HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Dear readers,
This is an email I got today that I would like to share with you.
*******
Hi Frances!
I've got a BRAND NEW must-see video for you on our YouTube channel:
EVERY writer and EVERY producer will always face these three problems... and they'll never go away. These are the fundamental problems of screenplay development.
I developed FAST Screenplay as a way to directly address these three problems. But whatever approach you use, if it doesn't directly address them, you will continue to spin in circles... forever.
Watch today. And feel free to leave any questions or comments on theYouTube page.
A Note About This Video
This is a remake of the very first video I created for FAST Screenplay (5 years ago, before everything went HD!)... and the whole system was built upon these ideas.
It was originally intended to be watched the first thing you watched... before reading The Missing Ingredient and The Screenwriting Roadmap ebooks (both of which you've already seen if you're on this list).
I would urge you to check out this video (and please share!), and thenre-read those ebooks, to get a true sense of how to beat these challenges.
Up Next
I've decided to put The Producer's Perspective series on hold. Despite getting lots of views, it hasn't started the dialogue I was aiming for, and it's been terribly time-consuming (difficult while juggling all my projects).
So instead, in the next set of videos I'm putting together, I'm going to show you the FAST Story Development Process — How to Create Detailed Original Stories in 1 Hour. I'm trying to create 4 brief videos that walk you through the process (all will be released on the same day).
The entire 1-Hour Story Development process takes about 2-3 months to learn (it's what the Setup and Focus Phases teach), but when you snap the pieces together, you'll create powerful, original (non-formulaic) stories within an hour. And that will lead to extraordinary results.
So stay tuned! You'll hear about it here first.
Or Join Us
If you haven't joined us in FAST Screenplay, don't you think it's time to take the plunge?
Did you know there are now tens of thousands of films made each year? It's called "the digital revolution" and we're seeing films made in every corner of the globe. The only problem is this: THE SCREENPLAYS ARE AWFUL, so the vast majority of those films will never see the light of day.
Producers need great screenplays — and we need LOTS of them.Pretty much any kind of story you want to tell. A fantastic story can andwill get noticed today.
But it must be extraordinary, and it must be something a producer can actually use.
Why compete against the 100,000 writers trying to get Hollywood's attention (there's a much more effective way to get Hollywood's attention anyway), and go where the real action is — where there is literally unlimited opportunity waiting for you.
I'll be creating a Screenwriting Uncut video about this in the weeks ahead. But why not get started TODAY?
Let me guide you in the months ahead through the entire process. You have nothing to lose.
As always, I'm here for you if you have any questions or comments. Just reply here and let me know.
Thanks for reading, remember to take action daily... and we'll see you soon.
 |
Want to take a writing course but don't want to leave your house? Writer's Digest University classes offer you the chance to improve your writing and build your writing career all from the comfort of your own home. From blogging to grammar to plot to copywriting, we've got you covered. Check out this list of upcoming courses and sign up now:
Dear Readers,
Here is something else for you to check out.
Here is something else for you to check out.
| What Halloween Can Teach Us About Character Development Read more ... |
Dear Reader,
Are you working on a novel or script? Here is an article to read that explains how to put plot twists in your story
Are you working on a novel or script? Here is an article to read that explains how to put plot twists in your story
Gone Girl contains some killer plot twists. The narrative builds and builds, and then-boom-a major revelation is revealed. And then another. And another. It makes for a delicious, tense, uncomfortable, and incredibly thrilling ride. In this excerpt from Story Trumps Structure, Steven James presents four ways to craft plot twists that readers will never see coming. Read more ... |
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Reasons Why Scripts Are Rejected
Dear Readers,
Following is an article I received concerning script rejections. Please read it. It says much of what I tell writers in my critiques of their work.
****
| Most Common Reasons Why Scripts Are Rejected | |
 | Jeanne Veillette Bowerman Online Editor ScriptMag.com |
If you're trying to write a break-out spec script, don't miss Corey Mandell's webinar on Thursday, October 30th onAnatomy of a Successful Spec: What's Working in the Current Marketplace, now ON SALE until October 30, 2014. You do not have to attend the live event to get a recording of the presentation.
____________________
by Corey Mandell
Whenever a script is submitted to the industry, it is passed off to a reader for analysis. The reader will give the script a "recommend," a "consider" or a "pass." And unless it gets a recommend, probably no one else is going to look at it.
So how many scripts get a recommend?
About two percent.
Which means roughly ninety-eight percent of spec scripts are dead on arrival. Many of these scripts make the same mistakes, as one studio reader noted on Redit in a December posting.
Why do so many writers make these kinds of errors, often over and over? Here's my take on the ten most common mistakes that were listed:
1. The scenes are void of meaningful conflict
I have found that roughly five percent of writers naturally write in professional-level conflict, by which I mean the kind of conflict that hooks a reader and makes them want to keep reading. The other ninety-five percent write scripts that routinely get rejected after a scene or two. But nobody tells the writers this. So they know they're failing, but often don't know why.
