So a couple weeks ago my writing group, League of Women Writers, had a guest speaker. Her name is Jill Chamberlain and she wrote a book called The Nutshell Technique. I didn't know what to expect, except one of the writers had heard her speak and raved about her, so that's why she came to speak to our group. I'm not usually one to buy a book with a guest speaker, but after her explaining her method, I was hooked and bought her book that night. She's also teaching a weekend seminar Sept 14 and 15 in Los Angeles, so if you like some of the tips I give here, I suggest you sign up. You won't be sorry! I'll include her website below to find out more.
So Jill started her presentation and told us that some of the things she learned from working with screenwriters were that 99% of most screenwriters were actually NOT telling stories. Oops! Not a good statistic. Most people were having one event, then another event, then another, etc. But what they were failing to do was have those events lead to the next, lead to the next, etc. It turned out there wasn't a connection between beats. She went on to explain that what's key about her technique is the connection between parts. It's not a formula, so stories don't become predictable using her technique. You can use it with other techniques, in fact.
She goes onto explain the basic principles behind dramatic storytelling are: drama, obstacles, choices.
That all stories have a beginning, middle, and end.
They all have a hero's journey, even if it's not the Hero's Journey we've read about in books, such as Luke Skywalker's journey. She just meant it's the one protagonist of the movie. Even if a story doesn't have one protagonist, the writer may know which one is the main protagonist, even in a buddy comedy.
And like many teachers, she explains the protagonist needs a good want.
She also goes into detail about which stories are comedic and which are tragedies, using Aristotle's definition. This means a comedy can be a tragedy and a drama could be a comedy, as far as storytelling goes. That in comedies the protagonist overcomes its flaws and has a happy ending. Tragedies don't overcome their flaw and have a sad ending. I'm not going to go too into detail to explain her technique, because really I can't do it justice in a blog post.
Her book is filled with diagrams that show movies she's used to diagram so you can start to learn what makes those movies strong and how to use them for your own stories. I think it would be nearly impossible to go into detail about the movies she diagrammed. So the best thing is to suggest either buying her book or going to her weekend seminar, or both. I'll include her website so you can find out about her book or her classes. https://www.jillchamberlain.com/ She also does consultations for 1 1/2 hrs or full script consultations. Her prices were really reasonable too.
I've already used it as I started to do my rewrite for my comedy script for the producers I'm working with now. And it really made it so simple! I'm finishing up another comedy and I've been stuck on, and I can tell it will help me with that too. Plus, some of her clients are really successful screenwriters. Because any story, no matter how professional a writer you are, can be tricky if done right. And that's what's great about her technique, is it really seems to be this secret weapon to writing any story correctly, and well.
Showing posts with label script. Show all posts
Showing posts with label script. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
And the script goes on
So it's been way too long since I've written. The only thing I can say is I've been so busy with writing projects, so that's at least a good reason not to blog. But I do at least want to try and blog once a month. Okay, it's been about six months. Sort of the same thing. lol
I'm about to start the 2nd act of my WW2 script that I'm co-producing with two producers. I brought the project to them, so that's why I'm co-producing it. They've produced a ton of things. Me, this will be my first. But the most important thing is that I get this script finished!
I finally got notes from both of them on my first act. There wasn't a ton, so that's nice. And now I can get started on the rest of the script. Maybe I'm writing my blog because I'm nervous to actually finish the script. Do you get that way? I guess those small voices in my head that doubt what kind of writer I'll be, pop up every so often. I know not to listen to them. I know that you have to get something on the page so you can rewrite it. But there's still some of those voices and moments. So hush you darn voices! Okay, I don't want this blog to be too long. I don't want to waste all my time blogging and not writing! If you have any tips on how you ignore those voices of doubt, I'd love to hear them. And for me, onto the 2nd act of my script!
I'm about to start the 2nd act of my WW2 script that I'm co-producing with two producers. I brought the project to them, so that's why I'm co-producing it. They've produced a ton of things. Me, this will be my first. But the most important thing is that I get this script finished!
I finally got notes from both of them on my first act. There wasn't a ton, so that's nice. And now I can get started on the rest of the script. Maybe I'm writing my blog because I'm nervous to actually finish the script. Do you get that way? I guess those small voices in my head that doubt what kind of writer I'll be, pop up every so often. I know not to listen to them. I know that you have to get something on the page so you can rewrite it. But there's still some of those voices and moments. So hush you darn voices! Okay, I don't want this blog to be too long. I don't want to waste all my time blogging and not writing! If you have any tips on how you ignore those voices of doubt, I'd love to hear them. And for me, onto the 2nd act of my script!
Monday, October 15, 2018
5 Things I Learned Writing This Movie, #3
I'm back! I'm doing a series of blogs in honor of my movie 5 Weddings, that comes out this month worldwide, on October 26. I'm writing about 5 Things I Learned Writing This Movie. So onto:
#3 - Getting a movie produced can take a long, long time. I wrote the first draft of this movie about 13 years ago. Yes, 13 years! So what's a writer to do to not drive the producer crazy while you wait? You get started on another script, and then another, and then another, and then another. Well, you get the idea. Any script you write, you put in the past. And if it gets produced, great! And if not, you've got so many other scripts you won't care. And when it does get produced, like 5 Weddings did, then yay that's just icing on the cake. Even when the producer Namrata Singh Gujral finally told me about it two years ago that we were going to bring on Andy Glickman, a good friend of mine and talented writer to get the script ready for production, I almost didn't believe her! It had been sitting around for so long I really thought it would never get produced! But true to her word, one day, it was in production! I even have a blog post about being on the set for one of the days. And then next thing I knew, it premiered at Cannes! And now here we are, about to see the movie released worldwide. So, the moral of the story, is don't sit around waiting for a script to get produced, always move on to the next project.
Okay, check in next for #4!
