Screenwriting : Just curious... by Paul Zeidman

That's the only way it'll get done. Good luck! As for me - punching my way forward on the outline of a new spec (horror-comedy)

I am trying to to finish up a first draft that is heading into development but since I am not that motivated it has been taking a lot longer than it should have.

Mine I believe is going really good. At least I think so.

In the middle of a rewrite for some local filmmakers (episode 2 of 3 for a limited series), yesterday received the DCP on the latest short (here we come film fests), starting a spec script - a relationship drama wrapped up in start-up science... working title "Willful Blindness."

Here's to burning the midnight whale's oil for all creatives!

Serious drama entitled "World's Best Mom." Just finishing the rewrite, polish pass to follow soon.

Exit Zero is in post with a bit of a learning curve about contracts, signed contracts, not signed contracts and hiring a lawyer! Lesson: As executive producer and creator, I will always be present for all signing of deal memos, prior to filming. And FML!

Got a comedy sketch short film into a film festival. Feeling really good about that.

I have just pitched a teen movie - titled My Sister. Set in Soweto SA. it follows in the footsteps of an autistic blind boy and his protective sister. My producers is perusing an outline and beat sheet - so we shall see. I am hoping for a cheap feature film shot in the streets in the manner of that gorgeous little classic - Bicycle Thieves.

The movie industry is the hardest industry to get into because it's not talent what you need, it's connections.

Connect with talented people that attend film festivals were you can meet with more people. When I say connect I'm not talking about social media, that is not a connection. Work with them. I see you are a writer, find a director/producer that likes your style, become his friend. Work together, submit your films into film festivals.

Create films for YouTube for Netflix. Theater is not the only outlet for a movie.The movie industry is the hardest industry to get into because it's not talent what you need, it's connections.

Connect with talented people that attend film festivals were you can meet with more people. When I say connect I'm not talking about social media, that is not a connection. Work with them. I see you are a writer, find a director/producer that likes your style, become his friend. Work together, submit your films into film festivals.

Create films for YouTube for Netflix. Theater is not the only outlet for a movie.

Slowly - for lack of crew mostly.

Paul Zeidman I’m curious if any Stage 32 Members are getting paid to write scripts. Yes or no?

Dan - I've wondered that myself. Probably a few out there, and no doubt they're keeping quiet about it so as to not be inundated with scripts/queries from other writers asking "Hey, would you pass this along to your producer/investor?"

Dan M. Yes. Why?

Yes.

Outlining the next spec. Being methodical (i.e. combo of slow and lazy).

Dan M; yes. But it's docu, if that counts.

Page 1 - Complete!!!

Awesome! Funding and distribution in place - squee!

Nothing is happening with any of my projects - until it happens! What I mean to say is you throw stuff out there, make contacts, chat with people...but mostly it's waiting. Always have something else to do, that's my advice. Like, while waiting for something to happen with Starfall, I've begun another novel (1st in a fantasy series) - I keep sane (sort of) that way.

A first draft spec currently. Flowing along nicely, already know it'll need an intense rewrite or two - but hey, that's expected. Feels good finding out new things about my story and characters on the way that will lend to the adjustments the next draft(s) will need.

Good luck with your work!

Slowly, on the 2nd draft of my feature script. I'm past halfway but this is where the biggest changes are. Really happy with how it's coming along though.

In pre-production but they want a household name for the supporting role, so I better be prepared to make that bigger.

Trying to just keep typing, one word after the other. ^^

Working on a few projects for contests. Outlining one and re-writing the others, mostly. Developing ideas for next year, too.

Have a meeting on one next week! Started from here!

It's comin'.

Rewrite is taking a while but very, very rewarding.

My second to latest project has been making the rounds on https://shorts.tv/

I just revised a slasher-horror script. It was my first ultra low budget idea. So I am proud as a horror fan.

Going to be starting a second draft of my TV pilot next week. Had plenty of time away from it, good to back to it with a fresh perspective.

Working on a third draft of my supernatural thriller

Dan M, yes I do get paid to write. One produced, (DELIRIUM now available on Tubi : https://tubitv.com/movies/441577/delirium?utm_campaign=web-sharing ) a few contracted as work for hire - some of which are seeking funding, others shelved, but as long as I got paid, it's okay!

As for what I'm doing now, working on a rewrite of a screenplay my partner and I wrote a few years ago, because he has attached a lead actor to it and we may finally get it produced soon!

Great.

Currently working on an Asian-American food and travel docu-series. It's going really well. Shooting lots of fun segments with Hollywood's rising Asian-American talent.

Slowly!

We're getting there! I'll be ready for readers soon!