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Tips & Advice on Conquering The Contest Season- Part II: Selecting Your Contest

March 22, 2017 by Geno Scala

There are as many opinions about the benefit, or lack thereof, of contests as there are contests itself, and there are literally hundreds of screenwriting contests available every year. Only a handful are truly worth your time, energy and money, and deciding which ones are worth entering is purely subjective, but the following is MY process that I’ll share:

(NOTE: Please think twice before entering ANY contest if your screenplay is not absolutely perfect. Contact us at The Script Mentor if you need help getting your project to that point, but if not us, try someone — anyone — that you trust!)

1) Determine what your budget is going to be for the year. When I enter, I average $500 for that particular year’s worth of entries.

2) Sign up for MovieBytes.com. I’m a paid member (WinningScriptsPro) and it is a very helpful and informative site and service. They list most major contests, and offer ways to easily enter and track your entries.

3) Investigate each contest, including user reviews. User reviews are very enlightening, I assure you.

4) Determine what the prizes are and if that is what you are looking for. For me, cash prizes, recognition and exposure were my goals. I’m less concerned about “table reads” or free airfare to someone’s seminar in Cabazon, CA. Some will include “cash and prizes”, and the actual cash will be small, while the “prizes” may be $5,000 worth of their assistance in marketing your screenplay. This is a red flag for a money-grab.

5) Calendar EARLY BIRD DEADLINES. You can save significantly if you enter early.

6) Spend any extra money on an occasional feedback. It might double the entry fee, or more, but in most cases, it is well worth it.

7) Read, accept and learn from the feedbacks, but do not dwell on them. Understand that not everyone is going to like it, and not everyone is going to hate it. Chances are, the reader probably knows a bit more than you, especially in the bigger, more prestigious contests.

8) Read all of the contest rules. Some REQUIRE cover pages with info; some others PROHIBIT them. DO NOT get caught with your contact info anywhere on the script (including title page) or you’ll be disqualified.

9) Get confirmation on your entry, and save it.

10) Document your script entries*. If you don’t use a contest entry program, create an Excel spreadsheet, and document script, contest name, date of submission, cost, fee for feedbacks, date of finals and any other pertinent information.

*Contest entries with feedback are tax deductible as a business expense (refer to your tax professional for details).

Ask The Script Mentor, #15: Ghostwriting and Mentoring Services

March 7, 2017 by Geno Scala

Q. I see you offer ghostwriting services. I started a novel, and really don’t have time to finish it. Is that something you might be able to do- finish a manuscript already started?

A. Hello, sir. Very impressive website you have. You had asked, in response my article on hiring a ghostwriter, if helping you finish your book is something we can do. The answer is “Yes”, although it’s a somewhat unusual and rare request. I have an excellent novelist on staff that would be perfect for this type of work. I’d have to know where you are in the project, how many pages you are hoping to have when finished, and a few smaller details in order to provide you an accurate quote for the project. I’d also need to know what kind of budget you’re working with. I can work within most budgets, but it does affect some of the decisions we’d make going forward.

Thank you for inquiring about helping you with the project, and I look forward to working with you soon!

Q. Hi Geno, I hope you are doing well. I’ve been busy the last couple of weeks, mainly keeping my head down and re-writing my script based off of your excellent notes. I’d like to sign up for your mentoring services, and re-send the ACTUAL “first ten” pages of my script for you to review, if you have time. I also have a logline that is much better than the one that the reader from the contest wrote. I used you logline formula and it was easy after that!

A. Hi K! I’m flattered that you’ve thought enough about our services to inquire about additional assistance. The interactive workshop is not scheduled at the moment, but I hope to schedule some in the near future.

We basically did the “first ten” pages (even though, technically, it wasn’t the first ten). You were given an idea of some of the real issues the script has from a SPEC screenplay perspective, so I don’t see a need to pay for- and receive- more of the same. At this point, all that would be necessary would be The Script Mentor Package or The TSM One-On-One mentoring, which includes the money-back guarantee in writing!

The Script Mentor Package, at $399.00 (originally $799) would give you a full review of the concept, screenplay and structure, as well as advice on a proper logline, query letter and synopsis. These three areas (L/S/Q) are instrumental in your marketing approach. After the screenplay is as good as it can be, we would also assist you in a networking and marketing strategy. With this package, you can continue working with The Script Mentor for up to one month.

