The Creative Writing Life
By Paul Zeidman
The Creative Writing LifeJul 01, 2020
Tom Vaughan on Screenwriting
Screenwriter and writing instructor Tom Vaughan talks about his experience as a working writer, the importance of loglines, and how story and emotion require your characters to make choices.
@storyandplot
John Ingle on Screenwriting
Screenwriter-film instructor-podcaster John Ingle talks about his experience as an award-winning screenwriter, the Movies By Minute concept, and how he uses the movie JAWS as a learning tool.
@Inglefilms on X/Twitter
Carlos Baker on Writing as Therapy
Writer-musician Carlos Baker talks about how writing his book and playing music helped him deal with his depression, why 80s movies are AWESOME, and an impromptu blues performance!
https://ckbakerband.com/
Jeff Kitchen & The Hero's Dilemma
Screenwriter & writing coach/consultant Jeff Kitchen talks about the concepts behind his new book The Hero's Dilemma, what "dramatic action" is, and the need for CONFLICT in your story
https://script.kitchen/
Bob DeRosa on Screenwriting
Screenwriter Bob DeRosa (KILLERS, THE AIR I BREATHE) talks with Paul about how he got his start (and his dislike of the phrase "breaking in"), loglines, the writing process, and the importance of "there are no shortcuts".
@thembob on X/Twitter
Brad Johnson & The Grey List
Paul talks with screenwriter & Grey List organizer Brad Johnson about what the List is, how it came to be, the significance of publishing it, and how writers can get ready for next year.
The Grey List 2024: https://bit.ly/48sHSF7
Plus - a big announcement!
Tyler Snure on Writing Y.A. Fiction
In this week's episode, Paul talks with author Tyler Snure about how he developed and published his Y.A. fiction while still in high school(!), his creative process, and what he discusses in his presentations about writing.
http://snurestories.com
@SnureStories
Victoria Male on Screenwriting
In this week's episode, Justin and Paul talk to screenwriter Victoria Male about how she got her start, working for director Ivan Reitman, and what advice she has for screenwriters. Worth noting - soon after this recording, Victoria's script SHOWSTOPPER was selected as a finalist in the Nicholl Fellowship
Barry Putt on Writing Audio Drama
Paul chats with dramatist/writer/screenwriter Barry M Putt, Jr about writing for audio drama, techniques for creating engaging stories, developing a marketing plan, and his book about the 70s TV show ALICE.
https://www.barrymputtjr.com/
Barry's non-fiction book Stories Told through Sound: The Craft of Writing Audio Dramas for Podcasts, Streaming, and Radio is available at bookstores everywhere. See the "books" tab of this web site for further details including upcoming public appearances. Barry's other books include: Alice: Life Behind the Counter in Mel's Greasy Spoon (A Guide to the Feature Film, the TV series, and More). He is currently working on a book entitled The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew on Film, TV, and Stage for BearManor Media.
Barry has scripted over 50 audio-drama adaptations and original productions. His audio-drama version of Beauty and the Beast will be released by Blackstone Audio in 2024. The third season of the western audio-drama series Richard Wade, U.S. Marshal that he writes for Radio Theater Project debuts on Dramafy in 2024. Barry has written for other audio-drama companies including Colonial Radio Theatre on the Air!, Baicizhan Technology, Voices in the Wind Audio Theatre, and DTC Radio.
His plays have been performed throughout the U.S. and in France, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. They include Triangle and The Porch at the Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival and The Lollipop Lady and Dead Body by Turtle Shell Productions. Barry served as head writer on the episodic, comedy-horror, TV show In the Cellar and the Telly Award-winning series The Wisdom Tree. He wrote the script for the VR series Maren’s Rock, which was produced by Daniel Gaucher and PKVR.
Barry has presented at various conferences including the National Dramatists Guild Conference and BCC's Aspiring Writers Conference. He is available to present on writing for stage, screen, audio drama, TV writing, and marketing approaches.
Jennifer Manocherian on Theater and Teaching Writing
This week Paul chatted with Jennifer Manocherian on her work in theater and teaching writing. https://thepeacestudio.org/board-bio-jennifer-manocherian/
Theater Producer and Writer
Jennifer Manocherian has been a Broadway and off-Broadway theatre producer for over thirty years. She wrote the book of a musical, Marry Harry, with composers Dan Martin and Michael Biello, which had a production at the York Theatre in NY, then was filmed in a sound studio for online streaming (amazon prime video, www.streamingmusicals.com and broadwayondemand.com). The same team wrote a short musical for streaming that will be available shortly. She wrote and produced the film Family Blues, also on amazon prime video, and has another film planned for filming next year. Aside from other writing projects, she teaches introductory screenwriting at The Sarah Lawrence Writing Institute. Prior to her career as a producer, she was a family therapist and a divorce mediator. Jennifer serves on the board of New York Stage & Film, a nonprofit devoted to developing new works.
