Hi Scott & GITS!

[Opens door and peers into vast empty space] Hel-lo?

Hi, tracinell! Did you go to the Meet-Up in Ann Arbor today?

HI SCOTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Had so much fun meeting Amy and Saint McSaint today in Ann Arbor, cool peeps in Michigan. ;)

Yes, were your ears burning, we chatted about your genius posts for nearly 2.5 hours! ;)

Great weather too!

@Nate: Greetings to you in Venice, California where it's always groovy time. @Tracinell: Glad you folks got together. Had you ever met before or was this the first time?

Oops, clicked the wrong Reply arrow down button, see the above. ;/

1st time to meet them, but it seems when screenwriters get together plenty to talk about.

That's what that was. I thought I was getting the flu! Sounds like you had a good time. Hopefully you can support each other in the future!

@Scott: Always. Even when it's not...it usually is. @Tracinell: Truer words have never been spoken. A chatty bunch.

Saint, the inspiration for the Meet-Up: Ann Arbor. Thanks for doing that.

A lot of references to posts you've made, Scott. So you were there in spirit for sure.

Any subjects you discussed worth getting into here tonight? Happy to talk about anything, especially related to screenwriting.

(nervously clears throat) "Long time listener first time caller." Would love to get a GITS encounter headed up in Tennessee or close to the Memphis area -- but I'm not quite sure if there are any folks out there close by.

Okay, can I ask you a Q. Scott? I'm curious about the spec script trailer idea--any ideas how to do it on a budget--as in for FREE? Would a table read video work, or pick the trailer moments from script? Thank you in advance... :)

Hey Scott, did you get my email re: feedback etiquette?

I am trying to find a script editor. I have used a couple and it is costly and I am still not satisfied that my script is pitch ready. Any suggestions?

Have you checked stage32.com? It's like Facebook for film people. Or craigslist can be... hit or miss. ;)

Hey, Courtney. I'd love to be able to facilitate that. Perhaps through Twitter. I tried that today with a fellow from Dallas and it was virtual crickets, so not sure if that's the best way to do that. If you have any ideas, let me know.

Hope nobody minds if I lurk... LOL.

Pliny, I may have, but I get such a blizzard of email. If I missed it, I apologize. Would you mind re-sending it. Promise I will read it this time. Thanks.

Hello from Seattle Scott!

Yes, thank you Saint!!!

Hey Sarah. Define script editor. Are you looking for a script consultant kind of thing? Comprehensive script notes? Or something shorter like basic script coverage?

#realmen lurk.

The whole spec script trailer thing is interesting. And as I noted in a comment, if eBooks go the way they seem to be going -- with embedded video and audio, active links to websites actually in the text itself -- I could very easily see screenplays going that route in the next 5-10 years. But as you point out, tracinell, how to do that on a budget? It's no use doing it if it looks half-assed. The visuals have to be good, so that's a challenge. Anybody have more thoughts on spec script trailers? Post them here.

:) Lurking's my favorite. #stalkersaturday #SS

Unk! Welcome! You're in northern New Mexico, is that right?

I understand.. it should be in in-box as we type... tanx.

Hey, Jim. What an awesome city Seattle is. Tremendous film community I think as well.

LOL. Yes, we DO.

Hi, Scott! I feel bad that Orlando had no meet-up. But in time we might make the grade. In the meantime, I have a question or two. First, I am curious re: the super series of An Idea A Day for a Month. Recently I have been reading one a day and putting my own spin on an idea, just for practice. This made me wonder if YOU have found a gem in any of these ideas? Are you developing stories now that may have stemmed from one of these news stories?

Yeah, 1/2 asses are no good. I'll bide my time until I can show a whole ass. ;)

Yes, Sarah, I was going to ask the same thing. If you can be a bit more specific, I'll bet there are folks here who might have some recommendations.

@ T -- Have not tried that. Guess I'm looking for GITS folks. A way to find folks that I've spoke... and argued with, for the past two years! : ) @S -- I'm an old fart and Twitter can be tough. There's always Skype I guess. Hell if this takes off we should find a hotel and have the first annual GITS convention... sponsored by Kleenex of course -- to absorb all of the bitching and sob stories! : )

Nope... Southern New Mexico. Close enough though. It's all just one big huge desert. LOL.

Indeed. Just went to the open house for the new offices of SIFF. Great space and TheFilmSchool is part of that now. The Stewart Stern theatre is swanky.

A screenwriter in Texas remixed existing films to get the vibe of the spec he wanted to sell. Just putting that out there. I've also seen some of this on Kickstarter.

I think you had mentioned and I agree -- isn't that somewhat cheating?

