-
What did you learn from the Opening Teleconference?
Please share your insights about the opening teleconference.
-
31 Replies
-
Hi Cheryl, Hal and other classmates here’s what I learned today:
Drum up 50 to 100 high concept ideas (a revelation),
Love Jim’s 7-part process of writing,
There are 33 ways to make money in the business,
and the goal is to make money,
Make a list of 10 different ways to solve each problem,
and program your mind (consciously) to focus on that individual problem,
I have the permission to ask a script consultant what they’re good at before asking them for feedback,
Page International is one of the top four contests,
Suspense is expressed differently in different genres.
-
June,
I am replying here so I keep this in memory. Love how we’ve broken down the writing “process.” People are confused and think they are supposed to create greatness……immediately. It is a process.
This class teaches us there is no shame in making money. Give up the idea of starving artist!
Also I really appreciate “make a list of 10 different ways to solve a problem.” You really are more creative than you think. There is hope for us all.
Tiana
-
June Fortunato/Retirement Character Structure
“What I learned” a nice way to start outlining: one step at a time.
List your concept
Retirement
Charming Roy hates to work, but after his latest girlfriend (aka his free ride) dumps him, the clever man will go to any length to find a more permanent person to take care of him- until he meets an eccentric woman who speaks very loudly! to herself! and who plays the same game. Together they crash in the craziest places and he falls in love with the tenderness inside of her that allows him to heal. In the end, they luck into a perfect, permanent pad together.
2 Character structure chosen
1 & 2 Roy leads the story but it’s a buddy movie and romantic dramedy.
3. each of the lead characters
Roy is a clever, wild, fun guy, 60s, a charming mooch who’ll do just about anything but also has a deceptive sense of morality. Inside, he harbors a deep spirit would that prevents him from fully embracing others.
Kim, 50s, also harbors deep wounds, and she’s incredibly lonely but unwilling to bond with anyone, ever again. Her parents were wealthy, and she prefers homelessness. Smart and resourceful, she pushes the stream of negative thoughts out of her head with extremely loud conversations of herself.
Character structure
Both Roy and Kim find themselves in the same hideaway. She plays the same game as Roy, so they share secrets. They try moving around together, and have an outrageously good time, but Kim’s loud self talk always gets them caught. She’s a liability that Roy can’t handle and he splits… until he finds himself in deep trouble and Kim comes to the rescue. Together, they learn to accept each other’s quirks- to trust each other, and eventually, come to heal each other. After lots of adventures and scares, Kim has a brilliant crash pad idea. They go for it, and, lucky as luck can be, the owner moves into a nursing home and leaves the place and pets to them.
-
Dramatic Plots 1
Learned: It’s very fun to plug my idea into different templates.
2 Adventure
What’s new and strange for Roy is that having gone it alone for so long, this woman, Kim, has a lot of other places she’s crashed that he didn’t even think of! Together they brainstorm and find even more weird and free temporary places to live, but Roy’s goal is a permanent pad and there’s friction because they’re both used to going it alone. It isn’t until Roy is in serious trouble that Kim snaps out of her own world to rescue him. Together, they incredibly lucky, hit on the perfect situation together.
8 Rivalry
Roy meets his equal in a woman who crashes as many free places as he does. They find themselves competing for some of the same hidey free rides, and her damn loud voice always gives them away. He finds her both completely frustrating and annoying and also beguiling and a blast. How irritating! She often can’t abide him either, because she’s very happy just speaking to herself. Little by little, though, they start to seek each other out. The game is to discover where the other is- and it’s so much fun- more fun than Roy has had in years. When Roy gets into serious trouble- trapped under a collapsing (mostly empty) silo- Kim pulls him out just in time. Serious romantic turn on because it validates both of them- and so they decide to make it together, and as lucky as luck can be, land in the perfect free pad for life.
-
-
What I learned from the opening teleconference was that 3 hours can turn into 4 hours pretty quick with Hal’s stories (Just kidding. Took notes of a few eye-opening quotes thanks to those). In all seriousness, I learned that Hal and this program prioritize a positive learning environment and culture above everything else. Growing up in the south where college football is an everyday part of life, the concept of a process oriented culture vs a goal oriented culture is well known and documented, with the different programs all trying to replicate what Saban has done at Alabama. Similarly, I’m excited to see that this program follows a similar mindset of being about and focusing on a process: cultivating, emboldening, and fortifying a spirit of reckless creativity BEFORE studying the necessary fidelity of “killing your darlings.” Can’t wait!
