Sunday, May 6, 2012
No Time Like This Time
I haven't been blogging in over a year. You would think that it was due to being busy writing. Well, aren't you surprised. This is just a place holder entry to hopefully prevent my accounts form being closed. Lets see what happens.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Call My Bluff
For some time now I have been making excuses not to write. One promise I made is that if I bought myself a new, better laptop, that I would be committed to write consistently.
Well. now the road meets the rubber. Kristi bought me a cool little red Acer netbook for my Birthday.
After some fiddling, I have found that my old Movie Magic Screen Writer program will work on this new Windows 7. No more excuses. No more dragging my feet. No more not writing. Click click clack clack.
Well. now the road meets the rubber. Kristi bought me a cool little red Acer netbook for my Birthday.
After some fiddling, I have found that my old Movie Magic Screen Writer program will work on this new Windows 7. No more excuses. No more dragging my feet. No more not writing. Click click clack clack.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
To Sitcom or Not to Sitcom...
Over the years of coming up with feature film story ideas, or ideas for TV series, I have never been able to form an idea for a scripted TV series such as a situation comedy or a drama.
Recently I had been put to the task of coming up with a synopsis for such a beast, and I was surprisingly able to write out several. Five of the six ideas are for half hour sitcoms. By the nature of the beast, they are not ground breaking or completely original. I openly compare each to the shows which influenced them. One idea is for the new entity called the dramedy, which is a dramatic comedy. A serious story with a number of funny, or awkwardly funny moments.
Right now these synopses are in the hands a a Producers, waiting to see if they can generate any interest or some development money. Development money being cash in my pocket so I can sit at home and turn ideas into full scripts.
My track record for sitcoms is not great but not bad either. I did get short listed for auditions as a writer for the first (and only) sitcom that I tired to get hired on with. Tired being the not great part.
Recently I had been put to the task of coming up with a synopsis for such a beast, and I was surprisingly able to write out several. Five of the six ideas are for half hour sitcoms. By the nature of the beast, they are not ground breaking or completely original. I openly compare each to the shows which influenced them. One idea is for the new entity called the dramedy, which is a dramatic comedy. A serious story with a number of funny, or awkwardly funny moments.
Right now these synopses are in the hands a a Producers, waiting to see if they can generate any interest or some development money. Development money being cash in my pocket so I can sit at home and turn ideas into full scripts.
My track record for sitcoms is not great but not bad either. I did get short listed for auditions as a writer for the first (and only) sitcom that I tired to get hired on with. Tired being the not great part.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Thanks But No Thanks
The writer job for that crappy show came and went for me. I received an email from their producer saying "if you received this email we will not be hiring you." Well.
For some one with a huge ego like me, that was an insult. Rejection is always hard for me and everyone else. This how ever, is one of those situations where you, out of some sort of desperation, ask the "ugly girl" at the bar to dance, and she says "no". Now in my head I am singing The Monks, Nice Legs Shame About the Face.
When I applied for the show, they didn't name it, just described it. Even when I found out what the show was, it was a program I had never seen or even heard of. When I finally did watch my first episode, I had second thoughts about working on it.
Well that problem has been solved. Thank you very much. I would have been happy to make some money as a writer and to earn a TV credit as a writer, but as bad as the show is, maybe it was a blessing.
However, I may get the last laugh. As terrible as this show is, the concept is actually pretty good. I plan to steal the concept from them and develop its full potential. There is room for a The Larry Sanders Show format, using an entertainment reporter instead of a talk show host. With entertainment shows like TMZ, Access Hollywood, and Entertainment Tonight at their most popular, it would be good timing to have a parody of these programs.
So screw you.
For some one with a huge ego like me, that was an insult. Rejection is always hard for me and everyone else. This how ever, is one of those situations where you, out of some sort of desperation, ask the "ugly girl" at the bar to dance, and she says "no". Now in my head I am singing The Monks, Nice Legs Shame About the Face.
When I applied for the show, they didn't name it, just described it. Even when I found out what the show was, it was a program I had never seen or even heard of. When I finally did watch my first episode, I had second thoughts about working on it.
Well that problem has been solved. Thank you very much. I would have been happy to make some money as a writer and to earn a TV credit as a writer, but as bad as the show is, maybe it was a blessing.
However, I may get the last laugh. As terrible as this show is, the concept is actually pretty good. I plan to steal the concept from them and develop its full potential. There is room for a The Larry Sanders Show format, using an entertainment reporter instead of a talk show host. With entertainment shows like TMZ, Access Hollywood, and Entertainment Tonight at their most popular, it would be good timing to have a parody of these programs.
