Tuesday 15 August 2017

Script newsletters


Here are the latest Script newsletters, including the Diverse Voices writing contest - DEADLINE TODAY, for my followers to peruse:


     

 

This is a special offer for our readers from our trusted partner.

Diverse Voices $35 Deadline August 15th

Whether you have a TV Pilot, Feature, Web Pilot, or Short Film, make sure to enter your writing sample for this unique opportunity to break through. Past winners have been signed by top Hollywood managers and had their scripts optioned.
WeScreenplay's transparent and fair competition model is turning heads in the industry as winning writers get scooped up by literary managers around town. If you haven't entered a WeScreenplay competition yet, then you don't know what you're missing. Strap a rocket onto your career and enter today.
 
 
 
 

Mission

Diverse Voices strives to provide a contest that is purely focused on promoting and encouraging diverse voices and stories. The contest encourages stories that are told from perspectives - through the author and/or characters - that are often underrepresented in Hollywood today. 
 
 

Giving Back

Diverse Voices supports the Books for Kids Foundation, a non-profit whose mission is to promote literacy among all children with a special emphasis on low-income and at-risk preschool-aged children. So far, Diverse Voices has raised $6,000 for the Books for Kids Foundation!
 
 

Our Promise

Diverse Voices scores every entry two times from two different judges, and we make those scores transparent for every entrant -- free. We also normalize scores and de-weight the lowest score to give every writer the fairest chance possible of having their story connect.
 
 


Week in Review
     

 

 
Sometimes I like to dig into the old ScriptMag.com archives and find some fun articles that can help your career. This week, I found an interview of Craig Mazin on writing The Hangover Part II sequel and one of Michael Brandt on being a writer turned director. Beyond the archives, Dave Trottier also shares the 10 most common questions and more! Check out our full list of contributors and follow them on Twitter too.

Don't forget we have tons of free information on Script, including free downloads to help you succeed in the next contest you enter!

Now get reading and get writing!
Read More...
 
Dave Trottier, AKA Dr. Format, answers to ten screenwriting questions he's asked all the time. Maybe you have some of the same questions. Read More...
 
Warner Bros. 2009 smash-hit comedy, The Hangover, launched its much-anticipated sequel, Script talked with one of the writers, Craig Mazin. Instead of the bright lights of Las Vegas, the “Wolfpack” (and the film’s new writers) took their hijinks to Bangkok for a night to, or not to, remember. Read More...
 
Michael Brandt discusses his move to directing, what he learned about writing from his new perspective, and what screenwriters should consider about becoming a hyphenate themselves. Read More...
 
Marty Lang talks with Gary King about how he developed the story of his new horror film 'Among Us', the challenges of producing your own work, and the value of the friends and family network. Read More...
 
In this workshop, you will learn how to USE ‘history’ to make ‘story.’ Audiences and industry professionals view the “reality” behind the story as an element of intrigue, or selling point, but the screenwriter’s skills need to be up to snuff. In this workshop, you will go through the step by step process of building your screenplay from the foundation of a true story. Enroll Now...

See full list of self-paced online courses here.
 
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.
 
Ashley Scott Meyers talks with writer/director John Butler about his new film, 'Handsome Devil,' growing up on Ireland, and how he eventually found a path to being a professional screenwriter and director. Read More...
 
 
Ever have trouble developing a story? Jeanne Veillette Bowerman offers seven brainstorming techniques to help you get ideas down and the first draft in motion. Read More...
 
When exploring movie ideas, many screenwriters write what they know. David Garrett challenges you to step outside of your comfort zone for a better premise. Read More...
 
 
ScriptMag is honored to be one of the sponsors of Roadmap Writers "Wise "Words" Writing Contest. Roadmap often hears concerns from their community who are over the age of 50 that they believe they have a smaller chance of breaking into the industry due to their age. So they wanted to offer an exclusive opportunity just for those writers! Read More...
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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...
 
Danny Manus gives insight into what screenwriting contest judges are looking for when they read and why, perhaps, your script has been a consummate quarter-finalist or semifinalist, instead of a winner. Read More...
 
