TOP 25 SAVE THE CAT! SCREENPLAY CHALLENGE SEMI-FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

My feature drama screenplay ABSOLUTION made the Top 25 Semifinalist in its first ever Top 25 Save the Cat! Screenplay Challenge.   So grateful!

Placing in the Save the Cat! Challenge holds special meaning for me.  

I had the pleasure of meeting Save the Cat! creator Blake Snyder in New York City many years ago.  He was teaching a writing workshop in Manhattan.  I was quick to sign up. It was a great one-day workshop focusing on various movie genres, themes and dialogue. 

Blake Snyder was a super kind, insightful and inspirational screenwriting instructor and consultant.  A class act.  I was deeply saddened when he passed away in 2009.  

But his instruction and brand continues at the Save the Cat! website http://www.savethecat.com/ , along with videos on YouTube and other media outlets.

Blake Snyder

Blake, thanks for all you taught me through your Save the Cat! series and your workshop.

My script ABSOLUTION falls into the genre of Rites of Passage and is a redemption story.  Here's to getting it into the right hands and produced for the big (or little screen).  And hey,  I'm just putting this out into the universe, but this script would be ideal for actor Chris Pine. 

Actor Chris Pine

Congratulations to ALL the writers who entered the Save the Cat! Screenplay Challenge... and especially to the Finalists!  

See the complete list below.  

Until next time.


Here is the complete list of Finalists and Semifinalist.
http://www.savethecat.com/success-stories/announcing-our-screenplay-challenge-finalists/comment-page-1#comment-439749

Blake Snyder's Bio
http://www.savethecat.com/bio
#SavetheCat!

THE MARGARET HERRICK LIBRARY

The Margaret Herrick Library dedicated to Motion Pictures

The Margaret Herrick Library is an amazing library and non-circulating resource center for movie lovers and scholars located in Beverly Hills, CA.

Today was my first visit to the library.

Who was Margaret Florence Herrick?  She was the Executive Director of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The academy's library in 1971 was named the Margaret Herrick Library in her honor.

The outside building looks more like a church than a library.  Step inside and you're greeted by security (bring your ID).  You are then required to sign in and present a picture ID, which they will hold until you leave the library.

I browsed the lobby which has photos of famous movie actors on the walls, everyone from Al Pacino to Douglas Fairbanks to Cher.

After signing in, you can proceed upstairs to the reading room and collections/resource area.  Keep in mind that this isn't your usual public library -- here, you don't check out books or media materials to take home.  It's simply for research on their site.

While there, I read two movie scripts (The Godfather II and This Property is Condemned), both scripts written by Francis Ford Coppola.

The staff is polite and very helpful. Follow all the rules (they are posted as you enter the building and upstairs in the collection area).  Laptops are allowed (without covers), a pencil and paper are permitted (no pens) and you will be asked to store your purse, bags, etc. in a token locker.

The atmosphere is lovely. 

That rare quiet place these days to read.

No cell phones are allowed inside the library area.  That, too, goes in the locker.  But in all honesty, it was a delight to be detached from my phone for a few hours. 

There is parking nearby and metered parking on the street.

You can read books on every topic from directing to editing to screenwriting.  The shelves are stacked with autobiographies and biographies,  how-to guides about filmmaking and resource books. 

I spent hours perusing their materials.

This elegant, generously-supported facility is devoted to the history and development of the motion picture as an art form and an industry. Established in 1928 and now located in Beverly Hills, the library is open to the public and used year-round by students, scholars, historians and industry professionals.

I plan to return often.  This library is a must-visit if you're a movie lover.  It's a treasure especially for screenwriters.

Here is the library's website for more info:  https://www.oscars.org/library

IN HER WORDS:  Oscar-nominated Screenwriters Kristin Wigg and Annie Mumolo (Bridesmaid) talk about co-writing  Bridesmaids together.

Actress Kistin Wigg     photo: google.com

Bridesmaids was a breakout hit at the box office eight years ago... and still holds up with some of the funniest moments ever on screen (it also helped launch Melissa McCarthy's movie career).  It's a great movie featuring a strong cast of women. The food poisoning scene alone is worth watching this movie again. 