Monday, October 8, 2018
5 Things I Learned Writing This Movie, #2
So I started a series of blog posts, 5 Things I Learned Writing This Movie, to honor my first produced movie that comes out this month, 5 Weddings. So, today let's hear it from:
#2 - When you write a script, you may think that what you have, is what it will always be. But for us, that was definitely not the case. And maybe not the case on many scripts. So what I learned is that when you write a script, it will change, and change, and change, and then change some more. At first when we started this script, it was a straight-up comedy. But after I finished the script in two weeks, the producer decided to add some dramatic elements. I don't want to say what they are as to not give anything away about the movie. I do think they add a lot of depth to the story, so I'm glad she suggested it. It ends up being the B story, in fact. But that meant there would be a lot of rewrites. So it went from a comedy to a dramedy. I also wrote the first script about 13 years ago, so that means a lot of rewrites over those 13 years. So as a writer you just have to be fine with changes. Because changes are what makes a better story. I think the basic elements are there from the start, but we added a lot over that time frame. So what I'm saying is, don't be afraid to let your script evolve! That's what scripts are made for.
Okay, be sure to be on the lookout for #3 tip next time!
#2 - When you write a script, you may think that what you have, is what it will always be. But for us, that was definitely not the case. And maybe not the case on many scripts. So what I learned is that when you write a script, it will change, and change, and change, and then change some more. At first when we started this script, it was a straight-up comedy. But after I finished the script in two weeks, the producer decided to add some dramatic elements. I don't want to say what they are as to not give anything away about the movie. I do think they add a lot of depth to the story, so I'm glad she suggested it. It ends up being the B story, in fact. But that meant there would be a lot of rewrites. So it went from a comedy to a dramedy. I also wrote the first script about 13 years ago, so that means a lot of rewrites over those 13 years. So as a writer you just have to be fine with changes. Because changes are what makes a better story. I think the basic elements are there from the start, but we added a lot over that time frame. So what I'm saying is, don't be afraid to let your script evolve! That's what scripts are made for.
Okay, be sure to be on the lookout for #3 tip next time!
Monday, October 1, 2018
In honor of 5 Weddings: 5 Things I Learned Writing This Movie
So my first produced movie comes out this month, October 26, to be exact, called 5 Weddings. So in honor of that, I have decided to write posts called, 5 Things I Learned Writing This Movie. Get it? 5 Weddings? 5 things I learned? So drum roll, here is:
#1 - That I can write a script in 2 weeks! Before I wrote this script, I had never written a script that quickly. But when the producer told me about the project, she said can you write this in two weeks? And of course, I said yes, even though I'd never done it before. Because if someone has a deadline, then I meet it. I looked at it as a challenge that I would happily take on.
So I set myself a schedule in order to meet that deadline. I remember I had the weekend to write the whole outline and character studies. Then I had to pound out 5 pages every day, no matter what, during the week, for both weeks. And then on weekends, I wrote about 10 pages. For anyone who's written 5-10 pages in a day, it can be pretty exhausting. And doing that for two weeks? I was spent. Plus I had a one-year-old child at the time, so wasn't getting much sleep on top of it and didn't have a nanny so was really spending all day with my child and then writing at night. But anything can be done for two weeks. I remember being spent mentally at the end, but you know what? I had a complete script done in two weeks. And now, I know, if it needs to be done, I can do it.
So check back next time for What I Learned Writing This Movie #2.
#1 - That I can write a script in 2 weeks! Before I wrote this script, I had never written a script that quickly. But when the producer told me about the project, she said can you write this in two weeks? And of course, I said yes, even though I'd never done it before. Because if someone has a deadline, then I meet it. I looked at it as a challenge that I would happily take on.
So I set myself a schedule in order to meet that deadline. I remember I had the weekend to write the whole outline and character studies. Then I had to pound out 5 pages every day, no matter what, during the week, for both weeks. And then on weekends, I wrote about 10 pages. For anyone who's written 5-10 pages in a day, it can be pretty exhausting. And doing that for two weeks? I was spent. Plus I had a one-year-old child at the time, so wasn't getting much sleep on top of it and didn't have a nanny so was really spending all day with my child and then writing at night. But anything can be done for two weeks. I remember being spent mentally at the end, but you know what? I had a complete script done in two weeks. And now, I know, if it needs to be done, I can do it.
So check back next time for What I Learned Writing This Movie #2.
Sunday, April 2, 2017
The rewrite has happened!
So the writer and I took the notes that the Exec Producer gave us. We were able to turn a rewrite around in under a week. So sent that to the director who's also creating the show with us. He liked it. So now it's on to the Exec Producer. If he likes it, and if he thinks he can pitch this along with his other shows, then, he'll pitch it with us. So we're waiting. Again. Half of the writing process right? But it sure would be exciting to have this Exec Producer team up with us. He has lots of connections in this biz.
So what do I do in the meantime? Well, what I'll say to you too. Work on other things! Luckily I'm working on a new TV script outline and another script for a feature. So I have enough things to keep my mind off that script. It's definitely why you want to work on more than one project at a time. Because the more you work on, the more you can throw out into the world. So if one thing doesn't happen, then you have plenty more options. Hopefully! Well, that's at least the plan.
So, I'm back to my outline now. I hope you're keeping busy on all your project too!
So what do I do in the meantime? Well, what I'll say to you too. Work on other things! Luckily I'm working on a new TV script outline and another script for a feature. So I have enough things to keep my mind off that script. It's definitely why you want to work on more than one project at a time. Because the more you work on, the more you can throw out into the world. So if one thing doesn't happen, then you have plenty more options. Hopefully! Well, that's at least the plan.
So, I'm back to my outline now. I hope you're keeping busy on all your project too!
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
You win some, you lose some
First the good news. I heard from a producer that's been involved in some decently sized movies and he emailed to ask if one of my shorts was available because he might be interested in producing it next year. That's great news, right? I was excited to hear, of course. But...
Then minutes later, I get an email from an even bigger producer who I've been working on a few projects with over the years, and he says, he loves my new draft, it's really funny, loves the setup, but the comedy is out of his wheelhouse and he's so busy on movies going into production next year he won't be able to work on this with me. What??? No! This has been a relationship I've literally been developing, writing scripts, pitching ideas, meeting. I thought for sure, this was going to happen! And now, nothing? Ooh boy. Not what I wanted to hear. That's a huge blow for sure.
So of course I'm bummed. It's part of this business, I'm sure. I get it. But no one wants it to be them when it happens. So, instead of remaining bummed, which would be an easy thing to focus on, here's what I'm going to do to get out of this funk.