-
Here are some of my observations from today’s teleconference: set aside old habits and maintain an attitude of learning; celebrate other people’s successes; do the assignments; participate fully; use “The East Way”; elevate the quality of what I might already know; don’t be a movie critic… look for the good a film has to offer; keep self-judgement out of my first draft; I can get more out of giving feedback than receiving it.
Thank you!
-Anita Gomez
-
I learned so much from today’s teleconference. In no particular order – Immediately summarize and apply new knowledge. Learn from success and don’t get disappointed. Network and congratulate new success stories. If you don’t have the rights, don’t write it. Constantly engage the creative mind, improve and seek breakthroughs. Anytime you see a difference, embrace it. Criticism is the opposite of creativity. Give extra feedback. I will be successful in this program and of course all the materials covered in the printout. And of course, Hal’s stories are worth every minute!
-
Hi Hal and Cheryl
What did I learn from the teleconference?
I learned I was on the right path for my life. I had a strange DeJa’Vu moment during this class from a dream I had long ago.
If I apply myself to the ProSeries, and I’m willing to put in the work, even a beginning/ intermediate writer like me can succeed as a screenwriter in the entertainment industry.
Focus on the learning and the skills not content.
Intelligence is based on your ability to learn, not on what you already know. I have to reach beyond what I think I already know and learn, learn, learn.
I need to develop all the skills/elements of screenwriting to be the screenwriter producers want to work with. I don’t want to be the person on the outside watching someone else have my success.
Beyond talent, screenwriting requires a vast skill set that needs to be developed.
Set aside what I think I already know to expand my knowledge and skills. Eliminate bad habits. Absorb everything I don’t know.
Forgive myself for not being perfect.
Subconscious mind helps the creative mind.
Celebrate the success of other screenwriters in our alumni to create my own successful mind set.
Don’t be critical of other writers’ work. Focus on what they do great. Too much criticism takes you out of the creative process/mindset. Give feedback to improve my own skills sets.
Buzz posts help create a network and writers to get other deals.
The Hollywood entertainment industry is looking for new ideas and not interested in stealing ideas.
Do the Easy Way.
And lastly, learn to love coffee.
-
What I learned during the opening teleconference – I gained a new perspective in several areas; here are my biggest takeaways:
- The concept of Kaizen: constant improvement, 1% per day. I can do that.
- Constantly search for the breakthroughs; be willing to step out of the box.
- James Justin’s quote, “I know what I’m up against.” Having lived in LA and now working remotely, I very much know what I’m up against. I’ve seen some successes but need to get that breakthrough with a quality high-concept marketable script. “With the right concept you can break in.”
- Get projects to as many production companies as you can. I think I”ve held back so it doesn’t appear that my project has been shopped around and “rejected.”
- The different types of work in each type of draft. An important reminder to me to explore, discover and create.
- The input on note-giving. As a script consultant, this was a good guide for note-giving. I get good feedback from my clients, but I can improve on giving more actionable notes that will “make them a better writer and move the project forward.”
Still processing the notes and created some sticky note reminders for myself. Thank you!
-
Here are the highlights of the many great things I learned from this call:
– pro writers use pro level skills to write during their flow, whereas now, I’m only able to use the skills I have now…why it’s so important to learn the 300 skills included in this class
– avoid thinking, “I know this already,” as I’ll learn to use the same skills in a different (elevated) way…try out the Kaizen method…constant improvement vs big improvements
– we learn best by summarizing what we’ve been taught right after the lesson has finished
– get feedback from someone at my level as it’s not helpful now to utilize someone more advanced (the opposite of what I thought)
– always turn in assignments, no matter how bad; don’t read anybody’s else’s posts yet (while I’m vulnerable as a beginning screenwriter) so I can build my confidence; also, start getting okay with my creativity and putting it out there
– focus on learning and practicing my new skills, and NOT on content, being perfect or on wordsmithing; also, Hemingway said it best: “all first drafts are shit”
– criticism is the opposite of creativity!!!