Last night, Women in Entertainment and Writers Guild of America West co-presented their series In Her Words: Spotlight on Women Writers in Film & TV featuring Kristin Wigg and Annie Mumolo, the co-writers of Bridesmaids.

Q AND A with writers Kristin Wigg and Annie Mumolo

You'll recall Wigg starred in Bridesmaids and Mumolo made a cameo appearance as the terrified airline passenger sitting beside her in the movie.

Both actresses, producers and comedians discussed their writing process -- which included Wigg flying out to L.A. every weekend to work on the collaboration, while still working on Saturday Night Live in the mid-2000s. Wigg would stay at Mumolo's Burbank, CA apartment weekends where they would work on the film's outline, early drafts and improv scenes.

They wrote a pile of drafts before arriving at the one that eventually became the film.  It was their first screenplay.  One of their biggest writing disappointments was when a big chunk of the Bridesmaids script got scrapped -- it originally had an elaborate Las Vegas sequence that producer Judd Apatow cut after several other hit comedies used Vegas as their backdrop (namely, the Hangover).  Although Wigg said they were crushed to have to delete and reinvent something to replace the Vegas sequence, they brainstormed and came up with the "airplane sequence", where Wigg in an attempt to deal with her fear of flying, consumes pills and drinks scotch to disastrous (and hilarious) results -- ending with her and the other bridesmaids being taken off the plane by authorities.

Wigg and Mumolo noted they were surprised at their Oscar-nominated and box-office success since it was their first screenplay.  They knew each other prior only from sketch and improv work in L.A.

Wigg and Mumolo are currently at work on a new project together due out this summer called “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar.”  Good news for us!

The In Her Words series celebrates female writers who have created inspiring work while also breaking through industry barriers.   #InHerWords

JOHN SINGLETON DIES AT 51
by Janet J. Lawler 
April 29, 2019
Los Angeles, CA

Director and Writer John Singleton

The news is heartbreaking.  Another artist who made an important impact on our lives through his creative voice has died.

Like Luke Perry earlier this year, filmmaker John Singleton has passed away after suffering a stroke in Los Angeles.  

I remember the young director when he first burst onto the filmmaking scene back with "Boyz N the Hood" in the 90s.  

He, along with director Spike Lee, made movies that had a strong voice and unique visual style.  The indie film couldn't be ignored by the masses. People took notice of its creator. 

Singleton was (and still is) the youngest director ever nominated for a Best Director Oscar for his film (which he also wrote).  He didn't win the Oscar that year for directing or for his original screenplay, but it sure put him on the map and gave him a platform to continue with his creative work for the rest of his life. 

Having listened to many podcasts where Singleton was the guest,  he always came across as humble and kind in an often selfish, harsh business.  

With "Boyz N the Hood" he showed America another side of itself, one not usually shown in Hollywood movies. He introduced us to his world through the characters of three, male teenagers growing up in South Central L.A.  It's a movie that is seared into our cinematic minds.

Rest in Peace, John Singleton, and thank you for writing and directing a film that touched so many lives.  And for being an advocate for your fellow screenwriters and directors.  You will be missed.

Below is the NY Times obit about John Singleton's personal and creative life.  

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/29/obituaries/john-singleton-dead.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage

#JohnSingleton #BoyzNtheHood

NETWORK ON BROADWAY: Bryan Cranston stars as Howard Beale

Actor Bryan Cranston

Talk about powerhouse performances on the Broadway stage.

Cast takes a bow after show

Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad, Malcolm in the Middle) stars as the raving mad journalist Howard Beale, based on Paddy Chayefsky's classic  1976 film NETWORK.  Cranston delivers an intense, explosive, deeply philosophical performance that is timely (even though the play is set in the 1970s).  Howard Beale wants you to get mad, to turn off your TVs (maybe your phones if it were today) and shout "I'm mad as hell and not going to take this anymore!".   Fake news!  Dirty politics!  Americans who tune into the TV tube to get all their information!  No wonder Howard's pissed off!!

I am too!

Actor Tony Goldwyn

NETWORK also has a terrific supporting cast with Tony Goldwyn (Scandal, Orange is the New Black) playing Max Shumacher and Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black) playing the sensational producer Diana Christenson (Faye Dunaway played the role in the movie).  The character would sell her soul for hire TV ratings.

