Another one you have probably seen but we had to revisit it on the satellite last night. I've read the script a few times, there are some minor changes in the actual movie, mostly for the sake of expediting things or increasing drama, like main character Andy's bicycle accident at the end.
The film is sweet and has a good moral value to it, Steve Carell is fantastic in the role, of course. A Judd Apatow classic including the usuals Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, and Jud's wife Leslie Mann, who pulls off quite a drunk chick. Romany Malco is the ultimate "playa".
NBC really cut this to pieces, and the whole "safe sex clinic" scene was chopped out, voiding Carell's wife, Nancy Walls, spot.
If you've denied yourself the pleasure, let me help unbunk a few myths -- no, it's not childish, full of poop jokes, or void of storyline. With almost 180 million dollars grossed it earns a respected slot in the annals of Hollywood film, and in your video cabinet or wherever you stash your guilty pleasures.
FORTY YEAR OLD VIRGIN ON WIKI
FORTY YEAR OLD VIRGIN SCRIPT
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW: MILK
You've probably seen MILK, being awarded best screenplay and all. I had read the script but saw the film for the first time, last night. Moving picture, it is.
As for structure, the film was so interesting I found myself not even trying to count the changes in acts, I didn't care. Sean Penn does such an amazing job portraying Harvey Milk that I really felt like I was there, no distractions.
Emile Hirsch does an amazing job as well, full into his method. It's one of those movies you google afterwards to read all about, and we did.
Unfortunate is the relatively small box office returns for such an amazing film. Few will have the incentive to shoot something worth the while if this keeps up. It grossed about 60 mill total with DVD sales. Just counting the number of homosexuals in this world one would figure the numbers would be much higher. It's a must see, especially if you are from the G&L community.
By the end my feeling was that Harvey Milk is to the gay community as MLK is to african americans and the civil rights movement. Only the letter "i" separates MLK and Milk. Neither would sit idly by and tolerate ignorance, and they paid the ultimate price in the process.
A lot to be said for that.
As for structure, the film was so interesting I found myself not even trying to count the changes in acts, I didn't care. Sean Penn does such an amazing job portraying Harvey Milk that I really felt like I was there, no distractions.
Emile Hirsch does an amazing job as well, full into his method. It's one of those movies you google afterwards to read all about, and we did.
Unfortunate is the relatively small box office returns for such an amazing film. Few will have the incentive to shoot something worth the while if this keeps up. It grossed about 60 mill total with DVD sales. Just counting the number of homosexuals in this world one would figure the numbers would be much higher. It's a must see, especially if you are from the G&L community.
By the end my feeling was that Harvey Milk is to the gay community as MLK is to african americans and the civil rights movement. Only the letter "i" separates MLK and Milk. Neither would sit idly by and tolerate ignorance, and they paid the ultimate price in the process.
A lot to be said for that.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
INKTIP EXPERIENCE
Yesterday I took $60 and uploaded the script, logline, synopsis and a bio for six months on INKTIP.COM. For the price and length of exposure, I figure it's better than paying an entry fee for a writing contest or two where the odds are just the same.
Inktip now requires a hand-signed contract so I printed theirs and faxed it back. They were quick to approve everything, after my upload it was stamped "pending review" and that went just as quick.
Before I knew it, names of production companies were appearing in my "viewed by" section. But wait a minute, there's a catch -- this doesn't mean they READ your logline, it means that it appeared on a page when they did a search. The same goes for the synopsis, it was "made available", but you don't know if they read it. As for the script, IF there's a download, yes, that is logged, you know it.
Okay, fine, good and dandy, it's just exciting knowing the title appeared anywhere besides my laptop. And it's a lotto, come on, that's half the fun, anticipating hitting it big.
Inktip claims to do "background checks" on the production companies that are subscribers, and when you look at the list there are some big names, like every entity of "FOX". Very cool. Whenever a name appears on the list you naturally hit the Google and IMDB, I did. Within hours I had four names to research.
One prodco puts out a film every few years, had a respectable IMDB listing. One was definitely a brand new company. Another quite rocked, on an international level. And then appeared --
L.A. Feature Film Academy
Hmm. I googled to find it's a film school. They're looking for screenwriters to teach the craft, so maybe that is why they have access? It didn't take long before I was reading very negative posts about this "academy", from their lack of professionalism to their exorbitant class costs and how graduates felt they had been cheated.
For the moment, I'll hold off on contacting inktip to ask about this company and why they are allowed to troll the site. BUT, dare I get one offer, one email, snail-mail brochure about a film school, and I'm going off. I didn't pay $60 to give up my contact for a dubious fake school.
Other than that, my inktip experience is what I expected, so I would endorse it.
Inktip now requires a hand-signed contract so I printed theirs and faxed it back. They were quick to approve everything, after my upload it was stamped "pending review" and that went just as quick.
Before I knew it, names of production companies were appearing in my "viewed by" section. But wait a minute, there's a catch -- this doesn't mean they READ your logline, it means that it appeared on a page when they did a search. The same goes for the synopsis, it was "made available", but you don't know if they read it. As for the script, IF there's a download, yes, that is logged, you know it.
Okay, fine, good and dandy, it's just exciting knowing the title appeared anywhere besides my laptop. And it's a lotto, come on, that's half the fun, anticipating hitting it big.
Inktip claims to do "background checks" on the production companies that are subscribers, and when you look at the list there are some big names, like every entity of "FOX". Very cool. Whenever a name appears on the list you naturally hit the Google and IMDB, I did. Within hours I had four names to research.
One prodco puts out a film every few years, had a respectable IMDB listing. One was definitely a brand new company. Another quite rocked, on an international level. And then appeared --
L.A. Feature Film Academy
Hmm. I googled to find it's a film school. They're looking for screenwriters to teach the craft, so maybe that is why they have access? It didn't take long before I was reading very negative posts about this "academy", from their lack of professionalism to their exorbitant class costs and how graduates felt they had been cheated.
For the moment, I'll hold off on contacting inktip to ask about this company and why they are allowed to troll the site. BUT, dare I get one offer, one email, snail-mail brochure about a film school, and I'm going off. I didn't pay $60 to give up my contact for a dubious fake school.
Other than that, my inktip experience is what I expected, so I would endorse it.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
CINERGY ERROR
There seems to be a bug in the "Cinergy" program, at least occasionally. When I enter "project setup" and put my contact info in for the title page it repeats the last few letters or digits, such as
555-123-1234 234
Yep, that's the extra "234" up there.
I updated, rebooted, tried it all yet it keeps coming back. If I keep it down to four lines and leave the email address out it works fine though.
A nifty panel popped up when I went to "help" and I entered my email and asked a question. It said that during the week and regular hours my question might be answered within an hour. "Right", I thought.
Low and behold, in an hour I had a response, with the person offering to do a custom page for me from their system. I passed, not wanting to send my script, but Cinergy has impressed me, moreso than maybe Microsoft lately.
For that, they get another link, here CINERGY.
555-123-1234 234
Yep, that's the extra "234" up there.
I updated, rebooted, tried it all yet it keeps coming back. If I keep it down to four lines and leave the email address out it works fine though.
A nifty panel popped up when I went to "help" and I entered my email and asked a question. It said that during the week and regular hours my question might be answered within an hour. "Right", I thought.
Low and behold, in an hour I had a response, with the person offering to do a custom page for me from their system. I passed, not wanting to send my script, but Cinergy has impressed me, moreso than maybe Microsoft lately.
For that, they get another link, here CINERGY.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
UPDATE: 111 DAYS IN
Hello everybody, just the latest update here, 111 days into screenwriting.
I spent a week on the synopsis for the completed screenplay, which I did the last checks on last night. Hopefully I'll get that on inktip.com before Thanksgiving day, who knows, maybe an exec will get loaded on the holiday and decide to call? LOL.
In other news, I cut off about six inches from my hair, which hadn't been cut since March. No longer will I have to put up with a waiter, approaching from behind, who says "so ladies...umm...and gentleman". Three times. Can you believe it?? You'd think they'd learn to just come up and say "good evening".
And women, you've sure gained some respect about the hair thing, it's hot, hard to wash, hangs in the eyes... most men have no idea.
Since we gave up meat in April (yes that means fish too, can't believe how many people think fish is not meat, it's a protein that reacts to pain, it has a mind) we're going to make a fake "meatloaf" for Thanksgiving using all the usual ingredients and our soy-based meat substitute. Somewhere out there is a lucky turkey thanking us.
The same can't be said for what our dog and cats eat, but hey, we're trying.
Last but not least, my article about the new town slogan of "The Right Size" kicked off massive debate, with a Chamber of Commerce member being quoted as saying "it doesn't matter what people think." The uproar has been amazing.
If you're turkey's not thawing right now, give up, it takes three days!
I spent a week on the synopsis for the completed screenplay, which I did the last checks on last night. Hopefully I'll get that on inktip.com before Thanksgiving day, who knows, maybe an exec will get loaded on the holiday and decide to call? LOL.
