigh, you've challenged me to take another look at it.

My comedy is still being marketed. My thriller is under the last revision, I hope, before copyrighting it and sending out query letters.

My second cousin is in Australia, David Pipe. Even his dad doesn't have his address! Wouldn't it be a small miracle if you bumped into him (lightly, that is)?

Thanks for not forgetting the unknowns in the States.

Grover

Ellen:

What does "h" mean?

Grover

Writers;

I don't have enough confidence in them to motivate me to enter the contest.

I'm neither for nor against, since I don't know them.

Grover

The thriller is finally ready to be marketed as of today.

What a job. What a relief. Umpteen revisions by the writer and none by the potential buyers.

Got a possible "oops!" in the 105 page script.

In a couple of places I wrote

ON LUCIFER

as he scoops up the universe and throws it into a black hole.

The ON LUCIFER is at the bottom of the page with "as he scoops ..." on the next page.

I know we don't split up the dialogue. What about the description?

Word tips are appreciated.

Grover

Thanks a million. Your suggestions were much needed and very welcome.

My thriller script is ready for the market, after I change from ON LUCIFER to LUCIFER (not in my story) and eliminate the disconnection between the slug line and the description on the next page. Keep it together to maintain a consistent style.

I keep revising the logline in the ten query letters being mailed today.

I need a psychic to tell me when the logline is commercially perfect.

Grover

Can anyone help me out on this problem?

The ad banners, for Juno, block my ability to move the cursor to the block for choice of drives for downloading data from the internet.

How can I eliminate the ad so I can access the drive choices?

Grover

Terri:

Thanks for your information. We writers are under stress when trying to market our properties. In my opinion, marketing a script is harder than writing it. When we find support from pros who recognize our talents, then we can get the insiders to help out. Even then, I've heard, a writer must do a lot of selling and marketing. Alas, this diminishes creative writing time.

I can see and hear the eulogy, now.

"He was a gifted screenwriter. Turned out some of the best 60 screenplays ever written, so said the contest running honchos. He finally received an option check for $100k. Died from the shock. And he was only 106 years old."

Constructive help from pros like you are always appreciated and needed.

My thriller is ready for the producers.

Cordially, Grover

Stephen:

Your suggestions are appreciated.

This OS uses "close" to delete banner ads. Works fine unless there are no close or x or dismiss on the ads.

Your ctrl, alt, del eliminates the ad and I can see the drive choice boxes. However, it will allow me to save/print only the file I'm looking at,since it disconnects me from the Juno free internet demo service.

Then, I have to do the reel and deal and a couple of foreign dances to get a line busy signal or sneak in from Start, Program, Juno, get to the email site and then click WEB to get going with the internet, again.

I can't deal with the webmaster because he's the one who is ordered to hit me with a salvo of ads whenever I climb over his fence and play in his backyard.

I suspect a wizard could write a program that would lower the banner ad to a less obnoxious and contraperformance position, like somewhere in Outer Mongolia in a computer yurt center.

Grover

E.C.

They're all serving life terms for killing one time too many.

Good luck Grover

My opinion, and I have many, is to keep working the query letter route.

Grover

Word just in:

Escapees are holed up at the following location.

Killer Films 380 Lafayette St. #302 New York, NY 10003 212 473-3950 killerfilms@aol.com

It's s-e-q-u-e-l.

Grover

Have you read "The Writer Got Screwed, but didn't have to" by attorney Brooke Wharton?

I'm reading it and taking notes.

I recommend you get a copy from the library. Buy it, if you're receiving option bucks.

Grover

Eleanor:

Right on. Ramona Grenier advertises as a story analyst. She made two spelling errors in her pitch for business.

Correct spelling is indicative of attitude. Appreciation and respect for everyone results in the same for the writer.

With my sales and writing b.g. I can talk and write for hours.

My dialogue is excellent since I have an ear for it.

I'm considering joining ASA for any extra guidance and help they may care to contribute to my efforts to sell the comedy and the thriller scripts. If anyone has some personal experience with ASA, I'd love to hear it.

If you want to try to answer the screening questions for "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire," I have the phone number. grovergg@juno.com I've answered the first of the three questions, several times. It takes practice to hit the digits in the correct sequence within ten seconds. A few bucks from that game and that would finance a few seminars and script copy expenses. Right?

That fiction was interesting, very creative. Maybe somebody could work it into an article based on Twilight Zone. Five thousand credits? Maybe it's only five. Why not 1,234? He'd be older than the famous legend, William Goldman. Reading a funny post like this breaks up the ............(you fill it in.)

Steven:

At least you're tossing a lot of scripts into the maelstrom of competitions.

Are you paying $150 to $300 to a story analyst for coverage that may even be better than TFI? What are TFI's credentials for providing top level critiques?

