Introduce Yourself To the Group

[Brendan Williams]

1. Name? Brendan Williams

2. How many scripts you’ve written? 5, I believe.

3. What you hope to get out of the class? Trying to be able to write first drafts in less time and learn how to break down my writing process over a month and basically not a year.

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? I do stand up comedy in the state of Maine.

[Renee Miller]

Hi, I’m Renee. I’ve written 3 scripts. I’m hoping to learn the process to write faster. Right now it takes me about 6 months to complete the first draft of a script. Something unique about me is that I was a member of the Junior Olympic Archery Development program and was on my way to the Olympics until I shattered my wrist in a freak gymnastics accident.

[Paul Mahoney]

1. Name? Paul Mahoney

2. How many scripts you’ve written? Approx. 12+ feature scripts

3. What you hope to get out of the class? Writing quicker, including greater character depth and a transformational journey

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? I almost failed my driver’s licence because I’m colour blind and no one told me that part of the test included identifying colours.

[Melanie Forchetti]

Hi there! I’m Melanie and I’ve written about 12 scripts. I’m looking forward to improving my system of writing screenplays – especially working on pacing and crafting the hero’s journey. I’m also a casting director 🙂

[Kristin Donnan]

Hi, I’m Kristin. I’ve written a half-dozen or so scripts over the years, and have found a lot of value in ScreenwritingU’s courses. In this class, I believe that in order to streamline “process,” the one-month structure likely integrates a lot of the overall techniques I’ve worked with into “one bite.” I’m also hoping it will help me to focus on efficiency. Unique? At the moment, I’m on the night shifts for a ranch, “calving.” No sleep, helping cows deliver, trying to escape their wrath when borrowing newborns to keep their ears (or whole bodies) from freezing. It will be (insert adjective of choice here) to do this while taking a class.

[Jena Bonna]

Hi Kristin,

Your ranch life sounds soooo fascinating! If you haven’t, you should write about it!

[Kristin Donnan]

Hi Jena!

How fun of you to say. I’ve been pondering it… looking at the characters…

Hmmmmm

[Dale Griffiths Stamos]

Hello, I’m Dale (that’s a female, not a male Dale). I have written 8 short film scripts and 3 feature-length film scripts. Six of my short scripts were produced (three of which I also directed) and have gone to multiple film festivals, winning some awards. I spent a number of years as a playwright – multiple short plays produced, and two full length scripts produced, one full-length workshopped. What I hope to get from the class is 1) firming up writing a transformational story 2) writing more quickly than I usually do. Unusual about me? I got a masters degree in Romance Lingustics and Literature. As such, I speak French fluently, Spanish well, some Italian, and even a smattering of Greek. Love learning languages!

[Rebecca Revak]

amazing life so far! It will be fun to read your character’s journey.

[Eugene Mandelcorn]

Wow, I would love to learn another language to be able think in another way. It is interesting how easy it is for some and difficult for others.

[Dale Griffiths Stamos]

Yes, Eugene. Back in the day when I taught languages, I learned indeed that some people have a certain inborn knack for learning a foreign language (not that it is an easy process but they have that going in) and some do not. I play piano and guitar, and I think having a musical ear makes pronunciation of foreign sounds easier. (I.e., an imitative ear.) When I am speaking French, in particular, it’s almost like acting the role of a French person – it feels like a different way of being.

[Dale Griffiths Stamos]

Thanks, Becky! Looking forward to seeing what you work on in the class as well!

[Bent Hanlen]

Hi my name is Bent Hanlen. I’ve written 5 so far and still occasionally tweak my first ever script that was my senior thesis in college.

What I hope to get out of this is a rhythm established on my end so that when I do writing assignments I will be aware of what must be completed to meet deadlines.

I love comedy writing mostly. I am stepping into the thriller horror genre now because I enjoy watching the work of others in that pool.

[Seana Graham]

Hi, I’m Seana. I’ve written a’ couple of longer scripts and a couple of shorter ones. I’ve taken a fair number of courses here. l’m taking this class because I’m eager to work on some new, longer material than the short stories I’ve been turning out over the last year or so.

I struggle to think of something unusual about me, but I always like the unlikely fact that my mom was from a fairly well to do family in Santa Monica and my dad was from a large dairy farming family in Illinois, but they ended up crossing paths in LIbya, where they were both connected to Wheelus Airbase. Of course, it’s completely unlikely that any of are here, really.

[Rebecca Revak]

your parents meeting… another testament to how small the world really is.

[Samantha Reynolds]

Hi Everyone!

My name is Sam and I live in Toronto. I have only written one feature script but a few short ones. I am excited to learn some writing techniques, especially as it pertains to character. One thing that is unique to me is that I was the best badminton doubles player in Canada as a teen.

[Jena Bonna]

I think it’s pretty cool you were a teen badminton champion!