In other news, I cut off about six inches from my hair, which hadn't been cut since March. No longer will I have to put up with a waiter, approaching from behind, who says "so ladies...umm...and gentleman". Three times. Can you believe it?? You'd think they'd learn to just come up and say "good evening".
And women, you've sure gained some respect about the hair thing, it's hot, hard to wash, hangs in the eyes... most men have no idea.
Since we gave up meat in April (yes that means fish too, can't believe how many people think fish is not meat, it's a protein that reacts to pain, it has a mind) we're going to make a fake "meatloaf" for Thanksgiving using all the usual ingredients and our soy-based meat substitute. Somewhere out there is a lucky turkey thanking us.
The same can't be said for what our dog and cats eat, but hey, we're trying.
Last but not least, my article about the new town slogan of "The Right Size" kicked off massive debate, with a Chamber of Commerce member being quoted as saying "it doesn't matter what people think." The uproar has been amazing.
If you're turkey's not thawing right now, give up, it takes three days!
Monday, November 23, 2009
GEORGE CLOONEY
I mentioned the film "Up in the Air" in THIS POST. Set for a December release, they just started airing the T.V. ads for it this weekend. It was either reviewed or mentioned in my copy of "TIME" magazine, as well as Lovely Wife's "Elle."
Of course the coverage is standard for any upcoming film, whether it's good or not. The difference is this time I'm really taking notice, chomping at the bit to see this movie.
There's Oscar buzz for Clooney, many coming out of the woodwork to say it's his best acting ever. I was never a fan, probably put off by the "E.R." craze that made his name common in every household. I guess I first started taking to him with the "Ocean's" series, then I read a magazine interview with him that made me realize he's quite an "okay" guy -- never condescending to those around him and honestly tries to be his best.
Having watched him in a few more films, he might be great in "Up in the Air" because the writing is so damn good. Face it, if the writing is not moving then the actor's hands are tied.
I'm not taking away from George, nor glorifying the writers, but it's ashame he hasn't been offered better-written roles throughout his career. Sure, he has a long resume, but it will take even more to put his name in with Newman, Brando, and the bunch.
In any case, I'm dying to see it and hoping for a box office smash. If you believe there two kinds of bags for flying: carry-on, and lost, then this film might be for you.
Of course the coverage is standard for any upcoming film, whether it's good or not. The difference is this time I'm really taking notice, chomping at the bit to see this movie.
There's Oscar buzz for Clooney, many coming out of the woodwork to say it's his best acting ever. I was never a fan, probably put off by the "E.R." craze that made his name common in every household. I guess I first started taking to him with the "Ocean's" series, then I read a magazine interview with him that made me realize he's quite an "okay" guy -- never condescending to those around him and honestly tries to be his best.
Having watched him in a few more films, he might be great in "Up in the Air" because the writing is so damn good. Face it, if the writing is not moving then the actor's hands are tied.
I'm not taking away from George, nor glorifying the writers, but it's ashame he hasn't been offered better-written roles throughout his career. Sure, he has a long resume, but it will take even more to put his name in with Newman, Brando, and the bunch.
In any case, I'm dying to see it and hoping for a box office smash. If you believe there two kinds of bags for flying: carry-on, and lost, then this film might be for you.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
REVIEW: BURN AFTER READING
BURN AFTER READING
Armed with a DVR remote on a Saturday night, Lovely Wife and I perused the latest to see what we could watch and settled on "Burn After Reading". After all, it was a Coen brothers flick with Clooney, Malkovich, Pitt... what could go wrong?
A lot.
I'm not against different formulas, we should all try something new, but this just doesn't work. Here we have an interesting plot, great character traits, unexpected twists, orchestrated in a brilliant little "POOF" of "who cares and why did I waste the time watching it?"
Lovely Wife, who will sit through any movie, she doesn't give up -- felt pretty ripped off by the last five minutes. It's not a matter of a "good" ending or not, or if you just don't understand the director's technique, there's absolutely no payoff and nobody cares, to wait for the end or through another Coen brothers film.
Too many different POV's, the only character we have a chance to get close too is Clooney, who plays "not such a nice guy". A senseless killing at the end tops it off.
To each his own. I'm not even going to google the box office numbers because just being a Coen film with Clooney and Malkovich influences the gross.
So, if you've got some time to waste, go ahead. If not, you might want to use this piece of advice --
"Burn Before Watching"...
Then read a book.
Armed with a DVR remote on a Saturday night, Lovely Wife and I perused the latest to see what we could watch and settled on "Burn After Reading". After all, it was a Coen brothers flick with Clooney, Malkovich, Pitt... what could go wrong?
A lot.
I'm not against different formulas, we should all try something new, but this just doesn't work. Here we have an interesting plot, great character traits, unexpected twists, orchestrated in a brilliant little "POOF" of "who cares and why did I waste the time watching it?"
Lovely Wife, who will sit through any movie, she doesn't give up -- felt pretty ripped off by the last five minutes. It's not a matter of a "good" ending or not, or if you just don't understand the director's technique, there's absolutely no payoff and nobody cares, to wait for the end or through another Coen brothers film.
Too many different POV's, the only character we have a chance to get close too is Clooney, who plays "not such a nice guy". A senseless killing at the end tops it off.
To each his own. I'm not even going to google the box office numbers because just being a Coen film with Clooney and Malkovich influences the gross.
So, if you've got some time to waste, go ahead. If not, you might want to use this piece of advice --
"Burn Before Watching"...
Then read a book.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
ONE-PAGE SYNOPSIS
I spent one week on one page. No, not one page of the script, that would be a bit much. It was my one page synopsis of the screenplay.
From the get-go I wasn't liking the concept of having to put 110 pages onto one page. Seems sort of, er, uh, degrading? Maybe not quite, but close.
Provided with an example of how this should look, I tore into it, keys blazing, then burned to a halt. Where was all the whitespace I needed? Do I have to use commas? They take up space too!
The more I snipped off words, the worse it got, and every one-page I sent the reader came back with questions all over it, such as "he, as in him, or the other guy?" Damn.
So, like a puzzle, I just shifted, things around, and snipped, but I don't think you're supposed to use scissors when puzzle pieces don't fit!
Frustrated after the fifth attempt, and wondering if the local "Waffle House" is hiring, I tore into a blank email page and wrote the sixth one-page, not caring how long or how many words, tossing all of my lines and notes from before, then hit "send". That's basically a writer's version of suicide, I don't even think I proof-read it I was so pissed off.
Hours later, I heard the email sound "ding" and wasn't sure what to do. In one way, knowing how this would crash, I just wanted to get get it over with. The other way, what if there was a miracle?
I opened, and there wasn't any writing, no corrections, I figured the copy bounced back or something. Then, one bit of bold type saying "this line is good but should be changed to make this clear". And that was it.
Wha? I did it? It's good? All week, and I wrote it in five minutes??
Granted, that was after a week of a lot of learning, what a curve. But that's all it took, one go for broke email, wow.
FADE OUT
From the get-go I wasn't liking the concept of having to put 110 pages onto one page. Seems sort of, er, uh, degrading? Maybe not quite, but close.
Provided with an example of how this should look, I tore into it, keys blazing, then burned to a halt. Where was all the whitespace I needed? Do I have to use commas? They take up space too!
The more I snipped off words, the worse it got, and every one-page I sent the reader came back with questions all over it, such as "he, as in him, or the other guy?" Damn.
So, like a puzzle, I just shifted, things around, and snipped, but I don't think you're supposed to use scissors when puzzle pieces don't fit!
Frustrated after the fifth attempt, and wondering if the local "Waffle House" is hiring, I tore into a blank email page and wrote the sixth one-page, not caring how long or how many words, tossing all of my lines and notes from before, then hit "send". That's basically a writer's version of suicide, I don't even think I proof-read it I was so pissed off.
Hours later, I heard the email sound "ding" and wasn't sure what to do. In one way, knowing how this would crash, I just wanted to get get it over with. The other way, what if there was a miracle?
I opened, and there wasn't any writing, no corrections, I figured the copy bounced back or something. Then, one bit of bold type saying "this line is good but should be changed to make this clear". And that was it.
Wha? I did it? It's good? All week, and I wrote it in five minutes??
Granted, that was after a week of a lot of learning, what a curve. But that's all it took, one go for broke email, wow.
FADE OUT
Friday, November 20, 2009
EXPERIENCE VS SKILL
If you had to choose one as a screenwriter, which would it be? If you had to write a CSI script, would you rather be a writer that had never been on a crime scene but has research at hand, or a cop with twenty years of experience in smelling blood and covering up body parts with white sheets?
There's a lot to be said for both sides of that, without the knowledge of proper structure and a good story vast descriptions of crime scenes just become another version of "COPS", might as well just take the camera along, who needs a script?
And, staring at the black and white with plot in mind doesn't really give us the sense of what blood smells like on the crime scene, and if there's a way to put that smell into words it would be in our best interest to try to convey it.
Actors are known for their research, even more than writers, who probably do more of it, but we'd rather hear about Russell Crowe in a fight training camp learning moves for "Gladiator" than the writer who studied the romans to put this all in proper technical context.