Some contest runners may not be qualified to carry a script to the post office.

The MB contest report cards are enlightening. I haven't entered enough contests to be a semi-qualified critiquer. There are some contests I shall avoid based on the feedback.

I have had no personal experience with TFI.

("This message will self-destruct in five seconds. Good luck, Jim ...I mean Steven."

I also noticed that there is no story editor or development executive who has deigned to reveal his or her name. Who is the contact person?

Perhaps if we leave a message that info will be magically revealed.

What are their references? Do they cooperate with WGA standards? What is the pay range when a script is purchased?

It may be a great opportunity.

I have a horror story that is partly hand written. It's been on the shelf for a while.

I don't have software that can scan the handwritten material and put it into screenplay format Would that be a money making software? What if the script was handwritten or printed in Sanskrit or Mandarin.

Speaking of software, has anyone tried the "talk to your computer software"?

I talk to myself a lot. But, I'm not getting the answers I deserve.

We need a "The Writer Got Screwed and didn't have to" book for the major foreign prodcos.

I admire your international mind-set.

Good luck.

Why is he or she defending Zide? What's the motivation?

Contra-indicated. We need and appreciate serious unknown writers and pros to bring something to this table. This is not the Psychic Club for Rejuvenation of the Distressed. The major vices of the mind must be deleted. Ergo, samadhi!

According to Hlwd Agents/Managers Directory, Levin & Associates are not signatories to the WGA. (1999 edition). Is that important?

Your personal experiences with Terry Porter are enlightening. Agape is a signatory with the WGA. How can he, and other agents who live for removed from the hub of the movie industry, be able to maintain a strong power with the NY/LA producers? His office in Indiana makes me wonder how he manages to persuade the right buyers to scan scripts. I suspect the agent next door to Paramount Pictures could be having a tough time getting the attention of producers.

Good luck. I still don't have a watch pocket agent, or is it hip pocket agent?

Grover

I see a listing for Narelle Sheehan Management at 211 S. Beverly Drive., Ste 203, Beverly Hills, 90212 310 385-0419; fx 310 385-7909. Also have London & Sidney offices. Not signatories with WGA. My info is more than six months old.

Grover

Everybody needs somebody,some ways. Just trying to be helpful. We writers have unlimited vicissitudes to confront and conquer.

My latest script is a thriller. There is some heavy violence screaming from the pages. But, what I like, is the holy man, spiritual being, ancient and an ancestor of our orphan teenager who hears her cries for help and appears.

Some email, not public MB, suggestions for a snappy logline, would be appreciated if anyone feels like bringing something to my table.

Today, I received a note from an LA agency that they are too busy to look at my two scripts. If any agcy says yes, I'll light a candle and eat a cookie.

Cordially, grovergg@juno.com

There's one screenwriting instructor charges $300 for his seminar. Don't recall if it's for six hours or three hours. If 30 sign, that's $9,000 for the speaker/lecturer. If you bring material the the class, how much time is allotted for the writer's material? Much of what is said in the class may not apply to your present in-work script. Much info is available in books and brief comments on the web sites.

You know what I would like to see? A report card for the various seminar egos who travel, internationally, to amaze the wannabe writers with tales of the movie world.

Would it be better to spend the $300-400 for a reputable story analyst? Thorough coverage by an experience pro can be the ladder to the floor where option checks are printed.

In addition, I'd like to see a report card ON EVERYTHING!

Hint: write to a specific editor at Premiere Mag. and/or Entertainment Mag. and get some feedback on top quality seminars and classes. UCLA has an online writing course. I seriously doubt that those $89 classes (a series of them avail.) are able to have time to give you the detailed help you need.

My two rupees worth.

GGG

Jason: I pushed the envelope like you suggested. I pushed it to a producer at Universal Studios with the option agreement for 100K They pushed it back. Grover

Dear Mr. Gallagher:

I'm surprised you didn't know about this valuable and constructive site. We hear from pros and unknown,but talented writers, regularly.

You made the comment, on a web site, that writers lie about contests won or made it to finalist level.

Is this correct? If so, then you would not want the writers to state this in an query to you? Is that right?

A pitch is a limited, incomplete way to summarize a 90-120 page script?

If you're overwhelmed with 2,000 pitches per month, how do you know when you've got a possible winner? Do you pass it around to colleagues or acquaintances in the business?

Speaking for myself, I don't expect any coverage or reasons why a pitch or script was rejected. But, it's okay to have a secretary send a brief note, "We pass." It's respectful, courtesy and will result in respect and courtesy from the pro and unknown,but talented, writers.

Many of these hot shot pros don't even have the respect and courtesy to return the SASE we writers have included. Some of us don't expect the script to be returned, so we don't include the $3.20 for priority mail.

The universal law records every deed or lack thereof. There is no escape.

