Dar Curcio-Elsbury: Screenwriter, script consultant and photographer (still) in Polo, Illinois.

Wow, Ben, does the world need you and what you do! So are you a writer, too? Film maker?

Dar, Thank you for the kind and insightful comments. I think a lot of people don't realize - again, as I pointed out in the BLOG - that there are eyes on them constantly. If they did, I would be surprised to see them doing the things they continue to do online. GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH!

You're most welcome Dar! I look forward to hearing from you!

You are so welcome. I am hoping you may have an answer for me or at least point me toward someone who does. My project I am working is a historical dramatic short. It has horses in it, I am just wondering about horse. What can they do on set and what can't they do set. Just gallop on and off set. Any info would be greatly appreciated

Being a horse owner and trainer, I've not yet worked with horses "on set," but well-trained horses do tons of things other than gallop on and off set. Some are more flighty than others, some are specifically trained to the "take." What do you want them to do on set? And with whom? I could answer that better.

A place to start would be to look into trainers that worked for films like Seabiscuit, that used multiple horses, to do certain things in certain scenes. Also look at interviews with Robert Redford when he made The Horse Whisperer with Scarlett Johanson, and lessons he learned on set himself. (Sorry I didn't respond sooner, I've been traveling).

No worries, I actually just need them to have riders on them, to be guided into a barn, and to pull a carriage and a cart. All 4 will have actors in the scenes with them. You wouldn't happen to have any leads on horse trainers/with film experience in and around Michigan would you. Thank you so much for the information

Hey Dar, I am you are from CCC, We are coming up! People will respect us, thanks I appreciate it! I will do my best and all my good work and travels I wil keep you up to date. Maybe one day we can collaborate too... ~ Jason

Janna, you inspire me. My brain is wired similarly to yours. Began as a letter, but more of a Never To Be Sent Letter, more like an outpouring that had to be vented for I didn't know what else to do with all this information and so many feelings attached to it. Like you, i wasn't sure anyone would care, much less read it. But the story itself kept insisting on being told, voices and images in my head, pressing me to just Do It. From a letter, I converted it into a script, thinking there wasn't enough for a book. I was wrong. Now I need to expand it into a book and/or a TV series rather than limit it. And the journey, though not a transcontinental adventure, is way outside my comfort zone, like yours. It is exhilarating yet terrifying at once, all the unknowns. Wish I had resources to be a producer partner with you, but for now can only offer heartfelt admiration and perhaps a spare tire when you need one. Best of luck.

I'm sure it'll be very exciting... I mean after all it is Music City. Lots of Honky Tonks around... I'm sure. This is the time of year they have their Film Festival... so lots of attractions. The Writers Conference runs from Wed.-Fri... lots of meets & greets, mentoring luncheons, panel discussions. Save up for next year Christian... Or... come to TIFF... the Toronto Film Festival in September... it's lots of fun as well. :-))

Have a safe journey, Sylvia !

Thank you, Christian.

Hey Paul, your title sounds fascinating. Am I to presume it spins the tale of a bike trip? Every summer since 2013 I go on an annual bike trip with a great group of veterans, actually it's a Remembrance Ride, and they're kind enough to let me tag along to honor their fallen and write their story(ies). They've become like a second family. Curious to hear more about this project.

Hi Dar, "Makin' it Real--a Road Trip," is basically three themes running concurrently: A motorcycle racer who betrays himself by quitting... who looks at his watch one day... and realizes he's thirty now... and if he was going to be a star, he would be by now. So he quits racing and takes a year long trip to see who else might be in his reflection. Things happen that can only happen on the road, calamities, disasters, Spiritually insightful and profoundly funny experiences.... the people he meets and travels with are a smorgasbord of contrasting points of view. The third tier is about the time in which this story takes place; mostly 1965 to 1973, where even the drugs were innocent. Grass and psychedelics provided the backdrop for self examination and the pure expression of free will. So this is a trip of exploration and a testament to the actual living of a life...rather than trying to explain it.

Everything is a process, Dar! The goal should be to take one step forward every day. Sounds like you have the right spirit and approach, which is more than half the battle!

Welcome, Paula Spurr! Being a screenwriter and horse owner, your last name is one I won't forget! And, has anyone ever mentioned that you could be a double for, or cousin to, Hillary Swank? Something about the eyes.

Well, Hillary Swank! I'd play her cousin! I have not heard that comparison before. Thanks for the welcome!

Your energy and spirit shines through, Paula! Congrats on your big win! Hope to see you hanging around the Acting section of the Lounge. Looks as though you have much to offer the community!

It's tough but someone has to do it. The Beach is only a block from my office always calling out to me.

Depends on how much the other person drank. More than you? It's a great deal.

We love creatives who give back around these parts, George. Terrific to have you and your experience here on Stage 32. Look forward to your contributions!

Hello David, welcome to Stage 32.

Welcome, David! Like you, I've written scripts, published short stories and nonfiction, editting a novel-in-progress, most based on true stories or events, just now starting to unleash it on the world in earnest, thanks to Stage 32.

Like you, I changed careers but as a screenwriter, and like you, from Chicago's SW side originally, near Midway, then with working downtown, moved to Lincoln Park before I married a guy from the burbs. I'm a firm believer in Do what you Love! Best wishes!

Amen to that Suzanne, I've been through a lot of adversities within the past 4 years and this year I decided it's time to following my passion. I began my career acting, community theater mostly, and there's nothing like it. Here's to following your Dream!!!

"...if you dream it and are willing to work for it you can make it happen." ~ you go, girl!!

I'm not a native but I would love to meet whenever you do make that trip! Take care, Dayna