“Underground” Cast Honored & Season 2 Premiers at SCAD

by

Danielle Wilcox

ATLANTA, Georgia — Feb. 4, 2017 — Stars of the critically acclaimed breakout hit, “Underground” took center stage at SCAD’s signature television event, aTV Fest to win the Spotlight Cast Award on February 2^nd.

The hit show created by Misha Green and Jo Polaski, tackles dark days of American slavery. Stars of the show, Aldis Hodge, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Amirah Vann accepted the award along with newcomer Aisha Hinds who will be portraying Harriet Tubman.

Stars of the show gave credit to the directors for their role in the show’s success.

“They do not shy away from honesty or presenting a whole human being. No one is one dimensional”, said Vann regarding Green and Polaski.

Festival attendees were treated to an early cut of the Season 2 premiere which explores the struggle for freedom and what it means to be a citizen vs a soldier within the world of ‘Underground’ which is set in the late 1850s.

Season of Underground airs March 8^th on WGN America at 10 PM.

The 5^th annual aTV Fest runs February 2^nd – 4^th at The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and other honorees include Jennifer Morrison and Jenna Elfman.

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This story also appears on Today's Spotlight

American Film Market 2017? Or Have I Gone Bust?

American Film Market 2017? Or Have I Gone Bust?

So...as fall gets ready to roll around yet again, I am once again looking at American Film Market as an event option I so long to attend. The big problem right now is a lack of resources. Yes, I realize the year is only half over so you may be wondering how that is possible, especially since I have neglected my blog since covering aTV Fest this February (I'm going to work my way back to a post a month).

But this year I have:

• Participated in  New Mavericks ( free event for female filmmakers sponsored by the Atlanta Film Society)
• Renewed my WIFTA Membership and attended several events ( I did the 2-year membership for roughly 120 bucks)
• Traveled to Miami for the American Black Film Festival in June ( the Early Bird badge alone was $350)
• Become a member of Bridge17, a writer's room ( monthly membership fees range from $25-$50)
• Attended the Content Creator Awards of Atlanta ( General Admission to the awards was only about $30 dollars)

That being said, the accumulation of these events be their price tags equal great or small amounts, have been a significant investment in my craft. This investment is not only financial but deeply impacts the amount of time and energy I have to allocate to do other things. Time, energy and money are resources in limited supply.

I went to all of these opportunities for one reason though--- I love films & television. I love being part of the process of making films and television and I want to be apart of shaping what appears on television and alternate viewing platforms.


American Film Market in Los Angeles is a great opportunity to be apart of shaping that process as this is where several projects are pitched, purchased and produced programming finds a distribution channel.

There is one thought that I keep coming back to though. These events, including Amercian Film Market. Though they are related to screenwriting, they are actually not... writing, which means they do impact my time to actually push my keyboard to the max as I pound out  a new scene in Final Draft (oh I bought that this year too, add $129 for the student edition if you are running a tab).

While I haven't completely counted out California's monarch pitch & purchase festival, but I have some thinking to do. How do you determine and balance writing time with writing-related event time? I'd love to hear from you on what's working.


Always,

-Danielle W.
#keepwriting

SCAD 2017 aTVfest Has Begun!

Greetings Screenwriting Newbies,


It is that time of year again. Television creators, producers, and actors descend on Atlanta's SCAD campus for aTV Fest. The three-day festival focused on television kicked off Thursday, Feb 2.

I had the pleasure of attending last night's events as a Guest Correspondent with Today's Spotlight.

Thursdays Lineup included "24 Legacy", "Underground", and several industry panels.

The full schedule for the remaining activities can be viewed at  http://www.atvfest.com/ and there are still tickets available.

I highly recommend this event if you based in the Southeast and want to take part in the television making landscape.

#keepwriting

- DW

Blacklist Mixer Review

So The Black List has started a mixer in Atlanta  for the screenwriting community.  I had the pleasure  of attending the first meeting last month.

The informal event let screenwriters  sign up for a script swap partner  in which writers  would switch projects and offer each other feedback.  It's  a great  option  of your  normal circle of readers include your mom, dad and a few select  friends.

