Stuart Land's Lounge Discussions

you don't need a degree to be a director.... but you do need those 4 or more years of on-the-job training on set and in production and post... plus some...

Directors I have encountered in 30 years of production come from every possible combination of education and experience or lack thereof... and they fail or succeed in spite of any of those things.

I would say a vision for the film that they see in their head plus knowledge of every aspect of filmmaking including cinematography, screenwriting, acting, post-production and film history. also a fondness for baseball caps and a generally shit sense of style seems to help

Dave – I agree with most of what you’re saying to some degree or another- especially the hat. I can’t direct without my hat! The hat tradition goes back to days of long ago. In the days a Director arrived on a brilliantly lit set at 6:00am and left sometime after 6:00pm; many of the lights were carbon arc – very bright. The hat was worn in defense of going blind – now it’s just a traditional symbol.

interesting Doug I did not know that!

Hey Stuart, Make sure you post in the JOBS section. You'll get a much better response there :)

Thanks, Shannon. Did it. :-)

How are you coming along with your idea, Christopher? I'm interested in how you develop your project. I'm doing the same thing, but I live in Thailand and am making an Indy crossover Thai ghost story with all Thai actors and an international crew from six countries so far. Don't want to hijack your thread, but just to wish you best of luck.

Stuart, Tai ghost story sounds very interesting, some of the best horror movies ever in my opinion come out of different parts of asian...I am still thinking of any idea that speaks to me...The first thing I am trying to do with this project is come up with a story that is a little unique, but still has some main stream elements that would appeal to US domestic audiences....I might consider possible adapting a screen play from a book, play or poem....Right now I am just brain storming mainly because I am trying to first finish two other projects before starting a new one....How is your story coming....

Hi Chris, where will it be based. Have you got crew for it.UK based here,sounds like a great project.

Chris, we're in pre-production with most of the crew in place and now casting. I think you're on the right track about coming up with a unique story first. That's exactly what I did by writing a script that will appeal to both Eastern and Western audiences. From that, we'll make a high value production from a relatively low budget. You can check what'we're doing here: www.facebook.com/nightkill.movie

I liked the facebook page, should be a great movie

Welcome to the site! Your screenplay sounds great. True stories are always interesting.

Thanks a million, Jack! I appreciate your comment. Looking forward to your posts. J.

You're quite interesting yourself, Joseph. I'm also a novelist (8) and screenwriter (19). I'm interested in how your new screenplay does. because I wrote two scripts with gay characters, and even though one won 2nd place in the One In Ten screenplay contest, and is a contemporary thriller, no one would take a chance on producing it. My other script is very contemporary with a gay woman running for president. We'll see who has the gonads to go with that one. lol.

WOW! STUART, YOU SURE HAVE EXPANDED YOUR WRITING SUBJECTS. VERY INTERESTING! SEND ME DETAILS.

Hi Dilli, first of all what an amazing story you have! It's so great to have you in our community, and I wish you all the best. I just wanted to let you know that I moved your post to the "Introduce Yourself" section so that more people will see it. Best wishes to you :)

I hope Spring has sprung by now and he will be able to see growth from the ground.

Dreams and situations change from generation to generation, Dilli. You are an inspiration to your generation. Never give up on following your dreams. I can see you have a sensitivity that is sorely needed in today's filmmaking world. All the best to you.

The backyard of my boyhood home in Indianapplis, Indiana . . . Christmas, 1958.

if it is 50% or more animation, you still can submit to Epic ACG fest. If it is not animation, you can submit to Universe multicultural film festival and San Diego International kids film festival

Wow! When do you sleep, Lynn? Very impressive resume. When can we get married? :-) I was in Beijing twice in the last couple of years working on films, the last being John Woo's new movie, which isn't out yet. I sold a script to a Beijing production company last year. Now I'm in pre-production on a Thai film I wrote, which I will be entering in festivals sometime next year, or 2016. Being that it is an Asian horror/thriller, I look forward to bringing it to China, as well. I certainly wish you the best in all your endeavors.

Stuart: Good to heard your success. Wish to see your films at one of my event

Lynn Tang is very gracious and a great festival manager and director. She and her staff allowed our humble screenplay "HORACE BELL" to be showcased with several actors at the UMCFF in 2017. They memorized our script and presented it as well as any "A" type actors could. Then she actually posted a few pictures herein.

Since my father was born in Shanghai, China (1925 - present); and grandmother was born in Macau, China, (1898 - 1985 L.A. CA) - it was like going back to the old country when we attended her well-run festival. We especially enjoyed her first-class friend Brian Connors. We hope he gets his "SENIOR ENTOURAGE" movie into high distribution.

