Hello Fans!
One of the things that is the most boring in a film is when something just happens. The hero mysteriously finds the clue he's looking for. He stumbles across a gun that is in the plain open. He hasn't had to WORK for anything.
Part of a great script is watching the hero's journey, and your hero's journey NEEDS to be fierce and treacherous. We NEED to feel the highs and lows with him/her. We HAVE to BELIEVE that everything that promotes him/her comes at a price. He/she needs to earn every bit of info, every weapon, every THING that he needs to fulfill his quest. We are traveling with him/her. We need to go with the hero to every gun runner, every crime spot, etc.
If you want to go on a great journey I suggest watching CHINATOWN with Jack Nicholson. Robert Towne did a masterful job of writing, and Roman Polanski, who directed, only added brilliance by removing all voice overs by the character, Jake Gittes, stating he (Polanski) wanted the audience to discover the clues as Jake found them. It worked. I mean, an Academy Award won't lie, right?
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
Don't Call The Shots... Seriously.
Hello all!
Happy 2013! Wow have I been busy! Whew!
First of all, let me give you an update. MADAME KOROVA was sucessfully filmed and is in the post production phase. We all cannot WAIT to see this hit the festival circuit. It turned out to be so much fun to direct.
The talent agency that I own with my completely best friend in the whole wild world, Buffi Holland, has taken off at lightning speed and is flourishing. You can check out S.T.A.R.S. Talent at HERE if you would like more information. Recently we have booked talent on CATCHING FIRE of yes, THE HUNGER GAMES fame and LAST VEGAS starring Robert Deniro, Kevin Kline, Michael Douglas, and Morgan Freeman. I'm a proud mama, too... my daughter just got cast in a feature film herself! She starts filming in the fall in Indiana.
Because I've been so busy, I haven't had much chance to write (as you can see from the state of this humble blog!) HOWEVER, I thought I would swing by and offer you a useful screenwriting tip.
When you are writing a screenplay, never, NEVER, NEVER EVER EVER EVER write in or call the shots. I don't mean calling the shots as in deciding what's going on with your character, I mean, writing:
INT. MEDIUM SHOT - VICKI POURS FOOD INTO DOG BOWL
Don't do that.
"Why, ScreenwriterChic? Why should I not do that? How else are folks going to know what I want in this scene?"
Well, to put it bluntly, it ain't your baby anymore. And it's not your job to tell the director what to do.
Once your script has been handed over to a director, it's the director who adds vision to the story and makes it complete. You have given the framework. Don't be sad! Your idea may be cool and all, but it's really awesome to see a director come on board with a fresh set of eyes and incorporate their vision with yours. And think about this too... if you put in camera angles and look like a complete noob and an inexperienced dreamer, you will annoy your reader, which is the person you want on your side, believe me! The reader passes on your work of art to the studios.
Now, if you absolutely HAVE to get a certain shot across, there is a way to do it and look professional and NOT step all over the director's toesies. OR annoy your power wielding reader.
That is in scene description.
EXT. MT. FUJI - DAY
A small speck in the snow, Jessica rummages through her pack.
No food. Disgusted, she throws the pack and SCREAMS.
Okay, did you see what happened here? A small speck in the snow? Did you see an aerial shot with that? And when Jessica couldn't find any food and tosses the bag, you were closer up in your mind's eye, weren't you?
Your scene description frames the picture in the mind of your reader. It's the same as calling your camera angles, but it's a much more appropriate way to do it so you don't have an offended director. Or reader.
And that's what you want, isn't it?
Happy 2013! Wow have I been busy! Whew!
First of all, let me give you an update. MADAME KOROVA was sucessfully filmed and is in the post production phase. We all cannot WAIT to see this hit the festival circuit. It turned out to be so much fun to direct.
