Phil Davey's Lounge Discussions

I value intentions a lot more than talent. A lot of people who might be considered a genius are not a lot of fun to read. Just like a lot of "smart" people have terrible instincts when it comes to business, politics, or any other field. A lot of the writing being done by 7th graders is probably better than mfa's because the grade school kids still have good natural instincts and the mfa's instincts have been ruined by a lot of theories on "craft", identity and other avant garde nonsense.

Interesting response from Donna... I consider an author to be someone who writes books. I consider a screenwriter to be someone who writes screenplays. I consider myself a writer, as I write both - and more. It's not clear cut and sometimes someone will ask what I do and I tell them I'm and author or a writer depending on the context of why they're asking.

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 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 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 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.

@C. D-Broughton: ""My guess..." That kind of sums it up, doesn't it? A "guess" does not hold up in court - only the black and white." C.D., to clarify, I can only "guess" because 1) I have not read the entire HBO Access agreement. The poster posted only an excerpt. Therefore, everyone commenting on the excerpt is guessing and interpreting out of context. 2) Even if the poster added the entire agreement, I'm afraid I don't have 1-2 hours to read it and chime in. I was trying to answer Andrew's question since he asked for my opinion. Thank you.

You did good, Regina, re your "My guess…"

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 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 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 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?

Have you tried zoetrope? It is a mutual review site set up by Francis Ford Coppolla

Hey Phil - I'm having a crazy week, but I'd be happy to read the first 10-15 pages of one for starters. Are they uploaded to your profile?

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!