At last! At long last! The series mega finale will begin!
I an avid "Avatar" fan, one of the best shows I've ever seen on television, hands down. I've written two specs for this show, the second I submitted this year to the Nick Writing Fellowship (fingers crossed folks, I'll find out in Sept. if I'm a finalist!)
The awesome creators of Avatar Spirit were given permission to post the trailer on the net for those of us not fortunate enough to attend this year's New York Comic Con. Darn you timing! I was there last year. Grr...
All bad timing aside, this is an awesome trailer and I look forward to watching the rest of the series.
Is it July yet?
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Avatar Season 3 Trailer
The 200th Post!
Woo hoo! Much excitement here. Glad to see that my blogging experiment is no longer an experiment, but a full-fledged habit in writing and drawing. Applause all around.
So in celebration today I went to the Denver Zoo, and drew some pretty sweet drawings of the animals. I enjoyed myself. I like going to the Zoo, especially on the weekdays. Better parking and fewer mobs. It's fun listening to families watch the animals. Little kids always excited. Moms, Dads, Grandmas, Grandpas.
It's also funny watching parents trying to explain to kids why the animals are freaking each other.
No joke. I'm watching the lions, and they start getting it on. Then I go over to the hippo pound, and they start getting it on. And everyone's staring, not quite sure how to act, er "appropriately."
SUBURBAN MOM
Wow. It's like National Geographic.
ME
Yeah.
SUBURBAN MOM
Come on honey, let's go look at the giraffes.
LITTLE GIRL
No! I want to stay and watch the hippos.
Awkward.
But kids gotta learn sometime. Better the Zoo than TV I guess. More accurate.
So here are the lovely pics. Enjoy!
So in celebration today I went to the Denver Zoo, and drew some pretty sweet drawings of the animals. I enjoyed myself. I like going to the Zoo, especially on the weekdays. Better parking and fewer mobs. It's fun listening to families watch the animals. Little kids always excited. Moms, Dads, Grandmas, Grandpas.
It's also funny watching parents trying to explain to kids why the animals are freaking each other.
No joke. I'm watching the lions, and they start getting it on. Then I go over to the hippo pound, and they start getting it on. And everyone's staring, not quite sure how to act, er "appropriately."
Awkward.
But kids gotta learn sometime. Better the Zoo than TV I guess. More accurate.
So here are the lovely pics. Enjoy!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Script Frenzy - totally not dying! Yeah!
So let me tell you how glad I am that my screenplay is NOT going to crash and burn.
Glad. VERY glad indeed.
Seriously this has been the most difficult thing I've ever written since my first spec script I wrote three years ago. It's been a pretty painful process, which is bizarre since compared to everything else I've written this has been the most thought out, well-organized script I've ever written. I made a four page treatment, Acts I, II and III. I had a paragraph on each character. Even illustrations.
And then on Day 1 of Script Frenzy I realized I hated my script.
I spent the next week scrambling trying to figure out what to write instead. I had a vague idea about a guy that died, an angel, a group of wanderers in desert, but nothing remotely concrete.
But since I'm ML for Denver it wasn't like I could just quit. I had minions (er fellow writers) looking up to me for inspiration you know. So I just had to suck it up and deal with it. And you know, now that I've reread my first 76 pages, it's not as awful as I initially anticipated. In fact, after the rewrite, it will be darn near entertaining. I say near because it still needs quite a bit of work but hey, what are rewrites for?
Glad. VERY glad indeed.
Seriously this has been the most difficult thing I've ever written since my first spec script I wrote three years ago. It's been a pretty painful process, which is bizarre since compared to everything else I've written this has been the most thought out, well-organized script I've ever written. I made a four page treatment, Acts I, II and III. I had a paragraph on each character. Even illustrations.
And then on Day 1 of Script Frenzy I realized I hated my script.
I spent the next week scrambling trying to figure out what to write instead. I had a vague idea about a guy that died, an angel, a group of wanderers in desert, but nothing remotely concrete.
But since I'm ML for Denver it wasn't like I could just quit. I had minions (er fellow writers) looking up to me for inspiration you know. So I just had to suck it up and deal with it. And you know, now that I've reread my first 76 pages, it's not as awful as I initially anticipated. In fact, after the rewrite, it will be darn near entertaining. I say near because it still needs quite a bit of work but hey, what are rewrites for?
Screenwriting Blogs Recap - Wednesday Edition
Only two updates to speak of today.
The first comes from Amanda, who quite frankly is starting to offer better advice than most of the professional blogs I read on a daily basis. Today, she tackles the neverending question: how to actually get a JOB in LA.
Second update comes from Alex, answers a reader's questions about the hero overhearing conversation in the background and how indepth the background conversation needs to be.
Yeah, exciting stuff, right?
But it's all part of the script process.
Let me know if you find anything more interesting.
The first comes from Amanda, who quite frankly is starting to offer better advice than most of the professional blogs I read on a daily basis. Today, she tackles the neverending question: how to actually get a JOB in LA.
Second update comes from Alex, answers a reader's questions about the hero overhearing conversation in the background and how indepth the background conversation needs to be.
Yeah, exciting stuff, right?
But it's all part of the script process.
Let me know if you find anything more interesting.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Fox Entertainment Group Diversity Writer's Initiative
I found out about this cool program courtesy of Amanda's blog.
Fox is offering a six week crash course in pilot script writing to a lucky handful of diverse candidates this year who submit original pilot episodes of their own shows.
It's the called the Diversity Writer's Initiative, sort of like the Nick Fellowship except they don't indicate whether you get paid or not, and you need a letter of recommendation from either a friend in the industry, an agent or an attorney.
It's a sweet deal though, because if you're selected you will be writing with professionals who will help you pick your script apart and rewrite it so that it is professional grade. You will then have the opportunity to pitch it to Fox execs.
The deadline is not until July 3rd. You have two months to do this. You have no excuses. Go out there and show the world what you're made of!
Fox is offering a six week crash course in pilot script writing to a lucky handful of diverse candidates this year who submit original pilot episodes of their own shows.
It's the called the Diversity Writer's Initiative, sort of like the Nick Fellowship except they don't indicate whether you get paid or not, and you need a letter of recommendation from either a friend in the industry, an agent or an attorney.
It's a sweet deal though, because if you're selected you will be writing with professionals who will help you pick your script apart and rewrite it so that it is professional grade. You will then have the opportunity to pitch it to Fox execs.
The deadline is not until July 3rd. You have two months to do this. You have no excuses. Go out there and show the world what you're made of!
Screenwriting Blogs Recap - Tuesday Edition
Only three scribes of the scribosphere have updated their blogs today. And not only that, they talk about stuff I don't really care about. Wah!
Oh well. Time to dab the eyes, throw out the tissues and carry on.
Mystery Man talks about what film noir actually is. Personally I've never liked film noir. Actually that's being nice about it, I can't stand film noir. Everytime I hear about how great Chinatown is I want to hurl. But you may like it. So if you like it, you should read the book he recommends.
John August goes off on a tangent about Grand Theft Auto IV. Yeah, I know. I was shocked too. More of a Tetris gal myself. But his tangent does have a bit of a point. He'll be off playing for awhile so you may not see any updates on his blog (or on mine about his blog) for a few weeks. Sad, very sad.
But Amanda talked about something I actually found useful - the Pros and Cons of being an assistant for tv/film/production. Very cool info. Read her blog update first.
Oh well. Time to dab the eyes, throw out the tissues and carry on.
Mystery Man talks about what film noir actually is. Personally I've never liked film noir. Actually that's being nice about it, I can't stand film noir. Everytime I hear about how great Chinatown is I want to hurl. But you may like it. So if you like it, you should read the book he recommends.
John August goes off on a tangent about Grand Theft Auto IV. Yeah, I know. I was shocked too. More of a Tetris gal myself. But his tangent does have a bit of a point. He'll be off playing for awhile so you may not see any updates on his blog (or on mine about his blog) for a few weeks. Sad, very sad.
But Amanda talked about something I actually found useful - the Pros and Cons of being an assistant for tv/film/production. Very cool info. Read her blog update first.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Screenwriting Blogs Recap - Monday Edition
Welcome back from the weekend, fellow readers!
Hope that all of you had an awesome Saturday and Sunday.
As you all know I co-hosted two Script Frenzy events, one which I posted about and another I'll post about later today.
And while I was out writing writing writing the scribes of the scribosphere were busy lamenting over a rather ugly letter sent by the presidents of the WGAe and WGAw. Apparently the two are resorting to witch huntery post-strike, which is quite sad. Both John August and Craig Mazin posted about it on their blogs. You can also read the full letter in all its' scathing glory here.
In more upbeat news Amanda posted her two cents on how to find your voice and why it is so important in the craft of screenwriting.
And Cat! auteur Blake Synder gives a shout out to his upcoming third book. I'm a big fan of formulas but unlike Blake I don't believe that EVERY screenplay has to adhere to all 15 beats of his BS2 as he suggests. I wrote my first two screenplays without it and they turned out alright, but whatever works for you I suppose.
Hope that all of you had an awesome Saturday and Sunday.
As you all know I co-hosted two Script Frenzy events, one which I posted about and another I'll post about later today.
And while I was out writing writing writing the scribes of the scribosphere were busy lamenting over a rather ugly letter sent by the presidents of the WGAe and WGAw. Apparently the two are resorting to witch huntery post-strike, which is quite sad. Both John August and Craig Mazin posted about it on their blogs. You can also read the full letter in all its' scathing glory here.
In more upbeat news Amanda posted her two cents on how to find your voice and why it is so important in the craft of screenwriting.
And Cat! auteur Blake Synder gives a shout out to his upcoming third book. I'm a big fan of formulas but unlike Blake I don't believe that EVERY screenplay has to adhere to all 15 beats of his BS2 as he suggests. I wrote my first two screenplays without it and they turned out alright, but whatever works for you I suppose.
Animated Script Goodness!
Awesome reader Celeste kindly sent a link to not one, not two, but TWENTY ONE animated scripts from the Silver Surfer series. Kudos Celeste!
Please respond to her kindness by visiting her blog of coolness.
And check out the teleplays. Enjoy!
Please respond to her kindness by visiting her blog of coolness.
And check out the teleplays. Enjoy!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Script Frenzy Write-In
So yesterday Skyla and I had a write-in at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
We were pretty stoked about this as it would be a write-in for the entire state. However only four people showed up- Skye, myself, and Skye's two friends. Our other ML, Crash, was nowhere to be found (Crash, where were you and your denizens of Fort Collins?)
It was cool meeting her in person though. We got everything worked out prior to being at the Museum. I commend her for organizing events as well as she's had, especially since my script frenzy email wasn't working. And even though there were only four of us, we still had a blast. Turns out you can eat in the Museum cafeteria without having to pay Museum admission, which is pretty sweet. We basically plunked ourselves down at a table by the window and wrote/typed/commiserated for three hours. Good times.