There's a balance out there, and I believe everyone can use their life experience in their script.
In the end, it's up to us to decide what we write about.
There's a lot to be said for both sides of that, without the knowledge of proper structure and a good story vast descriptions of crime scenes just become another version of "COPS", might as well just take the camera along, who needs a script?
And, staring at the black and white with plot in mind doesn't really give us the sense of what blood smells like on the crime scene, and if there's a way to put that smell into words it would be in our best interest to try to convey it.
Actors are known for their research, even more than writers, who probably do more of it, but we'd rather hear about Russell Crowe in a fight training camp learning moves for "Gladiator" than the writer who studied the romans to put this all in proper technical context.
There's a balance out there, and I believe everyone can use their life experience in their script.
In the end, it's up to us to decide what we write about.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
BRASS BRADS
So, yesterday I went on a search for some brass brads since I'll be doing another round of printing scripts. My obvious choice was to go to "Office Depot", or is it "Office Max", because we only have one of the two and they start with the same name and look like twins. Whatever.
In I go and spot "fasteners" listed on one of the aisle boards, would have to be there, right? Staples, clips, key rings... anything but brads. I search every aisle.
Finally, a lady takes me back to the fastening aisle and shows be a small cylinder of brads, where usually there's a giant rivet head there was a small piece that looked the size of an eraser tip. Great, not.
I ended up online, you can forget the ACCO's in a smaller city. This town even has a Facebook page trying to urge Target to build here. Geesh.
Looks like I'll be getting most of my goods over the web, for scripts, and from Target.
In I go and spot "fasteners" listed on one of the aisle boards, would have to be there, right? Staples, clips, key rings... anything but brads. I search every aisle.
Finally, a lady takes me back to the fastening aisle and shows be a small cylinder of brads, where usually there's a giant rivet head there was a small piece that looked the size of an eraser tip. Great, not.
I ended up online, you can forget the ACCO's in a smaller city. This town even has a Facebook page trying to urge Target to build here. Geesh.
Looks like I'll be getting most of my goods over the web, for scripts, and from Target.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
WINGMAN
A bit shaken here, because someone didn't know what a "wingman" is, in the 21st century dating sense. I mean, I think it gets pretty common usage on T.V. and film, I've heard it a lot of times, what better way to decribe the relationship?
Therein lies my prob, because this is going on a "one-page", a synopis, and every word counts, the space runs out real quick. I can't really think of a term in one word that serves me better than wingman.
On the other hand, maybe people are sick of the term anyway, perhaps it's been overused?
Nope.
"MILF" gets old, "cougar" is making the rounds but still not fully accepted and is evolving into "puma". "Tool", has been recently challenged: although made of metal, dumber than a bucket of sand, or a rock, a tool, such as a wrench, is a very useful item, and that's not the intent of labeling someone as such.
Dating buddy? Nah... how about "partner in crime"? Kind of, but, no..."partner"? Nooo, "partner" when speaking of two males has a totally different meaning nowadays, which is good, and why we use "wingman".
Long live the wingman!
Therein lies my prob, because this is going on a "one-page", a synopis, and every word counts, the space runs out real quick. I can't really think of a term in one word that serves me better than wingman.
On the other hand, maybe people are sick of the term anyway, perhaps it's been overused?
Nope.
"MILF" gets old, "cougar" is making the rounds but still not fully accepted and is evolving into "puma". "Tool", has been recently challenged: although made of metal, dumber than a bucket of sand, or a rock, a tool, such as a wrench, is a very useful item, and that's not the intent of labeling someone as such.
Dating buddy? Nah... how about "partner in crime"? Kind of, but, no..."partner"? Nooo, "partner" when speaking of two males has a totally different meaning nowadays, which is good, and why we use "wingman".
Long live the wingman!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
WGA REGISTRATION
Last night, after knowing my script would need only one more PDF proof-read, I went to the WGAW (Writer's Guild of America, West) site and registered my screenplay. Drum roll, please --
WGAW Registration# 1394440
Yep, for twenty bucks, I filed my screenplay in Hollywood, right over the internet. For an accomplished screenwriter this might be more of a nuisance than glory. But for me, and many other craft virgins, this marks a moment in time where we've created something worth protecting, and the WGA gives us the right to do so.
One-hundred and four days ago, I didn't know ANYTHING about screenwriting, zilch! That's when I thrust myself into training, spending every day and hour I could to learn the craft, mostly over the internet...no, I mean ALL of it over the internet, for free. I dug through all the good and the bad, at first not even knowing how to disseminate it.
But my online mentors have served me well. And, believe it not, be happy or snarky, but I've been asked for a hard copy of my script from "someone who matters". If all checks out, it goes on to their Hollywood agent. If not, there will be an edit, then onwards.
Donald Trump says "think big", and I did. I've gotten this far. My next goal is to have something in production by next year, and in this profession that just might be a longshot, but so far I've been beating some odds.
Get out there with me, "thinkin' big", the first hurdle to getting over this thing is yourself and completing that stack of script.
Good luck, and...
FADE OUT
WGAW Registration# 1394440
Yep, for twenty bucks, I filed my screenplay in Hollywood, right over the internet. For an accomplished screenwriter this might be more of a nuisance than glory. But for me, and many other craft virgins, this marks a moment in time where we've created something worth protecting, and the WGA gives us the right to do so.
One-hundred and four days ago, I didn't know ANYTHING about screenwriting, zilch! That's when I thrust myself into training, spending every day and hour I could to learn the craft, mostly over the internet...no, I mean ALL of it over the internet, for free. I dug through all the good and the bad, at first not even knowing how to disseminate it.
But my online mentors have served me well. And, believe it not, be happy or snarky, but I've been asked for a hard copy of my script from "someone who matters". If all checks out, it goes on to their Hollywood agent. If not, there will be an edit, then onwards.
Donald Trump says "think big", and I did. I've gotten this far. My next goal is to have something in production by next year, and in this profession that just might be a longshot, but so far I've been beating some odds.
Get out there with me, "thinkin' big", the first hurdle to getting over this thing is yourself and completing that stack of script.
Good luck, and...
FADE OUT
Monday, November 16, 2009
CURBING SEINFELD
Last night, over red wine and T.V., I was pretty wowed by Larry David's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" episode of the "Seinfeld" reunion. Oh sure, it was funny, that's expected. What was truly interesting was watching the cast in rehearsal.
The first "read" was at an elongated rectangular table, with Jerry and "George" and the usual cast, surrounded by writers and producers. An A.D. or someone would call out, setting up the scene, and then off they would go, into the dialogue. They didn't skip a beat, and everyone felt free to laugh -- a lot of fun.
Next, they were on the set, which faithfully reproduced Jerry's familiar New York apartment. The actors went through the motions, script in hand, as positioning tweaks were worked out.
Later, Larry and Jerry are at a dry-erase board in an office, with an outline of the script, highlighting certain jokes and the action. It's pretty amazing to watch Jerry Seinfeld work, it's definitely his true calling. In fact, had they aired this as the final episode of "Seinfeld", the show would have went out on a much better note.
As a whole, it's just stunning how much work the actors put into their craft. I have to say they're under-rated, especially by some of us writers.
Catch it on HBO!
The first "read" was at an elongated rectangular table, with Jerry and "George" and the usual cast, surrounded by writers and producers. An A.D. or someone would call out, setting up the scene, and then off they would go, into the dialogue. They didn't skip a beat, and everyone felt free to laugh -- a lot of fun.
Next, they were on the set, which faithfully reproduced Jerry's familiar New York apartment. The actors went through the motions, script in hand, as positioning tweaks were worked out.
Later, Larry and Jerry are at a dry-erase board in an office, with an outline of the script, highlighting certain jokes and the action. It's pretty amazing to watch Jerry Seinfeld work, it's definitely his true calling. In fact, had they aired this as the final episode of "Seinfeld", the show would have went out on a much better note.
As a whole, it's just stunning how much work the actors put into their craft. I have to say they're under-rated, especially by some of us writers.
Catch it on HBO!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
MAKE YOUR OWN FILM
Do you believe in your story? The script that you toiled over, day and night, or maybe just on weekends because you're paying the bills with that full-time job? How far will you go to see it on the screen? I know, completing it is task enough, and printing that much paper and drilling holes can be a daunting duty, but is that enough?
And then there's the query letter -- face it, you could spend hundreds and hundreds of hard-earned dollars in SASE's and envelopes alone, there's postage, the cost to print them. Easily they come out to one dollar per, but where do they go, in a producer's trash can (we hope they're recycling all that paper!)?
I've decided to give this script one year after launch, meaning, if it's not picked up by then I'm filming it myself. Yes, suddenly the "hotel" scene will be in my own backyard. Airport? No problem, the parking lot of a local terminal, I don't care, I'm shooting it. If I have to do the damn thing with an animation program or stick figures, whatever it is, the crude characters will be delivering my lines.
Then I'll "youtube" it, and pester whoever I can, face it, two stick figures with good action and dialogue beats most of what is uploaded into that cesspool on a daily basis anyway.
