Shore Scripts newsletters

 Here are the latest newsletters for my followers to peruse:

 

How to write a contest winning screenplay     If you’ve ever wondered what makes an award-winning screenplay, we are going to break down one of our own winning short scripts so you can find out what we really loved about this script.     A YOUNG MAN'S GAME (recently released as CHAMP) was written by the brilliant James Gould-Bourn who won the 2019 Short Film Fund. For writers just starting out, placing in a well-known contest is an excellent way to break in. But how can you tell if your story is going to resonate with your reader? Let’s examine why CHAMP became a Shore Scripts Winner.         WATCH THE WRITER & DIRECTOR DISCUSS THE MAKING OF 'CHAMP' Writer James Gould-Bourn and Emmy-winning Director Ben Tricklebank share how they developed their award-winning short film, CHAMP.       SCRIPTS SENT TO OUR INDUSTRY ROSTER THIS WEEK     Did you know that Shore Scripts has a Writer Development Manager who connects our writers and their scripts with members of our 150+ strong Industry Roster of production companies, agents and managers?     This week, our contest writer's scripts are being read by Good Fear Content and Radical Media!       GET 50% OFF IN THE RAINDANCE EASTER SALE! Raindance promotes and supports independent filmmaking and filmmakers. From new and emerging to industry pros, Raindance connects, trains, supports and promotes visual storytellers through every step of their career.      Thanks to their generosity as a Shore Scripts prize-giver, Winners of our Feature Screenplay & TV Pilot Contests will win a Free 1-Year Pro Membership to Raindance in 2022.         GET YOUR SCRIPT PRODUCED THROUGH THE SHORT FILM FUND This season, the Short Film Fund is awarding a $10,000 Grand Prize and a $5,000 Second Prize, free equipment rental, production support, mentorship by an Oscar-winning producer, and more. The Final Deadline for the 2022 Spring Season is May 2nd.         Shore Scripts https://www.shorescripts.com contact@shorescripts.com

 

And why is it so important? View in browser         First of all, what does “unique voice” even mean? For me, I think the easiest definition to digest is: No one can duplicate your writing style, because no one else is you. Another way to look at it is: Authenticity. No one else can possibly write like you if you bring your true, authentic self into your work. This generally results from a combination of personality, life experience, opinions on life and the state of the world, artistic inspirations, and more. Finding your unique voice is important because it is what separates you from everyone else. It’s how you bring your authentic self into your work, allowing an emotional connection to the reader (and, eventually, audience). It’s the one thing that absolutely cannot be duplicated by anyone else, putting you into the position of being the one person who can and should tell this story. But how do you find your voice? This is perhaps the most difficult thing to discover as a writer because it isn’t something that you can read about in a screenwriting book or rely on others for an answer. You need to find it for yourself. But we can still help. The Script Hub has a ton of workbooks, masterclasses, articles, quizzes, and (most importantly) the community that can guide you to ask yourself the right questions and help you discover your voice. The more you interact with others and share your work, the more you will gain insight into yourself and the types of stories you want (and need) to tell. I’m looking forward to getting to know you on The Hub.         With Gratitude, Julia Morizawa Writer & Script Reader         Shore Scripts https://www.shorescripts.com contact@shorescripts.com

  

