- on monique420's post on hecklongtree's page
- on jessaskittles's blog post
- on
- on wildshe's post on hecklongtree's page
- on mameha's photo
- on mameha's post on hecklongtree's page
I found the Vice Presidential debate to be a big disappointment. It promised to be great: A clash between the youthful, energetic John Edwards and the lumbering, robotic Dick Cheney. Edwards was touted as a great trial lawyer. He sure as hell didn't sound like one to me. When asked about same-sex marriage, he said he's against it and added that there's never been anything...
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VIEW 17 of 17 COMMENTS
I'm really starting to doubt that I'll ever see a good new film again. Screenwriters nowadays don't seem to have the slightest idea of how to hold an audience's attention. The problem with contemporary film: Filmmakers present us with a situation, but give us no story.
Case in point: Zach Braff's "Garden State." (For another case in point, see "The Station Agent," where a little...
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Case in point: Zach Braff's "Garden State." (For another case in point, see "The Station Agent," where a little...
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VIEW 9 of 9 COMMENTS
hecklongtree:
I like films like "American Splendor,"narrative films in a documentary film style--not to be confused with a mockumentary, such as "This is Spinal Tap," which is a documentary spoof. Another film in this genre is "24 Party People" (about Manchester England's 1980's music scene) .
"24 Hour Party People" worked better because it's really about a scene, the 1980's Manchester music scene of Joy Division, New Order, etc. "24 Hour Party People" about Tony Wilson and the record company he founded presents an interesting tableau. It doesn't really need the kind of narrative found in a well-made play.
"American Splendor" is really just a character sketch of Harvey Pekar, a Cleveland file clerk.This film could have used a tigher plot structure, though not necessarily one as tight as that of the well-made play.
[Edited on Sep 30, 2004 9:10PM]
[Edited on Sep 30, 2004 9:11PM]
"24 Hour Party People" worked better because it's really about a scene, the 1980's Manchester music scene of Joy Division, New Order, etc. "24 Hour Party People" about Tony Wilson and the record company he founded presents an interesting tableau. It doesn't really need the kind of narrative found in a well-made play.
"American Splendor" is really just a character sketch of Harvey Pekar, a Cleveland file clerk.This film could have used a tigher plot structure, though not necessarily one as tight as that of the well-made play.
[Edited on Sep 30, 2004 9:10PM]
[Edited on Sep 30, 2004 9:11PM]
niav:
thanks for the analysis 
I've been reading a lot of plays lately. One of my favorites is Ibsen's "John Gabriel Borkman."
It's the story of a formerly wealthy and powerful banker who, after returning from prison for embezzlement, remains a prisoner in his own house, occupying the upstairs of the house, while his wife occupies the downstairs.
Not only does the wife want nothing to do with him, but...
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It's the story of a formerly wealthy and powerful banker who, after returning from prison for embezzlement, remains a prisoner in his own house, occupying the upstairs of the house, while his wife occupies the downstairs.
Not only does the wife want nothing to do with him, but...
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VIEW 10 of 10 COMMENTS
cydcharisse:
update? 
sakita:
You know if you want to request something I can work on translating it for you. Granted it wont be done too quickly as I am in a very exhaustive English class right now. But I have started the almqvist and can do some strindberg for you.
I've taken a little break from writing and, instead, I've been reading, specifically reading good dramatic works, mostly plays, trying to learn from the them. My next script will definitely bear the stamp of Ibsen, with his methods of creating dramatic tension--making the characters only act out of absolute necessity and creating dynamic dialogue, filled with attacks and counter-attacks.
I don't know if my next...
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I don't know if my next...
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VIEW 6 of 6 COMMENTS
hecklongtree:
I did join. Thanks for the invitation.
niav:
coolness!
When I went to pick up my mail this morning, my heart sank. There it was: The stamped self addressed envelope I included with the script I sent to the producer.
Attached to the script was the following note:
"Dear Jeffrey
I wanted to thank you for letting me read JILTED. Though I liked the writing, it just isn't a project that I feel I...
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Attached to the script was the following note:
"Dear Jeffrey
I wanted to thank you for letting me read JILTED. Though I liked the writing, it just isn't a project that I feel I...
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VIEW 6 of 6 COMMENTS
deceptiviewfilm:
well... we writers are always prepared but....He seemed to want to hear from you on other projects. give him something else.
belllla:
I'm ever the fucking optimist, but at least he likes your writing. Maybe it could lead to something in the future?!? Keep your head up, homie. It'll happen.
Last week, I pitched my screenplay "Jilted" to movie producer and 'Pitch King" Robert Kosberg. I then followed up by sending him a synopsis. His office just called. They want to see the complete script. This could be my big break!
VIEW 7 of 7 COMMENTS
sassy:
damn... little fight going on here, no?
but regardless, well done on the screen play thing.
but regardless, well done on the screen play thing.
raedon:
writers haha
writers hahaAt the New York City PitchXchange, both the production company representatives I met with on Saturday expressed interest in my screenplay "Jilted."
