BIG EYES, SONY RELEASES "THE INTERVIEW"JUST IN TIME FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS STOCKING
by Janet J. Lawler
Revised Dec. 24th, 2014

There are so many good movies coming out Christmas week, but one that hasn't received a lot of buzz, but definitely should, is BIG EYES.  It stars Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz.  It's the riveting story about a married couple, artists Margaret & Walter Keane.  Margaret paints pictures of moppets with huge, charcoal eyes.  It's her passion. She's reserved and not very self-assured about her life (recently divorced with a young daughter) and she's especially insecure about her art.  Her second husband, Walter, comes into her life and sweeps her off her feet with tales about his stay in Paris where he painted street scenes and lived the starving artist's life in Europe.  He's cocky, sociable and believes in his wife's talent.  So far so good... 

When Margaret's paintings begin to catch eyes (pardon the pun) and pull in money, Walter sees a gold mine in the making.  His own work isn't selling.  So he tells his wife that people don't buy "lady art" and he should claim to be the creator of her popular paintings.  He charms the unsuspecting public (collecting $5,000 a pop for Margaret's paintings, but signing HIS name on them).  He also sells posters and postcards of the work.  It becomes one big eyes fraud bringing them wealth and luxury.

Tim Burton directs

It takes awhile for Margaret (played superbly by Amy Adams) to stand up for herself, locked away in their new California house painting, losing friends and her identity along the way, not to mention her self-respect. But when Margaret finally finds the strength to confront her conniving, domineering husband, sparks fly and the conflict over ownership of the works land them in court.

As they say, it's not the crime, it's the cover up that does people in.

Big Eyes has one of the best courtroom scenes. Christoph Waltz is both amusing and yet a lunatic.  It's hard not to like him, until you realize what he's capable of doing to hold on to his dream of being a "famous painter".  This is a biopic  It took ten years to come to the big screen, directed by Tim Burton (every frame of this movie is captivating and a canvas of beauty from framing to lighting to costumes).  Screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski do a wonderful job of writing a tale about marriage and compromise in a dramatic, suspenseful and comical style.  The film is also beautifully shot with the colorfulness of San Francisco during the 50s and 60s.

Here is the trailer for the movie.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xD9uTlh5hI

SONY HACK ATTACK

This North Korea/Sony Pictures hacking invasion is one of the biggest stories to come along in awhile.  It has the entire country riveted, the entertainment industry paralyzed in fear and causing Americans to wonder just how secure their privacy is at their own corporate jobs.

Should Sony have pulled The Interview from release?  Would North Korea go so far as to blow up a movie theater or kill moviegoers during Christmas week?  Some people don't think it's worth the risk to take and others think, as Americans, we don't back down to threats.  I agree with the ladder.  As a New Yorker, I lived through 9/11 firsthand and we didn't stop going to restaurants, walking down the street, shopping on Fifth Avenue or going to the World Series in New York City that horrible fall.  Hit us and we'll hit you back harder, but we never run scared.  Never have, never will.  Not in New York, not in America.  I get that Sony is afraid to have more lawsuits or problems (and public email disclosures), but if all of Hollywood and all the movie chains stood firm together, North Korea wouldn't have the upper hand.  It's not too late.

This is too serious.  We can't allow another country, a dictator, to tell us what we can see, hear or create.  This is America.  We may not all get along here, have the same political or religious views, but we do value freedom.  It's a cyber war and we've lost the first battle, but it's far from over.  Stay tuned in 2015.

UPDATE:  Sony is releasing The Interview in time for Christmas in theaters and on demand.  You can exercise your rights by watching it on YouTube, Google Play and other digital outlets starting today and Christmas Day.  https://www.youtube.com/movies

CHRISTMAS IN NYC

Central Park in December

This is one of my favorite times of year living in New York.  The streets are full with tourists, the restaurants buzzing with company parties, couples taking horse and carriage rides through Central Park and Rockefeller Center welcoming skaters from around the world.  I'm headed to Ireland for New Year's Eve.  It's my first time traveling to Dublin and it's a dream come true to go to the land of my heritage.  I'll lift a pint and think of you all on New Year's Eve... until then, have a WONDERFUL, safe and healthy Christmas and holiday season!

See you in 2015.  It's going to be one of the best years ever!!
Happy Holidays.


Follow The NY Screenwriting Life on Facebook.  Janet J. Lawler is also a published author and playwright.  Her first novel From the Ground Up is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online.  http://www.amazon.com/From-Ground-Up-Janet-Lawler-ebook/dp/B00F3CYSU8

CHASTAIN: Like Carmella Soprano... only with a gun.
by Janet J. Lawler
Updated: Dec. 11, 2014
New York

Jessica Chastain in A Most Violent Year

The Golden Globe Awards were announced today.  Jessica Chastain is nominated as Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for A Most Violent Year. 

Jessica Chastain, Oscar Isaac and director J.C. Chandlor

I attended a screening sponsored by the Producer's Guild at the DGA Theater on W. 57th St. for this new film A Most Violent Year.  The movie comes out Dec. 31st.  If you love crime dramas in the vein of The French Connection, The Sopranos, Serpico or even, yes, The Godfather -- this movie is for you.

It's one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. I plan to see it again when it comes out in theaters.

A Most Violent Year stars outstanding actors  Oscar Isaac (INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS) and Jessica Chastain (ZERO DARK THIRTY).  Isaac portrays an immigrant who is trying to make his mark in the oil-and-heating industry in NYC in 1981 (one of the most violent years in NY history).  He's a moral, family man with quiet manner.  He takes pride in his business, his family and his word.  Soon, he finds himself the target of unprovoked attacks against his business from competitors who beat up his truck drivers and steal his oil.  Should be arm his drivers with pistols?  Fight back with the same dirty, corrupt tactics he's confronting?  

It's a moral dilemma that keeps the audience engaged and rooting for Isaac as he takes one hit after another.   

Chastain plays his tough Staten Island wife (with a helluva Armani wardrobe!).  She's the daughter of an ex-mobster, who knows her way around guns and political and industry tricks.  Imagine Carmella Soprano with a gun.  You don't want to mess with her or her family.

