Introduce Yourself To the Group

[Dana Abbott]

My name is Dana Abbott

I have written 3 scripts.

i’m taking the Pro Series to improve my skill set. There are things I’ve forgotten and things I never knew. I hope the class will help me to become a working screenwriter. And for me, there is no plan B.

I grew up in a house of five women but I write guy movies. I never pass swimming lessons but I’m now a certified scuba diver. I grew up in 49er territory but I’m a Dallas Cowboy fan. My life is nothing but irony.

[Cameron Martin]

Go Cowboys!

[Kendra Evans]

Yeah! Go Dallas!!

[Taz Chaudry]

Hi Dana. Irony is rich territory. Lucky you!

[Cameron Martin]

Cameron Martin

I’ve written 1 feature length screenplay, and a handful of shorts.

I’m hoping to improve my writing and acquire skills to help me start a career in writing scripts.

I’ve been diagnosed with Asperger’s and have a black belt in Taekwondo.

[Taz Chaudry]

Hi Cameron. I love martial arts.

[Antonio]

Hello, everyone! This is Antonio Flores.

I have written one script and have several others in different stages of development or neglect.

I was born in Mexico City and moved to Beijing in 1986 to research about the integration of martial arts in physical education programs. I graduated from the Chinese Sports University as a martial arts coach and taught the subject for more than 20 years in Beijing. My research work was published by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in the early 90s.

As a former journalist, I always had to adhere to the facts of the stories. Then, when my son decided to major in motion pictures and TV, he told me that the earliest screenwriters from Hollywood were former journalists, which set me off on this journey.

For years, I have participated in ScreenwritingU courses, which I like very much because they are developmental, expert skill-focused, and facilitate the understanding of the industry’s conceptual framework. It is time for me to link the dots and bring my skills to the next level.

Looking forward to learn along with and from everyone!

[Taz Chaudry]

Hi Antonio. Yay … we are on this journey together.

[Laura Woodworth]

Hi, all!

So glad to meet everyone. I’m a produced screenwriter and also a producer-director, a script consultant for Stage 32, and a development executive for Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles. I’ve written 7 features, 2 TV pilots and several short films and won some awards along the way.

I’ve found ScreenwritingU’s courses to be extremely valuable in honing my craft and elevating my writing. My schedule’s packed (whose isn’t?) and it’s a stretch to take the ProSeries at this time, but I know it will be well worth it.

Interesting fact – my involvement with the film and TV industry spurns from my passion to bring hope and light into the world. I come from a missions background, and I am still on a mission, using the power of media to reach beyond my natural sphere of influence.

Best of success to all!

-Laura

[Taz Chaudry]

Hi Laura.

Congratulations on your successes and love that you are on a mission (along with all of us) to continue to elevate your writing. I’m a new writer. Your introduction inspired me. Thanks.

[Kate Hawkes]

My name is Kate Hawkes.

I have written 4 screenplays.

I am taking this course because I intend to to make writing my full time activity, and want to get the stories into the world on a bigger platform than they have been (live theatre).

I am an Australian living in the USA for for more than half my life, horsewoman, theatre professional, arts-in-healthcare practitioner and trail runner. I still understand nothing about American football!

[Taz Chaudry]

Hi Kate.

We share a passion for horses.

[Lisa Paris Long]

Hello,

I am Lisa Long.

I have sold 1 screenplay. I have 2 others that I have been working on for a long time. And a stage play, as well.

I have taken several Screenwriting U classes over the years. I’m hoping this class will assist me in focusing my attention to complete what I’ve been working on.

I started my career as an actress…it didn’t last long.

[Taz Chaudry]

Hi Lisa.

[Kendra Evans]

Peace and Blessings to all of you in the New Year!

My name is Kendra al-Kaleem. I have written one script so far. I an so excited to take the ProSeries course! Here, I will be nurtured and my talent cultivated and developed into a skill; which is my goal for this course. This will be done within an amazing community of writing peers like yourselves and with awesome experienced teachers.

Something unique about me: You will feel like you have known me for a long time and you will have just met me! I am so grateful to be a member of this group! I look forward to working with you all in the forums!

[Taz Chaudry]

Hi Kendra.

[Private Student]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Missy (nickname). I am from the Chicagoland area and if you are up here, you already know it’s cold!!!!

Scripts:

I’ve written MAYBE 2, but I have 100 in my head. I’ve actually lost the manuscripts and am starting over.

I hope to gain professionalism in the class, understanding, a way to navigate the industry and be taken seriously. I hope to give place to my creative endeavors that I’ve been holding in a long time.