Charles D'Amico on Writing and Publishing
Paul Zeidman sat down with Charles D'Amico, Award-winning Author, Founder & President of Blue Handle Publishing and Book Puma Author Services. They discussed writing, editing and publishing.
https://bluehandlepublishing.com/
https://bookpumalive.com/
Tonya Todd on Writing and Directing
Paul spoke with Tonya Todd about writing books and screenplays, directing, and being part of your local writing community.
Tonya Todd is an author, actress, and Sin City cinephile, whose sundry background ranges from content writer to software programmer to convention model. With a cast of characters as diverse as her careers, her fiction explores the infinite hues of what drives us all: relationships and desires.
Lack of diversity in literature inspired Tonya’s stories. Her involvement in the literary, theatre, and filmmaking communities provides a platform to champion marginalized artists and contribute toward an environment that embraces a variety of voices.
Tonya served on the board as Henderson Writers Group’s Education Chair for four years and still and coordinates their Dime Grinds, a program that exposes authors to the public via monthly meet-and-greets. An active literary citizen, she also belongs to Las Vegas Screenwriters and Writers of Southern Nevada.
She has short stories in Vegas Writes: Love in the Dunes, Tales from the Silver State IV, and Authors Portraits LV. Her non-fiction is featured in NPR's Desert Companion. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.
Evan Grow on StoryOrigin and Helping Authors
Evan Gow shares his awesome creation, StoryOrigin! Find it here: https://storyoriginapp.com StoryOrigin is an all-in-one platform for authors to connect, team up for group promos, build and swap mailing lists, upload reader magnets, and more.
With the unique opportunities StoryOrigin provides, Evan has helped thousands of authors get discovered, build communities, and become successful.
StoryOrigin is currently in open beta and can be used for free at storyoriginapp.com.
The Austin Film Festival - What Worked for Justin and Paul
This week, Justin and Paul sat down to discuss their experiences at the 2023 Austin Film Festival (#AFF23). It was great! What panels and events did we like? Will we be there next year? Listen in to find out!
Antony Johnston on Writing Games and Books
This week on the Creative Writing Life podcast we were joined by Antony Johnston! He is a great writer with credits on such games as Dead Space and Shadow of Mordor, along with fun graphic novels and prose novels.
On the show, we discussed his GDC talk on leading writers rooms, being an organized wrier, along with his experience writing mystery novels and amazing videogames.
Find his books here: https://antonyjohnston.com/work/books/
BIO:
Antony Johnston is one of the most versatile writers of the modern era.
The Charlize Theron movie Atomic Blonde was based on his graphic novel. His murder mystery The Dog Sitter Detective won the Barker Book Award for fiction. The Brigitte Sharp spy thrillers are in development for TV. And his productivity guide The Organised Writer has helped authors all over the world take control of their workload.
Antony is a celebrated videogames writer, with genre-defining titles including Dead Space, Shadow of Mordor, and Resident Evil Village to his credit. His work on Silent Hill Ascension made him the only writer in the world to have contributed to all of gaming’s ‘big three’ horror franchises.
His immense body of work also includes Marvel superheroes such as Daredevil and Shang-Chi, the Alex Rider graphic novels, the post-apocalypse epic Wasteland, and more. He wrote and directed the sci-fi film Crossover Point, made entirely in quarantine during the coronavirus pandemic.
An experienced podcaster and public speaker, he also frequently writes articles on the life of an author, and is a prolific musician.
Antony is a former vice chair of the Crime Writers’ Association, a member of International Thriller Writers and the Society of Authors, a Shore Scripts screenwriting judge, and sits on the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain’s videogames committee. He lives and works in England.
The Austin Film Festival Schedule! 2023 - the 30th Anniversary of AFF
Justin and Paul discuss the exciting panels of this year's Austin Film Festival - 2023, the 30th anniversary of the fest!
Not sure what panels to attend, or just looking for a good idea of what happens at the festival and what to be excited about? Here you go!
Neel Upadhye on Short-form Narrative in Games
Neel Upadhye joined the Creative Writing Life podcast to discuss his years in the film and video game industry writing for major gaming franchises including Battlefield 2042, Apex Legends, and Need For Speed Unbound. Enjoy!
