Hello my friends at S32: I've posted about his subject before. But I feel compelled to do it again. I just got off the phone with a screenwriter that asked me a question that would've taken too long to answer by email. I think they were surprised that I called them, even though they left me their phone number in their email.
This is a challenging time for me, as I’m heavily involved in taking care of my mother’s health issues and personal affairs after she had a severe fall a month ago. This whole experience is teaching me a lot about patience, organization and managing managed care. But it also reinforces how important it is to assist people who ask you for your help.
I’ve had several people email me over the past several weeks asking me to review scripts, loglines, synopsis and a pitch book. I’ve also had people hit me up for answers on agents, producers and connecting people with their work. I don’t always have all the answers; but I’m generally willing to provide folks with whatever knowledge I can give.
I’m occasionally guilty of being a smartass and making jokes in the forum. However, I firmly believe it’s a responsibility to be a friend and help your brother/sister screenwriters to succeed. It’s a gift to be able to freely post in a writing forum like Stage 32, endeavoring to politely and creatively exchange ideas and work without condescension or negativity. In fact, the more success one achieves in this world, whether it be with screenwriting or anything else, the more gracious their behavior should be to others seeking to do the same.
Pamela: You are most welcome.
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I'm with you, bro. Good karma is the best thing in my life, and I try to help people as much as I can. I'm reading a few people's scripts right now....I communicate via email with a lot of people...I give people my notes from seminars...recommend things to read...send them my character profile template....my ten-page treatment...my query letter...my old scripts....my examples of my bad writing....and my examples of my good writing....my home-made 20-point checklist....even my home-made recipes if they want them...
.....I'm not an established writer who has name power or a track record that precedes me....but I"m a pretty smart guy who has optioned a few scripts, and was contracted to write another....and have been been around the block a few times....even quit a six-figure job to pursue my dream and move to L.A...... and am someone that people can learn from....just like I can learn from them.....
......Stage32 has been incredibly wonderful to me....changed my life in some ways....look at all that love in Audrey Wells' Tribute post....and all the profound stories about how Audrey inspired people, and changed people's live....I'm honored that RB and Amanda and Stage32 embraced that tribute to a great woman....I've started a lot of well-received topics here....love when people share their insights....challenge people whose views might not mesh with mine....believe in debate.....don't take anything personal when tempers might flare......and I most certainly believe in good karma...and in being benevolent....and know that whatever good I do...I ask those Stage32 members to play it forward, too......it's a lot better to live that way...and not be on an island....
.....and best wishes to you Phillip...and what your family is going through....stay strong and eat right....keep some aspirin or Excedrin in your pocket....make your mother as comfortable as possible....best wishes....mothers are like....so meaningful and special.....always love your mothers....and your fathers too.....keep up the great work, bro!
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Bill C: Thanks for your kind words about the family and mom. Your support is very much appreciated.
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Phillip - you've brought much to the S32 table. I for one (and I think I speak for us all) am grateful for all for all you've contributed. I'm saddened to hear of your Mom's situation (i've been there too) and I know it's a lot of balls to juggle at one time - a time with a lot to learn and a lot to give all at once.
I'm always willing to share whatever knowledge I've acquired over time and try to do so graciously, sincerely and honestly and I'm aware that you do the same. I'm honored to have made your acquaintance and wish you all the best.
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Doug: Thanks for your kind words about Mom. Since our society has been more focused on nuclear, rather than extended family, a lot of us (including me) weren't really brought up to think about taking care of our parents. Been helping mom to live alone for a few years but looks like that's going the way of the wild west. Trying to help her understand is the tricky bit.
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Phillip, I'm truly sorry for your situation with your mom. I'm in a similar situation currently with my mother in law. If you need anything, PM me. I was completely alone (except for my wife-- who tended to be traveling a lot) when my dad died of diabetic sepsis and mom of T-cell lymphoma -- it was hell.
Not to be flip - just honestly answering your question.
I'm in a reading group of writers, producers and actors. I give opinions, do resesarch and bring snacks once a month.Yes, I prolly get more out of it than the the rest-- but we're forging some kick-ass scripts.
Seriously if I can help you I will.
As humans, we can only offer three things.
* Our friendship
* Our fortune
* Our advice
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I wanna get a movie discount FOR my Stage 32 NYC friends FROM my NYC friend Emelyn Stuart...who opened HER OWN MOVIE THEATER IN BROOKYLN.....how freaking cool is that....owning your own movie theater......I'd never see daylight again....if I owned my own movie theater....nope...never again.....
......So I'm gonna go and grovel to her..maybe bake her some cookies or something.....maybe shape 'em like the Statue of Liberty.....or like an Italian restaurant in Brooklyn....there must be an Italian restaurant in Brooklyn that I can use as the model for my cookie mold......just for my NYC friends...I'll grovel....sure...why not....my knees aren't that bad yet....and there's no snow on the ground in Brooklyn......and I have an advanced degree in groveling...might as well put it to good use for my Stage32 NYC friends....
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Kevin: Thanks for your kind words and offer. I've got mom down the street from me in a first rate Assisted, independent living and memory care facility that's two years old and looks like a hotel. One of the perks of living in a city the booming, is there's a lot of new things being built. I was already at mom's place this morning and they showered, dressed her and I have going to see some music this afternoon. And, the all important hairdo is being tended to this Thursday. My wife is being a tremendous help and will dedicate more time next week. And her broken bone is healing nice after surgery.
Thanks everyone for your kind words about mom.
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Pamela: It sure is hell won't hurt you if you can get it done with the level of talent you're looking to secure.
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Pamela Bolinder Producers I know personally love "proof of concept shorts" for a script.
The only problem is they have to be PERFECT. It seems harder (at least to me) to make a perfect 5-minute POC than a mediocre feature.
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Pam - It's my opinion that a beginning/aspiring screenwriter can best learn the art & craft by first writing shorts.
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Pamela Bolinder There might be other avenues, btw.
This is just input from producers in my writing group.
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Very well said Phillip, I'm happy to say that you have always been so helpful and gracious with your advice and sharing of your own techniques that you use. No one is perfect but you definitely practice what you preach.