The TSM One-on-One exclusive service at $1499.00 (originally $7500.00), provides you with the above assistance, and we’d assist you in choosing a minimum of ten competitions we feel is best suited to your screenplay, writing level, and most helpful to your writing career at this point. With this package, you can work with The Script Mentor for up to three months- no matter how many projects you’d like to work on.

Also, with this service, we would provide you with a written money-back guarantee if a certain level of success is not established with this screenplay. No other service in the world offers a money-back guarantee- ever. This is how strongly we feel about our mentoring assistance and program. Now, neither of these programs is inexpensive, so it would be an investment on your behalf, but if you’re investing in a career that you want, it’s a small investment.

Q. Hey Geno! Thank you. My name is B.C. My father was the former Underboss of the Colombo Crime Family in NY. He disappeared on May 26th 1999, and with my help, the government was able to bring the killers to justice. After 8 long years, we found his remains. Geno, so many people are sending me screenplay examples along w/ NDA’S, but I have not read one that feels right. I was hoping that maybe we can collaborate or maybe you can help put me on the right track? I feel lost if that makes sense. Hope to speak with you if you are interested.

Thank YOU in Advance!

B. Jr.

A. Hi B! I read your profile during my due diligence prior to connecting, and I appreciate you reaching out to me- both on this, and just for linking in. I’ve watched all of those mob history shows, so I’ve seen several of the shows highlighting your Dad’s story, and I know it well. I’m from Staten Island, and let’s just say my family and I and our friends have had a “colorful” past with the families as well.

I came across a mention of a book; did that ever get completed and published? If so, usually, you’d be looking at adapting that book into a screenplay. Book adaptations are a very specific type of screenplay writing, and most writers will tell you they’ve done and they’re good at it- but they’re not. Most haven’t a clue. I’ve done nine (9) in the past two years. I know how to do them, and it’s not easy. As for collaborating, the closest we get as far as collaborations are the ghostwriting assignments. We write the screenplay you want- it’s under your name, and you get all of the credit and retain all of the rights. This is what we do for a living, and we do it well.

Many of my clients are in the industry- actors, celebrities- many who can’t read or write well at all, but want credits for screenplays or have a pet project they want to star in, etc. Because I’m a ghost, my identity- and that of my client- is almost ALWAYS secret, but last year, we did four screenplays, a TV reality show outline and a TV bible for a celebrity currently starring in TWO cable shows running concurrently. My other clients include several A-list actors and authors who have never written screenplays before.

Normally, we would discuss the project, decide the actual story line, genre, etc. and as we write it, you would receive ten (10) pages at a time to review and suggest changes in direction, if any. We would do this for up to fifty (50) pages. When the project is completed, you’ll have an opportunity to review the screenplay in total.

You also have one FREE rewrite should you decide you do not like how something turned out, etc. We would work very closely most of the time, as the service is not inexpensive. I don’t charge the WGA rate, but as highly-recognized and multi-awarded writers, we ain’t cheap! We HAVE been able to work within almost any budget, though, and if I can’t, I can usually refer you to someone who can. We get at least 50% down payment to start and the balance prior to receiving the finished project. There will be a signed contract with strict deadlines, and we’ve never missed a deadline yet.

I also stay with the client through the marketing and networking strategy as well, which I also provide to them, and I GUARANTEE a certain level of success in the screenwriting contest world- a great way to gain exposure for the project. I also have hundreds of my own connections that I would help forward the project to, if it fits their interest. If this sounds about what you’d be interested in, hit me back. My email is thescriptmentor@hotmail.com. You can find my website(s) at www.thescriptmentor.com and www.sharkeatingman.com. I look forward to talking in the near future!

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Q. Hi Geno! I was going to contact you regarding adapting my novel into a screenplay. I saw that clicked on the book on Amazon, but didn’t buy it. I was hoping to get your feedback and evaluation of the story BEFORE I contacted you.

It probably wouldn’t break you to spend the three bucks to purchase the Kindle version of my book. If you’re familiar with eBooks, you surely realize there’s an simpler way to distinguish good writing from all the crap that’s self-published every day. All you need to do is click on the book cover, and you can read the first 10% of the book.

Since I saw no sign you’ve done the due diligence that could start an informed discussion about adapting my thriller, I’ve decided AGAINST using your services.

A. Hi, “D”- I’m really not IN the evaluation business, so it’s irrelevant to me HOW a novelist writes. Trust me when I tell you, most of the self-published “novels” and manuscripts/screenplays I’ve received from authors or celebrities who THINK they’re writers are practically unreadable.