So screw you.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Writer Audition
Last week for the first time in my career I applied for a job as a writer on a TV show. Not very often you find postings for writer positions. Most often working writers live in a pool of nepotism; being hired by producers they have worked with before, or by fellow writers who know them well.
The ad was vague. Not mentioning the name of the show, it only read that the show was a nationally broadcast comedy on one of Canada's major networks. That peaked my interest.
Thinking outside the box, my cover letter and resume was more of a comic short story than a standard application. My thinking was, if the show is looking for funny writers, then I will show them "my funny". It paid off.
Being notified that out of 300 applicants, I had been short listed. It goes without saying that I was pleased with myself.
The production company scheduled me in for not an interview, but an audition. It was to become clear why this was an audition and not a job interview, there was no interviewing to be had.
My 2 hour commute got my to the production office 2 hours early, so it gave me plenty of time to sit at the neighbour pastry shop and prepare myself for the scheduled 5 hour interview/ audition. Did Corey just say 5 hours? Yes that is right, 5 hours.
When I arrived for my 10:45am meeting, it was straight to work. I was processed by who I think was the office production coordinator, though she didn't introduce herself at at. There was no meet and greet chit chat or pre-interview get-to-know-you talk. A desk was assigned to me, along with an assignment sheet and a DVD of clips.
From what I could tell, I was the only person auditioning at the time. Maybe even that day, being I was there for so long. There were only two other office personal in the room with me, and a third person who would come and go.
Sitting down at the desk, I fired up my borrow laptop, and didn't come up for air until I was finished, 5 hour later. Not once in that time did I have any contact from anyone working in the office. Even to ask me how it was going? I found that strange. When finished, the coordinator seemed very uninterested that I was leaving. However, I was done and felt pretty good about the work I did.
Let me preface this paragraph with the note of how hard it is to writer cold turkey, for characters you don't know, that are on a show you have never seen.
The entire audition was obviously, writing. I was given three assignments which each had three of four segments to them. The first assignment was to write some voice over monologue for the main character. One the DVD was a set up clip of a scene. The second clip was the voice over clip I had to write for. It was a montage sequence, so all the voice over needed to be one-liners. As I said, it is tricky to write something funny in the voice of a character, when you don't have any exposure to that character.
The second assignment was to write two bridge scenes. One the DVD I was given a set up scene, then followed the end scene. The assignment was to fill in the gap with two more scenes to get the main character from A to B. The end scene also asked for more voice over material. Even though it was longer, this was actually easier to write than the one-liner voice overs.
The third assignment was what they called the "brain storming" part. There were five different scenarios for the main character to be in, and I was asked to expand on each one. This was relatively easy to do, however, because it was the end of the day, and less structured of an assignment, I just rushed it out and didn't put a lot of effort or thought into it. Which is always a good way to approach impressing someone.
For those of us who write, writing is easy. Writing well is hard. Writing in someone else's style is impossible.
From the casting that I have done in the past, I always compared the audition process to a first date. It's an uncomfortable, nervous situation. You do not know what to expect. And you are trying your best to impress the other person. However, to make a match you have to have that chemistry. Either you fit or you don't. If you don't its not a mark against you, there is just no compatibility.
The show itself will remain nameless. It was a program that I had never heard of or seen before. The concept was great, using a "Larry Sanders Show" format. Real movie stars are interviewed in real press junket situations. Then scripted stories are written to lead up or follow that interview. However the show is produced on a nothing budget, and this prevents it from reaching its full potential. They have to settle and make do, and this hurts them in my opinion.
If you have seen the show, you will recognise the description right away. If you haven't seen it, I will tell you to watch only if I get the writers job.
Or to make myself feel better, I am reminded that not every big star or director gets every movie they want, because they might not be right for it. They are still great at what they do, but just not picked for that certain one. For me, I wrote in the voice that I write. If they like it and it works for them, that's good for everyone. If not, then that's how it is.
Where I might have screwed myself had nothing to do with my writing skills. The one call back I received from the production company was about my status as an Ontario resident. All Canadian TV shows fund themselves in part with provincial Tax Credits. Shoot in the province and hire local people, and you get huge tax breaks on your costs. Well, I am not an Ontario resident, on paper. I have been here for years, but do not have a provincial driver license or hospital insurance.
* note to self: If you want to work in Ontario, you got to be from Ontario.
The ad was vague. Not mentioning the name of the show, it only read that the show was a nationally broadcast comedy on one of Canada's major networks. That peaked my interest.