I am looking for someone to go through my script and fix any spelling mistakes, script structure, etc. I believe the story is strong as I have had coverage several times. its just the overall appearance of the script that I am worried about.

Hello from Hollywood!

There we go: The First Official Ass Reference In A GITS Live Blogging Event! Congrats, tracinell. You win the door prize: An additional 5% net profit participation points on the sale of your next spec script [which equals zero dollars, I'm sad to say].

If you're looking for a script reader who gives good notes, I had Amanda Pendolino (http://aspiringtvwriter.blogspot.com/) read my tv pilot. I think for a movie she charges ~$110.

Have you been to AFF?

@Tracinell / @Scott: I've never tried a spec trailer myself, but when I was producing in NY one of the things that I was pushing really, really hard for was an animatic. Loose definition of an animatic is "animated storyboards," if I had to do it in two words. Pixar uses them for every movie when they're working things out in-house (scroll down to the bottom of this post for an example of the way they do it -- http://character-design-info.blogspot.com/2011/08/so-i-was-going-through-some-of-my-files.html). Obviously they have a massive budget and money isn't an option. For our animatic that I was pushing for, it still was going to cost something measured in the thousands. The problem is that it's just a ton of work, and like Scott said, there's no point in doing it unless it looks great. That makes it automatically tough for the lone spec writer to put this sort of thing together. Which makes me think more and more that it behooves spec writers to try and get outside of the box and get themselves working with a producer as early as possible. "Working" being a loose term: even if it's just awareness of the script, they've agreed to read the drafts as you go...anything that gets it in front of them. If they're at a company that has some funds, and you pitch the animatic or a spec trailer as a way of spicing up the pitch, they're actually someone who has the means to get that sort of thing done. The things I thought of in NY to get around funding issues were searching out any graphic design/computer animation/storyboard artists who were in local grad programs or specialist schools in the area, and trying to find a talented student who'd agree to work it as a thesis project or something. Obviously they'd get credit and material for a reel. Something to try?

In terms of like a copy editor and format guru, I'll bet folks will have some suggestions. In terms of structure, that's a bit different. There it seems you're more in the consultant territory. Question: Have you submitted the script to a manager or agent yet? If the story is good, the format / style, and sometimes even the structure won't matter all that much. A strong story concept, good characters, a plot that moves, strong dialogue... that's the most important aspects of a script.

Hey! I know you!

Woohoo I'm #winning! Will that be another 5% for the obligatory Charlie Sheen ref?

Hi Courtney, what about setting up an official GITS meetup group on http://www.meetup.com/ ? They have almost 10M members.

I dare you to bring a boa to the GITS Meetup. The feather variety. Not the man-eating snake.

This is tricky. I just replied to your comment above... :)

If the script is solid.. I'd consider it just taking out all the stops with a potential sale. No script/story, then it's selling on the idea.. if the joker wants to pay. why not.. :P

Judy, welcome. I'll be honest about the Story Idea series: If I REALLY like an idea I find, I hold it back for myself, selfish bastard that I am! However I do think that a number of the ideas I post are worthy of brainstorming. In fact, I already have 18 of the 30 for next April set to go. I am ALWAYS looking for story ideas. And yes, the ones I post in that series are completely free for anyone to use any way they want. Just thank me when you win your Oscar for Best Screenplay!

Ah, right, GITS folk are the ideal.

I am not sure how to get an agent/manager. I have contacted many but they ask for refernces or say they are not accepting new clients. I would love suggestions on finding one :)

Hi, Teddy! I like the chaos of this format as clunky as it is. It makes me feel like I'm at a Hollywood party with a slight buzz. More virtual champagne for everyone!

That sounds cool. I am holding to the rule that good stories get read and recognized so I concentrate and doing just that.

That's a great idea... btw, did anyone see the remix Ferris Bueller Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAe5P_xYoKg It's a great example of editing and how you can completely change the mood of a movie with a change of movie and skillful cuts.

You're on. But we ALL have to wear one, remember.

By Kickstarter, do you mean writers soliciting funds to produce a trailer or teaser trailer?

You wanna go outside so we can "chat"... hic... I need another drink... the music is SOOOOOOOOO good here...

...oh.

Every time I send it for coverage I get "I can't believe I never thought of this" I really believe in my script I just have no idea how to get it out there. But I won't give up trying!

@Teddy -- Yes... "reply" is a bit tricky -- I keep sifting through the posts. Think I will be "that" guy and not reply... just throw out a new post. And I owe you a reply don't I? Think the pity party is just about over! : )

That's a good point, Nate, about involving a producer. I believe the project I posted the link to yesterday has a producer attached already. Curious to know what type of support the writer had, indeed involvement in the actual production and post on the trailer.