The talent agency that I own with my completely best friend in the whole wild world, Buffi Holland, has taken off at lightning speed and is flourishing. You can check out S.T.A.R.S. Talent at HERE if you would like more information. Recently we have booked talent on CATCHING FIRE of yes, THE HUNGER GAMES fame and LAST VEGAS starring Robert Deniro, Kevin Kline, Michael Douglas, and Morgan Freeman. I'm a proud mama, too... my daughter just got cast in a feature film herself! She starts filming in the fall in Indiana.
Because I've been so busy, I haven't had much chance to write (as you can see from the state of this humble blog!) HOWEVER, I thought I would swing by and offer you a useful screenwriting tip.
When you are writing a screenplay, never, NEVER, NEVER EVER EVER EVER write in or call the shots. I don't mean calling the shots as in deciding what's going on with your character, I mean, writing:
INT. MEDIUM SHOT - VICKI POURS FOOD INTO DOG BOWL
Don't do that.
"Why, ScreenwriterChic? Why should I not do that? How else are folks going to know what I want in this scene?"
Well, to put it bluntly, it ain't your baby anymore. And it's not your job to tell the director what to do.
Once your script has been handed over to a director, it's the director who adds vision to the story and makes it complete. You have given the framework. Don't be sad! Your idea may be cool and all, but it's really awesome to see a director come on board with a fresh set of eyes and incorporate their vision with yours. And think about this too... if you put in camera angles and look like a complete noob and an inexperienced dreamer, you will annoy your reader, which is the person you want on your side, believe me! The reader passes on your work of art to the studios.
Now, if you absolutely HAVE to get a certain shot across, there is a way to do it and look professional and NOT step all over the director's toesies. OR annoy your power wielding reader.
That is in scene description.
EXT. MT. FUJI - DAY
A small speck in the snow, Jessica rummages through her pack.
No food. Disgusted, she throws the pack and SCREAMS.
Okay, did you see what happened here? A small speck in the snow? Did you see an aerial shot with that? And when Jessica couldn't find any food and tosses the bag, you were closer up in your mind's eye, weren't you?
Your scene description frames the picture in the mind of your reader. It's the same as calling your camera angles, but it's a much more appropriate way to do it so you don't have an offended director. Or reader.
And that's what you want, isn't it?
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Update on Madame Korova!
Madame Korova preparation is on way!
We have just opened our kick starter campaign to help offset the budget of this film. Would you please consider helping fund our project? It's a great film!
Click here: Madame Korova
Thanks in advance for all your support!
Best,
Marti
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Welcome Back to ME!
Hello all!
It has been EIGHT MONTHS since I have posted. Craziness has ensued! I've deleted my previous post due to the fact that for the past eight months I have been doing damage control to my previous film partner's unethical nature. Not all things bad came out of our working together, though! Through this person, I met my now best friend and business partner, Buffi Holland.
Together, we have created S.T.A.R.S. Talent. We represent talent all over the United States and even Hawaii! God has blessed us. Check out our website here: www.starstalent.org We are very proud, and even better: BUSY!!!
I have formed a production company called STEAMPUNK LILY FILMS and my first production is being filmed next month in July! This is so special to me, because the film was written by daughter, Keagan Haney! She is fifteen years old and she is excited as well, needless to say. I am also excited to be working with one of my friends from Vanderbilt, Christopher Nold. He will be our Director of Photography. The whole project will be golden! I'll post a link once it's completed. I LOVE FILMING!
Here's a picture of my beautiful daughter!
It has been EIGHT MONTHS since I have posted. Craziness has ensued! I've deleted my previous post due to the fact that for the past eight months I have been doing damage control to my previous film partner's unethical nature. Not all things bad came out of our working together, though! Through this person, I met my now best friend and business partner, Buffi Holland.
Together, we have created S.T.A.R.S. Talent. We represent talent all over the United States and even Hawaii! God has blessed us. Check out our website here: www.starstalent.org We are very proud, and even better: BUSY!!!
I have formed a production company called STEAMPUNK LILY FILMS and my first production is being filmed next month in July! This is so special to me, because the film was written by daughter, Keagan Haney! She is fifteen years old and she is excited as well, needless to say. I am also excited to be working with one of my friends from Vanderbilt, Christopher Nold. He will be our Director of Photography. The whole project will be golden! I'll post a link once it's completed. I LOVE FILMING!