Actress Tatiana Maslany

After the show, the actors came outside to sign Playbills, take photos with fans and Bryan Cranston even FaceTimed someone's family member.  These actors couldn't have been more patient and lovely with the New York theater goers.  Trust me, not all actors are this accommodating with their fans.

Cranston greets his fans after the show

Bryan Cranston didn't disappoint on stage or off.   Great guy!  He sets the tone for the cast.

Theater-goers and fans wait to meet the actors

If you're in NYC, check out NETWORK on Broadway, but hurry.  It closes June 8th, 2019. #NetworkBway  #BryanCranston   See the link for the show https://www.broadway.com/shows/network/

KILLING EVE - SEASON 2 
with Season 3 already renewed by BBC America/AMC
By Janet J. Lawler
April 2, 2019
Los Angeles, CA

Sandra Oh and Jodi Comer KILLING EVE

I attended an early screening of the upcoming BBC America series KILLING EVE Season Two premiere episode tonight at the TV Academy in North Hollywood.

Don't worry.  No spoilers here.  If you liked the first season of KILLING EVE, you won't be disappointed with the second season.  The show continues its intense killer pace with twists, turns, cringe-worthy violence, and dark, snarky humor.  Isn't that why all tune in?  And who does snark better than Sandra Oh?

After the screening, KILLING EVE stars Sandra Oh and Jodi Comer, as well as Executive Producer Sally Underwood Gentle,  took part in a panel discussion before a packed audience of television industry professionals.

Co-stars Oh and Comer touched on their on-air chemistry and overall professional synergy in making the hit show.  Comer noting that Sandra Oh is "so zen" on set and brings dedication and focus to scenes, helping the young actress to raise her game in the process.  Oh noted how much she "trusts" working with Jodie Comer.  They said shooting the show on locations in various countries is also fun.

KILLING EVE is thrilling to watch as we root for the spy to catch the assassin or the assassin to torment the spy.  It's a delight watching these two strong, clever actors raise the bar for dramatic, action-based television.

Watch KILLING EVE season two on April 7th on AMC.

Post Update 4/8/2019:  British writer Suzanne Heathcote takes over for Emerald Fennell as the Phoebe Waller-Bridge drama is renewed for Season 3 by BBC America/AMC.

Until next time.

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AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL COMES TO LA 
March 17th, 2019
Los Angeles, CA

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  🍀  May the road rise up to meet ya today and always.

I attended the AFF in LA all-day session this weekend.  This is the fourth year for this popular writers gathering.  Even in the middle of Los Angeles, the AFF shines with Texas charm.
The day's focus was Guiding Your Writing Journey.

Writer Chuck Hayward answers industry questions

In the morning, writers gathered at roundtables with industry pros Karen Kirkland, Adam Kolbrenner, Chuck Hayward, Jayme Lemons, Eric Tovell and Gesumino Rulli.

These intimate roundtables are always high in demand and fill up fast, so if you decide to attend AFF in LA next year -- sign up early!  Some other folks chose to only attend the afternoon session (panel talks).  Trust me, the roundtables are worth your time and extra $.

Some key takeaways from industry pros to writers:

-Have"stand out" writing.
-Have a unique voice.
-How does your life inform your writing?  Personal insights will add authenticity to your work.
-Stick to your themes and brand yourself as a writer.
-Be social and get out there to meet people, other writers (this AFF event, for example.)  Don't stay isolated writing in Starbucks with headphones on forever.  Get out there!
-Less is more.  Be cognizant of your page count.  Don't overwrite.  Revise.
-Build a community of writers (writer's groups, online connection, meets ups.)
-Be massively ACTIVE and never quit.
-Write consistently and not just when you feel like it.  Consider it like a job.
-Write fast.  Get drafts done.  Set deadlines for yourself and KEEP them.
-Write with emotion on the page and tap into universal themes.

The afternoon panels were excellent.  Topics: Finding The Time (To Write) and Overcoming Obstacles.  

Moderator Karol Hoeffner and writers Carly Wray and Wendy Calhoun

Panelist/writer Wendy Calhoun (writer for TV shows EMPIRE, JUSTIFIED and NASHVILLE) advised TV writers to be problem-solvers, have manners in the writer's room, be kind and friendly to EVERYONE in the room (don't be a brown-noser), know why YOU are at the writer's table.