Maybe nobody will care, perhaps I'll get kicked off "youtube" for using a U-2 album as the soundtrack. But I'll make that film, that's the goal here, and anything else is icing on the cake.
But it wouldn't hurt if Fox Searchlight picked it up!
And then there's the query letter -- face it, you could spend hundreds and hundreds of hard-earned dollars in SASE's and envelopes alone, there's postage, the cost to print them. Easily they come out to one dollar per, but where do they go, in a producer's trash can (we hope they're recycling all that paper!)?
I've decided to give this script one year after launch, meaning, if it's not picked up by then I'm filming it myself. Yes, suddenly the "hotel" scene will be in my own backyard. Airport? No problem, the parking lot of a local terminal, I don't care, I'm shooting it. If I have to do the damn thing with an animation program or stick figures, whatever it is, the crude characters will be delivering my lines.
Then I'll "youtube" it, and pester whoever I can, face it, two stick figures with good action and dialogue beats most of what is uploaded into that cesspool on a daily basis anyway.
Maybe nobody will care, perhaps I'll get kicked off "youtube" for using a U-2 album as the soundtrack. But I'll make that film, that's the goal here, and anything else is icing on the cake.
But it wouldn't hurt if Fox Searchlight picked it up!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
HANGOVER
No, I don't have one, lol, I was talking about the movie. It had a $40 million budget and current returns are $460 million. That's half a billion! That's enough, probably to buy Michigan, well, not all of it, but at least the city of Detroit, and then you'd have to spend another half-billion to "flip" it. Good problem to have I guess, spending that kind of money.
I haven't seen "Hangover", that's not what the post is about. What interests me moreso, are the numbers. It had a June release date, that tells me it's a good date to go with: start of the summer, kids are out of school.
I can't find the rating, but I'm guessing PG-13? Kids know how to sneak around all of this, not a factor.
Ed Helms and that asian guy from "Community" are actors in it, that would have some draw. But c'mon, Meryl Streep has a big fan base, face it -- they could have had a street performer act some of this out.
The name doesn't hurt, everyone knows what a hangover feels like, it's short and catchy. Generally, a hangover is not perceived as good, so name your screenplay something like "Nauseous" and you might have a chance.
In any case, the DVD has not released yet, so be prepared to double their take. AND -- guess what? Hangover II is scheduled to shoot October, 2010, for a Memorial Day 2011 release.
Looks like Warner Brothers will be buying Detroit and the rest of the state, and with California's problems, they might be moving the studios there too.
Prepared to be hungover.
FADE OUT
I haven't seen "Hangover", that's not what the post is about. What interests me moreso, are the numbers. It had a June release date, that tells me it's a good date to go with: start of the summer, kids are out of school.
I can't find the rating, but I'm guessing PG-13? Kids know how to sneak around all of this, not a factor.
Ed Helms and that asian guy from "Community" are actors in it, that would have some draw. But c'mon, Meryl Streep has a big fan base, face it -- they could have had a street performer act some of this out.
The name doesn't hurt, everyone knows what a hangover feels like, it's short and catchy. Generally, a hangover is not perceived as good, so name your screenplay something like "Nauseous" and you might have a chance.
In any case, the DVD has not released yet, so be prepared to double their take. AND -- guess what? Hangover II is scheduled to shoot October, 2010, for a Memorial Day 2011 release.
Looks like Warner Brothers will be buying Detroit and the rest of the state, and with California's problems, they might be moving the studios there too.
Prepared to be hungover.
FADE OUT
Friday, November 13, 2009
POOR SCRIBES
Oh, the poor, downtrodden scribes! Pity the souls of thee who embark on such a wretched journey, with pen or laptop in hand, strolling unwittingly to their own execution!
90% of writers come at me with this crap, lol.
I've learned five different professions in my life, not including all the trades that I know one helluva lot about, and could easily hang tough with some of the best in, like drywalling (which translated means "torture".) In all my trials and tribulations of learning and working in these occupations, I never once heard so many negative things as I have from writers.
"Hollywood is...", "oh, but don't be fooled, executives don't...", etc., and what was your point? Oh, that succeeding in something is difficult? I'd agree. Ohhh, no, you mean -- succeeding in screenwriting is real difficult, like ueber-extraordinary-difficult, like the toughest, most grueling, pitiful, and damning thing that the world can offer?
I doubt it. No, correction, I know for a fact it's not true.
Really difficult, for example, is the life of a roofer. I have very limited experience in the sector, but I have stood on a wet roof long enough to know that what stands between a roofer and death is a slip on rain-soaked tarpaper, and a fifteen foot fall. Don't believe me? Google "roofer died", and you'll have a new appreciation for whatever your job is, unless you're an iron-worker, up on a beam.
But the scribes would say that's the life of a roofer. To which I reply that rejection and lack of success are part of being a writer -- get over it, and quit whining and telling us how hard it is, we don't care.
But I don't feel like stopping there, I want to give the scribes the old "one-two", I'm going to knock them in their whiny egos --
"You're all judgmental".
Hehe, yep, writers are judgmental, they stereotype like living hell, they have to, it's demanded in their trade. For the unfamiliar, there are these things called "character traits" that a writer must adhere to. These will reflect how your character walks, talks, where they vacation -- so the audience can judge how the character will react.
"That's out of character" means that you created a roofer, who might look and talk the way you think a roofer looks and talks like, but he's smarter than his client character who is a screenwriter.
I know what you're thinking: if he's so smart he wouldn't be a roofer. Therein lies your bad judgment.
To you, dear writer, a roofer is just like a doorman or any other stereotype you write into a script. And you and Hollywood can help reinforce this attitude with the way you write and cast for different nationalities, because we all know the stereotypical tactics you'll use. You'll either go along with the judgmental values, or try to make the character the exact opposite of what is considered the "norm" for their race.
So, scribes, try getting over that. You tried ruining my week with your bull of apathetic funk, I saved it all up and gave you a "whippen" to think about.
Have a good weekend!
FADE OUT
90% of writers come at me with this crap, lol.
I've learned five different professions in my life, not including all the trades that I know one helluva lot about, and could easily hang tough with some of the best in, like drywalling (which translated means "torture".) In all my trials and tribulations of learning and working in these occupations, I never once heard so many negative things as I have from writers.
"Hollywood is...", "oh, but don't be fooled, executives don't...", etc., and what was your point? Oh, that succeeding in something is difficult? I'd agree. Ohhh, no, you mean -- succeeding in screenwriting is real difficult, like ueber-extraordinary-difficult, like the toughest, most grueling, pitiful, and damning thing that the world can offer?
I doubt it. No, correction, I know for a fact it's not true.
Really difficult, for example, is the life of a roofer. I have very limited experience in the sector, but I have stood on a wet roof long enough to know that what stands between a roofer and death is a slip on rain-soaked tarpaper, and a fifteen foot fall. Don't believe me? Google "roofer died", and you'll have a new appreciation for whatever your job is, unless you're an iron-worker, up on a beam.
But the scribes would say that's the life of a roofer. To which I reply that rejection and lack of success are part of being a writer -- get over it, and quit whining and telling us how hard it is, we don't care.
But I don't feel like stopping there, I want to give the scribes the old "one-two", I'm going to knock them in their whiny egos --
"You're all judgmental".
Hehe, yep, writers are judgmental, they stereotype like living hell, they have to, it's demanded in their trade. For the unfamiliar, there are these things called "character traits" that a writer must adhere to. These will reflect how your character walks, talks, where they vacation -- so the audience can judge how the character will react.
"That's out of character" means that you created a roofer, who might look and talk the way you think a roofer looks and talks like, but he's smarter than his client character who is a screenwriter.
I know what you're thinking: if he's so smart he wouldn't be a roofer. Therein lies your bad judgment.
To you, dear writer, a roofer is just like a doorman or any other stereotype you write into a script. And you and Hollywood can help reinforce this attitude with the way you write and cast for different nationalities, because we all know the stereotypical tactics you'll use. You'll either go along with the judgmental values, or try to make the character the exact opposite of what is considered the "norm" for their race.
So, scribes, try getting over that. You tried ruining my week with your bull of apathetic funk, I saved it all up and gave you a "whippen" to think about.
Have a good weekend!
FADE OUT
Thursday, November 12, 2009
SOUNDS IN A SCRIPT
Hey y'all, (so they say down here) just a note to tell you that I'm in the process of diving into a serious marketing campaign. Stay tuned.
Meanwhile feast your eyes on produced screenwriter Esther Luttrell's great tips on whether or not to capitalize SOUNDS in your script!
http://www.estherluttrell.net/Sound-in-a-script.html
Meanwhile feast your eyes on produced screenwriter Esther Luttrell's great tips on whether or not to capitalize SOUNDS in your script!
http://www.estherluttrell.net/Sound-in-a-script.html
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
ACTION!
I just took a journey through the unexplained, or moreso, explained for the first time. Nobody explained it, maybe I'm still trying to figure it out --
Action - Description lines.
