Benjamin Ray's Screenwriting Blog

Make Your Screenwriting Goals Crystal Clear! Burn That Midnight Oil

Firstly I would like to thank Rona Edwards from this forum for pushing us to write our screenwriting goals for 2009. She is a true leader in this business.

Here's my goals for 2009 -- 6 steps which I will follow.

1.
I will make my goals crystal clear. Honest and specific.

1.1
I want to option/sell my screenplays and work with producers and directors on re-writes. At the momment, I have a full-time office admin job. I don't want to work as as a full-time or freelance screenwriter. This might change depending if I make a sale or not. From my past experiences -- aspiring and working towards a "romaticized" goal of becoming a full-time screenwriter was too gloomy and self-destructive. A "Barton Fink" lifestyle only exist on paper, not in reality. And yes, I have seen this movie over and over when it came out. I loved it. Thanks to the Coen brothers for creating an American masterpiece.

But I believe in the Real American Dream. Pennsylvanian full-time insurance salesman Brad Ingelsby had a nine to five job, but burned the midnight oil night after night and sold his thriller "The Low Dweller" for a whopping $650,000 against $1.1 million to big fish -- Relativity Media -- after an unheard bidding war for a newcomer.

So it is possible.

2.
My strategy for -- optioning/selling my screenplays --

(a) Connect with music video directors who became film directors and upcoming video directors
(b) Query agents and managers of upcoming and successful stand-up comedians
(c) Find all the AA and R-rated "dark" movies released in the theatres and on DVD, which shared similarities with my screenplays. Make a database of these producers and directors and watch their movies.
(d) Network with people who share the same vision. For example one of my scripts - Dance Desire Violence - takes place in New York, 1997. I will connect with producers who's interested or might be interested in this part of history and culture
(e) Write for free for - music videos, commercials, short films...
(f) Attend film festivals and meet visionary and promising film directors
(g) Apply to selective screenwriting contests like PAGE and NICHOLL...
(h) Work with professional script consultants and coverage providers
(i)...

3.
I will be realistic. I cannot expect to have James Cameron or Robert Rodriguez or Tarantino or Atom Egoyan or David Cronenberg to read my script when I haven't sold any of my scripts.

4.
I will find more time to write in these inescapable areas of life and challenges.

-Family and Home
-Financial and Career
-Spiritual and Ethical
-Physical and Health
-Social and Cultural
-Mental and Educational

5.
I will not dislike, but ignore negative people. But this is not 100% possible. So I will get ready to fight appropriately for what I believe in. I will not sweat the small stuffs.

6.
I will make my goal high enough - to the sky and back.

As per Matmaha Gandhi "you must become the change you wish to see in the world".

Cheers,

__________________
Benjamin Ray
Screen/Graphic Novel writer
brscreenwriter@gmail.com
writer4graphicnovel@gmail.com
www.hollywoodtoronto.com

Jan 11, 2009 7:29 AM | Link | Comments (1) | Add Comment | Report Content

Comparing Yourself to Professional Screenwriters!

Before the invention of "screenplay contests",
how did screenwriters get their scripts read
or made into a movie?

Yes, we have crossed into a path of no return and
I am disgusted and long for less pain and suffering --
it seems that we must and will apply to all the
screenplay contests in the world. Truly a sad form
of ADDICTION. Afterall, in this businnes, we need
all the help we can get to satisfy our desperate
lust for a script sale. Admit if folks -- aspiring
writers are addictied to SCREENWRITING CONTESTS. Get help.

Stop this maddness. Great stories are being chrunched
out every time around the world, a dime a dozen by
novelists and ghostwriters.

But for your screenplay to become timeless and stand
time and become a PAGE TURNER, it's about the architecture
of the writing. Do you ever look at your sentence
structures? Why are they not like the pros? If not,
practice until the cows come home. It's years of practice that
will make your script a PAGE TURNER.

I read some of the script published by NEWMARKET PRESS.

My question to you -- if 5, 10, 20 years later you
look at your script, what would be your reaction?