Truth be told, I DID go to Amazon and I DID read the reviews, and your bio, and I DID read the Preface and the first couple of chapters. I even thought about buying the eBook, but I have about 70 eBooks on my Kindle that I’ve never read. Why? Because the dang screen is like a 3 x 5 postcard, and I can hardly see any of it. Adding “another” to that stack wouldn’t do me any good.

I am very busy myself, and said as much in my first email. We’ve been very fortunate to have started the year so strongly, and as of last night, we land a couple of more adaptation clients. As a rule, however, I don’t “buy” original source material and spend the time to read it. Time is money. As part of any contract, the original source material is always provided to us- free of charge- and we charge $250 for the reading of that material. This money is then applied towards the contracted total. It’s during this reading time where we actually evaluate and outline a potential screenplay, including characters, locations, main plot, subplots, develop a logline, a general synopsis, etc.

My only concern is CONCEPT; whether or not a particular story would make a good movie. If the author thinks so, that’s a starting point. Going simply by the title, I thought it was an awesome title and the genre sounded like it was right up my ally. In fact, I have a screenplay that, based solely on your title, I see as possibly having some similarities. They may be 180 degree different but, again, I’m basing it only on the title.

Another thought that goes into the process of selecting a project is overall SALES. I have no idea what your sales are, but I can tell you, based on your LinkedIn profile, you don’t make it easy for someone to simply click and get to the book. It shouldn’t take that much to attach a link to the Amazon posting to you profile, or post it as an update. If you notice on several of my client’s work, I am part of their team in promotion as well. I post their book link, their audio link; I tweet out announcements. I probably do more marketing on social media on their books than they do!

I’m hoping, in the future, you might reconsider using our services.

Q. Hello! I’m interested in having the first 10 pages of my in-the-works screenplay reviewed, and would like to also have my one-page synopsis (and logline) evaluated. Would you be willing to do that? If so, what would you charge?

Thanks for your time!

Rob

A. Hi Rob! Thank you for contacting us at The Script Mentor. If you go to our website at www.thescriptmentor.com, you’ll see our services for our first ten-page review. I will include the logline and synopsis review as part of that first ten page review, at no extra charge.

Simply pay for the First Ten-page review ($19.99) and then send the first ten pages (or more) in PDF or Final Draft, if you are using Final Draft software, to thescriptmentor@hotmail dot com. I am also sending you a short questionnaire that you can complete and send back as well. It’ll provide a bit more information about yourself and your writing background, and give us an idea of your baseline writing skills at this point, as well as some additional info on the script that we’ll need to provide a better analysis (such AS the logline).

We know it’s a lot to trust someone to allow them to read your screenplay, and we’re honored to do it. It’s an honor we do not take lightly. Give us 24-48 hours after receiving this information back from you and I hope we can get a solid review in your hands, with notes that will help guide you to the next step in your project.

Q. Thank you Geno for your honesty, and your interest in my project. You won’t get bored with this project. There’s a lot more to come when you consider I spent 28 years putting this project together….

Looking at your credentials I would assume that you have your shit together. Obviously this is probably one of the biggest projects that could ever be developed in the entire United States based on the fact that it’s been a cover-up for 30+ years are you ready for some sort of that kind of entertainment?

A. Whether I have my shit together or not, is not for me to say; I’m successful in my chosen third career and businesses and putting two (months away from three) children through college doing what I’m good at; writing screenplays and teaching screenwriting through my mentorship. I do question anyone’s claim that says “biggest project ever developed”, and that alone raises concerns of being realistic or having realistic goals for the project. I think you’d understand where I’m coming from if you knew how many scripts I’ve received as a producer from people claiming their script was the next “Star Wars” or “will win 10 Academy Awards when completed”, blah, blah, blah. I’ll reserve judgment until I read and watch all of your videos, but you’ve piqued my interest thus far. Again, I know nothing about THIS project, but looking forward to learn more. You’ve written books, and had a documentary done; what’s next?

Q. (CONT’D) Thanks for sharing your thoughts. My goal is to clear my name. Next I’m going to prove how easy it was to use fabricated evidence to try and send me to prison for 67 years. Then we’re going to prove why this was done to me. I have one book published and 2 done and ready for ink. I’ll be chatting with our investigation team about your experience and offers. We’re going to make history with this investigation 28 years in the making. You will be part of our project; three (3) books and three (3) movies.

