SCRIPT newsletters

Here are the latest SCRIPT newsletters for my followers to peruse:

Week in Review

 

Letter from the Editor   This week, our ScriptMag.com family of contributors share tips on what to do before even typing "FADE IN," interviews and more! Check out our full list of contributors and follow them on Twitter too.       Now get reading and get writing! Read More...

JUDITH JAMES -   20 producing credits, 30+ options. Experienced in what works, what attracts, what matters, what still earns a "pass". Writing coach for your almost final draft. "Judy James is a game-changer if you want to figure out the heart of your story and make it work. Her insights are priceless to me. There is no-one out there like her. She is truly unique among story/script consultants.” Anthony Buono, screenwriter, optioned TV Series Writer www.whatdoesaproducerdo.com/for-screenwriters judith@djprods.com

STORY BROADS: Learn How to Pitch Your Story Before You Type FADE IN   Most writers create a pitch after their script is written, but Anne-Cecille Ville shares that learning how to pitch your story before you even outline it can help you find the flaws and bang out a more solid draft. Read More...

NAVIGATING HOLLYWOOD: Scam Artists Part 2 – Welcome to Being a “Producer”   When you're starting out in Hollywood you have to learn the ropes quick. Sometimes, it's the people you trust that turns out to be a "scam artist." Read More...

BREAKING & ENTERING: Story Secrets – Don’t Write What You Love. Love What You Write!   Conventional wisdom says, “Write what you love.” Barri Evins’ “Ten Reasons You Must Love What You’re Writing” proves that is wrong. “Love what you write.” Read More...   Enter Access Screenplay Contest!   The Access Screenplay Contest was founded with the express goal of discovering new talent and connecting those emerging writers with Industry decision makers. Enter your feature film, television pilot, web series, or short film. Use code A10 to get 10% OFF submission fee! Over 100 prizes, including the Grand Prize Winners in each category winning a trip to L.A. for meetings! Submit Now...

Online Screenwriting Classes: Professional Playwriting: Genre, Character, and Voice   If you wish to level up your game, expand your horizons and take playwriting to the next level, Paul Peditto can help you sharpen the tools of the trade, explore the diversity of performance choices for the stage and develop an awareness of how you can best use theatre and playwriting to serve your individual voice. Enroll Now...   Webinars and Live Events   Our webinars include both access to the live webinar where you may interact with the presenter and the recorded, on-demand edition for your video library. You do not have to attend the live event to get a recording of the presentation. See full list of upcoming live online webinars here. Selling Your TV Show without Representation by Dr. Donna Dannenfelser, 5/25 Write Your TV Bible: Creating a Sexy, Powerful Story For Your Series by Peter Russell, 6/8 List of All Upcoming Live Webinars List of On-Demand Webinars If you live in L.A., don't miss live events at The Writers Store, including classes as well as free events. See full list of upcoming live Writers Store events here.

SAVE THE CAT GOES TO THE INDIES: Analyzing Lost in Translation   One of the best ways to learn story structure is to analyze successful films. Salva Rubio beats out the film, "Lost in Translation" in his new book 'Save the Cat Goes to the Indies.' Read More...   GEORGE: The Blogging Writer   Meet George the writer. She does does everything about breaking into TV writing the wrong way and in so doing, hopefully shows you the right way. Here, she attempts to break through the fourth wall – out of theatre and into television... Read More...

Three Myths About Westerns and Why We Actually Love Them   Westerns suffer the same naysaying slathered all over romcoms that “Westerns are dead.” Except great Western films are out there just like any other genre. Read More...   SELLING YOUR SCREENPLAY: Screenwriter/Producer Tylor Bohlman Discusses Horror Thriller Jake’s Dead   Ashley Scott Meyers talk with screenwriter Tylor Bohlman about his low budget feature, Jake's Dead and how he and his partners were able to get this film finished on a micro-budget. Read More...

Screenwriting Tutorials: On-Demand Video Classes   Get a single video for $16.99 or subscribe for access to all the videos starting at only $16.33 per month! See all videos and subscribe for All Access here. Our growing library of over 175 video tutorials covers both the creative and business sides of screenwriting, offering instruction from top industry experts! Watch Previews of All Videos...