[Rebecca Revak]

I second the “cool” on being a badminton champion!

[Nick DeRuve]

Hey Class,

My name is Nick DeRuve, I am a filmmaker here in Los Angeles. I just finished the ProSeries 77 course, and I see a few of my classmates are in here as well. Very exciting!

This will be my thirteenth feature length screenplay.

I hope to sharpen my tools as a writer, and complete a great script. Truthfully. Since the ProSeries ended, even though I have a script I am proud of, I have felt down. I am happiest when I am creating, so I am here to write something new, enjoy myself, and elevate as a writer and filmmaker.

Something unusual about me is that I have titanium rods in both femurs, and one kidney, unrelated circumstances.

Best,

Nick D.

[Kimberly Pinto]

1. Name: Kim Pinto, Chicago based but currently working from my home(town) in Western New York.

2. How many scripts you’ve written? 1 full length TV pilot script and the script for a short film I creatively produced (that’s still in rough cut stages). Some SNL style sketches (if those count). I also have a few WIP’s kicking around in Final Draft.

3. What you hope to get out of the class? To stop getting stuck midway through a draft, (or worse, getting stuck pre draft/after outlining out an idea)

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? I told my career counselor in high school that I wanted to be a screenwriter because I loved movies and TV, when the real reason was I wanted to be paid for the hobby/pastime that had sustained me since middle school, writing fan fiction. (I had a fanfiction.net account when I was fourteen. I met one of my best friends through the X-Files fandom. I was and still am that much of a nerd).

• This reply was modified 4 years, 1 month ago by  Kimberly Pinto.
• This reply was modified 4 years, 1 month ago by  Kimberly Pinto.

[Brandi Housel]

1. Name: Brandi Housel

2. I have started many scripts, but finished none.

3. I hope to develop a level of commitment that allows me to finish projects.

4. I have 6 cats and grew up in a haunted house.

[Mr. Brunken]

Good luck as you write your first completed script. Haunted house; I’d like to hear more about that one.

[Carl Estevez]

Hi,

I’m Carlos, a Protection Professional, entrepreneur reviving my passion for filmmaking. I’m happy to join this course and community to establish consistent writing frame-work. I wrote two short stories and on the verge of writing my first feature and pilot. A unique experience, being a visual and story consultant for major hip hop artists and brands.

[Chris Lee]

Hi, I’m Chris, I live in Los Angeles with my wife and spoiled Cockapoo, Dexter. I’ve written probably like fifteen or so scripts but I pretty much always abandon them after the first draft. Sometimes before. I think I like outlining more than I like actually writing.

My wife is a television writer and she encouraged me to take this class as a means of discouraging my procrastination, making deadlines and finishing my screenplay. HA! I’m in agreement with all of this, so that’s what I’m hoping to get out of it.

I own a 1962 Airstream trailer that I had converted into a mobile bar service for weddings, tv and film wrap parties, special events and what not.

[Jonathan Chan]

Hi Classmates,

I’m Jonathan Chan a New Yawker now based in Pasadena, California (where I get chilly when it’s under 60 degrees.)

I’ve written over a dozen feature scripts but they’re mostly first/second drafts. I’ve taken a number of classes through Screenwriting U and they’ve all been great experiences.

I’m taking this class to fill that creative void that’s been gnawing at me since I’ve been busy with wine sales. I’ve been guilty of not writing for weeks on end, so the daily exercises will do me good.

Something unique? I’m a former Whole Foods Employee of the Year for Downtown Los Angeles. (They presented me a Whole Foods Bubble Jacket that was 3 sizes too big for me.)

[Mr. Brunken]

I’m from Southern California in the Orange County area, although at the moment, I’m living in Asheville, NC. Pasadena is one of my favorite places in the greater LA area, and I’m with you in getting cold if the temperature drops below 60 degrees.

[Jena Bonna]

Hi Rodney,

I grew up near Asheville but have lived in L.A. for many years now! Many a day I’ve spent hiking around Mt. Mitchell and Linville Falls. I love Asheville!

[David Holloway]

Name: Dave Holloway

I’ve written three scripts.

I hope to get from this class a clearer idea of what a character arc entails and how to believably write one. I also hope to get an overview of the various elements of a screenplay.

Something unique? I once worked in a factory that made Gerber baby food. I hated every minute of it, and quit the job after one week.

[Patricia Towers]

March 15, 2021

Reply

1. Name: My name is Patricia Towers, single mother

2. How many scripts you’ve written? On paper-none. In my mind three.

3. What you hope to get out of the class? Completion of this journey-surprise myself.

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? I have been chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, for over forty years – A magical sound/music of the universe for inner peace,no one can take away! sgiusa.org -Unique Orlando Bloom explains why he chants on youtube..

Thank you, Patricia Towers

IMPORTANT: To post your answers to these questions, “Reply to this topic”.