1. I'm going to focus on the first great news of the day, that the other producer is interested in producing my short! Yay! That's great news! Let me enjoy that for some time! It's not a definite, but it looks likely. And even if god forbid it didn't happen, this producer still did email me that he's interested. That's good no matter what happens.
2. If I wasn't working with the other producer, maybe I wouldn't have gotten this script into the awesome shape it's in. I plan to get it out to whomever I can next year. So who knows what great things can come from this.
3. I worked with Pilar Alessandra, story analyst, like I wrote in a previous blog, and she is getting me on one of her podcasts. If I hadn't been getting my script to that producer, maybe I wouldn't have hired her. And then that great thing of being on her show wouldn't have been an opportunity.
4. And let's not forget, the really big producer really did love my script and found it very funny. Funny! That's huge! I can't let that pass me up. He works with huge writers, and yet, he still did love my script. sigh. And even though it might not happen with him, I'm not going to ignore the compliment.
I'm sure there are more great things too I'm not quite ready to see. So, instead of sulking. I'm going to work on the outline for my newest script that a huge production company has already said they want to see the script for. Because one of the most important things about being a writer is to always work on the next thing. So that's exactly what I'm going to do instead. On to the next great thing!
Then minutes later, I get an email from an even bigger producer who I've been working on a few projects with over the years, and he says, he loves my new draft, it's really funny, loves the setup, but the comedy is out of his wheelhouse and he's so busy on movies going into production next year he won't be able to work on this with me. What??? No! This has been a relationship I've literally been developing, writing scripts, pitching ideas, meeting. I thought for sure, this was going to happen! And now, nothing? Ooh boy. Not what I wanted to hear. That's a huge blow for sure.
So of course I'm bummed. It's part of this business, I'm sure. I get it. But no one wants it to be them when it happens. So, instead of remaining bummed, which would be an easy thing to focus on, here's what I'm going to do to get out of this funk.
1. I'm going to focus on the first great news of the day, that the other producer is interested in producing my short! Yay! That's great news! Let me enjoy that for some time! It's not a definite, but it looks likely. And even if god forbid it didn't happen, this producer still did email me that he's interested. That's good no matter what happens.
2. If I wasn't working with the other producer, maybe I wouldn't have gotten this script into the awesome shape it's in. I plan to get it out to whomever I can next year. So who knows what great things can come from this.
3. I worked with Pilar Alessandra, story analyst, like I wrote in a previous blog, and she is getting me on one of her podcasts. If I hadn't been getting my script to that producer, maybe I wouldn't have hired her. And then that great thing of being on her show wouldn't have been an opportunity.
4. And let's not forget, the really big producer really did love my script and found it very funny. Funny! That's huge! I can't let that pass me up. He works with huge writers, and yet, he still did love my script. sigh. And even though it might not happen with him, I'm not going to ignore the compliment.
I'm sure there are more great things too I'm not quite ready to see. So, instead of sulking. I'm going to work on the outline for my newest script that a huge production company has already said they want to see the script for. Because one of the most important things about being a writer is to always work on the next thing. So that's exactly what I'm going to do instead. On to the next great thing!
Friday, November 18, 2016
Ready for a script consultation with Pilar?
I've always wanted to use a script doctor or have a script consultation from someone professional in the industry. I've been in many writing groups and also have many trusted writer friends to give me feedback. But this time, I have a certain really great producer that's waiting on my current script. So even though my talented writer friends helped me get my script to where it is now, I just felt I needed one more special set of eyes to take me the final way.
So, I listen on a regular bases to On The Page, the podcast with Pilar Alessandra. If you don't know her podcast and you're a writer or anything in the business, you need to listen to her podcasts asap. I've been listening to them for a year or so now. She's had the podcast much longer than that. But I listen to them daily, sometimes a few a day. She records them weekly, so I'm slowly catching up! But what I can say is that everyone in the industry seems to have used her writing guidance at one point or another. Her guests and those that have used her services are professional TV writers, film writers, directors producers, and everything in-between. Every time I listen to her podcasts, I've learned something so invaluable.
So when it was time for me to decide who I would hire to look over my latest draft, I knew it had to be Pilar. You can either pay for rush feature notes at $500 or regular turnaround at $400. Sitcom notes are $350. I had a feature. You can also meet her at her office, on skype or on the phone. I wanted to meet in person because I've been a fan for so long that I wanted to meet the gal behind the podcast. And all I can say, is she's as sweet as she seems on the podcast. Not fair! lol No, really it was such a pleasure meeting her. Of course, then I was thinking, what if she rips my script apart? I'll be so excited to meet her and have my hopes dashed in the same instance. Luckily for all my hard work, even though she had notes throughout, there weren't any, "Start from page 1 rewrite" notes. Phew!
And all her notes were amazing and I agreed and saw how they were going to punch up and improve what I already had. That's exactly why I wanted to her hire. On one of her podcasts she even said how friends usually try to give notes based on what they want your script to be, not based on the script you already have. (By the way, I never do that). But, I will say, most writers I know do that. And so even with good intentions, you sometimes get lead astray. But with Pilar, she only gave me notes that I knew would improve my script.
I'm so super excited. I am half way done with my rewrite from her notes. And after the holidays I will get my script to the producer ready to read this. With her notes, I feel really confident to get my script to him. Before her notes, I'm not sure if I would have. Of course, as writers, we always hope we've turned out something great. But can we always be so certain? But Pilar really gave me a lot of confidence in what I wrote. And now I can't wait to finish my latest rewrite! I will definitely use her on future scripts.
Here's her website for classes and consultation if you're interested too. I highly recommend! http://www.onthepage.tv/script-consultations/script-consultations/
So, I listen on a regular bases to On The Page, the podcast with Pilar Alessandra. If you don't know her podcast and you're a writer or anything in the business, you need to listen to her podcasts asap. I've been listening to them for a year or so now. She's had the podcast much longer than that. But I listen to them daily, sometimes a few a day. She records them weekly, so I'm slowly catching up! But what I can say is that everyone in the industry seems to have used her writing guidance at one point or another. Her guests and those that have used her services are professional TV writers, film writers, directors producers, and everything in-between. Every time I listen to her podcasts, I've learned something so invaluable.
