Screenwriting : Ask Me Anything (AMA) Wednesday 11/20 to Thursday 11/21- Advice For Aspiring Screenwriters, Directors, & Actors in Celebration of Stage 32's November Write Club! by Marla Sokoloff

Welcome to the community, Marla Sokoloff. Hope your fall is going great! Congratulations on Merry Gentlemen releasing on Netflix tomorrow! And congratulations on all your accomplishments! I'm gonna check out Merry Gentlemen.

Thanks for having this AMA! What's one major thing you like seeing in scripts as a director? And what's one major thing you don't like seeing in scripts?

Marla Sokoloff Hi Marla. Thanks for taking time to speak to Stage32.

Hey Marla Sokoloff - thanks so much for spending your day with us. And congratulations on your Netflix release - very cool! Question - how have you managed acting in screenplays that you've written? Did you audition for a part you created? Thanks in advance!

Hi, Marla. I've been a big fan of yours since Full House and Fuller House. Who would you like to collaborate with when you're a director?

Thank you for the 30 minute Q & A stream today, Marla! I really enjoyed it. I have been following your illustrious entertainment career since the beginning. Questions: Will you give Dave C. a hug from me? I know he's going through a lot right now. I know you're raising your kids, and focusing on current career goals, which is a full plate, but are you still involved in music, or helping Alec with his career? You are such a great musician! Is there a role that you turned down that you regret not doing? What would you be doing if you were not in entertainment? Hugs to your beautiful family!

Congrats on the film.

This is so exciting! I'm of the age group to remember much of your work on TV. I'm on staff here at Stage 32 and I'm grateful for you taking the time to answer questions for our community. My question is as an actor, do you find that you're more "picky" when you direct? How does your skilllset in acting lend to your skillset as a director?

Thank you @maurice! i hope you love the movie. Also great question. I this may be a slightly controversial answer to your question, BUT i hate camera direction in scripts. Although I realize the writer is trying to create a story, it’s often their instincts which we know, aren’t all created equal.

You're welcome, Marla Sokoloff. Thanks for the answer. I don't put camera directions in my spec scripts except POV directions in First-person scripts and Found Footage scripts. How do you feel about POV directions?

Hi Marla Sokoloff! I just want to say that I have been Super Excited about The Merry Gentleman since I saw the trailer. :D Congrats!

Hi Marla can you talk a little about how Netflix pays filmmakers? After you closed the deal, how are payments paid, and does Netflix pay talent to promote the movie? And lastly, are there residuals paid if viewerships exceed a certain number? Ty

Leonardo Ramirez HI! Thanks for your question! I didn't audition for this part but have worked with the producers before as an actress. It's actually really fun to be in stuff that I've written!

@mauricevaughan I don't mind POV at all!

Thanks so much Marla Sokoloff! And yes, that's exactly what I was thinking about, how much fun it has to be! All the best to you!

Thanks for the answer, Marla Sokoloff. I watched The Merry Gentlemen today. I really like it! It's a fun movie. Great job on the script and acting!

Didn't know you were doing an AMA, happened to watch The Merry Gentlemen last night. I enjoyed watching, holiday movies are my favorite! No spoilers in case others view later. For the collaboration, where did the initial idea come from and how did you three come to work together?

I'm seeing this movie now "The merry gentlemen" and damn I'm so impressed. lovely acting and nice screenplay, I look forward to working with you my dear. Do let me know if you have some new projects for partnership purposes