May/June2013 Issue
May/June Issue
Writer's Digest Magazine
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Script Notes
“Script Notes” explores the craft and business of writing for film, television and new media. TV producer Chad Gervich takes a look at the latest Hollywood developments and what they mean for writers. He’ll also incorporate interviews and advice from some of the industry’s top players, from agents and execs to writers, directors and producers.
Creating Emotional Frustration in Your Characters
Using emotion to create strong, emotional characters and move a plot is critical for any writer in any type of genre. Knowing what kind of emotion to use and how to use it … Read more
First 50 Pages Checklist
Before submitting your manuscript to an agent or editor, it’s important to make sure your submission package is in the best possible shape it can be. Here’s a checklist that can help … Read more
Au Revoir… kind of
Hey, folks— As you’ve probably noticed, it’s been a loooong time since my last post. Sorry about that– between The Wanda Sykes Show wrapping (and, sadly, getting canceled), the tumult of staffing … Read more
Write Your Next Screenplay… on the iPad
I’ll be honest, folks… for weeks, I haven’t been sure what the big deal about the iPad is. But having seen it and played with a little, I gotta admit… it’s pretty … Read more
What To Spec This Year…
Thanks to Sam for spotting Alex Epstein‘s link to Alex Freedman‘s study on what TV specs to write this year… and what not to. Very interesting– and helpful! Click HERE to check … Read more
Denise's question: Why shouldn't I use one-sheets when pitching TV ideas?
Hey, folks– Today’s question comes from Denise, who recently asked a question about preparing a “one-sheet“ for a TV pitch, a one-page description of her show idea to take into a pitch. … Read more
Addicted to teen soaps? No more shame…
Hey, folks– Just wanted to pass on a terrific piece, “Confessions of a 90210 Addict,” from yesterday’s Daily Beast. This was written by my good friend Taffy Brodesser-Akner, who’s a terrific writer … Read more
Jon's question: Will showrunners read spec scripts of their own show?
Today’s question comes from Jon H., who writes… Q: In browsing through the magazine stand at Barnes & Noble, I noticed both Creative Screenwriting magazine and Script magazine this month have detailed … Read more
Great video – the magic of green screen!
Hey, guys– I know there are a bunch of you waiting for answers– Jon H., Nse, Denise, and a couple more– and I promise I’ll get to them… but first… Special thanks … Read more
Denise's question(s): What goes into a one-sheet?… And should I pitch or write my pilot?
Today’s question comes from Denise D., who writes… Chad– How would you define a one-sheet for a TV pilot? Does it include backstory? Also, is it better to pitch the pilot or … Read more
Jennifer's Question: How should I choose a pilot idea to write?
Hey, folks– Happy Valentine’s Day… and sorry I’ve been awol for a few days. Work has been nuts, and I was in and out of town a bit… which means I totally … Read more
Oscar nominations!
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118014578.html?categoryId=3284&cs=1&nid=2854 My personal picks (in the main categories)… BEST PICTURE: “Up” (although they’ll never give it to an animated film, so if I have to pick a live-action film: “Inglorious Basterds” ACTOR: … Read more
Great animated shorts!
Hey, folks– For your viewing pleasure… here are some amazing recent animated shorts… enjoy…http://www.smashingapps.com/2010/01/22/absolutely-incredible-short-animations-that-would-make-you-say-wow.html
Writers Win Age Discimination Suit
As you know, we’ve spent a fair amount of time here talking about age discrimination against screenwriters in Hollywood. Well, last week, screenwriters won a 10-year-old, $70-million suit against 17 networks and … Read more
Matt's Question: What's Your Take on Leno/Conan?
Hey, guys— Thanks for all the comments and emails, which I’ve been wading through and will get to shortly! Jon H. and Jennifer… your questions are on deck, but I wanted … Read more
Mark's Question(s): Can I Use Animated Material for Live-Action TV?
Today’s questions come from Mark, who posted them in the comments section a few days ago. Mark asks… First: How do you ask a question of Chad? And… Second: If I’m a … Read more
SAM'S QUESTION: How closely should my TV spec copy an actual episode?
Happy new year, everyone! Hope you all had a great holiday! I wanted to kick off 2010 with a question I received from loyal reader Sam. Sam writes: As a new year’s … Read more
TV's Biggest Blunders
Hey, foiks– just wanted to point you toward a fun list… James Hibberd lists the biggest TV blunders of the decade in this morning’s Hollywood Reporter… pretty dead-on, if you ask me… … Read more
COREY'S QUESTION: If serialized TV shows are rarely profitable, how do they get made?
Today’s question comes from Corey, a young actor I met several weeks ago when I gave a talk about Small Screen, Big Picture at the Actor’s Network here in L.A. Corey writes… … Read more
Movie Quickies: Sherlock Holmes, The Lovely Bones, A Serious Man
Hey, folks— Sorry it’s been so long since the last post… last week was a mad dash for the holiday finish line, with a lot of late nights and early mornings. … Read more
AFI's Top Movies and TV Shows of 2009…
AFI has released it’s lists of the top movies and TV shows of 2009… Thoughts? AFI’s Top 10 Films of 2009: “Coraline” “The Hangover” “The Hurt Locker” “The Messenger” “Precious: Based on … Read more
Best TV book you'll read all year – Robert Del Valle's "One-Hour Drama Series"
There are a lot of books about TV and film producing out there, but rarely do I read one that blows me away. And I mean blows… me… away. Yet The One-Hour … Read more
Sundance lineup announced
Hey, folks– Sundance announced the lineup for next year’s festival… click HERE, or on the link below, to see the press release with all the film info…http://festival.sundance.org/2010/press_industry/releases/2010_sundance_film_festival_announces_films_in_premieres/
Caucasian writer seeks minority writing partner?
In the footsteps of last week’s discussion about diversity and opportunities for minority writers in Hollywood, thought you might enjoy this weird/funny/interesting ad posted on Craigslist today. What are your thoughts on … Read more
GINA'S QUESTION: Is it okay to thank someone for NOT accepting my script?
Today’s question comes from Gina, whose email got buried in my inbox weeks ago (so sorry, Gina– I know this answer is ridiculously late… but if it can’t help you, hopefully it … Read more
