Author: Maximum Z

Busy, busy, and still busy

Maximum Z craigslist, screenwriting

Today was the first time in quite a while I got to sit down and write.  It was for the mash-up genre.  Four pages of scenes.  I wrote it and sent it out.

Naturally, a few hours later, I thought of ways to make it better.  This always happens.

But I did enjoy putting it together.  The action, the suspense, and so on and so on.  It was, dare I say, fun.  Too bad it can’t always be like that.

I think it has to do with the genre.  Writing exciting action-adventure is exciting.  Gets the blood pumping. It makes the time pass quickly.

But trying to write comedy, while alone?  Boring.

But I digress.

The guy was very nice in his response.  I don’t know what kind of a chance I have with this, but at least it’s something.

There was also a listing for somebody looking for a comedy writer.  I figure ‘ why not?’  They have to do some kind of presentation and I guess they want to make it funny.

Yeah, I know.  I may not be the ideal candidate, but I can say funny things if the situation is right.  No, really.  I can.  Again, looking at it as a potential exercise.

But again, why not?  The worst they can say is no.  I got nothing to lose.

These two listings also mention being paid, but I really don’t know what kind of rate would be involved.  While I’d like to charge my editing/proofreading fee, I worry that would be too high for an Average Joe.  Then again, I don’t want to reduce it too much that it’s not worth all the work.  Ugh.

Also never heard back from the just-graduate film student looking for a professional review of his script.  This doesn’t surprise me.  For all I know, somebody took him up on it.  Which would amaze me.

If this post seems all over the place, that’s because the Movie of the Moment is IN THE LOOP, a bitingly wicked political satire. It’s hard to concentrate with it on.

It’s been in the house for two weeks, and I hate keeping them that long.  But it’s really good.  The dialogue and plotlines are so complicated and intertwined, it’s hard to believe it was written.

Thus endeth the rambling…

Hmmm…

Maximum Z craigslist, Entourage, Pushing Daisies, screenwriting, treatment, Venture Bros, writing gigs

I think I mentioned there was this listing on Craigslist last week for somebody looking for a writer to put together a ‘mash-up’ story involving the Old West, goth horror and martial arts.

So I wrote in, expressing interest.  The guy wrote back relatively quickly and included his 20-page treatment.

It was interesting.  But I’m not sure so much backstory has to go into a treatment.  I always thought it was more or less a prose-style summary of the story being told on the page.  I’ll have to look into that.

But getting back to his treatment…

I think there’s something wrong when you don’t get to the main story until the middle of the 4th single-spaced page OF THE TREATMENT!  Way too much stuff beforehand that can easily be summed up in a scene or two.  And a whole lot of info about characters who are killed within a few pages.  Why so much?

I’m sure every writer is sick of hearing this, but there’s definitely a lot of potential in this thing.  It’s all a question of putting it all together.

Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be a solid main storyline.  More like a lot of vignettes with a barely-there common thread.  And there are some scenes that seem to come out of nowhere.  For example: the lesbian love affair between the 2 main female characters.  How did this happen?  I hope it’s not just an excuse to have a nude scene.  There are more creative and story-based ways to do that.

So for the next day or two, I’ll be working on my scene.  I’m looking at this more like an exercise than a job application; a way to test/flex my writing muscles.

The guy asked about how much I thought it would cost, and I really had no idea.  I still don’t.  Is it by the hour?  By the page?  K suggests I ask for a co-writing credit.  If the guy is going to submit it to competitions or even take it out for representation, I think I’ll have earned at least my name in the mix.

And I wouldn’t say no to some cash either…

Almost forgot. I also wrote to that just-graduated film student looking for a ‘professional’ to proofread his script. I offered myself up for the gig.  I’ll be surprised if he responds, and even more surprised if he says yes.  I bet he won’t, but you never know.

Movie of the Moment:  We’ll probably watch the new episode of VENTURE BROS later.  I hope it’s better than last season; way disappointing.

But I can’ t recommend PUSHING DAISIES enough.  The writing and acting on it are so well done.  I think the fact it’s a smart, clever show that requires you to think is why it didn’t do well.  But we like it.

Since it’s only one season, which is about 12-13 shows, I’m trying to figure out what show to do next.  I keep going back and forth between BATTLESTAR GALACTICA and MAD MEN.  Decisions, decisions.

ENTOURAGE ended with Vince’s career in coke-fueled limbo and Ari’s marriage in trouble.  Virtually nothing about Drama. Turtle and this whole tequila thing – boring.  And E may have to sign a pre-nup.  I thought this show was about their lives in the industry.  That comment I read about this being SEX AND THE CITY for guys is becoming more true.  Now I just have to wait until next season…

Not again

Maximum Z craigslist, screenwriting, video, writing gigs

These are busy times.  So busy that I wasn’t able to do any writing-oriented work today.

Partially due to a lot of walking in an effort to get some exercise, and partially to save money.

Today was also the first day of Rosh Hashanah, so I took advantage of my only opportunity to go to services.  I walked there as well.

And K and I are trying new healthy recipes, so I have to get ingredients.

And since K has the car AND my bike is still in the shop, there’s more walking.