My reaction to my own scripts -- they SUCK.

I spend Dec 2008 doing a gut wrenching rewrite
of "Marcus and Faith". Afterwards, I got tons of
compliments on my visual flare. But I still think
my scripts SUCKS. They don't stand time. Not yet.

My scripts are not as good as these timeless
masterpieces from THE NEWMARKET PRESS(listed below)
-- But will soon...mark my word --

1.BIG FISH
2.BLACK HAWK DOWN
3.CINDERALLA MAN
4.MAGNOLIA
5.THE MATRIX
6.SNATCH
7.TRAFFIC
8.SWEPT FROM THE SEA
9.BOOGIE NIGHTS
__________________
Benjamin Ray
Screen/Graphic Novel writer
brscreenwriter@gmail.com
writer4graphicnovel@gmail.com
www.hollywoodtoronto.com

Jan 9, 2009 9:12 AM | Link | Comments (3) | Add Comment | Report Content

Academy Awards, Too Social Minded, We Need More Silence of the Lambs?

This year I had enough of studio movies with a message and the Academy embracing it.

- MILK
- GRAN TORINO
- SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
- CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

I like social-minded producers and movies like Slumdog
Millionaire but I miss the good old days. The days
when movies like Silence of the Lambs won best picture.
The film won the top five Academy Awards: Best Picture,
Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor and Best Actress.

Maybe in 2009, the movie "The Wolf Man" by Andrew Kevin Walker (screenplay) and
David Self (screenplay) will bring back the good old days.

Cheers,
Benjamin Ray
brscreenwriter@gmail.com
www.hollywoodtoronto.com

Jan 7, 2009 2:56 PM | Link | Comments (1) | Add Comment | Report Content

Don't Write One-dimensional, Boring and Unrealistic Query Letters....

Stop Writing One-dimensional, boring and Unrealistic Query Letters....

Your query letters MUST do the following --

1. Get the producer interested in the first sentence. Stop Googling for these boring sample query letters! Take some risks.

2. Every word must convey something unique about your passion for writing this story. This will compel you to make the letter concise.

3. ***Important*** -- talk about the setting briefly in your 'short teasing synopsis"(an extended logline) to set the tone. Producers are true "Renaissance Man" - take them to an exciting place, time, situations...and meet unique and exciting characters...

4. Make sure you are current on all the latest script sales, movie box-office results and trends. Keep your story fresh, regardless of your genre. Derivative/in-demand and "work-for hire" scripts are written by studio staff and established writers, not by aspiring screenwriters. The producers are looking for undiscovered talent. Don't try too hard or write with desperate measures. Let them discover you.

5. Conclude with some real evidence that you have received a good coverage from a reputable popular professional source. If your script does not have a decent coverage, stop writing query letters. Actually stop everything you're doing. Get or ask for help. Re-write your script until the pros tell you it's good.

6. Lastly, some producers would still read a scathing soul-crushing coverage and then actually request the script.

Good luck.

Benjamin Ray
www.hollywoodtoronto.com

Dec 31, 2008 9:25 AM | Link | Comments (0) | Add Comment | Report Content

MTV adds 16 new Reality Shows, Are Reality Shows Here To Stay?

Hey Folks,

Just heard MTV added 16 Reality Shows. Yes 16! Since the year 2009 will be another challenging year, we all have market like every which way but loose. This is just one avenue to consider.

I was hoping members of Storylink.com could provide some info on the following survey/questions. A big THANK YOU folks!!!!!

QUESTION#1
Have you written any family friendly or controversial or mildly R-rated Reality Treatments? If yes, what are some tips?

QUESTION#2
Scriptapalooza has a Reality Treatment Contest, you ever applied? Any success stories?

QUESTION#3
John August once posted a comprehensive article of how to write a Reality Show. I can't find it in the archive department Do you know how I would get a copy? Do you have link?

QUESTION #4
I know that only an Agent or a Manager could get you a writing gig or seasonal writing work with MTV. Are there other ways to get your foot in the door at MTV?