Chastain's character adds a nice balance to her hard-working, big-hearted, but sometimes naive, husband.  Chastain brings weight to any role she plays and has several key scenes that had the audience stunned by her actions.

J.C. Chandlor (ALL IS LOST) is the producer, director and writer of A Most Violent Year.  Chandlor keeps the story moving at a steady clip -- making us root for the businessman with the style and manner of Michael Corleone (slow, soft spoken and immigrant proud).  Except Chandlor's character is a moral man who plans to fight back in his own way without losing his soul.

Being a native New Yorker,  I know firsthand the time period (1981) this movie portrays with its spray-painted subway cars, crime on the streets and city corruption.  It was a bleak time for New York City. This movie captures that sense of fear, paranoia and desperation.

It reminds me of the iconic movies I grew up on and loved by acclaimed NY director Sidney Lumet (DOG DAY AFTERNOON, NETWORK, SERPICO, PRINCE OF THE CITY).

If you too miss those grimy, suspenseful crime-drama movies set in New York from a time gone by, don't miss seeing A MOST VIOLENT YEAR.

Watch the movie trailer here:  http://amostviolentyear.com/

Follow The NY Screenwriting Life on Facebook.  Janet J. Lawler is also a published author and playwright.  Her first novel From the Ground Up is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online.  http://www.amazon.com/From-Ground-Up-Janet-Lawler-ebook/dp/B00F3CYSU8   

A MILLION STUFFED IN A MATTRESS IN IRELAND

by Janet J. Lawler

New York

New film released by Magnolia Picture

I'm interested in watching all things from Ireland since we just booked a flight there for next New Year's Eve.  It's a new film by Lance Daly.  Life's a Breeze gave us a fun taste of the land of saints and scholars.

It's a enjoyable tale about a family facing hard times in Ireland.  When the matriarch of the family seems stuck in a rut in her cluttered home, her family decide to surprise her by cleaning out her house top to bottom and renovating it (adding handles in the tub and shower, new toaster in the kitchen, throwing out old magazines and newspapers under the bed).

They decide to buy their mom a new mattress from Ikea and toss out her old lumpy one.  It comes as more of a surprise to her adult kids that the mattress contained her entire life's savings.  She tells them the mattress was stuffed "with close to a million euros".  The kids ask why not put the money in the bank and she replies "Have you been watching the news lately?" 

The family go on the hunt to get the mattress back which leads to several amusing scenes and exchanges between a solid cast of actors including: Kelly Thornton, Fionnula Flannagan, Pat Shortt, and Eva Birthistle.  The entire town and country try to find the mattress in hopes of getting rich.

The film gently shines a light on the stereotypes we heap on the elderly and how their voices are often drowned out by their well-meaning, but intrusive adult children.  

Will the family find the lost fortune?  And if so, will it bring them closer together in love and be the answer to their troubles, or does money only bring out the worst in people?

Life's a Breeze opens September 19th on VOD and in limited release in New York at The Quad Cinema, and Los Angeles at the Laemmle Music Hall.  This is a Magnolia Pictures release.

Follow The NY Screenwriting Life at Facebook.  Janet J. Lawler is a published author and playwright.  Her first novel From the Ground Up is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online.  http://www.amazon.com/From-Ground-Up-Janet-Lawler-ebook/dp/B00F3CYSU8   Or visit the author's website at www.janetjlawler.com

THE 2014 PRIMETIME EMMYS ANNOUNCED...
by Janet J. Lawler
New York
July 10, 2014

And the Emmy goes to...

So many wonderful picks this year.  I'm finding The Emmys as exciting, if not more, than The Oscars.  That says a lot about television these days.  Who can stop watching all these incredible series and performances?

The HBO movie The Normal Heart received major nominations for best supporting actress Julia Roberts, best actor Mark Ruffalo, Outstanding TV Movie and many supporting nominations for that powerful film about the AIDS crisis in America during the 1980s.

Julia Roberts gets an Emmy nomination for The Normal Heart

 The Best Actor nominations for Drama are amazing.  Check it out.

Best Actor - Drama
Bryan Cranston - "Breaking Bad"
Jeff Daniels - "The Newsroom"
Jon Hamm - "Mad Men"
Woody Harrelson - "True Detective"
Matthew McConaughey - "True Detective"
Kevin Spacey - "House of Cards"

Every actor named above is deserving of an Emmy.  That's a hard pick.  I love Kevin Spacey on House of Cards... but then Matthew McConaughey's haunting performance in True Detective is hard to ignore. 

True Detective

Best Actress for Drama is just as mindblowing when it comes to talent and terrific performances.

Best Actress - Drama
Lizzy Caplan - "Masters of Sex"
Claire Danes - "Homeland"
Michelle Dockery - "Downton Abbey"
Julianna Marguilles - "The Good Wife"
Kerry Washington - "Scandal"
Robin Wright - "House of Cards"

I'll go with either Robin Wright or Julianna Marguilles.

Robin Wright in House of Cards

Orange is the New Black got a nom for Best Comedy.  This may be their year to bring home the Emmy. Taylor Schilling is nominated as Piper. I'm rooting for her, but she's got stiff competition. See below.

Best Actress - Comedy
Lena Dunham - "Girls"
Edie Falco - "Nurse Jackie"
Julie Louis-Dreyfus - "Veep"
Melissa McCarthy - "Mike and Molly"
Amy Poehler - "Parks and Recreation"
Taylor Schilling - "Orange is the New Black"

Don't mess with Red (Kate Mullgrew)

Piper's prison cellmate Red (the fab Kate Mullgrew) also received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress Comedy.

Best Supporting Actress - Comedy
Mayim Bialik - "The Big Bang Theory"
Julie Bowen - "Modern Family"
Allison Janney - "Mom"
Kate Mulgrew - "Orange is the New Black"
Kate McKinnon - "Saturday Night Live"
Anna Chlumsky - "Veep"

And if trying to pick a winner out of all these tremendous performances, we also have to look at the shows themselves.  Take a glance at the Outstanding Drama Series.

