PODCASTS

Just want to recommend the Creative Screenwriting Magazine podcasts available through iTunes. They've had some great in-depth chats with the screenwriters of such movies as
"Capote", "The Family Stone", "Syrianna", "Hostel" and many other popular releases.

Some of the writers are a little full of themselves and seem to like to hear themselves talk -- but I guess when you spend your life in a room alone writing -- the chance to pontificate and articulate is exciting.

The podcasts are conducted by Jeff Goldsmith, a senior editor for Creative Screenwriting Magazine and he does a good job trying to keep the writers on track.

I'm still writing. Getting a new script out this month to L.A. and guess what?? I heard from A-list producer about the sports script! He said "my notes will get to you in a week or so". Guess what? NO NOTES. This is since August! Granted he's finishing a big project for the WB Network, but it's frustrating just the same. I'm beyond annoyed and actually think it's funny now. If I ever get the notes, I will faint. They better be DAMN good.

Catching up on movies. Really liked "TransAmerica" with Felicity Huffman. Wow. She's phenomenal in this role. She will definitely be nominated for an Oscar. The movie is really good too. Also "Walk the Line" was better than I expected it to be. Great sound editing (and I never usually notice that stuff, but the sound/music in that movie are mixed in a creative way.) "Match Point" was worth seeing too. Very suspenseful and disturbing. Scarlett Johansson was terrific.

Oscars are right around the corner -- my equivalent of the Super Bowl! Can't wait for the glam red carpet walks, the show hosted this year by Jon Stewart and the corny Barbara Walters Pre-Oscar Special!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

SCREENWRITING BOOK

We all know there are too many screenwriting books on the market and most are not very helpful -- and most of these authors are unproduced writers who are making their living from selling to other unproduced writers... it's like the blind leading the blind. Okay, not every coach can hit a home run either... but most coaches were once former players... so that experience does come in handy.

Therfore, I highly recommend reading the book "SAVE THE CAT! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need" by Blake Snyder. I got it as a Christmas present and read 3/4 of it in one day -- highlighting away -- it's a practical, how-to on craft, structure, the business and marketing (like don't even start writing that script until you have a catchy, pertinent title and logline!!)

Snyder is a million-dollar writer who wrote Blank Check and Herbie Comes Home for Disney. He also wrote "Stop or My Mom Will Shoot!" but we'll forgive him for that one. Snyder knows the business of making movies -- and it is a business foremost -- and shares his tips, secrets and advice. I found it all worthwhile.

Now that the holidays are over, I hope to catch up on all the new movies out there. I hear Woody Allen's "Match Point" is a great one.

Happy New Year!