Sure, I was describing the action, no prob there, and in the least amount of words possible, as advised by the pro-readers. The problem is, that is choppy, clinical -- there's nothing artistic or creative about it at all. I was moving my mannequins around the room.
Crack open a produced script and you'll see some awfully strange yet interesting action lines, such as:
He exhaled, as if to say "you bet your ass."
What? That's allowed?
Apparently so, and better than the way I put it:
He exhaled.
CHARACTER
You bet your ass.
There's the mannequin in me, I guess.
What ensued was a total rewrite of overthinking the game, I started using adverbs and other things I hadn't introduced before. Didn't help.
A mentor suggested "just write your story", actually two of them said that. Well, I've done that, and it is a very strong structure and plot, all the other things I hear writers battling with came out really good for me.
Except action lines, I guess, like now --
He types away - quick to finish.
He's typing as fast as he can.
He's typing his post, but thinking about breakfast.
Something like that.
FADE OUT
Action - Description lines.
Sure, I was describing the action, no prob there, and in the least amount of words possible, as advised by the pro-readers. The problem is, that is choppy, clinical -- there's nothing artistic or creative about it at all. I was moving my mannequins around the room.
Crack open a produced script and you'll see some awfully strange yet interesting action lines, such as:
He exhaled, as if to say "you bet your ass."
What? That's allowed?
Apparently so, and better than the way I put it:
He exhaled.
CHARACTER
You bet your ass.
There's the mannequin in me, I guess.
What ensued was a total rewrite of overthinking the game, I started using adverbs and other things I hadn't introduced before. Didn't help.
A mentor suggested "just write your story", actually two of them said that. Well, I've done that, and it is a very strong structure and plot, all the other things I hear writers battling with came out really good for me.
Except action lines, I guess, like now --
He types away - quick to finish.
He's typing as fast as he can.
He's typing his post, but thinking about breakfast.
Something like that.
FADE OUT
Monday, November 9, 2009
NEXT FLOOR: DOUBT
INT. ELEVATOR - DAY
Crowded, elbow to elbow. "Packed like sardines" becomes a term you can empathize with. A short REDHEADED FEMALE, in a doorman's cap and jacket, pokes a button on the panel -- it lights up.
The slight g-force jerks the box upwards, suddenly the thought of the floor dropping out becomes a welcome idea -- at least you'd be out of this hell-hole of breathy passengers, who are probably transmitting the flu to you at this very moment.
Kill me or set me free -- just get it f'n over!
Our capped guide turns her head -- it's KATHY GRIFFIN. We feel the urge to call her Kathy Griffith, just to watch her flip-out.
KATHY GRIFFIN
Next floor: "Doubt."
WTF? "Doubt" is a floor, you're thinking? Can't wait to see this.
Gravity halts us, the doors WHIRR open, robotically.
We see several SCRIBES of all genders and colors -- a BLACK MAN does a good Eddy Murphy imitation while pitching to a fat, condescending PRODUCER.
BLACK MAN
How was that one?
PRODUCER
Hmm, no, show me something else, something good -- flesh it out, like Eddy Murphy is doing Madea, but she's sexy, not fat, but kind of sounds like Whitney Houston.
BLACK MAN
What the f--
They're interrupted by a writer dressed like William Shakespeare -- no, that's actually WILLIAM F'N SHAKESPEARE!! He goes up to the producer, gets in his face, pretty aggressive for a guy who's so well-respected.
SHAKESPEARE
You, my friend, whilst in the process of judging others, in all thine--
Thank god he's interrupted, because even though you're supposed to love his work, fact is, you just can't stand all that "whilst" and "thine" crap, fess up.
Oh, almost forgot to mention that he's been interrupted by KIM, of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, who is being chased by Ne Ne, both on hooker-heels and doused in that glitter-crap, that only a hooker or cougar would have on.
KIM
(off key)
Tardy-for-the party, oh, uh-uh, ohhh, don't be...
NE NE
C'mere, Ki-yam, I'ma throw you some shade -- and a left hook, ya biy-otch.
Nobody dares step off the elevator's abyss.
KATHY GRIFFIN
Anyone want off? Nobody?? Hey folks, I've been there, it's not that bad, Lindsay Lohan f'n LIVES here -- shop around, check it out!
BRIAN
Umm, what other floors are there?
KATHY GRIFFIN
Lemme see, this is "Doubt", other choices would be "Sacrifice", top floor is "Arrogance", down in the basement we have "Self-Loathing" -- did you know that Courtney Love hangs down there quite a bit?
BRIAN
Got anything good, like "Success"?
KATHY GRIFFIN
Ha!! You're in the wrong place, buddy -- Trump Tower is miles from here, and I wouldn't head down there unless you've got a producer!
BRIAN
(sighs)
Any leads?
KATHY GRIFFIN
I hear Mark Burnett is up on the "Arrogance" floor today.
BRIAN
Seems I have no choice.
Kathy presses the "Arrogance" button, the doors start to close. Brian sticks his hand out, halting the gates.
BRIAN
Shakespeare, get in here, I'll be needing your services!
FADE OUT
Crowded, elbow to elbow. "Packed like sardines" becomes a term you can empathize with. A short REDHEADED FEMALE, in a doorman's cap and jacket, pokes a button on the panel -- it lights up.
The slight g-force jerks the box upwards, suddenly the thought of the floor dropping out becomes a welcome idea -- at least you'd be out of this hell-hole of breathy passengers, who are probably transmitting the flu to you at this very moment.
Kill me or set me free -- just get it f'n over!
Our capped guide turns her head -- it's KATHY GRIFFIN. We feel the urge to call her Kathy Griffith, just to watch her flip-out.
KATHY GRIFFIN
Next floor: "Doubt."
WTF? "Doubt" is a floor, you're thinking? Can't wait to see this.
Gravity halts us, the doors WHIRR open, robotically.
We see several SCRIBES of all genders and colors -- a BLACK MAN does a good Eddy Murphy imitation while pitching to a fat, condescending PRODUCER.
BLACK MAN
How was that one?
PRODUCER
Hmm, no, show me something else, something good -- flesh it out, like Eddy Murphy is doing Madea, but she's sexy, not fat, but kind of sounds like Whitney Houston.
BLACK MAN
What the f--
They're interrupted by a writer dressed like William Shakespeare -- no, that's actually WILLIAM F'N SHAKESPEARE!! He goes up to the producer, gets in his face, pretty aggressive for a guy who's so well-respected.
SHAKESPEARE
You, my friend, whilst in the process of judging others, in all thine--
Thank god he's interrupted, because even though you're supposed to love his work, fact is, you just can't stand all that "whilst" and "thine" crap, fess up.
Oh, almost forgot to mention that he's been interrupted by KIM, of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, who is being chased by Ne Ne, both on hooker-heels and doused in that glitter-crap, that only a hooker or cougar would have on.
KIM
(off key)
Tardy-for-the party, oh, uh-uh, ohhh, don't be...
NE NE
C'mere, Ki-yam, I'ma throw you some shade -- and a left hook, ya biy-otch.
Nobody dares step off the elevator's abyss.
KATHY GRIFFIN
Anyone want off? Nobody?? Hey folks, I've been there, it's not that bad, Lindsay Lohan f'n LIVES here -- shop around, check it out!
BRIAN
Umm, what other floors are there?
KATHY GRIFFIN
Lemme see, this is "Doubt", other choices would be "Sacrifice", top floor is "Arrogance", down in the basement we have "Self-Loathing" -- did you know that Courtney Love hangs down there quite a bit?
BRIAN
Got anything good, like "Success"?
KATHY GRIFFIN
Ha!! You're in the wrong place, buddy -- Trump Tower is miles from here, and I wouldn't head down there unless you've got a producer!
BRIAN
(sighs)
Any leads?
KATHY GRIFFIN
I hear Mark Burnett is up on the "Arrogance" floor today.
BRIAN
Seems I have no choice.
Kathy presses the "Arrogance" button, the doors start to close. Brian sticks his hand out, halting the gates.
BRIAN
Shakespeare, get in here, I'll be needing your services!
FADE OUT
Sunday, November 8, 2009
OP-ED: BRANDING A CITY PT. 2
On Sunday, Lovely Wife showed me the front of the local newspaper with the headline of "City Approves New Slogan."
I hadn't even opened the paper - I was still on the laptop trying to decipher mysterious sluglines in produced scripts, such as --
SECURITY CHECKPOINT - SAME
Thanks Jason Reitman, for that confusing scene heading.
Back to the newspaper -- the other day I wrote an op-ed and sent it in, concerning the proposed city slogan of "The Right Size."
CLICK HERE FOR MY OP-ED
An assistant to the editor said it could be weeks before it was printed. Imagine my surprise when I opened the paper, and there it was already, with my pic, as usual.
Not only that, but the entire page was themed around the "Right Size" slogan. A big political cartoon at the top had a hillbilly-looking fellow nailing a banner, that said "size matters", to a city entrance sign.
On the left column -- the official paper editorial spoke of the possible perils in using such a slogan.
At the bottom -- Editor Rich Whiting charged others to come up with a slogan, but a good one.
