As many of you know we’ve been positively slammed over at the ol’ NWSG. Planning
for our spring/summer program has been exhausting, but extremely rewarding.
I’m learning the art and science of delegation instead of taking on too much.
Damn Virgos, always overextending ourselves.
We just hosted the Way of Story Workshop with
Catherine Ann Jones. What a wonderful event! 15 writers showed
up and tackled their inner fears, wrote from the perspective of their heroes,
and many other timed writing exercises that stretched our brains and our
hearts. I was tired but invigorated by the workshop and Catherine’s obvious
mastery of story. We’re considering bringing her back to do an Acting for
Writers Workshop.
She strongly suggested we all read "Respect
for Acting" by Uta Hagen.
I picked up a copy and can already see the benefit
of learning how real actors will approach possible roles that we write for
them.
On Wednesaday, I was invited by Lacey Leavitt of IFP to speak on behalf of
the Guild at the SIFF Screenwriters Salon at 911 Media
Arts. I accompanied Geoff Miller (co-founder of NWSG back in the day)
and his writing partner/former student, Troy Hunter. We had a grand time,
often derailing all serious conversation by creating elegantly hideous pitches
together. We covered
topics like loglines, elevator pitches, meeting preparation, what to pitch,
research, crafting your pitch, Screenwriting Expo, etc. We were told
that this was the most entertainment Screenwriters Salon so far, which is high
praise. I
hope everybody enjoyed themselves. We even got some members
out of it!
Next up is Marilyn Atlas in about two weeks. I’ll be interviewing
her on Friday, May 2nd (Clear Channel), and then she’ll be conducting a two-part
workshop on Saturday (NWFF). Sunday, she’ll be taking pitches from Compendium
Members (Sorrento Hotel), so get your scripts in. This is not to be missed.
Not only does Marilyn love writers, but she wants to spend a lot of time gettting
to know our members individually. So there will be several opportunities to
network with her and make a personal connection.
What else, oh yeah we’re in the hot and heavy of screenwriting
competition season.
Here are some upcoming deadlines:
- Apr 22 – Scriptapalooza
- April 30 (late) PAGE Int’l
- May 1 (regular) /May 8 (late) – WA State Screenplay Competition
- May 1 – Script PIMP
- May 1 – Nicholl Fellowship
- May 1 – Sundance Institute
- May 15 (normal) / June 1 (late) / – Austin Film Festival
