Screenwriting : Calling aspiring screenwriters - critique group? by Doug Nelson

I would be interested, Doug.

That sounds interesting Doug

Al, “would be” suggests to me that you have some preconditions. What might those be? I'm looking for folk who are committed to the art/craft of screenwriting...hands on participants.

Mariano & Lord Graham; I've tried working with writers in Australia, France and the UK in the past and found it difficult, if not impossible due to the differences in language application, use of slang, idioms and sayings. We may all speak English, but I've found that our forms of English very widely. And too, our markets are quite different which makes it difficult to offer real & significant support to each other. I think you'd have greater success with fellow writers in your neighborhood. That sounds exclusionary I know, but believe me when I say that's not my intent at all.

Hi Doug- I was just trying not to sound like I assumed I was going to be chosen. But, if you want me, I'd like to do it. I like the idea of reasonably small samples that we can digest and still keep up on our current projects.

“I’ve tried working with writers in Australia, France and the UK in the past and found it difficult, if not impossible due to the differences in language application, use of slang, idioms and sayings. We may all speak English but I’ve found that our forms of English very widely”. Why is that? Because you don’t know your grammar, you’re a poor speller and/or you don’t bother to proofread and edit? With all due respect Doug, what a pile of garbage. Thank goodness not everyone in the film industry thinks like you or it would consist solely of U.S. residents. If you’re going to criticise non-Americans because of their use of English then you should save yourself from embarrassment by ensuring your criticism is error free. If this is your attitude and writing style then I wouldn’t want to work with you either. “That sounds exclusionary I know”. You bet it does. You’re not kicking any goals here, Doug.

"Al, “would be” suggests to me that you have some preconditions." Doug, your comment to Al suggests to me that your subsequent comment is correct - as you misunderstood what he meant in a five word sentence. And Pierre has a point or two.

Pierre, Once again I try to offer some positive interaction with fellow writers only to confront some cattiness from the bleachers. Basically I just don't need or have time for the snarky crap (I've got a pretty heavy production schedule this summer). So, to all who thought it might have been a “good” thing – forget about it. I'll try to refrain from offering to help on Stage 32 again. Doug has left the building.

Doug, you bring it upon yourself, just don't be so obnoxious in your posts and comments.

Wow that was fast- nothing like sticking to it.

Never saw Doug as obnoxious. :/

Well I'm still in if anyone's game?

Doug left the building. I had a group that people could submit scenes and get feedback. I would also post a topic once a week if people wanted to write a scene just for practice and post it for feedback. If people are really interested in something like that I would be willing to start a group. However there would have to be some rules because I would not allow people to attack new screenwriters or any other writer for that matter. Anyway if people are interested let me know.

As long as Doug doesn't come back with his non-sense... I'm interested in doing something like this. Dan-- are you putting something together?

Dan and Mariano - I am interested.

Am interested in this deal

If anyone is still interested, and writes in the faith-based genre, I facilitate an on-line screenwriter's critique group via Inspire Christian Writers. More info: http://www.inspirewriters.com/ . We "meet" once or twice a month via email, depending on the needs of the group. Australians welcome :)

mr. doug i am interested

Mariano. I have to deal with some investors for one of my movies today but yes I would like to set up face book. Would you be willing to work with me because I have four projects in various stages of production so I don't always have a lot of spare time.

I'm very interested in this. Count me in.

Mariano. Great! I am heading into a meeting. You can friend me on Facebook as well.

Crikey, Doug, that's two times in the last month that you "volunteered" to do something for writers, and two times that you backed out within a day. NOTE TO SELF: Don't accept a Christmas Party invitation from Doug. :(

Mariano: Thanks for that. Hope to hear more about this group being proposed. :D

Mariano: I'm under Danny Vera. I added u

I'm very interested in this group! I'd love to submit and assist when I can.

Let me know if y'all have any more room in your group.

I'm open to the idea. I'm currently rewriting a Sci-Fi project.

Doug, if you are still out there, Dan, Mariano also, this is a great idea and I as the epitome of aspiring screenwriters am on board if you will have me, lets organize this. I am known as Mac Guyson aka (Adam S. Macpherson) on Facebook.

Nothing compares to the success of our very own Stage 32, moderator BETH FOX, 30 day Write Club Challenge, where we had to complete a screenplay or TV series in 30 days or less. We would report our process, our progress weekly and support one another, no pressure. Love it! This sounds good, but I already see bumps in the road ahead and it's hasn't even started. Keep it real fellow screenwriters.

Absolutely!

Jorge. I moderated a screenwriting scenes critique group before with only a few problems. The biggest problem is when people stop posting. It takes a lot of members participating to make it work well. Once in a while someone will join that just wants to disrupt the group and when I was running mine I would give them a warning and if they continued I would kick them out. Anyway I hope all of you that said you want to join do join because it does take quite a few to make it work.

Mariano, I sent a friend request through FB. I would love to be part of this group if there's room available. I have written eleven novels, currently working on an authorized life story with a celebrity, and have completed three screenplays.

Dan, all the best wishes for your success with your group.

Mariano: The write club I cited, was in the lounges, it was called November Write Club challenge. If BETH stops by she probably has the link. BTW, I'm interested. Always here to support everyone, and have found great support from many writers here as well . I will send you a friend request on FB, my name is the same Jorge J Prieto. DAN: You have always been here for me and I trust you and have great respect / admiration for your as a screenwriter and human being. I'm here for you and everyone. Peace.

