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[kaytory]

Screenwriting Basics... How to Get Started

Yesterday I hosted my first event. It was entitled, “Screenwriting Basics, The Right Way to Get Started.” I was able to answer every question posed, fill in missing gaps for those who were already attempting to write professionally and give people like me hope in pursuing a writing career. What I learned is that my ability to teach goes beyond the elementary classroom setting. I enjoyed teaching these adults, which is something that I almost never do. They learned a lot and are interested in learning more. Therefore, I will include these ladies in the series of lessons I am set to teach this summer. I am once again grateful to KMP Entertainment for “tapping” into my calling and helping to establish me as someone in Pittsburgh who knows her stuff when it pertains to writing professionally.

[kaytory]

Professional Pitch

Tonight, I did not give the pitch that I was supposed to give. First and foremost, I respect and acknowledge the potential writers’ strike that is looming. I respect what The Writer’s Guild is doing and why. I would never cross their line and I am proud of the professionals who refuse to cross it as well. The lopsided disbursement of benefits is finally getting the attention that everyone knows it needs.

I had a really great experience sharing with a professional who made this practice pitch easy. Once I shared my story, she showed interest. She asked questions that revealed my knowledge of writing. I was placed on the spot to show my understanding of topics I learned in both master writers’ courses at KMP.

I was a little dismayed. She asked questions. However, she did not show deep interest as I had hoped. I believe that in this business if someone is interested in your project, they will ask for more. One way is to ask to see your lookbook. A lookbook is basically a PowerPoint that a writer creates to showcase their projects on another level. If listeners are interested, they will ask to see it. It shows them as opposed to tell them your vision. Another thing that listeners will do is ask you to share another story. She did not. Her actions showed me that she was not interested. I was waiting for her to ask me if I had another story. I prepared and rehearsed a second one just in case. I will continue to work on it and the other story as well in case someone wants to hear it in the future.

This pitch meant a lot to me. Since this is my journal, I want to note that last week at this time as I practiced pitching online, I had a rough day at work. I brought it home with me. It was an emotional day, and I had a hard time getting out of a sad and disappointed mindset. Long story short, I kept that experience in mind today as I made pitching a priority over everything else in my life at the time. I will remember that this is necessary in the future. Basically, Pitching Days are sacred. I cannot allow anyone to infiltrate them and control my moods. Everything that I encounter in this season is a learning experience. Today I realized what makes me a better pitcher. From this experience I plan to take every lesson I have learned into the future with me.

[kaytory]

This week's Journal Entry

My biggest takeaways from this week’s videos:

Don’t allow others to crush your dreams.

Choose 1 genre and write stories within it. It will offer two works of the same type giving a better reflection of your talent. Even if you get pigeonholed, you’re in. Once you’re in you can write in a different genre if you choose.

There are multitudes of people trying their hand at writing. Play your hand! By that I mean use the skills you’ve gained in your studies to show your knowledge.

Bring your personality into your pitch. The pitch should showcase/lineup with who you are and keep in mind that it is an unofficially official interview.

I recognize the need to revisit the resources from both master’s classes to not only make my work stand out, but to make sure it follows industry standards as well as incorporates what I have learned.

They also gave me an understanding of how hard it is to actually “make it” in the writing business. Yes, I have faith. My strategy is to keep my head up, study and keep on writing incorporating everything that I’ve learned.

[kaytory]

My mother shared a story about her past. In it someone said, "All of Mary's children are duds." The person who said it isn't worth my time. I've always known that I'd prove this statement wrong. This photo inspires me to make a commitment to networking for at least 30 minutes each day. I can't get where I'm going without making connections and supporting others especially if I want them to support me.

[kaytory]

Nearing the End of Class

This is happening right now. I was counting down the days, but the teacher knows best... 3 additional weeks, Baby!

As I near the end of this creative writing course I am excited to cross the finish line. It is not that I do not like to learn. I am a lifelong learner by choice. However, I want to spend time putting “pen to paper,” bettering existing projects and having professionals read them. I look forward to spending time creating new worlds and bringing its citizens to life. I want my thoughts focused on everyday tasks with moments where I dream about my future. Conversely, my mind lingers in Nod City, Mimi’s Ballroom and The Lion’s Den (to name a few). These places exist only in stories I have created on paper, yet I can’t get them out of my head.

