Clarifications on Assignments

So, we're off. The sprint to the finish has officially begun. I hope you're managing to find ways to stay cool in the swelter of this summer. The blogs are all established, and most of you seem to be making progress.

A few points about the assignments and the deadlines from the syllabus. First, don't just post your assignments as part of your blog; send your files to your instructors so they can evaluate and comment on your work and return it to you. Second, a deadline is a deadline. All deadlines are 5:00 PM, Friday, of the specified week. This is week four of the term. All instructors should have your treatments and character bios by the end of business on Friday. I won't make a habit of reminding you of deadlines beyond this point. If you have questions, you should e-mail me or your individual instructors.

Blogs Up and Running

The first blogs for the new cycle of Screenwriting Workshop have started to go up. Links can be found to the left. Make sure to send me the links, so I can get them posted for everyone's reading pleasure.

Summer Workshops Gearing Up

For those of you starting on the Summer Term Workshop/Senior Project cycle, be aware that the first group meeting will be on Monday, June 21st, from 11:00 AM to noon, in the Small Screening Room. This will be a chance for you to pitch your ideas and meet with your instructors. I will also hand out the syllabus, and discuss the rules of the class regarding work schedules and further meetings.

Storytelling

Anyone who has taken one of my upper-level classes should understand that "Story" is something that exists everywhere, in ways we may not consciously recognize. As writers, it's our job to understand and consciously manipulate all kinds of stories. With that in mind, I think you may be interested in attending this event sponsored by the D&M Program:

Please join us on May 4th for our 2010 Distinguished Speaker event & Senior Business Plan Exhibit.

Our 2010 Distinguished Speakers are James Tichenor and Joshua Walton of The Rockwell Group LAB. The LAB, located in New York City, focuses on the creation of narratives that give people deeper and more valuable Retail, Entertainment and Product experiences. Projects range from exhibits, retail stores, restaurants, hotels and theaters combining high-end video technology, handmade objects, special effects and custom fixtures and furniture.

There will be a reception celebrating our graduating class immediately following.
Event Facts:
What: D&M Distiguished Speaker 2010: Rockwell Group LAB & Senior Business Plan Exhibit
Where: Bossone’s Mitchell Auditorium, 3128 Market Street
When: Tuesday, May 4, 6 PM
Cost: Free and open to the public
More information: 215-895-1029
RSVP: dsmr@drexel.edu
Anne Cecil

Info You Should Know

Thanks to Peter Kim for posting this list. You should check it out:

Hollywood Readers' List

Keeping Current

Things are relatively quiet right now... Which usually means I'm forgetting something.

For those of you who completed workshop over the past year, I just wanted to mention that you should keep working on that next draft of your script. Start mapping out a plan for getting that script to a "showable" state, so you can send it to agents/managers/producers and consider entering it into contests.

Also, while I forced many of you to start blogs for your projects, many of you dropped the blog like a hot potato the moment your term ended. Bear in mind the old axiom: writers write. So ask yourself, what have I written lately?

End of the Line

For the workshoppers out there who are still reading this blog, I wanted to share a few general impressions with you after reading your final draft scripts.

First, congratulations to everyone. You made it through the class and turned in every draft that was asked of you (more or less on time), which is no mean feat, and a serious step on the road to writing as the professionals do. Beyond that, everyone improved their script over the course of multiple drafts. All of the scripts I read were noticeably better than the first drafts you handed in in January.

Second, good work everyone on maintaining your blogs. It's not always fun, and some days, you feel like there's nothing to write about, but if you go back and look over it for a period of time, your insights may shock you. One thing that surprised me was your own evaluations of your work. Many of you, after completing your final drafts, discussed things you are planning on changing in future drafts. When you get my notes back, you may find in interesting how much we agree on when it comes to future revisions. That may be one of the best lessons you have learned these two terms: how to look at your own work as a professional does, and spot the problems that still need attention.

Finally (for now), this was an excellent batch of scripts, and I enjoyed reading them and working with all of you. For those of you on campus next term, we'll set up individual meetings to discuss your drafts during the second week of classes. As always, feel free to e-mail me with questions or comments.