– for me as a beginner, it’s better to write something I love so this will be fun (versus something I think I should be working on), and participate fully and embrace the concepts being presented
– don’t worry about not having high concepts right now
– best to use “the easy way” and use this program as it is taught, including Jim’s development process
– give feedback using the way we’ll be taught
-
Hi Everyone,
I learned so much from the first teleconference with Hal. The below…plus what everyone else replied:
“This is a good thing”
Focus on learning…300 skills to learn! And there are 33 ways people learn.
“Write, Learn, Post”, repeat.
This class is different. Embrace the difference.
“I already know this” shuts off learning.
Middle drafts usually consist of 7 to 10 drafts.
Don’t create before your skill level.
Creativity flows through the Pro Skills.
Write something you love.
Focus specifically on each skill as we move through the class.
And finally, I learned that negative feedback ended my acting career. 🙂
Lisa
(I’m on the East coast, so my postings may be at odd times)
-
Even if you are Good storyteller, you cannot do it better, than your skills permit you.
My way is to work From Above
I have nothing unconscious, unconsciously thought her, and immediately suspected in her unconscious, she missed this vision of unconscious in her before
Why it takes me about a year to recuperate after receiving feedback, even though I like criticism.
I blindly was moving through many many years in more or less correct direction, but I won’t know this. Knowing, one can support oneself with one’s knowledge, and be quickier.
I now know, why I was staring into computer for a long time, unable to write.
It most amazed me about Japan, they are so famous for their electronics! They even created nano-biological computers! That was a leap!
Way in Hollywood is much more simpler than one might suppose.
I had a couple of pinpoints, like
1. I cannot transcend it above, without screenwriting skills.
2. I was correct in not alleviating in another land, or changing characters.
3. It was complete for me, but I was told that I don’t have a story, so I started looking for other scenes, – is for Finding Gaps. And Elevating.
4. My way if I couldn’t just come up with correct scene, to pour out trash, then clean it, was a correct way. Same for writing mediocre scenes, some are kept. This way, my draft is Middle Draft.
5. Yes, I was told how my formatting was trashed down, so nor good grade for Presentation. And it was quite amazing for me at that moment.
Actually, I am inarticulate, and my fright are Descriptions. This is obviously because I am a painter, having to do landsapes. It took me years to write “Cold Weather. Clouded sky.”
However, in appreciation of High Concept class, I had a barrier. I already have one HC, and I can’t come out with another.
So I decided that I’m beginner in one things, and advanced in others.
And I received my first breackthrough. My concept is me, like a credo, but no one knows it. I’m standing here, like it already happen.
Therefore, I resolved that I must as working on High Concept, make it visible for other people.
-
The opening teleconference filled me with an old feeling: gleeful anticipation! I’ve been around as a writer for a long time and had accumulated some bad attitudes. Listening to Hal helped me release a good deal of the old and open up to embrace the new. Truly! The biggest thing for me is the ability to just do the lesson! Just do the lesson without having to be brilliant! What a relief! I’m so jonesing to gain knowledge with the freedom to make big mistakes that I get to learn from!
-
I learned:
– I seem to get the first draft bit but will be challenged by the middle drafts part– being imperfect is essential as a foundation for getting to the next levels
– being clear about what you want when asking for feedback is vital to a useful exchange
– there is as much to be learned from other people’s work as by doing it
– find that balance between left brain/right brain and be able to move easily from one to the other (like that vase verses 2 faces thing)
– and the same dance between objective (hearing feedback without emotional reaction) and subjective (how does it feel in terms of accuracy)
– write write write and write more
<font face=”inherit”> and I am </font>excited to be back in school as the student!!
-
OMG!! What I learned today was this class is what you make it. You can either participate or you can be jealous of us this time next year!!!! Hal & Cheryl have done the work, laid out the foundation and really given us a blueprint. Now all we have to do is follow and channel all that nervous energy into work. Such as:
1. do quick work rather than perfect work
2. do all the assignments
3. release the inner critic and transition from being afraid of good criticism that is normal and part of the industry. learn to distinguish between the two!
4. this is a safe space.
