film

More than a few takeaways

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While work continues on my actual writing projects, I’ve also been trying to reduce the number of scripts in my “Scripts to Read” folder.

It’s a decent-sized mix of recent and not-so-recent films, along with material written by professionals, colleagues, and “Hey, I saw you posting about this on social media. Sounds cool. Could I read it?”

It’s amazing how fast you can go through a script when you don’t have to give notes. Even more so when it’s exceptionally well-written, which a lot of these are.

One pair in particular, both written by the same pro.

Each script was unique unto itself, primarily in its story/concept. But you could tell that they were written by the same writer. A very distinctive style for how the stories played out, how it looked on the page, and even moreso in terms of voice.

One detail in particular that really stood out was the lightning pace in which these stories are told. Scenes are brief, to the point, and really move things forward. There’s no lingering, no unnecessary dialogue. The writer really adheres to the “get in late, get to the point, move on” method.

These were scripts that once you started, you didn’t want to stop. Honestly. The writing really was that good.

It’s also worth mentioning that these scripts don’t necessarily break any screenwriting rules, but they sure do bend them. Nothing major or drastic, but the writing is so strong that you’re willing to overlook this unusual approach.

Reading these scripts definitely makes you appreciate (and enjoy) how well-written they are, and also starts you thinking “My scripts aren’t at this level, so what can I do to get them closer to it?” Not that I’d ever try to duplicate this writer’s style – that would be futile. It’s more about letting my own voice and style really come through on all those fronts.

I’ve always been guilty of overwriting scenes, and seeing this very streamlined presentation is a good reminder that I should try for that as well.

It’s probably a good thing that I’m reading all of these scripts now because it’s still relatively early in the rewrite/overhaul phase for my scripts. I don’t think it’ll be too much of an issue to start applying what I’m picking up into them.

My scripts were good, but now it feels like there’s more potential for them to be much, much better. Here’s hoping.

Not much time left…

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Just under one week to go for the crowdfunding for my thrill-omedy short film SHECKY.

The good news is the initial goal was achieved, so post-production is covered, and everything that comes in between now and the end will contribute to covering any unforeseen expenses plus potentially entering the film in some festivals. As of this writing, that’s only $419 away. Fingers crossed a few generous souls join the cause.

Tier rewards are still available, including:

– What’s the buzz? – $10 – social media shoutout

– Flavor of the Month – $25 – shoutout, copy of the script

– In the Spotlight – $50 – shoutout, copy of the script, copy of the film (after its festival run)

– The Punchline – $75 – shoutout, script, film, personalized video of me telling you a terrible joke

-On the Red Carpet – $100 – shoutout, script, film, video, 30-minute Zoom call for your choice of script notes, director’s reel notes, or acting reel notes

-Box Office Blockbuster – $250 – shoutout, script, film, video, 60-minute Zoom call, 1 ticket to screening of SHECKY in your area (if applicable)

-A-lister – $500 – shoutout, script, film, video, 60-minute Zoom call, 2 tickets

For those who’ve been following along, this project has been in the works for a long time. I’m thrilled that it’s THIS CLOSE to being done and can’t wait for people to see it.

I’m hoping all supporters of indie filmmaking, connoisseurs of terrible jokes, and the screenwriting community can find it in themselves to step up and chip in a few bucks. Every dollar really does make a difference.

Thanks, and donate if you can.

Is it that time already?? (Yes. Yes, it is.)

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When I read a compelling logline or hear a “It’s THIS + THAT” that piques my interest, I will not hesitate to contact the writer and ask if the script is available to read.

But where could I, or any other writer, get information like this without having to scroll through endless pages of social media?

Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a vast assortment of scripts available in one convenient list that doesn’t cost you a single cent (RIP – the penny) AND has the email for every single writer?

Behold The Maximum Z 2025 Script Showcase!

This is your chance to put the basic info about your script on full display for the rest of the screenwriting community to peruse and have somebody go “Hey, I’d like to read that.”