So when it was time for me to decide who I would hire to look over my latest draft, I knew it had to be Pilar. You can either pay for rush feature notes at $500 or regular turnaround at $400. Sitcom notes are $350. I had a feature. You can also meet her at her office, on skype or on the phone. I wanted to meet in person because I've been a fan for so long that I wanted to meet the gal behind the podcast. And all I can say, is she's as sweet as she seems on the podcast. Not fair! lol No, really it was such a pleasure meeting her. Of course, then I was thinking, what if she rips my script apart? I'll be so excited to meet her and have my hopes dashed in the same instance. Luckily for all my hard work, even though she had notes throughout, there weren't any, "Start from page 1 rewrite" notes. Phew!
And all her notes were amazing and I agreed and saw how they were going to punch up and improve what I already had. That's exactly why I wanted to her hire. On one of her podcasts she even said how friends usually try to give notes based on what they want your script to be, not based on the script you already have. (By the way, I never do that). But, I will say, most writers I know do that. And so even with good intentions, you sometimes get lead astray. But with Pilar, she only gave me notes that I knew would improve my script.
I'm so super excited. I am half way done with my rewrite from her notes. And after the holidays I will get my script to the producer ready to read this. With her notes, I feel really confident to get my script to him. Before her notes, I'm not sure if I would have. Of course, as writers, we always hope we've turned out something great. But can we always be so certain? But Pilar really gave me a lot of confidence in what I wrote. And now I can't wait to finish my latest rewrite! I will definitely use her on future scripts.
Here's her website for classes and consultation if you're interested too. I highly recommend! http://www.onthepage.tv/script-consultations/script-consultations/
Sunday, October 23, 2016
And then it happened
So, I was hired over 10 years ago by a producer to write a script idea of hers. She had me write the script in two weeks. That was hell. Two weeks?! But she needed it, so I got it done. Here we are, over 10 years later, many, many rewrites later, many writers brought on and left, and it finally got made! So what did I learn from all of this?
First, when you're done writing a script, forget about it and start something new. I heard that many times from professional writers. It's true! I've written so many scripts since and thank god. Because if I waited for this to get made, I would have pulled my hair out.
Second, things can take time in this business. When I went to a WGA event with some big wig writer speaking, he said it took him over 10 years for his career to blossom. I was like, oh hell no, it better not take me that long! It's taken me longer. But if you're in this for the right reason, which is because you love to write, then just keep writing and stay in for the long haul.
Third, it was fun seeing my movie get made! I only went to one of the days on the set. They filmed three days in LA. I stayed as long as I was allowed. Then they go to India to film the rest. I'm not going. I was on sets years ago when I was in college and before I knew I was interested in being a writer. Back then I used to think being on a set was boring. Now that I love screenwriting, seeing my film was the coolest thing ever! Hearing actors read your piece, very cool. Seeing crew set up to film your movie, cool! Seeing craft services set up, for your movie, even cooler! Those are donuts, for my movie. Those are chips, for my movie. Those are apples, for my movie!
Fourth, seeing actor's faces and names in your movie imdb is really fun! I keep looking. Like wow, people!
Fifth, meeting the stars of your movie is pretty fun! Knowing people signed up because they liked your story and want to be in it, pretty darn cool! Okay, I've said cool a lot, I get it. But what else says that?
Sixth, waiting for the final piece is scary as hell. I have no idea what the movie will turn out to be. As a writer it sure is scary trusting that others will see your vision. You hope it's in the script. But directors and editors might have something else in mind. But, it's getting made. And everyone keeps telling me, that's all that matters. I hope! So in the meantime, I trust the others. And in the meantime, I keep working on all the other scripts I'm writing. Because...I'm in it for the long haul.
First, when you're done writing a script, forget about it and start something new. I heard that many times from professional writers. It's true! I've written so many scripts since and thank god. Because if I waited for this to get made, I would have pulled my hair out.
Second, things can take time in this business. When I went to a WGA event with some big wig writer speaking, he said it took him over 10 years for his career to blossom. I was like, oh hell no, it better not take me that long! It's taken me longer. But if you're in this for the right reason, which is because you love to write, then just keep writing and stay in for the long haul.
Third, it was fun seeing my movie get made! I only went to one of the days on the set. They filmed three days in LA. I stayed as long as I was allowed. Then they go to India to film the rest. I'm not going. I was on sets years ago when I was in college and before I knew I was interested in being a writer. Back then I used to think being on a set was boring. Now that I love screenwriting, seeing my film was the coolest thing ever! Hearing actors read your piece, very cool. Seeing crew set up to film your movie, cool! Seeing craft services set up, for your movie, even cooler! Those are donuts, for my movie. Those are chips, for my movie. Those are apples, for my movie!
Fourth, seeing actor's faces and names in your movie imdb is really fun! I keep looking. Like wow, people!
Fifth, meeting the stars of your movie is pretty fun! Knowing people signed up because they liked your story and want to be in it, pretty darn cool! Okay, I've said cool a lot, I get it. But what else says that?
Sixth, waiting for the final piece is scary as hell. I have no idea what the movie will turn out to be. As a writer it sure is scary trusting that others will see your vision. You hope it's in the script. But directors and editors might have something else in mind. But, it's getting made. And everyone keeps telling me, that's all that matters. I hope! So in the meantime, I trust the others. And in the meantime, I keep working on all the other scripts I'm writing. Because...I'm in it for the long haul.
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
He said, she said
So I've got a few projects in the works. They're all pretty exciting. One, if it works out, will be getting to one of my favorite comedian actor's production company. That same project will also be getting to one of the biggest agencies in Hollywood. "IF" it works out. See, the other two people involved in creating the story with me, there have been issues with making an agreement. I don't have an agent, so that's really the problem. If I had an agent, none of this would be a problem. That agent would say, here's your contract. End of story. So meanwhile you have me, the only writer, and two people who aren't in the business who are working on the story with me.
So what you find out when there's the possibility of a movie getting made, money happening, things get interesting fast. Nothing bad. No one meant any harm. But trying to get three people to agree on who should get what credit and what % if and when it sells/made. Is not that easy. Tensions get high. People's feelings get hurt. Oh the drama!
