Pay It Forward

A year or so back I was having a conversation with a reader, discussing scripts we had read and loved. I remembered a script I reviewed on Tiggerstreet.com, a fantastic monster feature with great characters, a fast unrelenting pace, and an outstanding plot.

Let me get this straight from the start, I hate horror and monster movies. I don't understand why anyone would like watching a film where stoopid students get hacked to pieces, or some monster is on the loose and a couple who were once romantically involved have to hunt it down and save the world. In other words I find these types of films dull, boring and a waste of my time.

So it was a surprise for me to read this script and find that not only did I love it, but I wanted to see it made. So I went back through seven years of emails hoping to find an email from the writer, as luck would have it I still had his address. We got chatting and it ended up with me agreeing to help with a rewrite and to find the script a home. A year later I may well have just done that. An Australian film production company of some renown have shown an interest in the script and the writer is waiting to hear from them.

If I hadn't bothered that script might have found itself on a shelf covered in dust and ignored. I used the few contacts I have to get people to look at the script and it seems to have paid off.

I know so many people, writers especially, who are so precious over their industry contacts. Why should we be? We're writers, all with the same agenda, so why not give someone a leg up by recommending a friend's script you're really passionate about. You don't have to give out those contact's details, just forward the script. You never know this act of kindness might pay off in later years and help you get something of your own made. Of course I'm not asking you to send scripts to you contacts that you don't believe in, because that would just be silly and would do your reputation no good at all.

Come on writers if there's someone out there you admire as a writer, or even better a script you think rocks, or could rock with a little close attention, then give that person a friendly hand up the writing career ladder. Be kind, pay it forward.

Back With A Bang

Back after a week off and I did some writing last night. I felt fresh and well up for it, so I shall be cracking on again tonight.

Two of my short films have been picked up by Celtic Storm Films for shooting later this year. Jump will be the first to shoot sometime in the summer. Ooh, I'm so excited I could poop my pants...no really, I could.

Moods

I play a little online poker now and again, just for a bit of fun and beer money, and I recently brought a book on the subject. The author very interestingly talked about moods and how different ones affect your game. The basis of it was, never play in a bad mood as you won't be able to concentrate and you'll loose money. Always play when you are happy, calm and relaxed. This got me thinking.

How do our moods affect our writing? If we're writing a comedy should we only write when we're in a happy mood? Should we write horror when we're in a bad mood, and we're mad at the world or people and we want to get back at them? Would a happy mood make a comedy more funny and would a dark mood make a horror more scary?

I'm very interested to hear your thoughts on this because it's something I've never thought about before, but is perhaps something I should consider in the future.

What do you think? Does your mood change the way you write, and do you have to be in a certain mood to write a certain genre?

Mr. Slackness

I have just realised that to enter competitions you need scripts that are a) complete and b) you're happy with. Better get to it then.

I'm also thinking of filming one of my shorts. I nearly did last year, but dropped the idea to lack of time and not really knowing what I was doing. But as everyone else seems to be making one I don't want to be the one left out. Beware, I might be calling on you for some help very soon.

Competition Pimp

I'm going to set myself a goal for the rest of the year to see how many screenwriting competitions I can enter, regardless of the cost.

How many do you think I'll manage by the 31st of December and more importantly, how many do you think I'll get placed in?

Joy

I sent a script out to a few people a while back and I got the same feed back from them all, "Why is Alan chosen to receive his powers?" Stoopid people questioning my script :-P

But now I have the answer and have adjusted the script to answer this all important series driving question.

Blimey, writing two days in a row, it's becoming a habit.

Magic

I did some writing last night, the first this year...if you don't count the ever on going novel.

I feel faint...I might need a lie down.

Snow

I find myself slipping back into my old lazy ways, another New Year's resolution evaporated. I have my excuses of course, a trapped nerve in my back, and the snow, but I'm really just looking for things to distract me.

And what of my novel? No I haven't started writing it yet, but that's because I'm still smoothing out plot points. I've been working on this story for over two years now and I know it's good, but I want it to be spectacular. So just a little more needs to be done before I'm happy enough to start the actual writing. When I am I'll post the first few paragraphs in all their raw miss-spelt glory.

So much to do and so little time. Pull your finger out, Carver!!!

Mr. Vista

Yes, finally, he's back in his first adventure since the last one. Mr. Vista returns for series two in 'Ctrl Z'.

I was there for the filming that day and helped position the mug to get knocked from the table. I was curious to know how they were going to cut it and make the mug return to the table. Tim said it would be FX'd and I have to say I'm bloody impressed how they did it. Shame my shoes got a bit wet with tea though, but the free biscuits made up for it. Maybe I should not have stood so close when they filmed it (I was just out of shot on the left).

Can't wait until my episodes are shown.

And So 2009 Begins

This is the year I make it, where I succeed where I have failed for so long. 2009 is my year.

My episodes of Mr. Vista are coming soon, I believe they start broadcasting on the wondrous interweb sometime this week. I've also been contacted by a director interested in not one, but two of my shorts scripts... and he wants to shoot them in February.