So now I'm on page 50 of "Quest for the Soul Stone." Last year I was much further along. Although last year I liked my screenplay a lot better. I've figured out the problem. I didn't like the story going into it. I mean, I liked it two weeks prior. I enjoyed writing the outline. I had everything figured out. Then the day Screnzy started I realized I HATED the movie. Ouch. You ever wonder if someone working on the film knew the film was bad? You ever wonder why they kept working on it? I'll tell you why: it's because they've spent so much time planning it, they have people depending on them to finish it and they are so gung-ho about finishing what they start that they refuse to the see the crap bubbling up before their eyes like some primordial stew and they doggedly persist even when they know they should scrap the whole thing and start over.
But I'm here to tell you friends, that is the nature of the first draft. Seriously, how many of you out there can read your first drafts and NOT say that they are a bloody mess? Even "Xia," screenplay that I love with the warmth of a thousand suns, is but a mere shadow of it's former first draft self.
Fortunately for me, being an ML means that I should set a good example, which is the reason why I haven't quit the contest entirely. And because I haven't quit, I've been searching for ways to make my screenplay work. And last night, as my friend D'awn and I watched "The Forbidden Kindgom," the answer appeared to me.
Make the movie fun.
That's right, what this story lacked was a serious sense of enjoyment. The audience should enjoy the ride, be excited by what they see, not spoken to as if they are attending a funeral dirge. The concept is exciting, the characters need to be so too.
So I am adding more elements of danger, suspense, surprise, and hopefully that will make the story more engaging.
And heart. Lots of heart.
We were pretty stoked about this as it would be a write-in for the entire state. However only four people showed up- Skye, myself, and Skye's two friends. Our other ML, Crash, was nowhere to be found (Crash, where were you and your denizens of Fort Collins?)
It was cool meeting her in person though. We got everything worked out prior to being at the Museum. I commend her for organizing events as well as she's had, especially since my script frenzy email wasn't working. And even though there were only four of us, we still had a blast. Turns out you can eat in the Museum cafeteria without having to pay Museum admission, which is pretty sweet. We basically plunked ourselves down at a table by the window and wrote/typed/commiserated for three hours. Good times.
So now I'm on page 50 of "Quest for the Soul Stone." Last year I was much further along. Although last year I liked my screenplay a lot better. I've figured out the problem. I didn't like the story going into it. I mean, I liked it two weeks prior. I enjoyed writing the outline. I had everything figured out. Then the day Screnzy started I realized I HATED the movie. Ouch. You ever wonder if someone working on the film knew the film was bad? You ever wonder why they kept working on it? I'll tell you why: it's because they've spent so much time planning it, they have people depending on them to finish it and they are so gung-ho about finishing what they start that they refuse to the see the crap bubbling up before their eyes like some primordial stew and they doggedly persist even when they know they should scrap the whole thing and start over.
But I'm here to tell you friends, that is the nature of the first draft. Seriously, how many of you out there can read your first drafts and NOT say that they are a bloody mess? Even "Xia," screenplay that I love with the warmth of a thousand suns, is but a mere shadow of it's former first draft self.
Fortunately for me, being an ML means that I should set a good example, which is the reason why I haven't quit the contest entirely. And because I haven't quit, I've been searching for ways to make my screenplay work. And last night, as my friend D'awn and I watched "The Forbidden Kindgom," the answer appeared to me.
Make the movie fun.
That's right, what this story lacked was a serious sense of enjoyment. The audience should enjoy the ride, be excited by what they see, not spoken to as if they are attending a funeral dirge. The concept is exciting, the characters need to be so too.
So I am adding more elements of danger, suspense, surprise, and hopefully that will make the story more engaging.
And heart. Lots of heart.
Screenwriting Blogs Recap - Weekend Edition
Hello hello my dear readers. It's time for another exciting recap of the musings heard 'round the scribosphere.
Alex Epstein encourages all writers to tell their story out loud. This will help you be a better storyteller!
John August explains why it may be better to have screenwriting, rather than non-screenwriting friends, read your scripts.
Mystery Man explains why each screenplay should be judged on its own merit and not simply a formula a la Robert McKee. I'm glad someone finally said this. It's as if everyone in the screenwriting world has gone gaga over that guy and his awesomely bogged down tome.
And Rogers at Kung Fu Monkey -- let's face it. The man's awesome. The man and his team. He actually breaks down on all the shenanigans that go into creating an actual show. Go read his blog. RIGHT NOW.
Alex Epstein encourages all writers to tell their story out loud. This will help you be a better storyteller!
John August explains why it may be better to have screenwriting, rather than non-screenwriting friends, read your scripts.
Mystery Man explains why each screenplay should be judged on its own merit and not simply a formula a la Robert McKee. I'm glad someone finally said this. It's as if everyone in the screenwriting world has gone gaga over that guy and his awesomely bogged down tome.
And Rogers at Kung Fu Monkey -- let's face it. The man's awesome. The man and his team. He actually breaks down on all the shenanigans that go into creating an actual show. Go read his blog. RIGHT NOW.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Photoshop Take 2
I really like this drawing. This one came out much better than my first attempt. I used the 5 pnt pencil this time, instead of the 10 for the outline. I also shaded it better.
Enjoy.
Stephen Colbert on Larry King Live [1 of 4] 4/14/08
Seriously Colbert is freakin' hilarious.
It amazes me how one guy and one show can have such an impact on America.
Just goes to show you how much you can get away with if you're funny.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Web Comic Review: Earthsong
Script Frenzy continues to inspire me in more ways than one.
Someone in the forums mentioned a web comic called Earthsong. I looked it up and in an hour and a half had read the entire installment. Not only is it a great story but the artwork is superb.
Newsarama also did an interesting cover story about Crystal and her work that you can read here.
Anyone looking to improve their Photoshop skills should check out Crystal Yates' work. She updates the comic every Monday AND Thursday so there's always something cool to read.
What are you waiting for? Go read it now!
Ollie Johnston - Man of Vision
Sadly one of the Nine Old Men of Disney fame passed away this week.
Ollie Johnston, animator extraordinaire and co-author of the seminal classic The Illusion of Life died on Monday at the age of 95.
Both Mystery Man on Film and Cartoon Brew have lovely shorts and eulogies dedicated to the man who made animation come alive.
He will be missed.
Ollie Johnston, animator extraordinaire and co-author of the seminal classic The Illusion of Life died on Monday at the age of 95.
Both Mystery Man on Film and Cartoon Brew have lovely shorts and eulogies dedicated to the man who made animation come alive.
He will be missed.
Screenwriting Blogs Recap - Thursday Edition
Well the scribosphere has been buzzing all this week with interesting tidbits of information.
Amanda the Aspiring TV Writer gives great tips on how to create your own internet short and get yourself noticed in cyberspace.
Ms. J explains the pros and cons of describing your character's wardrobe choices (wish I knew about this when I wrote Xia!)
Kung Fu Monkey explains his rational behind his crazy scary index card system.
Alex at Complications Ensue answers your questions about timing and if staffers ever actually go on vacation.
And our favorite Cat! Blake Snyder makes a guest appearance at
Script Frenzy and gives newbie writers his advice on the craft.
Amanda the Aspiring TV Writer gives great tips on how to create your own internet short and get yourself noticed in cyberspace.
Ms. J explains the pros and cons of describing your character's wardrobe choices (wish I knew about this when I wrote Xia!)
Kung Fu Monkey explains his rational behind his crazy scary index card system.
Alex at Complications Ensue answers your questions about timing and if staffers ever actually go on vacation.
And our favorite Cat! Blake Snyder makes a guest appearance at
Script Frenzy and gives newbie writers his advice on the craft.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Sketch
I bought a wacom tablet and am teaching myself how to use the crazy thing with Photoshop CS2.
So here is my first REAL attempt at using both. Not to shabby, if I do say so myself.
The lines are kind of fuzzed out on some of her clothes but the coloring and shadow turned out alright.
Next time I go for smoother lines.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Screenwriting Blogs Recap - Monday Edition
Good day to all of you, dear readers. I trust your weekends went well?
I'm now on page 41 of QftSS, very exciting indeed. Also took some time out to draw extensively and will have posts up in the next few days.
Alex over at Complications Ensue answers a reader's questions about switching between flashbacks. An important distinction to be made to be sure. My screenplay, Xia, was chock full of screenplays, inner mind monologues and other crazy techniques, so it's good to see how a master would handle the situation.
Ms. Jane explains why it may be, or may not be, OK to use colorful language in your descriptive passages of your spec scripts a la Lost.
John August includes nifty pics of Spectre from Big Fish.
Newbie Amanda shares a cool contest happening in New York.
And Blake Snyder shows how storytellers can save lives.
I'm now on page 41 of QftSS, very exciting indeed. Also took some time out to draw extensively and will have posts up in the next few days.
Alex over at Complications Ensue answers a reader's questions about switching between flashbacks. An important distinction to be made to be sure. My screenplay, Xia, was chock full of screenplays, inner mind monologues and other crazy techniques, so it's good to see how a master would handle the situation.
Ms. Jane explains why it may be, or may not be, OK to use colorful language in your descriptive passages of your spec scripts a la Lost.
John August includes nifty pics of Spectre from Big Fish.
Newbie Amanda shares a cool contest happening in New York.
And Blake Snyder shows how storytellers can save lives.
Screenplay thus far
So I'm working on my sixth screenplay...wow, that sounds so cool.
It's entitled (so far) "Quest for the Soul Stone." It's for Script Frenzy, and after extensive edits I'll post it on Trigger Street.
As far as screenplays go this has been the most difficult to write, one because the deadline is so tight, but the real reason is because I'm not too stoked on the plot. I'm hoping to find a gem that I can exploit but at the moment the characters and storyline are flat to me. They've yet to jump off the page. That ever happen to any of you?
But you know, another part of me is like "It's cool if this screenplay never goes anywhere." I believe there are stories we write that are destined for greatness and stories we write that basically serve as lengthy practice sessions.
And this one's a practice session.
And that's cool with me.
It's entitled (so far) "Quest for the Soul Stone." It's for Script Frenzy, and after extensive edits I'll post it on Trigger Street.
As far as screenplays go this has been the most difficult to write, one because the deadline is so tight, but the real reason is because I'm not too stoked on the plot. I'm hoping to find a gem that I can exploit but at the moment the characters and storyline are flat to me. They've yet to jump off the page. That ever happen to any of you?
But you know, another part of me is like "It's cool if this screenplay never goes anywhere." I believe there are stories we write that are destined for greatness and stories we write that basically serve as lengthy practice sessions.
And this one's a practice session.
And that's cool with me.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Script Frenzy - kinda concerned
Not because I'm not doing well - I've written 41 pages in four days, which is the most I've ever written of any script EVER. So this is quite awesome.
No, I'm concerned because I'm afraid I might have ticked off my fellow ML for the region.
Script Frenzy, as wonderous as it is, has been having some website issues, which prevented me from being able to sign up as ML for my city, and also has prevented me from sending mass emails to others within my city. This partly resulted in the other ML for my state making plans without me.
She seems pretty cool, and we've been able to iron out a few kinks. But she sent out a mass email detailing events going on throughout the state but left out my city. She mentioned we had a calendar and to check it, but she didn't provide the links. I sent her an email the other day asking her to at least let me know if she's planning stuff, and to ask if I'm planning stuff, because I could have sent the links to her.
