I've Got My First Screenwriting Contract!

So two weeks ago I was approached by my internship coordinator, whose a great Director and taught me everything I know about being an office PA and set PA during my role at his production company. He asked me if I could help him out with a by critiquing his script. I read the script, took some notes and gave him some honest feedback including where I thought there was room for improvement.

From there, he thanked me for feedback and then surprised me saying he didn't have time to rewrite it, and asked me if I was interested in the gig.

I am sure I had a Macaulay Culkin Home Alone, YES moment--complete with dramatic arm victory swinging.

So I maybe seemed a bit over eager at that moment. I tried to real it back in with one of those understated professional statements...circa " I would be delighted to take part in this project".

But my joy was apparent and I think that actually may not be a bad thing at all. What's so bad about being passionate and excited about doing work that you love?

From there there were some steps to finalize. Newbies receiving an offer is not the end. I had to send him some writing samples ( which makes me so glad I did a feature and a spec ready), which my offer was contingent upon. Then there was a small bit of official paperwork to do concerning payment, timelines etc. 

I am excited to announce I have receive my first screenwriting contract. I am doing a re-write for a children's action adventure film. This is my first official week and I could not be happier and for my very first contract I would say I didn't do too bad.  

Being open, prepared and excited as well as staying keyed in with your network can lead to great results newbies. That is a lesson I have learned for sure over the last two weeks.

#KeepWriting

-DW

Headshots Not Just for the Actors...

So I can't talk about what I am writing but I will talk about what else I am working on.... ramping up my personal brand.

Personal branding is key in the creative community. A head shot can create a personal ties through cyber space, distance and time. Since I am on the East Coast trying to get into a predominantly West Coast business this is especially key for me. While I have done a few head shots of myself using the timer function on my lovely Canon Rebel, I haven't yet had the experience of getting my photo taken where I receive instructions from a professional to help present me in the best possible light
(---double meaning intended). But I shall this weekend!

I can't believe I am just now about to get this done. Have I ever mentioned to you that I also own DWPV, a freelance creative brand focused on design, writing, photography, and video.  I am in the middle of a brand relaunch but customers are responding well to the new logos and focused mission. The website will be the next generation. I carefully designed my logo for that, because I knew it would be apart of my personal brand, just as my scripts are apart of my brand.  But all brands need a face too!

According to William Arruda, you should focus on the volume, relevance, purity, diversity, and validity of your brand. He refers to it as reputation, but I am a creative so I know better.


The shy girl inside of me often doesn't want to step out into center stage. I would prefer to stay behind the camera...which should be obvious as I have not posted a video blog message in months. There is a safety in being in the background with the camera in your hand, where as there is a vulnerability when your on the other side of the camera and your picture is taken.

Every freckle, scar or extra pound seems to stick out like a sore thumb to me every time in the past for graduations, family photos,  or networking events  so I got by with getting in the group pics.  It may be a side effect of looking at perfectly airbrushed images all day in movie posters and THR.

Headshots are coming my way. Who knows, a video presentation or self bio may be next. That would be a way to take this one step forward.

So does anyone have a recommendation for me in the Atlanta area for a place to get a killer headshot?