The year has started the way it is going to finish. Nice :-)

Novel

I've been putting it off for ages, maybe because it's a major challenge and I didn't think I was up to it before.

Well I can announce I am no longer putting it off. I'm officially writing not one but two novels this year, starting today. One children's novel and one fantasy sword and sorcery type thingy. I will of course keep you posted.

P.S. Bit concerned about Matt Smith as the new Doctor. Is he really going to be any good? I'll have to wait and see like the rest of you I guess.

Year's End

HOPES FOR 2008

Finish Paper, Scissors, Stone. (Now called Faith once again. Starting another draft in 2009. It's good, but it can be better. Is this the spec I'll make my break though with?)

Write a pilot for Second Skin, my TV comedy drama series idea. (Done, and damn good it turned out too)

To sell something...anything...this year...for definite!!!! (Failed....BUM!!!)

To get into TV. (Failed. Didn't really expect that call from RTD asking me to write for Doctor Who. I would have pissed my pants and turned into a gibbering wreck if he had.)

To write, write and write some more... and send it all out. (Done. Wrote loads this year and quite pleased with myself.)

To meet more people in the industry and make more contacts. (Done. I am a networking pimp.)

2008 was a year of ups and downs for me. There were some good points and some bad, but the end result is I've made a few more valuable contacts in the industry even if I did fail to get into TV or sell any of my work.

2008 Ups

Finally got a copy of AGN and saw it transmitted on Norwegian TV.

My Mr. Vista episodes were filmed. I went along to watch the filming for an afternoon. It was strange seeing my words come to life.

Going to the Screenwriters' Festival and making several good contacts.

Getting a producer interested in my Wonderland Idea.

Wrote some good stuff.

I have been commissioned to write a short sci-fi script for a director.

2008 Downs

Didn't get anywhere with competitions this year. I was most upset not getting through to the second round of The Red Planet Prize as I though I had a strong premise and a very strong script.

Couldn't give away any of my ten minute shorts.

Failed to start my novel again!!!!!!

Interested producer dropped his interest in Wonderland, because of too many similar projects in production. Disappointed in this as my idea was different enough to make it stand out.

Got really depressed with writing and stopped for two months keeping a it a secret from everybody, even my fellow bloggers. I very nearly decided to give up writing for good, but the lure of creativity has proved too strong and I'll be back stronger in 2009.

Very disappointed with myself for not getting into TV.

Aims For 2009

To send off sample scripts to producers of existing drama and get myself a TV writing gig.

To sell a short script.

To finish that novel.

To polish my back catalogue of writing.

To avoid getting depressed about my lack of progress and to channel all of my efforts into making myself a successful writer.

Best 2008 Christmas Present

This was close one. The Dark Knight DVD nearly won it, but in the end Doctor Who: The Writer's Tale became an addiction. So far I've read two chapters and it's compelling stuff. It's hard to believe that someone as prolific and successful as RTD could ever have the same doubts as a writer as I do. Utterly mad, but even if you only have a passing interesting writing you have to buy this book.

See you in 2009 people.

Directors Wanted

I'm going to Norway next year, as my best friend is getting married, but I need cash to get there. It's an expensive place Norway, a half pint of beer costs £4.50...yep, you read that right. So I need to raise funds by optioning my short scripts.

For a three month option I'm charging £100 with a further 3 months extension for £50. My scripts are listed below.

I Do?
Richard and Ruth are getting married, but Richard is having second thoughts. A short comedy script about how women get their way....always!

Journey's End
Stuck on a train with an old one night stand the journey quickly becomes a nightmare for Brenda. A short comedy about regretful drunken nights.

Jump
Stanton's going to end it all and jump, but he didn't reckon on Jean being on his roof. So who is going to jump? A short comedy about taking the plunge.

Gnome
Rhubarb has lost his owner and on his journey to find her he falls in love with a fairy called Tulip. A short comedy about our little garden friends. (No dialogue)

The Dead Side Of Life
John wants to commit suicide, but can't find the right way. He need not worry Death always finds a way of collecting. A short comedy about suicide, friendship and Death in black sequined spandex.

Goodbye
Max and Craig work one last job with their friend before he leaves the business to marry. But when he doesn't turn up the two complete the job together reminiscing about old times, only to make a startling discovery that will change their working lives forever. A short comedy about friendship and loyalty.

So if you might be interested, or know someone who might be, please get in contact and lets get me to the church on time :-)

Cheers

Dom

Bum!

I didn't get through :-(

Congrats to those that did :-)

Short Script Blues

Several times now I've advertised my short film scripts in the pitch bulletin on Shooting People. It's meant to bring like minded people together to get things made, so why is it every time I'm left disappointed?

It's not that I don't get any replies, in fact on my latest pitch I got five in the first day. It's not that people don't agree to film my scripts, it's that they always pull out at the last minute. Four times now a director has loved one of my scripts, agreed to film it, got near to the shooting day and then pulled out. It's so frustrating!