For me, I just keep trying to get everyone to talk. Keep trying to make everyone happy and make sure everyone felt like they were getting what they wanted. I was even willing to give people more than maybe they deserved, if it meant the script would get made and to the right people. For me, as a writer, getting it to these big Hollywood people was the brass ring I wanted to grab. A lot of our conversations happened through texts and emails, and I can say, that I learned that was a mistake. So yesterday, I got on the phone with one of the people, and amazingly, that seemed to be the trick. It didn't happen immediately. At one point, maybe many times even, I felt the project was going to be dead in the water. But by the end of the conversation, we actually found a way to make everyone happy. For the first time in weeks, it seemed things were moving and back on the table.
Then he spoke to the other person today. Yes, talked to her on the phone today. And he texted me after. And now, guess what, I think we agreed on a deal we can all be happy with! It's amazing what a phone call can do. Sometimes, picking up the phone is just what needs to happen. Graham Bell knew what he was doing, I guess!
So I also have a movie getting made this month, and just today more drama with one of the writers. I don't think it was anything he said intentionally that caused problems with the producer. I tried to gently let the producer know this. But she's not hearing it. Oh, again, the drama! I talked to the writer later and let him know I'll see what I can do to iron things out. I'm not sure I can. I'm not sure how or why I seem to be ending up the mediator in all these situations? All I can say, and if this helps you, is through all this, just remain calm. Try to see it from the other person's side. Be the one that's the calm in all of the mayhem. But boy, all of this is exhausting me. I may be calm on the outside. But I sure look forward to having an agent do all this for me someday!
So what you find out when there's the possibility of a movie getting made, money happening, things get interesting fast. Nothing bad. No one meant any harm. But trying to get three people to agree on who should get what credit and what % if and when it sells/made. Is not that easy. Tensions get high. People's feelings get hurt. Oh the drama!
For me, I just keep trying to get everyone to talk. Keep trying to make everyone happy and make sure everyone felt like they were getting what they wanted. I was even willing to give people more than maybe they deserved, if it meant the script would get made and to the right people. For me, as a writer, getting it to these big Hollywood people was the brass ring I wanted to grab. A lot of our conversations happened through texts and emails, and I can say, that I learned that was a mistake. So yesterday, I got on the phone with one of the people, and amazingly, that seemed to be the trick. It didn't happen immediately. At one point, maybe many times even, I felt the project was going to be dead in the water. But by the end of the conversation, we actually found a way to make everyone happy. For the first time in weeks, it seemed things were moving and back on the table.
Then he spoke to the other person today. Yes, talked to her on the phone today. And he texted me after. And now, guess what, I think we agreed on a deal we can all be happy with! It's amazing what a phone call can do. Sometimes, picking up the phone is just what needs to happen. Graham Bell knew what he was doing, I guess!
So I also have a movie getting made this month, and just today more drama with one of the writers. I don't think it was anything he said intentionally that caused problems with the producer. I tried to gently let the producer know this. But she's not hearing it. Oh, again, the drama! I talked to the writer later and let him know I'll see what I can do to iron things out. I'm not sure I can. I'm not sure how or why I seem to be ending up the mediator in all these situations? All I can say, and if this helps you, is through all this, just remain calm. Try to see it from the other person's side. Be the one that's the calm in all of the mayhem. But boy, all of this is exhausting me. I may be calm on the outside. But I sure look forward to having an agent do all this for me someday!
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Wow! It's happening! Or is it?
I wrote a script for an indie producer maybe ten years ago. And now, it's finally getting made! It's here. That moment we all wait for! There are about four actors cast in roles on the imdb site. One really well known. Another that was in a very famous movie. And other really strong actors. So why am I scared out of my mind?! Because it's! Getting! Made! What if I don't like it? What if people have negative things to say about it? Of course as a writer, we know once we write it, then it's out of our hands. Sure, I've had some say in the many different rewrite phases. But even then, only sometimes was I listened to. The movie is 90% getting made out of the country, so I won't be there to help with any last minute changes. So what could go wrong? A lot!
I had a horror movie made by an indie director a few years back. I saw some of his previous films and thought they were pretty good. But once I saw the horror film made, there were things I think he could have done differently, that I think would have made it better. So as a writer, it's really scary when someone else takes your vision and doesn't do with it what you think they should.
Alas, I'm not a writer/director nor do I feel the need be just yet. So all I can do is hope for the best! It's at least getting made. Hopefully more doors will open for me once the movie comes out. Hopefully if it's not as good as I think it could be, people will know that wasn't up to me. So all I can do is enjoy this moment as the movie gets cast. And someday, I'll see my words up on the big screen, spoken by very talented and capable actors. and my name will be up on the screen too. That can't be too bad, right?
I had a horror movie made by an indie director a few years back. I saw some of his previous films and thought they were pretty good. But once I saw the horror film made, there were things I think he could have done differently, that I think would have made it better. So as a writer, it's really scary when someone else takes your vision and doesn't do with it what you think they should.
Alas, I'm not a writer/director nor do I feel the need be just yet. So all I can do is hope for the best! It's at least getting made. Hopefully more doors will open for me once the movie comes out. Hopefully if it's not as good as I think it could be, people will know that wasn't up to me. So all I can do is enjoy this moment as the movie gets cast. And someday, I'll see my words up on the big screen, spoken by very talented and capable actors. and my name will be up on the screen too. That can't be too bad, right?
Thursday, April 14, 2016
After the meeting
So I went it to meet with the producer on a script I was writing for him. I thought I'd have to pitch it to him, but turns out, he actually wants to read another script of mine now. He thinks that one might be closer to being ready. I'm on a 3rd rewrite. So I should be happy right? For some reason I'm feeling kind of panicked over the whole thing. Maybe because this whole script has been sort of tricky. It's a comedy, so you'd think it would be easy. But I guess if comedies were easy, everyone would be writing them. I'm at the midpoint and solved a huge issue I had with it. Now, to write it. The easy part. Not!
My writer friend gave me advice to go in to the meeting with ideas to pitch. So luckily I brought in a couple ideas with me. If he hadn't told me I don't know if I would have known to do that. So if you have a meeting, always bring in other ideas! The producer is interested in a new idea of mine that I pitched. So who knows, could end up working with him on other ideas. That's what these meetings are all about. Working with people you want to work with. And so far, he seems willing to work with me. And definitely, I him.