ABOUT: Neel is VP of Production at Azra Games, leading the development team of Project Legends, an Action RPG for PC & mobile. He is an innovative storyteller with 14+ years in the film and video game industry. Born in India and a graduate of USC, Neel has written and directed a feature film on Amazon Prime, a TV pilot for Disney, and two Star Wars short films produced by ILM, including Star Wars: Squadrons - "Hunted," winner of the Silver Pencil. Neel was a writer and director on the narrative team of Battlefield 2042 and lead writer on Need for Speed Unbound. He’s also the creator of multiple internet-breaking shorts for the billion dollar gaming franchise, Apex Legends. From video game IPs such as Dragon Age and Mass Effect to his own original worlds, he's inspired cross disciplinary teams to produce unique creative that breaks the mold. Neel is repped as a writer/director at William Morris Endeavor and Anonymous Content.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2244762/
Jenny Stiven Franchise Development and Marketing in Creative Ways
Jenny Stiven joined the Creative Writing Life podcast to discuss franchise development and marketing.
ABOUT JENNY
Jenny Stiven’s formative years were defined by such geek/sci-fi properties as Star Wars, Aliens, Star Trek, Stargate (all the "Stars-"!), and now as a consultant and digital strategist, she brings fandoms and their content owners together!
After a decade of learning the ropes programming, coding, producing, content, writing, marketing, site builds, media buys, and more, Jenny created Clio Consulting in 2004 to act as an “inside” digital marketing resource for entertainment companies. She has worked with numerous digital agencies in executive roles producing groundbreaking and award-winning campaigns for Fortune 500 entertainment & gaming clients. A long relationship with 20th Century Fox and MGM enabled her to become a geek influencer in the digital and social space – with the Star Wars properties, the James Bond franchise, Predator franchise, Stargate franchise, Alien franchise, the Whedon-verse, and multiple TV franchises.
In 2015, Jenny shifted her focus back to solely working with her first love - geek properties, content, and fandoms. She works with both the intellectual property owners and creators to help them learn how to communicate, interact, and most of all, build a long-lasting relationship with their fandoms.
She also provides guidance on the best partnerships with leading strategic products and influencers, so that the intellectual property owners and/or fandoms, are setting the right tone for their franchise. Jenny believes the goal for geek properties should always be not just to sell, but to #spendthetime and build a community that lasts.
https://tabletop.events/conventions/dragonsteel-2023
https://twitter.com/JennyStiven
Writing Middle Grade Novels with Katryn Bury
Katryn Bury joins the Creative Writing Life podcast to discuss writing middle grade (#MiddleGrade) fiction and mysteries, and why she loves Nancy Drew books.
Learn more at: https://www.katrynbury.com
ABOUT KATRYN
Katryn Bury is the author of the middle grade mystery Drew Leclair Gets a Clue and the forthcoming sequel Drew Leclair Crushes the Case. A lifelong true crime nerd, she has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminology. Her short and serialized fiction can be found in Suspense Magazine and The Sleuth. By day, she is a library technician who is lucky enough to work with her target audience. She lives in Oakland, California, with her family and a vast collection of Nancy Drew mysteries.
Zubin Anklesaria and Ryan Turner of Echobend Pictures
Zubin Anklesaria and Ryan Turner share their journey and lessons learned about filmmaking at Echobend Pictures. Join the Creative Writing Career podcast as the group discuss lessons learned going from writing partners to making movies with Echobend Pictures and so much more!
Echobend is an entertainment company based in Los Angeles offering Production, Post, and Music & Publishing services.
The Creative Writing Career on SD Comic Con
This week in the Creative Writing Career podcast, Justin and Pual dive into Justin's experience with the San Dieog Comic Con. Spoiler - it was great!
Larry Young on Writing Comics
Justin and Paul discussed comic book writing with Larry Young.
Larry Young is an American writer, producer, and publisher. He is most known as the co-publisher and marketing genius behind the independent comics company AIT/PlanetLar, and as the writer of their flagship title: Astronauts in Trouble.
https://comicvine.gamespot.com/larry-young/4040-45254/issues-cover/
B Earl on Comics Writing - Spiderman and Daredevel!
B Earl joined us to discuss Comics Writing and his Spiderman and Daredevel comics!
https://iambearl.com/
From B Earl (Ben):
I’m a Marvel writer, web2.5 consultant, creative blockchain strategist, as well as have been exploring AI since 2017. When I’m not cooking up the next Spidey yarn, I develop story-driven blockchain marketing strategies for brands or help companies plan their metaverse projects.
Recently I have been touring the world from Saudi Arabia to Amsterdam, speaking at conferences with a focus on building bridges between creative and tech.
I’m excited to speak at your conference or we can plan an interactive workshop for your team to launch a distinct, community-focused project in 2023.