BALLS OF STEEL: The Hollywood Executive – He’s Just Not That Into You   In life, I typically function with the belief “no news is good news.” But in this industry, the exact opposite is true. If an exec has your script and loves it, they will call… immediately. If they didn’t love it, they toss it into a pile, and you’ll never hear from them again. Assume you are not the exception to the rule. Read More...   BREAKING IN: Dream, Vision, or Fantasy?   Staton Rabin sees many writers not understanding the differences between dreams, visions and fantasies. There’s a big difference between keeping your audience guessing and confusing them. Read More...   Free Screenwriting Resources   Download invaluable free screenwriting resources as our gift to you! Step-by-Step Guide to Creating High Concept Ideas; How to Vet a Script Consultant; How to Find a Literary Agent; Creating Short Film Ideas; Proper Screenplay Format Tips; Creating Strong Protagonist; How to Navigate a Pitchfest; TV Pilot Kit; How to Write a Screenplay Webinar, and MORE! See Full List of Free Downloads...

Jeanne Veillette Bowerman Jeanne is the Editor of Script and adapted the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Slavery by Another Name. Her screenplays were selected as Top 25 Tracking Board Launch Pad, CSExpo Finalist, Second Round Sundance Episodic Lab, and PAGE Awards TV Drama Finalist. Twitter @jeannevb.

 

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Week in Review

 

Letter from the Editor   This week on ScriptMag.com, our family of contributors shared interviews, insights from the WGA negotiations, tips for finding a writing partner and more! Check out our full list of contributors and follow them on Twitter too. There's still time to submit your script to Access Screenplay Contest. Each category winner (short film, feature, TV pilot, and webseries) will win a trip to L.A. for meetings with executives! Final deadline is May 31st. Now get reading and get writing! Read More...

A FLICK CHICK: Time to Hit the Writing Gym   Paula Landry his the writing gym with ideas about how to improve your screenplays by applying workout concepts to your writing. Read More...

ALTERNATE ROUTES: Screenwriting Lessons from the Writer’s Guild Negotiations   Marty Lang explains how the recent Writer's Guild negotiations garnered screenwriting lessons for beginning screenwriters and filmmakers. If you studied the way this negotiation played out, there are some undeniable truths that can help you in your work. Read More...

Spalding University offers a Top Ten low-residency MFA in screenwriting. Prizewinning faculty with East and West Coast sensibilities. Flexible scheduling, cross-genre study, travel abroad. Alums have sold full-length features, TV episodes, more. For information: mfa@spalding.edu

ASK DR. FORMAT: How to Get More White on the Page   Dave Trottier, AKA Dr. Format, demonstrates how to make your script a faster read and keep executives turning the page! Learn better ways to write character description and action in your screenplay. Read More...   Enter Access Screenplay Contest!   The Access Screenplay Contest was founded with the express goal of discovering new talent and connecting those emerging writers with Industry decision makers. Enter your feature film, television pilot, web series, or short film. Use code A10 to get 10% OFF submission fee! Over 100 prizes, including the Grand Prize Winners in each category winning a trip to L.A. for meetings! Submit Now...

Online Screenwriting Classes: Beginning Television Writing   In this four-week course, an established executive producer/showrunner will give you an inside look at the world of dramatic, episodic television. You will explore—and practice—the actual process involved in successfully writing a spec episodic script that will open doors across Hollywood. Enroll Now...   Webinars and Live Events   Our webinars include both access to the live webinar where you may interact with the presenter and the recorded, on-demand edition for your video library. You do not have to attend the live event to get a recording of the presentation. See full list of upcoming live online webinars here. Selling Your TV Show without Representation by Dr. Donna Dannenfelser, 5/25 Write Your TV Bible: Creating a Sexy, Powerful Story For Your Series by Peter Russell, 6/8 List of All Upcoming Live Webinars List of On-Demand Webinars If you live in L.A., don't miss live events at The Writers Store, including classes as well as free events. See full list of upcoming live Writers Store events here.

My Family and Film: Finding the Starter R’s   Currently the big family film debate around Denny Schnulo's house is when can the kids watch R-rated movies? And which movies? And why those movies? Read More...   SELLING YOUR SCREENPLAY: Screenwriter & Director Matt Drummond on Visual Effects Heavy Film, My Pet Dinosaur   Ashley Scott Meyers talks with screenwriter, director, and producer Matt Drummond about his CGI heavy film, My Pet Dinosaur, and how doing effects in TV and features helped him break out as a filmmaker. Read More...