Best wishes to her and her able staff,

Steven Wayne Knight and Elizabeth Baldwin Knight - co-writers.

thanks

Thank you, Jami and Sylvia. It is my pleaseure meeting you both, I look forward to sharing your friendship and applauding your SUCCESSES here on Stage 32. Hope you both enjoy a great weekend.

HELLO STUART LAND!!! GREAT TO SEE YOU HERE!!! LAST we communicated I was starting work on "DAVID JANSSEN~Our Conversations". Well, I am pleased to report my long journey into the past has finally come to an end (4.5 years). It is complete. VOLUME ONE-The Early Years, 1965-1972 & VOLUME TWO-The Final Years, 1973-1980 are now available exclusively on Amazon Kindle. Softcover Editions are in the printe process, with a Hardcover Edition available by Special Order. It was a much more complex project than I had envisioned, but I had a lot of help from Dave. STUART, TELL ME about your latest works! I have read/reviewed "EPIPHANY" and "ORIGINAL BLOOD", I'm sure you have many more! Are you still living in Thailand? Send me all the details; mphelps@!michaelphelpsnovels.com Look forward to heatring from you.

HI STUART, JUST SENT YOU A MESSAGE ON STAGE 32. GREAT TO SEE YOU!!!!!

Great to hear from you, Michael, and I'm very happy you've finally finished your project on your late friend, David Janssen. I know you've put in a huge amount of work on it. I've sent you a private email.

Hiya Michael

Hi Travis - welcome to the site and congrats on your film. Looks promising with great reviews. Looking forward to seeing it.

Cool. Just found out about your film because you just found out and told me. Where can I see it?

Hi Stuart. Sorry just answering this now, you can catch it at http://layoverfilm.com. We just dropped our rental price today it's only $3 to stream :)

I have a question? If I meet with an executive about a show idea, should I already have it copyrighted so I ensure they don't steal my idea?

Hola Jaimee. I'm not an expert, but it's not expensive to cover your back. Better safe than sorry.

Hi Jaimee! Unfortunately, you can't copyright an idea. You can only copyright a story of that idea. There is really no way to protect yourself from someone who hears your story, and then goes off and writes his or her own version based on your idea. Basically, you need to take a leap of faith when pitching ideas. Generally speaking, execs would rather hire you to write your idea, rather than hire someone else, but stealing does happen. It is far better to have a completed script or a treatment, than just an idea. Copyrights are always a good idea, but if there ever comes a time when you actually need to use it in court, it will cost you thousands and thousands of dollars. Plus, you stand the chance that no one in the industry will want to work with you because they'll be afraid of a nuisance lawsuit.

Thanks. I don't want to take the chance of running into thief!

International crews are great! You get so may different views on things!

I feel like such a loser at times, been working on a script for forever, and I get the feeling persons around me would like me to quit. I just do a bad job of quitting as well. Until it is perfect it is not good enough. But one day it will be good enough. All I have do to is do everything perfectly. The Gold Standard. http://www.scriptmag.com/features/columns/meet-the-reader-ray-morton/mee...

Keep trying and don't get down because of contests!

I've had more luck on Stage32 with requests than with contest advancements. So believe me I know the feeling. But Joey's right you can't let them get you down. I've simply been taking the feedback from the contests and the report from the pitches I do on Stage32 and using them as a way to better my script!

I agree with lots of folks here. Winning contests help you get read. They look great on your resume. They give an ego boost. You get money and prizes. They don't equate to sales. Losing them doesn't mean you're a bad writer. Winning them doesn't mean you're a good writer. I won the grand prize for the same script in two different categories in two (non-mayoral) contests this year, yet the same script didn't pass the first round in another contest. To pass up the ladder in contests, only one reader has to like it, because only one reader reads it. If you get to the finals, then usually more people read it, and to win, they all have to agree. I've also won second place and finals, etc, but my sales have come from personal relationships by meeting the right person at the right time who wanted that story I was telling. It's pretty much a crap shoot. That's why I'm making my own movie now, and am building an international crew to back me. This is a great site for attracting like-minded people, especially if you live in the West. I'm not, but if you are, maybe consider making your film yourself.

Keep writing. You are an artist.

well Chanel it was a hard decision, but after some heavy thought for about 5 seconds, I knew it was the right and kindest thing to do.

XD

I admire benevolence and great sacrifice, you're full of it, lol.

as far as some board not rating it why do they need to be told that it's for real instead of fake.

My latest script I have live sex but cover up with sheets.