Thinking outside the box, my cover letter and resume was more of a comic short story than a standard application. My thinking was, if the show is looking for funny writers, then I will show them "my funny". It paid off.
Being notified that out of 300 applicants, I had been short listed. It goes without saying that I was pleased with myself.
The production company scheduled me in for not an interview, but an audition. It was to become clear why this was an audition and not a job interview, there was no interviewing to be had.
My 2 hour commute got my to the production office 2 hours early, so it gave me plenty of time to sit at the neighbour pastry shop and prepare myself for the scheduled 5 hour interview/ audition. Did Corey just say 5 hours? Yes that is right, 5 hours.
When I arrived for my 10:45am meeting, it was straight to work. I was processed by who I think was the office production coordinator, though she didn't introduce herself at at. There was no meet and greet chit chat or pre-interview get-to-know-you talk. A desk was assigned to me, along with an assignment sheet and a DVD of clips.
From what I could tell, I was the only person auditioning at the time. Maybe even that day, being I was there for so long. There were only two other office personal in the room with me, and a third person who would come and go.
Sitting down at the desk, I fired up my borrow laptop, and didn't come up for air until I was finished, 5 hour later. Not once in that time did I have any contact from anyone working in the office. Even to ask me how it was going? I found that strange. When finished, the coordinator seemed very uninterested that I was leaving. However, I was done and felt pretty good about the work I did.
Let me preface this paragraph with the note of how hard it is to writer cold turkey, for characters you don't know, that are on a show you have never seen.
The entire audition was obviously, writing. I was given three assignments which each had three of four segments to them. The first assignment was to write some voice over monologue for the main character. One the DVD was a set up clip of a scene. The second clip was the voice over clip I had to write for. It was a montage sequence, so all the voice over needed to be one-liners. As I said, it is tricky to write something funny in the voice of a character, when you don't have any exposure to that character.
The second assignment was to write two bridge scenes. One the DVD I was given a set up scene, then followed the end scene. The assignment was to fill in the gap with two more scenes to get the main character from A to B. The end scene also asked for more voice over material. Even though it was longer, this was actually easier to write than the one-liner voice overs.
The third assignment was what they called the "brain storming" part. There were five different scenarios for the main character to be in, and I was asked to expand on each one. This was relatively easy to do, however, because it was the end of the day, and less structured of an assignment, I just rushed it out and didn't put a lot of effort or thought into it. Which is always a good way to approach impressing someone.
For those of us who write, writing is easy. Writing well is hard. Writing in someone else's style is impossible.
From the casting that I have done in the past, I always compared the audition process to a first date. It's an uncomfortable, nervous situation. You do not know what to expect. And you are trying your best to impress the other person. However, to make a match you have to have that chemistry. Either you fit or you don't. If you don't its not a mark against you, there is just no compatibility.
The show itself will remain nameless. It was a program that I had never heard of or seen before. The concept was great, using a "Larry Sanders Show" format. Real movie stars are interviewed in real press junket situations. Then scripted stories are written to lead up or follow that interview. However the show is produced on a nothing budget, and this prevents it from reaching its full potential. They have to settle and make do, and this hurts them in my opinion.
If you have seen the show, you will recognise the description right away. If you haven't seen it, I will tell you to watch only if I get the writers job.
Or to make myself feel better, I am reminded that not every big star or director gets every movie they want, because they might not be right for it. They are still great at what they do, but just not picked for that certain one. For me, I wrote in the voice that I write. If they like it and it works for them, that's good for everyone. If not, then that's how it is.
Where I might have screwed myself had nothing to do with my writing skills. The one call back I received from the production company was about my status as an Ontario resident. All Canadian TV shows fund themselves in part with provincial Tax Credits. Shoot in the province and hire local people, and you get huge tax breaks on your costs. Well, I am not an Ontario resident, on paper. I have been here for years, but do not have a provincial driver license or hospital insurance.
* note to self: If you want to work in Ontario, you got to be from Ontario.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Written Writing Wrote
For the first time ever I am applying to job as a writer. Crazy. I am excited about it, but won't get my hopes up. However, the description sounds perfect for me. Let's see what happens.
WRITERS (non-union, part time)
WRITERS must feel that they have an arsenal of writing craft at hand, including dialogue skills such as double-duty dialogue, economy of words, character development and a snappy sense of humour that doesn’t entirely rely on pop-culture references. Think shows like: “Curb Your enthusiasm”; “Larry Sanders” and “30 Rock”. Writers must also have the ability to fashion non-narrative voice-over – “inner thoughts” that relate in an unobvious way to the on-screen visuals. They must also come up with whole-scenes, and whole-story ideas. Most importantly, they must be able to write for a 30-something, single professional female who is intelligent but has “blonde moments” (or neuroses).
