Screenwriting

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Writers need to be read and they need an audience for their material. Today, I took a meeting reference my script "The Monk Who Would Be Spy" with John Thomas. It went well. All writers hope for glory, fame, money, simply a story that must be told. I write only stories I am passionate about because I have to live with them in rewrites and rewrites and rewrites. So after having read my script, John was proactive and offered me some times to talk for an hour. We had trouble connecting due to a wrong phone number that was one digit off. I apologize to whatever Iowan got calls and texts from Hollywood,

Anyway, John was so persistent that he tried to connect for a few weeks, as was I. Try to remember, my fellow writers, that Managers are busy people putting out fires and seizing opportunities for their existing clients. It takes a bit patience on both your parts but when you talk with someone very knowledgeable and seasoned in the business it can open your eyes, help you grow as a writer and help your story, and, maybe, take it to the next step.

We focused less on the script itself and more on my voyage as a writer, what he looks for in clients, and things I could do to help him, help me. It was not only fun and enjoyable to learn about him and listen to his advice answering my questions but a pleasure talking with someone focused on writers, down-to-earth, and experienced enough to offer wise advice. If you read this, thank you, John, for a wonderful hour learning and being motivated and talking with one of my readers.

At the end of our talk, I asked if he would consider managing me and he gave me his work email and offered to read another of my scripts, "Janissary".

He offered several pieces of advice that stuck with me but one I will mention to you, my fellow writers, do not hide your light under a bushel. Share your work with readers. Be read.

I will only add that even if no sale comes from it or no work, it was a success! I am being read, And that is a good day, Take care everyone and submit your work.

Laura Ackermann is having a 24-hour AMA in the Filmmaking/Directing Lounge! The AMA is focused on “When Should Filmmakers Pursue Publicists & PR Opportunities?”

Laura is the CEO/Founder of Advantage PR, Publicist, & Branding Expert (Charisma Carpenter, Anna Lamb, Rushi Kota). She’ll be answering qu...

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Daniel Goudreau

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1 person likes this
- Dan Guardino
1 week ago

The world's second oldest profession - slavery. The world's oldest profession - Hollywood Exec. When lawyers joke, it always goes something like this "How many Hollywood Execs does it take to ruin the motion picture industry? Answer: ALL OF THEM."

Beverley Wood

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1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
1 week ago

Total agreement, it would be better to do it face-to-face. I had written notes, and the notes were great, really great, I appreciated them very much. But there was something the reader missed that rea...

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Ok, next question: If you have a great ONE PAGE and decide to send written Pitch to more than one Professional at a time, is this frowned upon? Next question, if the Pitch date is 3 weeks out and you...

Simon Wakelin

You're talking about Pitch Sessions here on Stage 32? Live pitches are for sure better in my opinion, especially if you can really nail down your concept in 5-6 mins and they get it, you'll have 4-5 m...

M LaVoie

1 week ago

Keep in mind also that on this site you are most likely pitching individuals who actually don't receive 'pitches' in their day to day salaried or hourly position. Because their actual job isn't to eva...

2
2 people like this
- Maurice Vaughan
- Chase Cysco
1 week ago

Chase Cysco I’m in Thousand Oaks but one day for sure fella!

Maurice Vaughan

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1 person likes this
- Jim Boston
1 week ago

Great share, Chase Cysco! Billy Wilder/Billy Bob Thornton are right. Make your own way. Some writers are becoming directors and producers, and some actors are writing their own roles for them to star...

Dan MaxXx

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1 person likes this
- CJ Walley
1 week ago

The Video is 27-years old. Whether making your own stuff leads to a financially successful 20/30/40+ year career/occupation is another matter.

Chase Cysco

Dan MaxXx i agree dan ! i just took it as being more resourceful and sometimes less is more in my opinion...

Stephen Folker

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5 people like this
1 week ago

Everyone has a different path. Do what you're good at. What works for a famous person, won't work for someone else. Have realistic goals and ambitions. And most importantly, don't seek out everyones advice. Everyone is an expert and few earn their living doing what they preach.

Sam Sokolow

Anna is such a great producer, development executive and educator. What a great opportunity for writers at all stages of their career. Thanks for sharing, Maurice Vaughan!

You're welcome, Sam Sokolow. This webinar was INCREDIBLE! It's my favorite webinar now! I took a lot of helpful notes. I plan on watching the webinar again on demand. Five star webinar!...

L. Tom Deaver

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2 people like this
- Jim Boston
- Maurice Vaughan
1 week ago

Thank you all. Happy writing. Now back to work following up on some suggestions John gave me.

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2 people like this
- Jim Boston
- L. Tom Deaver
1 week ago

You're welcome, L. Tom Deaver.

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3 people like this
1 week ago

How much did you pay for a read, and which screenwriting website did you meet John

I paid $250 which is inexpensive for a professionals opinion. I pay more for a doctor visit.

Jason Mirch

This is such a great success story Tom! This is how to get it done. I completely agree with you - this is a success. As I just posted somewhere else, this is a relationship business and now you're on your way to cultivating another industry relationship.