We all have great ideas we think will make great films or TV shows. And maybe they will. But the greatest impediment a project needs to overcome is not only great stories well told, but projects that inspire action from people involved at each stage of the process. Key to success is knowing that at […]
A producer friend at a production company recently shared this email interchange with a writer. It painfully illustrates why most producers will only accept solicited submissions or via a reputable agent. Irrespective of the talent this writer may show in the future, this bridge is burned. I have redacted certain details with XXXXXX’s and of […]
What is the primary job of a story teller? To tell the truth. Every so often, someone tells us a story that stops us dead in our tracks. On rare occasions, the telling of that story is also a milestone for that person recounting the tale. And this act of sharing can be transformative. I […]
After doing a long overdue spring clean of the LSF Delegate network, I came across a thread from David Wigram about the Raiders Of The Lost Ark story conference between Spielberg, Lucas and writer Kasdan. That REALLY happened! There was a link to this PDF – HERE – which frankly is a goldmine for filmmakers […]
On Film-making: An Introduction to the Craft of the Director by Alexander Mackendrick, edited by Paul Cronin, is an extraordinary collection of notes and essays from film maker, writer and film teacher, Alexander Mackendrick. Responsible for three of Ealing Studios’ most loved films, Whisky Galore!, The Man In The White Suit and The Ladykillers, Mackendrick […]
Highest rated speaker at the 2010 London Screenwriters Festival, Linda Aronson, is coming to town to run her landmark two day workshop on Advanced Screenwriting and Parallel story telling. When: November 12th and 13th How Much: £119 – discounted for blog readers to £65 (use code CHRISJONES) FIRST 50 TICKETS ONLY Where: Regents Park http://www.21stcenturyscreenwriter.com/ […]
Watch the short film and read the feature script now… (plus get access to extra drafts and production paperwork like schedule and breakdowns) Then on Saturday June 18th, at the Apollo Cinema, watch the movie (on the weekend of its 200 screen release), followed by a 2 hour seminar with Writer/Director Jonathan Newman. Finally, […]
I am working on the screenplay for Rocketboy today, and going over my notes from the reading last weekend. Two further things have since struck me. I can’t express just how valuable it was to hear my dialogue read out loud. It really does take on a new life – on the page and in […]
I got my first set of notes on the screenplay for Rocketboy, from Marc Samuelson today. I suspect this is an amalgamation of thoughts from himself, associate producer Jessica Parker and a number of readers. It’s five pages in length and very detailed. I was somewhat overwhelmed by the incisive, detailed and empathetic content of […]