The drawback of the mixer was that it was pretty stagnant, meaning  being  forced  to sit at a booth or table to order. This meant that the free flowing  movement  that you expect  at a mixer was not there.

However,  the bonus of this was you got to know  the people at your  table more intimately  as you  were trapped there for at least 20 minutes.

So the second meeting  lhappened this evening and while I had  planned  to attend,  I had to defer due to an extra long day at the Atlanta  Film Festival  ( which  I will cover in my next post).  Though  I did ask a screenwriting  colleage to provides  me feedback after tonight's  event  which  promised  more of a mixer type environment.

More meetings  are scheduled  to occur the first Wednesday  of every  month at Smith's Olde Bar but be sure to check  the  website for new updates.

Headshots... not just for actors part 2

I realized that I never shared any of my amazing headshots with you. I found out my university actually does them for $35 for students, faculty & staff!

So if your on a budget this may be a great option to get some quality work done. It was a super short shoot lasting a grand total of 10 minutes so don't expect a four hour multiple outfit change  session if you go this route. But if you just need one or two good photos for your business cards and bios then this is perfect.

These were taken by an MFA student at Georgia State and I couldn't be happier.

In fact I'm thinking about getting a second set in my work environment - which at this point is anywhere with my laptop & Internet access.

What do you think of my headshots? Do you know of any other great options for headshots you want to share?

Big News...Newbies! More Video Content Coming!

Hi Newbies,

Several of you have asked me for more video content similar to what I was doing at the beginning of my blog. Screenwriting with the Newbie did start out as a video blog, and those first 6 episodes are my special treasures to show me how far I have come as a screenwriter. I am so glad I documented my learning process in that way and was able to share it with all of you.

I've been continuing to share new things as I have come across them here, however, the format of bi-weekly video blog was a little too time-consuming for me alone. Shooting and editing video content was actually cutting into my writing time, and I had to follow my own rules. So I shaved that time back into my life by ditching the video element of my blog...or at least having it much more infrequently.

But recently, I was approached by a colleague who decided to create a show about independent female filmmakers and she asked me to be apart of the project. So the video diary will resume, with her lovely production team to edit all the footage, which means more video content will be coming to the site!

I can't wait to share episodes of show with you. More details coming soon!

My aTV FEST 2016 adventure

Scott Foley. Mindy Kaling. Robin Lord Taylor.

Yes, the Savannah College of Art in Design drew in quite the list panelist at this low-key event. Atlanta's only television conference is hosted by SCAD every winter with only those in the know knowing what an epic treat aTV Fest can be for television fans and aspiring television professionals alike.

This year marks my second year of participating in the wildly informative conference that is the perfect combination of education and entertainment. This year Shondaland had the run of show at the four-day event, which suited me perfectly!

I love Shondaland content from Grey's Anatomy to Scandal.

Meeting Scott Foley was heavenly. He is one of the sweetest human beings on the planet.

Meeting Tom Verica was magical and he even gave me some advice on ways to make it in California.

Meeting and interviewing three cast members and an executive producer of the Walking Dead caused me to nearly crap my pants.  But I made through, pants unscathed with few sound bites and images picked up by Getty no less. I dusted off my microphone and was a guest interviewer at the event for the likes of Josh McDermitt, Christian Serratos, Alanna Masterson  and fellow GSU alum Tom Luse. I enjoyed picking their brains be it only for 5 minutes due to super slim time constraints during the press junket, but nonetheless had an amazing experience.

Robin Lord Taylor and I bonded over our mutual love for Wendy Williams and went on a random tangent love fest. How you doin?

These festival moments are definitely ones that I will treasure, but the pinnacle for me was Saturday's Shondaland Writer's Panel. As a budding screenwriter there was no experience that gave me more pleasure than hearing their stories of breaking in, writer's room etiquette and how they ended up working for the the Goddess of the Golden Age, Shonda Rhimes herself.

Mark Wilding, head writer of Scandal had a particularly interesting journey that started right here in Atlanta!