So there you have it. Always bring in other ideas to any meeting. Now, to finish my rewrite. Wish me luck!
My writer friend gave me advice to go in to the meeting with ideas to pitch. So luckily I brought in a couple ideas with me. If he hadn't told me I don't know if I would have known to do that. So if you have a meeting, always bring in other ideas! The producer is interested in a new idea of mine that I pitched. So who knows, could end up working with him on other ideas. That's what these meetings are all about. Working with people you want to work with. And so far, he seems willing to work with me. And definitely, I him.
So there you have it. Always bring in other ideas to any meeting. Now, to finish my rewrite. Wish me luck!
Friday, November 20, 2015
Table read
So this past week the producer of my script had us do a table read. It's in need of some rewriting before it gets produced, since we started this script a long time ago. Things have changed a lot since we first wrote it, and all the rewrites over the years too. We're bringing in a new writer that I'm friends with who's very talented so I know he'll do a great job. So we cast actors, and we listened to them perform the script.
If you've never done a table read, get yourself some actors, or friends if you don't know any actors, writers work too. It's just really helpful to hear what scenes lag, what dialogue is too long or on the nose and what even works. I highly recommend it. But I also highly recommend not to be so critical of your writing like I was. I think we're all our own worst enemies. There's plenty of time to be criticized when it's an actual movie and in the theater, right? So why do it so early on? Try to enjoy the table read a bit more than I did. Let's just say I was so stressed that I almost had anxiety over it. And I'm probably one of the most calm people you'll ever meet. For some reason, all I could hear were the flaws. But that's what a table read is for, to find the flaws and fix them! When I told an actor that I was focusing on the flaws, she said, "Are you kidding? It's such a strong script." When I hear that, I remind myself I'm being too hard on myself. But it's so hard at the time. So hard!
Even afterwards everyone said how great the script was. But would anyone really say to my face, that sucked! Maybe, but I doubt it. But people liked it and I'm going to focus on that. And now my writer friend is going to take a pass at the notes we all had. And I'm so glad! I know he's going to get this script to the level that it needs to be for us to hopefully have a movie we can be proud of. Wow, a movie! This actually might get made after all these years! Fingers crossed!
If you've never done a table read, get yourself some actors, or friends if you don't know any actors, writers work too. It's just really helpful to hear what scenes lag, what dialogue is too long or on the nose and what even works. I highly recommend it. But I also highly recommend not to be so critical of your writing like I was. I think we're all our own worst enemies. There's plenty of time to be criticized when it's an actual movie and in the theater, right? So why do it so early on? Try to enjoy the table read a bit more than I did. Let's just say I was so stressed that I almost had anxiety over it. And I'm probably one of the most calm people you'll ever meet. For some reason, all I could hear were the flaws. But that's what a table read is for, to find the flaws and fix them! When I told an actor that I was focusing on the flaws, she said, "Are you kidding? It's such a strong script." When I hear that, I remind myself I'm being too hard on myself. But it's so hard at the time. So hard!
Even afterwards everyone said how great the script was. But would anyone really say to my face, that sucked! Maybe, but I doubt it. But people liked it and I'm going to focus on that. And now my writer friend is going to take a pass at the notes we all had. And I'm so glad! I know he's going to get this script to the level that it needs to be for us to hopefully have a movie we can be proud of. Wow, a movie! This actually might get made after all these years! Fingers crossed!
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
You can't rush your career
So this morning my son in middle school told me he just wants to skip middle school and go straight to high school and college. For him it's all about the hockey and he wants to go straight to where it's more competitive. I told him he can't do that, he has to learn what he needs to in middle school because each part builds to the next and if he went straight to high school, he'd never succeed. He needs all those steps that lead up to it.
And that made me think of our careers as writers. I think many times we just want that success, that brass ring. But are we really prepared? Each of these moments we've been in have been the steps we needed to be able to handle the real success we want. Think of it this way -- imagine your career as your schooling when you were a child. Your first draft of a script, was like kindergarten. It seemed brilliant when you first wrote it, but now you look back at it and it looks like a bad finger painting! Then you move on to maybe a second script, another class, each step teaching you something new. You're growing as a writer. Maybe you'll get a girlfriend or boyfriend along the way, bullied by someone insecure, asked to hang with the popular kids. But you need all those steps and those will be the moments that you'll remember. Till eventually you find yourself graduating and someone hires you! But that can't happen overnight.
So next time you look to rush things, just remember, you're still learning. Enjoy the lessons. They're there for a reason. And before long, you'll realize it's time to graduate and go out into the real world.
And that made me think of our careers as writers. I think many times we just want that success, that brass ring. But are we really prepared? Each of these moments we've been in have been the steps we needed to be able to handle the real success we want. Think of it this way -- imagine your career as your schooling when you were a child. Your first draft of a script, was like kindergarten. It seemed brilliant when you first wrote it, but now you look back at it and it looks like a bad finger painting! Then you move on to maybe a second script, another class, each step teaching you something new. You're growing as a writer. Maybe you'll get a girlfriend or boyfriend along the way, bullied by someone insecure, asked to hang with the popular kids. But you need all those steps and those will be the moments that you'll remember. Till eventually you find yourself graduating and someone hires you! But that can't happen overnight.
So next time you look to rush things, just remember, you're still learning. Enjoy the lessons. They're there for a reason. And before long, you'll realize it's time to graduate and go out into the real world.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
It's your vision dummy
I'm sort of being Steve Brule when I say it that way. If you haven't seen Steve Brule, you're missing out. Funny stuff! He always calls people, "dummy". Any way, my post isn't about being a dummy, it's about telling your own story. See, we've all chosen the story we want to write. We all have a passion for it. But sometimes what gets in the way is that we worry, what if it's not good? What if people judge us harshly by it? But guess what, you can't possibly write with that kind of pressure on yourself. You have to allow yourself to get the story on the page. And the only way to do that is to trust that you have a story to tell. So tell it!