I even had one director who dropped the script because I wouldn't drop my fee from £150 to £100. For the sake of £50 he wouldn't go ahead with the shoot!!! He really pissed me off.

All I want is someone to come along who likes my script and actually films it when they say they will. Not too much to ask, is it?

Christmas Book Ideas

I know it's early, but last year I left it a little late and most people had bought their presents. So this year it's early so you have plenty of time to get to the shops, order online, or drop loads of hints to the relatives. Here goes.

Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2009

Completely revised and updated every year so you know that the information isn't stale or out of date.

A simply must have book jam packed with useful advice, addresses of agents, production companies and many other useful articles covering such subjects as; societies, prizes, festivals, resources for writers, copyright and libel and finance for writers.

RRP £14.99

The Writer's Handbook 2009

A publication similar to the one above. I always buy both, because what one misses the other usually picks up.

I find the layout of this book a little easier to deal with and the information in it a little more comprehensive than the W&A Yearbook.

Another interesting feature of both books is the introduction of a website for each, with searchable directories and FAQ's.

RRP £14.99

Writing For Television by William Smethurst

A useful guide to modern television writing and how to get yourself noticed by the right people. What to write, who to send it to, approaching agents, TV companies and independent producers.

I have found this an incredibly useful tool and by following William's suggestions I've started to go places with my writing.

RRP £9.99

Writing The Character-Centred Screenplay (second edition) by Andrew Horton

It does exactly what it says on the cover. It's all about character and less about plot like most other books. Explore how to make your characters three dimensional, real, and above all learn to create characters that will drive your plot, not who will be driven by your plot.

RRP £11.50

How To Be A Writer by Stewart Ferris

A small but handy book with all sorts of clever tips from the inside. One of a series that also includes; How To Be Sitcom Writer and How To Be Comedy Writer. Well worth the investment.

RRP £5.99

Aristotle's Poetics For Screenwriters by Michael Tierno

Using examples of Oscar winning films this book explores storytelling, structure and the common mistakes to avoid. A little hard going in some places, but a damn good read. Aristotle knew his stuff.

RRP £9.99

How To Make Money Scriptwriting by Julian Friedmann

A clever and insightful book from one of the country's leading agents. This book covers contracts, pitching, negotiating, agents, meetings, script reports, etc. Basically this book looks at things from the business prospective. As far as I'm concerned a must have.

RRP £14.95

The Pitch by Eileen Quinn and Judy Counihan

The thought of standing in front of the money men to pitch your screenplay scare you? Know it's good but not sure you can convey that to the people in front of you? Then this book is for you. An often funny look at how to pitch, preparing yourself and knowing what the money men are looking to see from you. Another must buy.

RRP £9.99

Don't forget the prices quoted here are just recommended retail prices and you can often find the books cheaper on online sites.

Any questions feel free to ask.

Credit Crunches Dom

The Credit Crunch has bitten me...hard... on the rump.

I've been trying to get an agent for a while now, picking and choosing, and using recommendations to improve my chances. I get close to landing a big fish and what happens? A recent email from that well known agent highlights how the credit crunch is affecting the writing industry, and is making securing the services of a good agent almost impossible at the moment.

The agent liked my script, "I like it... but, I'm having to say no to rather good material." The reason? It seems this agent (can't speak for any others, but I get the feeling it's the same all around) is cutting back on his screenwriting clients because it appears there is more money to be made with novelists than screenwriters at the moment.

Good job I have a children's novel on the go. Yes, the same one that's been on the go for the last two years, but it's more on the go now than it was on the go back then. I'm actually nearly ready to type the first words of chapter one. Can you feel the excitement?

Memed Again.

Phillip Barron, you have a lot to answer for.

“List the top five ways you distract yourself when you should be writing and then procrastinate some more by sending it to all those other writers who should really procrastinate more often.”

1) Blog - coz it's there.
2) Facebook - coz it's there and it's cool.
3) Check email - coz I can't bear having an empty inbox.
4) Write long lists of what I really should be doing - coz lists are fun and it looks like you've been working hard when you cross items off.
5) MSN with Lucy - coz we like to moan about all types of shit and she likes to take the piss out of my poor spelling ability.

Now who to pass it on to????

The Great Writers' Strike Rip Off

So America had a writers' strike last year and British fans, like myself, of the imported shows lost out on half a season of episodes. Now we're set to lose out again, pocket wise this time.

Battlestar Galactica season 4 (10 episodes), Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles season 1 (9 episodes) and Heroes season 2 (11 episodes) are three examples of what I'm talking about. Battlestar Galactica season 3 had 20 episodes and season 4 only half that, but yet the RRP for season 3 was £49.99 and season 4 £34.99.

Now I know my maths is worse than my English, but even I know £34.99 isn't half of £44.99.

Heroes is the same. Season 1 £59.99 and season 2 £34.99.

The American studios lost out last year, so now they're making us pay for it.

I think I'll wait until they go down in price before I dip my hand in my pocket.

The Return Of Mr. Bean

Yep he's back. Join the countdown on the Facebook page