Writer Carly Wray (Co-EP of the upcoming adaptation of WATCHMEN, formerly of Mad Men and Westworld) suggested writers never shoot down another writer's pitch without having something strong to replace it with and to remain collaborative.  Be positive in offering your opinions to other writers and constructive.  Calhoun added, "be the glue in the room".  In other words, be a team player and be known as a fixer, not a disruptor.

Oscar at Linwood Dunn Theater

Finally, there was a Networking Reception (writers love a good mixer!)  Thanks to the Academy Education Program and Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting for the complimentary drinks and Mexican food.  We networked and ate/drank in the lobby of the Linwood Dunn Theater, with Oscar literally towering over us.  If that doesn't inspire you to finish your script, nothing will.

Until next time...
Janet

The AFF Screenwriting Competition deadlines are coming up:
Early - March 29th
Regular - April 19th
Late - May 15th

Academy Nicholl Fellowships Competition Deadlines
Early - March 7th
Regular - April 10th
Late - May 1st

BESTSELLING AUTHOR BLAKE J. HARRIS AND TECH INDUSTRY'S JOE CHEN TALK VIRTUAL REALITY AND THE EARLY DAYS AT OCULUS
 February 2019

Blake J. Harris and Joseph Chen

I love attending local events at my library here in Burbank, CA.  The Buena Vista Library Branch often invites top authors and filmmakers to discuss their latest creative projects, sell and sign books, and meet with the community.  Young students attended with their parents, getting school credit and meeting authors face to face. 

Blake J. Harris' new book

Recently Blake J. Harris stopped by to promote his new book The History of the Future: Oculus, Facebook, and the Revolution that Swept Virtual Reality.  He chatted with Joe Chen, one of the first employees at Oculus VR about the early days of that company.  Chen worked on the hardware development as Product Lead and led non-gaming developer relations. Chen brought along early prototypes of the VR hardware to show the audience.

The History of the Future book delves into the real-life story of a  teenager named Palmer Luckey, living and working in a camper trailer parked in his parents’ driveway, and how he created a device that could deliver a high quality immersive and affordable virtual reality experience to fellow gamers.  Luckey’s revolutionary device, the Oculus Rift went on to enormous success. 

Within two years, Facebook bought Luckey's company for over $2 billion dollars.

I was sure to get my signed copy of The History of the Future.  It was great to chat with Harris after.  He lives in my old neighborhood in New York City (Astoria).  Small world.

For more about Blake J. Harris, check out his website at www.blakejharris.com

Q & A

Joe Chen one-on-one

While you're at it, check out your library's monthly calendar of events and support these talks with writers, filmmakers and other storytellers.

It's a win/win.

Until next time...

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OSCARS POP-UP SHOP OPENS IN HOLLYWOOD...
The NY/LA Screenwriting Life
February 15, 2019

Calling all movie geeks and movie lovers!

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences® official pop-up shop at Hollywood & Highland is now open and thriving the week before the 91st Academy Awards.

You can load up on unique Oscars merchandise (Oscars hoodies, T-shirts, mugs, candles and really nice Oscar Thank You Note Cards (that say "I'd like to thank....").  It's a terrific place to buy gifts for someone who loves movies.

 You can also take fun pictures with a Panasonic movie camera and Oscar statue signs.

Panasonic Movie Camera on Display

The Oscars Pop-Up Shop is located near the Dolby Theatre.  Open now for a limited time.

Meanwhile, outside, Hollywood preps for the Oscars in the rain.  We can't complain in Los Angeles -- we need the rain.  Let's hope the sunshine returns in time for the red carpet event.

Hollywood and Highland

Viewing Area for Oscars

The Dolby Theatre

Here is the link for more info about the Oscars Pop-Up store:  http://hollywoodandhighland.com/the-oscars-official-pop-up-shopnow-open/

Enjoy the show on Sunday, Feb. 24th on ABC! 

Until next time.
 

THIS AND THAT...

I love this new cover for The New Yorker magazine.  The writer's life.  Says it all.  

Keep writing & creating out there, even with all the madness in the world.  Find your quiet corner and get the work done. 

