Here’s what Suzanne Lyons had to say to make us all feel better: 1) TAKING STOCK: Take a thorough serious look at your year. Go through your calendar, day timer, diary, etc. See where you are out of communication, out of touch, and out of integrity with colleagues, family and friends. Make a complete list.… [Read more…]
December 24, 2011
No I don’t mean placing a red hot iron bar on your rump. BRANDING is a marketing term used to define who you are (identity) and where you meet a need in the marketplace. It’s derived from psychologists who study the way we learn and form relationships between people and feelings, objects and experiences. How… [Read more…]
December 21, 2011
Many emerging screenwriters fail to understand the complex social, emotional and business relationship with agents. Firstly, agents need to be convinced that you are dedicated and committed to your craft. Be strategic with your writing credits. This doesn’t only mean imdb. Speeches, blogs, articles, columns, workshops, seminars, web series, social media are all credits when… [Read more…]
December 18, 2011
Nicole Berger, is a unique type of script analyst. While most script analysts are concerned with issues including character arcs, plot and dialogue, Nicole’s role is to mine for opportunities where products and services can be advertised through either placement or integration. PRODUCT PLACEMENT versus PRODUCT INTEGRATION Generally, when we think of products in films… [Read more…]
December 15, 2011
Most people embarking on a screenwriting career don’t do anything about it, so their chances of success are nil. Corey Mandell, an L.A based script instructor has simple advice. Talent is innate, but many of the craft based skill sets in writing can be learned. Most writers are unaware of which paradigm they write in… [Read more…]
December 12, 2011
On the rare chance that a producer has purchased your script outright, you won’t need to read any further. The reality for most screenwriters is that a producer will option your script. This is analogous to renting a house. You pay a sum of money for the exclusive right to exploit the property for a… [Read more…]
December 9, 2011
It has been argued that many minds can add up to a better film. However, a sticky situation arises when a film becomes successful. Suddenly a plethora of writers emerge claiming to be co-writers on the project, all wanting a cut of the profits. If there is an intention to collaborate on a project, then… [Read more…]
December 6, 2011
For those of you who mail your script to yourself thinking that the postmark date is legal evidence of when your work was created, it doesn’t. Poor man’s (or woman’s) copyright only proves you know how to use your postal service. Apparently, you can steam open envelopes, change the contents and reseal them without anybody… [Read more…]
December 3, 2011
Michael Farris from Script.a.wish shares his wisdom on getting your script to the top of the reader’s pile. Industry folk regularly receive over 100 scripts a week which are expected to be read. They receive over 100 email queries per day, so they’re looking for reasons to reject your script and reduce their workload. Statistically,… [Read more…]
Fellow screenwriters have been bugging me to do script consultations. Contact me for details via my twitter account @jgsarantinos
The next deadline for the Hollywood Outreach Program at The Scriptwriters Network is Saturday 15 September 2012. Visit www.scriptwritersnetwork.org for more details. Get studio quality coverage. Top scripts are recommended to agents, managers and production companies.
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December 30, 2011
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