 
At DePaul School of Cinematic Arts’ annual Courier 12 Screenwriting Conference, Matthew Quinn spoke with Oscar-winning screenwriter Tom Schulman about his career, advice to screenwriters, writers becoming directors and more. 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.


Story Structure Tips

 

 
This week's screenwriting tip is from the late, great Mystery Man. We step back into our archives to share his belief that a great writer knows the pitfalls and takes a concept and creatively considers the most compelling way to tell that story—structure be damned.

Don't miss Steve Cuden's webinar on Thursday, July 27th on Writing the Hit Musical Adaptation From History, Literature and More. You do not have to attend the live event to get a recording of the presentation.

By Mystery Man

Let me say, first of all, that every aspiring writer should be an expert on structure, especially the three-act form. You should know the three-act backward and forward, and I don’t mean being book-smart about it, either. I don’t care how easily you can rattle off to anyone anywhere how the structure works. I’m talking about the knowledge that comes from the experience of writing many, many scripts within the three-act structure. You need enough writing experience in your life of shaping stories to fit the three-act structure, of building tension, of molding that rising climax, and of creating satisfying payoffs so that you can feel the three-act structure in your bones as you compose a story. That kind of ability never develops overnight.

But then there comes a point in your career when you should say “to hell with structure”...
  Read More...
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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

 

 
On ScriptMag.com this week, we share tips on remakes, getting past Hollywood execs, writing partners and more! Check out our full list of contributors and follow them on Twitter too.

When I get stuck on a project, sometimes I need instant advice. Check out our On-Demand Webinars for immediate download to get you over those hurdles instantly!

Now get reading and get writing!
Read More...
 
Screenwriting advice can seem random, contradictory, even useless. Barri Evins gives guidance on which guidelines to listen to and those you should pretend you never heard. Read More...
 
Stewart Farquhar explains how writers should study early films, not to copy but to gather and infuse themselves with value and depth of a dwindling “storytelling” skill and art. Read More...
 
Industry executive and writer Robin Schorr shares her path to breaking into the business in our look back into the Script magazine archives. Read More...
 
Ashley Scott Meyers talks with East Coast filmmaker Tony Germinario about writing the screenplay, raising money, and producing his latest thriller film, Bad Frank. Read More...
 
You’ve written a play or two, maybe three, four or more. You know how to write a scene with a beginning, middle and end, and an understanding of character and dialogue. But you wish to level up your game, expand your horizons and take playwriting to the next level. This means sharpening the tools of the trade, exploring the diversity of performance choices for the stage and developing an awareness of how you can best use theatre and playwriting to serve your individual voice. Enroll Now...

See full list of self-paced online courses here.
 
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.
 
I know writers love to know the “rules” and “formulas” and “principles” of writing, but truthfully, there are no great truths about writing. A great writer knows the pitfalls and takes a concept and creatively considers the most compelling way to tell that story—structure be damned. Read More...
 
 
Claudia Johnson & Matt Stevens explore the best ways to find the right writing partner—if online dating works for couples, why not for writing partners. Read More...
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These days, writers often get confused between a hook and a gimmick. And the two are not the same thing. Danny Manus explains the differences. Read More...
 
 
If you settle for a weak script, then every step afterward is built upon a poor foundation. Kim Garland gives tips on script development for first-time directors. Read More...
 
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...
 
Writers think they are alone in their doubts. But if the voice of doubt or fear isn't coming up for you, you may not be working at your creative edge. Read More...
 
 
TV writer Eric Haywood (EMPIRE) examines some of the ways writers should NOT attempt to network 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.

One-location stories!
     

 

 
This week's screenwriting tip is from Cameron Chapman, offering advice on how to effectively write a contained story for any genre.

If you're writing a crime script, don't miss the chance to save hundreds of dollars with our Write a Gripping Crime Script Package. Originally $389.95, for a limited time only, you can get all the products for just $49.99!

By Cameron Chapman

Whether you want to produce and direct the screenplays you write yourself or you’re targeting small, indie producers, writing a contained script can have a lot of advantages over more expansive scripts. But writing the contained script can be even more difficult than writing other types of screenplays.