A.R. Farina on Creative Writing and Comics in Motion
This week we spoke with A.R. Farina on Creative Writing and Comics in Motion.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/A.R.-Farina/author/B0BVQB4VHQ
About the AuthorA.R. Farina is a college professor with both an M.A. Ed. and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing who has written several textbooks in his professional capacity. Additionally, he hosts a weekly podcast on the Comics in Motion Network where he records a critical analysis of indie comics and graphic novels. Some of his published short fiction can be found on The Fictional Café website and in a print collection from Free Spirit.His Austen Chronicles series, a modern-day YA re-imagining of the Jane Austen novels, will be published by 4 Horsemen Publications. The first book in the series, Welcome to Mansfield is available now.
www.arfarina.com
Writing Middle grade/YA and 4-quadrant Stories
Justin and Paul discussed writing middle grade and young adult, in books, movies, and games. We also dove into 4-quadrant stories.
Enjoy!
Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle on their Tor Book EBONY GATE
Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle joined us to discuss Ebony Gate their trad pub book from TOR. We also discussed ComicCon.
Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle's Ebony Gate is a female John Wick story with dragon magic set in contemporary San Francisco’s Chinatown.
Emiko Soong belongs to one of the eight premier magical families of the world. But Emiko never needed any magic. Because she is the Blade of the Soong Clan. Or was. Until she’s drenched in blood in the middle of a market in China, surrounded by bodies and the scent of blood and human waste as a lethal perfume.
The Butcher of Beijing now lives a quiet life in San Francisco, importing antiques. But when a shinigami, a god of death itself, calls in a family blood debt, Emiko must recover the Ebony Gate that holds back the hungry ghosts of the Yomi underworld. Or forfeit her soul as the anchor.
What's a retired assassin to do but save the City by the Bay from an army of the dead?
https://www.amazon.com/Ebony-Gate-Phoenix-Hoard-Book-ebook/dp/B0B9KVR1M9
Jonathan Yanez on Books, Filmmaking, and ComicCon
This week Jonathan Yanez joined us to discuss his latest filmmaking endeavor, for which he has a Kickstarter going. Check out the Forsaken Mercenary Kickstarter page to help bring his project to life!
You can also learn more about Jonathan and his books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3K3LRyH
ABOUT JONATHAN FROM THE MAN HIMSELF:
International bestselling author, check.
USA Today bestselling author, check.
Writing wild tales since 2012, check, check.
I'm Jonathan, a husband, father, and writer. I write because that's what I was born to do and I love doing it. Because of the support from awesome people like you, I get to do it full-time.
Connecting with fellow lovers of the written word is important to me so please join the Pack via my website at www.jonathan-yanez.com where you can grab an exclusive story or hang out with us at www.facebook.com/groups/jonathansreadingwolves
Hope you decide to stay in touch,
Jonathan
Justin and Paul Discuss Writing Research and Surviving in the Game
Join Justin and Paul as we discuss what it takes to research stories for novels, screenplays, and games - and other fun writing topics!
Spyder Dobrofsky on Screenwriting and Directing
Spyder Dobrofsky on Screenwriting and Directing
Find more on Spyder: IMDb
Spyder Dobrofsky is an LA-based screenwriter responsible for Tubi's breakout horror-western film, "Teardrop" directed by cult filmmaker Steven R. Monroe (I Spit On Your Grave). He's an executive producer & screenwriter on NBC Peacock's Original Movie, "The Housewives of the North Pole" (starring Breaking Bad's Betsy Brandt, & Kyle Richards from the Real Housewives Franchise).
Spyder sold his first movie at age 23, making him one of the youngest writers to ever have a produced motion picture. He was a guest on Jay Leno's Tonight Show as a teenager alongside Jack Black for launching the worldwide website and phenomenon, Car-Parazzi.
Gregory Blair and The Mystery of Emma Thorn
Gregory joined the CWL podcast to discuss acting, plays, and his new movie: The Mystery of Emma Thorn.
We also discussed crowdfunding!
For the IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27791072/?ref_=nm_flmg_unrel_3_wr
Crowdfunding this July on Indiegogo!
ATX Television Festival Review - For Fans Only
Justin went to the ATX Television Festival and learned that, unlike the AFF, it is VERY fan focused. Almost entirely? Still, it was fun! Tune in to find out more.
https://atxfestival.com/
Justin and Paul discuss the ATX Television Festival, the Strike Wk4, and more!
Join Justin Sloan and Paul Zeidman on the Creative Writing Life podcast as they discuss the ATX Television Festival, the WGA strike as it goes into week 4, and more fun writing life tidbits.
https://atxfestival.com/
ABOUT ATX:
ATX TV Festival is a one-of-kind festival experience, bringing TV fans & industry together to celebrate their favorite moments in TV as one community. Join us for deep-dives into how your favorite shows are made, revisit past favorites, and discover something new at "TV Camp for Grown Ups" in downtown Austin, TX.Heading into our 12th Season, the festival showcases past, current, and upcoming series through reunions, screenings, intimate Q&As, panel discussions, events, and more. Screenings include never-aired pilots, canceled-too-soon series, current favorites, and world premieres. Panels conversations range from industry deep-dives to fan-focused conversations, along with discussions on TV's responsibility and impact on culture.