Outstanding Drama Series
"Breaking Bad"
"Downton Abbey"
"Game of Thrones"
"House of Cards"
"Mad Men"
"True Detective"

Is it any wonder people are calling the last few years of TV the NEW Golden Age for Television?
Move over, Oscar.  TV actors and actresses deserve to shine this year.

Tune in for the Primetime Emmys on August 25th on NBC.

Follow The NY Screenwriting Life at Facebook.  Janet J. Lawler is a published author and playwright.  Her first novel From the Ground Up is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble online.  http://www.amazon.com/From-Ground-Up-Janet-Lawler-ebook/dp/B00F3CYSU8   Or visit www.janetjlawler.com

ORANGE IS THE NEW SMASH HIT 
by Janet J. Lawler
New York
June 24, 2014

Cast of Orange is the New Black

 I just finished binging on Season 2 of Orange is the New Black.  All I can say is, Wow!

It's like doing time in the best sense of the word. 

Who new going to prison could be this much fun? What can I say, except the characters on Orange is the New Black are some of the most riveting, deranged, hilarious people you'll ever see on TV/online.

Who can beat Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling) at her calm, shrewd demeanor? Her nickname may be Dandelion, but she's no blushing flower. 

Chapman/Schilling

What about Crazy Eyes' antics and threats?

Red's Russian revenge?

Vee's vindictiveness?

Pennsatucky's  raunchy putdowns and preachy rants?  

How about Nicky's sexcapades and constant craving for heroin? 

Who can forget Morello's stalker tendencies and tender heart?  The scene when her stalkee comes to the prison to confront her is one of the best scenes I've seen on TV -- when her delusional love fantasy is shattered, not only for herself, but in front of her prison mate/friend Nicky (Natasha Lyonne).

And the actors who play the correction officers?  Pornstache?  Caputo? Healy and his support group? Each so convincing, scary and compassionate on some level.  Each trying to find a place to belong, even if it's inside a drab prison.

The writing is sharp, clever and witty.  Some lines make you wince and stick with you long after the episode dissolves to orange.  This isn't your mother's prison movie.  It ain't Charlie's Angels going to jail for one episode.  This show is as down and dirty as it can be... with lots of nudity and sex... and in your face reality...  it both repulses and captivates us to keep watching. 

What caused these women to be locked up?  Season 2 gives us snippets of their back stories and what landed them behind bars.  We disover Morello (Yael Stone) isn't engaged to "Christifer"... but that she tormented the poor guy after only one date and got locked up for it. We find out that Vee (Lorraine Touissaint) had one of her own "kids" shot down for double crossing her on drug runs.  We learn that Red (Kate Mulgrew) will do anything to protect her family, inside the prison and out. She can run a kitchen and a greenhouse like no other mother.

There are too many wonderful characters to all mention here. 

Alex Returns

If you haven't watched the show on NetFlix, get busy and start watching.  Season 1 lays the groundwork for a kick-ass Season 2.  NetFlix pulls out all the stops recruiting top acting, writing and directing.  You'll notice a few famous names behind the scenes  (Jodie Foster directs).

Season 3 can't come fast enough for me.  What will happen when Alex (Laura Prepon) returns to prison and is reunited with ex-love Piper?  Will Red learn her lesson from her beat-down and hospital stay? Will Daya have her baby? Will her C.O. boyfriend pay a price for being the baby daddy? What happens now that Caputo is the new assistant warden?

Season 3 will let us know.

Until then, we're all on furlough.  Enjoy your time away from Litchfield.

Follow The NY Screenwriting Life at Facebook.  Janet J. Lawler is a published author and playwright.  Her first novel From the Ground Up is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble online.  http://www.amazon.com/From-Ground-Up-Janet-Lawler-ebook/dp/B00F3CYSU8   Or visit www.janetjlawler.com

"YOU WRITIN' FOR ME?"  
By Janet J. Lawler
May 18, 2014
New York City

New screenplay, hot off the hard drive

The Tenant.  My new screenplay. Urban tale.  Suspense drama. Two male leads.

The idea came to me about a year ago.  I've lived in New York half of my life.  I grew up in The Bronx, until I was 13.  Then we moved up "to the country" which was about two hours north, but it had grass and cows, so it was called the country.  In my late 30s, I returned to live in New York City (to Manhattan and then to Queens) to be closer for work.  My day job is in TV News.  I've lived the apartment life for a long time... and I know about being a tenant and about living with other tenants (good and bad).  Tenants are like roommates -- you're grateful for the good ones and have nightmares about the bad ones.

My screenplay is about a tenant you will not soon forget, nor his circumstances.  It's an urban tale in the flavor of say, A Bronx Tale, with humor (hey, it's New York) and suspense and paranoia ( I just said...it's New York!). 

De Niro and Scorsese

Casting?  Robert De Niro as The Tenant. I wrote it with him in mind.  Robert is from New York City.  My story takes place in Astoria, Queens.  His good friend Martin Scorsese could direct it.  Ya never know, right?  Marty's originally from Queens. Marty and Bobby are due to work together again on a movie.  They haven't collaborated in years. They've made 9 movies together.  Let's make it 10. 

Scorsese can shoot The Tenant at Silver Cups Studios,  right down the block from me in Astoria (we have great Greek food here, not to mention endless bakeries).  My movie (a budget of about $20 million) is ideal. 

I've written three drafts of The Tenant on spec.  I gave it to five trusted readers.  So far the feedback is solid, but I'm not done.  There's more work to come. 

My writing space in NYC

So back to the laptop I go.  Draft four coming up.  Just take it scene by scene, page by page, act by act.  Don't give up the dream.

Bobby and Marty are counting on me.
Until next time.
Janet

Follow The NY Screenwriting Life at Facebook.  Janet J. Lawler is a published author and playwright.  Her first novel From the Ground Up is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble online.  http://www.amazon.com/From-Ground-Up-Janet-Lawler-ebook/dp/B00F3CYSU8   Or visit www.janetjlawler.com

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

It's Mother's Day.  A bittersweet day for me.

I lost my mother fourteen years ago ( a day doesn't go by that I don't think of her).  I wish I could say it gets easier -- time does heal -- but the world is a very different place when you mother has left it. 

