"Your blog is crisp, refreshing, and healthy, like seltzer with lime."

--Oscar-nominated writer
Roger Schulman

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Wednesday
28Oct2009

How I Became a Producer

It's not enough to be just a writer these days (she says, as if being "JUST a writer" were easy.) The way the business has changed and continues to change, hyphenation has become an imperative. If you want to see your  projects come to fruition, you need to think about becoming a Writer-director; writer-producer; writer-self-promotional machine. In fact, if you want a career with longevity, more than one hyphenate is usually necessary: writer-producer-director-teacher-entertainment attorney-author-PR person-TV/studio executive-new media entrepreneur... and the list goes on and on. OK, you don't have to master all of these areas, but  to live in denial about the constantly changing landscape and one's own need to adapt ever faster is becoming increasingly more naive.

I figure what better way to learn than trial by fire? That's why I decided to launch my own six-episode web series. What better way to challenge myself as a writer, learn about production and new media, and practice my PR skills--all at the same time?

The web series is called MY BITCHY WITCHY PARIS VACATION. And you can learn all about it at www.bitchywitchy.com.

The bitchywitchy website will cover all the bitchywitchy news and updates. Over here, I'll stick to topics that concern "just writers."

 

 

Thursday
15Oct2009

DreamAgo's Plume & Pellicule 2010

P&P 2009: Me with Danny Rukavina, Personal Assistant to DreamAgo President Pascale Rey It's that time of year again. DreamAgo's Plume & Pellicule, a screenwriting workshop in Sierre, Switzerland, is accepting entries. If selected, you will spend an intensive week in one-on-one coaching sessions with international film professionals. Click here to see this year's brochure.

2009 Participants and CoachesDreamAgo was founded to develop, support, and promote films that span a variety of political, social, or cultural themes yet speak to the universal in all of us. Its aim is to bring compelling, original, and marketable scripts to the screen by fostering greater cross-cultural collaborations. If you feel you have a script that fits the bill, click here to enter. Deadline: Dec 31.

 2009: Final Day's Excursion: A Swiss glacier. Yes, we really did traipse around up there!

 

Thursday
15Oct2009

Dusting Off the Cobwebs

Yes, I know...it's been a while since I've blogged (thanks @robgokeemusic for reminding me!). My only excuse is that I've been extremely busy. But I am now back, with news and things to share, as you'll soon see in the posts that will come. This however is just a quick housecleaning post--clearing the cobwebs, giving the place a good mopping, and saying hello. The fun begins in the NEXT post.

 

 

Monday
25May2009

Brenda Strong to Star in Winning Short

I'm happy to announce that Brenda Strong (Desperate Housewives) will star in Pavaline's winning environment-themed short film. Brenda has guest starred in nearly 100 television shows with recurring roles on 7th Heaven, Everwood, and Party of Five. Brenda is an ardent environmentalist who will bring her passion to the winning script.

Now that Brenda is on board, Pavaline has extended the contest deadline to June 21. So get writing and send in your scripts (5-20 pages) with a lead role for Brenda. The winner will be selected by the Pavaline development team and Brenda.


Click here for more details. And good luck!


Tuesday
07Apr2009

ALIENATED To Be Made

It's official! The short script Alienated by Charles Disney and Lee Barron has won Pavaline's Mafia-themed Short Script Competition. Vincent Pastore will star as a mafia hit man who believes extraterrestrials are messing with his professional life. Production is set for May and June.

Congratulations also to 2nd and 3rd place winners:

2nd Place:

The Accidental Don – by Michael Baroni & Lisa Lynette

3rd Place:

The Jimmy Pepperoni Story – by Ron Lundmark

As Pavaline moves into production on Alienated, fans can follow the progress on Facebook and Twitter, or at www.alienatedmovie.com, the official site for the film.

Pavaline's next contest deadline is April 22. The theme: The Environment.