Introduce Yourself To the Group

[Ramsey Anderson]

Hey creative folks!! I’m Ramsey Anderson and I have completed five features and something unique about me is that I created / produced a game show for night club DJs for many years at electronic music festivals. ThinkYouCanDJ.com I love writing and also production and post-production.

My goal with the class is to complete the re-write of one of the features that I recently completed. I’m toying with the idea of starting a new feature also but just depends on the level of support of the program; to be honest.

Excited to meet you all~

Rams

[Joseph Tobin]

Hi fellow writers!

I’m Joe Tobin. I’ve written more screenplays that I can count. I sold two of them… I’m currently in MSC-15, where I completed a phase 3 script; and I signed up for this class to write a script from a 2nd high concept for a thriller that I developed in that program. Looking forward to learning with all you folks!

[Michael O’Keefe]

Good evening,

My name is Mike, I have written a number of drama, sci-fi and para-psychological scripts. I am looking forward to learning and mastering the Thriller genre. I have taken a glass before with Hal and it was truly enlightening. He is a master at processes and procedures. You will not be disappointed. One tip, do not fall behind. Tackle each day and the insights will come. Don’t get bogged down.

[Desiree Poteet]

Greetings, Fellow Screenwriters!

I have written a number of short and feature-length screenplays. (Around 20?) Several of my shorts were made into short films. Some feature-length ones have done well in competitions.

Although I have always enjoyed a good thriller, I have never considered writing one, but I want to explore this genre and challenge myself and grow as a writer.

I live in Hawai’i and teach English composition, film literature, screenwriting and other courses at a community college.

I look forward to being in this class with other film fans!

Cheers!

Desi

[Meg Stout]

I’m Meg [Tzu-yun Chiu] Stout. I’ve written several scripts and apparently all my best ideas really need to be limited mini-series rather than features…

As thrillers and horror movies are two genres that are particularly in demand, I am looking to master the thriller genre!

Years ago a counter-espionage agent was obsessed with me. When I wouldn’t sleep with him, he threatened suicide then, unable to do the deed, asked that I strike the fatal blow.

[Sophia Banks]

Hi, I am sophia, I have written a couple of shorts and co-written a few screen plays.

Thanks

[ATAUR BACCHUS]

Hi all

I am Ataur Bacchus. I have written short stories (from very short flash fiction to 2500 words, with moderate publication success) and a dozen (mostly short) screnplays for contests.

I plan to use the lessons for successive passes/reviews of my skills and writing.

“Unusual”, maybe? – I have had a satisfying engineering career, but my early education had a distinctly classical turn, including Latin and literary criticism – one of my kids has cautioned me against “Dickens imitations”

Wishing everyone the best and looking forward to chugging along with you.

[Noree Victoria]

Hi, I’m Noree Victoria.

I’m currently in MSC16, and I’ve written one script that I’ve had with me for the past year. I’m in the process of making a deal on it, along with simultaneously being in rewrites with producer notes. Our attorneys are hashing out a few last details.

I’m taking this class specifically to elevate the script I have. I started it without knowing about the thriller map , and found out I should have one by taking the free class Fridays. The main issue that I find myself in is layering in reveals without flashbacks. I am grateful to learn that I have most of the other thriller elements in it from listening to the opening call and from the feedback I’ve received from the producers.

One unique thing about me – I used to teach high school biology and I am from Baltimore. Just about everything I write is either:

-layered with scientific themes about things that could ultimately lead to human extinction, or…

-has an element of surviving in a city that has MANY hidden real-life secrets built into its infrastructure.

[Renee Miller]

Hi Noree,

I’m also in the MSC 16. Glad to see a familiar face and excited to see what you do with your script.

Renee

[Edward Gadrix]

Hi: I’m Eddie Gadrix, from Hotlanta. i’ve written 1 feature, 1 hour-long TV pilot, 1-short, and adapted a stage play for a SAG film that was shot this year (pandemic notwithstanding) and is in post-production. My original projects have been action/adventure, and I want to tackle the thriller genre. Moreover, it may punch up my other material.

[David Mailman]

Hi everyone.

David Mailman

One completed first draft. Needs serious work. Eight in idea to basic plan stages.

