The Mind. The Page. The Screen.

Mutants or Monsters???? What's better??.....FIGHT!!!!!

2011-03-29T16:35:00.000-07:00

Ok. This is the current situation........The Treatment for ICE has hit the 'skids'!! My fellow collaborators and I are in a disagreement..... MUTANTS or MONSTER......?? Which of these would you prefer to be roaming around our hero's world?? Personally, I think the Human-Mutant creatures make more sense......as they could have 'evolved' or even 'devolved' into some scavenging creatures, that hunt in packs, and lurk in the darkest of corners. Thus creating more suspense and tension in the movie. The other two (aka Judas's) believe a giant, lone, barely seen, in-explicable, creature should be giving our hero grief. I feel THIS option loses some of the claustrophobic tension the mutants could inject. Lets face it.....if its a Giant Thing......you can SEE IT......you can AVOID IT!!! Thoughts and Comments, please!! However, as it's a Democracy.....I am OVERULED......They win 2-1. Guess the majority aint always right!!!! haaaaaaa. I shall continue to crack on with the Treatment......Then the Script......I am, afterall, enjoying the journey. Apparently we are looking at contacts in Europe to fund the project. Filming in Sweden would be wonderful, as it's the perfect setting. So........fingers, toes, arms, legs, eyes, wires, and hot buns ALL CROSSED!!!!

ICE to see you, to see you ICE.......

2011-03-16T16:50:00.000-07:00

Again with the Strictly-Come-Dancing-On-ICE-Celebrity-TV-Garbage-Analogies.......WHY!!??

Anyway......The Treatment is coming along a TREAT! If anything it's maybe a bit too indepth, but I'm sure that will only help make the Script easier to write in the long run.

I apologise to KEL for paying more attention to my Laptop's hypnotic keypad, than her fine self over the last few nights, but I just can't help myself...

Those buttons beckon......

And before you know it, I'm skipping hand in hand with my twisted imagination, through the realms of fantasy and flashback......until the incredible, indescribable, inconceivable, incomprehensible CLIMAX 'fades out', and the credits roll.....

So who else is gunna join me in this ICY PATH to Movieville.....Kel, you coming??

ICE...ICE...BABY!!!

2011-03-11T08:31:00.001-08:00

No, don't worry. You haven't stumbled onto the Vanilla Ice Appreciation Society blog. It's just ME, informing you all of my latest Screenplay.

It's called ICE. It's a post apocalyptic sci-fi thriller. It's low budget, and high concept. And it's my 1st 'official' collaboration with some fellow scribes.

Cant say too much at present.....as it's very early days......but a Treatment is on its way.

New Me.....New Blog.....

2011-03-10T15:34:00.000-08:00

Ok, I'll keep this 'short and sweet' - a bit like myself!!

There's been a hell of a lot of changes in the last 2 years.....Relationships ended, New Ones begun, Houses bought, Waistlines expanded, Alcohol consumed, Livers pickled........

But I'm back now.....

........Watch this space!! :-)

Keep your eyes peeled for......SKINS.

2008-10-13T16:06:00.000-07:00

That's right folks.

E4 are looking for WRITERS, DIRECTORS, MUSICIANS and ACTORS to help out with their new series of SKINS.

Aint got much info at the moment, so keep youe eyes 'peeled' at their website for more updates.

www.e4.com/skins

Writer's write....Right??

2008-10-05T09:04:00.000-07:00

Ok, once again, here I am apologising for not making regular posts....even though I'm probably only apologising to myself, as I'm the only person who ever reads this waffle!

I'm a WRITER........I should be writing. But LIFE seems to be getting in the way.

What with Work, Women, Kids, Alcohol, Dieting, More Alcohol.....there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day. Even whilst typing THIS, I was called downstairs to make a certain someone a cup of tea! She also happened to be sitting NEXT to the kettle!!!! Either I'm too soft, or the 'stuff' between my ears is! Either way, I have decided. It's time to make a stand.....Circle the wagons and take the bull by the horns!!

I MUST MAKE TIME FOR MY WRITING.

To be fair, I have written a couple of new scripts recently. But they were only 'one minute' efforts, written specifically for the Northern Film & Media 'Sound & Vision' scheme. But because there was a deadline, and I'd never attempted to write anything TO MUSIC before, I thought I'd give it a go.....

I was pleasantly surprised. I think I managed to write something that complemented the piece of music I chose, AND make it engaging, with a lingering afterthought!! So if I don't win, I wanna know WHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ha.

