Richard Walter

On Their Way Up: New Writer Profile on Jenna Milly

admin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:05:43 +0000

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.

FOOTNOTE

admin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:02:58 +0000

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.

Need a Blurb? December Newsletter Highlights

admin — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 19:30:00 +0000

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 to find out why.

– Richard Walter

THIS ISSUE’S HIGHLIGHTS:

Newsletter Feature Article: BACKUP GIRL http://richardwalter.com/wp-content/newsletter/newsletter16_December_2011_v3.html#article1

On Their Way Up: New Writer Profile on Madeleine Holly-Rosing http://richardwalter.com/wp-content/newsletter/newsletter16_December_2011_v3.html#article2

On Their Way Up: New Writer Profile on Ryan Gilmore

admin — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 04:25:59 +0000

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…

EIGHT PRINCIPLES TO MAKE YOU A BITTER WRITER

admin — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 04:25:04 +0000

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…

Behind the Screen: Getting to Know Felicia D. Henderson

admin — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 21:03:27 +0000

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.

YOU REALLY LIKE IT?

admin — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 21:02:15 +0000

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.

A Letter from Jack London

admin — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 19:32:32 +0000

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.

Behind the Screen: Getting to Know Paul Castro

admin — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 19:29:50 +0000

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.

Behind the Screen: Getting to Know Michael Colleary

admin — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:34:51 +0000

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.