5. forgive yourself if you’re not where you need to be.
6. this was worth the investment (coming from a cheapskate who does not take parting with money easily).
7. no slackers allowed! no know-it-alls, no self-important folks
8. do quick work rather than perfect work
9. do all the assignments
10. follow kaisen. 1% better ever day.
-
What I learned from this opening call is covered beautifully by those who have posted before me. Probably the most important things for me personally are stated in the Keys to Success section: Follow the program; Do every assignment regardless of quality; Focus on learning; and Use the easy way of intervals. Permission to write badly is probably going to prove very helpful as well. Lastly, I felt like I learned a magic trick by the concept of giving my creative mind assignments, “In the morning I’ll know how to fix this problem.” Exciting!
This is daunting, but doable. I can be a success story, but I have to earn it by doing the work. I look forward to the confidence I’ll gain from this course, and of course, the resulting sales I’ll make.
-
Hi Folks–
I learned a lot from the opening teleconference, including that I need breaks!
–learning and open mindset with facilitate growth
–kaizen concept, baby steps toward improving skills
–this model is about freedom from traditional or harsh criticism, in order to foster healthy identity and support people learning professional level skills
–the importance of partnering with others at your level to exchange feedback
–the importance of mastering each skill and module, rather than focusing on the content
–how to use the “easy approach/ Jim’s method” that includes breaks for processing each step, which should mean spending 60-90 min per assignment, instead of hours and hours
–that a lot of myths about Hollywood and screenwriting are just myths
–how to think about first drafts: discovering, exploring, flowing
middle drafts: solving problems, elevating quality
–final drafts for wordsmithing, details, and making things absolutely perfect
—-that ScreenwritingU has a unique feedback structure, no feedback for the first nine days of each module, that you are trying to learn the model and how to use it, ie each person learns by giving feedback, because they think about how to use the model
–we’re encouraged to turn in all the assignments and give a lot of feedback to others
-
Big takeaways were: the use of feedback as a way of learning the models effectively. (In my industry, we use FB as a shortcut). Loved the idea of breaking down the way we are to do the work, as in Interval Writing! It has been a hard drag sometimes doing it the other way. I am in it to win it, so yes of course the idea of making money is important to me. I also resonated with all of the mindset guidance. Sometimes it has taken courage to say I am a writer, people can be negative, even in silence! I will do the program in the way it is prescribed. And I will do the writing the easy way!
-
What I learned from the Opening Teleconference
I really like the idea of building a healthy identity. I will no longer refer to myself as a struggling writer. Maybe…perhaps…after this class…burgeoning writer on the precipice of greatness!
I had understood the notions of writing skills and writing talent, but I never thought of it as a skillset, especially one containing 300 skills.
I like the concept of turning in every assignment, no matter how bad, so that it teaches you to make deadlines, and the repetition gets you used to putting your stuff out there.
When watching films and TV shows, instead of finding the faults…I think it is very smart to focus on the things that did work…and learn that skill.
I learned the reason why I have never completed any of my feature scripts: tho I had heard many times…don’t get it right, get it written…I’ve always instead chosen The Hard Way: writing my first draft as if it’s my final draft, trying to be perfect((( Editing, rewriting, getting bogged down in an area I couldn’t solve. Frustration stopping my momentum. I will instead just apply the lesson and get it written. And I have given myself permission to write a crap first draft.
The Easy Way drafts breakdown is very smart and practical. Logical progression, achievable steps.
The Development Process: also smart and practical. Intervals could be a game changer for me.
I have been guilty of giving excessive notes to producers, one producer even complaining to my boss (not the quality of notes mind you, just the quantity!). The thought of having a note and not giving it…will be a challenge! But I see the irony: intending to help but excessive feedback shutting people down and reducing their creativity. So I will be especially mindful in this area.
Those are my big takeaways)
-
Insights from the opening teleconference … there are oh-so-many!
What sticks out the most is how ENGAGED I was during the seminar. It was easy for me to remain focused and the time seemed to float by. Full disclosure – I missed the teleconference so listened to the replay in 2 sections. I was super engaged the entire time.