Next up, is the STINGERS competition, again from NF&M (what would we do without them, up here in The North, cut off from the Glitz and Glamour of old London Town??). I've got until the 30th October to produce another masterpiece - 5 mins, or less. Any genre.

I've even heard rumours of a '4 character/1 theme or event' half-hour play competition that I wouldn't mind entering.

So, like I said. The time has come to make time. The words wont write themselves!!

Oh, must go now. Someone's calling me. Probably wants me to take the wrapper off her Kit-Kat......

Rise and Shine......

2008-09-07T06:04:00.001-07:00

I've stumbled across yet another Scriptwriting Competition. This one is being organised by 'Rise Films.'

They are calling it the 'SUMMER CHALLENGE.' (You could probably sue them for Trade descriptions.....WHAT Summer!!????).

It's FREE to enter.

You can find all the competition guidelines at the following link: www.risefilms.com/summer/

Hurry though.....the deadline is 26th September 2008.

Good luck.

Sonofabitch....it's the......

2008-09-05T03:12:00.001-07:00

.......Screenwriters' Festival Competition, yet again!!

I'm sure you are all aware that their 2009 'Pitching Competition' is about to be launched. You can submit your ideas from Monday 8th Sept (17.00pm) to Friday 31st October (17.00pm). For further details, you can visit the website at: www.screenwritersfestival.com/a-pitch-in-time.php

Good luck, everyone!!

If you're interested.........???

2008-08-27T05:21:00.000-07:00

Hello people,

Just a quick reminder of some of the recent up and coming events in the North East:

1. There is a new Screenwriting Group - Chaired by Keith Jewitt - at the 'Lit and Phil Society' Newcastle. The next meeting is on the 6th September, from 11am - 1pm......There is generally further discussions following this meeting, which are normally held in a nearby PUB!!!!

It is only the 2nd meeting of the group, and new members will be most welcome.

2. Nicolas Roeg (Don't Look Now, etc) will be visiting the Tyneside Cinema on 6th September (8.15pm). He will be introducing his new film 'Puffball.' Tickets are £6.85/£5.85 (concession).

3. Northen Film and Media are hosting yet another superb 2 day seminar by 'Wendall Thomas'. She is a celebrated film lecturer, casting director, and writer, with over 20 years experience in Hollywood - and it's all FREE!!!!!!

The seminars will be held over 2 days:

17th September (9.30am - 4.30pm) - 'BLACK COMEDY and SATIRE'
18th September (9.30am - 4.30pm) - 'VOICEOVER and FLASHBACKS'

However, you MUST be registered for these events. To do so, please visit the NF&M website: www.northernmedia.org and go to the News and Events section.

That's all I can think of for now......I really should be more organised, and make a proper list of these things when i find out about them!!!! DUH!!!!

If you need any more info concerning the above events, just drop me a line............

Cherry Popped......!!!

2008-08-26T15:11:00.000-07:00

Wave after wave of heart pounding pleasure swept over me.......

"That's a wrap!" My Director yelled into the darkening sky.

My 'short film' cherry had been well and truly popped!!!

CONSUMED is in the can. My first ever film committed to celluloid. I'm pinching myself, as I type.....still can't believe it!!

It was a tough 2 days, I never really appreciated how hard these 'crew members' worked. I tried to help out wherever I could, even going to the point of making a little 'cameo' appearance - or two!!!!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank ALL the cast and crew (and Morrisons, for the 'catering'!!). It really was great working with you all.

Time to start 'saving' the pennies for my new BLOCKBUSTER FEATURE FILM - WATCH THIS SPACE!!!!

I'm not dead, yet......

2008-08-11T03:03:00.000-07:00

I'm not very good at this Blogging business. I find I spend too much time READING other people's insights than producing ANY of my own!!

It's been a busy few months: Yo Yo Dieting, discovering 'Facebook', having the guts to get my feature screenplay appraised (a BIG THANKS to Lucy for that!! Check her out at www.bang2write.blogspot.com - she's worth every penny!! ooer!!), joining a brand new screenwriting group.......oh, yes.......and finally getting my SHORT FILM produced.

We have just finished casting. And we will be shooting it in the next couple of weeks. I CAN'T WAIT!! I have great faith in the Director and his team......

We may be LOW in BUDGET, but we are HIGH in SPIRIT!! (vodka, I think it is!!!)

knackered Networker

2008-02-19T13:27:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Went to a Networking Evening at 'Tiger Tiger' in Newcastle, organised by Northern Film & Media.

