NoCal Writer's Expo 2010 in Napa was nothing to Wine About!!!

Hey Gang,

Sorry for the delay, I will do my best to get these out in a more timely manner.

Fresh from the Bay Area where I was able to spend my first ever weekend in Napa, where I partook in 3 days of learning, networking, and listening to pitches at the first annual, No-Cal Writer/Filmmaker Expo 2010, founded by Anne Jordan.

Many thanks to Kriz Bell, my current director of development who in using her whimsical magic was able to make sure I would be a presenter at this prestigious event.

Fri - Consisted of early morning coffee and listening to actress, Connie Nielson discuss her success and tips from her vast career. I was then thrust into a small ballroom where I spoke for about 90 mins on the trials & tribulations of "indie filmmaking". I had about 50 people attend my lecture and I was told after that I was insightful, approachable, and honest in my speech with answering questions. Have to say I really felt I was in my element, I so enjoyed speaking to both the professionals and novices. Apparently
I did something right because they asked me back next year. This will give me enough time to really craft an insightful  "indie boot-camp" presentation.


Sat - I was able to listen to the Q&A with Oscar wining writer Bobby Moresco (Crash and Million Dollar Baby), moderated by writer, James Delasandro. Bobby was great, he packed the house, and gave fruitful advice, one of which was - TAKING CONTROL of your own career.

After that I was asked to moderate the next 90 session which featured the husband & wife team, Andrew Marlowe and Terr Edda Miller, the creators/producers of the ABC show, "Castle". How exciting it was to sit and interview such an engaging couple, people who actually deserve the success they have achieved, once again the advice of DON'T GIVE UP, believe, being truthful and polite in your work are what really come across and will ensure a place of longevity in this topsy-turvy biz we all love. (i'll be posting the video portion of that on the SHP FB page).

The next session was listening to acclaimed author, Terry McMillan (Waiting to Exhale, How Stella got her Groove). Terri spoke about the importance of developing YOUR VOICE as a writer, and for producers to have an open and respectful working relationship with writers.

Presenters and VIP guests capped off the day by having a private tour of the Kathryn Hall Vineyards. Sipping wine on the deck overlooking the valley while basking in the early evening sunset was a treat. We were then led downstairs to the wine cave where several wines are bottled, this beautiful location was hand built with actual 18th century bricks imported from Austria.

Sun - Pitch-fest. All I can say was WOW!  The place was packed with writers/actors/etc from all over who were vying for the alloted 5 mins given to present their project or themselves not only to Silver Heart, but also to HBO, Warners, Syfy, Lionsgate, just to name a few.

All in all it was a great weekend in my opinion. Out of the 75 pitches I personally received, there are a few "stand-outs" that I will pursue.

So in closing, I encourage any of you writers/actors/etc to try your hand at a pitch-fest. Who knows you just might make an impression that will lead you to sipping on that big glass of champagne we like to call SUCCESS.

Peace.