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