The good news is that professional-level conflict is a learnable skill based on techniques that can be practiced and mastered.
If you don't naturally write this way, as most writers don't, I can't emphasize enough how important it is that you make the investment to train yourself in these skills.
As Michelle Tanner, who has nine years experience reading and analyzing scripts for the studios and major production companies, told my UCLA class, "Do whatever you can to learn how to write in professional-level compelling conflict. Because without that, you have no shot at making it. Without writing in compelling conflict, you are simply wasting your time."
2. The script has a by-the-numbers execution
Too many writers fall prey to the well-marketed classes and books that teach formulas, often labeled as must follow universal paradigms, structural building blocks, myth construction, genre guidelines, or such. It's an easy trap to fall into, especially given how many formulaic movies are cranked out of the studio system.
But given the incredibly competitive landscape for breaking into the business, writing a paint-by-the-numbers script is a surefire way to be ignored.
Adam Levine, a partner at the Verve agency, put it this way, "Challenge yourself to do something different. Because what I think really sticks out at the end of the day from the clutter is something that is obviously well-written, with great characters, but is also something that is innovative, that we haven't quite seen before or that challenges us. And so the stuff that is formulaic and that has been done a million times, it's not going to stand out and it's not going to make your career."
Read all 10 of Corey's tips...
Short Story Edit / Proofread: $ 48.00 Flat Fee
Treatments : $ 48.00 (2 - 3 pages; for scripts)
Edits/Proofread: $48.00 (proofread for scripts)
Critique : $58.00 ( for scripts)
Query Letters : $28.00 (scripts/books):
Synopsis : $38.00 (script/books):
Edits/ Proofread for Books: $90.00
Critiques for Books: $125.00
Are you writing a Short Story? Now I offer service for Short story writers as for the other services, the fees are flat.
Edits / Proofread for Short Stories: $48.00
Critiques for Short Stories: $38.00
( If you are not able to pay in full, the payment for any service can be made on installment - divided in half. If you would like to use my service, let me know whether you need to pay on installment or can pay in full. I am willing to be flexible.)
Some people request edits and critiques together. If a writer wants both, to me this says the writer is not completely confident his or her script is ready. So I recommend getting the critique first. Use the critique to redo the script. Once the script is just right, then request the edit.
However, there are script, screenplay, writers who insist on having both an edit and critique together. So I offer an edit and critique combo at discount.
Edit &Critique Combo Discount: $66.00 This is a discount savings of $40.00
All payments are received by Paypal. If you cannot make Paypal payments you may mail payments in the form of cashier checks or money orders. NO personal checks
If you are interested in my services feel free to contact me at
ahicks4298@q.com
Phone: (360) 696-4298
 |
| There's nothing like a good deal. Film script format, writing film scripts, screenwriting services, coverage service, screenplay formatting margins, screenplay writing, screenplay format example, Search terms: screenplays, screenwriting service, edit and critique service, writing screenplays, screenplay format, loglines, query letter, film scripts, movie scripts, screenplay format, screenplay synopsis, script synopsis, treatment, proofreading service for writers, novels, writing services, fiction writing, film script format, writing film scripts, screenwriting service, coverage service, screenplay critique service, screenplay format margins, screenplay writing, screenplay format example, free writing tutorials, script consultant, screenwriting jobs, film production companies, writing short stories, writing novels, screenplay contest, short story contest, action, young adult fiction, query letter sample, query letter format, query letter fiction, query letter nonfiction |
| ||||||||||||||
Friday, October 24, 2014
Hollywood Screenwriting Directory ---ON SALE NOW!!!
Here is a deal for scriptwriters wanting to get contacts for querying their scripts
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Dear Reader,
Hears another post for the day. these are links to some interesting articles that can help with with your script writing. They are from Script magazine.
Improvising Screenplays: The “All is Lost” Exercise - How to Sharpen Your Film Endings by Revealing Defeat
Writer and theatrical improviser Brett Wean reveals how to craft satisfying film endings by showing what your character's defeat could look like.
Click to Continue
Craft: Do I Need Screenwriting Software?
Dave Trottier explains how formatting is the language of the screenplay. See specific reasons why screenwriting software makes it easier to learn and communicate with other industry professionals.
Click to Continue
Double Your Odds of Success by Adapting Your Script Into a Novel with Tips in Our FREE Download!
If you haven’t considered adapting your screenplay to a novel, you might be missing out on another opportunity. Create another piece of valuable intellectual property for yourself with these novel writing tips.
Click to Continue
Why Spec Scripts Fail: Ignorance vs. Arrogance
Stewart Farquhar uses his expertise and shares industry standard expectations for spec scripts to discuss a writer's perspective: ignorance or arrogance.
Click to Continue
Screenwriting Website of the Week: Paul Zeidman's Maximun Z
ScriptMag is proud to announce Paul Zeidman's Maximum Z as our latest Screenwriting Website of the Week!
Click to Continue
Hears another post for the day. these are links to some interesting articles that can help with with your script writing. They are from Script magazine.