Hello Alle, This is slightly different to what you are writing about but would like any advice you can offer as far as researching? I am writing a script which is a love story between two women one openly gay and the other straight an abused wife who is married with an adult son and daughter. Lots of conflicting religious, social and moral issues. I am still researching the reaction of the Lesbian woman to having an affair with a straight person as some wouldn't go there but as we know you can't choose who we love.

Are you serious Alle? Married women hitting on their kids' female PE coaches is a trend? Sure it may have happened but it's hardly a daily occurrence and it's certainly not a trend! What a ridiculous statement. Your view of lesbians is very generalised, not to mention stereotypical and offensive. If I'd read this crap anywhere else I'd have assumed a chauvinist straight man had written it. There are countless lesbian women who fall between your categories of Lipstick/Femme, and 'Butch dyke'. To say that butches are likely to have a typical male lifestyle of revolving door partners is frankly untrue. Yes some do, mostly on the 'scene', but a butch woman is no more likely to be promiscuous than anyone else, be they straight, gay, male or female. Nor is a femme any more likely to be faithful and home-loving. These attitudes are totally outdated. They are your own (rather dubious) personal views which demonstrate only your own prejudices. I can't believe that as a lesbian woman yourself you are promoting such nonsense and passing it off as serious research.

In my opinion, a male.

Thanks all of you for your very instructive input, I will now carry with my script using your views and my feelings for this character.

The femininity of Katniss is stronger in the book than in the movie. I have a female antagonist but it is definitely from a male perspective. No problem with that. What does the female character want? It depends on her background, situation, that is, everything that a male character has to go through. If my male bias comes through then that is not a bad thing. It is my perspective, my take on the world.

My, but this is a lively thread. There's a lot of interesting opinions here, whether born from experience, guesswork, or plain fantasy. I read every comment and really didn't see that much negativity (re: hostility). Actually, I was rather surprised there wasn't more. I say that because filmmakers are by necessity, somewhat overly tough on themselves, and those who show little understanding of the craft. I'm sure Jerry meant well with his initial opinions, but as someone previously said, they are at best, naive, at worst, the result of being in the arc of a super narcotics high. ;-P He made absolute definitive statements that are quite ridiculous, though I'm sure his intent was pure. I enter this conversation now because I am an award-winning screenwriter, and a novelist, and multi-talented, and can multi-task, AND I'm in pre-production on my 1st feature. TA DA! Even though I can do all those things, and have worked in the Hollywood system for 15 years on some of the biggest films of all times with some of the biggest directors, including Cameron, I won't know how good I am as a director until the film leaves the editing room. My experience after 30+ years in film, writing 19 screenplays and 8 published novels, is that most writers are not so good, and neither are most directors. Many of the great directors are great because they had incredible crews to work with. I've seen firsthand how a director can sink a project by going it alone. I've also seen directors who only had a skill set, but no apparent talent, and their movies failed. I've seen directors who had talent, but hardly any skill set achieve their vision because they allowed the crew to do their jobs and they took advice well. This is how I hope to complete my film. Because of my past experience, which anyone can see by visiting my websites, I've been bringing together a rather fabulous international crew to help me realize my vision. There are folks from Germany, Thailand, Sweden, Singapore, America, and Laos, so far. Their input has be wondrous. I belong to a writers group, and from their comments on my script, along with my cinematographer's comments, I rewrote certain scenes. Why? Because those comments made sense, and everyone wants to make a great movie and have a fun time doing it. The point for me is that, yes, a screenwriter can make a good director, just as anyone else with certain talents, drive, focus, ambition (in a good sense), can. In this thread, I agree with everything Alle has said. Do I think every screenwriter should try to direct his or her own film, or that they, by divine right would be fabulous at it. No. That doesn't mean I'm against anyone from doing it. Like anything taken serious in life, you should learn all you can about the craft your going into before you start. Filmmaking (except in Cameron's case) is a collaborative effort. (It's a joke, James, though with a ring of truth.) Unlike a carpenter using tools from his toolbox, where he or she wields each tool, the tools of a filmmaker--his or her crew--have minds, talents, and skill sets of their own, and are usually chosen for how well they interpret the directors vision. My uncalled for advice, is to take the intent of what Jerry said, and if you, as a writer, feel you can bring something to the table that another director can't, then go for it. There's no one stopping you...except the all the powers that be in the world, the movie gods, the financiers, the naysayers, most of your relatives, your wife or husband, girlfriend or boyfriend, people you don't even know, and the cruel hand of fate. If you feel that you have the power to bend Kismet to your will, then maybe you do have what it takes to be a director. Still, whether you will be any good at it will only come when the end credits role and the lights come up. It's the sound that follows, which will give you your answer.

I've thought about directing. Since I know the visuals in my head when I'm writing, and how the angles should be, etc. Unless I find a director who has the same visual ideas I do.