And where can you find that spark again? View in browser       When I’m working on a new project that I’m excited about, I’m there 100%. I’m squeezing in writing hours between jobs while my toddler types on “his” computer (my old laptop). I’m staying up until 2 AM. I can’t sleep because I’m acting out dialogue in bed. But I’m one of those writers that eventually hits a wall or a slump or simply needs to take a break. And sometimes that break can end up being very, very long if I don’t watch myself. What are some of the reasons you struggle to stay motivated as a Screenwriter? Some of the reasons I can relate to are:   I’ve been writing for many years but haven’t achieved that breakthrough success I dream about (i.e. getting staffed on a show, selling a script, seeing my screenplay produced and on the screen, etc.) I’m on my umpteenth rewrite of the same script and something still isn’t quite working I’ve written all these scripts, but I can’t get the “right” people in the industry to read them (i.e. agents, managers, producers, studios, etc.) When I send my scripts to my peers or professional services, I get discouraging feedback The rest of life keeps getting in the way and by the time I sit down to write I’m just too tired   The truth is, it’s really tough to find that spark again alone. For me, I rely heavily on my writer, actor, filmmaker friends who will pop out of the woodwork and say, “I want to make something, do you want to make something with me?” I rely on others to help me through the tough times. That’s how Shore Scripts started. It was born out of frustration for the lack of accessible resources, community, and opportunities for emerging screenwriters. At its core, The Script Hub is a community - a place to connect with other writers, filmmakers, industry professionals, and screenwriting experts who are on hand to help you through the lulls. Whether it’s constructive feedback, access to opportunities, advice on getting your script out there, or sharing one another’s highs and lows; The Script Hub is the place for you to Find Your Tribe.       See you around! With Gratitude, Julia Morizawa Writer & Script Reader         Shore Scripts https://www.shorescripts.com contact@shorescripts.com

Telling Stories Through Tik Tok     The way people consume content is continually changing and for storytellers that means more creative opportunities! Busy lives, people being more on the go, and shorter attention spans have all led to a surge in short-form content being watched by hundreds of millions of people all around that world.       As the ultimate goal of both screenwriters and filmmakers is to get as many people as possible to watch their stories, the popularity of this format begs the question: can the likes of TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram be a viable way to break in?         ALWAYS SIGN CONTRACTS & WHAT TO SPEND YOUR BUDGET ON Our 2022 Short Film Fund mentor, two-time Oscar-nominated producer, Maria Gracia Turgeon, discusses the importance of signing contracts and how to spend your budget.       HOW TO BUILD YOUR PROJECT BEYOND THE SCRIPT Brendan Beachman and Justin Boyes share the creative way in which they packaged their horror feature script, THE LOOKOUT, and a teaser they filmed to land pitch meetings.         MatchMaker.fm: Connecting Podcasters & Guests Starting a podcast isn’t difficult. Growing your audience is the hard part. MatchMaker.fm is the leading podcast to guest matchmaking service. It’ll help you record better episodes and reach new audiences quickly by finding and contacting experts who already know what it takes to be a great podcast guest & it gets you free exposure for your podcast through guest slots on other podcasts. Sign up for free today on MatchMaker.fm.         GET YOUR SHORT PRODUCED THROUGH THE FILM FUND Our one-of-a-kind Short Film Fund provides screenwriters and filmmakers with invaluable resources to get their stories made, including cash grants, camera rentals, mentorship, industry connections, and more. The regular deadline for the 2022 Spring Season is March 31st.       Shore Scripts https://www.shorescripts.com contact@shorescripts.com

 

How the Short Film Fund can launch careers       Alumni Success Story SAM BARON | THE ORGY Sam won our 2017 Short Film Fund with his script, THE ORGY. After a successful festival run, he was approached by several producers and is currently developing his short into a TV series with Clerkenwell Films (The End of the F***ing World).  Watch the trailer for THE ORGY Sam is also set to direct his Academy Nicholl winning feature, THE SCIENCE OF LOVE, which is in development with producer Gary Foster and Rather Good Films. Read more       Screenwriting Resources QUICK TIPS FOR WRITING 'PRODUCIBLE' SHORTS Here are some quick tips on adapting the logistical elements of your short film script to be more “producible.” Read More       2022 SHORT FILM FUND | REGULAR DEADLINE MARCH 31ST We want to read your short scripts. The Spring Season Short Film Fund is offering a $10,000 Grand Prize and a $5,000 Second Prize in production funding. The Grand Prize Winner will also be mentored by two-time Oscar-nominated producer, Maria Garcia Turgeon.       ←Previous question How can we help you? We're always looking for new and better ways to help screenwriters along their journey. We'd love to hear from you about what you want next in your career and how we might be able to help you get there.     1 of 5       Shore Scripts https://www.shorescripts.com contact@shorescripts.com e