My mother taught me about humor and often kept me breathless with laughter.  My Mom was smart, insightful and open-minded.  She was curious about everything.  She loved movies (she gave me that gift), books (she enjoyed reading for hours every day), faith (she showed me how to love, forgive and to be kind to others).  She taught me to pray.  We used to enjoy going to an empty church together and being still.  She taught me to keep my faith and to never lose hope, no matter what.

I miss my mother, Catherine, in my life. She lives on in my heart.  She told me once that because I was born in the month of May that I was God's gift to her for Mother's Day.  I actually received the gift. There is nothing like a mother's unconditional love to lift you up.

I love you, Mom.  

To all the wonderful mothers out there, THANK YOU, for all you give and sacrifice for your children.  They will remember and cherish the memories you create together now.  So take time to make memories.

Until next time,
Janet

MOVIE THEATERS TO SLASH PRICES TO GET YOU BACK...
by Janet J. Lawler
New York

Did you hear the great news?  Movie theaters want you back.  You're staying home way too much.  Or playing on your tablets.  Put down that phone.  Is that really the problem?

Are we just distracted?  Too hooked into our tablets to go see a movie this weekend?

If the theaters cut the price for one day a week, as they're proposing, will that make me go to the movies more often?

Hmm... probably not.  I'll tell you why.

It's not the price of a good movie that keeps me away -- it's that there are fewer good movies.

I'm a movie junkie.  I fell in love with the movies as a kid.  My mother took me often.  My father took us on summer nights to the Drive In.  Going to the movies was an experience.

I still get excited on Fridays... because that's when all the new movies come into theaters.

But guess what?  I'm not so thrilled these days by new releases.  As a colleague of mine always asks, "Is it WORTH seeing in the theater?  Or should I wait for NetFlix?"  The only movie I told him that was worth going to see last year on the big screen was GRAVITY.  I'm sure there were others worth seeing like ALL IS LOST... CAPTAIN PHILLIPS... THE HUNGER GAME movies, etc.  But now we can see those on our big home entertainment centers.

At my house, we splurged for one of those Smart TVs last year and now we hardly go out to the movies, unless invited to a free "screener".  I work in media, so sometimes that's a perk.  Sign me up!  But I wouldn't have seen half the movies I saw last year if I had to open my wallet.

Hey, Hollywood executives and movie theater owners -- HEAR THIS -- it's not the price of a movie ticket these days that bothers us (although they are high) but its the content.  Why are movies getting longer rather than shorter?  3 hour movies?  Is that necessary?  When half of the movie is repetitive... like THE WOLF OF WALL STREET.

Also, staying home in my pjs is a lot more appealing than being in a theater with someone texting next to me, or kicking my seat, or munching popcorn in my ear.  I have to say that most New Yorkers are well-behaved movie-goers... you'll get shushed in a NY minute if you're not... but every once in awhile... I get that one person who grates on my nerves. 

I remember seeing a movie with my mother years ago.  The theater was half-empty.  This tall guy sat in front of us... he LEANED WAY back in his seat... his head practically in her lap.  She looked over at me as only my mom could and said, "I could wash his hair." Oh, I loved going to the movies with my mother.  Never a dull moment.

Speaking about movie seats, my friends rave about the "recliner" seats in theaters.  I have to check those out.  Some theaters even let you order an entree and someone brings it to your seat.  Wow.
"Yes, I'll have the Sea Bass, please.  Wine?  Sure, I prefer red.  Australian grape perhaps, a Shiraz.  Thank you."

How about you, fellow Movie Lover?  What will you have?

Does this new movie theater experience beat staying parked at home on your sofa with someone you love (maybe just your dog or cat), snuggled, watching a movie you can't wait to see? There is a new release on Amazon Prime or NetFlix.

Oh yeah.

I love the communal experience of seeing a movie with an audience.  The first movie I saw with a packed audience was JAWS.  It was like taking a ride at a theme park.  The audience kept SCREAMING.  Our hearts thumping along with the theme music.

Or ROCKY when Balboa floored Apollo Creed early in the match.

Or seeing SILENCE OF THE LAMBS on a dreary, rainy matinee day with a bunch of seniors citizens and housewives... we were all TERRIFIED in the dark theater.... JUMPING and shouting for Clarice to "get out of that house!  The girl is down a well in the basement!"

I will NEVER stop going to the movies. Want to charge me $50 dollars someday for a ticket and make me take a small loan for popcorn and a soda combo?  Fine.  I don't need all the gimmicks.  I don't need to lie down and get a mini massage to enjoy the movie...

All I need, Movie Owner, is one thing only.

A good movie.

And then, you'll see me every Friday night.

                                                                          **

Don't forget to Follow The NY Screenwriting Life on Facebook.  Janet J. Lawler recently published her debut novel FROM THE GROUND UP available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  http://www.amazon.com/From-Ground-Up-Janet-Lawler-ebook/dp/B00F3CYSU8   Or visit www.janetjlawler.com

IT'S OSCAR WEEKEND...

It's finally here... Oscar weekend!

Are you ready to watch The Oscars on Sunday night on ABC?  Are you staying home in your jammies to watch the show?  Going to a glamorous party?

Most people I know stay home.  The Academy Awards should be fun with Ellen DeGeneres hosting this year.  She's witty and classy -- Ellen won't make anyone squirm on the most anxious night in Hollywood.  She plans to go into the audience and have fun with the stars... and that will be exciting.  That's why we watch... to see the celebs up close on the industry's biggest night.

Ellen will Tweet during the show to make it more a social media event around the world.  So watch with your tablet on your lap.  https://twitter.com/TheRealEllenD

It's a hard night... filled with anticipation... and expectations... and hopes and dreams at the start of the show when everyone looks glam and hopeful.  The red carpet is all about potential winners.  And as the show slowly ticks by, half the room soon fills with losers and a disappointed energy... until the big final awards.  I'm always a little sad when the show wraps.  It's like seeing Times Square hours after the ball falls on New Year's Eve.  When the parties are over.  Did the night live up to the hype? 

I'm rooting for Matthew McConaughey for Best Actor.  Kate Blanchett for Best Actress (with Amy Adams a close second).  Best Picture?  I've only seen 6 out of 10... I'll pick Gravity.  It was a cinematic experience. 