Sharpen Your Pitch at Produced By Conference LA, June 10 -11th at 20th Century Fox Studios   The first step to getting your project made is developing a rock-solid pitch. At Produced By, you will have the opportunity to test out your pitching skills on a stellar panel of experienced producers. You'll be pitching to Gloria Calderon-Kellet (One Day at a Time, How I Met Your Mother), DeVon Franklin (Miracles from Heaven, The Star), Marshall Herskovitz (The Last Samurai, Blood Diamond) and Sarah Schechter (Riverdale, Supergirl). If you are interested in offering a pitch for critique, sign up. Deadline for pitches is May 22nd! Please note that a full release will need to be signed and returned to the PGA along with your submission. Whether you are selected to deliver your pitch or simply watch from the audience, you'll be receiving invaluable information and insider perspectives you just can't get anywhere else. Note: You don't need to be registered to attend Produced By to submit a project for consideration. Learn More...

FINDING THE RIGHT WRITING PARTNER: Collaboration Happens, Part 1   Claudia Johnson & Matt Stevens explore the best ways to find the right writing partner—and the crucial qualities to look for in a prospective co-writer. Read More...   SCREENWRITING BOOK REVIEW: Save the Cat Goes to the Indies by Salva Rubio   Denny Schnulo reviews Save the Cat! Goes to the Indies, where Salva Rubio uses Blake Snyder's Beat Sheet to analyze 50 independent films. Read More...

Screenwriting Tutorials: On-Demand Video Classes   Get a single video for $16.99 or subscribe for access to all the videos starting at only $16.33 per month! See all videos and subscribe for All Access here. Our growing library of over 175 video tutorials covers both the creative and business sides of screenwriting, offering instruction from top industry experts! Watch Previews of All Videos...

5 Reasons to Travel Nonstop to Nashville (Hint #1: Nashville Film Festival)   Nashville Film Festival, plus Southern food and phrases, top the list of Top 5 Reasons to Travel Nonstop to Nashville and promise to jumpstart your travels. Read More...   How to Structure a Screenplay - In Defense of "Formula"   Multiple Emmy Award-winning screenwriter Erik Bork (BAND OF BROTHERS) defends SAVE THE CAT and other story "paradigms" as helpful tools, but not panaceas. Read More...   Free Screenwriting Resources   Download invaluable free screenwriting resources as our gift to you! Step-by-Step Guide to Creating High Concept Ideas; How to Vet a Script Consultant; How to Find a Literary Agent; Creating Short Film Ideas; Proper Screenplay Format Tips; Creating Strong Protagonist; How to Navigate a Pitchfest; TV Pilot Kit; How to Write a Screenplay Webinar, and MORE! See Full List of Free Downloads...

Jeanne Veillette Bowerman Jeanne is the Editor of Script and adapted the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Slavery by Another Name. Her screenplays were selected as Top 25 Tracking Board Launch Pad, CSExpo Finalist, Second Round Sundance Episodic Lab, and PAGE Awards TV Drama Finalist. Twitter @jeannevb.

Week in Review

 

Letter from the Editor   On ScriptMag.com this week, our family of contributors shared tips on screenplay contests, interviews, finding a perfect writing partner and more! Check out our full list of contributors and follow them on Twitter too. Who doesn't love free? Get our Free Downloads to help you succeed in your craft and career! Now get reading and get writing! Read More...

STORY BROADS: 6 Top Tips for Dealing with Feedback   Getting your script ripped apart can be heartbreaking. Vicky Hinault gives 6 tips for dealing with honest feedback. Read More...

FINDING THE RIGHT WRITING PARTNER: Friends and Friends Part 2   Claudia Johnson & Matt Stevens explore the best ways to find the right writing partner—can a friend be a prospective co-writer? Read More...

Screenwriting Contest Success: Beating Your Way to the Top of the Hollywood Heap   Judy Burns has been a reader and a writer who, like many others, had to network to get noticed. She shares advice on choosing contests for screenwriting contest success. Read More...   Enter Access Screenplay Contest!   The Access Screenplay Contest was founded with the express goal of discovering new talent and connecting those emerging writers with Industry decision makers. Enter your feature film, television pilot, web series, or short film. Use code A10 to get 10% OFF submission fee! Over 100 prizes, including the Grand Prize Winners in each category winning a trip to L.A. for meetings! Submit Now...