Is that me or what?
WRITERS (non-union, part time)
WRITERS must feel that they have an arsenal of writing craft at hand, including dialogue skills such as double-duty dialogue, economy of words, character development and a snappy sense of humour that doesn’t entirely rely on pop-culture references. Think shows like: “Curb Your enthusiasm”; “Larry Sanders” and “30 Rock”. Writers must also have the ability to fashion non-narrative voice-over – “inner thoughts” that relate in an unobvious way to the on-screen visuals. They must also come up with whole-scenes, and whole-story ideas. Most importantly, they must be able to write for a 30-something, single professional female who is intelligent but has “blonde moments” (or neuroses).
Is that me or what?
Monday, April 5, 2010
Robbed Again, or The Farrelly Brothers are Bastards.
Once again I find that a great script idea is being made by someone else. This happens a lot to me. Of course the main difference is they are making movies, and I only have script ideas.
My some times writing partner Dwain D, Double D, had come up with what I recognized as a great Rom-Com script idea.
Free Pass, A married man and his wife grant each other the opportunity to have an affair with the celebrity of their desire. Things get a little out of control when these fantasy role games become a possible reality.
Lo and behold, I discovered that the new Farrelly Brothers movie, that just started shooting is THIS MOVIE.
Hall Pass: A married man is granted the opportunity to have an affair by his wife. Joined in the fun by his best pal, things get a little out of control when both wives start engaging in extramarital activities as well.
Down to the title even. The only difference is the celebrity part. Which might even be part of it too.
The Farrelly Brothers even cast the movie with actors I would have used; Christina Applegate, Alyssa Milano, and Jenna Fischer, some of my favourite female comic actors.
I was exposed to this concept by an episode of King of Queens. Doug and Carrie pillow talk about who there fantasy person is. They agree if the opportunity ever came up they would get a free pass. Carrie decides on Mel Gibson, and Doug closes with "the girl who does your nails."
At the time I thought it was a very funny joke, but that's all. Then parallel to this, DD pitches the idea of Free Pass, and the idea just clicked, yes this would make a great feature.
And, apparently we were not the only ones to think so.
I hope it turns out good. I know it will.
My some times writing partner Dwain D, Double D, had come up with what I recognized as a great Rom-Com script idea.
Free Pass, A married man and his wife grant each other the opportunity to have an affair with the celebrity of their desire. Things get a little out of control when these fantasy role games become a possible reality.
Lo and behold, I discovered that the new Farrelly Brothers movie, that just started shooting is THIS MOVIE.
Hall Pass: A married man is granted the opportunity to have an affair by his wife. Joined in the fun by his best pal, things get a little out of control when both wives start engaging in extramarital activities as well.
Down to the title even. The only difference is the celebrity part. Which might even be part of it too.
The Farrelly Brothers even cast the movie with actors I would have used; Christina Applegate, Alyssa Milano, and Jenna Fischer, some of my favourite female comic actors.
I was exposed to this concept by an episode of King of Queens. Doug and Carrie pillow talk about who there fantasy person is. They agree if the opportunity ever came up they would get a free pass. Carrie decides on Mel Gibson, and Doug closes with "the girl who does your nails."
At the time I thought it was a very funny joke, but that's all. Then parallel to this, DD pitches the idea of Free Pass, and the idea just clicked, yes this would make a great feature.
And, apparently we were not the only ones to think so.
I hope it turns out good. I know it will.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Funny How the Page Doesn't Fill Itself
Why haven't I been writing? What is the deal? I have been holding out waiting to see if we sold Wheels of Fortune. Then recently I have been waiting to see if any funding came through for the few script outlines I have submitted.
I keep thinking if I buy myself a new laptop I will then be ready to write write and write. Yeah right.
However, that is no excuse not to be writing while I wait. Hopefully I am done wasting time, and now will be more motivated to get some ink to the page.
Times a wasting, so lets get to it.
I keep thinking if I buy myself a new laptop I will then be ready to write write and write. Yeah right.
However, that is no excuse not to be writing while I wait. Hopefully I am done wasting time, and now will be more motivated to get some ink to the page.
Times a wasting, so lets get to it.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Never Ending Proccess
Working in the Film and Television industry is a hard field to get a head in. Within that field probably the hardest area to work on is being a writer. Writers must be a self loathing group, why else would you try to make a living at it.
The big script sell that was building up for the last eight months for Wheels of Fortune has fallen through. At times it looked like a sure thing, then it sort of seemed doom. Then there was a glimmer of hope, but finally the producer decided to pass. Which was too bad.