Mark worked at the local Rich's downtown by day and wrote plays by night. One of his plays got seen by someone at Disney all the way in Vancouver.  Disney flew him out to California to see if he'd want a job writing. He's been out there since the mid-80's and has been in Shondaland for the last 11 years.

Believe it or not one of the other panelist had ties to Atlanta. Zoanna Clark, writer on Grey's Anatomy and medical doctor went to medical school at Emory before becoming a medical consultant on ER.  She made sure all of those potentially life saving surgeries on the small screen were accurate before becoming a writer on Grey's Anatomy where she has been for the last 12 years.

Both of their stories had round about journeys to writer's room and that resonated with me since I've worked in some alternate careers myself while discovering my love for screenwriting.

Their stories as well as the other panelist really helped to give me extra motivation to keep striving towards my goals.

Hopefully, it motivates you too! I encourage you to check out aTV Fest next year but above all else, just keep writing.

#KeepWriting

-DW

American Film Market or Bust!

I am setting some goals newbies!

Mark my words. Next November I will be at American Film Market 2016.

That is a promise.

Living in Atlanta in the midst of Yallywood is great and all. However, Atlanta is not known for its above the line labor activities. Most of the script decision making process happens on the West Coast. Hollywood remains supreme in that area of Above the Line labor.

For all those who are unsure what that means, Above the Line labor refers to directors, screenwriters, actors and producers attached to a project. They represent a fixed cost and can typically demand a pretty penny.

Georgia's workforce can supply the majority of the Below the Line workforce in the form of crew, extras and supporting cast, but the real decision making process for most films still happens in sunny California.

Which is why, as budding screenwriter it is important for me to attend the American Film Market event next year. The week long event is the ultimate in independent motion picture events--with a facet of  networking, film distribution, and deal-making events.

Even with the dates of  next years events, not yet announced I am claiming my ticket! I encourage you to make the the journey to this screenwriting mecca with me. This is our advance notice. So get your scripts in tip-top shape and start saving for your plane, train or automobile trip to Santa Monica for the 2016 American Film Market. It is newbie come-up season.

#KeepWriting,



- DW

#TBT Post! SCAD presents aTVFest "Backstrom" Cast Interview with Danielle Wilcox

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

My Father Retired.... Which Means I Can Too

Putting an event together can be a massive feat! I am so happy I am done with the party. It was a great event and he really enjoyed it. My mother, sister and I transformed my parent's home into an island paradise complete with Jamaican Rasta rappers and a Hawaiin Hula Dancer.

Check out the video to be amazed and awed by the characters that make up the story of my life. After this experience, I think I am going to have to base a story off some true life characters in my everyday world.



Now that the party is done, the pictures and videos have been posted and the rentals returned, I have more time to write and I am so happy about that too. I took my own advice and carved out some writing time, even in the midst of a busy season in my life. I do have a little announcement: Minority Repore ( The Girls meets Girlfriends Project)  pilot is complete!



# KeepWriting





-DW

Today's Pep Talk for the Newbie Writer

Don't fall into the trap.  Don't so bogged down in the training, trying to massage your ego to get ready to write. Just write.

All right on the count of three pick up your typewriter, computer, or good old fashioned pen and notepad. One....two....three....WRITE!

#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?

The Struggle is Never Ending

Dear Newbies,


I fell victim to the nothingness. I drowned faster than Bastian in the Never Ending Story into the depths of languid, luxurious moments couch potatodom. It felt so good to do nothing.  It was the highlight of my day...to return home from work after 8 hours at a desk, then sitting in 1+ hours of Atlanta traffic, to come home and do absolutely nothing! I even had a daily routine for it.  I would peel off the day, literally and figuratively, by changing into some long-awaited, sincerely anticipated sweat pants. This was followed by stuffing my face, then relaxing on the sofa while web surfing until it was time to go to bed. I loved it so much.  I still do. Being a couch potato felt so good.

But all good things must come to an end. Why? I felt like my original ambitions, were slipping further and further away. I don't want a pile of unfinished works. It is now beyond want, it is a need. My words need to be given life on the screen. I have to finish a script.  If I want to be a screenwriter, rule number one is to keep writing.