QUESTION#5
Are there any screenwriting contests out there accepting Reality Show Treatments?

QUESTION#6
Off your head would you know some of the hottest production houses specializing in Reality Shows?

QUESTION#7
Are Reality Shows here to stay? Or just a trend/fad? Ten years down the road will there be more Reality Shows? Will they be less shocking or more controversial than those SHOCKING VIDEOS and STUPID VIDEOS and TASTELESS VIDEOS on the internet?

QUESTION#8
What are some of your best and worst Reality Shows of all time?

Thanks,

Benjamin Ray
brscreenwriter@gmail.com
www.hollywoodtoronto.com

Dec 27, 2008 9:13 AM | Link | Comments (1) | Add Comment | Report Content

Musical/Dance Screenplays, Are You Up To It?

With the popularity of dance shows like --

Dancing With the Stars
So You Think You Can Dance
Dance Wars
Master of Dance
Step It Up & Dance
Canada Can Dance
America's Best Dance Crew
Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious

Do you think variations of musical romance/drama can make a comeback onto the silver screen? Will the future of cinema see more movies like these? Do you want to see more movies like these?

GREASE
MOULIN ROUGE
SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER?
FOOTLOOSE?
FAME
THE COTTON CLUB
A STAR IS BORN
SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
DANCER IN THE DARK
THE BLUES BROTHERS
WEST SIDE STORY

All it takes is a good or hard-working screenwriter to bring one to life.

There's a demand for this kind of entertainment. I know every man and woman on this planet loves a good dance or musical.

So lets get busy.

As for me all my scripts revolves around some form/style of dancing. Here is a sample, please note these are not loglines, just to give you an idea of the type of dancing my characters are involved in --

'Marcus and Faith" -- Faith is a dancer trapped in an underground high society and dreams of making it on Broadway. The graphic novel version is called 'Painkiller".

"Dance Desire Violence" -- Serena Bianchi, defies her Crime Boss husband and participates in an illegal Dirty Dancing-like competition. Michael Wise, College drop-out with whom she's having an affair wants to open up his own dance studio in Manhattan.

"Don't Hit My Mommy" -- AIDS infected Josephine works for a niche Escort Service -- providing dancing and ******** to selective clients...

"I am New York" -- a musical -- student Jet Pilot("Top Gun" ) and his quirky model girlfriend struggle with responsibilities. Set against the backdrop of another 9-11 in New York, year 2020.

Happy New Year
__________________
Benjamin Ray
Screen/Graphic Novel writer
brscreenwriter@gmail.com
writer4graphicnovel@gmail.com
www.hollywoodtoronto.com

Dec 26, 2008 10:44 AM | Link | Comments (6) | Add Comment | Report Content

www.americanzombiemovie.com -- Screenwriter and Director To Watch For In 2009, Stunning Accomplishments!

Hey,

I'm truly impressed with these talents --

REBECCA SONNENSHINE -- award-winning writer. She received the Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting Award.

JOHN SOLOMON -- attended UCLA Film School. He wrote and directed numerous narrative short films -- "Song Sung Blue," "The Eulogist's Opera," and "Nonsense Man."

GRACE LEE -- an award-winning filmmaker who received her MFA from UCLA Film School.

Check out their latest collaboration -- www.americanzombiemovie.com and get more information about their work.

Cheers,
Benjamin Ray
brscreenwriter@gmail.com
www.hollywoodtoronto.com

Dec 23, 2008 8:17 AM | Link | Comments (0) | Add Comment | Report Content

From Screenplay to Graphic Novel

Why are graphic novels popularity growing?

ICv2 indicated that sales of graphic novels in the US and Canada has grown from $75 million $375 million in 2007.

Why do you think this is happening?

Graphic novels nowadays are going way beyond superheroes and dark violent stories. They range from autobiographies , historical dramas, journalism, political biographies, romance, dramas etc.

