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Introduce Yourself to the group
INTRODUCE
Hi everyone,
I’m glad you’ve joined us for the class.
To start the class out, please introduce yourself below. That will give you a chance to be part of this group and learn how the forums work.
Tell us the following:
1. Name?
2. How many scripts you’ve written?
3. What you hope to get out of the class?
4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you?
We look forward to working with you all! -
56 Replies
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Hi, Everyone:
I am James Shaw and my wife and I have three children. I work in the field of Law, consulting with attorneys and testifying as an expert witness in cases tilting towards trials. The American Bar Association published two of my articles, “All The Things You Wanted to Know About School Safety But Were Sued First”; and a second one about the increase in suicides among teen schoolgirls: “We TOO Will Sue!” Angry, Parents, Grieving Over Teen Daughters’ Suicides Go After the Schools.” I am very happy and thankful to be in this class.-
Congrats on your articles. I look forward to seeing your stuff. I wasn’t able to make the first class due some admin stuff which is cleared away now.
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Ian Patrick Williams
5 scripts + 1 TV pilot
I’m trying to get representation
I’ve been a professional actor for 40plus years: http://www.ianpatrickwilliams.com-
I like your website. I need to find a way to incorporate my writing into mine. Right now it is all my fine art photography.
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I also enjoyed your reel.
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Joe Waldygo
I’ve written 3 TV pilots and 4 features. All thriller or action/thrillers.
In my day job, I’m a marketing/PR consultant and have a strong and diverse technology background in computers, software, IT, life sciences.-
I was when drsigne, information architect and finally a product manger in IT for decades. Out of now. Look forward to seeing your stuff.
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Oops I was a web designer
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I’ve got an IT question for you related to a story I’m writing and will probably use as my example for this class. Say some nefarious types have a website hosted somewhere in the Caribbean outside the boundary of US control. If a US senator wanted the site taken down or traffic from the US blocked to it, is that something he could get done technically?
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Hi Eric,
Thanks for the note and the interesting question. I’m not 100% certain of this answer, but here goes. I know certain countries (China and Russia) block the internet or parts of the internet from their general public, but not sure how they do it. I would guess if they can control the servers that provide the local internet connection, they it could possibly be done. They probably would not be able to block wireless connections coming from a satellite.
Also, from what I’ve read, there are thousands of fake Chinese sites/servers pretending to be News Organizations and/or US citizens on social media promoting political and other conspiracies. If it were possible to easily identify and block these sites, the US would probably do it as they seem to have no legitimate purpose.
I’ve read a little about Microsoft being able to block some things, but not sure how broad or specific they can be. I would search something about Microsoft’s ability to block dangerous international Web traffic.
Aside from the technical, there would likely need to be legal/legislative reasons and approval for doing so. Congress, Justice Department, etc.
So, my short answer is – probably not:-)-
thanks for the reply this helps. I thought they couldn't stop it but wasn't sure. I'm going to have the Senator hire someone to infiltrate the cult that has a satellite tracking device. Then he knows where the hidden cult is in the Amazon jungle and flies in with a helicopter only to trigger a Jonestown-type massacre. I need to do some more research or find a subject matter expert.
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This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by Eric Jr.
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This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by
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I should have asked the goggle first. I found an article from the Electronic Frontier Foundation that outlines how a country can content block but that they claim it violates UN Human Rights of free speech. So, that adds a wrinkle to my TV series where the senator first must convince congress and President of a content ban then get around UN laws. The website in question is raises alarm bells as a cult operating in another country but not technically breaking the law or at least out of their jurisdiction.
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I’ve taken a few SU courses and learned a great deal from them. I’m hoping to improve the quality of my pitches for every situation and opportunity I come across. And hopefully get representation.
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I’ll have to look into other classes here. Luckily I found and an excellent feedback loop from a UK writer. A lot of my money has gone to that to polish my latest pilot. But I couldn’t pass up this class.
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Who Is Eric Edge Jr?
