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?

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

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

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

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?

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

Screenwriting with the Newbie Ep. 2: Card. Board

So I just realized episode 2 of the vlog wasn't on the blog. Shameful... I know. So here is episode 2 which is all about those fabulous index cards and creating a board to layout your script before you type it all up.

I just graduated so my goal was to do this as cheaply as possible. If I had to do it again I would go with a magnetic board though. Eventually one of those pins stuck me. Ouch!

Different strokes for different folks on how yours will look. Feel free to shoot me a photo, link to your boards or maybe you are one of those few people who don't even need this step, because you did such a killer job with outlining.

But nonetheless, if you wanted information about my Screenwriter's Board and what a board actually may look like, this is the video for you.

Twitter, a Newbie Screenwriter's Best Friend: Check out the Top 25 Accounts to Follow

Twitter, a Newbie Screenwriter's Best Friend: Check out the Top 25 Accounts to Follow

I mentioned twitter in my last vlog video " Screenwriters Unite" and I wanted to expand upon it.  I cam upon this great list as a result of one of the accounts I follow on twitter.

Check out this list of the Top 25 Accounts for Screenwriters that +ScreenCraft posted. A lot of the resources I mentioned in the video made the list but there are even more resources than I could have imagined across the internet. What other resources from twitter would you add to the list?

I will keep posting them on the blog. Don't forget to follow me @danie11ewi1cox and the full 25 Accounts is in the link below:


http://screencraft.org/2013/10/24/top-25-twitter-accounts-screenwriters-follow/

Screenwriting With The Newbie Ep.3: Compelling Characters

The newest episode of #SWTN is available now! Check in with me and my journey as I create my first feature film.  Plus, pick up tips on how to start your brand new adventure in writing for film.



Share your thoughts, comments, and feedback with me as well. This is a discussion. I want to hear back from you. What is your favorite part of #SWTN Ep.3?



Some notes I took from this episode....



I think I am learning to be more comfortable as a public speaker and learning to be more comfortable in front of the camera. This is good because if I do end up having scripts sold, or movies made, then I will have to do my fair share of interviews so not only has vlogging become an extension in my writing process but it has also become an exercise in oration.

Welcome to my blog, Screenwriting with the Newbie~

My name is Danielle Wilcox and I am writing my first feature film. Though I have some screenwriting experience with shorts and a May-Mester course that I took with Sheldon Schiffer at GSU, I have never written a feature. I wanted to see if I was up for the challenge so that I could see if this would be my niche in my industry. I graduated this December so now seemed like the perfect time to work on it. This blog will document my journey through my first film as well as share the best tips and tricks I gain while going along with the process.

This site is accompanied by my video blog, "Screenwriting with the Newbie" which is currently posted on YouTube. A new episode comes out each week. Below is a link to episode one. Please feel free to share your comments, suggestions, etc. here or in the comments section on YouTube. I am also an avid Tweeter and as you will all find out, I am a bit of a goof ball.

Thanks for reading and keep writing everyone!


Sincerely,


C. Danielle Wilcox
Twitter:@danie11ewi1cox
Email: ms.c.daniellewilcox@gmail.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F11o6KKE6RI