Haven't heard from her yet. I tried to be respectful, but I'm concerned that:
a) She'll think I'm totally angry at her (I'm not, I just wanted to explain myself)
b) That I'm super anal (also trying not to be)
I want us to work well, and we haven't been communicating as well as we could have been because she's been jumping the gun, which honestly has ticked me off. But I have high hopes that things will be OK.
Hopefully things will work out well though and everyone will benefit from all the events both of us have planned. I want our state to do well, I want all of us to be inspired by each other's progress.
No, I'm concerned because I'm afraid I might have ticked off my fellow ML for the region.
Script Frenzy, as wonderous as it is, has been having some website issues, which prevented me from being able to sign up as ML for my city, and also has prevented me from sending mass emails to others within my city. This partly resulted in the other ML for my state making plans without me.
She seems pretty cool, and we've been able to iron out a few kinks. But she sent out a mass email detailing events going on throughout the state but left out my city. She mentioned we had a calendar and to check it, but she didn't provide the links. I sent her an email the other day asking her to at least let me know if she's planning stuff, and to ask if I'm planning stuff, because I could have sent the links to her.
Haven't heard from her yet. I tried to be respectful, but I'm concerned that:
a) She'll think I'm totally angry at her (I'm not, I just wanted to explain myself)
b) That I'm super anal (also trying not to be)
I want us to work well, and we haven't been communicating as well as we could have been because she's been jumping the gun, which honestly has ticked me off. But I have high hopes that things will be OK.
Hopefully things will work out well though and everyone will benefit from all the events both of us have planned. I want our state to do well, I want all of us to be inspired by each other's progress.
Screenwriting Blogs Recap - Weekend Edition
Hello my dear readers!
Well, bloggers never rest, not even on weekends! Check out what's been going on since Friday afternoon:
Help Kung Fu Monkey with his computer woes!
Ms. Amanda quotes our favorite, Ms. Jane, on how to compose a great double joke.
Ms. Jane explains how to keep the story rolling AND show what characters are thinking and feeling, all at the same time.
Scribe John August talks about the benefits and pitfalls of new technology, using "Titanic," "Avatar," and "Terminator" director James Cameron as his example.
Alex of Complications Ensue confirms a reader's character reintroduction decision.
And the dynamic duo behind The Artful Writer begin Part I of their series on how the Writer's Strike benefited (or did not benefit) writers and all of us hoping to follow in their footsteps.
Well, bloggers never rest, not even on weekends! Check out what's been going on since Friday afternoon:
Help Kung Fu Monkey with his computer woes!
Ms. Amanda quotes our favorite, Ms. Jane, on how to compose a great double joke.
Ms. Jane explains how to keep the story rolling AND show what characters are thinking and feeling, all at the same time.
Scribe John August talks about the benefits and pitfalls of new technology, using "Titanic," "Avatar," and "Terminator" director James Cameron as his example.
Alex of Complications Ensue confirms a reader's character reintroduction decision.
And the dynamic duo behind The Artful Writer begin Part I of their series on how the Writer's Strike benefited (or did not benefit) writers and all of us hoping to follow in their footsteps.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Screenwriting Blogs Recap - The Return of the Writers!
Hey kids, one of the scribosphere's most popular and highly contested screenwriting sites, "The Artful Writer" is back on the air. Craig and Ted have revamped the site and it looks spiffy.
John August returned from his writing pow wow in beautiful Maine and shares tales of joy, woe and termite tents. He even includes pics of his trip.
And Alex Epstein never left the building but continues his discussion on how to approach folks with your script if you're already on the inside.
John August returned from his writing pow wow in beautiful Maine and shares tales of joy, woe and termite tents. He even includes pics of his trip.
And Alex Epstein never left the building but continues his discussion on how to approach folks with your script if you're already on the inside.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Animation Mentor
So I've been trying to figure out what would make an excellent first short film.
My calling card, if you will, into the animation industry. I've several friends who got their foot in the door by the strength of their student film and I know that this is most likely a better option than putting together a reel of randomness.
So I was quite excited to find out about an online program called Animation Mentor. Basically it's a group of three guys, two from Pixar, who created an online school solely devoted to character animation. It lasts 18 months and costs roughly $16K. On the surface this seems expensive but considering that schools like SVA and CalArts charge rougly $22K A YEAR this is quite a bargain.
I spoke to a rep over the phone and she mailed me some good information. So if I decide to take the plunge I'll be starting school in July. I've gotta think, gotta pray, gotta figure out the finances, but I believe this would be a great step in the right direction.
And to top it off my good friend gave me Maya 7 so I don't have to go out and buy yet another computer program. How serendipitous is that?
So if any of you out there are considering Animation Mentor, or if you or anyone you know is a part of the program, drop me a line. I'd love to hear from you.
My calling card, if you will, into the animation industry. I've several friends who got their foot in the door by the strength of their student film and I know that this is most likely a better option than putting together a reel of randomness.
So I was quite excited to find out about an online program called Animation Mentor. Basically it's a group of three guys, two from Pixar, who created an online school solely devoted to character animation. It lasts 18 months and costs roughly $16K. On the surface this seems expensive but considering that schools like SVA and CalArts charge rougly $22K A YEAR this is quite a bargain.
I spoke to a rep over the phone and she mailed me some good information. So if I decide to take the plunge I'll be starting school in July. I've gotta think, gotta pray, gotta figure out the finances, but I believe this would be a great step in the right direction.
And to top it off my good friend gave me Maya 7 so I don't have to go out and buy yet another computer program. How serendipitous is that?
So if any of you out there are considering Animation Mentor, or if you or anyone you know is a part of the program, drop me a line. I'd love to hear from you.
Screenwriting Blogs Recap - New Blogs!
Hoorah for trolling the internet. You find all sorts of interesting things. For instance, last night around 1 a.m. I discovered the blog penned by Mystery Man on Film, anonymous insider who bills himself as "famous yet anonymous, failed yet accomplished, brilliant yet semi-brilliant. I'm a homebody who jetsets around the world. I'm brash and daring yet chilled with a twist."
Very intriguing, eh? So Mr. Mystery has now been added to the link list of screenwriting blogs to watch out for. This month he's offering a unique and fun challenge to screenwriters: READ the screenplay of your favorite movie, post your critique on your blog and send him a link to his blog. He's posting some of his favorite responses on his site, so you get a chance at exposure among the scribosphere. PLUS, you can read responses from your peers around the internet. What are you waiting for? Start writing!
And, courtesy of Ms. Jane, we have another new screenwriting blog for our reading pleasure. This one comes from the pen of Amanda the Aspiring TV Writer, an assistant at an agency in LA who graduated last year from Ithaca College. Ms. Amanda offers her inside scoop on how to make it in showbiz. I like this girl. She's honest and savvy and doesn't waste time lamenting. These are qualities that all of us screenwriters should aspire to. And in today's post, she gives us no excuse for not getting our script into the Hands that Control the Industry. She started off not knowing a soul and now she's in LA. Read how she did it and apply her method.
And Cat! favorite Blake Snyder
shows us that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction and that you should always have your pen and paper ready to capture those "movie moments," (for instance, pregnant man anyone)?
Very intriguing, eh? So Mr. Mystery has now been added to the link list of screenwriting blogs to watch out for. This month he's offering a unique and fun challenge to screenwriters: READ the screenplay of your favorite movie, post your critique on your blog and send him a link to his blog. He's posting some of his favorite responses on his site, so you get a chance at exposure among the scribosphere. PLUS, you can read responses from your peers around the internet. What are you waiting for? Start writing!
And, courtesy of Ms. Jane, we have another new screenwriting blog for our reading pleasure. This one comes from the pen of Amanda the Aspiring TV Writer, an assistant at an agency in LA who graduated last year from Ithaca College. Ms. Amanda offers her inside scoop on how to make it in showbiz. I like this girl. She's honest and savvy and doesn't waste time lamenting. These are qualities that all of us screenwriters should aspire to. And in today's post, she gives us no excuse for not getting our script into the Hands that Control the Industry. She started off not knowing a soul and now she's in LA. Read how she did it and apply her method.
And Cat! favorite Blake Snyder
shows us that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction and that you should always have your pen and paper ready to capture those "movie moments," (for instance, pregnant man anyone)?
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Brad Ingelsby: Hero of the Day
Who says there are no more Cinderella stories?
This just in, newcomer, and I mean, NEWCOMER, Brad Ingelsby recently sold his FIRST screenplay, "The Low Dweller" at the tender age of 27 for $650,000.
The LA Times reported on our hero of the day.
Now my first thought was "Wowsers! His first screenplay for mega money! Lucky dog!" My second thought was, "How many scripts and hours and blood did this guy pour from his soul to make this happen?" My mother once told me that an "overnight" success actually means ten years behind the scene. And I believe it. Turns out the dude was an AFI grad, and that he spent his nights writing.
So the moral of the story? Aim for fortune but be prepared to put in the hard labor.
I'll be keeping an eye out for our Guy Friday, and hopefully we'll see his masterpiece on screen in a year or so.
This just in, newcomer, and I mean, NEWCOMER, Brad Ingelsby recently sold his FIRST screenplay, "The Low Dweller" at the tender age of 27 for $650,000.
The LA Times reported on our hero of the day.
Now my first thought was "Wowsers! His first screenplay for mega money! Lucky dog!" My second thought was, "How many scripts and hours and blood did this guy pour from his soul to make this happen?" My mother once told me that an "overnight" success actually means ten years behind the scene. And I believe it. Turns out the dude was an AFI grad, and that he spent his nights writing.
So the moral of the story? Aim for fortune but be prepared to put in the hard labor.
I'll be keeping an eye out for our Guy Friday, and hopefully we'll see his masterpiece on screen in a year or so.
Screenwriting Blogs Recap - Wednesday Edition
Delicious details of how to improve your craft, what shows really look like and how to get your script read by important eyeballs abound today in the screenwriting blogosphere. Here are the recaps from my favorite scribes:
Complications Ensue blogger Alex Epstein explains to a lucky office production assistant how to get their script read by the His parting advice?
"Don't be a pusher. Be a hooker. That's how you get ahead in Hollywood." Classic stuff kids. Write it down.
Lovely Jane Espenson reveals to a lucky reader the art and craft of show bibles, using such shows as "Frasier" and "Battlestar Galatica" as examples. She's right on the money. A few years ago I had the pleasure of reading the show bible for "Teen Titans," which explained not only their world but the characters and outlines for ten of the first episodes, many of which were actually written. If/when I find the bible I'll post it here, but for now, enjoy Jane's tidbits.
And Kung Fu Monkey hustler John Rogers makes my head hurt as he chronicles the process his staff goes through to create episodes of their shows. It includes LOTS of index cards. Of various colors. Yikes. And he even includes photos of their writing room. Happy folks, they are.
Complications Ensue blogger Alex Epstein explains to a lucky office production assistant how to get their script read by the His parting advice?
"Don't be a pusher. Be a hooker. That's how you get ahead in Hollywood." Classic stuff kids. Write it down.
Lovely Jane Espenson reveals to a lucky reader the art and craft of show bibles, using such shows as "Frasier" and "Battlestar Galatica" as examples. She's right on the money. A few years ago I had the pleasure of reading the show bible for "Teen Titans," which explained not only their world but the characters and outlines for ten of the first episodes, many of which were actually written. If/when I find the bible I'll post it here, but for now, enjoy Jane's tidbits.