In all, seems my column was word-porn for the local newspaper, and they went nuts, rightfully so. I guess I said what they had been thinking -- just had to open the door for them.
Three neighbors have walked past my screened porch since, none acknowledging my presence. Who knows, maybe they didn't see me, but when you write an op-ed about a dumb idea in a southern city, a lot of people "don't take too kindly to it" --
especially when you're a "yankee" who has only lived here for a year.
I hadn't even opened the paper - I was still on the laptop trying to decipher mysterious sluglines in produced scripts, such as --
SECURITY CHECKPOINT - SAME
Thanks Jason Reitman, for that confusing scene heading.
Back to the newspaper -- the other day I wrote an op-ed and sent it in, concerning the proposed city slogan of "The Right Size."
CLICK HERE FOR MY OP-ED
An assistant to the editor said it could be weeks before it was printed. Imagine my surprise when I opened the paper, and there it was already, with my pic, as usual.
Not only that, but the entire page was themed around the "Right Size" slogan. A big political cartoon at the top had a hillbilly-looking fellow nailing a banner, that said "size matters", to a city entrance sign.
On the left column -- the official paper editorial spoke of the possible perils in using such a slogan.
At the bottom -- Editor Rich Whiting charged others to come up with a slogan, but a good one.
In all, seems my column was word-porn for the local newspaper, and they went nuts, rightfully so. I guess I said what they had been thinking -- just had to open the door for them.
Three neighbors have walked past my screened porch since, none acknowledging my presence. Who knows, maybe they didn't see me, but when you write an op-ed about a dumb idea in a southern city, a lot of people "don't take too kindly to it" --
especially when you're a "yankee" who has only lived here for a year.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
MY FRIEND, ESTHER LUTTRELL
Imagine my surprise when my friend -- who works in screenwriting, production, and many others sectors of the craft and profession -- shared this bit of information concerning scene headings (sluglines) --
INT. JOHNSON HOUSE - LORI'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
A Slug Line gives information to 4 members of the production team: The lst Assistant Director, the Location Manager, the Set Decorator, and the Lighting Technician. In truth, it gives information to a multitude of crew members, but if you'll just remember the significance to these four key positions, you will never again write an incorrect Slug Line.
lst Assistant Director looks at the first piece of information in your Slug Line to see if this scene is to be shot INT. (interior) or EXT. (exterior). The lst A.D. does the scheduling.
The Location Manager looks at the second piece of information to determine what site must be secured for this scene.
The Set Decorator looks at the third piece of information to determine what room or area must be decorated ("dressed") by the time the crew arrives for filming.
The Lighting Technician looks at the last piece of information to know whether to set the scene for Day for for Night.
If you are among the, maybe majority, of screenwriters misled to the idea that a slugline is to give the reader -- the one that stands between you and Hollywood -- a vision as to where the scene is taking place, then you're only half misled, but still picking your jaw up off the floor.
Esther Luttrell is an accomplished screenwriter, director, producer, speaker, and author. She has worked for MGM and has a professional resume' that would make any scribe's mouth water. If you have ever watched T.V. or film, her name has crossed your line of sight.
What I most appreciate about Esther is her practical teaching methods and candid, yet sweet, way to deliver constructive criticism. After all, if you are paying someone for a read, coaching, advice, etc., you want them to tell the truth, not sugarcoat it.
I've spent a lot of time scouring the web for screenwriting info and writing -- in fact, it is my full time, unpaid job. In all of my online searches I could still not get to the true root of the slugline and Esther set me straight.
If your time is money and you want your script and skills to reach maximum potential, I'm more than proud to refer you to Esther Luttrell.
Learn more at her websites at the following link:
http://www.estherluttrell.net/home.html
INT. JOHNSON HOUSE - LORI'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
A Slug Line gives information to 4 members of the production team: The lst Assistant Director, the Location Manager, the Set Decorator, and the Lighting Technician. In truth, it gives information to a multitude of crew members, but if you'll just remember the significance to these four key positions, you will never again write an incorrect Slug Line.
lst Assistant Director looks at the first piece of information in your Slug Line to see if this scene is to be shot INT. (interior) or EXT. (exterior). The lst A.D. does the scheduling.
The Location Manager looks at the second piece of information to determine what site must be secured for this scene.
The Set Decorator looks at the third piece of information to determine what room or area must be decorated ("dressed") by the time the crew arrives for filming.
The Lighting Technician looks at the last piece of information to know whether to set the scene for Day for for Night.
If you are among the, maybe majority, of screenwriters misled to the idea that a slugline is to give the reader -- the one that stands between you and Hollywood -- a vision as to where the scene is taking place, then you're only half misled, but still picking your jaw up off the floor.
Esther Luttrell is an accomplished screenwriter, director, producer, speaker, and author. She has worked for MGM and has a professional resume' that would make any scribe's mouth water. If you have ever watched T.V. or film, her name has crossed your line of sight.
What I most appreciate about Esther is her practical teaching methods and candid, yet sweet, way to deliver constructive criticism. After all, if you are paying someone for a read, coaching, advice, etc., you want them to tell the truth, not sugarcoat it.
I've spent a lot of time scouring the web for screenwriting info and writing -- in fact, it is my full time, unpaid job. In all of my online searches I could still not get to the true root of the slugline and Esther set me straight.
If your time is money and you want your script and skills to reach maximum potential, I'm more than proud to refer you to Esther Luttrell.
Learn more at her websites at the following link:
http://www.estherluttrell.net/home.html
Friday, November 6, 2009
UP IN THE AIR - SCRIPT & TRAILER
UP IN THE AIR
Adapted & Directed by JASON REITMAN
Starring GEORGE CLOONEY
I just read the script for "Up in the Air", which is available at a link on Simply Scripts (click on the title at the beginning of the paragraph, PDF).
GO TO AND DOWNLOAD "UP IN THE AIR" SCRIPT
WATCH "UP IN THE AIR" TRAILER ON YOUTUBE
It's the story of a hatchet-man who terminates employees by contract, collecting frequent flyer miles all the way. It's a drama, not a horror-flick, he doesn't actually kill the people, he just fires them -- same thing, kinda.
Most of this was filmed in St. Louis, and much of that in my old stomping grounds of Maplewood, Missouri. The midwest offers a lot for a shoot -- it's economical, has diverse architecture, trees, rolling hills -- the only thing you won't find there is a desert, or an ocean, the latter being one of the reasons I moved away.
Main character Ryan is an interesting fellow. He doesn't talk, he "quips", and he "lives" in airports and planes. Ryan avoids relationships on every level, this frequent flyer could write a manual on the best techniques to use when speaking to an adjacent passenger on a flight -- keep it to small talk, then depart quickly.
Love interest Alex lives the same lifestyle, and when they cross paths it just might be a deal made in heaven -- which to them is Homestead Suites, a competitor to the Courtyard Marriot hotel chain. Observe --
INT. - HOTEL - BAR - NIGHT
Ryan and Alex have taken over a couch and have the contents of their wallets spread out - ALL MEMBERSHIP CARDS.
RYAN
Courtyard Marriott card? How dare you bring that into this palace.
ALEX
Homestead Suites offers equal value and better food - But the Marriott gives out warm cookies at check in.
RYAN
They got you with the cookies?
ALEX
I'm a sucker for simulated hospitality.
The script is a terrific read, plenty of sub-plot, twists. Clocks in at about 124 pages, it's a PDF scan so I can't be exact.
One of the basic themes is unemployment, or people just about to join the breadline when they get the news of being fired. With the economy the way it is, Clooney's appeal, Reitmann calling the shots, and people flying less these days therefore wanting to feel like they are, I predict a blockbuster sellout, put me on record for --
199 million dollars.
Could go higher, "Hangover" did the upper 200's, but I'll keep it modest.
Please support this film, there's a real story here and it reflects the times we're going through, it's deserving.
"UP IN THE AIR" OFFICIAL WEBSITE, TRAILER, CLIPS
"UP IN THE AIR" ON IMDB
Adapted & Directed by JASON REITMAN
Starring GEORGE CLOONEY
I just read the script for "Up in the Air", which is available at a link on Simply Scripts (click on the title at the beginning of the paragraph, PDF).
GO TO AND DOWNLOAD "UP IN THE AIR" SCRIPT
WATCH "UP IN THE AIR" TRAILER ON YOUTUBE
It's the story of a hatchet-man who terminates employees by contract, collecting frequent flyer miles all the way. It's a drama, not a horror-flick, he doesn't actually kill the people, he just fires them -- same thing, kinda.
Most of this was filmed in St. Louis, and much of that in my old stomping grounds of Maplewood, Missouri. The midwest offers a lot for a shoot -- it's economical, has diverse architecture, trees, rolling hills -- the only thing you won't find there is a desert, or an ocean, the latter being one of the reasons I moved away.
Main character Ryan is an interesting fellow. He doesn't talk, he "quips", and he "lives" in airports and planes. Ryan avoids relationships on every level, this frequent flyer could write a manual on the best techniques to use when speaking to an adjacent passenger on a flight -- keep it to small talk, then depart quickly.