Mariano: Don't know if you are interested in checking out the Stage 32 , Write Club I cited here, but here's the link: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/search?query=November+write+club+&=

Jorge, damn great you will be in the group brother, I am getting on there right now. It may take a while for us to get this thing flowing but when it does this will be a great resource for aspiring writers, not that S32 isn't. I will always adore and appreciate and be a part of this site but we need more and FB is a great extension.

Adam, thanks for the kind words, my friend. I gotta be honest FB has not yet compared to this community. So, let's see how this venture goes. Always great hearing from you

Hey Jorge, thanx brother always good to hear from you, yea FB has nothing on S32 obviously but lets give this a try. Mariano G got it going and has already set up the first move for the writers, I volunteered to be first naturally. Dan G is on board, lets do this man. By the way, reading "Rest in Peace" fucking sick, twisted, downright demented, I fucking love it bro, how is "American Music" coming with you. I know it needs A LOT of work but give it to me bro. I am going to submit Acts 1&2 as well as 7, "The Explosive Idea" If Mariano and "The Den" agree to me being the first submission. Hit me back brother.

Havent started "Till Death" yet but goddamn man, watch out Dean Koontz and Steven King, that shit is f--king beautifully sick.

You guys, I am going to relinquish my spot to someone else, with the intent of joining up at a later date, if that's alright. There's a ton of people who said they wanted to do this, and I'm confident that it's going to be a successful venture. My plate right now is pretty full with non writing related stuff, and I don't want to not be 100 percent with it. So Jorge and the rest of you, thanks, and please, possibly post updates so we can keep up on the progress. I know some great stories are going to be even greater because of this- thanks- Al

MARIANO: I'm unable to sign into Facebook group. Did you delete me. I know you don't have me on your regular page. You might have to send me an invite to your FB page??

I'm in. as long as all criteria is professional and not personal.

Aray. Let Mariano know so he can send you the facebook info.

add me. i sent you a friend request, Mariano.

Mariano or Dan: Please add me. Don't multiply mrme I don;t think I could stand more of myself. Dan: The motto of the group should have a Willy Wonka feel: "With Dan G. it's a guarantee!"

Greetings people, so how do we do this? I'm really interested.

Guys, let Mariano know so he can add you to the Facebook page.Here is the link to the 'Screenwriters Den' Facebook page.

Dan, I'm not available to join the Screenwriter's Den, but I just wanted to let you know that I think what you've done in light of Doug's bow-out is very commendable. Good luck with the group - I hope it goes smashingly well; that everyone benefits as a writer; and that everyone has an option, sale or contract in their future. You're a stud, Dan!

Thanks for the compliment.

I just requested membership to the FB group.

Way to take the lead Mariano! I'm down to contribute and get some new insight. Hopefully there's room for me...

Dear Sir me waiting for this opportunity. I will do plz give me a chance

I do hope U will give response

Here is the link to Facebook to join. https://www.facebook.com/groups/168664706881573/?notif_t=group_added_to_...

@Mariano, just sent you a request on facebook. I am interested in joining the group too.

@Mariano its great to see this type of group around and I am most interested also. I've selected the join group on FB

Hello, I am very interested in this group. BUT I prefer to say it now : I have no experience in screenwriting (meaning I've never tried to sell, I've never finished a project but all of them are in progress, I know more or less how to do a proper screenplay. I'm basically a true beginner). Is that a problem to enter the group ? I won't be offensed at all if the answer is yes, I just want to enjoy this incredible opportunity to improve myself but I absolutely don't want to be a weight for the others. Sincerely

Marianne. Join on FB. Don't worry we all start out as beginners. The best way to learn is from other people that have more experience.

This is a fantastic idea, all! Great to see the Stage 32 network expanding both on and off the site in the spirit of what we're all here to do!

Me still waiting for this opportunity

@Mariano & @Dan I am a newbie. I just finished my first script, but if there's still room I'd really love to join!

Yes here is the link to join. https://www.facebook.com/groups/168664706881573/?notif_t=group_added_to_...

This sounds great. I have send in my request to join.

@Dan - I'm interested, but like Owen said - I would rather eat beetroot and celery (which I don't like at all) than signing in to Facebook. But maybe I won't be accepted for my heritage, being a female, a German, green-eyed, Jewish, having small feet which don't speak English, living in the wrong street or what ever??? I mean the worst that could happen is that all fellow non-American screenwriters would improve their English. He he... oh... and by the way... I'm really already sorry NOW that I sometimes mix up the English they speak in England where the language comes from (and as it is taught in our schools in Europe) with the American version which actually is a mixture of all languages. With words like Gesundheit, Zeitgeist, Kindergarten, entrepreneur, laissez-faire, scène à faire, Leitkultur, savoîr faire, Brezel, Ansatz, Aufbau, Autobahn, Auto, Doppelganger, Gemutlichkeit - just to mention a few in 2 of so many languages.

Elizabeth. You would be accepted. I am on Facebook but I only check in to see that there is no activity.

Hello, Doug, I would be interested in joining as well.

Hello, Doug, am also interested in joining.

Cancelled for lack of interest.

OK, I GET IT