Here's a picture of my beautiful daughter!
Keagan Haney
Can you tell I'm a proud mom???
Oh!
And on another note, Derek Haas, a great guy I'm so glad I can say is my friend, has written a series called Chicago Hope which was picked up by a major television network! Kudos to you, Derek!!
Friday, August 26, 2011
The Screenwriter Think Tank Session of Brilliance
Some of the best advice I was ever given was by Will Akers.
He told me, "You're a good writer. Now start making short films. Learn every aspect. That way, you'll always have work."
I am passing that on to you today, dearest reader. He was absolutely right!
Now, on to screenwriting stuff.
Last week I held my first ever SCREENWRITER THINK TANK OF BRILLIANCE.
It was truly one of the most outstanding times I have had as a writer. Here's the back story:
I am working on a supernatural thriller script. I had a vague outline of who and what would go on with the story, but I was stuck. I didn't know how to raise the stakes for our hero. I didn't know what occupation my villian should have. I have a decent concept for a script, but this was driving me nuts.
So I called the meeting.
I invited a group of friends. All were from different backgrounds. Since my story is about a hero paramedic, I had a paramedic there. I read them the outline from my script, and then for two hours picked their brains. What a great time!
Folks had AMAZING insight. When all was said and done, I had a full fledged outline, and will get this written probably in a couple of weeks before I start the rewriting process.
The point is, DON'T keep your story to yourself. Pitch it to folks. See if they'd be interested. I pitched the CONCEPT of this script for about two years to folks. I would say, "Hey, would you see this movie if this happened?"
With a group of folks who are from different backgrounds, you will be amazed at some of the ideas that will pop up. Brilliance! Even my 14 year old daughter contributed, and I am using her idea.
Now, don't get folks who won't speak the truth. If something doesn't make sense, you want to know BEFORE you start fleshing it out. Sometimes people will be 'nice' and not 'honest'. Honesty is what you want. 'Nice' just wastes your time.
So, if you're ever stuck on writing, hold a meeting and pick brains! We had a great time and got TONS accomplished!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Communication is KEY!
At the time I am writing this, it is 1:45am. Literally.
Why am I writing in the wee hours of the morning? I thought you would never ask, my faithful fan! I'll tell you.
The reason that I'm not resting is because I am supposed to work for a high profile client tomorrow. They hired me for two days and told me they would send me a call sheet. I have since emailed them three times requesting this call sheet. I was told that one would be sent to me tonight, hence I am still up waiting.
And this give me a perfect teaching moment for you.
COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR CREW!!!!
By the production coordinator not having his ducks in a row, I can already predict how tomorrow will be. And THAT'S if I ever find out what time I'm to arrive!
For those of you who don't know what a call sheet is, it's a document that tells you the address of where you are supposed to be, the TIME you're supposed to be there, numbers to call if you can't make it, and other pertinent information like, where to park. I'm headed to a municipal auditorium. Do I park in the audiorium's parking or do I need to park across the street? There will be thousands of people at this. What is the dress code? Some companies don't care and merely state: dress comfortably, jeans okay, no open toed shoes. Some require all black. Which is it for these guys? Who knows!!!
When you run a production, you are the leader. Everyone looks to you. You may not realize that at the time, but it's true. You need to have things handled, like, call sheets. If you are too busy to do it, you know what? There are assistants that are great at it. Don't mistreat your crew by keeping them in the dark. And for goodness sake, DON'T lie to your crew! I got an email stating that I would have my call sheet "tonight". Well, it's tomorrow, and I'm losing sleep waiting on a call sheet that may or may not come. And if they call me and my call time is 3am I will seriously be ticked off!
If you are feeling overwhelmed, the best thing you can do, is ask for help. Don't drag people through the mud because you feel it's your baby. Maybe it is! But do you want a happy crew, or a confused, grumbling crew because now folks don't think you know what you're doing?