The ability to write a script that pleases me: and, maybe, wins a few contests.

First, my age: 83. I was a professor of physiology for 41- years. I loved every minute of it. I retired 16-years ago. I’ve always considered movies the greatest art-form, so I started taking film-making courses. I wrote or directed half-a-dozen short films that were shone on local TV; only one of which was worth anything. I also made a feature length documentary DVD on nautical history. It sold six-copies, but I didn’t put much effort into marketing it. I also worked on a “real” film on the craft table, as a set dresser, face-in-the-crowd and general factotum. I call it “a real film” because it had a budget.

About three-years ago I started writing scripts. One problem with being an academic and scientist is that I deal in stories that are believable and sterile. Also, I deal in text, not subtext. This attitude makes writing commercial movie scripts very difficult.

[Noree Victoria]

What a fascinating backstory. I used to teach high school biology and we may have similar interests in storytelling.

[Gayle Robinson]

Hi everyone, I’m Gayle and I’m excited about this class. I wrote a 30 min. comedy pilot, sketch comedy script, and a sci-fi romantic feature. I’ve also finished two and half books of a family saga and an inspirational romance novel. This class will help me turn my 5th novel, a thriller, into a feature script.

[Jane Turville]

Hi everyone,

My name is Jane Turville and I’m so glad to be joining you for this exciting adventure! I have written 7 narrative features and numerous short narratives, including those for short films that I’ve made. I have my own film production company which specializes in educational films and films that highlight environmental and social issues and challenges. I have never written a thriller before and so I’m eager to learn the processes that will help me create a great story. For my unique or unusual comment – I’m currently producing and hosting a podcast called THE PEOPLE FACTOR, to focus on the intersection of overpopulation, sustainability and human well-being.

[Leo Sopicki]

Hello Creative People.

I am Leo Sopicki (last name pronounced like “rather choosy”).

I have completed four feature length scripts, written and produced four shorts, and currently am writing skits for the Mad Circus Comedy YouTube channel ( https://www.youtube.com/MadCircusComedy ).

I’ve never written a thriller before. When I began the idea I will work with in this course, I thought it was an action script. When I read Hal’s descriptions of the genres, I realized there was one critical element that made it more of a thriller. So, here I am.

Something about me? I’ve always been telling stories. But the stories faded away over time. That’s why I want to tell a story for a feature film which will still be here long after I am gone.

[Renee Miller]

Hi, I’m Renee. I’ve written four features over the last several years. I recently optioned one of my horrors and it looks like they will start filming in the spring. I am also currently in MSC-16 and starting the third phase, so I hope to be able to use what I learn in this class on the next script that we are writing for that class.

Something unique, special, strange, or unusual about me is that I also write interactive fiction audiobooks, basically, they are choose your own adventure books but in audio form.

[Linda Kish]

Hi everyone!

I’m Linda Kish from Austin, TX.

I’ve finished four scripts and am currently working on two others.

During MSC-12 I realized one of my weaknesses is I haven’t mastered the conventions of the genres I’m writing in and as a result my stories lack genre clarity and aren’t as strong as they could be. My goal is to master this genre and gain more insight into how to write powerful thrillers.

[Rachelle Storti]

I’m Rachelle and have written exactly zero (feature length) scripts. I have five shorts and several partials of dialogue or description; loads of journaling and conceptualization.

I would love to be able to remain focused and complete assignments on time, as this has been a struggle in the past. Mostly, I hope this class teaches me how to turn my concepts into thrillers that engage and puzzle audiences. Also, more confidence in my abilities and encouragement towards a screenwriting career.

It might not be unique in a group like this, but I use my dreams to solve problems and as a source of inspiration. I believe in the wisdom of my subconscious visions!

[Gordie Cowan]

Hello, all.

I’m Gordon (Gordie) Cowan. I am nearly finished with the first draft of my third feature script. I’ve not yet attempted to market either myself or any screenwriting projects thus far.

This class is intriguing where my current feature is an action thriller.

Best, G.

[Kathy]

Hi,

I am Kathy Hewitt. I have written four scripts. I have taken several ScreenwritingU courses, and always learn so much. I am looking forward to this class very much.