What have I learned in this course?  Network. Meet deadlines. Be available. Plan. Plot the story. Stay up on current events. Read pop culture. Read about past events and trends. Work as a team. Revising is a part of the process so embrace it. Finish what I start. Schedule my time and make good use of it. Take notes. Encourage others. Offer constructive feedback. Remain open to feedback from knowledgeable people. Talk to others to hear different perspectives. Respect everyone for who they are and what they bring (backgrounds, cultures, belief systems…). People-watch. People-listen. I’m expected to know everything I was taught or read. Check my notes. Make a habit of revisiting the arch plot. There is too much money at stake for slackers. Remember the loglines. Practice the pitch… I belong in the room.

I loved working with a team of writers. I was always a lone ranger. Today I recognize the power in diverse voices joining thoughts and ideas into one story. As far as what I hated about this course nothing comes to mind. There was probably something I could say but my love for writing overtakes any and all negative ideas. If I could go back, I would not only have paid more attention when learning about loglines, but I would have taken better notes and insisted that we spend more time creating them. I felt wonderful delving into areas “unknown.”

My classmates and I have bonded. We truly care about one another. We talk each other through the tough times. We read each other’s work and offer feedback that will grow their stories. We’re able to listen to personal issues and provide support emotionally as well. We have pulled each other through some tough places.  I look forward to seeing each other in person someday.

KMP’s Advanced Master’s Course has influenced my life in many ways. For starters, I had screenwriting software, some idea of how to use it, but I didn’t know the industry standards. KMP taught me everything I was missing. I did not know how much I loved writing until now. The work was challenging but necessary to grow me as a writer. This experience has impacted my life and has potential to bless my family for decades to come. I am forever grateful.

[kaytory]

Finding an agent in the writing business is something to take very seriously. If you have a resource such as the Hollywood Screenwriting Directory it makes it easier. However, it is necessary to put in time investigating which "agents" best fit the style and needs of the writer and her story.

In the beginning of my quest, I was "rattled" because there were not very many that served my particular genre. As a matter of fact, approximately three out of one hundred agencies mentioned catering to Fantasy. For this reason, I panicked. I was nervous during the process believing that no one was willing to take on new writers who write fantasies.

[kaytory]

Target Audience for My Movie

My target audience for Behavior of Grace looks like the people I encounter every single day. They are professionals or at least a part of the working class. My audience interacts with children often. They are God-fearing and “safe,” leaning heavily towards Christianity than any other faith. They range from their mid-twenties to approximately sixty years old. This audience is often uncomfortable with the amount of swearing and sex that take place in movies and television these days. They work and live in the inner city. Any gender or race will take interest in this story. However, the characters are unapologetically African American. People who enjoy action, thrills and superheroes are on my list as well! My target viewers are open to learning about all kinds of people. They celebrate American holidays, are healthy but not health-nuts and they like to have fun!

[kaytory]

The Archplot Structure

[kaytory]

Grants for Writing

Studio Binder has grants that fit this writer's needs, interests, and profile. What grabbed my attention was that two of them talked about short stories. Although I have yet to try my hand at writing a short film, I am very confident that I would have great success at it. For these grants, there is no pressure for me to provide a reel. I desire to produce one, as some grants required, but no time soon. Each of them offers different “gifts.” All of which would assist because they provide financial backing that will move my project forward. They also inspire me to delve into unchartered territory. I would love to write an animated feature as two of them suggest! These grants don’t just “throw money” at developers. They actually provide supports to make winners successful. I love and appreciate that.

Flies Film Grant - https://fliescollective.com/#film-grant

Film Independent Project Involve - https://www.filmindependent.org/programs/project-involve/

Roy W. Dean Film Grants - https://fromtheheartproductions.com/roy-w-dean-film-grants-and-awards/

[kaytory]

Droit Moral

Droit Moral is a European concept. It protects original authors from others editing or modifying their work in any way. It protects the integrity of their work as well as the author’s moral rights. This applies to American works.  When I think of how this concept applies to my work I think about the parts of my screenplay that mean the most to me. For example, if someone were to change the race of my characters or the constellations I chose to use without my consent I would consider it inexcusable. The amount of time, research, and effort I spent connecting all these characters make it realistic and relatable. They make sense. I am not saying that I would never allow anyone to make those changes. I would just want the opportunity to discuss it. I would listen to their reasons for wanting to make changes and for them to hear why I agree, disagree or take offense to them. Droit Moral speaks right to something I feel passionate about. Stealing works, ideas or art in any form is disrespectful and unnecessary. I hope and pray that I will never find myself in a position where I am desperate enough to steal the work of others.