Any insider info you care to contribute to this site would be greatly appreciated.

One agent hates a query letter where the script is compared to a movie. Is this something we should avoid?

Cordially, GG

one contest says two holes and two brad fasteners for the script. No middle hole?

And title only, no name & address. That would appear on the application form.

Any producers accepting two sided submissions? How about just the diskette in a format they use?

Does anyone have a conversion program for Scriptware to Word 97? The pro put it in Scriptware format which I do not own. So, I can't revise it.

Perhaps a scanner to disk would work.

Anyone recommend a good mail merge program that is reasonably priced?

GG

Deb: Congrats on getting that far. But, is there a clause demanding a pint of blood per month for two years, also? Is it going to bankrupt them to give you more rights?

I would think that a lawyer, perhaps Joel Hulett (no personal transactions with him) would be a valuable negotiator.

Do we unknowns risk losing an option if we invite a pro's assistance?

What about price? Are we experienced enough to get a reasonable price?

Best wishes for a happy resolution.

Grover

My uncle owned the now gone donut shop on the main highway in Laguna Beach for fifty years! I'm looking for five screenwriters to form a support group. The thrust is to help each other sell ideas, synopses and scripts. Professional attitude with doses of humor. Must have completed two feature length screenplays or TV equivalent and show proof of marketing attempts. Intro meeting in Escondido to determine compatibility. San Diego writers are welcome, too. Grover 760 740 9602 PO Box 3072 Esc 92033 P.S. Looking for ISP for home use. E: grovergg@netscape.net

Fees for entering contests have been escalating. Will someone answer this question? Spelling and Spielberg are worth more than $800,000,000, each! Others in the business are worth scores of millions. Why don't they and others sponsor screenwriting contests with a $5.00 entree fee? What do you think of that idea? Grover

Have any of you had any dealings with Robert Kosberg? What is his reputation? Is he one to avoid? Anyone benefit from associating with the idea man? Grover

Your comments were greatly appreciated. I heard there are companies which will consider ideas/loglines, no completed script necessary, and will pay. Any tips from anyone? Grover

I met the owner of HSI, Donna Lee, in the 80s when I took a writing class. Currently, I don't know any of her associates. At that time, Agent Nicolletti was a contributing instructor. Nothing happened with the couple of TV scripts I gave him. Donna called, this week, and said she was accepting loglines from HSI finalists to do something to help in the marketing process. Naturally, I rushed a logline of my comedy which had been awarded Honorable Mention (I don't know if that's the same as Second Place, as in a horse race). I will send the certificate to the Smithonian Institute for posterity. Close, but no cigar. Anyone see some option money as a reward for their creative output? This is Grover with too many ideas and no secretarial assistance, who advises you to listen to bizarre radio on Coast to Coast AM, after ten p.m.

Sense he cain't spail say'l, he doan't no ways beelongs own this hyar webb sight. grovergg@netscape.net

Ditto with ice cream on it. Anyone enter the story idea offer? No response for my idea. I have many ideas, like you writers. Do you test them with one idea to see what kind of response they deign to offer?

Need option contract for rights to a person's story (incident). Any boilerplate forms out there that I can adapt? Thanks. grovergg@netscape.net

Thanks Paula and Marleine. After I left the request, I stumbled across the Done Deal site. The options would need to be tailored. Somehow, it has to be worded so the producer/buyer would negotiate with the subject during the time period of the option rights. Appararently, a lawyer is mandatory. I haven't found any Hollywood lawyers who reply to my queries. Can a lawyer from another state negotiate a valid contract in Califonia? He would not be a member of the Calif. Bar Assoc. What do you say?

Thanks Ron. More than a year ago I sent two letters to M. Litwak. No reply. My questions have to do with personalizing the boilerplate form to fit my ideas. General gossip would be insufficient. He's busy and an important book author, too.

Thanks Colleen. That's cool, Colleen. Pro attitude will take you to the stage for your award. Grover

Hi, writer acquaintances: Can an out-of-state lawyer negotiate a script contract in California if he/she is not a member of the California Bar Association? How does one persuade a lawyer to reply to e-mail or mail queries? Grover grovergg@netscape.net

Hi, Steve: Appreciate all your helpful and friendly advice. Professional attitude, all the way! May I butt in for a second? Executable, please. Still trying to find several pro minded screenwriters (must have completed two feature length scripts) for a local club. Face to face meetings, is, for me, more creative and more powerful than email communications. Still writing in the Sci-Fi genre? Cordially, Grover

I don't got Adobe PDF software. This Scriptware, 90 pages, is unreachable from California. You have to start in Florida. I can't email it as an attachment, I can't revise it or make copies. The hard copy is used for marketing the scripts. There are no funds for the $400 Adobe. I was told by a pro that scanning will make one crazy. Grover