A director/writer friend of mine right now is finishing up a really cool documentary of his. I know it will be good when he's done because the idea is great. But, he's starting to put pressure on himself about how good it might not be. But you can't work like that! So after I got him off the creative ledge, I reminded him, you are telling YOUR story. Don't worry what someone else would tell. Tell YOUR story. Your story will be great. Because it's your vision. If we as writers and directors worry about what other people would tell, we'll end up with crap. That's it. We will. You have to tell your version of your story. That's why you're inspired to tell it! So trust in your vision. Get it on the page. Get it edited. The worst thing, what if it's not as great as you hoped? Then edit it some more! What if it's still not? Okay, worse case scenario it's not your best. Okay, we all have those scripts. But they get us to be better writers. There's never a script that was a waste of time. We learn and grow with each pass. But you have to get it on the page or you'll never be finished. You have to give yourself permission to get in on the page by NOT worrying about the final piece.
So do what you know how to do, which is write. I bet it ends up better than you ever imagined. And if not, there's always the next script.
A director/writer friend of mine right now is finishing up a really cool documentary of his. I know it will be good when he's done because the idea is great. But, he's starting to put pressure on himself about how good it might not be. But you can't work like that! So after I got him off the creative ledge, I reminded him, you are telling YOUR story. Don't worry what someone else would tell. Tell YOUR story. Your story will be great. Because it's your vision. If we as writers and directors worry about what other people would tell, we'll end up with crap. That's it. We will. You have to tell your version of your story. That's why you're inspired to tell it! So trust in your vision. Get it on the page. Get it edited. The worst thing, what if it's not as great as you hoped? Then edit it some more! What if it's still not? Okay, worse case scenario it's not your best. Okay, we all have those scripts. But they get us to be better writers. There's never a script that was a waste of time. We learn and grow with each pass. But you have to get it on the page or you'll never be finished. You have to give yourself permission to get in on the page by NOT worrying about the final piece.
So do what you know how to do, which is write. I bet it ends up better than you ever imagined. And if not, there's always the next script.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Looking back. Looking ahead.
Every year I do a "where has my career flourished" kind of list and what I can be thankful for. It reminds me that even if my career isn't where I want it to be, it's definitely on its way. So here we go! The reason I do this is because every year, I focus on the positives and I can see the strides I have taken. I ask that you do the same. Because although you might not have an Academy Award yet, or a huge sale, you might have successes that you don't even realize. And those successes you should use to propel you further ahead. Each success, no matter how large or how small, will get you to the successes you want someday. If we ignore these successes, then we give up. And that's just not something I want any writer to do. Ever! So here is my 2014:
1. Still working with really high profile producer. This year he could win a few Oscars himself.
2. Working with a new producer that also has a few actors and movies being nominated for some big awards. Met him from working with #1 producer. Just goes to show why each success can open doors to others.
3. Going to contact another producer that I was working with from #1 producer. He left that company and went to a new company that is also getting Oscar buzz. Again, one door open leads to another open door.
4. Still have a script in development. Not sure what's happening with it. But, it did get me an imdb!
5. Have several big management companies reading my scripts, that have been involved in Black List scripts. So that's kind of exciting to be working with those level managers.
6. Going to get my script to a huge A-list comedy actor because turns out a good friend of mine knows their producer. Who knew!
7. Recently contacted by production company that wants to read several of my scripts. They are looking to produce films in 2015. Hello!
8. Contacted by another director/writer who also has money to produce in 2015. Hello again!
9. One of my scripts is with a huge casting agent that's looking to get an A-list actress interested in my latest feature. Got that same script to so many big industry people, the most I ever have in my career thus far. That was exciting!
10. Finished three feature scripts this last year.
11. Finished the outline to my latest spec TV script.
12. Just finished before New Years Eve, the outline to my next feature script. What timing! So excited about that!
There's probably even more successes I'm not even thinking about because these ones are so big the smaller ones start to not seem as big. But if you were to even look in my previous years, you'd see that every year the successes lead to new successes in the coming years. So sure, I don't have a script in the theaters just yet. But things are happening. It's a momentum that I can feel. It's exciting. People that can get my scripts made are talking to me and wanting to work with me. I am loving it! I can feel 2015 will be a great year. So take a look at your successes. Write them down. Be thankful for them. You have had them whether you know it or not. Don't dismiss them! You're on your way I promise you. Just. Keep. At. It! Happy and successful 2015!
1. Still working with really high profile producer. This year he could win a few Oscars himself.
2. Working with a new producer that also has a few actors and movies being nominated for some big awards. Met him from working with #1 producer. Just goes to show why each success can open doors to others.
3. Going to contact another producer that I was working with from #1 producer. He left that company and went to a new company that is also getting Oscar buzz. Again, one door open leads to another open door.
4. Still have a script in development. Not sure what's happening with it. But, it did get me an imdb!
5. Have several big management companies reading my scripts, that have been involved in Black List scripts. So that's kind of exciting to be working with those level managers.
6. Going to get my script to a huge A-list comedy actor because turns out a good friend of mine knows their producer. Who knew!
7. Recently contacted by production company that wants to read several of my scripts. They are looking to produce films in 2015. Hello!
8. Contacted by another director/writer who also has money to produce in 2015. Hello again!
9. One of my scripts is with a huge casting agent that's looking to get an A-list actress interested in my latest feature. Got that same script to so many big industry people, the most I ever have in my career thus far. That was exciting!
10. Finished three feature scripts this last year.
11. Finished the outline to my latest spec TV script.
12. Just finished before New Years Eve, the outline to my next feature script. What timing! So excited about that!
There's probably even more successes I'm not even thinking about because these ones are so big the smaller ones start to not seem as big. But if you were to even look in my previous years, you'd see that every year the successes lead to new successes in the coming years. So sure, I don't have a script in the theaters just yet. But things are happening. It's a momentum that I can feel. It's exciting. People that can get my scripts made are talking to me and wanting to work with me. I am loving it! I can feel 2015 will be a great year. So take a look at your successes. Write them down. Be thankful for them. You have had them whether you know it or not. Don't dismiss them! You're on your way I promise you. Just. Keep. At. It! Happy and successful 2015!
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Find the "happy" in the New Year!