I look forward to meeting all of you!
Cheryl

[Fred Seo]

1. Name? Fred

2. How many scripts you’ve written? 2

3. What you hope to get out of the class? I’d like to end up with a screenplay with a solid sense of structure.

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? I’m about to start my first real job as a surfing instructor this month.

[Mr. Brunken]

Where will you be teaching surfing?

[Judith Abernethy]

1. Name? Judy Abernethy

2. How many scripts you’ve written? 2 full, 5 short

3. What you hope to get out of the class? To get out of my head and to write from the empowerment standpoint of knowing.

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? I’ve learned the ways of the Shaman and have learned to enter different dimensions through the use of drums.

[Ricardo Williams]

1. Ricardo Williams

2. Three scripts.

3. I am hoping to tighten my script writing abilities.

4. There is only one of me. Boy, that’s strange, and unique at the same time. I can be very sarcastic and annoying to myself. I did Stand Up comedy a few times. I wasn’t very good at it. I did published a couple books. Sometimes I wish that I didn’t.

[Mr. Brunken]

Rod Brunken

This is my first.

The satisfaction of having my first script successfully completed.

I like to climb mountains in my free time and am in training to climb The Matterhorn in Switzerland this summer.

[Mr. Brunken]

• This reply was modified 4 years, 1 month ago by  Mr. Brunken.

[Sandra Nelles]

1. Name? Sandra Nelles

2. How many scripts you’ve written? 4 (3 features and 1 tv pilot)

3. What you hope to get out of the class? To write first drafts in less time, and to finish a script I started a year ago.

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? I belong to a virtual Toastmasters group for screenwriters.

[Eugene Mandelcorn]

Great advertisement for our SuccessMasters, Sandra!

[Pamela Rice]

Hi, my name is Pamela Rice.

The story I’m working on in this class (TANGLED UP) is my first script. I originally came up with the concept 2 years ago in Hal’s COMEDY class. Have been tinkering with it for awhile now, most recently in Hal’s THRILLER class. Looking forward to a finished draft in 30 days! It’s time to light this candle :0)

<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Something unique, special, strange or unusual about me? My husband and I run a Doggie Daycare & Boarding business. I’m almost always in the company of half a dozen or more dogs. They are part of my story’s inspiration.

[Janeen Johnson]

1. Name? Janeen Johnson

2. How many scripts you’ve written? 2 plus a little and 14 novels

3. What you hope to get out of the class? A better methodology for writing a script than I’ve used so far. My current methods are ponderous.

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? I’ve moved 36 times in the past 50 years.

[Ivy]

1. Name? Ivy Lee

2. How many scripts you’ve written? May be more than 10 scripts ( A few are in Chinese, a few are in English, a few are written with writing parters)

3. What you hope to get out of the class? I want to rewrite this drama script, and focus more on the characters’ internal conflict. It will be great to finish another draft in 30 days.

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you?

I’m originally from Hong Kong, English is my second language. I write stories because I want to direct. I’d directed a few shorts/ proof of concepts. My favourite genre is usually supernatural horror and comedy. Now, I’m taking this class to help me to finish a drama script.

Nice to e-meet everyone here!

[CK Love]

Hi everyone –

I’ve been taking SU classes for years now and have written 7 scripts, have 3 others on the back-burner, 2 pilots, 3 pitch bibles (incomplete), 3 concepts waiting in the wings, 4 shorts – 1 won a table read at a women’s festival, 3 placed, 2 in semis, 1 in quarter, prepped 2 to shoot this summer, shot 1 (my first), and prepping a new one I am writing now. I write haikus/poetry/prose for my IG account and for a graphic comic on IG that I started with an creative partner. I offer Programs for Creatives and teach yoga and meditation online. I hope to get the first draft of this concept completed by the end of the 30 days. Glad to meet you all!

Peace!

CK

[Carissa Steefel]

Hi fellow scribes;

A day late here.

I’m Carissa

I’ve written about 7 scripts.

I always need help with Act 2. I think this 4 act system will be a breakthrough.

I have the sense of humor of a 14 yo boy.

[mark Morris]

I’m Mark Morris. I have written 5 feature scripts, co-written 2 others as well as 2 horror- Si Fi TV pilots

My day job is cinematogapher/editor. I hope to use this class to complete a screenplay of a true story adaptation that I wrote in outline form 30 years ago.

I got into this business after I discovered a trunk full of scripts in my grandparents attic. I found out that my grandad was a writer and technical advisor at Fox during the 30’s and worked on Shirley Temple and Sherlock Holmes movies, among others.

[Carolyn Pierre Outlar]

Hi everyone,

My name is Carolyn Pierre-Outlar. I’ve written 5 webisodes, 3 1/2 hour pilot scripts, 3 short films and this will be my first feature film script. My hope is that I’ll finally complete my feature film script with the help of this class and that it will surpass my expectations.