And Kung Fu Monkey hustler John Rogers makes my head hurt as he chronicles the process his staff goes through to create episodes of their shows. It includes LOTS of index cards. Of various colors. Yikes. And he even includes photos of their writing room. Happy folks, they are.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Screenwriting Blogs Recap
Hello hello dear readers. With the plethora of blogs out there you may wonder how you will ever find the time to read them all. Well look no further! I present to you a recap of today's gems of the blogsophere from my favorite screenwriters. Enjoy!
Today on Blake Synder: Spec-O-Palooza
The writer of the now famous books Save the Cat! and Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies explains why NOW is the best time for you to submit your spec and how you can come up with a high concept idea that is neither lame nor cliche.
Jane Esperson presents:
And Maybe Looking in the Mirror Will Make Him See Himself
Ms. J encourgages us not to write drag that old dog of a line into the script again, thus annoying our poor viewers. As she says in her blog:
"If a line seemed to write itself because you've heard similar lines a million times, it's probably worth reviewing for several reasons: if it isn't holding your interest as you write it, it probably won't interest the reader either."
No update from our man John August until Thursday.
Man Bytes Hollywood will be receiving a nice chunk of change due tohttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif a lawsuit against UCLA for charging exorbidant fees. This has, well, nothing to do with screenwriting but it's good to see that Dave and the other former students will get some money back. I remember the pain of my student fees. *shudder*
Jon Deer at The Thinking Writer hasn't updated his blog since FEBRUARY 26TH. What' the deal, yo? Where are you?!
Craig Mazin is still on break. He'll creep back into the internet sometime this month.
Kung Fu Monkey's John Rogers gives a shoutout to web comic creators Warren Ellis and Paul Duffield for FREAKANGELS. Story struck me as odd but the art is mighty fantastic. John hasn't given us any tidbits on the submissions he received for his new series, or anything else for that matter, this month but I'll report as soon as I hear anything.
And this is surely the shot heard 'round the world wide web, kids.
Alex Epstein reports that Uwe Boll, crafter of such cinematic masterpieces as BloodRayne, BloodRayne II and In The Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale, will GIVE UP THE CRAFT if one million people sign this petition.
Now I've never seen any of these movies, but I must say I'm impressed by the fact that this cat still makes movies even though he appears to be one of the, if not THE most hated filmmakers on the planet. And though people have protested, he keeps going. He's like the Energizer Bunny, the Fidel Castro of film, if you will.
So that's the scoop. Want to see more recaps of other blogs? Drop me a line and let me know which ones should be featured.
Today on Blake Synder: Spec-O-Palooza
The writer of the now famous books Save the Cat! and Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies explains why NOW is the best time for you to submit your spec and how you can come up with a high concept idea that is neither lame nor cliche.
Jane Esperson presents:
And Maybe Looking in the Mirror Will Make Him See Himself
Ms. J encourgages us not to write drag that old dog of a line into the script again, thus annoying our poor viewers. As she says in her blog:
"If a line seemed to write itself because you've heard similar lines a million times, it's probably worth reviewing for several reasons: if it isn't holding your interest as you write it, it probably won't interest the reader either."
No update from our man John August until Thursday.
Man Bytes Hollywood will be receiving a nice chunk of change due tohttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif a lawsuit against UCLA for charging exorbidant fees. This has, well, nothing to do with screenwriting but it's good to see that Dave and the other former students will get some money back. I remember the pain of my student fees. *shudder*
Jon Deer at The Thinking Writer hasn't updated his blog since FEBRUARY 26TH. What' the deal, yo? Where are you?!
Craig Mazin is still on break. He'll creep back into the internet sometime this month.
Kung Fu Monkey's John Rogers gives a shoutout to web comic creators Warren Ellis and Paul Duffield for FREAKANGELS. Story struck me as odd but the art is mighty fantastic. John hasn't given us any tidbits on the submissions he received for his new series, or anything else for that matter, this month but I'll report as soon as I hear anything.
And this is surely the shot heard 'round the world wide web, kids.
Alex Epstein reports that Uwe Boll, crafter of such cinematic masterpieces as BloodRayne, BloodRayne II and In The Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale, will GIVE UP THE CRAFT if one million people sign this petition.
Now I've never seen any of these movies, but I must say I'm impressed by the fact that this cat still makes movies even though he appears to be one of the, if not THE most hated filmmakers on the planet. And though people have protested, he keeps going. He's like the Energizer Bunny, the Fidel Castro of film, if you will.
So that's the scoop. Want to see more recaps of other blogs? Drop me a line and let me know which ones should be featured.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Twice! In One Day!
Seriously y'all, this is freakin' AMAZING to me. Two hoaxes in a day.
This one was marked URGENT REPLY. (Period and caps are theirs.)
Read on and enjoy the crazy.
---
MR MATATAH ALUI
The Manager of Audit & Accountancy Dept.
BANK OF AFRICA (BOA).
Ouagadougou, Burkina-Faso.
Phone : 00226 78142253
( READ CAREFULLY AND KEEP SECRET)
Greeting, and how are you doing?I hope fine.Please let this my message do not be a surprise to you because i got your information and lay trust in you before i contacted you.I am the MANAGER OF AUDIT & ACCOUNTANCY DEPARTMENT of our bank and i decided to contact you over this financial transaction worth the sum of TEN MILLION,FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND UNITED STATES DOLLARS ($10,500,000.00).This is an abandoned fund that belongs to one of our foreign customers who died along with his completely family.
I was very fortunate to came across the deceased file when i was arranging the old and abandoned customers files of 2003-2004 in other to submit to the bank managements accordingly for documentation purposes.It is clearly stated in our BANKING FOREIGN POLICY and signed lawfully that if such fund remains unclaimed by the NEXT OF KIN till the period of EIGHT(8) years starting from the date when the beneficiary died, the money will be transferred into the BANK TREASURY as an unclaimed fund.Besides,it is not authorized by the law guiding our bank for a citizen of BURKINA FASO to make the claim of the fund.
So the request of you as a foreigner is necessary to apply for the claim and transfer of the fund smoothly into your reliable bank account as the NEXT OF KIN to the deceased.When the fund is transferred into your account,FOURTY PERCENT(40%) will be for you in an assistance and in provision of the bank account,while SIXTY PERCENT (60%) will be for me. If you are really sure of your integerity, trustworthy and confidentiality,reply with your contact necessary for the transfer and call me as you so that i will let you know the steps to follow in order to finalize this transaction immediately.I will be waiting for your urgent reply.
My regards to you and your family, please contact me through this alternative email address matatah alui @yahoo.com
MR MATATAH ALUI
Manager of Audit & Accountancy Dept.
Ya.com ADSL 24h + Llamadas Nacionales y Locales 24h - desde 9,95 €/mes+IVA.
This one was marked URGENT REPLY. (Period and caps are theirs.)
Read on and enjoy the crazy.
---
MR MATATAH ALUI
The Manager of Audit & Accountancy Dept.
BANK OF AFRICA (BOA).
Ouagadougou, Burkina-Faso.
Phone : 00226 78142253
( READ CAREFULLY AND KEEP SECRET)
Greeting, and how are you doing?I hope fine.Please let this my message do not be a surprise to you because i got your information and lay trust in you before i contacted you.I am the MANAGER OF AUDIT & ACCOUNTANCY DEPARTMENT of our bank and i decided to contact you over this financial transaction worth the sum of TEN MILLION,FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND UNITED STATES DOLLARS ($10,500,000.00).This is an abandoned fund that belongs to one of our foreign customers who died along with his completely family.
I was very fortunate to came across the deceased file when i was arranging the old and abandoned customers files of 2003-2004 in other to submit to the bank managements accordingly for documentation purposes.It is clearly stated in our BANKING FOREIGN POLICY and signed lawfully that if such fund remains unclaimed by the NEXT OF KIN till the period of EIGHT(8) years starting from the date when the beneficiary died, the money will be transferred into the BANK TREASURY as an unclaimed fund.Besides,it is not authorized by the law guiding our bank for a citizen of BURKINA FASO to make the claim of the fund.
So the request of you as a foreigner is necessary to apply for the claim and transfer of the fund smoothly into your reliable bank account as the NEXT OF KIN to the deceased.When the fund is transferred into your account,FOURTY PERCENT(40%) will be for you in an assistance and in provision of the bank account,while SIXTY PERCENT (60%) will be for me. If you are really sure of your integerity, trustworthy and confidentiality,reply with your contact necessary for the transfer and call me as you so that i will let you know the steps to follow in order to finalize this transaction immediately.I will be waiting for your urgent reply.
My regards to you and your family, please contact me through this alternative email address matatah alui @yahoo.com
MR MATATAH ALUI
Manager of Audit & Accountancy Dept.
Ya.com ADSL 24h + Llamadas Nacionales y Locales 24h - desde 9,95 €/mes+IVA.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Buffalog - online sketches from Mike Maihack
I strive only to bring the best to you, dear readers.
I found Mike's fantastic art as I was trolling through the internet. He's a comic artist from Florida drawing some pretty awesome stuff.
His blog is definitely worth taking a look at, as is his comic, "Cow and Buffalo."
Enjoy!
My friend the TV star
My friend Ingrid was on "Cash Cab" on the Discovery Channel. And she knew practically all the answers. Way to go Ingrid! Rack up the $$$!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Anime Cat represents for Japan
Because anime so needs promotion here in the United States.
I say we send Garfield over in a cultural exchange.
I say we send Garfield over in a cultural exchange.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
New blog link: Complications Ensue
I found a new screenwriting blog that is quite entertaining: Alex Epstein's "Complications Ensue." He is a screenwriter (natch) and the author of Crafty Screenwriting and Crafty TV Writing. Today he wrote about Script Frenzy (yay!) and how the key to winning is to make as detailed an outline as possible and not reread or edit anything AT ALL until you finish.
I completely agree with this advice. It's how I won Script Frenzy last year.
The thing is, if you do it this way, you out-write doubt. It doesn't have a chance to catch up to your blazin' fingers.
That's a tip kids. Write it down!
I completely agree with this advice. It's how I won Script Frenzy last year.
The thing is, if you do it this way, you out-write doubt. It doesn't have a chance to catch up to your blazin' fingers.
That's a tip kids. Write it down!
"Untitled Awesome Project" REVEALED
Thaaaat's right kids, "Untitled Awesome" is untitled no more. Presenting "Quest for the Soul Stone," a rousing fantasy/adventure tale with morphing dragons, soul-eating creatures and trickster midgets.
Check it:
A young scribe and his scrappy companions must save their realm’s stolen souls from the clutches of a spiriting-eating witch and her ethereal minions.
I am super-psyched about this project. I wrote a four page treatment today with all of the main characters, Acts I, II and III. Now all I need is for April 1st to show up.
Hurry April! We frenziers wait for thee!
Check it:
A young scribe and his scrappy companions must save their realm’s stolen souls from the clutches of a spiriting-eating witch and her ethereal minions.
I am super-psyched about this project. I wrote a four page treatment today with all of the main characters, Acts I, II and III. Now all I need is for April 1st to show up.
Hurry April! We frenziers wait for thee!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Xia - DONE!!!