We hit the ground running with that one and it looked like we were going to be very lucky making a sell on our first time out. Too keep my positive energy up, I do tell myself that I am lucky to have even gotten the script on to the desk of a big producer. let alone have discussions with him about it.
Wheels of Fortune isn't dead yet. The local producer who had been working as a go-between for us, still has a few ideas to milk some life out of the script. So we can only hope that something can be done with it.
The next step is to get an agent who can knock on doors and hawk the script for us. Its a strong story and can have a life for the right team.
Mean while I am working with my local producer to secure some development funds for a new script idea, or two even.
Keep moving ahead and never be discouraged.
The big script sell that was building up for the last eight months for Wheels of Fortune has fallen through. At times it looked like a sure thing, then it sort of seemed doom. Then there was a glimmer of hope, but finally the producer decided to pass. Which was too bad.
We hit the ground running with that one and it looked like we were going to be very lucky making a sell on our first time out. Too keep my positive energy up, I do tell myself that I am lucky to have even gotten the script on to the desk of a big producer. let alone have discussions with him about it.
Wheels of Fortune isn't dead yet. The local producer who had been working as a go-between for us, still has a few ideas to milk some life out of the script. So we can only hope that something can be done with it.
The next step is to get an agent who can knock on doors and hawk the script for us. Its a strong story and can have a life for the right team.
Mean while I am working with my local producer to secure some development funds for a new script idea, or two even.
Keep moving ahead and never be discouraged.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Motivation
I desperately lack motivation, however I am determined to write massive amounts this year.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
The Blank Page
Is it a tell-tale sign that I haven't been writing in my blog about writing? Does that suggest to you that I haven't written any thing to write about, or does it say that I am not writing at all?
Or maybe it shows that I am too busy writing to write anything (in my blog). Wishful thinking.
Either way, it is telling me to keep writing.
Or maybe it shows that I am too busy writing to write anything (in my blog). Wishful thinking.
Either way, it is telling me to keep writing.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Ophelia Muse
When writing I respond best to using a muse. Even if its just a song, or a picture, I can be inspired to create entire scenes around that item. With my characters I like to use amuse as well. I cast the character in my mind and the persona of that actor to help develop the character. It works very well for me.
For my Ophelia story, now set in contemporary times, I have a rough idea of who I wanted her to be, besides what Shakespeare had already written. Ophelia is a teenager, so she is complicated as teenage girls are. Still a child in some ways, but struggling with adult issues in other ways. And of course so much of what affects the self esteem of a teenage girl is boys. Her boy being of course the older and dangerous Hamlet.
Ophelia's life is complex. Her mother is not in the picture. We can assume dead. Her father has questionable morals. Her older brother wants nothing to do with the family and got away as soon as he could. She is in love with the much older troubled playboy son of his father's (now dead) boss.
She is an innocent young girl caught up in a world of deceitful adults. Just like any teenager, she just wants to live her life, and is confused by the world around her. But there are time when she does feel free and is happy. Her life is full of highs and lows.
So I was on the look out for a muse to use on Ophelia. To inspire myself I have created a soundtrack in an iTunes playlist with songs that I feel reflect her best and emotes the tone of certain scenes that I listen to as I write.
Originally I was using Winona Ryder's character from Reality Bites as a template. Winnie has that sweet, confused, strong yet innocent persona that is very appealing. There are elements of that character and that persona which I will keep and use.
However, flipping through youtube I have come across a couple of videos that capture elements of Ophelia very clearly. One youtuber I found is a girl called mememolly.
Mememolly plays Ophelia better than I could have written. She is Ophelia. A beautiful teenage British girl who loves music and being creative. She loves her friends and lives a rich fantasy life.
She makes little videos that are playful or moody or reflective. Ranging the field of emotions that makes some one interesting. Mememolly is a very smart girl. She has created this internet persona that has all the likable qualities about it. She is a youtube superstar in the youtube world with millions of views on her videos. I have never heard of her until now, but her popularity shows how appealing that 'character' can be. What is important to me is that it has all the elements I want for Ophelia. This girl (now a woman because the clips are old) could probably do a better job of writing the character of Ophelia than I could. So I will steal what ever I can.
The other is a clip I found that has a scene I want to recreate for the script. It is just a goofy 'girls having fun' moment that can show Ophelia in a good place of being happy. I am not sure if the clip is real or created. There are undertones that are a sexual, which plays well for Ophelia's coming of age and touches on her relationship with Hamlet. I don't think this second clip will play because you seem to have be logged in and over 18 to play. The content doesn't seem to warrant that restriction, but I don't make the rules.
