Ask the Screenplay Doctor: Why Hollywood Isn’t Calling

If you don’t have an agent, manager, or entertainment attorney who knows the ins and outs of the film industry and can get your screenplay into the right hands, writing a fabulous screenplay is just half the proverbial uphill battle. Unless incredible luck intervenes and an aspiring screenwriter happens to meet the right connection who can actually turn that script into a movie, the aspiring screenwriters out in the world must — in addition to mastering the screenwriting craft — put on a producer’s cap and gain an understanding of the film industry by reading books and articles on the topic, learn how to write great query letters and synopses, and know how to pitch his or her screenplay.

Read more:

http://www.newenglandfilm.com/magazine/2011/09/screenplay

Ask the Screenplay Doctor: A Long Way From L.A.

Trying to break into the screenwriting business when you’re in Los Angeles is hard. Trying to break in long distance is even harder — especially if that long distance is international.

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http://www.newenglandfilm.com/magazine/2011/06/screenplay

The first step in your journey to get your script made into a film is to make sure that your screenplay is absolutely ready to be submitted for consideration to agents, managers, script competitions, and/or production companies.  Get feedback from those who will be honest with you and preferably from people who truly understand what makes a script successful, such as a script consultant, a screenwriting professor, or a writers’ group.

Read more:

http://www.newenglandfilm.com/magazine/2011/04/screenplay

From Music to Elves – This month, my Ask the Screenplay Doctor column answers readers’ questions on music and what to do when your screenplay might be too similar to a successful film.

Read More: http://www.newenglandfilm.com/magazine/2011/03/screenplay

The Top Ten Checklist for Creating Winning Characters

http://www.newenglandfilm.com/magazine/2011/01/screenplay

Here is my “Ask the Screenplay Doctor” October NewEnglandFilm.com Column

Working with Independent Directors

If you have written a screenplay for a short film, there are several avenues you can choose to find a potential director.  NewEnglandFilm.com, as well as other screenwriting and film publications, have sections containing information about screenwriters seeking directors and vice versa, and lists of festivals that specialize in short films. When possible, attending these film festivals is a great way to see directors’ work to determine if you share the same sensibilities as the filmmaker.

To read  more:

http://www.newenglandfilm.com/magazine/2010/10/screenplay