01/20/2012 Newsletter
Screenwriter Jenna Milly began writing her own plays and performing them in her garage at age 12. Fast forward to 2012 – you’ll find this up and coming UCLA MFA alum at SheKnows.com as a film critic (don’t see a movie till she’s reviewed it!) and in development on several hot projects. How did Jenna make her move into the entertainment world? Click here for this newsletter issue’s Q&A and why Jenna considers herself always to be a writer at heart.
01/20/2012 Newsletter
Is the medium truly the message? Is there a difference in your material if you write it pen-in-hand versus typing it into a computer? How deeply does a writer’s signature come across via keystrokes rather than hand-held pencil mechanics?
- Richard Walter
Read the feature article “FOOTNOTE” in this issue of the newsletter by clicking here.
11/15/2011 Newsletter, Screenwriting
Ryan Gilmore is an award-winning screenwriter who specializes in horror and thrillers. He won the UCLA Professional Program Screenwriting Competition as well as numerous horror film festivals. Most recently, Ryan won “Best Short Screenplay” at the 2011 Shriekfest Horror Film Festival for his script titled HEAR NO EVIL. The short film HEAR NO EVIL completed principal photography in September and is currently in post-production. Ryan also judges various screenwriting competitions, including the International Horror and Sci-fi Film Festival. He recently launched a horror and thriller script consulting service at www.screamwriting.com.
In this issue, we conduct a Q&A with Ryan, a graduate of the UCLA School of Theater, Film & Television’s MFA Screenwriting Program, on his experience breaking into the entertainment world and his day to day tactics as a new writer.
Continue reading…
11/15/2011 Newsletter, Screenwriting
That’s no typo. Not ‘better.’ ‘Bitter.’
Here are eight precepts guaranteed to turn you into a writer who is unhappy and unfulfilled.
1: Never doubt that your writing is worthy.
Eventually there arrives the second stage: an appreciation–however frail, however grudging–that we do indeed deserve a position among the pros. Sure, we’re not creating timeless poetry to expand the hearts and minds of generations unto eternity, but at the very least our stuff’s no worse than much of the drivel that’s out there.
Continue reading…
10/08/2011 Newsletter
From writing for comedy to making TV history – how did Felicia D. Henderson accomplish all that she has in such a short time, and how can you follow in her footsteps as a writer? Check out “Behind the Screen” in this month’s newsletter to read Felicia’s story and advice for writers.
10/08/2011 Newsletter
Many writers exploiting, say, a child’s tricycle as a prop in a scene, would likely place it ribbon-bound under the Christmas tree or abandoned temporarily on the front lawn. Instead of that, how about an active battlefield, the trike’s bell tinkling as the rider pilots it directly into the line of fire between two warring armies? Read the feature article “You Really Like It?” from this month’s newsletter to see why smart writers choose the latter.
Read the newsletter here.
09/10/2011 Newsletter
As a young writer, Richard Walter had the opportunity to see, in person – a letter written from Jack London to his agent – read the article in the new issue of the newsletter to hear what London had to say and how it impacts considering yourself a professional writer.
09/10/2011 Newsletter
How did rock star screenwriter Paul Castro get his start? And, what’s his advice on getting your own as a writer? Click here to find out – you’ll learn something AND be entertained in the process.
07/28/2011 Screenwriting
Michael Colleary is a graduate of the UCLA masters screenwriting program, and now one of its most popular professors. He has been a professional screenwriter and film producer for more than 20 years. A frequent collaborator with fellow UCLA alumni Mike Werb, his feature film credits include Face/Off which The New York Times named one of the best 1,000 movies ever made, and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. In 2007, with Mike Werb and UCLA alum Claire-Dee Lim, Colleary co-wrote and produced the family film Firehouse Dog which has won multiple awards from family advocacy groups. He also recently wrote for the Cartoon Network live-action series Unnatural History.
In 1995 Michael was invited to return to UCLA as a visiting instructor to teach in the Professional Screenwriting Program and in the Masters Program. In 2002 UCLA honored him with the Lew and Pamela Hunter/Jon and Janice Zakin Chair in Screenwriting. Michael and his siblings also sponsor the Bridget and Bob Colleary Award for screenwriting excellence which is presented annually to a deserving UCLA writing student.
Michael got his start in Hollywood by becoming obsessed with movies – read on to see how your obsessions can also lead you to a successful Hollywood career.
Read the Q&A with Michael here.