#ATXFestival #ATXTVs12
Adam Martin and Eben Matthews discuss their comics and Web3 platform Macroverse
This week on the Creative Writing Life podcast Adam Martin and Eben Matthews discuss their comics and Web3 platform Macroverse!
About MacroverseMarvel + Netflix X Blockchain = MacroverseMacroverse is a web3 entertainment studio that rewards its community, collectors, creators and collaborators for supporting upcoming blockbuster franchises spanning comics, TV, gaming, animation, movies and more.
Starting with highly collectible NFT comics and characters, we are building the next generation of entertainment. By integrating user-generated and community driven content with our original IP we incubate and fund new projects, invest in creators, concepts and people, and provide a clear and open door for aspirational storytellers from across the globe.
The Founders are doxed, have started, bought and sold companies and have extensive experience creating entertainment, having collaborated with the likes of Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, Seth Rogen, Quentin Tarantino and Pendleton Ward, on brands and projects such as Disney, Pixar, Jurassic Park, Transformers, Spartacus, Adventure Time, Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, WWE and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles just to name a few. https://www.macroverse.com
https://twitter.com/MacroverseHQ
#Comics #Macroverse #web3
Jack Canfora on Being a Playwright
Jack Confora discusses playwrighting with the Creative Writing Life podcast!
More about Jack:
John Lawrence "Jack" Canfora is an Award-Winning American playwright, actor, musician, and teacher. After receiving his dramatic training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, he began his career as an actor in regional theater, working mostly in Shakespearean roles such as Mercutio and Macbeth.
He’s been hailed by the Associated Press as “White-hot Entertainment” for his off-Broadway plays including Poetic License, Place Setting, and Jericho, a New York Times “Critics Pick.” He was nominated along with Edward Albee, Elaine May, and Teresa Rebeck for The Newark Star Ledger’s Best Play, 2007. Jack is the recipient of two Edgerton Playwriting Awards, for Jericho (2010) and The Source (2018). He won the 2016 Webby Award for Best Writing in a Web Series. Jack is also the Artistic Director of New Normal Rep.
At Command Your Brand, it’s our mission to help podcasters get awesome trained guests that deliver a powerful story to listeners. If you think that Jack is a good fit for you on your show, please send your recording availability & let’s set something up! Or if you are interested and are in need of more information to help make your decision, I can send some more detailed information like his podcast media kit, previous interviews, links to his website(s), socials & more, just please let me know!
The WGA Strike with Eli Edelson
This week we had Eli Edelson on discussing the WGA strike with Paul and Justin of the Creative Writing Life podcast.
We discussed what the strike means, some details such as mini rooms and non-writing duties, and more! Enjoy and show your support!
Some links:
https://www.wgacontract2023.org/strike/picket-schedules-and-locations About Eli:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7640985/ http://eliedelson.com/
Bruce Wawrzyniak on PR and Now Hear This
Bruce Wawrzyniak joined the Creative Writing Life Podcast to discuss PR and his podcast "Now Hear This."
We also discussed the SFWC, Podcasting, Promotion, and hurdles with the creative life.
Find his show and more information:
https://www.now-hear-this.net/?fbclid=IwAR3oKmZmUIYEpgHwvg8uJDflPxSoEF-a0yuzkvdI6o_enlwf4cxDd4B8wHE
https://www.now-hear-this.net/content/podcast?fbclid=IwAR3gpoHRMPdyYL5HnZQeDa3f1fmjF5pyZkIQjQ8EhHd12psU25xXJJoDMQs
Stefanie Hubbard - Pure Magic Pictures CWL Podcast
This week on the Creative Writing Life Podcast we spoke with Stefanie Hubbard of Pure Magic Pictures.
https://www.puremagicpictures.com/videos/whoweare
Pure Movie Magic - Satisfy your inner punk rock, blockbuster-loving, anime nerd, geek, heart with all original movies & shows made by a lovely band of misfits making movie magic.
Stefanie Hubbard is a writer, director, and executive producer in New York City. She is the owner of Pure Magic Pictures, the studio behind all of her films and TV shows, as well as the video production company Galaxy Visuals, and the audio company Little Dipper Sound. Enjoy!
Six-Figure Freelance Writer - with Amy Suto
Amy Suto joined the Creative Writing Life Podcast to discuss her book Six-Figure Freelance Writer and share her experince with freelance writing, attending USC, and how she pivoted during the shutdown.