For my Ophelia story, now set in contemporary times, I have a rough idea of who I wanted her to be, besides what Shakespeare had already written. Ophelia is a teenager, so she is complicated as teenage girls are. Still a child in some ways, but struggling with adult issues in other ways. And of course so much of what affects the self esteem of a teenage girl is boys. Her boy being of course the older and dangerous Hamlet.
Ophelia's life is complex. Her mother is not in the picture. We can assume dead. Her father has questionable morals. Her older brother wants nothing to do with the family and got away as soon as he could. She is in love with the much older troubled playboy son of his father's (now dead) boss.
She is an innocent young girl caught up in a world of deceitful adults. Just like any teenager, she just wants to live her life, and is confused by the world around her. But there are time when she does feel free and is happy. Her life is full of highs and lows.
So I was on the look out for a muse to use on Ophelia. To inspire myself I have created a soundtrack in an iTunes playlist with songs that I feel reflect her best and emotes the tone of certain scenes that I listen to as I write.
Originally I was using Winona Ryder's character from Reality Bites as a template. Winnie has that sweet, confused, strong yet innocent persona that is very appealing. There are elements of that character and that persona which I will keep and use.
However, flipping through youtube I have come across a couple of videos that capture elements of Ophelia very clearly. One youtuber I found is a girl called mememolly.
Mememolly plays Ophelia better than I could have written. She is Ophelia. A beautiful teenage British girl who loves music and being creative. She loves her friends and lives a rich fantasy life.
She makes little videos that are playful or moody or reflective. Ranging the field of emotions that makes some one interesting. Mememolly is a very smart girl. She has created this internet persona that has all the likable qualities about it. She is a youtube superstar in the youtube world with millions of views on her videos. I have never heard of her until now, but her popularity shows how appealing that 'character' can be. What is important to me is that it has all the elements I want for Ophelia. This girl (now a woman because the clips are old) could probably do a better job of writing the character of Ophelia than I could. So I will steal what ever I can.
The other is a clip I found that has a scene I want to recreate for the script. It is just a goofy 'girls having fun' moment that can show Ophelia in a good place of being happy. I am not sure if the clip is real or created. There are undertones that are a sexual, which plays well for Ophelia's coming of age and touches on her relationship with Hamlet. I don't think this second clip will play because you seem to have be logged in and over 18 to play. The content doesn't seem to warrant that restriction, but I don't make the rules.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
One Down
The script Wheels of Fortune that Dwain and I have have been working on for ages is done. Well, nothing is ever down if you keep it front of you, so we sent it away so we would stop writing it.Lucky Dwain has been able to meet with a Producer we know, who is looking at the script and coming back with notes for us. This Producer (obviously I am not name dropping) is also sending the script with a great cover letter to some other Hollywood Producer contacts.
It's a nice step. Nothing to get excited about, but is a step. It's something. Better than nothing. More than others could say. So that is where Wheels is at.
There is still some tweaking I would like to do to the script. Add a few scenes that I think it is missing. Flesh out a few areas that's are still a little thin. With the notes we get back, that might be the case anyhow. We will see.
For now, we are on to the next co-writer script, JUMP. I am excited about JUMP. I like the story. I think it is a real catchy sell able idea. It has all the points: action, drama, danger, love story. All within a pretty fresh context.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
That Sounds Familiar
For the last 6 - 12 months I have been kicking around and slowly developing BobbleHead James, a comedy loosely based on James Whittingham. It’s about a children's TV entertainer with anger management issues. At one point it was an animated series and then it was a sitcom. Once I heard that Corner Gas was ending I even thought about trying to pitch it to Brent Butt.
Then yesterday watching TV on my flight to Toronto, speak of the devil I see Brent Butt on Canada AM talking about his new TV series he is doing with CTV starring his real life wife Nancy Robertson as (get this) a children's author with anger management issues.
Fuck you!
I was actually pleased with how well the show bible and first script were coming along for this comedy series. In my fantasy world BobbleHead James was actually a show which I thought could be pitched and have a development deal come out of. There is a snowball's chance in hell of that now. CTV/Comedy Channel are not likely to want to finance a Law and Order franchise of child related professionals who have anger issues: The Angry Children’s Author, The Angry Children's TV Entertainer, The Angry Kindergarten Teacher, The Angry Crossing Guard, The Angry Pediatrician. But then again, I wonder what Dick Wolf is working on these days?
If a show idea falls in the forest and no network is there to hear, would it ever get made? The answer to that is pretty simple… Fuck you Brent Butt, fuck you!