A. Adapting one of the three books (eventually, all three) into feature film screenplays DOUBLES your potential revenue stream. While you’re marketing the novel, the screenplay competitions and network/marketing strategy for the script makes inroads in that industry. The marketing of the screenplay, and any success it will achieve, helps the book sales, and the book sales help advertise the script.

To form the novel(s) into a marketable script is where the real talent comes from; THAT’S what you’re paying for, mostly. I’ll also need to know what kind of (realistic) budget you have to work with for these projects. You mentioned several different projects, so we could put together a package deal. This doesn’t include the research (I have a research assistant on staff), reading the original source material, outlines, loglines, query letters, synopsis, AND my 30-year Rolodex of contacts that would take ANY project I’m involved in and read it- no questions asked.

Now, if you’re looking for a writer for $1,000 or $1500, you will end up with a nice pile of paper for your bookcase. No one charging that amount knows how to write, and doesn’t have one fraction of the network I have. Most likely, they don’t know how to correctly adapt a novel INTO a screenplay, but they’ll tell you they do. Writing adaptations is a learned craft; I wrote four in 2016; nine in total. All of the authors saw a spike in the book sales as a result of the marketing strategy and publicity the scripts brought. The contests these scripts were entered into should start choosing winners soon.

One client really wanted his project in George Lucas’ hands to read. We knew someone who used to work for him, and were able to get it to him. That guy read it, and thought the script adaptation was great! We only hope YOU have the same reaction to YOUR screenplay adaptation once we write it!

The Missing Piece: The Writer’s Bio

June 28, 2016 by Geno Scala

One of the features of a query letter that is generally the most helpful has also proven to be the most annoying- simply because so few of the writers ever include one in their query. This is the “Writer’s Bio”, the two or three lines at the end of letter where you get the chance to brag about yourself a little.

And I mean “a little”; two or three lines, tops.

I have seen resumes that were twice as long as the query letters itself. I’m happy that you were the second male lead in your fifth grade school play where you starred as “The Pied Piper of Hamlin”. Not necessary in a query letter. I see that you were optioned twenty seven times; amazing! Can you name one of them for us, please?

The fact is these bios may just be the thing that TRULY separates someone getting their script read and someone who doesn’t, all things being equal. We like to know a little about the person submitting the script, so it’s incumbent upon you to tell us.

Here are some tips for a good writer’s bio:

Mention the contests you have won or placed in IF they are major contest- especially if the screenplay that won was the same screenplay that you are submitting
If you were optioned, tell us the screenplay and who optioned it. Some due diligence is in order when a producer considers buying a project. This information WILL get verified.
If you have had successes with screenplays written in the genre for which you are submitting, we’d like to know that. Knowing you have six Rom/Com’s in your repertoire, when you are submitting a horror, is NOT important and can actually be viewed as a negative.
If you have NO real successes- which is completely fine and very likely- then you’ll want to highlight your screenwriting education, be it formal (through film school or college) or through a particular course of study.
If you have no writing successes to speak of, and no writing education to really point to, it might help if you tell us why you wrote a screenplay about the Iraq war. Perhaps you were a soldier, or you lived in Iraq during the war. These are intriguing POV’s that would make most people sit up and take notice.

These are some things you DON’T want to include:

Do not simply add links to other pages with this information on them. We’re not clicking on them.
Don’t tell us to check out your IMdb for information. We’re not doing that either. If you include links AFTER you’ve told us a little about you, we’ll probably want to see more about you.
Do not tell us about the 25 YA novels you’ve written- when you’re marketing a screenplay.
Do not tell us about the eighth place finish of the “Oshkosh Screenplay and Bratwurst Competition.” Don’t care; ESPECIALLY if it’s NOT this screenplay.
Having spoken to Steven Spielberg once at a Starbucks is not going to help you get someone to request your screenplay… that is, unless he said “We’re shooting your script tomorrow, and Tom Cruise is playing the lead.” Then, you might want to mention this fact somewhere along the line.

Not So Small Screen: TV Stands On Its Own

April 5, 2016 by Geno Scala

Television was once the newest medium on the block. Decades after other forms of entertainment like radio and film, TV gained its prominence in the mid 20th Century, as alternative and oft-times complement to radio. Soon after, as sets became more affordable and more technologically advanced, one could find a television, and people in front of it, in nearly every home in America. Responding to such demand and popularity, studios and networks began producing programming to match the promise of entertainment for these talking boxes, expanding the platform from its original few hours of content to hundreds of channels and endless media, in our present time.

