Hi everyone at Stage 32. My name is Janet Hetherington, and I am a Canadian journalist, screenwriter and graphic storyteller. That's a fancy way of saying I create comics. I have worked on quite a few comics, including writing the Elvira, Mistress of the Dark comic book (Claypool Comics) for 6 years and creating my own supernatural love series, Eternal Romance (Best Destiny). On the screenwriting side, I have had one short horror thriller and two western features produced. I also enjoy doing local background work. I've been making lots of great connections on Stage 32. Here's my IMDb info: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1900415/ Cheers, and see you in the Lounge - Janet
Nice to meet you Janet! I hope I can see your comics someday!
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Thanks Carline!
Hi Janet. Welcome!
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Welcome, Janet. You know I loved Elvira, I have her movies and to meet you here, speaking about a comic book is so cool.
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Howdy Janet. Have you any inspiring words for us zombies in the wilderness trying to break in to either or both screenwriting and lit representation?
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Hmmm, I wonder what some of your comic book characters would sound like? I bet I could voice them! I am a voice actor looking for work in the field. Have you thought of turning some of your book pages into a slideshow type thing, and have voice actors do the lines? If you have, or haven't, I'd like to be the first to say, "I WANT IN!" Bruce Davis
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Alex, I haven't gotten lit rep myself yet, so I can't help you there, although I appreciate how Stage 32 is providing targeted access to help with finding a good fit. My best advice is the advice I follow myself... don't quit your day job (and ideally have a day job that is something you like to do, such as writing) and when you do have "free" time - write, write, write. Do factor in work/life balance. Families and friends matter. Write the type of movies you love and want to see! My first feature was a horror comedy which has gone though many, many rewrites. It's finally reading like something that can be shot, and a contact I've made here on Stage 32 has it to read. It's taken a few years for me to transition into screenwriting, and I've been taking a lot of online classes, including through Stage 32. I live in Ottawa, Canada, and I have been networking with filmmakers here. You'd be surprised how many films are being shot in non-Hollywood locales. Here in Ottawa, I have done some background work for films like the Jon Cryer/Will Sasso comedy HIT BY LIGHTNING. You learn a lot being on set (watching and observing, not bugging people!). I have worked with local director Brett Kelly (the two westerns I wrote), both lower-budget features, and I learned a lot about the need to be flexible, collaborative and professional, no matter how big or small the project. I have Final Draft, but Brett needed his scripts in Celtx so he could use its production tools, so I switched to that for his projects. I don't know if this is inspiring, but I like to say, "It's a long road to overnight success." Whenever I get an idea, I write it down. I have a chart of loglines in different genres. Learn your craft, practise it and bring the passion. Make use of structure, do a strong outline, aim for 88-90 pages. That's how I get started; it's only 90 pages! Don't ask me about pitching, though. It terrifies me! All the best on your projects - Janet
Well said.
I always L O V E D a gOod comic! #DiamondCity
Some great advice, Janet. Thanks for the inspiration :-)