No matter where you plan to watch, have fun!  Join that office Oscar pool, order in your favorite food, or buy snacks... and for one night... dream big.  It's a night about glamor, possibilities and dreams coming true.  After the show, you can give your Oscar speech in your bathroom mirror... don't forget to thank your mother. 

Here is the list of nominees for the 86th Academy Awards on ABC:   http://oscar.go.com/nominees

Want to know who is showing up at The Oscars?  Here is the official list of presenters:

Amy Adams
Kristen Bell
Jessica Biel
Jim Carrey
Glenn Close
Bradley Cooper
Penélope Cruz
Benedict Cumberbatch
Viola Davis
Daniel Day-Lewis
Robert De Niro
Zac Efron
Sally Field
Harrison Ford
Jamie Foxx
Andrew Garfield
Jennifer Garner
Whoopi Goldberg
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Anne Hathaway
Goldie Hawn
Chris Hemsworth
Kate Hudson
Samuel L. Jackson
Angelina Jolie
Michael B. Jordan
Anna Kendrick
Jennifer Lawrence
Matthew McConaughey
Ewan McGregor
Bill Murray
Kim Novak
Tyler Perry
Brad Pitt
Sidney Poitier
Gabourey Sidibe
Will Smith
Kevin Spacey
Jason Sudeikis
Channing Tatum
Charlize Theron
John Travolta
Christoph Waltz
Kerry Washington
Emma Watson
Naomi Watts

And the Oscar goes to....			while you're at it, check out my new writing website at www.janetjlawler.com  And Like us on Facebook at The NY Screenwriting Life.

ENOUGH WITH THE SNOW...

White Out

Ok, Winter, we get it.  You're here to stay.  As I write this, we're getting clobbered again with snow in New York.  More is expected this weekend -- a lot more.  I have to say, when I'm home, I love it.  When I have to go to work in it and step into knee-high dirty, slushy puddles in Manhattan, not so much.

But the snow is pretty... while it stays new and white and fluffy.

We just took a two week vacation to California last month.  Good thing, I loaded up on sunshine and vitamin D to last through this long winter.  California is so beautiful.  They have their weather issues too -- like no water -- a drought that is turning everything desert brown with a threat to their drinking water supply.  Wish we could send them some of this NY snow.  Mother Nature, take pity.

While in L.A., I stopped by the Writer's Store in Burbank.  I've bought things from them online for years, so it was great to finally visit the store.  They have every screenwriting book, software, seminar and supplies you can dream of -- I went crazy.  I bought Jen Grisanti's new book "Change Your Story, Change Your Life" which I highly recommend.  It's awesome.  You can apply this book to your writing, but more importantly, to your life. 

Jen Grisanti's new book

Are you living your life through ego or spirit?  Think about it.  Is it your soul or your pride that makes your life choices?  Jen's book is worth picking up.  I'm almost done with it.  I started reading it on the flight back from L.A. to N.Y. -- doesn't that sound so Hollywood? 

We were in L.A. when the Oscars were announced.  I expected it to be buzzing with excitement and industry noise... but I didn't notice too much activity.  I saw some screenwriters working on their scripts in coffee cafes and a few actors, but nobody was saying "Did you hear who got nominated?  Or didn't get nominated?"  Could it be that the Oscars are a bigger deal to us on the East Coast?  Or maybe it's because when in NY, I'm usually working in a newsroom... so when the Oscar nominations come out, it's NEWS... it's BUZZ... it's the Academy Awards!

Ellen returns

Glad Ellen is hosting The Oscars again for the second time.  She'll do a fun job.  The only possible host better right now would be Bruno Mars.  He'd keep the night moving.  To think Bruno almost quit on his career a few years back.  He couldn't get anyone to take him seriously while working in Hawaii -- music execs told him he didn't have what it takes to succeed on the mainland -- um, goes to show what can happen if you believe in yourself and keep creating your own voice.  Go, Bruno!

Now that's a Half-Time Show

I'm outlining my new screenplay today as the snow falls.  It's called The Tenant.  It's a very New York story.  Not a thriller, but suspenseful.  It's not even a first draft yet -- so today, I'll write up index cards to build scenes, jot down bits of dialogue, key images, etc.  Then once that's done, I will start writing the first draft in the weeks and months ahead.  I  just have to get it all down on paper.  Easy, right?

Maybe I'll just go outside and play in the snow.

Janet's novel From the Ground Up by Janet J. Lawler is now available on Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/janet-j-lawler and on Amazon online.  Also like it on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/JanetJLawler   This blog is also on Facebook. 

NEW YEAR, NEW LAPTOP

Is there anything like a new computer to motivate a writer?

I get bored easily.  When I was a teen, I'd move my bedroom furniture around every few months so it would make me feel like I was somewhere new when I'd wake up. 

This Christmas I received my new Mac laptop from Santa Carolina.  I love it!  It's lighter, shinier, with all the latest programs.  I just upgraded to Final Draft 9.  I was using 7 before this and it was just fine.  I don't really use all the tools and options on Final Draft -- I'm a mix of new school and old -- but it's cool to have the latest anything I suppose.  Maybe I'll try some of the whistles and bells with this version.  Probably not, since that's just an easy way to procrastinate from writing.

We're going to California soon for vacation.  I'm psyched beyond belief.  It's freezing here in New York City.  It was five degrees this morning.  So a warm, sunny trip to California will be good for me mentally, physically and spiritually.  I'm so ready and eager.  Two weeks near L.A. and Hollywood and San Francisco is just what I need to recharge the creative batteries for 2014.

I'm outlining my new screenplay.  Too early to share with you what it's about -- but I have the title -- it's called THE TENANT.  And I see Robert DeNiro starring in it.  Dream big, why not?

I'm excited to write it.  I see it all in my head.  I outlined some scenes and dialogue on paper.  Now I'm about to do index cards to outline scenes.  I only do index cards for the very first draft.  I find it helpful and easier to work with the cards -- shuffle scenes -- delete ones that bog down the story.