Excellent ideas Nate, I really like the student project idea... but like you pointed out, it's a lot of work that could keep me from my writing. Spec trailer, great idea or time suck?

It was wonderfully helpful to me as well. Michigan isn't really a meet and greet place so it was a great opportunity.

Hey, wait a minute. About this whole trailer thing. I completely forgot about the fact that we (Burg & Myers) sold a pitch to Paramount using a 6 minute tape we cut together using clips from movies and a central character with V.O. to stitch together the whole thing. It was called Duane Moody's Office Christmas Party. Just a sec. I'll see if I can find the link on Variety because they mention the tape.

Nate, how many people are coming to our meetup? Remember, remember, the fifth of November.

@ Scott -- Think I'm confused... did you mean use Twitter to gather folks in person... or use that as an alternative to the face-to-face gathering?

Yep, here is the link. Here is a quote: Pic follows the title character -- a young professional hanging onto the lower rungs of the corporate ladder -- who is assigned to set up the office Christmas party. If he can pull off the fete without a hitch, he will be promoted, but if it fails he could be shown the door. Of course everything goes awry and the young turk scrambles to salvage the event. Taking a multimedia approach to the pitch process, Burg & Myers showed up at meetings at several studios with a five-minute video they shot to limn their film idea. The duo hired what one viewer described as a "Jesus-like" character to narrate the video pitch, which the scribes illustrated with still photos of actors they envisioned in the film's roles (including Steve Zahn's mug for the Duane Moody character).

Okay, new thread for any topics you want to discuss. Just reply here.

Yeah, enough sulking, already.

I've actually done a couple of spec trailers using a program called Pro Show Producer. It's a great little program for creating some pretty amazing slide shows. A bit of a learning curve but easy to figure out in a week or so. I've just used high res photos I've found on Google images and Wikipedia. Lots of royalty free music out there for the downloading.

good rule to write by.

No, Twitter to try to find people in Tennessee (or wherever) to set up for a Meet-Up. But the formal Meet-Up idea mentioned above is something to check into. I'm totally up for supporting however I can folks in the GITS community getting together. Like today in Ann Arbor: Saint, tracinell, and Amy Butler got together. Not a huge thing, but they evidently enjoyed themselves and benefited from it and spent 2 1/2 hours together. If anyone has any ideas how to aggregate people in places like Seattle, Bay Area, Dallas, Nashville, wherever, I'm all virtual ears.

What I saw was a trailer for a film about a man who thought he was a hot dog. They wanted to make it a feature. So they also made a video pitch to gain funds for that. Last I saw they were way over what they asked for.

wow. did you pick scenes from script as slideshow? or a log line theme? any of your dialogue...? deets please!

That a great idea. Well played good sir!

Interesting. Thanks!

Great suggestion, Unk. How pricey is the program for those who might be interested in it?

What was the response? Did you ever write a whole script?

At the risk of impropriety, I suggest you spend time on the Done Deal forum, whihc deals a lot more with the nitty-gritty of this business. It won't take you long to find someone. http://messageboard.donedealpro.com/boards/index.php The other thing I'd suggest is entering a bunch of competitions. The Trackingb.com competition closes at the end of this month, and it has a great reputation for helping winning writers. That actually might be the easiest way forward.

@Teddy: it's not letting me reply up there, so I'm being a rebel and starting a new comment. I think around 22-ish have RSVPd, with more coming in every day. Out of the people who RSVPd, tough to know how many will actually show up on the day, but it looks like we'll have a decent crowd.

Not really a question but more of a comment... GITS is a GREAT place to meet folks with EXACTLY the same interest as you... and you should treat and embrace it as such. I've reached out to a few of the members here (will not mention names) and their feedback and encouragement is priceless. I may have scared one away but I digress! : ) Take advantage of this blog -- find someone that tweaks your interest and contact that person via e-mail. You just never know where it could take you.

Sarah, I've talked to a lot of managers about this. Some of them say they aren't open to unsolicited submissions, but I know that's only partially true. All you need to do is submit your logline. If they like it, they will contact you. Another reason why story concept is so crucial. If you need contact info for managers, one of the best bargains I know is DoneDealPro.com. For like $24.95, they offer a huge list of managers, agents, as well as a bunch of other information. But really just get your logline together as tight as you can and push it out there to as many managers as you can. Good luck!

Wow! That's more than I thought. It'll be a party.

Sounds good Courtney! Anyone writing Sci-Fi and live in Seattle?