Check out the book - https://amzn.to/3KCbjdX
About Amy Suto: Amy Suto began her career as a Hollywood TV writer before hitting the road and becoming a digital nomad and six-figure freelance writer. Now, she travels the world while ghostwriting memoirs and working on her own creative projects. When she's not writing, Amy travels the world and works remotely from cafes in Prague — or is misplacing her AirPods in Lisbon. You can learn more about Amy at: AmySuto.com.
#SixFigureAuthor #FreelanceWriting #freelancewriter
Steve Cleary discusses Storbang - a tool and system for film professionals!
Steve Cleary discusses Storbang - a tool and system for film professionals!
STORBANG
https://www.storbang.com/be-your-own-action-hero
We make tools and systems for film professionals who want to BANG out their STORies quickly and effectively. We also produce dry, offbeat and irreverent videos and brand concepts.
ABOUT STEVE - FROM STEVE
I’m not an actor, but I play one on TV… when I hook my computer up to it. I created my own web series where I get to be my own TV star and I want to help you do that too — without any money, special skills or fancy equipment.
Ross Berger on Writing Video Games and Teaching at USC with the Creative Writing Life Podcast
Ross Berger joined the Creative Writing Life podcast to discuss writing video games and to share what it's like to teach at USC. IMDb - https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm1785725/credits His books: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1P5JP6H
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XH3N3D2 FROM ROSS: I'm a consumer-focused creative leader with over fifteen years of content creation experience, who's worked for both SMB and Fortune 500 companies. I embrace the future of content and have a long track record of working on new content platforms before they reach mainstream (YouTube, Virtual Reality, app creation). As a constant learner and trend predictor, I define my professional areas of expertise in two ways: Writing, Narrative Design, and Transmedia Strategy. I have written for television, new media, second-screen experiences, virtual reality, and video games. I've also helped companies develop entertainment franchises and soon-to-be-released brands through the writing of story bibles and content road-maps. Today, the different ways in which stories are told and brands are communicated require nimble thinking, intense collaboration, and a fluency in different media. I rise to the occasion under such demands. Project Management and Producing. I'm not just a creative. I'm also someone who welcomes the managerial demands of a project. Where 40% of my day is devoted to content creation, 60% is set aside for managing relationships with stakeholders, overseeing budgets and schedules, and leading co-workers and vendors to reach the quality bar for any given deliverable. I thrive on collaboration and do my level-best to remove any obstacle that a co-worker might face in their day-to-day.
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Learn more from Paul's and Justin's books, both on Amazon!
Jenny Frankfurt on the Finish Line Script Competition, Management, and More
Jenny Frankfurt joined us to discuss the Finish Line Script Competition, being a manager, and all sort of fun creative talk.
https://finishlinescriptcomp.com
ABOUT JENNY
Jenny Frankfurt is the founder of the Finish Line Script Competition. Finish Line is based on the idea that rewriting is essential to being a successful writer and we provide development notes when requested in order for writers to rewrite and resubmit new drafts (for free) throughout the competition. This mimics a studio, network or production company process and helps the writer prepare for a serious career in the entertainment industry.
Prior to Finish Line and her work as a script consultant, Jenny was a film and television literary manager/producer with her own company, Highstreet Management based in Los Angeles. Highstreet represented writers around the globe, specializing but not limited to breaking UK, European & Australian writers and directors into the US market. She sold television shows (both reality and fiction), features and staffed television shows for almost 20 years.
Jenny began her career in representation after graduating from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts by working at the William Morris Agency in New York where she worked for a legendary film, tv and playwright’s agent, who represented such writers as Eric Bogosian, William Mastrosimone, Warren Leight, Eric Overmyer and Jon Robin Baitz.
From NYC Jenny moved to Los Angeles where she worked at ICM with clients such as Susan Sarandon, Louis Malle, Johnny Depp, Lasse Hallstrom and Will Smith. After deciding management would give her more freedom to produce and influence her client’s careers she started working with manager Rick Yorn and clients such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, Claire Danes and Benicio Del Toro among others.
Jenny tried her own hand at producing the independent feature JOHNNY HIT AND RUN PAULINE, to which Emma Thompson was attached as Executive Producer. Jenny then started working with manager Benny Medina at Handprint Entertainment, representing talent, literary and production clients. She soon became Head of Handprint’s Literary Department.
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Learn more from Paul's and Justin's books, both on Amazon!
Ashley Scott Meyers on NFTs for Movies
Ashley Scott Meyers on NFTs for Movies
Check out his film!
https://tubitv.com/movies/654467/the-rideshare-killer
ABOUT ASHLEY
After graduating from college Ashley Scott Meyers moved from his childhood home in Annapolis, Maryland, to Los Angeles, California to pursue a career as a screenwriter.