 

Do Movie Trends Still Exist in 2022?     Whenever the discussion of “trends” comes up in screenwriting circles, the seasoned advice is to avoid drawing any conclusions from them and stick to your story. But actually, it’s a bit of a catch-22 situation.       Often, if you set out to write something “on-trend,” by the time you’ve written it, whatever was trending when you started has already been milked for everything it was worth, and everyone’s moved on to the next big thing.     But examining what’s happening in today’s cinema and television and how viewers are choosing to consume media can signpost you to new opportunities to develop your storytelling skills and present new possibilities in terms of getting your story produced.         SCREENWRITING RESOURCES MORE ARTICLES ABOUT INDUSTRY TRENDS     IS TECHNOLOGY CHANGING THE WAY WE WRITE? Technology’s come a long way from the humble typewriter, but has the way we tell stories changed too, or is technology nothing but a simple tool to make writing faster and more efficient? WHY THE AVENGERS SUCCEEDED AND JUSTICE LEAGUE FAILED We break down both of the original movies and take a look at a few of the factors behind why The Avengers was able to reap $1,518,815,515 at the box office compared to Justice League’s paltry $657,925,295.       THE ISA DIVERSITY INITIATIVE Calling all diverse voices! The ISA Diversity Initiative is now open for entries. In efforts to break down barriers and celebrate authentic narratives, 3 writers will be selected to join the ISA Development Slate, where the team will champion their work to industry partners like MGM, Miramax, Disney+, Lakeshore Entertainment & more. Apply for FREE through 3/17!       VIDEO INTERVIEWS WITH OUR ALUMNI WRITING BOLD STORIES ABOUT STRONG WOMEN     REBECCA GANT | THE BIG O Rebecca was our 2021 Feature Comedy Genre Winner with her bold script about an almost-thirty newly motivated woman who finally admits she’s never had an orgasm, setting her off on an emotional journey to achieve The Big O before the Big 3-0. GARY BLACKWOOD | THE DEPARTMENT OF EASY VIRTUE Gary based his screenplay on a true story about a determined woman in the 1920s who battles prejudice, depression, and the tyrannical J. Edgar Hoover in her quest to become the first female FBI agent.       UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES         Shore Scripts https://www.shorescripts.com contact@shorescripts.com

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF OUR 2021-22 FICTION PODCAST CONTEST       SPOOR by DYLAN CAMPBELL A sergeant begins to spiral out of control as he works on a murder case that resembles that of his Taborri girlfriend who disappeared one year ago.       TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES by LESLEY HENNEN, HELENE GRIFFIN & MAX RASMUSSEN When the high school seniors in Mr. Blick’s Media Studies class are assigned to make a podcast about their hometown of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, they uncover a secret within the walls of the school that puts their lives at risk.           WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE CONTEST? Learn about the Post-Contest Process for Fiction Podcasts, including development, production, and distribution. COMING UP NEXT AT SHORE SCRIPTS Funding to get your short film produced, plus mentorship with a 2-time Oscar-nominated producer.         Short Film Fund Prize Giver! HollyShorts 2022 AUG 11-20 HollyShorts Film Festival is an annual short film festival showcasing the best and brightest short films and short screenplays from around the globe. The festival showcases the top short films produced 40 minutes or less and is looking for the best short screenplays 30 pages or less and TV pilots 50 pages and under.         TOP 5 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN WRITING YOUR FICTION PODCAST We’ve compiled the top 5 considerations you should be thinking about as you start writing your fiction podcast. THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION OF OUR JUDGES' FICTION PODCAST SCRIPTS Read some of the scripts written by our Fiction Podcast Contest Judges.           Shore Scripts https://www.shorescripts.com contact@shorescripts.com