Had a GRRRRRRRREAT night. I haven't had Double Gin and Tonics for ages!! Well rough the next day.

Anyway, I met some REALLY friendly and interesting people (mostly Producers and the 'odd' Writer).......we exchanged chat, ideas, and more importantly.....Business Cards!! Afterall, it's not WHAT you know in this business of show......

There was a slight technical hitch with 'MY' Business Cards mind......the bloody ink came off on your fingers if you rubbed too hard!!!! Not the best advertisment for a Scriptwriter!! Anyway, they were an 'ice breaker' and people felt genuinely sorry for me. What can i say? If i can't have your admiration, I will take your pity instead, thanks!!

Got a new batch of cards printed now though, so Producers of the world, beware!!

I have since sent a Short Film Script to several Producers I met on that evening, and I'm eagerly awaiting some feedback - good or bad. I have broad shoulders and a thick skin, i can take it!! Will let you know what they think ASAP.

I'm still waiting to hear from a Producer regarding my Feature Script (we'll call it 'FOTL' for now). It got past the company's READER, who found it "very interesting," and now I'm just waiting to hear from the BIG CHEESE HERSELF!!!!!.......Fingers, legs, eyes and t's all crossed!!!!

Ok, that'll do for now. I'm off to watch SHAMELESS......."Scattaaa!!"

FADE IN:

2008-01-27T11:35:00.000-08:00

INT. HALLWAY. DAY.

Bare legs walk down the stairs. They stop by a large pile of mail.

GLENN UPSALL, 37, stands by the front door. He is wearing only his boxer shorts. He is unshaven and his hair looks like it has had a bolt of electricity shot through it.

He scratches himself in a way only a man can do, and picks up the letters from his 'welcome' mat.

Glenn tosses the unwelcome bills aside. His attention is focused on a large, brown envelope.

He swallows hard. His breathing deepens. He chews his lip.

He tears at the gummed seal, and slides a thick block of crisp, clean pages out. It is a Screenplay. The name on the front matches the name on the envelope.

There is a single page 'business-headed' letter with it.

Glenn scans the letter. His eyes darting across the page. Prominent words and phrases stand out: enjoyed the read...very topical subject... lively pace...clear structure...characters are particularly engaging...

Glenn's eyes shine. The trace of a smile flashes across his lips. He reads on.

Slowly his smile melts away. His eyes glaze over. He SIGHS, and drops his hand down by his side. The letter hangs there, helpless.

Glenn turns to look at his reflection in the full length mirror. His love-handles spill over the waistband of his boxers. Tears well in his eyes.

GLENN
So this is what an inciting
incident feels like?

CUT TO:

Ok, Ok... So it wasn't exactly like that. I don't even have that much hair! But this was my FIRST EVER rejection letter from an Agent.

I admit it. I aimed high. I wasn't expecting to be greeted with a six-figure advance and an over zealous handshake. But I can't help myself. When it comes to my writing... I'm an optimist.

For years I've been happy writing for myself and my family. Even my local Writers' Circle. But I've finally decided to take the plunge, and persue a writing CAREER.

I took a Screenwriting course in 2005, and I finally have the finished (First Draft) of my Screenplay. I entered it into the Northern Film & Media's Writer's Bursary Scheme 2007, and to my surprise, I was 'shortlisted.' I made the final 6, of which 2 were given £5,000 each to develop their scripts.

With my ego boosted, I sent my script to a local (and highly successful) Production Company. Their 'Reader' found it "very interesting" and they've passed it to the Producer to read...I'm still waiting for the outcome of that....

In the meantime, I approached an Agent. I called them up. I talked. They listened. I was even amazed they allowed me to send it to them, to be honest!

Two weeks later came my reply. A polite and personally worded, 'thanks, but no thanks...and good luck.'

I have to admit. For a second, I was gutted. Like I said, I'm an optimist. Every time I pop an envelope in the post, I think 'that's the one'!!

My point is; in this (show)business we have to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and grow a thicker skin everyday, or else we will just give up. Rejection makes us try harder.

But don't forget!!

It's all very well writing for that Producer, or to impress that Agent, or to win that £5,000 prize, only to be slapped across the face. We have to write for ourselves. Be true to ourselves. That's what makes it all worthwhile.

But a six figure deal would be nice too!!!

Hello Everyone...

2008-01-07T07:09:00.000-08:00

Finally made it the world of BLOG. Aren't you lucky.....?