Another key insight: my job is to write poorly on the way to greatness. To give myself permission to write (without criticism and judgement). To allow myself to have fun, stay in flow and remember that there is a need to be creative on different levels – a structural level and a word level. There is an appropriate time to use that well-honed skill of criticism … just NOT during the first draft. Or the second or third.
By completing every assignment I will develop skills in writing quickly and being creative on-demand. I’m excited to give lots of feedback as a way to anchor in the skills I’m learning.
I learned a lot about the process of this class and why the feedback system WILL work! The 3 steps to a great script (1st draft, middle draft(s), final draft) was a light-bulb moment. It made me think about how criticism (especially my own) can kill creativity AND how trying to be perfect (what I’ve done in the past) … is the hard way. The EASY WAY is to give myself permission to write a BAD first draft. Oh yeah, I love the tip about don’t be an editor during the first draft – it will break the flow. Just get it on the page.
Another GREAT insight … there is no pressure here. I am a beginner. That’s where I am. And I’m rising up. As I level up my writing skills I want to retain that beginner mind and cultivate curiosity. This is all part of creating a healthy identity as a writer. If ______ can do it, I can do it! It’s nice to feel connected to what is possible. I’m love that I’m feeling inspired and not afraid.
I’m ready to play!
I’m ready. You ready? I’m ready … let’s go!
-
Hi Cheryl,
The list is endless as to how much I learned in the three hours today. I’ll try and summarize below using the art of recovery, and not referring to my notes. 😉
1. Always submit your homework. 80% of submission allows me to be an alumni.
2. No feedback for 10? days/assignments.
3. The more feedback I give, the better I get at writing.
4. The art of reading the lesson, writing, and posting my homework in 60-90minutes.
5. Do things the easy way.
6. Be nice to my classmates and in this community.
7. Get feedback from those who are good at the topic.
8. It’s okay to write bad scripts to learn to write good scripts. M Night Shyamalan’s story, James Justice’s stories were good stories.
9. If I have to take time off, start where everyone is when I return and finish what I missed soon.
-
The opening teleconference was great! The biggest thing I picked up was about using feedback in the way described. I’ve never heard of that method before, but will surely be trying it out now. Also, it’s good to hear again the need to let creativity flow and to stop the critical voice.
-
I share many of the insights already posted.
I love, love, love Jim’s process. I’m so thankful to incorporate it into my way of doing things.
I know I overthink too often, but I even overthink how to propel myself out of it sometimes. I learned practical, impactful strategies for putting aside my reluctance to write “crap”.
I learned that these same strategies will produce the flow I love, and, just as importantly, the momentum to progress in between flow states.
I learned that I still love learning as much as I always have.
I learned that I’m going to love this!
-
A few of the insights I gained from the opening teleconference:
– Summarize every lesson.
– Staying in “learning mode” and using my “beginner’s mind means that I’ll learn more. Setting aside what I already know will allow me the opportunity to learn more.
– Cultivating “Kaizen” – small, steady improvements leads to better writing.
– Celebrate the successes of others. Their successes mean that others can make it too.
– Embrace change. Do this class the way it’s designed. Don’t be a perfectionist. Learn how to turn in bad writing for first drafts.
– Keep moving. Don’t on the process and apply each lesson to the script that you start out with. At some point, you may want to shift to a new project, but don’t do that.
– Use the “Easy Way” to get through each lesson.
– Giving feedback is more helpful than receiving it. Feedback in this program follows a very specific format that is designed to make us better writers.
– If I fall behind, join the group where ever it is and then catch up. (I’m getting a late start in the program, so this one is helpful.)
– I will need to keep reminding myself, over and over again, to let go of the need to be perfect. I can release my previous experiences writing grant proposals in an environment where a single typo was unacceptable (even in a first draft!) Hemingway said “ALL first drafts are shit.” (I wish I had printed this out with his photo and kept it on the bulletin board next to my desk!)
– Have fun learning and practicing new skills! This program is a wonderful opportunity that sets us on the path towards great writing.
-
Hi Cheryl and Hal, I learned:
– I need to just build my skills, brick by brick, without criticism, so that I wind up with a structure that can support any of my scripts.
– How the course’s design (as a training program) enables students to become more creative and more commercial simultaneously.