[kaytory]

When I submitted my work to NBC earlier this week, I was not nervous until I realized that I had to rethink the logline for my pilot. There is always anxiety when I create one.  When I finished, I immediately felt a sense of relief. After all the practices and training, I enjoyed putting my work “in the running.”  The process was unfamiliar. When I realized that I forgot to work on the logline I was a little discouraged but I refused to give up. Whatever the outcome, I learned from the experience. The next time I submit I will be sure to have my logline and everything else ready to go.

[kaytory]

Media, technology, politics, industry, and mass media will all come together to impact my writing career.  Convergence means to move toward one point and join. Material that writers create could get circulated across multiple platforms. What we create is spread quickly, thanks to companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. This happens faster than ever before.

Technological convergence has to do with different ways that information is communicated. For example, smart watches, computers, cell phones, and social media platforms all deliver information. These never existed in previous decades. The way that information travels, how fast it is processed and the amount of people it is capable of reaching directly effects writers, such as myself, and our craft. Advertising my work, marketing my name or my brand and the speed at which information is disseminated have potential to affect my business. If I advertise a product that supports my work, or offer my services, inquiries may come in instantly. My ability to respond quickly and effectively will impact my career.

Industrial convergence connects technologies that were previously unrelated. This has to do with “businesses, supply chains and even entire industry sectors.” Every time there is an innovation, it has the potential to shift (positively or negatively) the way things are done.

Social convergence has to do with social media. Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram are a few outlets that provide an example of social convergence. I am familiar with a couple of these sites. It amazes me how information is sent out and believed without confirmation of the facts. This is another way that I will have to adapt. One thing that comes to mind is criticism. The fact that others will comment, judge, and offer their opinions is something that will take some getting used to.

There are also different types of mass media. When they combine across many platforms, we encounter textual convergence. Conventional media, print, television, radio broadcasts, the internet, and other media have a huge impact on writers and our careers as well.

Finally, politics also influence convergence. There are laws in place to insure diversity, accessibility, and local requirements. Convergence “allows brands to reach customers exactly how and when they want.” Writers have the ability, whether via social media, commercials, television programs, video games, books, movies, or the radio (to name a few) have the potential to reach billions of people each day. Our job is important. All the factors mentioned above will play a role in my writing career.

[kaytory]

When it comes to protecting your work with copyrights... "Moral rights cannot be sold or assigned to another person. Avoid waiving them."

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[kaytory]

...Succeed as a Screenwriter...

I watched, “What it Takes to Succeed as a Screenwriter: With Christopher Lockhart & Richard Botto.” I gained a lot of insight. A few things that I noted were ideas that will help writers achieve their goals.  First, writers should jump right into the story. There is no need to lay a foundation or take a long time to introduce the main character. We are urged to “get to the point” and get the story going. Second, they shared the importance of putting confidence in the secondary characters. They should hold the interest of readers/viewers just as the main character should. Secondary characters’ missions/goals should propel the story forward. Third, be prepared. Before sitting down to write one word, make sure the research is complete. Basically, keep all planning tools (outlines, beat sheets, arch plot diagrams…) on hand to help with the writing process. These three tips were a few of my biggest takeaways. 

[kaytory]

Virtual Pitching with Laura Brennan

The Yale presentation about pitching held my interest. One of the most important things I learned may seem basic, but it makes a huge difference. It puts pitching into its proper perspective. It was stated that, “You are not selling. You are showing them what you have in your toy box.” This statement takes the pressure off of trying to say the right thing. We are literally sharing what we have done. They shared that pitching is not something that one loses at. The fact that one gets to pitch is “a win-win.”

I also like the way they talked about deliberately placing items that spark interest in the background of a zoom call. They could stimulate conversation. This affords one the opportunity to make a personal connection which is something that an interested party may never forget. This can also help to build a network and connect with others in the industry. Opportunities to pitch seem hard to come by without an “in.”

Finally, they explained that using visuals is a part of pitching. This is something that I did not know. I appreciate how the hosts explained not to use written words within visuals. Written words take away from what one is saying. Visuals are used to create moods. They should spark an evocative feeling and speak directly to the ideas one is pitching.