I know it. I preach it. I believe it.

Even with all the tutorials, tips, and best practices I have found to make the screenwriting process easier, it still goes to show that this process is a beast. Eventually, it leaves its mark. I fell victim to it and maybe this is the first of many times I struggle with this...maybe not. All I know is that I will always come back to writing, no matter what. That is my never-ending story.

What separates the true screenwriters and the want-to-be ones is the ability to get back on the horse or in this case, resurrect it.

So here I am admitting my short-comings and learning from them. Just like Bastian, it took a friend to help me dig myself out of woe-some routine. Thanks for being my Atrayu, @BellaWrites1.

Below I have included the encouraging video she sent me of Ava Duvernay that really got me moving forward again.  I hope it inspires you too.


#KeepWriting

-DW

Notes on Genre via The Script Lab: Thriller

Genre: Thriller - The Script Lab



Came across  this today via twitter and thought  it did an exellent job of phrasing  subgenres in aiper quick easy to understand  descriptions.  Meanwhile,  I've  been describing  the full  plot of  my film, Lazarus. SMH...



Thanks  Script Lab for showing  me how  to get to  freaking point.



#KeepWriting



-DW

All the Writing Before You Write....

So I have gotten advice from various sources on the pre-writing phase and everyone recognizes that you have to do something.  From alternate blogs, to screenwriting books, to Screencraft tweets to Film Courage videos....the verdict is all the same. Don't just start writing on a page. If you do, you will eventually go mad when your story goes awry.

For Blake Snyder's Cat People, it is all about a beat sheet that gets flushed out further in the form of a board full of notecards separated by your act breaks. Upon being placed in order on notecard, the story begins to take shape on the page.

For the Syd Field field-of-workbook dreamers, it is all about paradigm and structure. This camp of thought is also based on the Act breaks of old English theatre. But it focuses on the paradigm models at its core before the writing takes place.

What are some core parts in your process for creating a script? Do you like Blake, Syd or someone elses pre-writing process best?

Sorry for the Wait Newbies

This is one of the 10 videos I made for the #Sources2015 social campaign for the Source of Urban Educational Conference. Try to say that 3 times fast! 

...which is a video series I completed for GSU aka my 'day job'. They kept me occupied the last 2 weekends which is why my video post are delayed.  No complaints. It was fun and it was great to flex my directorial and editing skills.

Just wish I didn't leave my newbies hanging! Hopefully you took the time to do something constructive like, make some Beat Sheets and read some scripts.

I  promise I have not forgot about you or Lazarus or Minority Rapport. What is Minority Rapport you ask?  That is what I am calling my episodic narrative series project.

New video coming this weekend.

More #Sources2015 videos below if you are interested in learning more about the conference.


https://vimeo.com/127176275
https://vimeo.com/127176275
https://vimeo.com/127205994
https://vimeo.com/127221174

#KeepWriting

- DW

Story Analyst Kathie Fong Yoneda Talks About Writing, Pitching, and Networking

Pay special attention to what Kathie Fong Yoneda says at  8:12.

I AM IN FULL WRITING MODE

Hi Newbies,


Just wanted to check in with you and let you know I did not fall off the face of the planet. I have one week left of my screenwriting workshop left at Chez Studios and I am trying to write my little fingers to the bone before our last class so I have something to present. This 6-week workshop is brutal. Especially since the first 3-weeks are development!

I have a newfound respect for people who can write a feature script in 6 weeks. I only have to write one half hour comedy pilot episode.


#KeepWriting

- C. Danielle Wilcox

A Newbie Must Watch...Getting It Write - Full Film Courage Interview with Lee Jessup

Newbies,



Did you find this as inspiring, depressing, and informative as I did? These 22 minutes are packed full of information that all newbies need to know when getting started in this industry. I found it really interesting that it takes a new writer somewhere between 3 and 10 years to break into the screenwriting business. Was that eye-opening for you?


Share your thoughts and questions.  Did anyone re-evaluate there thoughts on anything after viewing this video such as representation, film school or creative development? Let's talk about it.