So after a year and two and a half months and five rewrites, "Xia" is DONE. And not only done, but submitted to Creative Screenwriting's AAA Contest and Triggerstreet. I am quite proud. I finished draft four last Sunday and thought, something is not quite right. Something is still missing. I reread the script twice and A-ha! Found the problem lay with the B story and the sidekicks. Fixed them both and KA-BLAM! New and improved script.
I put a moratorium for looking at it again for two weeks. After that point, it goes to the next round of contests.
This leaves time for outlining the "Untitled Awesome Project" for Script Frenzy. So far, this year's going great.
I put a moratorium for looking at it again for two weeks. After that point, it goes to the next round of contests.
This leaves time for outlining the "Untitled Awesome Project" for Script Frenzy. So far, this year's going great.
Friday, March 07, 2008
The Awesome That Is Script Frenzy
It has returned! From the crazy minds of The Office of Letters and Light, creators of National Novel Writing Month, aka NaNoWriMo, comes the 2nd Annual Script Frenzy!
What is this fabulous frenzy of which I speak?
Well my friends, it is the opportunity to finally make your dream script a reality. During the month of April, you are challenged to write 100 PAGES of script. And since the average screenplay is between 90 and 120, that's totally legit!
And it CAN be done! I won this competition last year with my script, "Darkness Rising." Best of all, the contest is absolutely FREE, you can meet fun folks through the message boards, and when you win, you get a nifty icon to put on your blog, website, etc.
I'll be reporting on my progress as the contest begins next month.
Check it out here!
And while you're at it, read the awesome interview of
Jen Arzt, Script Frenzy's Program Director.
Sign up today and prepare to write!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Internet Goodness
While looking for jobs today (gotta pay the bills somehow) I happened upon a most excellent website: aniboom.com. Simply put, it's YouTube strictly for animation. Lovely concept really. Animators have a place to showcase their work while also networking with other animators, novices and industry professionals. You can even get paid for your efforts if you become popular.
Also revisited one of my favorite sites, www.angryalien.com. This site is fantabulous because the creator, Jennifer Shiman, redoes movies in 30 seconds. With animated bunnies. You heard right, ANIMATED BUNNIES. It's hilarious. My personal fave so far is "Jaws."
And, saving the best for last, I finished my "Avatar" spec script for the Nick Writing Fellowship. YEAH! So excited. I will find out in August if I made it as a semifinalist, and find out at the end of September if I am chosen to go to sunny Burbank, CA to shadow a Nick Exec for AN ENTIRE YEAR. Woo hoo! Unfortunately, I can't post the script on this blog, but I'll find a way to get it out there to you.
That's all folks.
Also revisited one of my favorite sites, www.angryalien.com. This site is fantabulous because the creator, Jennifer Shiman, redoes movies in 30 seconds. With animated bunnies. You heard right, ANIMATED BUNNIES. It's hilarious. My personal fave so far is "Jaws."
And, saving the best for last, I finished my "Avatar" spec script for the Nick Writing Fellowship. YEAH! So excited. I will find out in August if I made it as a semifinalist, and find out at the end of September if I am chosen to go to sunny Burbank, CA to shadow a Nick Exec for AN ENTIRE YEAR. Woo hoo! Unfortunately, I can't post the script on this blog, but I'll find a way to get it out there to you.
That's all folks.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Animated Scripts R Us
I often troll the Internet in search of teleplays in order to improve my own writing.
The search has been most fruitful, as I've come across NUMEROUS scripts for "Lost," as well as the pilots for "Ugly Betty," "Scrubs" and the "Out of Gas" episode by Tim Minear for "Firefly," a show I admit I didn't start watching until the Sci Fi channel ran a late night marathon back in December.
However, my search has proven something quite sad - animation scripts on the net are sorely lacking. For whatever reason there just aren't that many around. I'm not sure if it's a legal issue or what, but most of the time you don't find the actual scripts, just transcripts by loyal (read: rabid) fans. While I appreciate the effort, there's nothing like a REAL script to really get a taste of what the craft is all about.
So you can imagine how excited I was today when I found not one, but THREE animated scripts FOR REAL this afternoon. All of them are by Michael Reaves, a guy I had never heard of but turns out wrote cartoons for many of the shows I loved as a kid including:
"Tiny Toon Adventures," "Gargoyles," "Dink: The Little Dinosaur" and "My Little Pony."
Michael was kind enough to post three "Batman: The Animated Series" scripts on his site. While they were never produced (and the second one is a link to Earthlink for some odd reason) they are enjoyable reads.
He also posted a produced script for, get this, "The Real Ghostbusters." I remember watching this and it's entertaining yet not as good cousin, "The Ghost Busters" as a kid, a testament to my freakishly encyclopedic memory of all things 80s animation. Scary.
The search has been most fruitful, as I've come across NUMEROUS scripts for "Lost," as well as the pilots for "Ugly Betty," "Scrubs" and the "Out of Gas" episode by Tim Minear for "Firefly," a show I admit I didn't start watching until the Sci Fi channel ran a late night marathon back in December.
However, my search has proven something quite sad - animation scripts on the net are sorely lacking. For whatever reason there just aren't that many around. I'm not sure if it's a legal issue or what, but most of the time you don't find the actual scripts, just transcripts by loyal (read: rabid) fans. While I appreciate the effort, there's nothing like a REAL script to really get a taste of what the craft is all about.
So you can imagine how excited I was today when I found not one, but THREE animated scripts FOR REAL this afternoon. All of them are by Michael Reaves, a guy I had never heard of but turns out wrote cartoons for many of the shows I loved as a kid including:
"Tiny Toon Adventures," "Gargoyles," "Dink: The Little Dinosaur" and "My Little Pony."
Michael was kind enough to post three "Batman: The Animated Series" scripts on his site. While they were never produced (and the second one is a link to Earthlink for some odd reason) they are enjoyable reads.
He also posted a produced script for, get this, "The Real Ghostbusters." I remember watching this and it's entertaining yet not as good cousin, "The Ghost Busters" as a kid, a testament to my freakishly encyclopedic memory of all things 80s animation. Scary.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
We love rats! (The animated variety)
So, of course, Pixar/Disney won Best Animated Feature for "Ratatouille." Was there ANY doubt that the animation masters would bow out to "Surf's Up?" None that I could think of.
You can read Brad Bird's acceptance speech here.
I'll be honest. I liked how "Ratatouille" looked, but the story dragged on. This film is not even in the same league as Brad Bird's "Iron Giant," which is, in a word, AWESOME. (Go see it. Really. Like right now.) And Remy didn't speak with a French accent, which I found rather odd, considering he supposedly grew up in the French countryside. Perhaps he studied abroad in the Midwest? Who knows.
At any rate, Team Pixar shows no signs of stopping, what with Wall*E coming out this summer.
It looks like a cute cross between "Short Circuit" and "batteries not included." I'm looking forward to it, as I love all things animation and robot related.
Mmm...robot goodness.
This is late, but still kinda timely
My Gal Friday, Diablo Cody, won for Original Screenplay on Sunday night.
I will be candid by saying that I believe "Juno" deserves a solid B+ as far as movies go. Didn't love it, didn't hate it, definately worth the $8.50. But I'm proud of Ms. Cody (aka Brook Busey) on account of she strikes me as a take-me-as-I-am-cause-I-ain't-a-faker kind of woman. And I like people like that in general.
Here is her Oscar speech, courtesy of oscar.com:
"What is happening? This is for the writers, and I want to thank all the writers. I especially want to thank my fellow nominees because I worship you guys and I'm learning from you every day, so thank you very much. I want to thank the Academy, I want to thank Fox Searchlight, Mr. Mudd, Mandate, Dan Dubiecki. I want to thank our incredible cast including the superhuman Ellen Page. I want to thank Jason Reitman, who I consider a member of my family, and I'm in awe of his talent as a filmmaker. I want to thank Sarah Self. I want to thank Mason Novick who knew I could do this before I did. And most of all, I want to thank my family for loving me exactly the way I am."
How can you not love that?
Yahoo! News even did a piece on her. Apparently all the people who loved the film and her are now part of a backlash against her because she won the award and is now a Hollywood darling. Makes me sick. People elevate you to cult status, then tear you down when you're successful. Shame on them.
But I say kudos to you, Ms. Cody. You've earned it.
Monday, February 25, 2008
"Adventure Time"
I attended the ASIFA screening in NYC last year when Fred Seibert premiered Pen Ward's "Adventure Time" to rousing applause. This is one of the best animated shorts I've ever seen. Enjoy!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Animaniacs' Macarena
This is, by far, STILL one of the best animated shows ever created.
It puts the current crop of shows to major shame.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Today on "Blogging with Angela"
STORYBOARDING
Storyboarding is fun.
Storyboarding is educational.
Storyboarding takes a REALLY LONG TIME.
Animation boards in particular take awhile, as you have to draw out nearly every frame to convey various pieces of action. Thus far I've boarded 24 frames a day, for a total of 48 frames so far. It is a great deal of fun though. The hours fly by. And I do mean hours.
Here are my favorite panels from today:
This is the scene in "Atlantis: The Lost Empire" where the two Atlantean pilots argue with each other right before they are pulverized by the tsunami. Absolutely fantastic scene.
NICK WRITING FELLOWSHIP SCRIPT
My "Avatar" spec script is in full swing. I'm on page 21. 10 (or so) more pages to go. Not too shabby. If I can figure out how to post the whole thing on the blog, I will. If not, you'll have to wait for the BIG SURPRISE coming soon
FAVE BLOG REVIEW
Screenwriter John August kindly posted his storyboards for his film "The Nines" on his Facebook page. The boards are quite nice, with smooth clean lines. Very clear cut action. You can check them out here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=28084&id=9990998571
(One day I'll figure out how to make a proper link. Until then, deal. Heh heh.)
His movie is also up for a Saturn Award, which is delightful.
Jane in Progress gives a great example of how to invigorate a cliched joke we've seen in many movies today: http://www.janeespenson.com/
And Diablo Cody won the Writers Guild 2008 Award for Original Screenplay for Juno. Woo! Check it out yo: http://www.wga.org/awards/awardssub.aspx?id=1517
And that as they say, is that.
Storyboarding is fun.
Storyboarding is educational.
Storyboarding takes a REALLY LONG TIME.
Animation boards in particular take awhile, as you have to draw out nearly every frame to convey various pieces of action. Thus far I've boarded 24 frames a day, for a total of 48 frames so far. It is a great deal of fun though. The hours fly by. And I do mean hours.
Here are my favorite panels from today:
This is the scene in "Atlantis: The Lost Empire" where the two Atlantean pilots argue with each other right before they are pulverized by the tsunami. Absolutely fantastic scene.
NICK WRITING FELLOWSHIP SCRIPT
My "Avatar" spec script is in full swing. I'm on page 21. 10 (or so) more pages to go. Not too shabby. If I can figure out how to post the whole thing on the blog, I will. If not, you'll have to wait for the BIG SURPRISE coming soon
FAVE BLOG REVIEW
Screenwriter John August kindly posted his storyboards for his film "The Nines" on his Facebook page. The boards are quite nice, with smooth clean lines. Very clear cut action. You can check them out here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=28084&id=9990998571
(One day I'll figure out how to make a proper link. Until then, deal. Heh heh.)