Growing up in the suburbs of Houston, Texas, Eric was a creative child deeply passionate about writing, drawing, and painting. Over the course of 25 years, He found himself immersed in the tech industry and spent 5 years in Los Angeles. On weekends, Eric would wander the city with his camera capturing the marvelous or sit in coffee shops with a laptop dreaming up wild stories.Back in Austin, he decided to take a different direction. Eric pursued and obtained a photography degree from Austin Community College. Now, he devotes his time to personal photography projects and writing endeavors.
http://www.ericedgejr.comI don't recall the number of completed scripts but a dozen or more in various states. However, I consider them learning scripts and not ready for prime time. I'm reviewing old ideas and considering entirely rewriting now that my writing has greatly evolved. My latest project is probably the only one I would send out to anybody, to be honest. I found a professional writer who is giving me great feedback and helping me polish my writing and pitch.
I have a TV pilot that I'm excited about and how to hope to sell with the help of this class.
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This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by Eric Jr.
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This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by Eric Jr.
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This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by Eric Jr.
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For anyone remotely interested, I uploaded slides from a deck on my latest piece I'm working on The Serpent's Tongue in a photo album linked off my profile.
https://www.screenwritingclasses.com/members/eedgejr/photos/albums/10/I added another album of recent surreal self-portrait collages from a project called My Seven Deadly Sins
https://www.screenwritingclasses.com/members/eedgejr/photos/albums/9/-
This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by Eric Jr.
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This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by Eric Jr.
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This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by Eric Jr.
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This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by Eric Jr.
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This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by Eric Jr.
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This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by Eric Jr.
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This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by
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I added a Writings section to my website and included a synopsis of the TV pilots I'm working on
https://eedgejr.photofolio.com/Writings/1/caption
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This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by Eric Jr.
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Hello Everyone. My name is Rebecca (RS) Sukle. I’ve written 5 scripts with one in the works during my five years of taking classes at Screenwriting U. Although I’ve had similar content as part of the Binge Worthy and Writing Incredible Movies classes, I felt I needed a refresher course that also included AI. I hope to use AI as an additional tool. When not writing, I teach Yoga and work on turning our very active but cute golden retriever puppy into a good dog.
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I just started taking Hatha and Kundalini yoga in Austin two months ago. I’m loving it
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I’m super psyched about the AI stuff. I use image generators to create art and as visualizations for pitch decks. Then I use chatGPT helping to write a variety other things. Can’t wait to get my hands on these prompts
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This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by Eric Jr.
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This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by
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Good morning, I’m Marc. I sold a script to Fox 2000 twenty years ago, it was put into turnaround and then my business took off and focused on that. I’ve optioned 4 scripts, wrote a short that was produced, written two unpublished novels, one TV pilot, and one treatment for a kids film. Now I’m ready to get back in the game. I have six projects that are ready to go, one that I think is very marketable (we’ll see). My business book was the best-selling consulting book on Amazon for 20 years. Now that I’m done patting myself on the back, I simply want to get something made, and up on the big screen. Help!
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Wow…impressive
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Hello, Anna here. Currently, I live in British Columbia Canada and am hoping to be back in the UK soon.
I have written 5 scripts and am currently making efforts to sell one particular script. I have coverage and it has been very useful. I expect to learn effective marketing tools as I am weak in this area. I am committed to doing the work and anticipate measurable positive results, selling scripts. Weird? well my brother says I am a bit Sheldon. I don’t think so! Looking forward to meeting interesting people here on the forums.-
Curious where do you get your coverage from?
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Hi my name is Michael Wallace and I’ve written four screenplays, three of which I am ready to pitch. I have an extensive business background and have set up my own Production Company to help Produce my screenplays, if the opportunity presents itself. I’ve been through the Sundance Producers Lab, but know there is no substitute for experience. I hope to learn how to pitch in this class, and just as importantly what NOT to do, as you only get one chance to make a first impression. Looking forward to hearing everyone’s pitches and projects. Thank you, Michael http://www.newviewent.com
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Great first name Michael. Interesting concepts on your website.
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Hi, I’m an old writer and have a Master’s Certificate from 2017, I’ve written over 8 scripts. My most recent script received a recommend from Barb Doyon on the first round, and two of my scripts placed in contests; one in the top one hundred finalists and the other in the top one half. I have much to do although I have been retired 30 years because now that my husband has passed I have all the financial duties to continue addressing. My weakness is in marketing. This class should give me confidence and informatio as a refesher course. Classes I have taken are: Writing for Assignments, Profound, Thriller, Action, Comedy, AI, Binge Worthy T. V., Horror, Fresh and Edgy, Rewriteand some may be missing.
