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.

Don't Be AMERICAN IDLE!

With three months into this year of 2010 I'm writing this as a reminder for ourselves not to be idle.
It's far too easy, myself included to get into a comfortable rut and trudge along waiting by the phone for that inevitable call to hire us for a gig. Instead we have to remain steadfast in never giving up, making the awkward cold calls, submitting the resumes, networking at various functions, whatever it takes to move us forward with our goals, dreams, and success.

I've learned that if you have aspects of a career in the biz but not moving forward, MOVE because you are in the way for the rest of us.

Going for Gold.

It's that time of year where everyone in Hollywood is abuzz about "OSCAR". It's events like these that make me proud to be involved in the film industry. I love overhearing coffee-shop conversations about whose going to win and why. My own personal belief is that we will see our first female Best Director, (Kathryn Bigelow). I feel privileged that as DGA member I was able to vote for her in that category.

And while I have yet to be invited to the "big show", I am confident that with hard work, networking and using my god given talent in pursuing my dream, I will be there soon enough. Those words should echo to all of you as well. There is nothing we can't achieve.

So for those of us who will be sitting at home with our scorecards, popcorn and champagne, I raise my glass and toast, "Go Forth, Good Luck, and Don't Give Up"!!!!!!

What's on your bookshelf????

People often ask me, "What books do I read about the business"? The answer is...ALL OF THEM.
I'm a firm believer that you can never acquire too much information. There are a few 'standards' that I even re-read before doing a project in order to brush up on my skills. "Production Mangement 101" by D. Patz, "Film Budgeting" by Deke Simon, and "Guerilla Guide to Filmmaking" by Genevieve Joliffe. These three books are worn and highlighted constant companions packed in my suitcase for all location shoots.


I always browse used bookstores during my travels, or hit my fave Powell's Bookstore when I am at home in Portland. I might pickup a screenwriting book to understand character development, or a behind the scenes 'the making of' book, maybe a compelling autobiography. There is nothing like gaining knowledge from a Spielberg, Spike, or Kubrick with something written in their own words. After seeing the panel of award nominees for the DGA this year, I can't wait to read more by or about Kathryn Bigelow and Lee Daniels.

Print information is invaluable, I  subscribe to Moviemaker, Filmmaker, Fade In, and various online sites that feed me daily doses about the hustle & bustle of the film/tv industry.

So the question stands...."what's on your bookshelf"?

How Much?

The first and last rule of filmmaking- how much. As in, you can't shoot until you know how much it's going to cost. Just one of many reasons why a budget is crucial before anything starts. It is the Producer’s (or Line Producer) job to create a budget that is not only accurate, but complimentary to the project. It may not be rocket science but it’s not as easy as you might think and requires more than a bit of know-how in order to predict and account for the myriad possible "bite you in the ass" surprises.

What's the weather going to be during your exterior locations? Nightime...? Did you factor in hot soup, external heaters to keep cast/crew warm, or even how to get 2nd meal at 3 in the morning in some small town where the only thing open is a 7-11 and you have a vegan actor who doesn’t want anything made in China?

Or how about the desert location, did you factor sunscreen, plenty of water, or spending the money to ensure you have a qualified medic on stand-by?

The producers job is all about creating and maintaining the budget without dipping into any other departments or the contingency. Shifting money from one department to another is normal, but doesn’t mean you don’t have to be more than thoughtful about every aspect.

For instance--
the director suddenly calls for a crane shot and you have $1800 accounted for it, that needs to cover the cost of rental, the half-day prep for the operator, probably two techs for set-up (factor at least an hour on down time while it's being built) then the same dismantle it and drive it back to the shop to unload and all on the clock since they charge portal to portal. On top of that, you're now spending at least another 2k in salaries and fringes in addition to the actual crane rental.

And this my friends is only one line item out of a 75 page budget! It’s these happy little surprises that make everyday on the set an adventure in making movie magic...

Got Scripts?

It's an old saying but one that speaks the ultimate truth of our business, "If it ain't on the page...it ain't on the stage" It all starts with a good script!

That being said, let me commend you, the writer. Your ability to see the blank white pages that sit before you, your mind racing and fingers tapping slowly as you channel your inner Tarantino. Meticulously crafting each word, giving a story its shape and bringing characters to life via your finished work; a product of sweat, tears, and caffeine induced late night writing sessions that is ready to be critiqued, ignored, loathed, or loved by us the PRODUCERS.

It's with these honest words that I ask....is it really too hard to use spellcheck these days? I actually received a script the other day where the writer either totally misspelled the lead character's name or over stepped the bounds of artistic license by adding 5 extra letters to a name not unlike Aleeshyia instead of Alicia. Are you kidding me? Whether it was taking liberties or an egregious error, I chucked it aside.

In the past three weeks I have read about 25 scripts. Out of that bunch, maybe 3 were worth my time. I'm not sharing this info to deter you, but to let you know why, for any given reason, your script might be rejected or rejoiced. There have been times when I've re-read a script and come to enjoy it the 2nd time around, maybe I was in a better mind set, or that particular genre was suddenly the "Next Hot Thing".

Whatever the case may be, I would say DON'T GIVE UP, keep plugging away, stay strong and be positive, because without you, the writer....us PRODUCERS are about as useful as a blank page.

So You want to be a Producer???

Another day hard at work, the usual: starting it off with a large coffee, script by my side, a shuffle mix of blues, jazz, and cinema scores compliments of iTunes. This is my life…the life of a producer, constantly in search of the next big thing, idea, or person to work with.

Coming off a weekend where I submitted a revised budget to director, Scott Glosserman for his upcoming project. Completed a version for a possible UTAH shoot and now putting the final touches to the OREGON version. I of course would hope for the latter as it would keep me home near my kids. But, at the end of the day as any producer will tell you, the cheapest most cost effective place will determine the bottom line. There are no line items that allow for personal emotions. People want results not emotions.

This producer finds himself with a little too much space in between gigs. I'm faced with a reality-check. I NEED TO MOVE TO LOS ANGELES. I need to be where the action is 24/7. I must heed the advice so eloquently stated by Gordon Geckko, brilliantly played by Michael Douglas, ”If I’m not on the inside…I’m on the outside looking in”. Don’t’ want to be that person. I think we all agree that being on the inside is the place to be. To be seen, heard, and taken literally. Though brief, I was in Los Angeles last month for 5 days- I had no less than 3 meets a a day…While I love Portland the best I could muster was a couple of actor friends and one struggling writer, all working out of the same office as me- the coffeeshop.

Like a small town kid with a big dream- Hollywood I'll be home soon...