His movie is also up for a Saturn Award, which is delightful.
Jane in Progress gives a great example of how to invigorate a cliched joke we've seen in many movies today: http://www.janeespenson.com/
And Diablo Cody won the Writers Guild 2008 Award for Original Screenplay for Juno. Woo! Check it out yo: http://www.wga.org/awards/awardssub.aspx?id=1517
And that as they say, is that.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Writers of the nation, we stood behind you
As all of you know (unless you've been doing something other than watch tv - shameful!) the writer's strike is over. Hoorah!
You can read all about it here:
http://www.wgaeast.org/
And here:
http://www.wga.org/subpage_member.aspx?id=2204
The writers and the AMPTP finally came to a much needed agreement, which means that "Lost," "The Office" and every other great show I love will be returning with a vengeance.
EXCITING.
And the world rejoices!
Yes, you do indeed see a PICTURE on my blog. Imagine that!
Finally got Photoshop and my scanner to get back on speaking terms again.
So this pic is a panel from the opening sequence of "Atlantis: The Lost Empire," a great action adventure flick Disney created a few years back. I'm boarding out the entire beginning sequence, which will be completed in a few days. I'll also have some other lovely treats to post in the coming weeks.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Being sick bites
So since I've had some kind of caustic flu-cold virus hybrid, I've been a hermit for the past four days. However, it has given me plenty of time to:
a) Not work (sweet!)
b) Watch a lot of movies
c) Rewrite "Xia"
Thus far I've watched "The Matrix," "Transformers," "Walk the Line" and about five episodes from season 3 of "Lost." That show amazes and aggravates me at the same time. Why didn't you push Ben over the edge of the cliff when you had the chance Sawyer? Why did you shoot Ben in the head when you had the chance Jack? Why did you run for the hills the FIRST time Kate? Grrr...all of those people need a swift kick in the rear.
As for "Walk the Line," ever notice how all music biopics end up like VH1 behind the Music specials? "Walk the Line" is basically "Ray" with a white guy who plays the guitar and can see. It's like the same movie! They're the same person! Good grief. Everyone who wants to make it big in music should watch these movies so that they know never to leave their siblings alone when they are young and to not do drugs. That would solve 75% of their future problems.
As for writing, the "Xia" rewrite is going quite well. I'm up to page 86 out of 117. I've made the B story with Reyna's parents, Tai, Nem and Gesh more interesting, and Drenn is going to get more of his backstory revealed in this version, so that the sequel will make more sense. Also, they meet Siv-Ky a different way in this version. I found the original copy of the first script, and had to laugh. It was a great first attempt but would have been a bad movie. Some of the plot points and a few lines of dialogue are the same, but that's it. But everything else is radically different. Take note kids - rewriting is a GOOD THING.
My goal is to publish the final version on Triggerstreet by week's end. I also need to finish my spec script of "Avatar" for the Nickelodeon Fellowship, which is coming up in two short weeks. I've got the beat sheet, just need to write the darn thing now.
And if you haven't already done so - mail in your taxes.
a) Not work (sweet!)
b) Watch a lot of movies
c) Rewrite "Xia"
Thus far I've watched "The Matrix," "Transformers," "Walk the Line" and about five episodes from season 3 of "Lost." That show amazes and aggravates me at the same time. Why didn't you push Ben over the edge of the cliff when you had the chance Sawyer? Why did you shoot Ben in the head when you had the chance Jack? Why did you run for the hills the FIRST time Kate? Grrr...all of those people need a swift kick in the rear.
As for "Walk the Line," ever notice how all music biopics end up like VH1 behind the Music specials? "Walk the Line" is basically "Ray" with a white guy who plays the guitar and can see. It's like the same movie! They're the same person! Good grief. Everyone who wants to make it big in music should watch these movies so that they know never to leave their siblings alone when they are young and to not do drugs. That would solve 75% of their future problems.
As for writing, the "Xia" rewrite is going quite well. I'm up to page 86 out of 117. I've made the B story with Reyna's parents, Tai, Nem and Gesh more interesting, and Drenn is going to get more of his backstory revealed in this version, so that the sequel will make more sense. Also, they meet Siv-Ky a different way in this version. I found the original copy of the first script, and had to laugh. It was a great first attempt but would have been a bad movie. Some of the plot points and a few lines of dialogue are the same, but that's it. But everything else is radically different. Take note kids - rewriting is a GOOD THING.
My goal is to publish the final version on Triggerstreet by week's end. I also need to finish my spec script of "Avatar" for the Nickelodeon Fellowship, which is coming up in two short weeks. I've got the beat sheet, just need to write the darn thing now.
And if you haven't already done so - mail in your taxes.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Diablo Cody is my favorite person
So I listen to Creative Screenwriting podcasts all the time, and today I'm listening to a conversation between Jeff Goldsmith, senior editor of Creative Screenwriting magazine, and Diablo Cody, stripper turned author turned screenwriter of Juno. Now I have to point out that I thought Juno was too ultra-quirky for it's own good, I mean it laid it on pretty thick. The other characters were not nearly as interesting, although Jason Bateman was super creepy to the point where I was screaming in my head for little Juno to run out of the house. But what I like about Diablo is that she doesn't BS her way out of conversations. She's a genuinely funny individual, not pretenious, absolutely real. That's a refreshing concept, considering how some writers are so full of themselves, or so focused on "art" and "craft" that you wonder if they would be better off creating paintings that no one understood on New York street corners.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Radioactive Kryptonite
So the reason why some blogs win and some blogs fail? Two words - radioactive kryptonite. Some blogs are simply dangerous to the touch and do absolutely nothing for the reader. A wasteland of pages in the world wide web, clutter creating agents if you will.
The reader has to glean something out of a blog for it to be of use. It can't be filled with so much overwrought angst and snarkiness that you completely alienate the populace. You must speak from the heart. It must enlighten the masses. Excite them. Make them want to turn on their computers, go online, and find out what their favorite blogger wrote about that day.
At least, that's how I feel whenever I read three of my favorite blogs:
johnaugust.com, whywewrite.com and wordplayer.com. These blogs inspire me. They teach me how to be a better screenwriter. How to get the words on the page. How to map out a story, create more interesting characters. They show me that there are other people out there who are interested in this kind of thing.
You know, before I moved to New York I had not met a single person who was interested in writing a movie. Not one. All of my writer friends had essentially quit writing by the time I made it out to the East Coast. Looking back, this worked to my advantage. It wasn't until I'd written my third script that I discovered how many people wanted to write movies, tried to write movies, desired to sell that million dollar spec script. I had no idea that a script could even sell for that kind of money. It sounded ludicrous. Who in their right mind would pay that much for a stack of paper? Idiots. But that was what actually lured some people to become writers.
That to me is absolutely crazy. Having worked as a professional writer and editor, I can tell you that while it pays OK it ain't gonna make you rich. You actually have to want to do this because you like telling stories, not because you hope Steven Spielberg will pluck you out of the ether to write "Indiana Jones 5. " That's why I do this. I write because ever since I was a kid I've lived in my own head, imagining my own characters interacting with the world, going on wacky adventures. If I didn't write comics, novels, screenplays, if I didn't draw pictures or storyboards, I'd make cardboard cutouts, or origami people, or postage stamp plays, or something completely nuts just to get my vision out there.
My goal in all of this is to finish my work and get it sold so that I can do this full-time, instead of working in retail or clerical jobs I hate. My goal is to be able to look back and say, yeah, I did this and now you can rent it, put the poster on the wall, recite the lines. And my goal is to chronicle the experience, so anyone else who comes after me, wanting the same goal, can see someone who accomplished it and go, "yeah, she did it. I can do it too."
That would make it all worth while.
The reader has to glean something out of a blog for it to be of use. It can't be filled with so much overwrought angst and snarkiness that you completely alienate the populace. You must speak from the heart. It must enlighten the masses. Excite them. Make them want to turn on their computers, go online, and find out what their favorite blogger wrote about that day.
At least, that's how I feel whenever I read three of my favorite blogs:
johnaugust.com, whywewrite.com and wordplayer.com. These blogs inspire me. They teach me how to be a better screenwriter. How to get the words on the page. How to map out a story, create more interesting characters. They show me that there are other people out there who are interested in this kind of thing.
You know, before I moved to New York I had not met a single person who was interested in writing a movie. Not one. All of my writer friends had essentially quit writing by the time I made it out to the East Coast. Looking back, this worked to my advantage. It wasn't until I'd written my third script that I discovered how many people wanted to write movies, tried to write movies, desired to sell that million dollar spec script. I had no idea that a script could even sell for that kind of money. It sounded ludicrous. Who in their right mind would pay that much for a stack of paper? Idiots. But that was what actually lured some people to become writers.
That to me is absolutely crazy. Having worked as a professional writer and editor, I can tell you that while it pays OK it ain't gonna make you rich. You actually have to want to do this because you like telling stories, not because you hope Steven Spielberg will pluck you out of the ether to write "Indiana Jones 5. " That's why I do this. I write because ever since I was a kid I've lived in my own head, imagining my own characters interacting with the world, going on wacky adventures. If I didn't write comics, novels, screenplays, if I didn't draw pictures or storyboards, I'd make cardboard cutouts, or origami people, or postage stamp plays, or something completely nuts just to get my vision out there.
My goal in all of this is to finish my work and get it sold so that I can do this full-time, instead of working in retail or clerical jobs I hate. My goal is to be able to look back and say, yeah, I did this and now you can rent it, put the poster on the wall, recite the lines. And my goal is to chronicle the experience, so anyone else who comes after me, wanting the same goal, can see someone who accomplished it and go, "yeah, she did it. I can do it too."
That would make it all worth while.
Diaglogue Dialogue
Is something that I need to work on. I've found while editing my script for the third time that while I am adept at description, the dialogue leaves something to be desired. A whole lot of "Augh!" and "Look out!" and "Leave them alone!" peppers the script. The best action, sci fi and fantasy movies have great bits of illuminating dialogue, speeches that you recite over and over again long after the rest of the film has faded.
Also, realized the reason why I didn't like the "B" part of the story was because the characters were not fleshed out. They are one dimensional compared to the "A" story characters and need something else to define them. Either that or they need to be done away with completely. I am hesitant to do this however, as every hero in these types of stories tends to lose one or both parents, and I want to buck the trend by having Reyna's parents live, at least for this first movie. No promises on the sequels.
As for sequels, I have a kernal of an idea for "Xia 2." There will be a "Xia 3" but no ideas yet as to what that will entail.
But first I gotta finish the first one. Final Draft contest is the first one up.
Also, realized the reason why I didn't like the "B" part of the story was because the characters were not fleshed out. They are one dimensional compared to the "A" story characters and need something else to define them. Either that or they need to be done away with completely. I am hesitant to do this however, as every hero in these types of stories tends to lose one or both parents, and I want to buck the trend by having Reyna's parents live, at least for this first movie. No promises on the sequels.
As for sequels, I have a kernal of an idea for "Xia 2." There will be a "Xia 3" but no ideas yet as to what that will entail.
But first I gotta finish the first one. Final Draft contest is the first one up.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Leopard OS X 10.5 vs. HP PSC 2355 Scanner
So for Christmas I bought a nifty 20" iMac to replace my dying Dell Inspiron Laptop (R.I.P.)