 

We're excited to bring you this update from our friends at McKee Story Seminars. The Shore Scripts Team       Over the course of 3 intense days, McKee's STORY Seminar teaches you the principles, complexities and conventions of story. Learn everything from the fundamentals of story structure and character design, to maximizing your talent with creative limitations.   "At the heart of McKee's writing philosophy is humanity. McKee's lectures combined dramaturgy, philosophy, emphasis on classical roots and writing nuts and bolts. But what made it fresh - what made it inspiring - was the way it was woven together, a Robert McKee theory of Story." CNN review of the STORY Seminar   Discover Your Place in the Story Universe The variations of story design are innumerable, but not without limits. The far corners of the art create a triangle of formal possibilities that maps the universe of stories, from classical tales such as JAWS, to minimalist works like 45 YEARS and anti-classical gems like MONTY PYTHON'S HOLY GRAIL. To understand your place in the story universe, you must study the coordinates of this map, and let them guide you to that point you share with other writers of a similar vision. Robert McKee's STORY Seminar teaches you how to find your place within the endless expanse of the story universe, the meaning and substance of story, the limitations and inspirations of story structure and genre, and much more. Los Angeles STORY Seminar April 29 - May 1 London STORY Seminar May 13 - May 15 SEMINAR DETAILS »   What You'll Learn Over the course of 3 intense days, McKee's STORY Seminar teaches you the principles, complexities and conventions of story. Learn everything from the fundamentals of story structure and character design to maximizing your talent with creative limitations: The meaning and substance of story, structure, genre and act design Mapping the story universe and discovering your place within it The principles of character dimension and design The composition of scenes The writer's method: the creative process from inspiration to final draft. How it all works: see the practical application of these principles in a scene-by-scene screening and analysis of CASABLANCA Because the principles of story are universal, the STORY Seminar is ideal for screenwriters, TV writers, novelists, playwrights, directors, producers, documentary makers, game designers, actors and more... Professional, Student and Repeater discounts available. (Contact luke@storylogue.com for details.) REGISTER HERE »   What Attendees Are Saying "Hearing him say 'Listen to me, there is no format. There is only good writing or bad writing, and you can't know which it is until you write it.' This literally WAS the price of admission, and the most valuable piece of information I can take away with me. My view of story is confirmed. Story is waiting for a new voice, newer voices, and it's up to all of us to contribute. Mr. McKee's leadership is and has been a marvelous bridge." - ZILLAH GLORY Actress / Writer "McKee's book and seminar, STORY, changed the trajectory of my professional career, from a novelist on her ninth book that wasn't going anywhere, to a published novelist with a Miramax movie deal." - ERICA FERENCIK Author / Screenwriter "McKee's teachings are invaluable. I just want to express my appreciation and gratitude to you for your devotion to the significance, scope and magnitude of storytelling and the writing process." - BARBARA SEYDA Writer / Journalist JOIN US »       Shore Scripts https://www.shorescripts.com contact@shorescripts.com                 FEATURE & TV PILOT CONTESTS ARE NOW OPEN!     Shore Scripts has helped 100+ writers gain representation, option, sell, and have their screenplays produced, including deals with SONY, BLUMHOUSE, WARNER BROS, FILM4 and HULU.       FEATURE CONTEST Our Grand Prize Winner will receive $5,000 and 6 Genre Winners will receive $1,000 each. Our Grand Prize Winner will be mentored by writer Antony Johnston (Atomic Blonde, Deadpool, Resident Evil).  And 22 production companies, managers, and agents will be taking meetings with the Grand Prize and Genre Winners, including FilmNation, Elation, Gotham Group, Radical Media, Bellevue, Verve, and many more!         TV PILOT CONTEST The one-hour Grand Prize Winner will receive $2,500 and our Runner Up will receive $1,000. Our 1/2-hour Grand Prize Winner will receive $2,500 and our Runner Up will receive $1,000. And 19 production companies, managers, and agents will be taking meetings with the Grand Prize and 2nd Place Winners, including FilmNation, Elation, Gotham Group, Radical Media, Bellevue, Verve, and many more!             RESOURCES FOR WRITING FEATURES & TV PILOTS       HOW TO ANALYZE YOUR SCREENPLAY 7 top tips on how to analyze your own screenplay and more importantly, how to improve it. TOP 10 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN WRITING FEATURES Let’s take a quick look at the beats, the format, and the narrative tools that every feature script requires.         TOP 5 TIPS ON WRITING YOUR 1-HOUR TV PILOT Writing one-hour TV episodes is almost like a whole other discipline when compared to features, shorts, and even half-hour shows, so before committing virtual pen to paper, here are 5 crucial things to consider first. TOP 5 TIPS ON WRITING YOUR 1/2-HOUR TV PILOT Scripted half-hour TV shows are no longer limited to being either a sitcom, soap, children’s show, or comedy. But while this has opened the gates in terms of creativity, there are still some major points to consider.             Shore Scripts https://www.shorescripts.com contact@shorescripts.com