Since then, television as the sort of new and personal form of entertainment, became a respected institution in its own right, but one noticeably separate from the glamour of film. In fact, television was seen as the stepping stone for film, a sort of audition in which actors would prove their worth and transition to film as a result of their merit and/or popularity. Similarly, those who had achieved success on the silver screen and then transitioned to television were perceived as struggling and/or unsuccessful. Movie stars simply did not do television–the media were separate and exclusive, with the former considered better than the the latter. That is not so much the case anymore.

Today, television is holding its own, carving a space that will be remembered with awe and excitement. With more daring, creative scripts, large budgets, diverse talents, highly skilled directors and new ways of presenting (such as Netflix and Amazon Prime) television is in vogue, with some arguing that its relevance has eclipsed that of the traditional movies we pay top dollar to see in theaters. While I think the theory is too far of a reach, I think those who postulate such mean that television is in no way inferior to film–the small screen isn’t so small anymore, particularly in our flatter, increasingly global world, where anything and everything can easily be accessed online.

Kyle Buchanan writing for Vulture had this to a couple years ago about the topic: “Why would you worry about a film career when TV can now offer greater acclaim and bigger audiences?” It certainly seems that way for some of the industry’s best talents. Consider Orange Is The New Black’s Uzo Aduba, who plays the character Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in the award-winning Netflix series. I doubt anyone would argue that she has not become a massive star, alongside the likes of some of the biggest names one can recall from the big screen, despite having never acted in a film.

Similarly, a gamut of stars have turned to television from movies to find their stars shine even brighter, rather being dimmed. Take Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey for example, whom Kyle also mentions in the article, who transitioned to a role of even greater acclaim in the HBO series, True Detective, which he also produced. Or Oscar nominated star, Viola Davis, whom I mentioned last month but at the height of her career, following a nomination for The Help, made a break into television and began seeing more success than anytime in her career.

Of course, these two stars can and have returned to film at any time, just like Uzo Aduba will be making her debut this coming year, but it’s not a necessity, it’s an option. Movies are no longer the culmination of an acting career but another texture, rather another shade of the same color, for many of today’s stars. And that’s a good thing.

Visit These Amazing Southern Film Festivals in 2016

February 15, 2016 by Geno Scala

If you’ve never attended or submitted your work to a film festival, there’s no time like the present. The benefits are plentiful, and in one place, you get a chance to see brand new movies, possibly present your own projects, meet fellow industry professionals and build contacts with groups of people with incredible resources. The cities and organizations which host them, as well, see an influx of revenue from tourism and general popularity. Yet many of the more renowned fests are not in the southern part of the United States. That is not say they are not excellent–they absolutely are, and quite a few of those listed below are popular within the industry. However none were included among the four stateside festivals listed on Indiewire’s ranking of the best in the world. Still, it’s important to recognize and build on the local art in our southern communities, and to draw attention the wealth of great talent showcased here.

SPRING
Atlanta Film Festival
Location: Atlanta, GA
Dates: April 1-10, 2016

For almost 40 years, this festival has attracted some of the industry’s top talent and consistently brings an international spotlight to work in the south. The festival is one of only three in southeast of the United States whose submissions qualify for an Academy Award. Here, you will undoubtedly see a number of unique and wholly creative projects.

Submission Deadline: During the fall of the year prior

Full Frame Documentary Film Festival
Location: Durham, NC
Dates: April 7-10, 2016

For non-fiction lovers, this festival is a haven of sorts. Every year, Full Frame introduces to the world some of the most riveting documentaries from around the world. Its style and objective is to continue to introduce modern pieces from burgeoning filmmakers. In doing so, the festival attracts some of the more creative features in the industry.

Submission Deadline: During the fall of the year prior

Nashville Film Festival
Location: Nashville, TN
Dates: April 14-23, 2016

This Nashville is the oldest running festival in the south, and provides a home to different types of film across all genres. One of the more remarkable things about the Nashville Film Festival is its year round programming and affiliation with the area’s high schools and universities. The festival’s prizes also include a number of lists.

Submission Deadline: The beginning of the year; passed for 2016

SUMMER
Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival
Location: Birmingham, AL
Dates: August 26-28, 2016

Sidewalk is known for its affordability and relaxed, unpretentious style. The festival has also been lauded by audience members and filmmakers for the remarkable creativity of its selections and the unmatched southern hospitality of everyone in the town and a part of the organization.

