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.






 

AT&T SHAPE REACHES OUT TO ARTISTS AND AUDIENCES IN INNOVATIVE WAYS: with guest speakers Sean Combs, Issa Rae and Ava DuVernay.  
by Janet J. Lawler
Los Angeles 

Actress/Director/Writer Issa Rae

The 2018 AT&T SHAPE tech and entertainment event recently took place in LA.  Tickets sold out fast.  I highly recommend this event, having attended it now two consecutive years.  It's a fun time focusing on tech trends (blockchain, immersive entertainment, 5G) and entertainment breakouts (trends in storytelling, data marketing); it's a well-sponsored and organized two-day event held at the historic Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank.

Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles

There were exhibits and vendors featuring everything from smart phones to virtual reality to the latest gaming trends.  Participants were able to stroll the Warner's lot  (free guided VIP Warner Bros. Studio Tours also available).  We toured sound stages for hit shows like ELLEN and THE BIG BANG THEORY, which was cool.

This event is also a great place to network if that's your thing.  One filmmaker I met with had driven from Utah to LA just to network here.  His goal was to connect with as many creatives as he could and also catch some of the top-notch speaker/panel events. 

Some highlights were co-host/filmmaker Ava DuVernay discussing her early work as a filmmaker, to screening the AT&T Film Finals (short films) in front of a live audience.

Director/Writer Ava DuVernay and David Christopher

Other highlights included a one-on-one interview with Sean Combs, Chairman and CEO of Combs Enterprises.  Sean Combs discussed his early venture into hip hop music, a clothing line, to Revolt TV Network, his music-oriented digital cable television network.

Sean Combs, CEO Sean Combs Enterprises

I was thoroughly impressed with Sean Combs.  He spoke from the heart about his mother being his role model. She held four jobs when he was a boy. Sean also credits his mother for his strong work ethic that today has turned him into a multi-millionaire and successful entrepreneur.

The main takeaways from Combs' talk:
 *  Get busy.
*  Know your purpose and it should have a greater good than just serving yourself.  Help others.
*  Always follow through on what you do.  Go the extra mile to stand out and complete your projects.
*  Learn your craft, whatever it is, be the best at it.
*  Know and utilize social media to brand your voice or unique talent.
*  Do what you can to get the information out to the world about what you're selling or creating.
*  Take advantage of the doors opening during this "black renaissance" that's going on with the mega success of films like Black Panther and creatives like Issa Rae,  Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan, and others.
*  Be fearless.
*  Keep God in your life.
*  Join others with your goals and have power in unity.
*  And his BIGGEST advice, OWN something you create!  Or OWN your own business.  There is power in ownership and Sean credited his strength in that belief.

Creatives Khadi Don and Issa Rae

Another inspiring (laugh-filled) panel featured actress/writer/web series creator Issa Rae.  Issa joined interviewer/comedian/filmmaker Khadi Don for a chat.  Issa Rae talked about her unusual path from  web series creator (starting in college) up to her current success with her  hit TV show INSECURE on HBO (Season 3 kicks off on August 12th). 

Issa's advice to struggling artists is to "stay in your lane" and "don't compare yourself to your peers. " Her trajectory took time and had many setbacks before finding success. Issa suggested knowing your strong suits and to focus on those (your voice, your audience, your themes).  Issa worked for other TV shows where it turned out not to be such a great fit.  She feels optimistic about new opportunities for diverse creatives as many new doors are opening with a demand for original content.

Thanks to AT&T SHAPE for bringing these successful speakers and panelists to share their passions and information with a passionate community of writers, producers, filmmakers, gamers, coders, and artists looking to make their mark.

Want to see the video sessions?  Here is a link to all the available AT&T SHAPE sessions mentioned above.  Enjoy and keep creating! 
https://shape.att.com/schedule/all-sessions

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Also, feel free to share this page link with your friends!  https://thescreenwritinglife.blogspot.com/2018/06/at-shape-reaches-out-to-artists-and.html

Until next time.