Online Screenwriting Classes: Writing the Comedy Feature Film   Jump start your comedy screenplay! A spec comedy screenplay is a great calling card for any screenwriter, and in this course we’ll tee you up to create a successful one. Writers will learn the tools professional comedy writers use to create funny screenplays, and how to use those tools to get started on your own script. Enroll Now...   Webinars and Live Events   Our webinars include both access to the live webinar where you may interact with the presenter and the recorded, on-demand edition for your video library. You do not have to attend the live event to get a recording of the presentation. See full list of upcoming live online webinars here. Write Your TV Bible: Creating a Sexy, Powerful Story For Your Series by Peter Russell, 6/8 Writing the Power Protagonists of AMC, HBO, and SHOWTIME by Daniel P. Calvisi, 6/22 List of All Upcoming Live Webinars List of On-Demand Webinars If you live in L.A., don't miss live events at The Writers Store, including classes as well as free events. See full list of upcoming live Writers Store events here.

FROM SCRIPT TO SCREEN: Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg on Journey of Superbad   David S. Cohen goes behind the scenes with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. Superbad, the script they started on a whim, became a summer release from Sony some 11 years later. Read More...   10 Ingredients to Successful Screenwriting: Be Prolific   We all struggle with the issue of quantity versus quality, but most of us do not fully appreciate how essential it is to be able to write a lot of material quickly. How much is enough? Read More...

Produced By Conference LA, June 10 -11th at 20th Century Fox Studios One Weekend - Hundreds of Producers - Countless Opportunities   Secure your spot to engage with hundreds of producers and get one on one connections through the Mentoring Roundtables. For the first time, Produced By presents, the Producers Mashup, an exciting new networking event giving attendees the chance to ask direct questions of a variety of veteran producers and development executives. Register Today!...

SELLING YOUR SCREENPLAY: Filmmakers Anna Mehle & Molly Reynolds Discuss New Web Series, Baked Goodes   Ashley Scott Meyers talks with filmmakers Anna Mehle and Molly Reynolds about their new web series, Baked Goodes. They share how they found their collaborators, wrote the scripts and shot the series. Read More...   IT DEPENDS: What’s that mean? Words.   Contrary to a lot of thinking, words aren’t universally defined and meanings can change. Words can mean different things according to the context they’re used within or the group who uses them. Read More...

Congratulations!   Stitchers comes back with its third season on Monday, June 5 at 9 p.m. Kirsten (Emma Ishta) and the Stitchers team hack into the minds of the recently deceased to investigate diverse and unusual cases spanning from international relations to within their own families. New relationships will develop while others will end, and the true purpose of the Stitchers program will be revealed. Along with Ishta, Stitchers stars Kyle Harris, Ritesh Rajan, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Allison Scagliotti and Damon Dayoub.

Screenwriting Tutorials: On-Demand Video Classes   Get a single video for $16.99 or subscribe for access to all the videos starting at only $16.33 per month! See all videos and subscribe for All Access here. Our growing library of over 175 video tutorials covers both the creative and business sides of screenwriting, offering instruction from top industry experts! Watch Previews of All Videos...

BALLS OF STEEL: Going for the Gold   Screenwriters going for their big break in Hollywood is not unlike an athlete's pursuit of Olympic dreams. See what it takes to win on both counts. Read More...   MEET THE READER: Random Notes from a Screenwriting Contest Judge   Ray Morton offers some random notes on spec scripts from the perspective of a screenwriting contest judge. Read More...   Free Screenwriting Resources   Download invaluable free screenwriting resources as our gift to you! Step-by-Step Guide to Creating High Concept Ideas; How to Vet a Script Consultant; How to Find a Literary Agent; Creating Short Film Ideas; Proper Screenplay Format Tips; Creating Strong Protagonist; How to Navigate a Pitchfest; TV Pilot Kit; How to Write a Screenplay Webinar, and MORE! See Full List of Free Downloads...

Jeanne Veillette Bowerman Jeanne is the Editor of Script and adapted the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Slavery by Another Name. Her screenplays were selected as Top 25 Tracking Board Launch Pad, CSExpo Finalist, Second Round Sundance Episodic Lab, and PAGE Awards TV Drama Finalist. Twitter @jeannevb.