Then yesterday watching TV on my flight to Toronto, speak of the devil I see Brent Butt on Canada AM talking about his new TV series he is doing with CTV starring his real life wife Nancy Robertson as (get this) a children's author with anger management issues.
Fuck you!
I was actually pleased with how well the show bible and first script were coming along for this comedy series. In my fantasy world BobbleHead James was actually a show which I thought could be pitched and have a development deal come out of. There is a snowball's chance in hell of that now. CTV/Comedy Channel are not likely to want to finance a Law and Order franchise of child related professionals who have anger issues: The Angry Children’s Author, The Angry Children's TV Entertainer, The Angry Kindergarten Teacher, The Angry Crossing Guard, The Angry Pediatrician. But then again, I wonder what Dick Wolf is working on these days?
If a show idea falls in the forest and no network is there to hear, would it ever get made? The answer to that is pretty simple… Fuck you Brent Butt, fuck you!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Finish What You Started
I have to finish the "Hannah" script I wrote with Dwain Dupley. We started and stopped it a number of times over the last eon. Right now its just final draft tweaking. That seems to be the hardest part. Too much time has been spent on it. We are getting to the point where you get into the writer's loop of endless tweaks and rewrites.
I have been indirectly avoiding doing my share of the work on it these past few weeks and Dwain has been waiting and waiting for me. Its become painful some how.
So before I start any new ideas I will actually make a job out of finishing this script off once and for all. And soon too.
I have been indirectly avoiding doing my share of the work on it these past few weeks and Dwain has been waiting and waiting for me. Its become painful some how.
So before I start any new ideas I will actually make a job out of finishing this script off once and for all. And soon too.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Bobble Head James
I have been tossing this idea of an animated series around in my head and to a few people for a number of months now. The details, even the concept is still in its infancy right now, but I have a good feeling that I am on the right track with this idea.
Writing a series is something new to me. I do not know the dynamics or particulars that are involved with it - not knowing that the first commercial break comes at 5 minutes in and needing to have the first act end there - sort of thing. To me, those details are mechanics. Important, but something that can be laid out and learned.
An animated series is something new as well. The process. The work flow. The cost. The time line.
Yet nothing is too daunting. Some of the details are different, but in the end it is still "just" the production of a show, which I have done.
A good lesson for such problems, that I learned back in film school even, is to surround yourself with skilled people who do their craft well, who will make your life much more bearable. That is what I would do in this case. Of course all my TV film friends know that, because that is what they do for a living, be the experts.
Even with that in mind, there is something to be said for the low low budget home made production as well. Good old Photoshop, After Effects, and FCP can allow Corey sit at home, for a number of months, and animate the thing himself if need be. If there is a will, there is a way.
So Bobble Head James (BHJ) is my attempt at PG-14 animation. That genre is a proven solid field, sought after even in many markets. Its also one of the most interesting genres. Animation lets you be as creative as you wish for challenging the laws of physics and nature. And nothing defies nature than a man with a giant bobble head. PG-14 lets you changes the show from a kiddies cartoon to something more interesting to watch. When you have a giant bobble for a head, you use a lot of PG-14 words. Thus a perfect marriage.
Bobble Head James (BHJ) is based on the true life of James Whittingham. Or more vaguely based on the concept of the appearance of his life. But don't tell James that.
James and Kevin were very successful, at least in the small Regina market. everyone knew them. Everyone loved them. James and Kevin even had a shot at national TV when Just For Laughs picked them up to host, and proceed to make James and Kevin not funny. I believe the folk lore states there was ab NBC deal in the works at one time, or talk of. However those days are gone.
That is where BHJ picks up. James is still recognized around Regina by fans and people who ask"Aren't you that guy from somewhere?" He, and Kevin to a lesser degree, are celebrities without the celebrity. Without the perks. Faces without names. The character of Bobble Head James has that same burden.
Bobble Head James was a famous children's TV entertainer. He had a very popular show and was adored by millions of children. Unfortunately his self-hating, anti-social, in-need-of-anger-management- classes, behavior ended his career. Now years later, he is try to get on with his life. The children he once entertained are now adults and still remember him clearly from their youth. When you have a giant bobble for a head, people tend to recognize you easily. It is these grown fans who are now the constant irritation is BHJ's life.
Stealing from Larry David's difficult personality in Curb Your Enthusiasm, and a little desperate disillusionment of Ricky Gervais in Extras, plus the magical Je Ne Sais Pas of the real James, (who would be playing BHJ) and you have some of the key ingredients that make up the Bobble Head James character.
