2010 "CLUNKER" SCRIPT LAUNCH

Launching into 2010, I figured it's time to finally unleash the campaign for my "CLUNKER" movie script. Here's what it entails --

*Script -- 110 pages of rom-com funniness that might bring a tear to your eye, or so I hope!
*Inktip -- a listing on inktip.com, which I'm not so enthusiastic about right now, but it's worth a shot for the price.
*Video -- which depicts the opening scene and my mission -- to get "CLUNKER" recognized through every alternative method possible.
*Facebook -- a "fan" page for the script / movie, complete with videos, graphics, my fake posters for the film, a "Discussions" tab where fans can cast their favorite actors for roles in the film, and a chance for FANS to win a three-night trip to Mexico if the screenplay is ever produced.
*Movieset -- yep, we're on Movieset.com, too!
*Networking -- with actors and other industry types, which is going surprisingly well.

It's all worth a shot, and doing more for my screenplay than it would sitting in a dark drawer. Check out the vid for a laugh!





If you enjoyed that, PLEASE become a Facebook FAN on this page, you just have to click at the top of the page, and it makes you eligible for the FREE TRIP TO MEXICO!

IF you want a copy of the script for your own reading pleasure, just go to Facebook, sign up as a FAN, and then also FAN on Movieset (links below), contact me at BrianBurkeB@gmail.com and I will send you your very own copy! It's that easy!

Thanks all, wishing you and yours the best in 2010!---Brian Burke
CLICK HERE FOR OUR "CLUNKER" FB page! WE NEED YOU AS A FAN!!!
CLICK HERE FOR OUR "MOVIESET" PAGE!

SLEEP DEPRIVED ACTORS

Marketing my script lately, I've run across a lot of actors. Ironically enough, when you look at the film industry and the entire process -- to get a film from an idea, to screenplay, to greenlight, filming, post, and then distribution -- it all has very little to do with actors.

In the "pre" process, the only attention an actor will get is if they are tagged as an "element", meaning they are slated to be in the film, passionate about the script, owe a production company or writer a favor. Getting an actor as an element is one way to set the wheels in motion, and a surefire way for a screenwriter to have better hopes at being produced.

But back to the poor actors. Yes, I said "poor actors". They get no attention, when they do, it's in the form of an unpaid audition that surely eats up their day. Should they be one of the lucky few, they arrive early on set, often in a foreign land, desert, whatever location is essential to the shoot. They often work long hours in terribly hot or cold conditions, relegated to the situation by an often crabby director, who might care less about acting and more about a shooting schedule.

It seems actors don't get much sleep. If they have a name it's not uncommon that they shoot all day or night, only to get off work and buzz off to a charity event or obligatory social situation. Ever hear of a big-name actor not showing for an event?

FADE IN:

EXT. HOLLYWOOD - RED CARPET - NIGHT

JOHN TESH strokes the airwaves as an announcer for this televised event. MARY HART keeps her vaseline-toothed smile locked on John as he introduces guests.

JOHN TESH
And what a lovely night for such a gala.

MARY HART
Lovely night!

JOHN TESH
Aww, and who's this? None other than Angelina Jolie, in a lovely Marchesa gown, at that!

MARY HART
Angelina, lovely, Marchesa--

JOHN TESH
And I'm sure we'll see Brad Pitt bring up the rear--

John stops mid-sentence. Cupping his ear monitor, he wrinkles his forehead.

JOHN TESH
What's that? Folks, we regret to inform you that Brad Pitt has taken the night off... okay, yes... seems he had a long day at the studio, and... "Noxzema", their latest adopted child, has an earache... yes, he's taking a personal day off.

MARY HART
Oh, that Noxzema, such a sweet child! Best wishes Brad, if you're watching!

FADE OUT

Wouldn't make sense, would it? Well, this holiday, here's a shout out to actors, I hope you're getting plenty of sleep!

X-MAS X 2?

We should do Christmas more often. I'm not one for out of season, pre-Christmas sales, I still don't understand where it became "law" to announce all the deals and start decorating on Thanksgiving, but to those who enjoy it, fine. And by every New Year's, I'm quite over Christmas, "out with the old, in with the new", we need to move on.

But as for Christmas eve, and the day itself, I'm all for it. People slow down and think, for once. They take inventory of what's important or special. Many reach out and do kind acts. Volunteers across the country feed the homeless, donate gifts and goods to needy children.

I'm all for Hannukah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan -- anything in the season with people celebrating, making a sacrifice, reflecting on things -- it's just plain good for the human spirit, and I hope other rites and religions continue to gain exposure as time goes by, it's interesting, and we can always stand to learn from others.

Christmas is film day! That means "Up in the Air" goes nationwide! I've never spent Christmas in the theater, so this will be a first. It's been a long wait, and the film has gotten several nominations and rave reviews. Clooney will definitely be enjoying his Christmas, if he celebrates.

Whatever you celebrate, whatever you do, I wish you a "merry" moment... let's maybe schedule one of these next summer as well?
;-)== "Ho-ho-ho!"