So we wish everyone a Happy New Year today but do we really know what we're saying when we speak those words. Happy. It means, "Be Happy". Sometimes easier said than done though, huh? But what I've realized in my years of late is that it's not so hard to do. It doesn't mean ignore the things that bother you, it just means there are so many more reasons to be happy. If we use this in our writing, we can focus on the positive in our career, even if we're not successful yet. Ask yourself, what have been your successes this past year? Did you make new contacts? That's good. Did you reach out to new producers? That's good. Doesn't even matter if they said they'd read your script or if they said they'd produce it. If you got farther in your career, then you're making strides. So focus on that. Do not focus on how far you have to go. Did you write one new script this year? Two? Three? Then that's a lot to be happy about! Maybe you didn't have a strong writing year, but jotted down new ideas, then be happy about that! It's something. It's always something. See, there are always things to be happy about. Even if you have a computer you can write on. Fingers to type on the keyboards. A brain to come up with ideas with.Those are all reasons to be grateful. What you might take for granite, some people might not have at all. So just remember, you can focus on what you can be thankful for and the universe will bring you more to be thankful. Or you can be bitter your career isn't as you hoped it would be yet. And the universe will bring you more of that. I'd rather choose to be happy and watch as the universe brings me more to be happy about. And let me tell you, it's working. The good things are coming. So this year, listen when someone says, "Happy New Year". And mean it when you say it. And by the way, have a Happy New Year. Seriously.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
My favorite writing trick
Every so often writers get "stuck". Whether it's on a new idea, in the middle of a first draft, a huge rewrite or writing a bit of dialogue. And if a writer is stuck, how is that writer to become unstuck? Well one of my favorite techniques, always seems to be the perfect trick. What I do is I write down all my thoughts as if I'm speaking to a friend.
For instance, let's say you're writing a script about a Clown that wants to tell his parents he's not going to finish clown school. His parents are clowns too of course, so this is a big tragic moment in the clown family. So what if you're not sure how to begin the clown scene? So what I do is write down every possibility I could possibly think of. "So child clown tells his parents in a letter, because he's too afraid. But maybe that's not cinematic enough, so what if child clown brings in all his clown friends and they do a clown act, and they crack the parents up and at the end, child clown says, yeah, not going to clown school. Or what if he crashes his clown car on purpose and now tells his parents he has no way to get to clown school."
But as you see I literally throw out every idea that's in my head. By getting out my thoughts, I actually keep myself from being stuck. It's a great technique that I use over and over and always seems to help me out of a jam. I think the hardest part of being a writer is that we live in our head. So if we can just put our thoughts on the page, we can keep our story moving forward.
The scene you get on the page doesn't have to be perfect. But at least if it's on the page then it gives you a place to start and somewhere to go. So try it next time you find yourself stuck. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. And if you write a clown script based on my idea, please put me in the "special thanks to" at the end of your movie. :)
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
You can take a hit
In the boxing world, if a guy gets hit, he gets back up. That's his(her) job. He gets hit, he gets back up. He gets hit, he gets back up. Well, writing is no different. I mean, metaphorically of course. Hopefully we aren't really getting hit. But each step we take in screenwriting has so many chances for us to feel like we got knocked down. But we can't stay down. We have to get back up. And each time we do, it moves us closer and closer to seeing our dreams of being a paid screenwriter come to fruition.
I remember my first time I had to print out a script at Kinko's. I was so scared to take it there. I know, silly. But I was! I lived in Hollywood and was so afraid that only "real" screenwriters printed scripts. And that if I went there, they'd laugh at me and tell everyone there, "Get a load of this girl who thinks she's a writer!" Okay, little did I know that there were thousands of other people trying to be screenwriters too and they didn't give it so much as a glance. But for me, that was a hit. I had to take that chance that I'd get knocked down. And it didn't happen that time, I dodged that hit and that allowed me to go in for the next possible hit. Taking more screenwriting classes. Joining writing groups and getting critiqued. Entering contests! Sending out queries! There were rejections upon rejections. There have been many. But they have also opened me up to "yeses" too. So you have to take those hits. Because without the hits, we wouldn't have the success. And each hit makes us stronger and stronger.
So do it. Go for it. You have to at least try or you'll never know if you could have one day been the champ. Okay, that's really corny. But hey, I had to go for the whole boxing thing, didn't I? But you get what I'm saying. Keep trying. The bell hasn't run yet!
I remember my first time I had to print out a script at Kinko's. I was so scared to take it there. I know, silly. But I was! I lived in Hollywood and was so afraid that only "real" screenwriters printed scripts. And that if I went there, they'd laugh at me and tell everyone there, "Get a load of this girl who thinks she's a writer!" Okay, little did I know that there were thousands of other people trying to be screenwriters too and they didn't give it so much as a glance. But for me, that was a hit. I had to take that chance that I'd get knocked down. And it didn't happen that time, I dodged that hit and that allowed me to go in for the next possible hit. Taking more screenwriting classes. Joining writing groups and getting critiqued. Entering contests! Sending out queries! There were rejections upon rejections. There have been many. But they have also opened me up to "yeses" too. So you have to take those hits. Because without the hits, we wouldn't have the success. And each hit makes us stronger and stronger.
So do it. Go for it. You have to at least try or you'll never know if you could have one day been the champ. Okay, that's really corny. But hey, I had to go for the whole boxing thing, didn't I? But you get what I'm saying. Keep trying. The bell hasn't run yet!
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Who reads the rewrite?
So I mentioned at some point that I was doing a huge page 1 rewrite for a big production company. It's very exciting and with their ability to get it to anyone, this could be a great opportunity to see something produced with big names staring in it. So when I finished the rewrite, I was very happy with it. But then I realized, wait, no one else has seen it! So how do I know the producers will agree? I emailed my agent friend at ICM and said, what do I do? If I send it to writers for notes, they'll give me notes that could be completely opposite of what the producers want! That would be so counterproductive. He agreed with me and said only send it to someone that's checking to see if you missed anything and to give you an idea of the read. No notes! So that's what I did. I have two writer friends that I know can read it constructively but also are not looking to rip apart every thing I created. So if you have someone like that too, cherish them!
So I got my script to these two friends. They gave me raving thumbs ups, and then off to the producers it went. Now for the hard part, waiting! And here I thought the writing it would be the hard part! Guess it's good that I'm finishing up a rewrite with a writing partner to keep me busy!
So I got my script to these two friends. They gave me raving thumbs ups, and then off to the producers it went. Now for the hard part, waiting! And here I thought the writing it would be the hard part! Guess it's good that I'm finishing up a rewrite with a writing partner to keep me busy!
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