I was a little nervous during my first pitch, to Eric Hanson Management/Boychick Productions, but, by the end, I had relaxed, and I really think I won him over.
During the second pitch, to a representative of Cooper's Town Productions (Philip Seymour Hoffman's...
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I was a little nervous during my first pitch, to Eric Hanson Management/Boychick Productions, but, by the end, I had relaxed, and I really think I won him over.
During the second pitch, to a representative of Cooper's Town Productions (Philip Seymour Hoffman's...
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niav:
Way to go! I'ts always exciting hearing good news about a job offer/situation. I'm so proud!
.:~*Niav*~:.
.:~*Niav*~:.
I pitched my script "Jilted" to Robert Kosberg at a break during his pitching course, and he really seemed interested. Who would have thought that Bob Kosberg, the producer of "Commando," would be interested in something like "Jilted?" He listened to other pitches and told the pitchers that he wasn't interested, but he definitely expressed interest in "Jilted." Go figure.
Also, I know I said...
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Also, I know I said...
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Tomorrow I'm attending a course on movie script pitching taught by Robert Kosberg, who's supposed to be the king of movie pitchman. He's definitely not the king of movie producers (I checked his credits on imdb). Still, I might get something out of the course. Ya never know.
Actually, the course is part of something called the New York City PitchXchange. Friday is devoted to...
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Actually, the course is part of something called the New York City PitchXchange. Friday is devoted to...
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belllla:
That sounds cool! I'm with you on the whole . . . not paying someone to listen to me talk, tip. Let me know how it goes!
madigan:
Oh no, I'm probably going to get those, too! I'll never make it through the ever-growing mountain of books. Thank you for the recommendations.
This morning I received my coverage (evaluation) from the Slamdance Screenplay Competition for my script "Jilted." While it contained some very favorable comments ('law school...is often lampooned brilliantly "), it also comments that really upset me. There's a line early in the script ("We're reformed Jews. In fact, we're so reformed we're practically Nazis") which the script reader says I lifted from a "famous Woody...
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VIEW 3 of 3 COMMENTS
niav:
Thanks for tha comment! I'm really impressed with how....detailed...your entries are! I wish I had more time to write in mine, especially since I'm a newbie. Sorry bout all the negative responses you've been getting, hopefully things will work out. If they don't, I have a really mean kitty cat that still has his claws and REALLY sharp teeth (I have pantyhose to prove it) so let me know and I'll unleash the Turbo Lemur after those silly silly people. Blood always makes for a quick understanding!
hecklongtree:
Thanks, Niav, for the words of encouragement. I'm writing another draft of my script--one that is accessible, commercial, and, I hope, salable. It bothers me that people didn't make the effort to understand the original draft, but what can I do? I want to sell a script.
Today, I received a postcard from Script Magazine telling me that my script was not selected as a finalist in its "Open Door" screenplay contest. I'm trying not to be too upset about it, but--let's it face--rejection hurts.
Just once, I'd like someone to pat me on the back for something that I've done. Instead, I get people who belittle my achievements. After graduating from...
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Just once, I'd like someone to pat me on the back for something that I've done. Instead, I get people who belittle my achievements. After graduating from...
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sgmonotony:
Hey the last couple of times you have been on I have been logged onto SG chat but chatting like a madman in MSN Messenger, then I come back to SG chat and realize you have came and went.
Then I write something and it says no nick/name or such thing.
I'm sorry about the screenplay. ....and the seminar.
It is rare that I find someone of notoriety very grounded, usually a bit too self important and similiar to your experience I find myself disappointed.
I think it might be part of their process for them, losing track of the essential and becoming swept up in the vortex of notoriety.
Wishing you well, and looking forward to next time.
Then I write something and it says no nick/name or such thing.
I'm sorry about the screenplay. ....and the seminar.
It is rare that I find someone of notoriety very grounded, usually a bit too self important and similiar to your experience I find myself disappointed.
I think it might be part of their process for them, losing track of the essential and becoming swept up in the vortex of notoriety.
Wishing you well, and looking forward to next time.
sydfloyd:
McKee sounds like a jerk. Maybe it's a good thing that you didn't confront him. He's probably heard it all, so he's probably got a comeback in storage waiting to be used again.
Sunday, I'm going to Robert McKee's Comedy Seminar. It's part of his "Genre Weekend," where he devotes one day each to the genres Thriller, Horror and Comedy. I'm only attending the Comedy Day, since comedy is my main interest. Also, I can't afford to attend all three days.
If you're unfamiliar with McKee, he's the screenwriting guru and lecturer depicted by Brian Cox in "Adaptation."...
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If you're unfamiliar with McKee, he's the screenwriting guru and lecturer depicted by Brian Cox in "Adaptation."...
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sydfloyd:
Oooh. Sounds cool. Let us know if you get to talk to him.
And that we miss you for your wide range of wisdom on stuff that everyone seems to be interested in...You may even be one of the appropriate members to guess at one of this months querries...Nonetheless...Hope ALL is well, and hope to see you soon...OOogaBOOoga