Stuart- what are your websites ? Am I missing them on your profile page ?

Royce, check the ABOUT tab on the profile page. My girlfriends don't that much about me. :-) ... Alle, I'll freak out on first day of shooting!

Stuart for some reason the first time I tried that there was no " about". Now I have seen it. Thanks.

Scenes and Scenario's are quite different. Media is still nothing more than a collective of idea's.

Wow Lyse, I wrote that down, amazing quote!!!

this is all nice, but let's move on, i got a more pressing concern, about done w Screenplay and now need some imput, where to start to turn it into a working movie...

so who/what did you rip off?

watching Star Wars, really like the scene where they fight inside the Death Star and then hit the road, wanted to do something similar, even the part w the garbage, but i changed it up...

The first novel I wrote was a mess.... I had this idea that ended up being pretty complicated, even though the novel itself was light in tone. And I didn't really know what I was doing, of course, so I didn't set anything out. AND I wrote it out of order! Needless to say, I am still trying to iron out all the problems in that story so I can publish it (and it's better-written sequel). I think it is important to spend time reflecting over the characters/motivations/etc, whether you think you have a problem or not. I have read too many things that were slaughtered by these problems. Maybe the writing was good, but you lose the reader when something doesn't mesh.

Posted this on another Writer's Block post. Character Bios! If you are having trouble thinking of what your characters will do next it usually means you don't have an in depth understanding of who they are and what motivates them. Spend some time fleshing out their bios with information about their family life, where and how they grew up, who their friends and enemies are, etc. Whenever I get stuck I go back to my bios and look for a clue to what the character will do. If I don't find it I start adding details to their bio until the clue surfaces. Might not work for everyone but it sure helps me.

There's a great little book that I always recommend to people who think they want to write screenplays. The title sells it: "How To Write A Movie In 21 Days" by Viki King. (C) 1988 , Harper & Row. It breaks the process down into manageable chunks and helps you set goals. But its really the same old thing. The key , I think, is don't write your first draft carefully. Write insouciantly. Look that word up, You'll love it.

Vicki King's book was one of the first three on the craft I ever bought, though I still have not written a feature script in under ten weeks. ( tried my first 1-hr. pilot last fall and was happy with what I wrote over nine days, yay.) A new book by Alan Watt titled, "The 90-Day Screenplay - From Concept to Polish" is also a good one to learn by, and, I think, really better at instilling valuable, deep core writer concepts (beyond the structure of pacing).

I actually got to meet Viki at one of her book signings. She was so awesome, I wanted to marry her. But she was already taken. Her grand little book has helped me to write 4 scripts.

Stuart. Thanks. I'm not looking for basic guidance. So far, I'm most impressed with The Blacklist and Spec Scout, so I will definitely choose one of these to make my script available, but I'd also like to find someone who's written several solid (optioned or purchased suspense thrillers, as what I really need is expert advice on how to put a finer tone on some of my suspense scenes. Only someone who works regularly on this type of script is going to be able to help push it up above the competition. The script is very solid and doesn't need much help, but I know there are some really gifted script doctors who might be what I need. Here's a metaphor. I'm already a 9, but I'd like to check with a top knotch plastic surgeon to see if it's possible to look like a 10. My genre is mystery/suspense. Examples of scripts I like are Black Swan, Side Effects, and older films like The Usual Suspects, Blood Simple, Vertigo and Klute,

Well, I've optioned and sold suspense thrillers and won 2nd place in a contest for my crime thriller, not to mention two grand prize wins this year. After writing 18 scripts and 8 novels, I think I'm pretty qualified. However, your choice. BTW, on this 9, pushing for 10, is that from your assessment, or a professional assessment?

Hi Stuart. I appreciate your interest, but I'm not familiar with your work and you didn't mention what screenplays you admire, so I have nothing to evaluate. Are your novels available on Amazon. One look will tell me what I need to know. The 9 is a composite score by a couple of professional editors and writers I know in other writing fields (fiction and non-fiction). I've worked as a professional non-fiction writer in the past and I know a number of good editors. They're the people who suggested I look for a suspense screenwriting specialist. If you've published suspense novels, you probably have the feel for the material, but I'd like to know more about your preferences in screenwriting. If you have time, send me a couple of loglines and let me know a few of your favorite movie scripts. Thanks, Lee.

Stuart, I found your website, and I'll let you know if I think we might be a good fit. How do you charge for reading and commentary?

www.inktip.com

Best of luck Genise, I'm happy for you!

Kudos to you, it must feel great!

That is great be happy.

Great stuff man, break legs!

Great ............good Luck