The Third Draft

With the writer's strike now over, it's time to put some energy into marketing. In anticipation of this moment, my screenwriting group has been working on pitches. I pitched them my current script, a monster-in-the-house thriller. They hadn't read it, so I was happy when they responded enthusiastically to the pitch and asked all the right questions. I'm not a natural at pitching, and was very pleased.

Except...one of the writers made a comment that suddenly gave me this incredible idea for my script. With one tiny shift to my antagonist, the script would have more energy and drive. How cool! I couldn't wait to dive into the rewrite.

But instead of acting on that impulse right away, I took a minute to ask myself some tough questions. Was the rewrite  necessary? Would my idea improve the script? Or was I deluding myself out of nervousness, tinkering with the script to avoid marketing? These are not small questions. I know from experience how fears can manifest and express themselves, how easy it is to make excuses for why you're not taking the next step. How easy it is, at least for me, to fall ill with the flu or have some other kind of crisis (such as "but it's not ready!") at a crucial moment.

But the truth was, the idea WAS good. It WOULD make a significant difference. I couldn't NOT do it.

I decided to do the rewrite, but to not let up on the marketing side. Now the rewrite is almost done, and I have gathered about a dozen prodcos to query.

Entertainment attorney Judith Merians and I have launched Les Scénaristes, a Paris-based screenwriters' group. We'll meet every two weeks to swap critiques, develop marketing materials, and support each other in furthering our careers so far away from Hollywood.

This is a working writers group. After each meeting, the members present will select a topic for our next discussion. Our mission is to provide support, networking opportunities, and a serious, professional forum for anglophone writers living in France. Our discussions will cover:

• The ins and outs of concept, structure, story, and character.
• Critique exchanges.
• Giving and receiving feedback.
  
• Marketing tips and guidance.
• Resource sharing (contests, agents, production companies).
  
• Analysis of produced scripts and films.
• Learning the business of film (Who are the players? What are they looking for?)
  

There is no fee to join, but you must:

• Have completed at least one script.
• Come with a positive, collaborative attitude.
• Be open to feedback and generous in giving feedback to others.
  
• Be ready to work.
  

If you'd like more information, please contact me.

Et à bientôt!