Submission Deadline: March 6 (Late), April 1(Extended)

FALL
Louisiana Film Prize
Location: Shreveport, LA

Dates: September 30-October 2, 2016
This zany, wildly creative festival is all about the short. Artists in the area converge to create an incomparable experience for filmmakers and festival goers. Of the 20 films that are selected, one goes home with a cash prize of $50,000, making it one of the biggest prizes on the circuit. With just 4 years under its belt, it has already made a name for itself and hopes to continue doing so.

Submission Deadline: July 12

Why Hollywood’s Embrace of Older Women in Film Makes Sense

February 15, 2016 by Geno Scala

The history of Hollywood is the creation of the fantasy world. A world in which people overcome all obstacles, and always fall in love, with happy endings that include living happily ever after–but never growing old. Such is perpetuated by the America’s infatuation with youth, and the centering of such in a way that makes the idea of getting old something to fear. Especially among women in the industry. For years, even, women were encouraged to be slim and attractive, and to remain youthful at any cost (even if that means plastic surgery) if they’d hoped to maintain any long-term success in the industry. Men have rarely had that problem: 10 of the 15 oldest nominees for an Academy Award are men. However, we’re currently seeing a shift from that idea.

In the 21st Century, Hollywood is still driven by fantasy–after all, many watch movies and television as a means of escape and entertainment. Why not create worlds that can’t exist elsewhere, if given the opportunity to do so? Yet, while fantasy continues to be a cornerstone of what great movies are made of, there is a facet of film that is equally exhilarating, and which resonates with the audience in a different way: reality. Indeed, as much as people love the worlds of make believe that movies provide, they love to see themselves on the screen, they’re attracted to believable characters and narratives that build on history and also reflect the times in which we currently live.

Those times in which we live are determined by a number of factors, more specifically, by the demographics of our populace. America is getting older, with the Baby Boomer generation, those born between 1946 and 1964, accounting for over 20 percent of the American Population. Boomers are the second largest group of citizens in the country (slightly smaller than millennials), and nearly all of them are retiring or near retirement. This generation, which was the first to grow up with with multiplex theaters and colored TVs in the home, are key part of what drives entertainment and culture. Thus, creating stories that reach them are necessary as a part of business strategy, with regard to adaptation and natural evolution.

In doing so, Hollywood has created new spaces in which aging women can continue to be a part of the industry; not just in supporting roles, which use them to a lesser extent in telling a story. Now, these ladies are the story–the centerpiece of the films and television shows in which they star. Take this year’s film’s like, Grandma, The Lady in the Van, or the the British drama 45 years, for example. The latter has resulted in an Academy Award nomination for 70-year old Charlotte Rampling, and the other two, featuring Lily Tomlin and Maggie Smith, respectively, are among the highest rated this year, with critics. On Television, as well, there’s been an increase in the range of roles for older women, with Jessica Lange receiving a spate of accolades for her roles in American Horror Story, and Viola Davis making history at the Emmys with her sultry character, Annalise Keating, on ABC’s How To Get Away With Murder.

Each of these career defining roles for these women, later in the lives and careers, are a welcome sign of progress for legends like Oscar Winner Meryl Streep, whose efforts to get movies greenlit for women writers over 40 years old, are becoming more of a reality. She spoke recently at the Berlin Film Festival about the “positive direction” she, herself, is witnessing in Hollywood. That is not to say that youth is not still prized over maturity. Rather, it seems, the industry is making an effort to adjust the fantasy in a way that projects the good life, in some way, for everyone.

Is There Any Creativity In Hollywood?

January 12, 2016 by Geno Scala

night-television-tv-theme-machines-large 2015 was a big year for movie buffs, and an even bigger one for studios and those behind last year’s blockbusters. With the release of Star Wars in the fourth quarter, Jurassic World in the summer, and the hugely popular Avengers series in the same year, 2015 now ranks as the biggest year for movie sales in U.S. and Canadian box-office history. Beyond record breaking sales, the awards season has also been riddled with a plethora of very popular, critically acclaimed films like The Martian, starring Matt Damon, the emotional rollercoaster of a drama, Room, and Leonardo DiCaprio’s latest effort, The Revenant. Each of those took away a Golden Globe this past week. And like the Avengers and Jurassic Park, Room and The Martian are adaptations of books turned into feature films.

These few mentioned aren’t exceptions. Other award winning films like 2011’s The Help, 2014’s Wild, and series from Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and Twilight, are all adapted from books. The popularity of this trend has resulted in over half of all top grossing films in the last 20 years; 2016 shows no signs of breaking this trend, with at least 40 film adaptations already slated for release this year.