Here’s how it works:

The Showcase will post here on Friday, December 19th. It will be a collection of screenplays and TV scripts, plus the added categories of scripts for short films and webseries. A link to the Showcase will be posted on various social media platforms.

If your script is included and you want your connections to know about it, it is highly recommended to copy-and-paste the link and post it on your platforms, inviting everybody to take a look.

To have your script included, send the following information here with the subject line “Maximum Z 2025 Script Showcase”:

Format (Film, TV, short, webseries)

Title

Writer

Genre(s)

Logline

Comps

Awards (if any, limit of 5) Please list how you placed, category (if applicable), the year, and the name of the competition – e.g. “Second Rounder – 2025 Austin Film Festival” or “Finalist – Horror, 2024 StoryPros International”

Your email

Feel free to check out the 2024 edition to get an idea of what it’ll look like.

Two conditions:

ONLY ONE SCRIPT PER PERSON

and

DO NOT SEND THE SCRIPT!!

Previously-listed scripts are okay, but new scripts are highly encouraged.

And can’t stress this one enough – PROOFREAD ALL OF YOUR INFORMATION BEFORE SENDING!! How it’s written in the email is how it’ll be listed in the post. This blog is not responsible for any wrong details, misspellings, or shitty punctuation.

The window to send in is between now and Thursday, December 18. Any submissions after that will not be accepted. Reminders will be posted weekly during that time, so don’t delay and send it straightaway.

Here’s the email again, and the subject line is “Maximum Z 2025 Script Showcase”.

Looking forward to seeing what you’ve got.

One down, a gazillion to go

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Just two weeks to go until we shoot my short film SHECKY, and there are a lot of things I need to take care of. It’s a list that feels like it never ends, or at least like every time I check something off, two or three more take its place. I’m doing my best to deal with a few items each day.

I suspect it would be very easy for things to fall through the cracks, instantly rendering them as forgotten – which means they would inevitably be needed in some kind of vital capacity or else the whole thing is shot to hell.

Which is why I’m doing everything I can to stay on top of that list and keep things moving.

It is my objective to have as much stuff ready to go for that first day of shooting so that when everybody shows up we can get right into it.

It’s exhausting and challenging, and definitely a crash course in learning how films are put together – even if it’s only a short.

Like when we start out as screenwriters, there’s a lot I don’t know, so I’m taking the time to learn as I go. Mistakes will be made, questions will be asked, and I’ll learn from all of it.

Each day involves adding a few more items onto the list, or maybe a new expense (which also seem to keep showing up). It’s always good when I can check off one or two things as “taken care of”.

All of this is part of the gargantuan effort to see this thing get made. Confidence and support from the cast and crew remains high, so I’ll keep working on reducing the number of items on the list. Don’t know if it’ll ever get to zero, but I’m sure gonna try.

-Donations are still being accepted to help with any and all SHECKY-related expenses (hello, post-production!), so let me know if you’d like to chip in. Every dollar helps, and perks and tier rewards from the crowdfunding still apply.

Just put “SHECKY project” in the subject line and I’ll send you the appropriate links (Venmo or PayPal).

Thanks!

Let’s make a movie

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First and foremost, a huge thank you to all the donors to the crowdfunding for my short film SHECKY. We hit 50%, which has helped:

-secure the location

-book the actors

-assemble the crew and equipment

Production is set for the end of the month, but you still have the opportunity to help with funds for post-production. Even if it’s just a couple of bucks, every dollar makes a huge difference.

Like with the crowdfunding, perks and tier rewards are available, including script notes, professional feedback on your film or acting reel, along with the opportunity to be a producer on the film.

“A new homeowner discovers he’s being haunted by the ghost of a comedian telling the same terrible jokes over and over, who refuses to leave – or stop.”

If you’d like to be involved with seeing this thrill-omedy become a reality, contact me here with the subject “Project Shecky” for the details and Venmo link.

Thanks!