I received some good news this summer.

My drama spec feature ABSOLUTION made it into the Second Round at the Austin Film Festival 2018 Screenwriting Competition.  Congratulations to all those who advanced to the Second Round, as well as the Semifinalists!  AFF is one of the great festivals (and competitions) dedicated to screenwriters out there. The festival begins October 25th in Austin, Texas.    https://austinfilmfestival.com/

Actor Henry Winkler

Congratulations to actor Henry Winkler on winning the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his performance as the acting coach on HBO's "Barry".   Well-deserved.  One of the nice guys in Hollywood finishes first.


Summer officially ends tomorrow on the calendar.  I would be remiss if I didn't mention the passing of the prolific playwright and screenwriter Neil Simon last month.  Mr. Simon is the reason I wanted to become a writer -- I devoured his plays while in high school and watched all his movies on TV.  Seeing "Barefoot in the Park" and "The Odd Couple" changed my life. Neil Simon showed me New York (my hometown) on the big screen. I loved his urban wit (his characters sounded a lot like my family members) and there is nothing like New York timing when telling a one-liner.  I also liked the way Neil Simon described the writing life, it sounded pretty nice -- (I'm paraphrasing here) you get to work alone, on your own terms and play tennis in the middle of the day.  Wow. Sounded good to me.

The first play I ever wrote, NetFits, was an homage to Mr. Simon's "Barefoot in the Park".  I love every line in that play (his, that is).  Thank you, Mr. Simon, for all the wonderful works you wrote and shared with us. Thanks for the laughs, sir.

Playwright Neil Simon

Until next time.

FROM POP SONGS TO A BROADWAY MUSICAL
Los Angeles, CA
Janet J. Lawler
July 24, 2018

Jason Michael Webb, Stephen Bray, Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Michael A. Kerker

As a member of the Dramatists Guild, I received an invite to attend "In It Together: An Evening with the Music Team Behind The Color Purple” at the Garry Marshall Theatre in Burbank, CA. 

Having no desire to write a musical, or even a song, I almost didn't go.  Wow, I'm so glad I did attend.  What a wonderful evening about music and the creative process.  And, I found it of great professional interest -- since writing a song is a lot like writing a screenplay.  It requires character(s), tone, pacing, an arc, and hooking your audience.

It turned out to be a lively panel with The Color Purple songwriters/composers.  They covered team collaboration, creating in new mediums, embracing technology, and how writing of any kind (novels, scripts, plays, songs, musicals) is all about... REWRITING.  

Sorry, folks, there's no escaping it.  Rewrite, rewrite, rewrite!
 
The Color Purple team consisted of Grammy-winning Stephen Bray, Allee Willis and Brenda Russell.  Each songwriter had success writing pop songs prior to writing The Color Purple: 

Allee Willis, a Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, wrote hit songs like September, Neutron Dance, Stir It Up and the TV theme song "I'll Be There for You" for Friends.  (Cool songs and lady!) 

Producer/drummer/songwriter Stephen Bray wrote songs for Madonna including "Into the Groove" and "Express Yourself".  Stephen knew Madonna from Michigan before her mega success.


Singer-songwriter and keyboardist Brenda Russell also has hits, including "Piano in the Dark" and "So Good, So Right". 

The three composers (none had written a musical before, never mind a Broadway musical!) joined forces on The Color Purple, checked their egos at the door and labored on the show for over five years.  

They said often after having created a song they agreed was perfect, the director or producers would ask them to rewrite it, or even worse, completely "throw it out".  Their tenacity paid off as each co-wrote the Tony and Grammy-winning Broadway musical, The Color Purple.  

As a screenwriter/playwright, I found this question to the panel "How is writing a theatrical song different than a pop song?" of particular interest.

Each songwriter agreed that writing a song for the stage requires a story -- an arc -- just like in a screenplay -- the character should change or evolve -- where as in a pop song, it's more about the melody, chorus and hook.

Special shout out to music director Jason Michael Webb for also taking part in the evening and to the Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL) SongArts LA for sponsoring the event, in association with The Dramatists Guild. The evening was moderated by Michael A. Kerker, director of musical theatre for ASCAP.  
  
Hmm... I might just have to go off now and write a song.

Until next time.