If you want to have your script
critiqued at one of our meetings. Please let me know. I need
to know the page count, genre, which meeting you will be
attending (Tuesday or Saturday). One thing to consider is that
your script should be in the proper format. It doesn't have to
be the most polished script in the universe, but it should be in
readable script format. If you're not familiar with the script
format standards, ask at the next meeting and check the links
below.
SCREENPLAY
FORMATTING & SOFTWARE
The dreaded script format is
complicated and can be a real pain. Here's an example of the
"rules"
http://www.screenwritinghelp.com/z-dreadedformat.html - I
highly recommend screenplay formatting software.
The Done Deal script sales
website has some good examples and fundamentals of
screenwriting.
http://www.scriptsales.com/Examples.html
http://www.scriptsales.com/DDFundamentals.html
You can download a demo of
scripting software at the Writers Store
http://www.writersstore.com
A fabulous FREE software that has a lot of production features
as well as the screenwriting formatting:
http://www.celtx.com
The demo for Movie Magic
Screenwriter software for Windows and Macintosh is found at
http://www.writersstore.com/product.php?products_id=2339
The demo for Final Draft
software for both Windows and Macintosh is found at
http://www.writersstore.com/product.php?products_id=2220
SHOOTING
THREE SHORT FILMS THIS SUMMER
If you are interested in helping us with the production
of three short films this summer (acting, props,
locations, whatever) please email
TeresaMLA@yahoo.com
-- thanks.
Remember to bring your
friends or others that may be interested. Even if they
haven't written a script, they may still be able read a
part... even if they won't be critiquing.
We have to determine at the
outset whether an individual will be just a reader or also a
reviewer. There is a lot to be learned by listening to the
critiques of experienced writers. However, there are
probably a few that could use a bit more experience before
reviewing another's work. There's no shame either way and
we'll adjust to the needs of the group.
Remember we will be reading
parts from each other's work, so we need to know how many
copies of the pages to make. If you say you will come and
later can't make it, please try to notify us.
For those that will be
having their script pages read and reviewed, I will email a
final count so that you'll know how many copies of your
material to make. Please no more than twenty pages to be
reviewed at a time.
I have prepared a fast and
loose agenda for our meetings and it
changes based on the needs of the group, but to start:
- Whine and gripe about
life/writing/agents/producers/Teresa's coffee, while waiting
for late comers (5 minutes)
- Prepare scripts for
reading, assign & highlight parts (if necessary) or make
more copies. (10 minutes)
- Read and Review script #1
pages - maximum 20 pages (30 minutes)
- Read and Review script #2
pages - maximum 20 pages (30 minutes)
- Read and Review script #3
pages - maximum 20 pages (30 minutes)
- General discussion about
screenwriting... books, festivals, contests (15 minutes)
I'm afraid that the online
reviewing segment will not be online until sometime in July
and that segment is only for people who have registered
their scripts with the WGA and/or copyrighted and also give
their permission.
Teens and
Writing our Workshops
I've been allowing a teenage
members to sit in on the reading and reviewing. I'll
continue to allow them to
attend the meetings of the more experienced group as long as they remain
interested and respectful. They can learn a lot by reading
along and listening to our critiques.
Omaha Film
Festival - Call for Entries
Jeremy from the Omaha Film
Festival asked me to let you all know that they are
accepting entries for the Omaha Film Festival starting on
May 1st.
More information is
available on their website, along with fundraising events to
support the festival. Visit them at
www.omahafilmfestival.org
A good article on Spec Scripts
submitted by Sally Walker.
http://www.hollywoodlitsales.com/tips/tips.shtml