 

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH 2021 SHORT FILM FUND WINNER JOSEPH LEE       Filmmaker Joseph Lee won the Fall Season of the 2021 Shore Scripts Short Film Fund with his heart-wrenching tale of perseverance, freedom, and family connections: OTHER HOMES.     After winning a $15,000 cash grant through the Short Film Fund, Joseph persevered through a complex and unpredictable production journey while filming his winning script this past winter in South Korea. Set during the winter of the Korean War, OTHER HOMES is about a North Korean family on the run that escapes to the coast where they must sneak quietly across the water on a fisherman's boat to reach freedom. It is a true story about Joseph's grandmother. Like his short film script, Joseph's journey as a filmmaker has been one of perseverance. Recently, he was generous enough to share about his inspiring experience filming OTHER HOMES despite being told that the shoot would be impossible.         The journey in creating OTHER HOMES started three years ago when the COVID pandemic had just begun. Coming from a low-income family, I was forced to delay my studies as a film student at Harvard College, so I worked for two years in Hollywood as an executive assistant and as a freelance editor. I rented a walk-in closet for $300 a month and ate one Chipotle bowl a day to make ends meet. I saved every penny so that I could support my family while still working towards my goal of making a high-production short film. The story I wanted to tell was that of my grandmother, who escaped from North Korea by boat in order to find freedom for her family. As she approached 80 years of life, I wanted to create something that honored her legacy, a testament to her life and experience. This film for me was a retracing of my grandmother’s footsteps, and in a world seemingly filled with constant refugee crises, this film highlights immigrant sacrifices and the shared pain of displaced families. She purchased her freedom through exile, trauma, and inconsolable loss, and I hoped to bear witness to her sacrifices by filming her story.       EARLY DEADLINE | FEBRUARY 28TH SHORTS CAN LAUNCH FILMMAKING CAREERS Many filmmakers start with shorts. Short films help us learn the craft, are more easily produced independently and on a budget, and have a dedicated market in film festivals that can get a new voice noticed and launch a career.   Ava DuVernay's first film, SATURDAY NIGHT LIFE, was a $6,000, 12-minute short about a struggling single mother that screened at festivals and was broadcast on Showtime in 2007. Wes Anderson's career-launching film, BOTTLE ROCKET, was originally a 13-minute short written alongside Owen Wilson whom he met in a playwriting class that screened at Sundance in 1994. And early in his career, Taika Waititi began making shorts for New Zealand's annual 48-hour film contest. His short, TWO CARS, ONE NIGHT earned him an Academy Award nomination in 2005. Of course, short films still require a solid script, financing, and resources for production. In addition to cash grants, our Short Film Fund connects you with our Industry Roster and Directors and offers production support from the Shore Scripts team. Check out the Film Fund if you're ready to get your script produced.         Unfortunately, everyone I spoke to about her story told me that the logistics of the shoot were impossible. It involved three boats, child actors, shooting at night, period pieces, and international travel. Several estimates I received from potential producers declared that the film would take a six-figure budget to produce – not at all in my budget range. I gave up on filming the project and spent my days writing other, more “producible” screenplays. But something gnawed in the back of my mind, telling me that this story was one worth telling, even if it seemed impossible.           Shore Scripts https://www.shorescripts.com contact@shorescripts.com

