A writer, director and ‘89 UCLA MFA screenwriting alum, Audrey Wells shares how she got her start in the film industry and gives new writers guidance on why they should consider “making it small” in the big biz of Hollywood an accomplishment. Read the Q&A in the latest newsletter issue here.
Why write screenplays, in particular comedies, when the political season is hard upon us? Who can compete for laughs against Newt and Rick and Mitt and the whole sorry crew? They long fervently for a sweet and serene time that never was. And, if it had been, would we want to return there? – Richard [...]
Screenwriter Jason Latshaw is a recent graduate of the UCLA MFA Screenwriting Program. Among his many awards, Jason placed within the top 3 percent for the Nicholl Fellowship and also placed first in the Golden Brad Screenwriting Competition. In addition, he wrote and directed the short, “The Electric Chainsaw Massacre,” which served as an official [...]
New digital toys for writers seem to debut approximately every twenty minutes. Let me to tell you, however, about one piece of equipment I keep in my office that remains unchanged for over a hundred and fifty years. – Richard Walter – Read the feature article “User Powered Laptop” here
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 [...]
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 [...]
If you want me to write a blurb for your own screenwriting book or software package, I don’t blame you. When authors approach me for an endorsement, I can’t turn anybody down. I like to think that this is the result of a generous spirit, but in truth it is also self service. Read on [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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.
