Great to meet you, Phil! :-)
Great to meet you, Phil! :-)
There are many of us who think, 'we have it'. I assume it's like the lottery. One out of a million is a good writer. I guess the odds could be thrown off based on your talent. However, if your talent is unknown then why bother.
If you're a screenwriter and tell someone that you are in a bar, inevitably you will hear, "Oh, my life would make a good story for a movie." This is what this thread was about. Genius or schmoe. The...
Expand commentIf you're a screenwriter and tell someone that you are in a bar, inevitably you will hear, "Oh, my life would make a good story for a movie." This is what this thread was about. Genius or schmoe. The interesting thing about those people's interesting stories in bars is that they're a lot more willing to tell it than to take the time, learn the craft, and write it themselves... the way they really want it. Once it becomes work, they flake... usually.
I think it's more a case of the 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration. I think everyone can have a genius idea every now and then, but its the 99% sweat, blood and tears which make that great idea into a r...
Expand commentI think it's more a case of the 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration. I think everyone can have a genius idea every now and then, but its the 99% sweat, blood and tears which make that great idea into a reality. Along the way you learn how not to have a big head and be a "schmoe" as you call it, and realise that constructive feedback is actually your friend!!!
@David Gates... those distinctions were true before the advent of self-publishing. Now everyone thinks they can write so I make a distinction -- at least for myself and my students. I've gone so far a...
Expand comment@David Gates... those distinctions were true before the advent of self-publishing. Now everyone thinks they can write so I make a distinction -- at least for myself and my students. I've gone so far as to ask people to leave my class if they refuse to put in the effort needed to "create" a credible narrative. Authors are writers who strive for perfection in every format. A writer these days is anyone who can figure out how to use createspace. There was a time when claiming oneself to be an author sounded pompous. Now, I'm willing to sound a little full of myself because I know how much effort is needed to take a project from conception to completion... and do it well.
The paradox in non-legalese. On one side of the fence, new writers want to submit their scripts to "Hollywood" companies. Yet they're afraid that the companies will steal their ideas. https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Do-I-need-to-worry-about-co... https://www.stage32.com/lounge/pre_produ...
Expand postThe paradox in non-legalese. On one side of the fence, new writers want to submit their scripts to "Hollywood" companies. Yet they're afraid that the companies will steal their ideas. https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Do-I-need-to-worry-about-co... https://www.stage32.com/lounge/pre_production/How-do-I-protect-my-screen... On the other side of the fence, "Hollywood" companies want to read capable new writers. But they're afraid of accepting unsolicited submissions because those are the submissions most likely to result in frivolous "you stole my idea" lawsuits. I'm very curious to learn if most new writers see the paradox in full. Do new writers think that "Hollywood" companies/individuals typically don't accept unsolicited submissions because we are close-minded? Or do new writers understand the risk and exposure of accepting unsolicited submissions? I can't come up with a more effective way of discussing this topic. My hope is to foster some understanding for both sides.
I know these 2 questions were innocent and well-intentioned. Nevertheless, consider these posts, and you'll see another paradox - writers trying to distinguish just how much they are allowed to take f...
Expand commentI know these 2 questions were innocent and well-intentioned. Nevertheless, consider these posts, and you'll see another paradox - writers trying to distinguish just how much they are allowed to take from other creators. These posts are further evidence of complexities in how we treat the law, rights, professional courtesy, etc. https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/legal-question-before-I-eve... https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Copyright-issue
I once did a script swap and the crappy writer who read my (art-house) character-based horror, took my core concept (after I explained it to him, because he was so dim-witted) and made a short out of...
Expand commentI once did a script swap and the crappy writer who read my (art-house) character-based horror, took my core concept (after I explained it to him, because he was so dim-witted) and made a short out of it! I stopped posting on the forum I did the exchange on after that and for a long time I was quite bitter. Yes, it does happen that others can take our best ideas and twist and turn them into something they can legally call their own, but thankfully, that writer was a talentless f**ktard and he'll never get anywhere. That's about the only time you'll see me cuss others on these boards, but, without even reading Regina's links, I wanted to confirm that this does happen and that where writers can draw inspiration from anything, it's never cool to think, "Hey, that's a great idea - how can I make it my own?" Thanks, Regina.
I am so sorry that happened to you C.D. I am so cautious of stealing things I Google every little thing I think of to make sure I am safe. I wrote a screenplay using an updated version of Goldilocks a...
Expand commentI am so sorry that happened to you C.D. I am so cautious of stealing things I Google every little thing I think of to make sure I am safe. I wrote a screenplay using an updated version of Goldilocks and the three bears and I wanted to make sure it wasn't copyrighted. Turns out that it is by Anonymous and is public domain, however, everybody and their brother wants to do something with it, which means it is not easy to market, even though mine is pretty different than the original. Such is the dilemma: Somebody, somewhere, at some time, probably thought of your idea, in different way or with a different twist. How can you make a completely "original" idea that is either fact/fiction or loosely based on something else without getting screwed, accused of stealing, or ignored? Better to protect your idea and ask for permission if you're not sure, rather than beg for forgiveness in court, right?
I have four completed feature length scripts. I was hoping to find good readers that could offer feedback. Of course I would review your script in return.
hey Boomer...you have a feedback form???
Hey Shari...do people upload the first 15 pages to their profile?? Im new here
Yeah, Phil, you can upload full screenplays or just pages to your profile and then lots of Stage 32'ers can offer feedback!
Hi Phil. I'm RB, Founder and CEO of Stage 32. As a screenwriter, producer, actor and filmmaker, I know first-hand the challenges all creatives face finding work, landing representation, launching projects, securing funding and simply making the connections that will make a difference in their careers. That's why I created Stage 32. Since our launch in September of 2011, the community has grown to 400,000+ members representing every country on the planet making Stage 32 the social network uniquely populated with the most creative people on Earth.
This is a network for you, built by you. Like mo...
Expand postHi Phil. I'm RB, Founder and CEO of Stage 32. As a screenwriter, producer, actor and filmmaker, I know first-hand the challenges all creatives face finding work, landing representation, launching projects, securing funding and simply making the connections that will make a difference in their careers. That's why I created Stage 32. Since our launch in September of 2011, the community has grown to 400,000+ members representing every country on the planet making Stage 32 the social network uniquely populated with the most creative people on Earth.
This is a network for you, built by you. Like most things in life, the more you participate, the greater the rewards. We ask all new members to pay it forward by inviting 5 fellow creatives to the network and by spreading the word of Stage 32 through other social media sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. The more creatives, the stronger the network. The stronger the network, the more opportunities.
Thanks for joining the movement and for being a part of this most talented and inspiring community. I very much look forward to your contributions.
Thanks, and have a creative day!
RB
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