Hello everyone,
Just want to say how much I appreciated workshopping "In the Shadow of War Clouds" with Michael Schulman. Man, he is not for the faint of heart or ego chipped shoulder writers for sure, but he is dead on accurate.
It took us a while to figure out why the story wasn't quite working. Something was just not right. He told me it was a super technically accurate screenplay, but that something wasn't resonating with him.
After talking though the story and working for 40 minutes (and I asked him a TON of questions) we figured it out. I mean I full court pressed him!
I did the rewrite with the notes obtained from our meeting in 4 days. My distribution company is now over the moon in love with the story and a new investor stepped forward with the new version!
Don't get me wrong he is tough, but as a writer you have to be tough too and workshop the challenges OUT of the story and final screenplay.
Super grateful to have met and worked with him. Seriously the first, honest, no candy coating and let's fix this now experience I have had.
Michael Schulman is hardcore but also great and I hope to work with him on all screenplays as he did help War Clouds immensely!
Just thought you all would like to know.
Best always,
Barri
Light Dancing Productions www.lightdancingproductions.com
Writer/Director Coyote Howls www.coyotehowlsfilm.com
Writer/Director/Producer www.thewatchmanscanoe.com
"Our first teacher is our own heart." - Cheyenne
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Thanks so much for sharing your experience! It's good to know he was tough, but fair. Best of luck on your next round of revisions!
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Thanks so much! Good luck on your projects as well. :) B
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Congrats on figuring out what wasn't working and the success that came from it, Barri Chase. Thanks for recommending Michael.
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Barri Chase Thanks so much for sounding off! As a lot of writers will say, Michael is not for the faint of heart - but his notes do come from a place of really wanting to help. He gives you the real talk like a boxing coach might. It's better if he tells you were you are vulnerable BEFORE you get hit in the ring.
If anyone wants to jump on and have a notes call with Michael you can book it here: https://www.stage32.com/scriptservices/coverage/buy?id=29&genre=film&exe...