During his first three years in Los Angeles, Meyers wrote or co-wrote eight feature length screenplays, earned his first few dollars as a screenwriter, and saw two of his original screenplays get produced.
Meyers sold Dish Dogs to 7.23 Productions. Dish Dogs was co-written with long time friend and writing partner, Nathan Ives. It's a semi-fictitious account of their travels across the country working as dish washers ("dish dogs") in various restaurants. Dish Dogs stars Sean Astin, Mattew Lillard, Brian Dennehy, Shannon Elizabeth, Maitland Ward, and Richard Moll.
Independent producer / director Douglas DeMarco produced Meyers' screenplay Reunion which eventually found distribution in some art house theaters around the world.
During his initial years in Los Angeles, Meyers returned to school and earned a Masters degree in Mass Communications, with a screenwriting emphasis, at Cal State, Northridge (CSUN).
Over the next few years Meyers continued to option and sell many screenplays. Some of the highlights include:
Rushlight, a film noir script Meyers wrote while at CSUN was produced and stars Josh Henderson, Beau Bridges, Aidan Quinn, and Haley Webb.
Meyers was hired to write a martial arts action screenplay by Big Boss Creative entitled, Ninja Apocalypse. It stars Ernie Reyes Jr, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa and Christian Oliver.
Man Overboard, also co-written with Nathan Ives, was sold to and produced by Treasure Entertainment. It's a broad comedy anchored in the world of boat sales. It won the Los Angeles Film & Script Festival.
Meyers co-wrote a feature comedy script, Turkey Day, with Mark Brown (Barbershop) that was optioned to Evergreen Pictures, LLC (based at Universal).
Ashley Scott Meyers' writing credits are listed on the Internet Movie Database (imdb.com) at this URL: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0583488/
Please leave reviews for the Creative Writing Life Podcast!
#creativewriting #podcast
Rich Hosek, Arnold Rudnick, and Loyd Aurbach on Trio Book Writing!
Rich Hosek, Arnold Rudnick, and Loyd Aurbach discuss writing a book on poltergeists, trio of authors, and going from screenwriting to the novel world.
Check out A Raney/Daye Investigation - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08K7L2P8Y
More links: https://www.richhosek.com/ https://www.amazon.com/stores/Loyd-Auerbach/author/B001HCZ2Y4?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true https://www.amazon.com/stores/Arnold-Rudnick/author/B002RDPLAW?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0395923/ imdb.com/name/nm0748860/ imdb.com/name/nm1992963/ Enjoy the #CreativeWriting Life #Podcast
Enjoy the #CreativeWriting Life #Podcast !!!
PT Hylton talks Screenwriting Managers, Roadmap, and Writing Fun!
PT Hylton joins Justin and Paul to discuss:
Roadmap Writers
Screenwriting Management
Writing novels and creating audiobooks
P.T. Hylton lives in Eastern Tennessee where he spends his time hiking, reading, and absently plucking on a guitar.
He loves strong coffee, brown ale, and a good plot twist. He does his best writing when his beagle is snoring at his feet.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00J8K7KWY/about
#creativewriting #screenwriting
Gerald Hanks on the VOTE Screenplay Writing Method, Contests, and Managers
Gerald Hanks joins Paul and Justin to discuss the VOTE Screenplay Writing Method, Contests, and Managers.
https://www.networkisa.org/profile/geraldhanks
BiographyGerald Hanks has written several award-winning short films from such festivals as the Houston International Film Festival, the Texas Shorts festival, and the West Coast International Film Festival.
His feature comedy script, "Scaredy Cat", made the finals of the National Lampoon Comedy Gold Screenwriting contest.
His feature drama script, "Prodigal", won the Kairos Prize for Spiritually Uplifiting Screenplays.
Gerald has been a screenwriting judge for various contests, as well as providing script consultations for private clients.
Gerald has also presented and modereated panels on the screenwriting process at sci-fi conventions, including Houston's Comicpalooza and Lafayette's Louisana Comic-Con.
You can find our more about Gerald's approach to screenwriting as his blog, Story Into Screenplay (www.storyintoscreenplay.com).
Nathan Graham Davis on Breaking into Hollywood as a Screenwriter
Nathan Graham Davis joins the group to discuss breaking BACK into Hollywood, getting old scripts made, and going pro as a screenwriter!
Screenwriter | Author | ProducerFROM NATE:
I write about things that fascinate, thrill, and scare me. With a background in the business and financial worlds, I enjoy finding ways to get stuff made.