Something fun about me…hmmm…I was once one of five members in an R&B girl group back in the day.

[Randy Weaver]

Hi, I’m Randy Weaver. I’ve written one Thriller Script. I finished the ProSeries 73 and also took the Thriller class. I’m currently enrolled in MSC 15. I hope to write/polish a sequel and prequel to my original script. Due to having Covid-19, and other unforeseen circumstances, I’ve had to stop classwork for a few months. I’m hoping to gain a quicker writing process to regain some of the learning I’ve fallen behind on. As an unusual point, my Aunt was married to one of the original Jesse James gang, while another relative was an Astronaut.

[John Trimbach]

Hi, John T here, looking to kick start a new way of getting it done having written 2 screenplays that probably took too long with another 3 in progress plus a serial. Here’s hoping to make something amazing in as short a time span as I’ve ever done. I once worked on a live set starring Mario Van Peeples – it was a real eye-opener. Time to open them again!

[T Potts]

My name is Terri. This is my first script. What I hope to get out of this class is a written script in 30 days. I like to take hikes surrounded by nature. It’s so peaceful…

[Anna Burroughs-Merrill]

Hi everyone. I’m Anna Erishkigal. I’ve got two completed feature-length scripts, the first season of a proposed television series, and about a dozen other scripts in various stages of completion.

What I hope to get out of this class? I’ve been STUCK on a concept forever. I’m hoping this class will kick me in the butt and help me get something outlined.

Something unique? I’m primarily a novelist, so I tend to switch back and forth between modes.

[Richard McMahon]

Name: Richard McMahon

How many scripts have you written: 12 Feature scripts.

What you hope to get out of the class: To get back into writing.

Something unique, special, strange or unusual
about you: I’ll post after I ask the wife.

[D. W.]

Hi all,

My name is Devin (she/her), and I’ve written two feature scripts, a TV spec script, and a few short film scripts. I’ve taken some other ScreenwritingU classes/programs. I’m looking for new writing techniques, but mostly accountability with writing regularly. I have a script that I started a year ago that I would like to complete, and I thought this course seemed like it might be a good opportunity to do so and rethink what has been done so it’s better – although I may pursue another idea. I love photography, logic puzzles, escape games, and (in normal times) travel. It’s nice to meet you all.

[Robert Gemmill]

Hey all,

I’m Robert, I’ve written 10+ scripts, mostly for TV.
I hope to finally defeat the movie 2nd act monster with this course.
I have too many ideas.

[Adam Revesz]

Hi!

1. Adam Revesz

2. 7 screenplays and 2 plays

3. Able to write faster and hone my process to be more repeatable. Also just learn new techniques in general. Oh and rewriting better.

4. Hmmm… everything?

[Mary Ellevold]

Name: Mary Ellevold

Scripts written: 5 web tv episodes, 2 screenplays

Hope to get inspiration, expertise, and courage.

Something unique: Am a Ventriloquist.

[Pat Shelby]

Pat Shelby here. I’ve written 2 theatrical scripts and 3 TV scripts. From this class, I hope to find a process for writing more quickly in order to build a library of good, high quality scripts. In college, I was in student government and had the pleasure of meeting Jesse Jackson.

[Rebecca Revak]

1. Name? Becky Revak

2. How many scripts you’ve written? 4 screenplays 5 plays

3. What you hope to get out of the class? Always learning to be better

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? Loved writing since I could do it. Have taken numerous grammar classes throughout my teens, 20s and well beyond. I’m still horrible at it. Always have someone to read after me!

[Jonathan Parks]

I’m Jon Parks. I’ve written several scripts. Wanna wrangle the basics once again and increase writing speed. Something unusual about me?… I was hit by a car at age 8 and I was a producer and editor for 2 U.S. Presidential candidates in a single year.

Ok, one of them actually won.

[Eugene Mandelcorn]

Which ones?

[Eugene Mandelcorn]

1. Name?

Eugene Mandelcorn: I believe I am the only person in the world with that name.

2. How many scripts you’ve written?

About 12 features and numerous other types of scripts.

3. What you hope to get out of the class?

Turn out more scripts in less time.

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you?

As a young man I came a fraction of the second from death. I changed from a person who was care free and did not know what I wanted to do with my life to someone with purpose. I decided I wanted to change the world for the better and that my vehicle would be the entertainment industry. I wrote a screenplay, and another and another. What I didn’t realize at first was that I was writing in a new genre, one that didn’t exist.

[James Newton]

My name is Jim Newton. I have taken many ScreenwritingU classes. I have written 5 feature scripts 3 of them for ScreenwritingU classes and 2 musicals. I have the ideas for 3 more holiday scripts and many others. In fact, I have a running Word document of them.

I need the motivation to get working on more scripts that this class will provide.

I am a cancer survivor.