Problem is that HP has yet to come out with adequate drivers and software to support printing and scanning on said computer. I've spent six hours now hunting for the proper software on various message boards, free Twain sites and HPs site trying to find something that can work. The result is that now I can print documents, and I can scan documents, but I cannot actually SAVE anything that I can scan, and everytime I try to scan something onto Photoshop CS2, the program crashes. Nice.
So until I figure out how to get the scanner to work, there will be a dearth of drawings on this blog. Apple is great but only if the rest of the world jumps on the Mac bandwagon.
Problem is that HP has yet to come out with adequate drivers and software to support printing and scanning on said computer. I've spent six hours now hunting for the proper software on various message boards, free Twain sites and HPs site trying to find something that can work. The result is that now I can print documents, and I can scan documents, but I cannot actually SAVE anything that I can scan, and everytime I try to scan something onto Photoshop CS2, the program crashes. Nice.So until I figure out how to get the scanner to work, there will be a dearth of drawings on this blog. Apple is great but only if the rest of the world jumps on the Mac bandwagon.
And now for something completely different...
So moving to a place that snows is quite interesting, particularly Denver. I'd never driven in snow until last week. Kind of a harrowing experience but I made it out unscathed.
Work has proven to be quite lame. The managers at the store don't know what they are doing. I wasn't too pleased to find out that we have to police our own hours so that we don't get overtime. Also didn't appreciate being embarrassed about it in front of three managers. I spoke to two of them about it, so things are straightened out now, but I see why I am a creator and not a lackey for a retail computer store.
So I've been spending today rewriting and playing Tetris. Old school Nintendo Tetris. Man that game is addictive.
Work has proven to be quite lame. The managers at the store don't know what they are doing. I wasn't too pleased to find out that we have to police our own hours so that we don't get overtime. Also didn't appreciate being embarrassed about it in front of three managers. I spoke to two of them about it, so things are straightened out now, but I see why I am a creator and not a lackey for a retail computer store.
So I've been spending today rewriting and playing Tetris. Old school Nintendo Tetris. Man that game is addictive.
Xia Version 3.0
I started to rewrite "Xia" last week after a month hiatus. It's a good idea to not look at the script for awhile -- let it percolate in your brain as you focus on other tasks.
I've got two other ideas to work on once "Xia" is completed and submitted to various contests and sites. First one up -- Triggerstreet.com. After reading many scripts in Trigger, most of them quite bad, I decided to rewrite my creation before submitting it, as I already knew what the problems were in version 2 and didn't want it pointed it out to me 10 times by anonymous readers.
After Triggerstreet comes the Final Draft contest, Page International, Slam Dance, the Nicholl's Fellowship and the Disney Fellowship. I stand to win something out of all of these, *wink wink*.
I've got two other ideas to work on once "Xia" is completed and submitted to various contests and sites. First one up -- Triggerstreet.com. After reading many scripts in Trigger, most of them quite bad, I decided to rewrite my creation before submitting it, as I already knew what the problems were in version 2 and didn't want it pointed it out to me 10 times by anonymous readers.
After Triggerstreet comes the Final Draft contest, Page International, Slam Dance, the Nicholl's Fellowship and the Disney Fellowship. I stand to win something out of all of these, *wink wink*.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
The Suite Life of Zach and Cody
Is such a sweet show. It's actually funny and shows adults who know how to think and be responsible for their kids. And the stars, Cole and Dylan Sprouse, are absolutely adorable.
I'm seriously considering writing a spec for this instead of "Hannah Montana." I really do like this show a great deal more.
Received my third script to review from Triggerstreet. I'm hoping it's a good one. Since I'm a new member I can only review one a day, but that works out great. My plan is to read at least four a week. After I've read four I can upload my own works. There are some people who have read hundreds. Obviously these folks either:
a) Read at least one a day
b) Really like screenplays
c) Absolutely have no lives
My hope is for a) and b).
I haven't drawn much in weeks. I need to get back in the habit. I've found it difficult to switch gears from drawing to writing. I can do either/or, but have not successfully done both in one day for a while.
As for "Rock Out Loud!" decided that free association may not be the best way to go. I really do need an outline or else I will be meandering about. "Darkness Rising" also needs a serious rewrite, as well as much research to make sure the Mesopotamian facts are correct.
Maybe I should buy a planner.
I'm seriously considering writing a spec for this instead of "Hannah Montana." I really do like this show a great deal more.
Received my third script to review from Triggerstreet. I'm hoping it's a good one. Since I'm a new member I can only review one a day, but that works out great. My plan is to read at least four a week. After I've read four I can upload my own works. There are some people who have read hundreds. Obviously these folks either:
a) Read at least one a day
b) Really like screenplays
c) Absolutely have no lives
My hope is for a) and b).
I haven't drawn much in weeks. I need to get back in the habit. I've found it difficult to switch gears from drawing to writing. I can do either/or, but have not successfully done both in one day for a while.
As for "Rock Out Loud!" decided that free association may not be the best way to go. I really do need an outline or else I will be meandering about. "Darkness Rising" also needs a serious rewrite, as well as much research to make sure the Mesopotamian facts are correct.
Maybe I should buy a planner.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Rock Out Loud!
So today I finally went back to Triggerstreet. I joined several months ago but left it neglected. But nothing like finishing a script to make you want to get involved.
So the deal with them is that you have to review four scripts before they let you post your own. You also have to agree to have actually READ the script and offer constructive criticism that will help the person instead of turning them into a self-conscious pile of mush.
I must admit thought that the first script I read was BAD. It had a great premise- boy fights dragon who is the actual cause of the fall of Pompeii. However the characterization and formatting needed a lot of work. I gave the person some concrete examples though, so hopefully that will help.
The second script was better but devolved into confusion mid-way through. Too many flashbacks, and some facts were revealed later but not completely, so it left you scratching your head.
I'm glad I read both though because it enabled me to see problems in my own script that I know I need to fix now. However, I'm not looking at "Xia" until February 1st. I need to take a breather otherwise I'll get sick of it and never want to work on it again.
So instead I started to write "Rock Out Loud!" I admit that right now the script has NO plot. I tried to come up with one and a log line and since nothing came to mind I just started writing. Real stream of consciousness stuff. I'm on page 5. I figure if I just write whatever pops into my head every day for a month I'll be done with it. It won't be that great but it will be a start, and every writing book I've read has said that the first draft is quite bad anyway.
Excelsior!
So the deal with them is that you have to review four scripts before they let you post your own. You also have to agree to have actually READ the script and offer constructive criticism that will help the person instead of turning them into a self-conscious pile of mush.
I must admit thought that the first script I read was BAD. It had a great premise- boy fights dragon who is the actual cause of the fall of Pompeii. However the characterization and formatting needed a lot of work. I gave the person some concrete examples though, so hopefully that will help.
The second script was better but devolved into confusion mid-way through. Too many flashbacks, and some facts were revealed later but not completely, so it left you scratching your head.
I'm glad I read both though because it enabled me to see problems in my own script that I know I need to fix now. However, I'm not looking at "Xia" until February 1st. I need to take a breather otherwise I'll get sick of it and never want to work on it again.
So instead I started to write "Rock Out Loud!" I admit that right now the script has NO plot. I tried to come up with one and a log line and since nothing came to mind I just started writing. Real stream of consciousness stuff. I'm on page 5. I figure if I just write whatever pops into my head every day for a month I'll be done with it. It won't be that great but it will be a start, and every writing book I've read has said that the first draft is quite bad anyway.
Excelsior!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Sleeping Patterns Be Damned
So I've completely hijacked my sleep schedule. Oh yeah. I have no idea what will befall me at work today. Had a long and hard day dealing with idiots on the phone at the Store I Cannot Name because the organization is cultish like that, so to get over it I watched a lot of television, answered 28 questions on Yahoo! Answers and then began to comb through godawful blog after blog about writers.
Oh man we're a depressing lot. It's weird because we're the ones creating the material. Must be the strike. Honestly I don't get how professional writers allowed themselves to be screwed over for so long. I guess they were so glad to get jobs that they didn't care if they were getting paid peanuts for the work that makes studios millions? Oh well.
Silver lining in the story is that I got to vicariously hear about four hours worth of "The Fresh Price of Bel-Air" (survey says: Awesome!) and realized that I can avoid most of the "I want to be a writer but can't cause I don't know how woe is me why am I not being recognized as the genius I am" by:
1. NOT reading dailies like Variety or The Hollywood Reporter
2. NOT spending time with people who bitch more than they actually write
3. Spending LOTS of time on blogs like johnaugust.com
I'd never heard of John August until today. He wrote "Go." The Katie Holmes movie. I've never seen that movie. But I will give a listening ear and a tired eye to someone who's actually had a film MADE 'cause heck, I'm not at that point yet. And wonder of wonders, after five hours of trolling through the craptastic wastelands that is the Internet, his site is not only refreshingly funny and upbeat but offers genuine advice that screenwriters can actually USE.
Go John.
And now doing what I should have done five hours ago.
Zzzzzz.....
Oh man we're a depressing lot. It's weird because we're the ones creating the material. Must be the strike. Honestly I don't get how professional writers allowed themselves to be screwed over for so long. I guess they were so glad to get jobs that they didn't care if they were getting paid peanuts for the work that makes studios millions? Oh well.
Silver lining in the story is that I got to vicariously hear about four hours worth of "The Fresh Price of Bel-Air" (survey says: Awesome!) and realized that I can avoid most of the "I want to be a writer but can't cause I don't know how woe is me why am I not being recognized as the genius I am" by:
1. NOT reading dailies like Variety or The Hollywood Reporter
2. NOT spending time with people who bitch more than they actually write
3. Spending LOTS of time on blogs like johnaugust.com
I'd never heard of John August until today. He wrote "Go." The Katie Holmes movie. I've never seen that movie. But I will give a listening ear and a tired eye to someone who's actually had a film MADE 'cause heck, I'm not at that point yet. And wonder of wonders, after five hours of trolling through the craptastic wastelands that is the Internet, his site is not only refreshingly funny and upbeat but offers genuine advice that screenwriters can actually USE.
Go John.
And now doing what I should have done five hours ago.
Zzzzzz.....
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
"Xia" 2nd Edition now complete
And the crowd goes wild.
Yesterday I completed one of my New Year's Resolutions - complete "Xia."
It is finished.
After a decade of blood, sweat, and reams of paper in my room rivaling Russel Crowe's office in "A Beautiful Mind" I finished my first feature length script. It clocks in at 124 pages - still "too long" but two pages shorter than the original version I completed last May.
And officially registered! Lucky number 1,245,873.
Sent it off to three friends for review (thank you friends) and now going to give it a rest for awhile so that I can start on the next three scripts.
And what are they, you ask?
1. A spec script for "Hannah Montana" for the Nickelodeon Fellowship
2. A spec script for "Lost" for the Disney Fellowship
3. Either "Rock Out Loud," "Darkness Rising" or "Xia" for the Nicholl's Fellowship. Haven't decided which one - depends on which one I like best by May 1st
I'm pretty stoked about the whole thing. I am one step closer to fulfilling the dream here - I'll already have three in the can by May, bringing the grand total to six completed works.