For example, check out these unique graphic novel adaptations --

-9/11 Commission Report
-Obama
-McCain
-Seven (the movie)
-Persepolis
-Strangers in Paradise
-Macbeth
-Blankets

Is it too late to turn your script into a graphic novel?
Or turn your novel into a graphic novel.

Do it and create a fan base. It's possible.

Cheers,
Benjamin Ray
brscreenwriter@gmail.com
writer4graphicnovel@gmail.com
www.hollywoodtoronto.com

Dec 8, 2008 1:40 PM | Link | Comments (0) | Add Comment | Report Content

Pitching Your Script To Film Directors, Tips...

You ever thought of pitching your screenplay to an Independent Film Director. If they like what they hear, they might join forces with you and approach their producers or others.

Here are some tips...

1.Be genuine and authentic. Approach them only if you saw and liked their films and appreciated the genre.

2.Pick one goal - are you here to learn or strictly make a business connection.

3.Notice the tone and attitude of the director. Is there leadership? If not, then you might be wasting each other's time.

4.Ask questions so the director knows his/her work is appreciated.

5.Have a business card ready and conclude by saying "if you need any feedback, ideas, and names of other people I might know...

6.Present a clear understanding of what kind of screenplays you enjoy writing and why.

7.Be able to discover what the director is looking for and how you may assist with his/her cinematic vision.

8.Ask the director if it's possible - to volunteer in the next film shoot or preferably during the pre- production process. And just maybe as a continuity/script supervisor, script editor, or better yet a screenwriter or even a script doctor...

9.The conversation/pitch should not be quick but efficient.

10.In next couple of weeks, set up a meeting, express that you enjoyed meeting them, and ask if you could get together and present them with a pitch package.

Ha, now the difficult part -

PITCH PACKAGE TO AN INDEPENDENT FILM DIRECTOR

Here's some key point you should touch. I will present a sample in the near future.

VISION STATEMENT - pitch, loglines, synopsis, character bios, coverages, awards

ATTRACTING INVESTORS - equity, relatives, bank loans, savings, producers, directors etc.

GENRE MARKET ANYLYSIS - overall film market, changes in this market, market segments, target market and distribution, audience characteristics, audience needs, buying trends (eg. DVD, download shopping etc.)

COMPETETIVE ANALYIS - industry overview, nature of box-office and DVD trends, changes in the Industry, risks

STRATEGY - box-office and festivals capabilities and weaknesses

BUDGETS - Income Statement and Balance Sheet projections

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Benjamin Ray
www.hollywoodtoronto.com
brscreenwriter@gmail.com
writer4graphicnovel@gmail.com

Dec 2, 2008 8:55 AM | Link | Comments (0) | Add Comment | Report Content

Screenwriting Tips That Worked For Me!

Some Screenwriting Tips that worked for me ...

1.Practice and learn the art of visualization

2.You don't have to explain anything to anyone. Shove your script down their throat and trust your natural story-telling skill

3.Make sure your screenplay is a page turner. Read screenplays that were read in one sitting and then green-lighted by producers

4.Get coverages and development notes and listen to only 10% of their advice

5.Do not write a boring logline and then do not write a boring synopsis

6.Practice your un-memorized pitch every morning before you go to your full time job

7.Write in the evenings and weekends and on the train

8.No matter what, never compromise your cinematic vision, stick to your guns

9.Do not expect to make a comfortable living as a screenwriter. Actually, if you work hard you could prove this one wrong

10.Practice making some friends and lots of enemies. They will strengthen and further define your cinematic vision

11.Hollywood is market driven. Get a life, away from movies. Hollywood will always be a business. Take it seriously on a financial level but not on an artistic level, unless you want pain and suffering.

12.Respect all genre and you will rarely sound like a bitter old man

Cheers,
Benjamin Ray
www.hollywoodtoronto.com
brscreenwriter@gmail.com
writer4graphicnovel@gmail.com

Nov 25, 2008 7:10 PM | Link | Comments (2) | Add Comment | Report Content