Of course, such practice is not novel (no pun intended), the most popular film of all time is based on a book a of the same title: Gone With The Wind. Still, the idea of something like Star Wars or the nearly equally popular film, Avatar, being created by a lone writer, specifically for film, seems less likely to be picked up or promoted by Hollywood.

The reason for such is likely rooted in the track record for adaptations. With piracy still a concern for executives, as well as other factors like economic uncertainty, home entertainment options, and, now, mobile as well, film producers are more likely to push something with an established fan base or with a remarkable story, with which they can repurpose more than once. Further proof of such can be seen in the industry’s proclivity to release a number of remakes in the last few years, rather than taking a gamble on newer, fresher films. Furthermore, though remakes have declined in the last decade or so, sequels continue to trend upward (the next two Star Wars films are already in the making).

As a result, some have questioned whether Hollywood rewards creativity any more, or if there are any original ideas even being proposed. The reality, however, is that screenwriting or even screen adaptation does require a great deal of skill and creativity. A book is but a blueprint and source of inspiration for writers; they are not conflated though similar in that the goal is to create a story. Hence, the role and/or level of creativity of the screenwriter should not be judged on the source of inspiration alone.

Furthermore, just because a book is adapted into a film doesn’t mean the story isn’t new. Indeed many films are the reason certain books become popular; and even then, the two are different experiences. Of course, we all would like to see and experience new stories and more risks in Hollywood, but until that time comes, a good movie is a good movie. If you’re still unsatisfied, make your own. It could be the next big hit!

Recording Movies With iPhone: A Growing Trend

December 17, 2015 by Geno Scala

Today, billions of people use smartphones, and despite their overwhelming popularity already, that number is only expected to grow. Indeed, experts have predicted that total number of overall users will exceed 6 billion in as little as five years. For many of those users, smartphones are more than mere tools used for communication, rather they are used for everything from entertainment to telling time. And for the more creative and photographically inclined, they can be used to make movies.

Using one’s phone to shoot and publish video is not a novel concept, of course. Websites like Vimeo and Youtube exist mostly for that reason. Most of the user generated content on those sites, in which cell phone is used for recording, are rather casual, including tutorials, reviews, comedy and the like. However, in recent years, more and more individuals are using their mobile devices to create films, not merely for the entertainment of a few friends on social media, but to be released and considered alongside traditional media.

Such is the case for the 2011 short film, Framed. Created by French filmmaker, Maël Sevestre, the film was shot on iPhone 4S and recorded over the course of just a few days, using minimal materials. Yet, the film was lauded by critics for its beauty and simplicity, despite minor problems with regard to things like color. Similar to the writing and shooting process, the editing of the film was completed in less than a day and uploaded to Vimeo. It currently stands at nearly half a million views.

More recently, a movie entitled Tangerine employed this method, using a more updated iPhone 5S. The movie, created by Sean Baker, was released at Sundance, where it took both the audience and judges by surprise. Despite its lack of convention, the film was considered one of the best at the festival, and was the only feature to be shot almost completely on a smartphone (others had used one for certain shots or scenes, but not as a primary source).

These two are just examples of the many filmmakers who are beginning to employ the devices they use daily into their normal line of work. Of course, for both of the aforementioned films, the process was not just using an iphone in hand. There were a few apps, add-on lenses and tripods involved, in addition to editing; each was a completely professional endeavor which just happened to be made using instruments that are not so common within the industry.

What’s promising about these new developments, though, is both access and cost. Not only will more individuals have means to create somewhat professional films at their disposal, the cost of using iPhone versus other cameras is significantly less. Of course, the quality of the camera itself is not better than that of, say, a 35mm. However, it’s likely the quality of camera on smartphones will only improve with time, and, perhaps, it will become the norm.

5 Movies Worth Seeing Right Now

December 10, 2015 by Geno Scala

With awards season just around the corner, many pundits are making predictions about what is likely to be honored by organizations like the Academy of Motion picture Arts and Sciences, otherwise known as the Oscars. Many are good at such predictions, using what and who the Academy has awarded in the past as some sort of scale. Nevertheless, this blog is not about what will or should be honored, rather it is a list of great movies which have come out this year, many of them within the last couple of the months, that should be seen by viewers and movie lovers.