Communication. It's the key to happiness and a smooth running production.
Why am I writing in the wee hours of the morning? I thought you would never ask, my faithful fan! I'll tell you.
The reason that I'm not resting is because I am supposed to work for a high profile client tomorrow. They hired me for two days and told me they would send me a call sheet. I have since emailed them three times requesting this call sheet. I was told that one would be sent to me tonight, hence I am still up waiting.
And this give me a perfect teaching moment for you.
COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR CREW!!!!
By the production coordinator not having his ducks in a row, I can already predict how tomorrow will be. And THAT'S if I ever find out what time I'm to arrive!
For those of you who don't know what a call sheet is, it's a document that tells you the address of where you are supposed to be, the TIME you're supposed to be there, numbers to call if you can't make it, and other pertinent information like, where to park. I'm headed to a municipal auditorium. Do I park in the audiorium's parking or do I need to park across the street? There will be thousands of people at this. What is the dress code? Some companies don't care and merely state: dress comfortably, jeans okay, no open toed shoes. Some require all black. Which is it for these guys? Who knows!!!
When you run a production, you are the leader. Everyone looks to you. You may not realize that at the time, but it's true. You need to have things handled, like, call sheets. If you are too busy to do it, you know what? There are assistants that are great at it. Don't mistreat your crew by keeping them in the dark. And for goodness sake, DON'T lie to your crew! I got an email stating that I would have my call sheet "tonight". Well, it's tomorrow, and I'm losing sleep waiting on a call sheet that may or may not come. And if they call me and my call time is 3am I will seriously be ticked off!
If you are feeling overwhelmed, the best thing you can do, is ask for help. Don't drag people through the mud because you feel it's your baby. Maybe it is! But do you want a happy crew, or a confused, grumbling crew because now folks don't think you know what you're doing?
Communication. It's the key to happiness and a smooth running production.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Back in Business!
Hello Faithful Fans!
I have gotten back from Los Angeles and had a wonderful time. For those of you who are facebook friends, you have the skinny on the trip. For the rest of you, feel free to look me up!
On another note, I am officially the producer of WELCOME TO WAFFLE HOUSE, the next summer blockbuster. I'm really excited to venture off into producing now... such an unknown world to me. However, I have great contacts in "the biz" and they are hooking me up with outstanding mentors... one of whom I hope to add as an associate producer on the movie.
I'm truly excited about this new chapter and the writers are great guys.
On top of that, I have also been tapped to produce some short films for a local filmmaker in Nashville, Robby Coles. His newest project, THE GREY AREA, is a short film regarding bullying and he is working on getting it submitted to every school in America. You can go to my facebook page and see where Robby has a kickstart page for funding.
If you would like to help me raise funds for WELCOME TO WAFFLE HOUSE, please feel free to donate at:
WELCOME TO WAFFLE HOUSE
Please know that I appreciate any and all donations to help get this movie into theaters. If you donate, I promise you will have a special thanks noted in the credits.
I have gotten back from Los Angeles and had a wonderful time. For those of you who are facebook friends, you have the skinny on the trip. For the rest of you, feel free to look me up!
On another note, I am officially the producer of WELCOME TO WAFFLE HOUSE, the next summer blockbuster. I'm really excited to venture off into producing now... such an unknown world to me. However, I have great contacts in "the biz" and they are hooking me up with outstanding mentors... one of whom I hope to add as an associate producer on the movie.
I'm truly excited about this new chapter and the writers are great guys.
On top of that, I have also been tapped to produce some short films for a local filmmaker in Nashville, Robby Coles. His newest project, THE GREY AREA, is a short film regarding bullying and he is working on getting it submitted to every school in America. You can go to my facebook page and see where Robby has a kickstart page for funding.
If you would like to help me raise funds for WELCOME TO WAFFLE HOUSE, please feel free to donate at:
WELCOME TO WAFFLE HOUSE
Please know that I appreciate any and all donations to help get this movie into theaters. If you donate, I promise you will have a special thanks noted in the credits.
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