Hi, helpful writers: How are you writing about the bad guys? MAX WITH THE WRINKLED SUIT, SHORTY WHO IS SIX FEET NINE, SLIM WHO WEIGHS 350, CHATTER, WHO HAS A WIRED JAW, SMOKES, WHO CHEWS GUM, BALDY, WITH SHOULDER LENGTH HAIR, TOOTER, WHO CARRIES A VIOLIN. When I've got extras, milling around, who are so bad that everything they touch turns to acid fumes, what do I write . . . the CRUTCH mingles with the DIRTY JACKET? Tips, please. Grover grovergrant@netscape.net

What do you think of this idea? Every script must be read with the writer sitting face to pretty face of the reader, or, on the phone waiting for each emotional breath of response. Or, an internet video connection so the unfaked, instant response of the reader comes across loud and unmistakenly clear. Might name it "Instant Coverage". Anyway, that's my two 1909 SVDB cents opinion. I miss the veteran pros responses on this site. They're always helpful. GG

Cheap doesn't mean that they offer a worthwhile service. Who are they? Why are they qualified to offer coverages for a fee? Why not offer it free to become established as an organization that offers writers genuine help? Have you noticed that people and companies hide behind the internet? In person or on the phone they might be unbelievable! "Hello,he lied", is not my philosophy. A professor at UCLA recommends that writers lie. What's your opinion? Cordially, Grover

I started a script this morning, dreamed a while, typed FADE OUT,with white pages in between. Now, that's fast! Grover

Very helpful, Barry. Question. Within first ten pages of my thriller, I have a teenager and sick grandmother. Second scene is the villain, in same small town, murdering a store owner. Should the violent scene be first? Switch the two scenes? Another subject: If prod agrees to read a script and the writer is marketing two of them, what the reader/assistant be offended if both scripts are sent with a brief cover letter? He didn't specify which script he approved for submittal. Since I'm unknown, I didn't want to phone him with a somewhat stupid question. How far along are you to getting credits and winning contests? Grover

For me, marketing the scripts is harder than writing them. That's no walk in the park. It's so frustrating that the vicissitudes have driven me to drink . . . distilled water! Reminds me, this local town council has approved medicating our water with the toxic waste product, fluoride. It's a story idea. Pit the satanic CEO of the aluminum/fertilizer cartell against the angry man/woman who saw a child die from the combinations of toxins that combine with fluoride as the catalyst. Class action suit against the city council and the toxic kings. Perhaps a title? "Toxic Kings".

Sounds like they may be a bit hard headed. Grover

I queried via email and Marc requested the script. They were on vacation through the July 13th. Grover

Deb. Are you reading this line? What's your opinion of this course? Should an instructor have received option money before teaching how to do it? Another subject:

Are you available for scanning loglines and query letters and giving your opinion? Your vast experience is a valuable resource. Perhaps you should have an online writing course? Best wishes, Grover grovergrant@netscape.net

Deb. Are you reading this line? What's your opinion of this course? Should an instructor have received option money before teaching how to do it? Another subject:

Are you available for scanning loglines and query letters and giving your opinion? Your vast experience is a valuable resource. Perhaps you should have an online writing course? Best wishes, Grover grovergrant@netscape.net

Jay: Would the second appearance of Tommy and Bobby be typed in lower case? As you know, first appearance is always CAPS. Keep coming with the good data. Cordially, Grover

Richard Walters (UCLA instructor)writes that writers should lie a lot. Views and opinions solicited from the excellent writers scanning these pages. Grover

Find an attorney who is enthusiastic about your script and is willing to promote it for five percent of the selling price. If you're rich, then you don't mind the retainer fees and et al. Can an attorney, not a member of the California Bar Association, negotiate and close a contract for an option on a screenplay? Grover (unknown, but trying)

Sun City is a retirement community, west of Hemet, Calif. I lived for a time in Hemet as well as L.A., Salinas, and San Jose. How about them sending a label and you control the copying and postage costs, if they're legit? Miriam Queensen, may I ask some questions via your email? Cordially, grovergrant@netscape.net

Sounds like a spacey organization. Anybody have ground zero references on them? HCD have them listed? Grover

I understand that Hernandez is a recent transfer from an agency. My submission is a month old with no response from them.

Grover

The insights are invaluable for unknown writers. One wonders how any script is ever optioned during one's lifetime?

Grover

Perhaps this is a training ground and then in a future life we will be hot, Oscar winning screenwriters!

Grover

If a reader discovers a writer is breathing, wham, into the shredding barrel! Don't think any negative thoughts when mailing your treasure. The reader will pick up on it and react with a fast fling into the recycle bin.

The Dark Forces may slow a writer down, briefly, but the inner radiation of creative, pure light is unlimited.

Grover