Should i send and RSVP email to you Nate? I think i forgot to.

Oh, yes, wrote the script. Long story not for public consumption.

Waiting for a response from a prod comp that my agent submitted to. How can I balance "No news is good news" with the anxiety-inducing-saying, "Don't call us we'll call you." My current approach, writing, writing and more writing. I've been told that Hollywood is S-L-O-W, is this true? Please say yes.

Yeah, it's a tough call. For us, it was after we had the script and we were going to investors as a company, so slightly different situation. I'd lean towards "no" if you're working on a spec by yourself without anybody else behind you to help out.

Thank you :) I will look into the website.

Gosh, I'm late to the party. Beyond fashionably late, but the Saints game is on NBC. Will try to catch up fast.

BTW I know of at least one industry insider who is planning on showing up at the GITS Meet-Up: LA. I won't be there, but this person is much bigger than me anyhow!

@Teddy: I doubt everyone will show up, but yeah. Could be a rager. @Peter: Yeah, would you? Just so I can keep everyone in an email list in case there are changes/if we decide to keep doing this, I've got everyone who's interested right there.

Saints and some high school team from Indy... oiy this game is over before halftime.

Exactly. I'm hoping to make some new connects or drinking buddies at the LA GITS meetup.. and to strengthen potential opportunities in Hwood.

You flatter me, Scott.

It's $250 but it's AMAZINGLY EASY to use once you work with it through your first video: http://www.photodex.com/proshow/producer You can upload straight to YouTube and or save the file as a HiDef video file. I've had a lot of great feedback using it. To answer @tracinell's question... Yeah, I pick specific scenes from my script and make a short 3 minute trailer.

Hey, Annika. Are you a Saints fan? You're not from The Big Easy, are you? I miss Treme! I wish David Simon was writing series that were on 52 weeks out of the year!

@Scott -- ever considered bringing back the series... crap I cannot remember the name... but it was about GITS readers and their struggles, failures and success stories with agents and mangers? I think there may have been two posts then *poof*... it was gone. But I think it was just before the transition so I can see where things get lost. I'm that guy out there trying to get a read... representation or yes... a sale. I'd like to see how other folks make it through the bad and even better the good days of the journey.

Was it me you scared off, Teddy???

Since we discussed this in another post, as a writer are you now starting to find yourself working as part of a larger group, or are you still working mostly solo?

It's coming back :)

Warren Etheredge does speaker series events in Seattle all year round Scott. I would love to have you up and see an interview with you and meet you in person.

They are VERY SLOW. LOL.

I'm sorry - Courtney! Catching up and grilling AND listening to the last bit of the first half of the game. (Yes, Scott, from N.O.. Haven't lived there in a while.)

Zing!

Thanks, UNK... you just made my night! ;)

The script or the story about the script?

I haven't scared you off yet, Annika. Wait 'til we meet in person...

tracinell, I believe I wrote a Business of Screenwriting post on this, but if not, I most certainly will. One of the toughest realities of a screenwriter's life is this: Hurry up and wait! They want the script RIGHT NOW... YESTERDAY!!! You deliver it. And then you.... wait... wait... wait some more... wait. It's maddening. [I doubt Aaron Sorkin has to go through this, but for mere mortal writers, I think it's a pretty common occurrence]. So how to deal with it? I do not recommend becoming a drug addict. That is not a good career move unless you're the star of a second-rate sitcom. No, I think you hit the nail on the head: Write. Just keep writing. That's why it's great to stack projects (I KNOW I wrote a TBOS post on that). Keep me posted on what the producer says, okay?

How about a GITS Vegas? Any of you gitsters come by just let me know! Sorry to be missing out on the LA meetup this time.

Hope you're not an LSU girl -- in two weeks, it's ON! Roll Tide!

Holy Cow--only 10 minutes left?! Time flies when your having GITS fun.

Hey, Peter. Can't overstate the importance of networking in LA. Everybody knows somebody. And since the whole thing for a writer is (A) writing a great script and (B) getting said script in front of the RIGHT PAIR OF EYEBALLS, it makes sense you need to find a LOT of pairs of eyeballs to find just the right one. Hence the value of networking. The great thing about the GITS Meet-Up:LA is you're dealing with quality folks. And mostly fellow writers.

BA-DUM-CHHHHHHH! Thank you, thank you.

Hello all! Almost missed the fun! Had some serious bedtime issues tonight with kid #3... as in full-blown-Ghandi-style-passive-resistance.... ...I won. :) So, um, anyone doing Nanowrimo this year? I'm taking the plunge.