Then, after vacation, I will begin writing.  I have my shiny, new toy (laptop) to play with when I return.  I'm going to try to use this laptop only for work and not so much for social media or entertainment.  We have a TV, Kindle and other things for all that. 

This laptop will mostly be used for emails, blogging and screenwriting. 

That's my resolution.  More work, less horsing around online.

I wish you a wonderful New Year!  Make 2014 everything you want it to be. 

Side note:   I published my first novel recently.  It's called From the Ground Up by Janet J. Lawler.  If you'd like to check it out, go to Amazon.  The paperback version will be out before March 2014.  Thanks for all the support!

GOING INTO HOLLYWOOD SURVIVAL MODE
by Janet J. Lawler
New York
Oct. 15, 2013

Robert Redford in All is Lost

All is Lost.  Gravity.  Two awesome new movies.  Both dealing with catastrophe and survival.  So why are these movies coming out now and receiving strong responses from audiences?

Are we feeling a little more lost these days?  Losing hope in our government, leaders, careers and world?  What are these popular movies teaching us?

Something is definitely in the Zeitgeist.  And it's not only the whiff of movie popcorn.

Gravity brings us to the vastness of space and All is Lost to the isolation of the sea.  Both worlds of mystery and wonder to human life.  Male (Robert Redford) and female (Sandra Bullock) heroes.  They're character are smart, top at what they do, yet find themselves unable to control their environments.   They find themselves spinning out of control.  No way out.

They're alone.  
Isolated.  
Terrified. 

They must fight to make it back.  And besides the elements and situation pulling them deeper into the abyss -- they must confront something even worse:  their own demons. 

Without spoiling either movie, All is Lost and Gravity teach us about perseverance, tenacity, intelligence, spirit and soul.  They show us what it is like to face our deepest fears, our long buried grief, our insecurities, the mysteries of the world and not quit. 

Life, and movies, don't always turn out as we hope. 

It sounds corny to say it's the journey and not the destination.  When we're in danger -- lose hope like Redford and Bullock on screen -- we just want stability again and to return to our normal lives.  But sometimes, the story (script) or our own life trials have other obstacles we must first overcome. 

We can crumble or face those challenges like Redford and Bullock do as their characters on screen.

These movies seem to teach us that the human spirit at its best never quits.  It falters, it hits its knees in pain, sorrow, loneliness, but then it's get back up.  Figure it out.  Try something else.  Obstacles are what make great movies.  We relate to them because we face our own every day.

Find a way, anyway, to keep going.

Go with the flow

That is the motto of champion swimmer Diana Nyad.  She's the 64 years old woman who recently swam from Cuba to Florida.  The first person to do it without a protective cage.  She talked to Oprah on Super Soul Sunday and said if you have a problem, no matter what it is, or how challenging it is, or you can't reach your goal and you've tried and tried... and maybe you have failed once, twice, three times... don't EVER give up.  Find a way to be a champion.  Nyad failed for decades at her dream of swimming from Cuba to Florida.  People doubted her.  They made fun of her.  She put her head in the water, focused, moved through the pain and accomplished her DREAM.   She got the last laugh.
 

This is what Diana Nyad recently told CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta:

"It's all authentic. It's a great story. You have a dream 35 years ago -- doesn't come to fruition, but you move on with life. But it's somewhere back there. Then you turn 60, and your mom just dies, and you're looking for something. And the dream comes waking out of your imagination." 

America loves a comeback story.  We respect and root for those who get knocked down but return to the ring better than ever.  Think of Sandra Bullock and Robert Redford again.  Two mega stars who have had their share of highs and lows, career ups and downs, personal challenges, hit movies and flops... but they continued to move forward... to work through difficult times... and now each is at the top of their game, in life and in Hollywood.  Life is funny.

Somehow they found their way.

Janet J. Lawler is a screenwriter, playwright and published author.  Her debut novel From the Ground Up is now available on Kindle and Amazon.com   http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F3CYSU8

Here are the trailers for Gravity http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufsrgE0BYf0 and All is Lost http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lk_R04LfUQU. 

WHAT'S YOUR AUTHENTIC SWING?

Do you have the ability to do something that nobody else can do? 

Think about that. 

Do you do something unique? 

Sure you do.  Maybe you don't know what it is yet.  The new book The Authentic Swing by Steven Pressfield is a little gem to help you discover your swing/gift/voice. 

Like a golfer, everyone has an authentic swing.  Maybe it's the way you cook, garden, write screenplays, raise your kids, sing songs or play a sport? You're on this planet for a reason.    

To share.  To give back.  To discover.  To teach.

Steven is a successful novelist (The Gates of Fire, The Legend of Bagger Vance).  He also writes wonderful non-fiction (The War of Art and Turning Pro).  I have a shelf of his books at home.  He inspires me to write, to trust my Muse and to treat my creativity like a pro.  He's my inspiration. 

This weekend Steven will appear on the OWN network to sit down with Oprah Winfrey on her show Super Soul Sunday.  Set your DVR.  This hour interview you won't want to miss, especially if you are seeking to find your purpose or a way to stay on course with your passion in life.

Steven Pressfield visits Oprah on Super Soul Sunday

Steven wrote for 30 years and went unpublished.  He never quit.  He worked successfully in Hollywood for awhile, had an agent and wrote movie scripts.  But then he realized he wanted to write a book.  He bailed on Hollywood and his agent (or the agent bailed on him) and he sat down and wrote The Legend of Bagger Vance.  It changed his life.  That novel about golf became a hit and eventually was turned into the movie starring Matt Damon and Will Smith.

Steven's new book The Authentic Swing gives tips to writers (but you can apply it to whatever your  goal is) that will guide us to finish a book or novel.  His advice to "cover the canvas" means to begin.  Just start your project.  Throw it all up on the canvas.  Don't hold back.  Don't judge.  Just get it out of your head or soul or heart.  Be free.  Get it down on paper as fast as you can.

Then, like a golfer, you can focus on your game -- refine it -- develop it -- your God-given talent and acquired skills.  You can focus on your concentration, techniques, keeping your head in the game, overcoming the sense to choke and quit under pressure or to take your eye off the ball.    