Bobble Head James' goals are still undefined right now. I like the idea of there being a series story arc and a goal he is trying to reach. Freedom. Fame. Anonymity. I am leaning towards him wanting to get back on TV to start that career over, its what he does best. However he is his biggest hurdle. One minute he loves the attention from fans, then the next he hates it. Just like his bobble head, his personality is all over the map.
He will have a group of wacky friends ala Seinfeld. His best friend would be Kevin, reincarnated in some form or another, a talking cat, or his manager, or both many. Its an animation, things need to be a little weird.
Writing a series is something new to me. I do not know the dynamics or particulars that are involved with it - not knowing that the first commercial break comes at 5 minutes in and needing to have the first act end there - sort of thing. To me, those details are mechanics. Important, but something that can be laid out and learned.
An animated series is something new as well. The process. The work flow. The cost. The time line.
Yet nothing is too daunting. Some of the details are different, but in the end it is still "just" the production of a show, which I have done.
A good lesson for such problems, that I learned back in film school even, is to surround yourself with skilled people who do their craft well, who will make your life much more bearable. That is what I would do in this case. Of course all my TV film friends know that, because that is what they do for a living, be the experts.
Even with that in mind, there is something to be said for the low low budget home made production as well. Good old Photoshop, After Effects, and FCP can allow Corey sit at home, for a number of months, and animate the thing himself if need be. If there is a will, there is a way.
So Bobble Head James (BHJ) is my attempt at PG-14 animation. That genre is a proven solid field, sought after even in many markets. Its also one of the most interesting genres. Animation lets you be as creative as you wish for challenging the laws of physics and nature. And nothing defies nature than a man with a giant bobble head. PG-14 lets you changes the show from a kiddies cartoon to something more interesting to watch. When you have a giant bobble for a head, you use a lot of PG-14 words. Thus a perfect marriage.
Bobble Head James (BHJ) is based on the true life of James Whittingham. Or more vaguely based on the concept of the appearance of his life. But don't tell James that.
James and Kevin were very successful, at least in the small Regina market. everyone knew them. Everyone loved them. James and Kevin even had a shot at national TV when Just For Laughs picked them up to host, and proceed to make James and Kevin not funny. I believe the folk lore states there was ab NBC deal in the works at one time, or talk of. However those days are gone.
That is where BHJ picks up. James is still recognized around Regina by fans and people who ask"Aren't you that guy from somewhere?" He, and Kevin to a lesser degree, are celebrities without the celebrity. Without the perks. Faces without names. The character of Bobble Head James has that same burden.
Bobble Head James was a famous children's TV entertainer. He had a very popular show and was adored by millions of children. Unfortunately his self-hating, anti-social, in-need-of-anger-management- classes, behavior ended his career. Now years later, he is try to get on with his life. The children he once entertained are now adults and still remember him clearly from their youth. When you have a giant bobble for a head, people tend to recognize you easily. It is these grown fans who are now the constant irritation is BHJ's life.
Stealing from Larry David's difficult personality in Curb Your Enthusiasm, and a little desperate disillusionment of Ricky Gervais in Extras, plus the magical Je Ne Sais Pas of the real James, (who would be playing BHJ) and you have some of the key ingredients that make up the Bobble Head James character.
Bobble Head James' goals are still undefined right now. I like the idea of there being a series story arc and a goal he is trying to reach. Freedom. Fame. Anonymity. I am leaning towards him wanting to get back on TV to start that career over, its what he does best. However he is his biggest hurdle. One minute he loves the attention from fans, then the next he hates it. Just like his bobble head, his personality is all over the map.
He will have a group of wacky friends ala Seinfeld. His best friend would be Kevin, reincarnated in some form or another, a talking cat, or his manager, or both many. Its an animation, things need to be a little weird.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Trust Yourself
Many times I have put script ideas out to friends to feel out their responses, and many times it comes back cool to cold. Then, to my chagrin, months or years later I will see something produced that is very similar to what I was pitching.
So now I am ignoring everyone and putting my pen to paper. If I want to be a writer I better damn well start writing. This blog is will be a testament to my progress, or will be just another distraction stealing away valuable time and energy to the task at hand.
With that said, I don't think I will get started with any serious writing for a few days.
Nothing like a good start, eh?
So now I am ignoring everyone and putting my pen to paper. If I want to be a writer I better damn well start writing. This blog is will be a testament to my progress, or will be just another distraction stealing away valuable time and energy to the task at hand.
With that said, I don't think I will get started with any serious writing for a few days.
Nothing like a good start, eh?
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