WHO is your movie about? Use the first ten pages of your screenplay to SHOW us. It’s called “establishing your protagonist in his/her known world.” After the “hook,” which is a visual scene that sets the tone for movie (pages 1-3,) spend the next 7 pages leading up to the catalyst, AKA the inciting incident,…
By Jim Cirile We met former development exec and President of Debra Hill Productions Barri Evins at Great American Pitchfest in June, and we found her immediately impressive. A lovely and charming woman who comes from the bigs (and quite clearly knows her stuff,) she is a ball of energy and positivism. In addition, she…
Every up and coming writer dreams of breaking in. But what then? Here’s how to keep from going broke as a successful writer. Reprinted courtesy of Script magazine By Jim Cirile Ah, the life of the Hollywood screenwriter – fame! Fortune! Okay, not so much fame. But still – fortune! Right? Heck, your spec script…
Now: listen to the podcast right here: http://www.jeffreyborrowdale.c​om/audio/5_Myths_of_Contests_2​011-08-11.mp3 ++++ Hi folks, want to know the skinny on screenplay contests?Want to know which ones are the real deal?Want to know which ones (if any) the industry pays attention to?Want to know how to cut through the hordes and break into the top ten? Well, check out…
Hi folks, just a clarification/correction: in our blast that went out from Without a Box last week regarding Writers on the Storm contest (which is extended to 8/21 via Without a Box ONLY,) it appeared that manager Jeffrey Belkin was affliated with Save the Cat! This was because a comma was somehow omitted in our…
Ten Genres to Avoid Like the Plague by Jim Cirile Even more important than what’s hot right now? What’s ice cold. Our industry panelists give you the skinny on ten genres to avoid. ADVISORY BOARD Richard ArlookThe Arlook Group Nicole ClemensInternational Creative Management A.B. FischerThe Shuman Company Emile GladstoneInternational Creative Management Julien ThuanUnited Talent Agency…
The (Not Especially) Long Haul If you work hard enough and long enough and have no small amount of luck, you may just break in as a screenwriter. But how long will the gravy train run, and what can you do to keep it on the rails? by Jim Cirile Reprinted courtesy of Creative Screenwriting…
by Jim Cirile Adam Leipzig is one of a kind. He’s a golden-touch film exec who helped transform Disney from a film company who had never had a big hit to the behemoth it is today. For six years, he helmed National Geographic Films, whose successes include “March of the Penguins”. He’s also the same…
2010 promises to be an exciting year for Coverage Ink. We’re rolling out a brand-new web site in early February that will decrease the clutter, make navigation much simpler and add new and exciting content. We’re going to be rolling out instructional videos throughout the site (all free) and adding plenty of new articles, tips…
reprinted courtesy of “Creative Screenwriting” magazine Now more than ever, buyers are expecting agents and managers to bring them not just a spec script but a ready-to-shoot package complete with director and actors. We asked our panel how this affects them as they navigate increasingly tricky waters in search of a deal. By Jim Cirile…