Story Ideas That Sell

 

Cracking the High Concept Code   This week's screenwriting tip is from ghost writer, Unknown Screenwriter, who gives you a step-by-step guide into creating a high-concept idea for your next screenplay. Don't miss Peter Russell's webinar on Thursday, June 8th on Write Your TV Bible: Creating a Sexy, Powerful Story For Your Series. You do not have to attend the live event to get a recording of the presentation. Write Your TV Bible: Creating a Sexy, Powerful Story For Your Series by Peter Russell, 6/8 Writing the Power Protagonists of AMC, HBO, and SHOWTIME by Daniel P. Calvisi, 6/22 List of All Upcoming Live Webinars List of On-Demand Webinars By Unknown Screenwriter Too many screenwriters... Especially newbie screenwriters simply do not understand high concept. Some think it's selling out. Others think it's formulaic. Still others believe it's contrary to their "art." I can't believe it but I've been writing screenplays for thirty years now and no, I haven't kept track of how many newbie scripts I've read over the years but I can tell you it's a lot. Out of all those specs, I can count on one hand how many were in fact, high concept. From my own observation, most newbie screenwriters, and even old hands who've yet to get paid, often end up writing something that's been done before and even if they spend a year on that spec rewriting, tweaking, and polishing-they usually end up with nothing more than a decent writing sample. Notice I said, "decent." Not good. Not outstanding. Not amazing. Decent because it's competently written but the concept is really no different from other movies we've seen before. No HOOK. Nothing unique. Nothing original...  Read More...

Jeanne Veillette Bowerman Jeanne is the Editor of Script and adapted the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Slavery by Another Name. Her screenplays were selected as Top 25 Tracking Board Launch Pad, CSExpo Finalist, Second Round Sundance Episodic Lab, and PAGE Awards TV Drama Finalist. Twitter @jeannevb.

Debunk those excuses!

 

BREAKING IN: The Top 10 Lame-O Excuses For Why You Can't Sell Your Screenplay (And How to Stop Making Them)   This week's screenwriting tip is from senior contributor Staton Rabin, debunking common excuses writers make for not selling a script. Don't miss out on saving hundreds of dollars with The Writers Store Product Bundles. Every month we offer new bundles to save you time and money! Bookmark the link. Write Your TV Bible: Creating a Sexy, Powerful Story For Your Series by Peter Russell, 6/8 Writing the Power Protagonists of AMC, HBO, and SHOWTIME by Daniel P. Calvisi, 6/22 Writing the Game Changing Contemporary Horror Screenplay by Mylo Carbia, 7/13 List of All Upcoming Live Webinars List of On-Demand Webinars By Staton Rabin Writers give me excuses all the time for why their scripts haven’t sold. The only one I haven’t heard yet is: “The velociraptor ate my screenplay.” The good news is that if you have a great screenplay, pitch it effectively, and have emotional intelligence and persistence in marketing it, selling a script (or being hired to write one) is a very achievable goal. But first you’ve got to be willing to ditch the excuses, and replace them with a more effective way of thinking. Here are the ten worst excuses for why your screenplay hasn’t sold (yet!) and how to talk yourself out of them...   Read More...

Jeanne Veillette Bowerman Jeanne is the Editor of Script and adapted the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Slavery by Another Name. Her screenplays were selected as Top 25 Tracking Board Launch Pad, CSExpo Finalist, Second Round Sundance Episodic Lab, and PAGE Awards TV Drama Finalist. Twitter @jeannevb.

 

Polish a Screenplay Like a Pro

 

How to Get More White on the Page   This week's screenwriting tip is from Dave Trottier, AKA Dr. Format, on tips for making your screenplay a "fast read" so the exec just can't put it down! Don't miss Dave's online class that starts today on Proper Formatting Technique. Even if you're a day late, there's still time to sign up! Create Authentic Characters Using Your Personal Experiences by Jeff Leisawitz, 5/11 Selling Your TV Show without Representation by Dr. Donna Dannenfelser, 5/25 List of All Upcoming Live Webinars List of On-Demand Webinars ____________________  by Dave Trottier Big blocks of black ink are guaranteed to discourage any reader. Let’s see if we can’t whittle them down without losing anything important. At the same time, we’ll be specific in describing images and actions...   Read More...

Jeanne Veillette Bowerman Jeanne is the Editor of Script and adapted the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Slavery by Another Name. Her screenplays were selected as Top 25 Tracking Board Launch Pad, CSExpo Finalist, Second Round Sundance Episodic Lab, and PAGE Awards TV Drama Finalist. Twitter @jeannevb.