Love interest Alex lives the same lifestyle, and when they cross paths it just might be a deal made in heaven -- which to them is Homestead Suites, a competitor to the Courtyard Marriot hotel chain. Observe --
INT. - HOTEL - BAR - NIGHT
Ryan and Alex have taken over a couch and have the contents of their wallets spread out - ALL MEMBERSHIP CARDS.
RYAN
Courtyard Marriott card? How dare you bring that into this palace.
ALEX
Homestead Suites offers equal value and better food - But the Marriott gives out warm cookies at check in.
RYAN
They got you with the cookies?
ALEX
I'm a sucker for simulated hospitality.
The script is a terrific read, plenty of sub-plot, twists. Clocks in at about 124 pages, it's a PDF scan so I can't be exact.
One of the basic themes is unemployment, or people just about to join the breadline when they get the news of being fired. With the economy the way it is, Clooney's appeal, Reitmann calling the shots, and people flying less these days therefore wanting to feel like they are, I predict a blockbuster sellout, put me on record for --
199 million dollars.
Could go higher, "Hangover" did the upper 200's, but I'll keep it modest.
Please support this film, there's a real story here and it reflects the times we're going through, it's deserving.
"UP IN THE AIR" OFFICIAL WEBSITE, TRAILER, CLIPS
"UP IN THE AIR" ON IMDB
Thursday, November 5, 2009
OP-ED: BRANDING A CITY
This is my latest op-ed column to be published in our local paper. In short, a branding firm decided that "The Right Size" would be our town's new moniker-- slaying ensues, lol...
Size Doesn't Matter
Greenwood's residents and businesses were no doubt excited to hear of a recent task force organized to "brand" the city. The brand is to "be conveyed in the signage throughout Greenwood and on literature and marketing material."
The branding-consulting firm of Arnett Muldrow and Associates was hired to achieve this goal, gathering feedback from the community, ultimately christening Greenwood with their new slogan:
"Greenwood - The Right Size"
Oh, my.
Three of seven proposed color logos and slogans adorning the morning paper had me doing a double-take. Was I being filmed by one of those spoof shows, with a camera in the bushes, waiting for my reaction?
First was "Greenwood - THE RIGHT SIZE", with "RIGHT" in glowing, bold emerald. The first thing that came to mind was the cliche', yet still funny, "Size doesn't matter." Looking at the word "RIGHT", it just reeked of a political ad: we're right, not on the left, not in between, this town knows its political orientation.
The next logo was "Uptown Greenwood - IT'S RIGHT UPTOWN." I know, I just take Grace Street and I'm right there. Oh, "RIGHT", as in "correct", or "in order". I agree, Uptown is in order, but outsiders would expect that -- a standard is something you adhere to, not brag about. Or did they mean that most of the business owners are Republicans?
The third one is "THE EMERALD TRIANGLE," which is eerie, in all capitals like that, and an elongated triangle that looks like a logo for a new hybrid vehicle. I can't help but associate anything with "triangle" in the name with the "Bermuda Triangle". To me it says "enter and you may never leave," which in itself is a great moniker for a city, unless you're planning a quick visit.
It's like a movie trailer: Grandma went shopping in Greenwood for the day, yet unbeknownst to her, between Thayer's and The Bootery, there exists a portal to the unknown, a place between space and time -- "THE EMERALD TRIANGLE."
I don't believe that one-line slogans work for any city, can you name one off the top of your head? Did you know that the City of Columbia, S.C., has the motto of "One Mission, One Message, One Columbia"? How about Charleston's "Where History Lives"?
Not saying that Greenwood should give up the idea of a label for the area with one dramatic line that will pull in new businesses, residents, and customers; that should be the goal of every community in the nation. Cities have to compete, states do, look at "Virgina is for Lovers," my favorite of all slogans.
After moving here last year, I took a visiting uncle to a local jewelry store because he wanted to buy an emerald ring. We met with local jeweler, Jeff, who showed us a velvet-lined case full of beautiful, loose gems. A discussion ensued about the stones, origins, and why the sign into Greenwood proclaimed it to be "The Emerald City".
He replied that it might have something to do with irish sailors that settled here, Ireland being the "Emerald Isle." I discarded that notion, not because it wasn't true, but I wanted to believe that it was dubbed so because of its beautiful green hues on surrounding golf courses, thick foliage growing in my backyard, and maybe that deep below the city there was an undiscovered vein of glowing, vitreous emeralds, waiting to be discovered.
Meanwhile, my uncle had a gold band on his finger, green gem propped atop, admiring it.
"Looks just the right size, Uncle Tom," I said.
"Size doesn't matter," he quipped.
Size Doesn't Matter
Greenwood's residents and businesses were no doubt excited to hear of a recent task force organized to "brand" the city. The brand is to "be conveyed in the signage throughout Greenwood and on literature and marketing material."
The branding-consulting firm of Arnett Muldrow and Associates was hired to achieve this goal, gathering feedback from the community, ultimately christening Greenwood with their new slogan:
"Greenwood - The Right Size"
Oh, my.
Three of seven proposed color logos and slogans adorning the morning paper had me doing a double-take. Was I being filmed by one of those spoof shows, with a camera in the bushes, waiting for my reaction?
First was "Greenwood - THE RIGHT SIZE", with "RIGHT" in glowing, bold emerald. The first thing that came to mind was the cliche', yet still funny, "Size doesn't matter." Looking at the word "RIGHT", it just reeked of a political ad: we're right, not on the left, not in between, this town knows its political orientation.
The next logo was "Uptown Greenwood - IT'S RIGHT UPTOWN." I know, I just take Grace Street and I'm right there. Oh, "RIGHT", as in "correct", or "in order". I agree, Uptown is in order, but outsiders would expect that -- a standard is something you adhere to, not brag about. Or did they mean that most of the business owners are Republicans?
The third one is "THE EMERALD TRIANGLE," which is eerie, in all capitals like that, and an elongated triangle that looks like a logo for a new hybrid vehicle. I can't help but associate anything with "triangle" in the name with the "Bermuda Triangle". To me it says "enter and you may never leave," which in itself is a great moniker for a city, unless you're planning a quick visit.
It's like a movie trailer: Grandma went shopping in Greenwood for the day, yet unbeknownst to her, between Thayer's and The Bootery, there exists a portal to the unknown, a place between space and time -- "THE EMERALD TRIANGLE."
I don't believe that one-line slogans work for any city, can you name one off the top of your head? Did you know that the City of Columbia, S.C., has the motto of "One Mission, One Message, One Columbia"? How about Charleston's "Where History Lives"?
Not saying that Greenwood should give up the idea of a label for the area with one dramatic line that will pull in new businesses, residents, and customers; that should be the goal of every community in the nation. Cities have to compete, states do, look at "Virgina is for Lovers," my favorite of all slogans.
After moving here last year, I took a visiting uncle to a local jewelry store because he wanted to buy an emerald ring. We met with local jeweler, Jeff, who showed us a velvet-lined case full of beautiful, loose gems. A discussion ensued about the stones, origins, and why the sign into Greenwood proclaimed it to be "The Emerald City".
He replied that it might have something to do with irish sailors that settled here, Ireland being the "Emerald Isle." I discarded that notion, not because it wasn't true, but I wanted to believe that it was dubbed so because of its beautiful green hues on surrounding golf courses, thick foliage growing in my backyard, and maybe that deep below the city there was an undiscovered vein of glowing, vitreous emeralds, waiting to be discovered.
Meanwhile, my uncle had a gold band on his finger, green gem propped atop, admiring it.
"Looks just the right size, Uncle Tom," I said.
"Size doesn't matter," he quipped.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
CONFLICT OR CHALLENGE?
Is it a conflict, or a challenge?
CONFLICT:
1. A state of open, often prolonged fighting; a battle or war.
2. A state of disharmony between incompatible or antithetical persons, ideas, or interests; a clash.
3. A psychic struggle, often unconscious, resulting from the opposition or simultaneous functioning of mutually exclusive impulses, desires, or tendencies.
4. Opposition between characters or forces in a work of drama or fiction, especially opposition that motivates or shapes the action of the plot.
CHALLENGE
1.
a. A call to engage in a contest, fight, or competition.
b. An act or statement of defiance.
2. A demand for explanation or justification.
3. A sentry's call to an unknown party for proper identification.
4. A test of one's abilities or resources in a demanding but stimulating undertaking.
5. A claim that a vote is invalid or that a voter is unqualified.
6. A formal objection to the inclusion of a prospective juror in a jury.
7. The induction or evaluation of an immune response in an organism by administration of a specific antigen to which it has been sensitized.
All too often I hear the riddle behind a screenplay is the "conflict". I feel that is often too general of a categorization, especially across the board for all of the different genres.
I agree that conflict must be used, but challenge can be highly applicable, depending on who your antagonist is. I'm looking to explore a use of words specific to certain types of films.
For example: in a "coming of age" genre type film, depending on the antagonist, I might be more inclined to use the word "challenge" instead of "conflict".
Food for thought.