Figuring out how to create a compelling, entertaining, or meaningful story within a confined structure is a challenge I personally loved. I highly recommend every screenwriter at least attempt a contained script, if for no other reason than the challenge and learning opportunity it entails.

What is a contained script? ...
  Read More...
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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.

Breaking In, Writing Routines, First Drafts and More!
     

 

 
This week's screenwriting tips come from Scotty Mullen, former publicist who refused to give up on the dream. Check out his amazing story of going from day job to pro screenwriter in just four years, and how he wrote a draft of Sharknado 5 in just a few weeks!

If you need help elevating your story, don't miss Peter Russell's webinar on Thursday, August 17th on Writing Tension that Lasts. You do not have to attend the live event to get a recording of the presentation.

By Cameron Chapman

With the fifth installment premiering this weekend, the Sharknado films have become SyFy’s most successful TV movie franchise. Taking over the writing helm for Sharknado 5: Global Swarming is Scotty Mullen. Scotty went from total beginner to working screenwriter in just four short years—an inspiring story for anyone looking to break in.   Read More...
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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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Emmy Nominated for "Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series"
     

 


Emmy Nominated for "Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special"

 

This is a special message for our readers from our trusted partner.
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Week in Review

 

 
Our ScriptMag.com family of contributors brings you career advice this week from shooting a film on your smartphone to interviews of pro writers who broke in at pitchfests and more! Check out our full list of contributors and follow them on Twitter too.

I'm a broken record when it comes to sales, but I love saving money. If you're like me, you'll want to check out the Learn from the Masters Bundle and save hundreds of dollars on a bundle of seven webinars! Sale ends August 31st.

Now get reading and get writing!
Read More...
 
Successful screenwriters eliminate at least one of these six actions at first and see if that does not work for you. I have a feeling it will work wonders. Read More...
 
Anne-Cecile Ville explores the way we create female character bias in movies and how to go about it a different way. Read More...
 
Rebecca Norris gives indie filmmakers 5 reasons to self-distribute your film on Amazon Video Direct, for international distribution without the middleman. Read More...
 
Taking over the writing helm for Sharknado 5: Global Swarming is Scotty Mullen. Cameron Chapman speaks with Scotty about going from total beginner to working screenwriter in just four short years-an inspiring story for anyone looking to break in. Read More...
 
By the end of Rebecca Norris' course, you’ll have your pilot in hand — and a plan for where you want to take your series in subsequent episodes. With skills that are applicable not only to this format but to writing any kind of script — and an understanding of how to keep viewers coming back for more! Enroll Now...

See full list of self-paced online courses here.
 
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.
 
Claudia Johnson & Matt Stevens explore the best ways to find the right writing partner— “complementary strengths” gives each collaboration its unique richness and range of experience, knowledge, and talent to tap. Read More...
 
 
Years ago, the only way you could get a film made was to spend near-obscene amounts of money. Marty Lang discusses the new revolution of smartphone filmmaking. Read More...
 
One of the hot topics in the nation today is immigration. So, perhaps there has never been a better time for Affirm Film's new movie All Saints, to tell the inspiring true story of a group of refugees Read More...
 
 
Ashley Scott Meyers talks with screenwriter Michael Lucker about breaking into the business, working in Steven Spielberg's office, and getting Spielberg himself to read his script. Read More...
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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...
 
Getting your script ripped apart can be heartbreaking. Vicky Hinault gives 6 tips for dealing with honest feedback. Read More...
 
 
Paula Landry explains how all screenwriting is marketing, simply for the reason that nobody writes a screenplay to languish on a hard drive. 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.
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twitter
youtube
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google plus
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Tips for fearlessly writing a first draft!
 
 
This week's screenwriting tip is from a post I wrote a few years ago that I go back and read often when I feel a little fear creep in. Nature is a lot like writing. Organic and beautiful, when you don’t force it. We need to be flexible and embrace what can organically happen when you open yourself up to change.