HOW PRESIDENT OBAMA STOLE MY SUGGESTION - PART II

As explained in THIS POST, I wrote a letter asking government officials to consider my ideas concerning a hiring incentive for employers in order to create new jobs.

Keep in mind, I'm non-partisan, I just want the right thing to be done, people need jobs. Nearly 80% of our government's money comes from our taxes, without workers, those numbers are fading.

Local SC congressmen and reps had responded within a month, a reasonable amount of time. Many of the republican reps pointed out that they had supported such a bill, but were shot down earlier this year. "The google" is not helping me find that fact anywhere.

In the end, EVERYONE responded, except for the office of GOP rep Michael Steele, a person who had, in fact, impressed me with his take on us needing to "create jobs, not just work." It's unfortunate that everyone else could respond, yet a "lesser known" type couldn't have an email auto-responder with a form letter.

At the beginning of October, nearly sixty days after my send, The Whitehouse responded. I was shocked, as I had given up hope by then. They sent their obvious form email letter, but I was impressed at how it included links to job resources. This simple act, what was available to every rep who responded, but eluded their thoughts, lent a more caring attitude to the form letter.

Now, the shocker.

A few days after receiving response from President Obama's team, my wife sent a link to this article, just announced, saying how the party was considering a tax incentive based on hiring. Did Obama steal my idea? Impossible, as the concept is not new, they had bounced around talk of lowering the payroll tax in pre-election euphoria.

BUT, imagine, writing on the topic, not hearing for sixty days, and when you do get contacted, a few days later the party is holding court and announcing their grand ideas, specific to your topic?

Maybe it's a coincidence, or maybe their email to me was a small suggestion of a "thanks for writing", or bringing up this subject?

The point I'm making here -- every bit counts, the slightest bit of activism can help change the course. If you, or a friend or family member, has lost a job, are suffering economically from the recession, have gotten a new job but work for way less than you did before, then you should speak up. We're on the front lines here, it makes sense for us to be reporting on it.

Things are NOT changing, the "good old days" are not creeping in without reason, it's not going to happen. Every service and sales business has suffered, along with their employees, largely due to the housing market hoax that made for a blissful part of 2000 that we are all now paying hell for.

Every employer is looking to reduce costs, nobody with common sense would hire without dire need, it's all about strapping down. Unless the gov comes through with a great plan, this situation will hold pattern, for years, maybe even a decade.

Please take a minute of your time and write The Whitehouse like I did. Tell them, from the heart, what you are dealing with, your fears, what you, friends, and family are going through because there isn't a single person unaffected by this situation.

You matter! Thanks!
CLICK HERE TO WRITE TO PRESIDENT OBAMA

HOW PRESIDENT OBAMA STOLE MY SUGGESTION

Dear readers, as explained in previous posts, part of my "job" is that of a political columnist for local papers. Below is a letter that I wrote, in early August of 2009, concerning unemployment, and urging our government to create incentives for employers to hire. This was sent to SC reps, as well as Congress, the Senate, GOP rep Michael Steele -- any email address I could find which seemed applicable -- and finally, to the Whitehouse, to President Barack Obama.

What will follow in further posts is shocking, if not unbelievable, or cynically, all too believable. Giving all parties involved almost five months to act was my gift of the benefit of doubt, now it's time to "out" it. Stay tuned!

Dear (applicable title and name),

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job losses from April to June of 2009 averaged 436,000 per month. Their website also explains that payroll employment has fallen 6.5 million since December 2007.

The Tax Policy Center (taxpolicycenter.org) shows that in the 2008 fiscal year 45% of the government's revenue came from the individual income tax and an additional 36%was derived from payroll taxes. That is a stunning 81% of our country's revenue at least somewhat related to employment.

The only way to increase revenue is to raise taxes or create more jobs. Unemployment is putting a big dent in the retail sales and housing market. Without expendable cash, and people saving more than ever due to the recession, sales are down. Manufacturers and other business owners are losing their customers, in turn reducing costs by downsizing their work force or closing, creating more job losses. Employers are simply not hiring.

Unemployment also affects contributions into Social Security. I have yet hear hear how the severe job losses will affect this program.

There is currently no government incentive for a business to retain or hire an employee. The employers cover wages, salaries, and their part in the payroll tax as well as any additional benefits offered. With every job loss we are missing government revenue and the possibility to boost retail sales and business growth. Better sales and growth usually creates new jobs.

In pre-election debates there was a mention of the possibility of lowering the payroll tax. It could be one of the best incentives for employers to hire or retain workers. If we were to lower the tax by "x" amount for each employed individual, it would, of course, mean lost revenue for the government during that limited time period. In contrast, if we do nothing, we will continue to miss out on the potential taxes that the unemployed workforce could be supplying.

In our nearby city of Greenville, 12,000 applicants showed up last month for a job fair at the Haywood Mall. There were only 500 positions available.