Who are you without your labels or self-judgements?  Who are you, Pressfield asks, when you're not a wife, husband, mother, father, boyfriend, girlfriend, employer, son, daughter -- insert any label.  Who are you deep down inside when you strip away all of that?

Who are YOU?

That is where your authentic swing comes from.  Your voice, talent comes from places none of us can fully explain.  Is it in our DNA?  God-given gifts?  Luck?  The most important thing is to let it be free -- not to confine it, or judge it, or abandon it when times are tough.   Just believe and get busy.

Swing.  Swing big.  Find your authentic swing and let the world be awed.

Until next time,
Janet


Janet J. Lawler is a screenwriter, playwright and published author.  Her debut novel From the Ground Up is now available on Kindle and Amazon.com   http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F3CYSU8

FIGHT YOUR RESISTANCE


I published my first novel From the Ground Up this month on Amazon.

Most people ask me "How did you find time to write a whole book?"  They looked amazed.  They know I work full-time and have a busy life. Answer: It wasn't easy.  It was hard writing a 298 page novel and it took over three years to complete.

Are you a writer?  Do you want to write a book?  A blog?  A poem? 

Don't limit yourself to one medium -- try them all.  But first, you have to start with one -- and aim to finish your project.

I found some tricks that helped me.   Maybe they'll help you.

I kept a journal (a day planner actually).  When I first started writing my novel From the Ground Up, I was between full-time jobs.  Perfect.  I had time.  What does every writer say?  "If I only had more time, I'd finish that script... book... song." 

No more excuses.  You have to make the time.  It's like going to the gym.  The hardest part is going -- once in the zone, you're fine and excited.  Same with writing.  You have to start.  So keeping a journal was a good idea because I could mark off how much I wrote that day: 2 hours, 3 hours, 30 minutes.  At the end of the week, I could flip the pages and see what I'd accomplished in black and white.

Another trick -- I told friends I was writing a book.  Why?  Accountability.  If you put it out there, you better back it up.  There will be that one friend who asks months later, "So how's that book you were writing?"  You'll feel wonderful if you can say "I'm half way done.  Or, it's finished."

Every artist faces resistance.  One of my favorite writers is Steven Pressfield (The War of Art).  He's written tons of novels, but also short non fiction books about writing.  He says resistance shadows every artist.  The muse is strong, but the shadow of resistance is stronger some days -- she'll tempt you by saying, "Who do you think you are to write a book?  Who's gonna read that?  You're wasting your time?"

Sound familiar?  Ignore the resistance.  Hear it and keep working anyway.  Don't let any judgments discourage you from the work ahead.

Be professional in tackling your project.  Block out time for it.  Put it on your calendar.  Prepare your place to create.  Just do it.  Sit down and work.  You'll see the pages piling up in time.  Paragraphs turn into chapters.  Chapters turn into a book.

Nobody said writing would be a breeze.  That's why most people quit.  They have unfinished novels, scripts and poems on their desktops or tucked away in drawers.
Be brave.  Take small steps and you'll be publishing your first book in no time.

From the Ground Up is available for sale on Amazon.com.  Order your copy here.  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F3CYSU8

FROM THE GROUND UP 
 

My novel From the Ground Up is officially in the world.  Hooray!  My friend says it's in the genre of Bridget Jones or Confessions of a Shopaholic.  I should be so lucky!  Anyway, it's a tale about a Lea Lawson, a troubled young actress, who can't seem to stay out of the press or a courtroom.  When she crashes a stolen town car through the front window of Saks Fifth Avenue, her life spins out of control.  A judge sentences her to rehab on a working farm in upstate, NY.  Can the pampered movie star change her life around out of the spotlight?  She's about to find out the hard way from the ground up.

Why write a book?  

Why do people climb mountains?  Or enter triathlons?  It's a challenge.  I like writing plays and scripts.  I'm familiar with the structure and format.  Writing a novel is another animal.  It's a wonderful, freeing experience too.  Most screenplays are 90-120 pages.  They're lean.  Clean on the page.  Screenplays should contain only what the reader/characters can see and hear.  No filler.  No flowery prose.  No extra anything.  

With a novel, it's the opposite.  A novel can run over 300 pages.  What's the hurry?  It's not like there are any act breaks.   You can slow down, write what you like and get inside your characters' heads.  You can tell the reader what the characters are thinking unlike in plays and scripts.  It's liberating!  It's amazing!  It's not screenwriting!

Until it's time to rewrite and revise.   Then you pay the price for all that freedom. Revising my novel was a huge undertaking.  It took about five drafts of the entire book and some polishes here and there.  It took nearly three years to write the book.  Where screenwriting feels like dating, writing a book feels like marriage.  It's a commitment.  You have to be in it for the long haul.  It's not as much a collaborative medium as film.

As an author, you're on your own.  You may have an editor or proofreader, but basically, it's you deciding what stays on that page.  With screenwriting, you know while writing it that a million eyes will pull the script apart -- agents, directors, producers, studio executives and actors!  People will give you notes.  They'll want changes.

What else was exciting about writing a book?

It's a big digital, connected world out there now.  A writer can't afford to be a recluse anymore -- typing out manuscripts and not communicating with the outside world.  Those days are over.

Today, an author has to be a social media whiz kid -- with Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, online marketing, author profiles, and digital outlets.  Kudos to my dear friend -- and writing comrade -- Barbara Forte Abate for steering me through the digital waters of publishing.  She's had two novels published The Secret of Lies and Asleep Without Dreaming (both on Amazon).  Thanks, Babs, for all your help and support!

If you enjoy reading about love, celebrities and farming (foodies unite!), you'll enjoy this novel as your autumn read.  It's in e-book now and will be in paperback before the holidays.  Purchase and download to your Kindle, Mac, PC, iPhone... whatever device you prefer.
Happy reading!

Buy My Book now:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F3CYSU8

Link to Download Kindle to your PC:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000426311

Link to Download Kindle to your iPhone:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000301301

Until next time. 
Janet

SPRINGTIME IN NEW YORK

Ah.  Springtime. It's here after a long winter wait.

Everyone raves about autumn in New York... but spring in New York has its own beauty.  What's more uplifting than seeing that first Cherry Blossom tree in full bloom in Central Park?  Or yellow daffodils?  Or tulips on Park Avenue?