20th Century Fox

The Martian: America’s fascination with capturing outer space appears to be making a resurgence. Given the 2013 release of the award-winning, Gravity, and the highly anticipated return of Star Wars this winter, this incredibly popular film captured audiences globally, because of growing interests. The film is shot beautifully, with the support of a more than stellar cast and expert direction from none other than Ridley Scott. While literary lovers typically lament when movies are adapted from books they love, there weren’t many with a lack of appreciation for this production, and for good reason.

Open Road Films
Spotlight: This film is as bold as the true story it’s based on. Yet, it balances somehow, with incredible poise, the controversial subject matter, leaving the audience to judge for themselves who is at fault. With a spate of power-house actors on the cast, one might assume that there would be clashing of some sort, or that one would inevitably outshine the other, but that doesn’t happen here. Consequently, a large part of the film’s success should be attributed to the film’s director and co-writer, Thomas McCarthy. Bring this film to life in the way that he did is true artistry.
Amazon Studios, 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks
Chi-Raq: This is one of the more creative films to be released this year, which had movie critics raving that Chi-Raq is the Brooklyn native, Spike Lee’s, best film in years, decades, perhaps. Based on the classic Greek comedy, Lysistrata, the film expertly uses satire to carry its message of the staggering amount of murders happening on Chicago’s south side, as a result of gun violence. While unbalanced with regard to pacing and story development, the film is incredibly poignant and relevant, and, as previously stated, beyond creative.
A24 Films
Room: Also based on a novel, this movie is an emotional roller coaster from beginning to end. Any film that can keep the audience intrigued, even when it knows the premise, is exactly why people enjoy the art of movies. The relevance of the story itself cannot be understated, in light of very similar events that have taken place in the news within the last few years. And not unlike Netflix hit, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, but certainly with a different approach, the movie allows us to understand the emotional toll but incredible strength of the victims which endure abductions and kidnapping, and relate to them as more than mere headlines.
Altitude Film Distribution
Amy: This is the only documentary on the list; it needed to be included. This movie shows the gone-too-soon British pop star’s rise and demise. The importance of the film is its ability to highlight the beast of the industry and other contributing factors to one’s ruin and, in this case, death. Yet, it’s not all pain and sorrow. The innate, raw talent of the singer is carefully highlighted, and the director is careful to center her love of music as her ultimate passion, which suggests it, rather than the horrendous way she passed, should be her legacy.

Submit Your Script To Amazon For Free, Using The Company’s New App

November 23, 2015 by

Everyday, Hollywood is moving further away from the members-only, closed door machine it has notoriously been. The world of entertainment is more competitive than ever, and the popularity of content across the vast array of media presently available, has everyone on their toes, hoping to create the next big show with enough virality and excitement to keep the attention spans of the internet generation. This race to create content versus mere syndication of older shows, has been embraced by everyone from Netflix to Youtube, and even the major networks have upped their collective game, as I mentioned in my previous blog. Hence, there is a lot opportunity for aspiring writers looking to break into the industry.

In an attempt to solidify its product as a real competitor to Netflix, and with similar services popping up from the likes of Tidal, Amazon is making this process of acquiring talent a little bit easier and a lot more exciting. Just weeks ago the company launched its screenwriting app, which not only formats stories into screenplays as one types, it employs an offline feature, and enables uploads of common formats.

Of course, Amazon is not the first to develop a scriptwriting app. There are others, like Final Draft and Scriptly. However, what differentiates the product from others is that it allows users to submit the content created on the app directly to Amazon, to be considered for new shows and/or movies for the company’s Amazon Studios.

Prior the launch of this service, the company did allow individuals to submit scripts for consideration, but only those pertaining to feature films, comedies and shows for children and adolescents. With the Amazon Storywriter App, however, scribes will have the opportunity to submit dramas to the studio, as well; and if scripts are selected, writers will have the option of selling to the studio for an amount equal to a writers’ guild minimum–somewhere in the ballpark of $200,000 for a movie and around $50,000 for a TV show.

This new app creates a marketplace for experienced writers, who just need the right opportunity to showcase their talents, as well as for novices, who may not have as much experience but have great ideas for a story. It also puts Amazon slightly ahead of competition, putting the company in position to get first dibs on material created on the app, in addition to generating interest and positioning its content as being open to everyone.

Nevertheless, as arstechnica.com warns, writers should have their intellectual property adequately protected. By law, Amazon may have the right to produce and publish similar content, so long as the material isn’t “substantially” similar. It would behoove any interested party to establish an understanding of what substantial means and to what they are agreeing by granting the company rights to their work.