Keep an eye out for AFTERMATH, directed by Patrick Lussier and starring Dylan Sprouse, Mason Gooding, Dichen Lachman, and Megan Stott. Coming out later this year!
Representation: Jeff Belkin @ Zero Gravity
Check out Going Pro, the latest series on my YouTube, following my attempt to turn my momentum into a full-time screenwriting and producing carer.
FIND HIS CREDITS: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10181436/
#Screenwriter #Screenwriting
Chip Street talks Optioning and Selling Screenplays
This week on the Creative Writing Life podcast, Chip Street joins Justin and Paul to discuss #screenplay #options!
Watch the YouTube video here - https://youtu.be/QS4lfrK48G4
21 Things You Need To Know About Screenplay Options: The Indie Screenwriter's Guide To Protecting Yourself And Getting The Best Deal Kindle Edition
by Chip Street
Chip Street on Optioning Your Screenplay
21 Things You Need To Know About Screenplay Options: The Indie Screenwriter's Guide To Protecting Yourself And Getting The Best Deal
Are you an indie screenwriter looking to protect yourself and secure the best deal in a screenplay option? Look no further than Chip Street's 21 Things You Need To Know About Screenplay Options: The Indie Screenwriter's Guide.
Based on his own experiences and negotiations, Chip offers valuable insight and tips on navigating the option process. He even enlisted the help of a top lawyer to mark up contracts and go over potential points of concern or negotiation.
With Chip's guidance, you'll feel more informed and confident in your own negotiations. And, with Chip's own successful track record as a professional screenwriter in various genres, you can trust that his advice is well-informed and effective.
Don't miss out on Chip Street's expert advice in 21 Things You Need To Know About Screenplay Options: The Indie Screenwriter's Guide. Protect yourself and secure the best deal for your screenplay today.
About the Author
Chip Street is a professional screenwriter in a variety of genres. His feature screenplay "Rocket Summer" has sold and is looking for funding and distribution. He also has multiple options on other properties, and dozens of shorts and industrials produced.
IMDB credits include screenwriter (additional writer), story consultant, short screenwriter, art director, and director. He's also been a screenplay contest judge and a juror for film festivals.
Placements include: Semi-finalist Slamdance (co-writer). Top 20% Austin FF (co-writer). Top 15% Nicholl. Finalist Shriekfest Screenplay Competition.
Chip's articles on writing and storytelling have been cited, referenced, or quoted by SimplyScripts, Script Magazine, the BlueCat Newsletter, IndieWire, JohnAugust.com, Bleeding Cool, ScriptTips, Scriptchat, MovieOutline.com, No Film School, and Wikipedia.
AI Tools for Writers - ChatGPT, SudoWrite, and NovelAI
Justin and Paul discuss writing tools for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how we can all leverage AI to improve our process. Such tools include ChatGPT, SudoWrite, and NovelAI.
https://chat.openai.com
https://www.sudowrite.com/app
https://novelai.net
Writing Goals and Strategies for the New Year (2023)!
Justin and Paul discuss what they did in 2022 and how they are working to achieve their 2023 writing goals. Listen in for advice on how to set writer goals and achieve them.
#Screenwrting #NovelWriting #Game Writing
Brian Drake on 20Books Vegas!
20Books Vegas just opened up again for registration, so Brian Drake joined us AGAIN to discuss the conference with Justin. Also, this year, Justin joined a Skyrim designer to discuss writing for games.
http://20booksvegas.com/
What is 20Books Vegas all about? Here’s the introduction speeches and high-powered author panel from 20Books Vegas 2022. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrqmZBt-FWUWnxWD2x5Ucg
20Books Vegas 2022 was by far the biggest and best of the 20Books shows (we’ve had a bunch). It is the biggest show in the world focused on self-publishing although there is something for every author, traditional or indie.
Why would you come to Las Vegas in November to be with up to 2500 authors, publishers, and industry professionals? Because we believe that everyone deserves a chance to succeed if they take the knowledge and experience and apply it to their author business. What if you could ask a question of someone who is where you want to be? What would that question be? Vegas gives you that opportunity.
We had over 300 authors making full-time money from their writing. There will be something for everyone. Be warned, no one is going to carry you and make you an overnight sensation. You have to do that for yourself by applying what over 100 guest speakers have to offer. Are you ready to excel, reap the rewards of your good work? Then take control of your author career.
There is no other conference like 20Books Vegas. This show is predicated on the principle of giving back. It is run without any profit. We run this show because philanthropy is a part of our lives. We make our money off our fiction. We don’t need to make it from other authors. So we don’t. We get our reward when we see others
We have our Live Events YouTube Channel so you can see the types of presentations we have made along with our daily material. Please follow the 20Booksto50k(R) Live Events channel for a great source of information on all things publishing.