An Education

They say deals are made everyday in Hollywood. Scripts are being sold (not as many as before), and films are being produced and distributed. Sounds easy enough. At least that is what I use to think, before I got into this business of writing. I remember taking my first script writers class. At the time I was only writing short stories which became novels and poems. I was so overwhelmed, that I inadvertently shouted, "there's no way I can do this". I was so embarrassed. But the speaker was very kind to me. He asked me to explain myself. I told him that the script format does not make sense to me and that it stifles the writing process. I'm use to just writing free flow. So he told me continue to do that. Write in my free flowing format and when I am done, turn it into a screen play. That was one of many great advice I have received. And to this day I still do that. But now that I understand how to format a script, it is so much easier to just write in the screenwriting format. I found a blog, that critiques scripts and I love it because it makes you think about how you write. Scriptshadow.blogspot.com is great. Check it out.
I also learned that making a film is a business. Duh. I mean I knew that I guess, in the back of my mind. But, Dov Simens makes you think about the way you write in a new light. Particularly, when you are making that first film. I loved his 2 days film course. He keeps it real and the abundance of information and resources he provides is amazing. It makes you realize, that not only can you make a film, but you can get it distribute. It is such a waste to write or make a film only to have it sit on the shelf. Writers Unite!