Speaking of change, The Writers Store will be closing its brick and mortar retail space on Wednesday, July 19th. The 40% OFF Sale is on until July 17th. So, if you're in Burbank, be sure to drop by to say hi to the amazing writers who work tirelessly at the store to help you achieve your dreams! We'll still have products, classes and software available online, so have no fear. Our commitment to serve our community is as strong as ever.

By Jeanne Veillette Bowerman

I have a problem starting scripts. I am a self-proclaimed outline junkie, allowing myself to linger in all the possibilities of characters and conflict for far too long before opening my screenwriting software and diving in.

For this new project, I’m trying something new on multiple fronts:

1. I did a rough outline, not as detailed a one as I normally do (some of mine have been 31 pages long! Yikes).
2. I’m writing a novel that I will ultimately adapt into a screenplay. Go with it. I do things backwards sometimes.

Wait, this is a screenwriting site, why is she talking about writing a novel?

Because story is story, and my experience still pertains to screenwriting.

I’ve discussed the “to outline or not to outline” debate before, but I want to simply explore what I’m learning by writing on a scant one instead of a detailed one.
  Read More...
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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
     

 

 
On ScriptMag.com this week, we explored the odds of screenwriting success, offering tips on logical storytelling, keeping the hope of a script sale alive, finding an agent and more! Check out our full list of contributors and follow them on Twitter too.

As you know, our Burbank Writers Store location will be closing the physical storefront. Don't worry, we'll still have a lot of our great products available online! Katiedid Langhorn, a professional TV writer, cut her teeth learning all about the craft and career of screenwriting when she started hanging out, and then later working at, The Writers Store. She shares a beautiful tribute to the iconic store in The Writers Store Farewell. Don't miss this chance to get some boxed software, books, etc. in our CLEARANCE SALE that runs until July 17th!

Now get reading and get writing!
Read More...
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Writers know it’s not easy to launch and sustain a writing career. The odds aren’t necessarily stacked in your favor. But, what exactly are your chances of having screenwriting success? Corey Mandell's answer might surprise you. Read More...
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How does one get an agent at a big time agency, and how do you fall out of love with that same guy just a few years later? Paul Peditto explains. Read More...
 
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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 features, TV episodes, more. Email us at mfa@spalding.edu.

 
The greatest secret weapon for all aspiring screenwriters will forever stay a secret. Katiedid Langrock reflects back on the beginning of her writing career, her years at The Writers Store, and the end of an era as it closes its doors. Read More...
 
Claudia Johnson & Matt Stevens explore more ways to find writing partners. Familiarity between family members can breed strong, successful writing teams. Read More...
 
By the end of the course, you’ll have your pilot in hand — and a plan for where you want to take your series in subsequent episodes. With skills that are applicable not only to this format but to writing any kind of script — and an understanding of how to keep viewers coming back for more — you’ll be well on your way to writing your own viral web series that will stand out from the crowd! Enroll Now...

See full list of self-paced online courses here.
 
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.
 
There are many important ingredients in a screenplay: premise, plot, characters, dialogue, and so on. One of the most important is logic. Ray Morton shares some of the many ways logic functions in a screen narrative. Read More...
 
 
Ashley Scott Meyers talks with filmmaker Ritchie Greer about his short film 'Lost and Found,' exploring the entire process of writing, directing, and producing a short film. Listen Now...
 
Being unrealistic is extremely dangerous. If you set your expectations too high, you’ll crash and burn, making longevity impossible. Too low, you’ll never get out of your writer cave. Don’t let your career be a roller coaster of emotion. There’s not enough tequila in the world to help you manage that ride. Read More...
 
 
Improve your writing with new screenwriting tools and screenwriting software to hone your progress and process. New screenwriting tools and programs help! Read More...
15862_600
 
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...
 
People who want to submit spec scripts should know how to play by the rules and recognize they are not Quentin Tarantino or Kevin Smith. Read More...
 
 
Question: What’s the difference between agents and managers for screenwriters and how the hell do I get one? First things first: is there a difference? In the current landscape, roles continue to evolve. 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.

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