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Looks like few older writers here.
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I am Paul McGregor
I have written 5 scripts
Marketing is my weak point. I have a lot to learn from this class.
An Irishman in Mexico.-
An Irishman in Mexico, love it. I lived there for two years when I was younger and told my friends their that I was a naive Mexican, part of the Irish tribe:)
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Hello Michael,
I hope you have fond memories of the place. Where did you live in Mexico?
Good luck with the course.
Paul
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Hello all,
I’m Brad and I’m in Old Town San Diego.
I have one script so far. My ideas are mostly for comedies. When I go looking for a movie to watch, there are never enough good comedies. I’m interested in learning the business of how to pitch and make connections. I want to take my shot, so I’m here to learn how to make that possible.
I am an avid pinball player and own several games.-
What's your favorite classic pinball game? I used to love an old Adams Family one from the early 90s. The way Thing came out onto the board was amazing. Damn, I remember playing that one a lot at one of my favorite bars.
https://www.sacoffeeroasters.com/pinball/spooky-scary
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This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by Eric Jr.
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Taxi from 1988 is my favorite from that era. Bride of Pinbot is fun too. I mostly play new games from the last five years. Godzilla is the best.
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This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by
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Hello Everyone, it’s Michael Harris, Actor-Filmmaker. Over the last two years I have taken several of Hal’s classes, including the BW TV Series class with AI, the Thriller class with AI and several marketing classes.
I am currently in development on a feature titled, “Simon Sees” would love your feedback on my Proof of Concept trailer for the project which is posted on my LinkedIN profile “MichaelHarrisActor”.
I have produced over a dozen short films and one feature, on many of which I have been he screenwriter. I also have a feature “producer” credit.
2. How many scripts you’ve written? Over a dozen
3. What you hope to get out of the class? I hope to have a better understanding about the screenplay marketing process and develop a high quality pitch that will help me form production partnerships with power players.
4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? I grew up in a funeral home.-
I’m curious what are the AI components in those classes. I’m a big proponent of chatGPT. I use Midjourney with my graphic skills to make slick pitch decks.
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Similar to what we will be doing here in the second half of the course… Hal takes you through constructing an outline and all the various components using AI prompts, in the BW class he also takes you through creating a pitch deck that will sell, i.e. what you need, what you don’t need etc. Dealers choice on the AI service you use.
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What are the slides you need for a deck? if I may ask.
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I redid my deck for the piece I’m working on in class according to the second lesson of 10 components of marketablity.
Now, I have a cover, concept, tone and style, why it is attractive, an unimaginable horror (particular to my story as it summarizes the horror twist kept secret) and the final hook..
I’m debating whetherto include to synopsis pages that wouldn’t be part of the pitch but there in auxiliary if someone did want me to go through the plot.-
Hi Eric:
Sorry I didn’t see your messages sooner. Happy to look at your deck if you like and give input. I wouldn’t send the extra pages unless they ask for more. Remember you want them to request the script. That would give them the more they probably want. On the slides I think you are referring to pictures illustrating your deck which I think you have already taken care of per your second message. Love to be of help michaelharrisactor@gmail.com
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Just watched your Simon Sees video: super professional looking. I’d add a quick montage of the kid fleeing his knife-wielding antagonist. Put him in jeopardy so we can worry about him.
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Hello, I’m Danielle Dillard and I’ve written over 5 screenplays. I hope to learn a lot from this class. In addition to writing I enjoy reading and spending time with my family & friends.
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Hello,
My nam is Eden
I’ve written 13 scripts
I’d like to be able to build a list of contacts made up of the right power players who can say yes to one of my feature projects.
I’ve done volunteer work in Nicaragua setting up water purfication systems in local schools. -
Turnaround, been there.
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Hi everyone,
I’m Ashley. I have written one script and I’m starting the second. I hope to become an expert marketer of my scripts and enjoy the relationship building aspect. I work in communications at international organizations in Geneva, Switzerland. Looking forward to getting to know you. -
My name is Pamela. I studied to be a professional actress from about first grade till my sophomore year in undergrad school. At that time my Muscular Dystrophy came out of remission I was not able to carry out all the skills I had learned over the years. Decided to go a another direction, earned a Masters in Business and create a film production with a classmate from an online UCLA film production certificate. Our company was based out of London, England. We were in pre-production of our first film when my father passed away, my mother was diagnosed with dementia, my business partner learned she had cancer and we were told by our bookkeeper the third director of the company was doing things of a highly illegal nature. We decided to close the company. Despite this set back I continued to take classes and write and created my current company, Wordrider 42.