– How an ideal producer would give, say, 4 notes. Honestly, it reminded me of the advice that Joan Darling gave in a directing class:
“Take 30 notes. Give 5.”
“Trim the bush too soon and you will kill it.”
– Use a script consultant only if their niche matches my need.
– The 7-step development process will help me get through the bootcamp.
-
I learned what I have always utilized in my career: processes. Writing is a process and Hal has created a series of processes for virtually every aspect of writing. For me, it is invaluable as I have never experienced a shortage of ideas or gone through writers block.
Again, as with everything in life, it eventually comes down to money, and being paid to create and hone your passion is the end goal for yours truly. Peer recognition and industry validation would be nice.
-
Sorry Cheryl, I missed it. I’ll listen to the recording. (Where can I find it?)
JonCCC
-
Hi Cheryl,
(I’m super behind, but determined to catch up!!!)
What I learned from the opening teleconference:
Other courses doesn’t have the process of selling the script. We’re going to be doing assignments from the perspective of what can sell.
The purpose of using the SU Alumni Success page.
We will be able to understand what Producers mean in their notes and how to fix whatever the issue is. This will be extremely helpful to me as I recently encountered a Producer who gave me a note that my main character was being lost in the script and I should cut pages. What they REALLY meant was that I missed the set up.
Producer’s have at least 1 idea they want to do, but don’t have the time to write it themselves.
1% improvement per day = 180% better writer (because of Kaizen).
Breakthroughs – can cause 20 – 30% improvement. For that to happen, you must step outside your comfort zone. (Did you focus on what you don’t know? What skill set are you not using in your writing currently?)
The more feedback that was given, the more likely the writer failed using criticism because they shut down.
Writing is not only about expressing oneself.
M Night Shamalyan was a failure prior to Six Sense, but learned from the previous 3 films how to make films that only would make money.Formatting inside the industry is not important. In fact, it’s a risk of distracting the reader/actor/producer.
Excessive feedback shuts people down and reduces creativity.
-
Hi Mackenzie – I’m also very far behind – and was wondering if I could still catch up, but than saw your post. Thank you for giving me hope that I can still do this!
-
-
A few things stood out as points of learning from the long list of notes we took during the call:
-The role of breakthroughs is a critical part of progressing as a screenwriter. Each of us will experience different breakthroughs, and we will experience them differently. But it’s important to be aware when this happens and take full advantage of it.
-Give your *four* best and most useful notes. Don’t pass on a torrent of notes which will inevitably include criticism which may not be that useful, and which will overwhelm a writer.
-Prioritize learning over content.
-Don’t get hung up on formatting, despite the common advice to be precise and detailed here. Use the four main keys (slugline, description, character name over dialogue & dialogue) and write the script without cluttering it. Keep the formatting clean and simple so the reader can focus on the writing.
-Don’t wordsmith and do micro-editing on your first draft. Keep it to a minimum so as not to block working in flow and distracting your focus on more critical elements of the script until your final draft.
-Make sure the script consultant you use has the specific skill-set that matches your need.
-Treat feedback cautiously. Don’t let it shut you down. Don’t become dependent on it.
-Ernest Hemingway can always be relied on for a good quote about writing. In this case, “All first drafts are shit.” Keep this in mind when writing your “shitty first draft.” Another favorite quote of his: “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.”
-One remaining issue is how to catch up if your start in the course was delayed for various reasons. Hal said to join in where we are, and catch up on past assignments. Good advice. But it’s not possible to access the current assignments until you’ve caught up and finished preceding ones. So, what’s the solution?
-
Hi Cheryl, Hal and other classmates.
I learned from the opening teleconference;
– Intelligence is the ability to learn.
– Keep searching what you you can learn next.
– I need to keep reading the success stories to get more insights every time.
– I should pick my photo that will be for my deal on SU Alumni Success page.
– Doing Kaizen. My job is to find some thing to improve everyday.
– Talking about the skill doesn’t mean that you can write it on the page.
– Stepping outside my own box, outside my comfort zone.
– Don’t try to get to the very top to get in.
– The job is to make some kind of deal when the time comes.
– I as a writer must understand how it goes as a business.
– Being psychological healthy along the way.
Thanks. <3
Log in to reply.