It's like trench warfare... long stretches of extreme boredom punctuated by moments of extreme terror :)

There have to be some GITS readers in Vegas. We really need to figure this thing out, how to source where GITS readers are. I did that whole series on countries awhile back. Maybe I need to do one on major cities in the U.S. and Canada. I don't know. Suggestions for facilitating getting GITS people together in their home areas?

Not LSU. Loyola. Is Scott still here? Hello?

8 minutes left for my time. Any last questions about screenwriting?

So here is a brilliant trailer for a film that doesn't exist. But gosh golly do I ever wish it did. I remember seeing this on Canadian Reflections many years ago. Proof that if you can do it right -- you can make an impact in a short time. http://youtu.be/aB4M9rl8GvM

Yes... reply sent to other "venue."

Both.

Sidenote: official count of people who have RSVPd for GITS Meetup: LA is hovering at 25. Mayhem will ensue.

Was going to do Natnowrimo, but someone pointed out that that was a whole month that I could be working on a script and if I wanted to write scripts for a living, I really just needed to focus on scripts while I had the chance. I don't usually take advice so easily, but something about that seemed right.

Ha! So true. And the worst is, you find yourself coming up with all these scenarios. What if they think this or that, or do this or that. Again quite maddening. That's why it's ALWAYS the best course of action: keep writing.

@Jeffrey -- call a brutha! : )

I'll post something on that again, Courtney. I think I called it Dispatches From The Front Lines. It's all up to folks to write something and send it to me for consideration.

Wondering if anyone agrees with me that Pan's Labyrinth font was a smoother read than courier. Is it just me? I'm not interested in breaking any rules now, but I haven't heard any great arguments against courier other than "it's just the way it's always been done" and "it makes the letters all the same width" any thoughts?

If anyone wants to try to do a Bay Area meet up around the 1st or 2nd of Nov., I'll be there then. Just let me know if there's enough interest to put something together....

Thanks, Scott. I've got to learn how to "let go" of the last script (or 2) and move on... Ah well, live and learn. I'll keep you posted.

I'm here. I have some good friends who went to Loyola. He created the TV series "Wishbone."

The only scripts I've ever seen in other fonts were by people who directed their own work.

"Mimosa Mayhem 2011."

LOL! Exactly.

Saint, I have pasted that into my browser [not a euphemism] and will check it out after I clock off here. Basically anything you post, we know is quality!

I'll do just that! Let me get this last straggler into bed... she's in the "bargaining" phase right now... and this time she "promises not to steal her brother's Lightning McQueen pillow."

Coffee shop is closing. Heading out. Thanks!

Saint, I think you're right. Shyamalan uses a different font. Does Tarantino? I would stick with New Courier 12. Love it, live it!

@Scott -- Do you still write specs and shop them around? I never see you blog about that.

San Fran or San Jose ?

One last question, an odd one, perhaps: Do you sit at a desk and write or do you use a laptop and move around?

Coen Brothers use Times New Roman.

Okay, I've got to get, but feel free to stick around and talk amongst yourselves. Also if you have a question or comment or idea or whatever, post it here and I'll check back through the entire thread later to catch up on those. Thanks everyone for showing up. Maybe we should do this again???

Either or. Whatever works for most people...

Tarantino does a lot of things, as you've pointed out. He does mess with the fonts but I'm not sure how many of the PDF's I've seen are digital conversions there. Rian Johnson is a person I can point to as having a different vibe to his scripts. Over on pdfscripts he has Johnson's Brick novella complete with sketches. It's quite unique.

Thank you! Okay, the party will continue at my house. BYOB.

Annikia... funny, I got just got the opposite advice from someone recently! :D After completing a short film and a short documentary this past autumn, I'm primed to try something different for a while. Besides my films are languishing with the editor and will be for some time so the best way to remain sane during the interim is to pen a novel. Er, I think...

Thank you and yes please!

Yes, Yes! Let's do it again! Harry Met Sally reference not intended. ;) Good night GITS!

Bring Your Own Boa?

I vote for yes, just not use "reply" and start a new post with an "@" Get's a bit confusing backtracking. But I like it!

Oh, wait-wait! I wanted to end this with a special blast of creative juju for everyone who participated, so here we go... WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! Now go create!

Hey Scott, Haven't commented in awhile how are you

I spelled your name wrong... sorry... caught up in the tides of LIVE GITS!

Wishbone!! I wish they'd make that a feature.

@Courtney -- totally agree about the backtracking. But maybe there's another system or program that'd work better... G'night and have a great last bit of the weekend, everyone.

Ha!

*sad face* I missed it! It's alright, my apartment got cleaned and I put in a teeny bit of work on the script. So, I'll catch you guys next time!