Cherry Blossoms in Central Park

Spring is off to a great start.

I attended the TV show Live with Kelly & Michael at WABC last week.  Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan have a wonderful, energetic, brother-sister chemistry going on and it shines through (explaining the high ratings for their show).

Live with Kelly & Michael

Michael met with a group of fellas who wore his NY Giants jerseys... he brought them out of the audience to sign their shirts (right on their backs!) and take photos.  Cool guy.  Very, very talented man.  A natural on TV.  

Michael Strahan with NY Giants fans

Kelly Ripa is super friendly, bubbly, energetic (she's a twig and has run to the top of the Empire State Building, no wonder) and she interacts one on one with the audience.  Fun time.  If you're in NYC, get tickets to see the show... it's a blast.

Commercial break during Live

Another great event right now in New York is Holland Taylor in the one-woman show ANN.  Taylor wrote and stars in this solo show that pays tribute to the life of one-time Texas Governor Ann Richards.   It's a terrific performance from a talented actress mostly known for being on TV, playing Charlie Sheen's mother on Two and Half Men and a slew of other parts.  If you like politics, straight-shooting humor, than don't miss this one.

Holland Taylor as ANN (Richards)

Being in the theater district, swing by the Drama Book Shop on 250 W. 40th Street.  It's a New York treasure for actors and writers and theater-lovers. They carry the latest and greatest in plays, magazines and books focusing on the performing arts.  I can spend hours reading in there. http://www.dramabookshop.com/

One other springtime hit is Bette Midler in her new one-woman show I'll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers.  It's written by John Logan ("Red" and "Skyfall").  Bette Midler plays Sue Mengers, the 70s Hollywood super agent, who represented everyone from Barbra Streisand to Faye Dunaway to you-name-it.  Better Midler's delivery of this chat is priceless and not to be missed.

When the curtain went up, and Bette Midler sat there on stage with a slight grin, the audience erupted to the rafters.  Midler last appeared on Broadway over 30 years ago.  She's come a long way since those days... in her music and movies... and the audience loved every minute of her name-dropping, F-bomb blasting monologue.  If you grew up paying attention to Hollywood in the 60s, 70s and early 80s -- this tribute to Sue Mengers is hilarious.  If not, you may get lost with all the movie references, name-dropping and inside jokes... but still, seeing Bette Midler is a win-win.  Get tickets while you can.  It's a short run. 

And by the way, everyone knows Midler is a true environmentalist, helping to keep New York City green with her gardens and endless financial support, but did you know she gets driven around in a hybrid compact car right after the show?  No big gas-guzzling SUV waiting for this superstar at the stage door.  She's the real deal.

Bette Midler as Sue Mengers on Broadway

My one act play NETFITS had a 3-night performance at the LIC One Act Play Festival in Long Island City in March.  The audience voted and NETFITS is moving to the April semi-finals.  Fingers crossed we make it to the finals in late April.   http://www.secrettheatre.com/licfest_info.html

And my screenplay HARK & HAROLD, with co-writer Chris Keller, is now making its way to agents and producers in LA and NY.  It's a Christmas comedy movie script.  This script keeps us in the Christmas spirit even in spring.

Happy springtime, All!  Soak up the sun, play in the grass and smell some flowers.  Enjoy it while it lasts.  Much love to you from New York City.

Until next time,
Janet

LUCKY US
by Janet Lawler
March 13, 2013
New York

Lucky Guy on Broadway

 Nora Ephron's final play LUCKY GUY is in previews on Broadway.  It stars Tom Hanks. 

It's a terrific play.  It's about New York columnist Mike McAlary and his cohorts in various NYC newsrooms as he climbs to the top in a tough-as-nails city.  It's a witty tale about tabloids, marriage, Irish pubs, good cops, bad cops and the grit of making your living and name in NYC between 1985-1998. 

The play even has some singing, but it's definitely not a musical.  And since it's about the newspaper biz in its golden days, it's got men (and one woman) who swear like sailors, smoke cigarettes at their desks while banging out a story on deadline and they all congregate at the local bar.

Tom Hanks is charming in a not so likeable part.  On stage, it's hard to take your eyes off him just like on screen.  His cadence is so familiar -- and in one particular scene, while in physical therapy recovering from a car crash -- he talks a lot like Forest Gump.

The entire cast is top notch.  Maura Tierney, best known for ER, plays Hanks' wife and has an opening scene where she pretends to be a train conductor on the Long Island Railroad rattling off all the local stops... it's hilarious... and the audience, packed with Long Islanders, gave her a round of applause... especially for the way she pronounced Ronkonkoma.

Director George C. Wolfe's creates excitement through pacing and quick changing sets from newsroom, to Long Island bedroom to the local bar.  

Nora Ephron's writing crackles.  Her wit and timing with a joke rarely miss.  It's not jokes for joke sake, but makes you laugh with its truth.  She knew about journalism.  Before her movie career, Ephron wrote for the New York Post.  Her first husband was Carl Bernstein, a reporter who helped topple a U.S. president.

There are tough scenes to watch capturing the brutality NYC city can dish out... along with facing aging and disease.  It's also about cancer.  Nora Ephron knew what she was writing about... the lines Mike McAlary delivers at the end have that much more meaning because now we know the author was facing her own battle with cancer.

The play reminds us that life is so damn fragile -- as are fame and big egos.  New York City will build you up and tear you down like no other town.   That's a fact, as they say in the newspaper biz.

On a lighter note, the cast reunites Hanks with his Bosom Buddies co-star Peter Scolari.  It's great to see them together.  And actor Courtney B. Vance as Hanks' newspaper editor deserves a special shout out for a super performance.  He has some of the best lines in the play.

Playwright Nora Ephron

 In a recent NY Times article by Jacob Bernstein, Nora's son, he said that while his mother lay dying in the hospital, she had a vision that her last play was on Broadway and she saw a filled theater.

Her vision came true.  Every seat was sold out.  Yes, many came to see Tom Hanks on stage -- but most were there to pay tribute to Nora Ephron.   

Go see Lucky Guy if you can.