StoryLink > Articles > eZines > December 2009
StoryLink eZine - December 2009
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The end of the year signifies the beginning of Oscar season. In the spirit of the films that are most often honored by the Academy, the December StoryLink eZine focuses on Drama. Kirk Jones, writer/director of Everybody's Fine, is our December Featured Screenwriter. Jones is also the filmmaker responsible for Waking Ned Devine. In January Simon Kinberg, whose Sherlock Holmes comes out Christmas Day, will answer questions from the StoryLink Community. Script consultant Daniel Manus, founder of No BullScript Consulting and author of No BS for Screenwriters, offers insight and suggestions for writing the dramatic film. Also in this issue are Holiday Gift Ideas for Writers, featured Writers University Online Courses starting in January, events, contests, and more. Plus, StoryLink Community News has information on writer/director/producer Jessica Bendinger's new book, The Seven Rays, as well as Screenwriting Pro, the innovative web-based screenwriting software developed by The Writers Store. Keep the dream alive. Keep writing! Debra Eckerling |
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This ezine is sponsored by
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Kirk Jones is the StoryLink Featured Screenwriter for December. His latest film, Everybody's Fine, starring Robert De Niro, Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale, and Sam Rockwell, is a remake of Guiseppe Tornatore's road movie Stanno Tutti Bene. The film, which opens December 4, follows a widower who embarks on an impromptu road trip to reconnect with each of his grown children. To prepare for the film, Jones embarked on a three-week journey across the country, traveling on Greyhound buses, sleeping in cheap motels, and photographing everything before returning to the UK to write the film. Jones also wrote and directed the surprise hit Waking Ned Devine, which earned him a BAFTA nomination for Best Newcomer and a nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Cast at the SAG Awards. Jones' big break came as the result of booking a vacation through a travel agent many years ago. "I was a production runner and wanted to book a one-week holiday for my girlfriend and myself," he recalls. "As the booking was accepted, the agent informed me of a limited special offer: I would receive a second week's holiday for free at a later date." Jones enjoyed the first holiday, and then took the second "free" week later in the year as an opportunity to make a film. "I took the holiday in Turkey and shot a film on super 8mm film," he continues. "The film later won an award and resulted in three offers for me to start directing full-time. I can trace everything that has happened in my career back to the day that I walked into the travel agent's." Jones addresses plot and character development, adaptation, the control that comes with being a writer/director, and more, in answering questions submitted by the StoryLink community. Those whose questions were chosen will receive a The Dialogue: Learning from the Masters DVD (Winner's Choice) from The Writers Store. Read the article... |
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Simon Kinberg is back - answering questions in our January StoryLink eZine - for his latest feature Sherlock Holmes, starring Robert Downey Jr. in the title role and Jude Law as Watson. The film opens Christmas Day. Kinberg, who wrote Mr and Mrs Smith, X-Men: The Last Stand, and Jumper, among others, has a knack for writing action, graphic novel, and genre films. Now he takes on one of the classics. Always the prolific writer, Kinberg, who is producing the prequel X-Men: First Class, is also writing an original script for Nicole Kidman at 20th Century Fox, Hardy Men, starring Tom Cruise and Ben Stiller, and an untitled movie with Aline Brosh McKenna for producer JJ Abrams at Paramount. Post a Question for Simon Kinberg in the StoryLink Forum by December 28. If your question is chosen, you'll receive The Dialogue: Learning from the Masters DVD (Winner's Choice) from The Writers Store. Post your question today! |
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Daniel Manus, founder of No BullScript Consulting, is a script consultant and the author of No BS for Screenwriters. Manus was Director of Development for Clifford Werber Productions (Cinderella Story, Sydney White), which currently has a family adventure project set up at a studio that Manus is co-producing. He is also attached to produce several projects independently. Manus has done professional coverage and script analysis for Columbia Tri-Star, 20th Century Fox, Sandstorm Films, ScriptShark, Script Coach, Script Connect, and more. Today, Manus offers his expertise and answers the question: "What elements make for a good, dramatic screenplay?" "Some people say comedy is hard. And they're right," he says. "But in my opinion it's not as hard as crafting a good, successful, engrossing drama. Why? Well, even the dumbest of comedic gags or basest of jokes, will inevitably make someone laugh and be entertained. However, a good drama has to do so much more than that. There's a reason why almost 50% of the Oscar-winning Best Pictures in the last 80 years have been dramas. "There is something powerful about a story that just wraps around you and sucks you in, making you forget your own problems and forces you to care about those of an often fictional character or at least someone to whom you have no personal connection. There's something amazing about a story that can reduce your father to tears - or an audience of fathers. There's something timeless about a good story that can make you think, reflect, feel, and react emotionally. And this is what a good dramatic screenplay should do." Read the article... |
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Beginning Television Writing with William Rabkin Conducted by: Writers University When: January 18 - February 12 Location: Online Cost: $149.95 Screenwriting Basics Conducted by: Writers University When: January 18 - February 12 Location: Online Cost: $49.95 How to Sell your Script with Evan Smith Conducted by: Writers University When: January 18 - February 12 Location: Online Cost: $149.95 |