Doing nothing gives us a surefire loss. A cut in taxes or a new incentive for employers might motivate them to retain or hire, put a few dollars extra into the benefactor's pocket, possibly increasing business sales and profits.

It's our choice. We can sit and do nothing and take the losses, or we can introduce a chance. I ask you to please start a dialogue in Washington concerning a "hiring incentive" program for employers.

Kind regards,
Brian Burke

UPDATE -- 2010 KNOCKS ON THE DOOR!

2010 is coming up fast, time for a new set of screenwriting goals. It's been a productive year -- learning the craft, completing and marketing my first screenplay, my "How to Write a Script / Screenplay" being posted and twittered by several visitors who I am more than grateful for.

I've learned a lot about the industry in a short amount of time, it's been the most productive period of unemployment in my life. Which is just another reason for you to write your own screenplay, when times are slow, staring at the clock does no good.

So, without further delay, here's the 2010 goals --
*"How to Write a Screenplay" series -- reformat, polish, and upload as a PDF, making it easier for visitors to access and use.
*"CLUNKER" -- this is the current script I'm marketing. I set heights very high by wanting to have it in production before 2011. It's a lotto and a crapshoot, wish me luck!
*Second and third scripts -- second is in a rewrite / polish, third is a treatment right now. Both need to be finished before spring, I can do that.
*Nicholl Awards -- I'll be entering at least one screenplay by the deadline, and maybe "Blue Cat" competition as well.
*Move -- we have to get out of this place, for several reasons, most are on the sidebar at right. Possibilities are Charleston, Atlanta, Houston, or L.A.
*Job -- I need one. Should you be interested in hiring, here's what I offer --

*instruction in decorative artistry (faux finishes, murals, special plasters) and how to establish and operate your own small business. In the realm of small business and marketing, I specialize in training people to run their business on a budget directed towards a target audience that wants your product or service.

*web design -- websites, blogs, Facebook, domains, visitor analytics, search engine optimization, graphics, logos, html, flash, animations, video. Whether you need to get your product or service on the internet, or have an existing site that needs more traffic, I can design something that is easy to navigate and loads quick.

*writing -- articles about specific issues or products, proofreading of material, web moderation about any topic mentioned above, notes on your script - screenplay, script development of an idea you have.

As a whole, I'm a very disciplined and dedicated individual who can be passionate and communicative about your project, whatever it may be. I can give you a "flat rate" on anything, meaning you know how much you will be paying, up front.

Now that pitch is over, maybe you're motivated to write your own goals for 2010? Feel free to share in our comments section!

READY FOR LAUNCH

Before I fully unleash my guerilla marketing campaign for my script, there are a few things I would like to explain, for myself, and for anyone in doubt.

I recently posted on the fact that screenwriters need to brand themselves, it's unfortunate, but good writing alone doesn't cut it. Of course, the brand itself will not sell a script, but it does make you memorable should your black and white copy get into the hands of "someone important". This is a fast moving business where someone is all too quickly forgotten.

Screenwriters seem to get obsessed with the thought that someone is going to steal their idea. It's almost a form of self-flattery to think that our idea is so great that people will be going to such great lengths and risk to steal it. The fact is that cases involving copyright infringement are usually that of professionals stealing on their level, not delving into the unkown resources of spec script writers. If you want to steal, you take the risk by stealing from someone sucsessful, you knock off the biggest bank, not the small, unkown, town bank with no security guards and little money.

Reading a recent article of how screenwriters "made it", one common factor was apparent -- a person was met, by chance, and months or years later there was another chance meeting with the same, and this evolved into a solid contact with someone else. What does this mean? In my book, "be seen twice", and it doesn't even have to be in person. Get noticed, twice, in whatever way possible, and then cultivate that. For me, the campaign I am executing relies on that factor -- branding and visibility.

My screenplay is accessible online, and I have no fear of anyone stealing it (see the reasons above). I'm not putting it on "triggerstreet.com" or "simplyscripts.com" because that's not my target audience -- hobby readers and writers, at least for the moment. It is available on two "reputable" sites of the profession. Currently, it's hard enough to get someone to read your logline or synopsis, let alone the whole script.

Query letters are sad, a lot end up in the can, the response is very slow, and when you do get the greenlight to send in a script it gets in the hands of an all too commonly untrusted reader. I think there are lots of "good" readers out there, but what may satisfy the reader is not always what satisfies a prodco and vice-versa. It's time for change.

Still, it seems the best shot at getting noticed is being branded and by winning a reputable screenwriting competition. A sure way to waste your time and money is by entering the majority of unreputable screenwriting competitions that make a profit off of the entries. There are six or less very reputable contests.

Blogs -- are good to have, especially for branding and visibility. It's one of the ways to showcase your voice and discipline. But, all too many of these electronic diaries spewing with filth and bad attitudes are a dead giveaway that the author is not someone that professionals would want to work with in the industry. It's proven that you have to be a professional -- punctual, concise, diplomatic, and trustworthy, to make it in this industry.

I welcome your thoughts.