Look out, Hollywood. Angela's coming.
Yesterday I completed one of my New Year's Resolutions - complete "Xia."
It is finished.
After a decade of blood, sweat, and reams of paper in my room rivaling Russel Crowe's office in "A Beautiful Mind" I finished my first feature length script. It clocks in at 124 pages - still "too long" but two pages shorter than the original version I completed last May.
And officially registered! Lucky number 1,245,873.
Sent it off to three friends for review (thank you friends) and now going to give it a rest for awhile so that I can start on the next three scripts.
And what are they, you ask?
1. A spec script for "Hannah Montana" for the Nickelodeon Fellowship
2. A spec script for "Lost" for the Disney Fellowship
3. Either "Rock Out Loud," "Darkness Rising" or "Xia" for the Nicholl's Fellowship. Haven't decided which one - depends on which one I like best by May 1st
I'm pretty stoked about the whole thing. I am one step closer to fulfilling the dream here - I'll already have three in the can by May, bringing the grand total to six completed works.
Look out, Hollywood. Angela's coming.
Friday, December 14, 2007
So it's been awhile...
Exactly 2 and a half months since I posted anything new.
Wowsers. How time flies.
Anyway, quick updates on life and such -
I left New York. That's right - couldn't stand the place any longer. Time to ride off into the sunset. Moved back to Texas, which I never thought I would do but I enjoy immensely. Worked at a Victoria Secret of all places - for a week and a half. Then got a job at a company I like but which weirdly enough I'm not actually allowed to say on the Internet. Crazy right? But all of you know what I'm talking about so no big deal.
As soon as I can I'll start posting new art. I've been working on "Xia" more than drawing the past two weeks. I love that story but am so sick of it at the same time. As soon as it's done I can start working on the next script. Nickelodeon will be conducting another fellowship for 2009, so I'll be entering that. Hopefully I'll win a spot for the fall, that would be quite exciting.
TTFN.
Wowsers. How time flies.
Anyway, quick updates on life and such -
I left New York. That's right - couldn't stand the place any longer. Time to ride off into the sunset. Moved back to Texas, which I never thought I would do but I enjoy immensely. Worked at a Victoria Secret of all places - for a week and a half. Then got a job at a company I like but which weirdly enough I'm not actually allowed to say on the Internet. Crazy right? But all of you know what I'm talking about so no big deal.
As soon as I can I'll start posting new art. I've been working on "Xia" more than drawing the past two weeks. I love that story but am so sick of it at the same time. As soon as it's done I can start working on the next script. Nickelodeon will be conducting another fellowship for 2009, so I'll be entering that. Hopefully I'll win a spot for the fall, that would be quite exciting.
TTFN.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Out sick
Being sick really sucks. There's no way around it. It's not like you can plan the time when you're sick "Yeah, I'd like to schedule being ill during the month of March, dates? Yeah - 12th and 13th."
Sadly, it just doesn't work that way. Fortunately, I am the Queen of making my own fun, so after sleeping (A LOT) I watched a movie I've been meaning to see for quite some time - "Big Fish." It's different than what I was expecting. For starters, the first hour wasn't any good. I kept watching it going, "Now, what is the point of this movie?" They had me at the end though, when you discover that most of what the father said in his stories was true, but still, you shouldn't have to sit for 2 hours for a movie to get decent.
Speaking of movies, been rewriting "Xia" for the ASA/Gotham Screenplay contest. Due date Oct. 31st. It is quite different from the original screenplay, but closer in tone and events to the novel. I am enjoying the process but will be quite glad when the whole thing is over with. I've had this story in my head since I was 16. Time to set it free.
The Kaiser Report
Yes, the concert was quite smashing. The into band, Datarock - very weird. They looked like Ben Stiller in "The Royal Tenebaums," complete with sunglasses and red track suits. The keyboardist totally made that band. He kept jumping around, clapping and - get this - playing the saxophone. Kind of badly, but by the end, he had everyone cheering. He made that band.
The next band, I don't even know their name. They never introduced themselves. Don't you hate that? They kind of sounded like a cross between Radiohead and something, can't quite describe them.
And then - KAISER CHIEFS. They lowered a huge sign with their name on it, and it was ON. The whole crowd stood to their feet when they played my FAVORITE SONG FIRST - "Everyday I love you less and less." Excellent. They are so good live. Much better than on their CDs. "Ruby" and "I Predict A Riot" were also crowd favorites. And in a great comedic moment, the lead singer introduced the keyboardist (Peanut) and encouraged him to come to the front to sing a song. Peanut high fived people and clapped, and the crowd started chanting "Ole, ole ole ole," to get him going, much to the amusement of the lead singer, who doubled-over laughing.
What an excellent show! They came out and did 2 songs for an encore, and the lead jumped into the crowd, climbing over seats and shaking people's hands. Amazing, simply amazing.
Rock on, Brits!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Kaiser Chiefs Forever!!!
That's right kids, the boys from Britain play TOMORROW NIGHT at the Beacon Theater. More info from the live show coming Sunday, Sunday, Sunday.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
I Heart Anderson Cooper
Yes, the myth, the man was at Barnes & Noble on Monday. So exciting!We clapped when he walked down the aisle. We clapped when he got to the stage, we clapped when B&N's Joyce the Announcer introduced him, and we clapped when he left to tape Anderson Cooper 360.
Oh yeah, and there was this other guy there - Jeffrey Toobin. He wrote a book called "The Nine" about the Supreme Court. Man knew his stuff. Anderson interviewed him for 25 minutes before jetting to CNN headquarters. Jeff then amused us with interesting tales about the famed and mysterious Court, then opened the floor for questions.
I always love audience Q & A sessions. Inevitably there is always some crazed person who pontificates about their life without actually asking anything, or who tries to ram some point that has nothing to do with anything down the throats of the audience, or someone who is downright pathetic. In this case, there was this young-ish guy in the back that started to get into some conspiracy theory about 9/11 that had jack squat to do with the topic,
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Sydney White: Revamped for the MySpace Generation
Due to an unforeseen rainstorm preventing a trip to the zoo "Look Jahkwona, wet, miserable animals! Fun!" my little sister and I hoofed it to the local megaplex where we were greeted by a paucity of movies aimed at anyone below the age of 19. None were suitable for the kid, except for one "Sydney White."
Here's what I knew about this movie:
1. It starred Amanda Bynes (reigning queen of perky tween movies)
2. It was a retelling of Snow White in college (translation: Disney-esque)
3. It starred Amanda Bynes
Miss Bynes is the anti-Lindsay, goofy and beloved by tween and teen girls everywhere.
In other words, safe for a 9-year-old.
So off we went, and while they didn't break the mold with his one, it got the job done.
Basically story goes like this - cute and lovable Sydney White (Bynes) lost her mom at age 9 and was raised by cute and lovable dad Paul (Johnathan Scheinder) on a construction site. So we're led to believe that even though she's got Oxyclean skin and can apply make-up better than most supermodels, she knows more about a Phillips head screwdriver than the perfect prom dress.
OK, suspension of disbelief--on.
But Syndey longs to follow in the footsteps of her dearly deceased mommy, and decides the best way to do so is to join mom's sorority, Kappa Phi Nu, upon entering her freshman year of college.
So off she goes to Southern Atlantic University, but trouble is a brewin'!
Enter Rachel Witchburn (aka Sara Paxton aka Evil Queen) stereotypical blond queen bee we've already seen in every other teen movie made in the past decade ("Mean Girls" anyone?) Ms. Witch is president of both the sorority house AND student council (natch). And wouldn't you know it, Rachel's goal is to be the fairest in the land - via a "Hot or Not" list posted on the school's MySpace page, the magic mirror updated for the 21st century blogging generation. She also has her peepers set on turning the Vortex, a sadder than dirt student residence house and home of the seven dorks, into her own private campus complex with the help of her parents money and funds from the family of her ex, Tyler Prince (aka Matt Long, and if the names aren't enough to convince you what role he is to play, I can't help you.) Prince could care less about his old flame, for even though he is the Frat Boy King, he has a heart of gold.
But enter Sydney! Because of legacy Rachel has to let her rush with the sea of blond cookie cutter fembots. She gives poor Sydney hell but the girl still catches the eye of the Prince, befriends a Dallas-cheerleader-like sidekick girl named Dinky and meets the first of the dorks (the dwarfs of the story), Lenny (Jack Carpenter in a role that quiet frankly is suited for a better movie).
However Rachel's bile and insecurity pushes her to use various loopholes to banish Sydney from the sisterhood and humiliate her in front of everyone at the rush dance. Poor Syd is left with no place to go, but look! The dorks have emerged and offer her a place to rest her wary head! And all of them are straight out of the 1937 classic with one-dimensional updates. There's Terrence (Doc, aka Jeremy Howard) a dude who's been in college 6 years past his graduation date and doing weird experiments with mice; Gurkin (Grumpy aka Danny Strong) an angry conspiracy theorist blogger; Embele (Sleepy aka Donte Bonner) a Nigerian who never adjusted to the time zone difference; Spanky (Happy aka Samm Levine) a horny ladies man-wannabe with zero luck with the opposite sex; Jeremy (Bashful aka Adam Hendershott) a who speaks through the hand puppet of petshop.com and George (Dopey aka Arnie Pantoja) a Tiger Scout who can't tie knots and earn his last merit badge. And of course, Lenny, (aka Sneezy) who is actually more like Doc, for he leads this pack of motley geeks who have found solace in the deathtrap of a dorm they call home.
Sydney, firecracker that she is, decides to help her new friends by getting them better housing, and the only way to do that is to get them to run against Rachel in the student council elections.
They decide Terrence should run for prez (why? who knows!) and they campaign in earnest. But stuff happens, mainly Terrence getting disqualified for already graduating, leading them to pick Sydney to run, which should have been there first clue anyway. Sydney obviously (because it's her show, isn't it?) wins over the hearts and minds of the people by reaching out to everyone not in the Greek System. Which is, in her own words, 80 percent of the student body.
This propels her to the No. 1 slot on the "Hot or Not" list, and the Evil Queen in a last ditch effort to destroy the fair princess, enlists the help of a techno-goth to send a computer virus (the poison apple) to Sydney's computer, destroying her term paper the night before the big stu. co. debate. Sydney pulls an all-nighter, and the debate nearly goes on without her, but lo! Prince Charming awakens her with a kiss inside the study hall, they rush to the debate where Sydney gives a lame "I'm a dork, we're all dorks!" speech that unifies the masses and destroys the Queen.
In the end the Vortex is saved, Sydney gets the Prince, Lenny gets Dinky, and the Queen is kicked out of the sorority. The End. It's all escapist-fluff, but the demographic it caters to voiced their pleasure at seeing their girl win. And there are winning scenes that come out of left-field, such as the Evil Queen paying the techno-goth in hotpockets, the dorks re-enacting fight scenes from "Gladiator" and even an homage to the "Hi-ho off to work we go" sequence of the original, with the seven dorks trapping through campus with picket signs instead of pick axes.
Mainly the problem lies not in the acting but the writing. In the hands of a better scribe, the movie could have been in the upper-eschelons of teen comedies. But for all its faults, it ain't half bad.
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