2- I have written 5 scripts with two others being sketched out.
3- I hope to acquire a solid understanding of AI in writing and the effective use of hooks.
4- I met and spoke with the late Charlton Heston when he was in SC filming “Chiefs”.-
I am sorry to hear about the collapse of your company. Good luck going forward. Go luck to us all.
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Name? David Ennocenti
2. How many scripts you’ve written? 11 Features and 3 TV Pilots & Series Bibles. Plus, several episodes of one of the TV series.
3. What you hope to get out of the class? I hope to find a manager or sell a screenplay.
4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? Once upon a time, I was an accountant. I was also a winner in Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition and a screenplay of mine was an Official Selection of the Artimus Women in Action Films Festival.
We look forward to working with you all! -
Hello you talented people! My name is Hunt, and I must apologize for missing the first week of class and just now being able to join the group. I’m mainly a theater director, but I did write and shoot one 30 minute short film which did all right in the festival world, and I worked in the industry quite a while ago. Stupid and interesting things for me from that time: Tom Petty once poured me coffee early one morning on a shoot, and then smiled and asked it I wanted any cream. And right before she connected with Bruce Willis, Demi Moore said I was the “hippest”! 😂 Yup. It was a long time ago!!
Looking forward to connecting with you all. – Hunt -
Hi all,
Dorian Goto Stone
I’m a filmmaker from the US, currently based in Japan.
I have written a half dozen shorts, one feature and one tv pilot (all specs). One of those shorts is a VR180 film (GEIMU, 2021) that I produced and directed and the other is a short film (Brothers, 2024) that I also directed.
From this class I hope to achieve the knowledge and tools to make my story ideas into clear, focused and marketable pitches. What Hal said about having this done before even writing the script really resonated with me. I am eager to achieve that high level of clarity.
Unique fact about me: I spent many childhood summers in Japan with the family of a martial arts master doing hard physical chores like Ralph Macchio’s character in the Karate Kid.
I look forward to our time together! -
Hi All,
1. Name
Aeolan Kelly
2. How many scripts you’ve written?
9 or so– I say “or so” because several others are in various stages of completion. That said, there are only a handful of those I’d feel comfortable sending out for professional consideration.
3. What you hope to get out of the class?
Inspiration, accountability, and to learn new ways of proceeding along the pro screenwriting path.
4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you?
I am a lifelong horse rider, and I played polo in college. Also, my grandmother was an exorcist, among other things. -
Hi to all persons and others: I am a reformed judge and a damaged writer. I used to be rather judgmental and I suffer from business writing syndrome. When you just do facts and law for 20 years, people only read your stuff because they have to. Like the want to know if they won or lost. So this excursion into screenwriting has been very humbling. It’s damn hard to get people to willingly, like ‘read’ my stuff without wanting to jump through (closed) windows. But I have a script written called Judge MoFo about a …you guessed it… a judge who’s a crazy MoFo. I’d like to effen sell it, like all you other mofos in here. Thx for reading and bon chance! Peter (P.S.: I’m in that wild country to the north.)
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congrats on joining this club, Peter, fellow Canuck, and older person too….i´d love to read the first ten pages of your script,,, in fact i´ll read the first ten pp of anyone´s !
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Hi I´m David Gollob, I´ve completed one script, have started and put aside several others… i suffer from a chronic neurodegenerative illness, and, like Michael } Fox, my life is a daily battle to NOT let it take over… there is no cure for Parkinson´s, except in my filmscript… but before you take out your Kleenex, i have a wonderful life here in Medellin, Colombia, i´m surrounded by warm, loving people who put up with my moods, including my fiancée – she calls me her ¨grumpy¨ and life is truly awesome…. i´m hoping to get the tools to take my pitching and writing to the next level… and i have every expectation that the results will amaze us all…i look forward to learning from and working with all of you…
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David:
It’s great you are moving forward and pursuing your work. So happy for you.
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Thanks Michael
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