Entries Tagged 'screenwriting' ↓
The Adventure Continues
March 6th, 2010 — From The Feeds, querying, screenwriting
At some point, I plan on resubmitting to the companies that didn't respond on my first go around, but I'm trying to sync it with early contest results. And speaking of contests...
I'm not foolishly putting all my eggs in the Nicholl Fellowship basket this year. The Austin Film Festival and the PAGE Awards are two other likely candidates. Austin's screenplay competition is on that next tier after Nicholl. I haven't experienced it, but the festival itself is said to be an excellent place to network. PAGE has a pretty good reputation and nifty cash prizes. I also like the fact that both contests feature genre categories.
More Adventures in Querying
February 26th, 2010 — From The Feeds, querying, screenwriting
My excitement is somewhat tempered because they're not actively looking for supernatural/horror material. However, I'm not dumb enough to look a gift horse in the mouth -- always wanted to say that. Now I have to sign and drop an intimidating release form in the mail...
Adventures in Querying
February 18th, 2010 — From The Feeds, querying, screenwriting
I'm around two dozen e-mail queries at this point. The low response rate is a bit disheartening, but also to be expected. According to a post on sellingyourscreenplay.com by Ashley Scott Meyers, a 2% positive response to an e-mail query is pretty good. Odds are slightly better with faxes and good old-fashioned snail mail. Gonna try a couple of those.
There is one positive to take away from a rejection: they're willing to read material. If not this script, then maybe the next.
Surprisingly, it's not that difficult to track down contact information. Google is your friend, which probably explains the low response rates. These producer's inboxes are being flooded with dozens of query letters and unsolicited scripts. I'm sure there are mass deletions every morning. Thanks a lot, Hacks!
At this point, it's a waiting game. Query. E-Mail. Wait. Tweak. Query. E-mail. Wait. Lather. Rinse. Repeat. I'll keep you posted if anything develops.
Listen Up!
December 10th, 2009 — From The Feeds, podcasts, screenwriting
Geek Syndicate has a great interview with Howard Overman, the creator of the Heroish UK series, Mifits. Even though it's not yet available in the States, there's an online graphic novel that you can check out here.
Unfaithful
August 27th, 2009 — From The Feeds, screenwriting
Still putting together a list of production companies to query. I'm waiting on the results from another contest, so no big rush. Gives me more time to work on the query letter -- putting together a little something extra. I know it's a Hail Mary, but I'm also going to query a few managers that rep actors, see if I can get some talent attached to the script.
Pandorum
August 6th, 2009 — From The Feeds, sci-fi, screenwriting
Ever come up with what you believe is an absolute dandy of a premise -- only to discover that it's already headed to a theater near you? Pandorum is pretty close something that I've been kicking around for a while. Not exactly the same, but enough similarities to make me curse under my breath while watching the trailer. Amnesia. Creatures. Confined spaces. Feels a little Resident Evilish -- no surprise there, it's from the RE creators. I'm ticked that someone beat me to it, but I'm not about to give up on the idea just yet. It all comes down to execution.
Deal Breaker?
June 30th, 2009 — From The Feeds, movies, screenwriting, television
So Kirk Acevedo is off "Fringe" and Meghan Markle joins the cast -- used to be one of the "Deal or No Deal" show-models -- as a junior FBI agent. Charlie was the skeptic. He didn't buy into the crazy theories, just did his job. Kinda like Skinner on "X-Files". Might screw up the dynamic. I also read that a slew of new writers are being brought in. Just when the show had started to find its legs....
"Mutant Chronicles" is exactly what you'd expect from a sci-fi zombie movie. Decent cast -- I didn't get the Pras from the Fugees cameo. Apparently, John Malkovich will agree to *any* script thrown in his direction.... maybe I should get his contact info! Simple, silly story. Struggles when it tries to go beyond the limited budget. Murky shadows and digital blood splatter can only go so far. I think plans for a theatrical release fell through.
Stuck in the mud with the new script -- okay, stuck is the wrong word. I have options, I just don't like any of 'em. Think I'll work on something else until inspiration strikes. I have an idea for a low budget thriller that I'd like to get off the ground anyway. By hook or by crook, I'm gonna start and finish two scripts this year.
Script Poker
May 28th, 2009 — From The Feeds, screenwriting
I'm currently waffling on entering a third screenwriting contest -- Screamfest or the Austin Film Festival . Screamfest seems like the obvious choice, but Austin has a good reputation (offering free feedback for second rounders this year) and a special category for horror/sci-fi -- kinda pricey at 70 bucks though. Maybe I’ll pass on both. There are plenty of broke screenwriters with contest wins/placements and not much else. Already thinking about phase two of my quest: querying production companies.
Started on a new concept. Comedy, romance and of course, a supernatural angle. This one has a lot of commercial potential. Gunning for a first draft in a reasonable time frame. Maybe 2-3 months? Trying to cut down on my usual hand wringing.
Killing Babies
April 10th, 2009 — From The Feeds, screenwriting
A New Day
January 5th, 2009 — From The Feeds, screenwriting
One of my goals in 2008 was to finish a script -- ole lappy screwed that one up, should be done by tomorrow. For 2009, I’m aiming for multiple scripts. I have some low-budget ideas that I’ve starting fleshing out. The plan is to be more proactive in the second half of the year: contests, e-mail querying, cold calls, etc. Good luck to everyone in ‘09!
BTW, in totally Prince related news, Vanity turned 50 yesterday. Damn, I feel old!
Saving Story
November 25th, 2008 — From The Feeds, screenwriting
Maybe Shyamalan was on to something... or not. Interesting article in last week’s New York Times about the sad state of storytelling. There is an unfortunate trend of big special effects strong-arming story into a corner, but I don’t believe we need an updated “Hero’s Journey" for today’s ADD audiences.
Screenwriting is more art than science -- which is why everyone thinks they can do it. Maybe if writers were given more respect, there would be better stories. Of course, better stories don’t always translate into box office success... is Hollywood willing to take that risk?
Script Alert!
July 14th, 2008 — From The Feeds, screenwriting, teleplay