All of this adds up to not much writing time.  Which kind of sucks.

But I did get one of those mega-positive feelings today.  Like my scripts are going to be kickass and totally awesome.  It feels really cool to experience that.  Hope it lasts.

I’ll make a big effort tomorrow to try and get some more work done.  Promise.

-A listing that was on Craigslist about two weeks ago popped up again.  They want a produced screenwriter to help with a short-term project, and the person MUST have pitching experience.

Because everybody knows that if you are looking for an experienced screenwriter, Craigslist is the place to go!  If you’ll excuse me for a second, I have to hold on to my eyes so they don’t roll right out of my head.

How stupid would you have to be to think that a working writer would be interested, let alone willing, to take on this kind of assignment?  I’ve really considered writing them this exact question.  But in the end, I probably won’t.

Or maybe post a response-type listing.  I would love to hear their line of reasoning. Then again, I’d be amazed if they responded at all.

Once again, no Movie of the Moment. Part of it has to do with busy evenings that revolve around getting homework done, and then getting an almost-8-year-old insomniac to stay in bed.

Both of these activities are quite time-consuming, which unfortunately doesn’t include much time to settle in and watch a portion of whatever Netflix sent.

I miss that.

Sorry for the delay

Maximum Z Disney, running, screenwriting, script doctor eric

I haven’t written/posted in a couple of days because I’ve been out of town.  For THE RACE.

The Legs of Steel are now on the mend following my running the 2010 Disneyland Half-Marathon.  My time: 2:02:30, which is 2:31 more than the last one I did. Three years ago!  There’s hope for me yet.

I am sooo grateful it was cool and foggy.  If it had been sunny and warm/hot, I don’t know how I would have done.  There were times I felt like I wouldn’t be able to finish, but my body overruled my brain and I kept going.

Once again, K put it in perspective.  If I had trained more, I would have had a better time.  So, I’m going to really have at it in order to be ready for New Orleans in February.  I’m hoping to get at least 1:55.

And our time in Disney was fun, too.  Hot, but fun.  V discovered a love of rollercoasters.  Except for that big one in CA Adventure.  She didn’t like that.  Or Indiana Jones.

K also commented that I was born to steer the boat on Jungle Cruise.  Can’t argue with that.  We also noticed a lot of multiracial families and a TON of tattooed patrons.  There were also a lot of overweight folks, but that’s expected…

On the writing front:

-I talked to that life coach from the logline contest last night.  He was really cool and had some helpful things to say.  I didn’t know what to expect, but was hoping he wouldn’t be some kind of Tony Robbins ripoff.

Quite the opposite.

He used to work in the industry, but has since moved on.  He mentioned a lot of his clients still do, which is very interesting.

He liked what I said about myself, and suggested trying to get involved with some networking.  Only problem – I’m up here and they’re down there.  I think there may be some ways to accomplish this online, so that’s something to investigate.

He also offered to try and send some potential event leads my way, which means I may be heading south again.  I’m thinking November-ish.   Provided, of course, that this doesn’t fall within the ‘Hollywood shutting down for the holidays’ timeframe.

It also seems like the man behind the contest is also a great contact to have, and is worth establishing more of a connection with.  His basic script analysis package is $99, which isn’t too steep; just more than I can currently afford.  I’d like to do that soon as well.  I think if he likes it enough, he’s willing to pass it on to more industry folks.  And that would be awesome.

-I re-did the first act outline of BABY LIKES JAZZ, using my notes from BABY BOOM as a reference point.  Problem is, apart from these changes, I like how it all unfolds later on.  I also noticed a few holes that need to be taken care of.  That might be harder to take care of than I anticipate, but I’m not too worried.

No Movie of the Moment tonight, but we’ve got IN THE LOOP and the first season of PUSHING DAISIES in the house.  One of those tomorrow, so hang in there.  Suggestions are always welcome, too…

Who are you again?

Maximum Z craigslist, screenwriting, writing gigs

I’ve noticed a disturbing trend among people seeking screenwriters on Craigslist:  they want someone with credits to help them with a project.

Because a professional screenwriter is constantly checking Craigslist to get that big $50-80 payday.

The most recent listing was from somebody who graduated from film school last year, but focused on directing and producing more than writing, so now they want a ‘professional’ to give their script the fine-tooth-comb routine before it is sent out.

Because THIS IS THEIR CREATIVITY ON THE LINE!!! (emphasis mine)

Give me a fucking break.

You want somebody who knows what a script should look like. Believe it or not, there are tons of quality writers out there, and a lot of them would be more than happy to check out your script.

I highly doubt someone with credits is going to spend a few hours checking out something like this.  And if they do, they must be ‘between projects’ right now.

And I’m not even going to get into the listing from the caucasian writer who wants to partner with a black writer on his project, because, in his words, only a black writer can capture the passion and personality of the story.

Oh, fer God’s sake…

Getting back to me.  I started breaking down BABY LIKES JAZZ like how it was done in BABY BOOM.  Short, to the point, but relevant to the story and revealing of the main character.

Amazingly, some of the ideas I had waaaayyyyy back in outline #1 still apply.

Apparently my brilliance knows no bounds.