CONFLICT:
1. A state of open, often prolonged fighting; a battle or war.
2. A state of disharmony between incompatible or antithetical persons, ideas, or interests; a clash.
3. A psychic struggle, often unconscious, resulting from the opposition or simultaneous functioning of mutually exclusive impulses, desires, or tendencies.
4. Opposition between characters or forces in a work of drama or fiction, especially opposition that motivates or shapes the action of the plot.
CHALLENGE
1.
a. A call to engage in a contest, fight, or competition.
b. An act or statement of defiance.
2. A demand for explanation or justification.
3. A sentry's call to an unknown party for proper identification.
4. A test of one's abilities or resources in a demanding but stimulating undertaking.
5. A claim that a vote is invalid or that a voter is unqualified.
6. A formal objection to the inclusion of a prospective juror in a jury.
7. The induction or evaluation of an immune response in an organism by administration of a specific antigen to which it has been sensitized.
All too often I hear the riddle behind a screenplay is the "conflict". I feel that is often too general of a categorization, especially across the board for all of the different genres.
I agree that conflict must be used, but challenge can be highly applicable, depending on who your antagonist is. I'm looking to explore a use of words specific to certain types of films.
For example: in a "coming of age" genre type film, depending on the antagonist, I might be more inclined to use the word "challenge" instead of "conflict".
Food for thought.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
CASTING YOUR SCRIPT
Searching the web led me to SIMPLYSCRIPTS.COM, where I downloaded my earliest reads. There is also a section for "unproduced" scripts, as they put it.
Yes, aspiring screenwriters willingly upload their scripts to public access. This might make sense if production companies trolled the site-- fact is, they don't.
It might also be an option if the readers who downloaded were actual Hollywood readers-- they're not. Their feedback doesn't even start to touch on what real readers are looking for such as a story with a structure, character traits, timing, format-- as Rossio puts it, a "strange attractor" that makes the whole thing unique.
Here's the funny thing, damn funny, to me at least: usually the reader's first question, posted on the public message board, is "who do you see being cast in that part?" From there it leads to a discussion between the poster and scribe as to whether Katherine Heigl or Reese Witherspoon is better suited for the role.
Sorry folks, but I find this hilarious!!
Okay, if you're new to screenwriting, let me explain that the question is as far off topic as whether the chicken or the egg came first. We scribes, we're just looking for a read, and hoping one day an executive will have to sit through a pitch or meeting where the topic is our screenplay. Considering casting for the part is like an amateur, home-guitarist pondering how many of his concert tour dates he can fit into one year!
Hunky male wiseguy? How about Gerard Butler, he seems to be accepting any role lately, as the "flavor of the month".
Sex siren? Can someone tip off Megan Fox or Angelina Jolie? Watch out, Hollywood agents, our script is "out there" now!
I could fill the pages-- oh my, hilarious!!
One more thing: any script with a pregnant female will be likened to "Knocked Up", as in "you probably got passed on by execs because the film is a lot like Knocked Up". Never mind it had camera shots, incorrect format, no structure-- it's because it's kind of like "Knocked Up".
Yep, I'm sure they read it and that's why they passed-- better luck next time!!
Okay, now it's your turn: cast your role, go for it, it's free, goofy, and fun!
I'm taking Steve Carell for my rom-com, I called it first!!
Yes, aspiring screenwriters willingly upload their scripts to public access. This might make sense if production companies trolled the site-- fact is, they don't.
It might also be an option if the readers who downloaded were actual Hollywood readers-- they're not. Their feedback doesn't even start to touch on what real readers are looking for such as a story with a structure, character traits, timing, format-- as Rossio puts it, a "strange attractor" that makes the whole thing unique.
Here's the funny thing, damn funny, to me at least: usually the reader's first question, posted on the public message board, is "who do you see being cast in that part?" From there it leads to a discussion between the poster and scribe as to whether Katherine Heigl or Reese Witherspoon is better suited for the role.
Sorry folks, but I find this hilarious!!
Okay, if you're new to screenwriting, let me explain that the question is as far off topic as whether the chicken or the egg came first. We scribes, we're just looking for a read, and hoping one day an executive will have to sit through a pitch or meeting where the topic is our screenplay. Considering casting for the part is like an amateur, home-guitarist pondering how many of his concert tour dates he can fit into one year!
Hunky male wiseguy? How about Gerard Butler, he seems to be accepting any role lately, as the "flavor of the month".
Sex siren? Can someone tip off Megan Fox or Angelina Jolie? Watch out, Hollywood agents, our script is "out there" now!
I could fill the pages-- oh my, hilarious!!
One more thing: any script with a pregnant female will be likened to "Knocked Up", as in "you probably got passed on by execs because the film is a lot like Knocked Up". Never mind it had camera shots, incorrect format, no structure-- it's because it's kind of like "Knocked Up".
Yep, I'm sure they read it and that's why they passed-- better luck next time!!
Okay, now it's your turn: cast your role, go for it, it's free, goofy, and fun!
I'm taking Steve Carell for my rom-com, I called it first!!
Monday, November 2, 2009
HOW TO WASTE TIME
When someone offers to read your script, whether it's a professional reader or just a friend, you should be thankful. What that means is foresight, not hindsight. They're spending an hour or so of their time helping you, don't expect them to clean up your junk.
When your screenplay has typos and camera angles you're telling me one thing: you don't care, so why should I? If I can tell that you didn't proofread the damn thing then why should I? What, is your time more important than mine? Doubt it, at least to me.
Last night I finally downloaded a script that people, on a message board, had been raving about. It's an unproduced script by someone with obvious talent, or so it seemed as I was reading it.
At the end of 117 pages I had annotated all in my head so I could do this person a favor and post notes, a review, whatever you like.
*one character typo
*address "mom" as "Mom"
*kill the camera angles
*use "filtered" instead of "V.O." for phone conversations
*why did that character disappear and come back way late?
*get to the point quicker in the first ten pages
*check the ethics and morals of the one character, dangerous move, maybe
So, I go on, ready to post that and some good suggestions on how to resolve the problems. Paging through other's feedback, I see the scribe posted this:
"Oh, that's not my latest version, I changed that, and got rid of that character, and..."...."an email so I can send the revised script".
What did I WANT to post??
"YOU ARE A COMPLETE DUMBASS"
What DID I post?
Nothing.
As much as I feel like getting the "latest" version and posting notes, I won't do this person the favor and waste MORE of my time... except for in this post, ranting about it.
So, to you, yes, that promising screenwriter that wasted my time, you know what's wrong with your script? NOTHING, nothing I care to share with you, except this tip--
always post the most recent version of your script so you don't waste my time!
When your screenplay has typos and camera angles you're telling me one thing: you don't care, so why should I? If I can tell that you didn't proofread the damn thing then why should I? What, is your time more important than mine? Doubt it, at least to me.
Last night I finally downloaded a script that people, on a message board, had been raving about. It's an unproduced script by someone with obvious talent, or so it seemed as I was reading it.
At the end of 117 pages I had annotated all in my head so I could do this person a favor and post notes, a review, whatever you like.
*one character typo
*address "mom" as "Mom"
*kill the camera angles
*use "filtered" instead of "V.O." for phone conversations
*why did that character disappear and come back way late?
*get to the point quicker in the first ten pages
*check the ethics and morals of the one character, dangerous move, maybe
So, I go on, ready to post that and some good suggestions on how to resolve the problems. Paging through other's feedback, I see the scribe posted this:
"Oh, that's not my latest version, I changed that, and got rid of that character, and..."...."an email so I can send the revised script".
What did I WANT to post??
"YOU ARE A COMPLETE DUMBASS"
What DID I post?
Nothing.
As much as I feel like getting the "latest" version and posting notes, I won't do this person the favor and waste MORE of my time... except for in this post, ranting about it.
So, to you, yes, that promising screenwriter that wasted my time, you know what's wrong with your script? NOTHING, nothing I care to share with you, except this tip--
always post the most recent version of your script so you don't waste my time!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
PUBLISH A BOOK
One of the ideas floating around the blogosphere is to self-publish a book in connection with your screenplay. Of course, techniques for writing novels are quite different than that of screenwriting, but if you have a good story it's not impossible.
LULU.COM has become one of the most popular sites and services to self-publish through. The size, format, and price is completely up to the author. Known as "pay per print", the book is published on demand, after each client order.
The advantage to having a book in print in connection with your script is multi-faceted: you can send it in with your script, possibly intriguing more interest; pester friends to buy copies online to increase sales; and who knows, maybe one of the big publishers will come at you with a book deal.
Or, a production company, who wants to do an adaptation, in which case you will whip out the script and say "got that too!"
LULU.COM has become one of the most popular sites and services to self-publish through. The size, format, and price is completely up to the author. Known as "pay per print", the book is published on demand, after each client order.
The advantage to having a book in print in connection with your script is multi-faceted: you can send it in with your script, possibly intriguing more interest; pester friends to buy copies online to increase sales; and who knows, maybe one of the big publishers will come at you with a book deal.
Or, a production company, who wants to do an adaptation, in which case you will whip out the script and say "got that too!"
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