Writer and theatrical improviser Brett Wean reveals how to craft satisfying film endings by showing what your character's defeat could look like.
Click to Continue
Craft: Do I Need Screenwriting Software?
Dave Trottier explains how formatting is the language of the screenplay. See specific reasons why screenwriting software makes it easier to learn and communicate with other industry professionals.
Click to Continue
Double Your Odds of Success by Adapting Your Script Into a Novel with Tips in Our FREE Download!
If you haven’t considered adapting your screenplay to a novel, you might be missing out on another opportunity. Create another piece of valuable intellectual property for yourself with these novel writing tips.
Click to Continue
Why Spec Scripts Fail: Ignorance vs. Arrogance
Stewart Farquhar uses his expertise and shares industry standard expectations for spec scripts to discuss a writer's perspective: ignorance or arrogance.
Click to Continue
Screenwriting Website of the Week: Paul Zeidman's Maximun Z
ScriptMag is proud to announce Paul Zeidman's Maximum Z as our latest Screenwriting Website of the Week!
Click to Continue
Short Story Competition !!!
Hello, readers.
Have you written a short story?
Here is a chance to enter it into a content.
If you would like you short story proofread feel free to contact me. I do short stories edit / proofreads as well as other services.
Short Story Edit / Proofread: $ 42.00 Flat Fee
Treatments : $ 48.00 (2 - 3 pages; for scripts)
Edits/Proofread: $48.00 (proofread for scripts)
Critique : $58.00 ( for scripts)
Query Letters : $28.00 (scripts/books):
Synopsis : $38.00 (script/books):
Edits/ Proofread for Books: $90.00
Critiques for Books: $125.00
Are you writing a Short Story? Now I offer service for Short story writers as for the other services, the fees are flat.
Edits / Proofread for Short Stories: $30.00
Critiques for Short Stories: $30.00
( If you are not able to pay in full, the payment for any service can be made on installment - divided in half. If you would like to use my service, let me know whether you need to pay on installment or can pay in full. I am willing to be flexible.)
Some people request edits and critiques together. If a writer wants both, to me this says the writer is not completely confident his or her script is ready. So I recommend getting the critique first. Use the critique to redo the script. Once the script is just right, then request the edit.
However, there are script, screenplay, writers who insist on having both an edit and critique together. So I offer an edit and critique combo at discount.
Edit &Critique Combo Discount: $66.00 This is a discount savings of $40.00
All payments are received by Paypal. If you cannot make Paypal payments you may mail payments in the form of cashier checks or money orders. NO personal checks
If you are interested in my services feel free to contact me at
ahicks4298@q.com
Phone: (360) 696-4298
Have you written a short story?
Here is a chance to enter it into a content.
 | ||||
|
If you would like you short story proofread feel free to contact me. I do short stories edit / proofreads as well as other services.
Short Story Edit / Proofread: $ 42.00 Flat Fee
Treatments : $ 48.00 (2 - 3 pages; for scripts)
Edits/Proofread: $48.00 (proofread for scripts)
Critique : $58.00 ( for scripts)
Query Letters : $28.00 (scripts/books):
Synopsis : $38.00 (script/books):
Edits/ Proofread for Books: $90.00
Critiques for Books: $125.00
Are you writing a Short Story? Now I offer service for Short story writers as for the other services, the fees are flat.
Edits / Proofread for Short Stories: $30.00
Critiques for Short Stories: $30.00
( If you are not able to pay in full, the payment for any service can be made on installment - divided in half. If you would like to use my service, let me know whether you need to pay on installment or can pay in full. I am willing to be flexible.)
Some people request edits and critiques together. If a writer wants both, to me this says the writer is not completely confident his or her script is ready. So I recommend getting the critique first. Use the critique to redo the script. Once the script is just right, then request the edit.
However, there are script, screenplay, writers who insist on having both an edit and critique together. So I offer an edit and critique combo at discount.
Edit &Critique Combo Discount: $66.00 This is a discount savings of $40.00
All payments are received by Paypal. If you cannot make Paypal payments you may mail payments in the form of cashier checks or money orders. NO personal checks
If you are interested in my services feel free to contact me at
ahicks4298@q.com
Phone: (360) 696-4298
|
| There's nothing like a good deal. Film script format, writing film scripts, screenwriting services, coverage service, screenplay formatting margins, screenplay writing, screenplay format example, Search terms: screenplays, screenwriting service, edit and critique service, writing screenplays, screenplay format, loglines, query letter, film scripts, movie scripts, screenplay format, screenplay synopsis, script synopsis, treatment, proofreading service for writers, novels, writing services, fiction writing, film script format, writing film scripts, screenwriting service, coverage service, screenplay critique service, screenplay format margins, screenplay writing, screenplay format example, free writing tutorials, script consultant, screenwriting jobs, film production companies, writing short stories, writing novels, screenplay contest, short story contest, action, young adult fiction, query letter sample, query letter format, query letter fiction, query letter nonfiction |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)