 

MAKE WRITING A SCRIPT MORE MANAGEABLE       Writing a feature-length screenplay (or TV pilot) is definitely a fun idea, but when you finally get down to actually doing it, well, not only does getting to the bottom of page one suddenly seem a little intimidating, reaching the end 95-110-pages later can almost feel impossible! Getting stuck is part and parcel of the game, as is changing things around, cutting out characters, and having another brilliant idea halfway through (we’ve all been there), and it isn’t difficult to find yourself going around in circles and getting nowhere in the process. So, how can you make this seemingly monumental task more achievable? Whether you’re about to start a new project or are struggling to complete your current one, here are 4 quick-fire tips to get you started.         Tip #1 - Outlining. There are three types of writers. Those who outline, those who make it up as they go along, and those who do both. All are valid ways to write a screenplay, so it’s a case of finding which way works best for you.  That said, having an outline (or blueprint) at the beginning of the process can save you a lot of time and it can help you iron out issues before you’ve spent all that time writing the script. Filling out a beat sheet, such as Blake Snyder’s, the Hero’s Journey, or a mash-up of the two is a great place to start when pinpointing all of the major story beats and turning points that will help you to construct a gripping story.  Or at the very least, know the ending to your story and use that to work backward by figuring out what occurred to lead the protagonist there.  Outlines can be as detailed or sparse as you want and remember, they’re not set in stone, so you can still change things if needed. But putting in the planning and preparation beforehand could save you a lot of time further down the road.           WRITING TIPS FROM OUR 2021 TV PILOT CONTEST WINNERS     SARAH GRODSKY | THE BLESSED Sarah was our 2021 TV Pilot One-Hour Grand Prize Winner NICK WILLIAMS & MARTY ABBE-SCHNEIDER | PAUL RUDD'S IN TROUBLE Nick & Marty were our 2021 TV Pilot 1/2-hour Grand Prize Winners       How do you find time to write? SARAH: Put it first. Finding/making the time is absolutely what took me from a hobbyist to someone in pursuit of a career. When I decided to get serious, I went to grad school (shout out, UT Austin!), and, through the magic of the federal loan system, I bought myself 2 years to do nothing but write. I’m not sure I was a writer before that.  Today, I put writing first when making most major decisions. It’s my main priority, even before financial stability (sorry, Mom). It’s not just finding the hours in the day; it’s about finding and making room in your life. Do you have a routine? NICK & MARTY: We begin every writing session with about an hour and a half of faffing around. Our friendship and making each other laugh is the foundation of our writing partnership and some of our best ideas are born from it.  When we actually get down to brass tax, we start every script with an extremely dense outline. This ends up being 90% of the actual work. If we’ve done the outline right, writing the first draft ends up being more reformatting than anything else.  Once the story is in a place we’re happy with, we make several jokes passes, filling it with dialogue and getting it as funny as possible, while still in outline form. Then we chop the outline into chunks and individually write those before coming back and assembling the pieces into one script.  The next several weeks to months are spent rewriting and retooling that draft until it is one seamless piece. We usually do this for two or three scripts at a time so that we can keep working as we wait on notes from our peers.           OUR 2022 FEATURE AND TV PILOT CONTESTS OPEN MARCH 1ST!               Shore Scripts https://www.shorescripts.com contact@shorescripts.com