Storytelling: How To Write Stories That Will Grab And Hold Your Audience Conducted by: Writers University When: January 18 - February 12 Location: Online Cost: $249.95 Writing Dialogue for Emotional Impact: Crafting Fresh Dialogue That Snaps, Crackles and Pops Off the Page Conducted by: Writers University When: January 18 - February 12 Location: Online Cost: $199.95 Writing the Screenplay Treatment Conducted by: Writers University When: January 18 - February 12 Location: Online Cost: $149.00 |
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Basics & Beyond: Final Draft Training Conducted by: Mario Moreno When: December 5 - 2:00pm-4:00pm Location: The Writers Store Cost: $49.95 Basics & Beyond: Marketing through Blogging and Social Networking Conducted by: Debra Eckerling When: January 9 - 11:00am-1:00pm Location: The Writers Store Cost: $49.95 |
Ellen Sandler's Developing an Original TV Pilot One-Day Intensive Conducted by: Ellen Sandler When: January 23 - 10:00am-6:00pm Location: The Writers Store Cost: $150.00 Basics & Beyond: Goal Setting & Productivity Conducted by: Debra Eckerling When: January 30 - 11:00am-1:00pm Location: The Writers Store Cost: $49.95 |
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Friend and mentor Blake Snyder's legacy lives on in his new book: Save the Cat! Strikes Back. Inspired by questions from Blake's workshops, lectures, and emails, Save the Cat! Strikes Back offers new tips, tactics, and techniques to solve your writing problems and create stories that resonate, revealing: * The 7 warning signs you might have a great idea - or not * The sure-fire template for can't-miss loglines * The difference between structure and formula * The Transformation Machine that allows you to track your hero's growth step-by-step * The 5 questions to keep your story's spine straight * The 5-Point Finale to finish any story * Why and when an agent will appear * And much, much more! Save the Cat!, Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies, and Save the Cat! Strikes Back are fabulous gifts for your favorite writer - or for yourself! |
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Leather Script Covers This soft-bound, supple leather cover will handsomely showcase your favorite script. Sturdy and elegant, it's the perfect professional touch during a pitch and durable enough to withstand a working set. Get one (or more!) for your crew, director or favorite scribe! Moleskine Notebooks For two centuries Moleskine has been the notebook and journal of choice of legendary writers and artists, from Hemingway to Picasso. These beautiful hand-crafted leather notebooks provide a special spot to record your innermost thoughts. QWERTY Authentic Typewriter Key Pens Remember what it felt like to tap-tap-tap away at your trusty typewriter? The QWERTY Authentic Typewriter Key Pen preserves that feeling by melding the magic of days past with the enduring tradition of the written word. QWERTY Vintage Typewriter Key Charm on Necklace The eye-catching quality of the Vintage Typewriter Key Jewelry evokes the spirit of a bygone era. With unique letter keys from antique typewriters such as Remington, Smith Corona, Underwood or Royal dangling from each necklace, these stunning sterling silver pieces are true treasures. |
"Writer" Hat This 100% adjustable RPET or Organic Cotton vented cap with embroidered eyelets and unstructured low crown sports our famous embroidered "Writer" logo on front and fits most creative heads. Quotable Candles Featuring inspirational quotes by famous writers, Quotable Candles have a wild current scent. Each candle is made of 100% natural palm wax with a 100% cotton wick and comes individually packaged in a beautiful two-piece gift box. Hollywood Shuffle - The Movie Plot Board Game Exploit movie cliches for hilariously creative fun! Choose a cast, a title and add your own ending to more than 200,000 hilarious movie plot combinations. Can you be more ridiculous than Hollywood? Writer's Gift Box The perfect container for this year's gift giving: Use this box to pack and ship your gift selections to your favorite writer. This basic package includes a retro typewriter mouse pad and a black "Writer" hat. You add the rest! |
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StoryLink launched Screenwriting Pro at the Screenwriting Expo in October! This web-based script-formatting solution, created by The Writers Store, was based on years of feedback from thousands of aspiring and professional screenwriters. From advanced outlining capabilities to convenient Internet access to practical account options, Screenwriting Pro sets a new standard for scriptwriting software. This is the last chance to earn six months free by taking part in the Screenwriting Pro beta cycle. For more information, visit ScreenwritingPro.com. For the latest Screenwriting Pro news, become their fan on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. *** Congratulations to StoryLink member writer/director/producer Jessica Bendinger, screenwriter of Stick It. Jessica released her first young adult novel, The Seven Rays, in November. Read an interview with Jessica here. *** Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival, announced nominations for the 25th Film Independent Spirit Awards this week. Best Feature nominees are (500) Days Of Summer, Amreeka, Precious, Sin Nombre, and The Last Station; Best First Feature: A Single Man, Crazy Heart, Easier With Practice, Paranormal Activity, and The Messenger. Congratulations to all the nominees! Read the complete list here. The ceremony will air on IFC on March 5 2010. *** Send your success story to StoryLink, so we can feature you in an upcoming eZine. |
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The Inkwell Opportunity Deadline December 15, 2009 L.A. Comedy Shorts Film Festival and Screenplay Competition Deadline December 18, 2009 Table Read My Screenplay - Screenplay Contest Deadline December 30, 2009 Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest Deadline December 31, 2009 |
Rx Laughter Writing Competition Deadline December 31, 2009 Write On! Online - December Challenge Deadline December 31, 2009 Act 1: The ION Television Movie Contest Deadline January 15, 2010 Cowrite: In Association with Benderspink Deadline January 20, 2010 |