Monthly Archives: November 2009

The Collaboration is a “No Go”

I am so grateful that I was approached to work on the project.  But, in the end, I had to decline.  The filmmaker has a great idea and, under many circumstances, I would have jumped on board.  But, it is important to ask questions.  And that includes asking yourself questions…

In this case, there were two things that stopped me.  The subject matter and timing.  The script needed to be written by February 1st.  In normal circumstances this would not have been a problem.  But the  subject-matter was dark and I really didn’t want to immerse myself in a dark subject during the Christmas holidays.

What it boils down to is this…  Writing is very important but there are some things which will always be more important.

To Collaborate or Not

I’m getting stoked about the possible “collaberation”.  After several e-mails with the producer/director, I have a good idea of what he wants to create.  I’m actually going to go to the library today and start research.

But, because I’ve never gone through anything like this, I still have questions that make me hesitant.  So I’ve asked the questions and we’ll see…

If you are embarking on this type of project, don’t be afraid to ask questions.   Satisfy yourself before you immerse yourself…

What is expected of you, the writer?   Will you own the script when it is written?  How will you be compensated for its use?   How will  disagreement’s during the script’s creation be resolved?    What if a member of the “collaboration team” can’t perform?  What happens if YOU can’t perform (family illness or something like that)?  What kind of experience do other members of the team have?

One part of me wants to  jump into this project feet first!    On the surface it’s a great opportunity.  But screenwriters know that  every screenplay we write takes part of our life, bits of our soul, so I’m being hesitant.  Perhaps it’s self-protection.  Perhaps it’s dumb.  Perhaps it’s really wise.

It’s another step on my “screenwriter’s journey”.

A Collaboration? My Writing Schedule Might Change!

I received an email yesterday from a filmmaker about collaborating on a feature script.   I am so jazzed about this opportunity that I can hardly find words to express…

Don’t ask me who or what or when but, believe me, I am totally excited about this potential opportunity.  And, of course, if it pans out, any plans I had for the next few months will change.

But, I’m flexible and can “go with the flow” (such an outdated saying but one that says it all!).

Anyway, if it truly develops into a full-fledged opportunity I will record my experience as thoroughly as the relationship  allows!  Subscribe to this blog and follow  my ”journey”!

Screenwriters … Be Thankful!

Tomorrow’s Thanksgiving!   There are many things that we, as screenwriters, can be grateful for.  On this Thanksgiving, take a moment and ponder…

Freedom of Speech  and how you can write whatever YOU want. 

How computers have made rewriting easier.  Can you imagine having to retype every page that you need to rewrite!   OR, putting a screenplay on paper using nothing but a pencil?

Research is faster with help from the internet.   But don’t forget the beauty of your local library and be thankful for that, too.

Readers, the people who read what we write … our family, our internet buddies, friends in our writer’s groups.

And our lives.   All our experiences that we draw from as we write.  Our imaginations, wild and crazy as they are.   Our loves and our fears.  Our challenges and our gifts.

Screenwriters be thankful.  And after you eat some turkey, get back to work and finish that feature!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Aichmophobia, Unknown Caller, & The Seven Rays

I participated in the NYCMM contest this week-end. And then I wrote a short screenplay for Robbie Comeau titled “Aichmophobia”.

Robbie is a filmmaker who I met through DVXuser and MoviePoet. He’s looking for a screenplay which incorporates a dream-sequence that he has already written. In case you’re curious, aichmophobia is a “fear of knives”. If Robbie accepts my script, it will be made into a short film. When appropriate, I will upload the SP.

So now, after writing two short screenplays, I’m back to my feature “Unknown Caller” (previously titled “Stalked”). The rewrite is going well.  I’m on page 42.

Yesterday, I found out about the Seven Rays Script-a-Scene Adaptation Competition sponsored by Final Draft.    Jessica Bendinger wrote a book titled “The Seven Rays”. As soon as I can read the book, I’ll decide if I want to write a scene and enter the contest. If I decide to enter, I’ve got until February, 2010, to get that finished!   $20.00 entry fee.