Strange:

I was born under the zodiac Cancer. If you know anything about us, we’re weird, full of paradox, always interesting. LOL.

Missy

[Taz Chaudry]

Hi Missy.

[Alice Eden]

Alice Eden

One script.

I am good with storytelling, have written a couple of those, happened to be not bad. Or else articles. I was well scored on High Concept. But, script is something completely different. I am complete zero in knowing how to do that. I’ m writing blindfolded, falling into common pitfalls, or escaping some of them by instinct.

I’m not sure, should I work on my script I tried to accomplish, or work on another idea I have as well.

English is not my first tongue. I am professional artist. I look much younger than my age, and feel the same, but the fact, I am not young anymore. I tried all kinds of gimnastics. Used to be a vivid reader, then started writing instead.

[Taz Chaudry]

Hi Alice.

[Wendy Levine]

Hi, I’m Wendy Levine, and I’ve only written scenes, mostly from other shorter ScreenwritingU classes.

I’m eager to learn the right way to write screenplays, to see if I have it in me to do this well, to actually finish a screenplay, and to hopefully have something worth marketing. I didn’t want to start just yet, but this class came along and figured it was a sign 🙂 Also, it’s winter in Chicago and I’ll be inside a lot (was 16 degrees Fahrenheit today, and that’s a warmup!), so now is a great time to take a class. I also have an acting background, and do improv now (umm Zoom improv), and I know this class will help make me a better actor…

For unique, there’s a Rembrandt painting at the Art Institute of Chicago of a young woman whom I look a lot alike, and even grammar school classmates of mine pointed that out when we used to visit.

Happy to be here with you all!

[Taz Chaudry]

Hi Wendy.

[Michael Dalby]

Hi my name is Michael Dalby. I have been writing scripts for a while but it is a challenge to fit in the time for writing scripts with work and family. I have completed three scripts. I live and work in Qatar in the Middle East which means that I am about twelve hours ahead of the class. I am still getting used to the time zone difference. What I hope to get out of this class is an increased likelihood that I will be able to earn money from writing scripts so that I can give up my current job. I grew up in Papua New Guinea so that has had a big influence on me and my thinking.

[Taz Chaudry]

Hi Michael.

[June f]

Hi, Ny name is June Fortunato

I’ve written 4 feature films, a 4-part TV series, 25 + shorts which include produced/distributed audio dramas (NPR – recorded, live broadcasts, web and stage) One of my short narratives broadcast on PBS. I wrote and directed an interdisciplinary “live film” which won 60 grants and international exposure. My goal in life, to be a director/writer, first for stage (more than 20 plays) then for audio-drama, then film, taught me how to write. It also taught me production and design- and I love it all. I taught Writing for TV, acting and film production in universities and a film school. I interior-designed houses. I audio mixed conferences for 25 years, too. (I loved the content and the different types of attendees.) Before covid, I worked as a production designer’s assistant and found locations for flims/commercials. I’ve gotten somewhat lost working with a writers’ group that writes only stories, and I haven’t written a feature in many! years so I hope to get back into features (compared to TV) and to take my work to the next level. I have hope that the discipline and different ways of thinking in this class will help me to achieve that. Unique? My ability and love of coaching other people, I have a quirky sense of humor; am pretty good at dialogue and structure. I find creativity in almost all activities. (I recently took a sewing machine apart and couldn’t figure out where all the pieces go…)

[Taz Chaudry]

Hi June.

[Dwight Tincher]

Hi everybody!

My name is Dwight Tincher.

I have written two screenplays.

The main thing I want to get out of this class is to gain the skills needed to earn a career as a writer.

As far as something unique about me, I was born in Washington D.C. when Eisenhower was president. Not only is he the one I was named after, but he also fed me one of my first bottles.

• This reply was modified 3 years, 4 months ago by  Dwight Tincher. Reason: I forgot to mention how many screenplays I have written

[Taz Chaudry]

Hi Dwight.

[Jon Carlson]

Hi everyone!

I’m Jon Carlson from the SF Bay Area. I’ve written four feature scripts, some spec tv and many shorts. I’m trying to hone my skills as a screenwriter and get to the professional level. I’m a biker who’s also a huge fan of William Shakespeare. I look forward to this incredible journey.

JonCCC

[Taz Chaudry]

Hi Jon.

[Nancy Kates]

Hi Folks–

My name is Nancy Kates. I’ve written two scripts so far, though neither is entirely completed.

I’m hoping to hone my skills and take them to the next level–I think I have decent ideas, but I’m weak in some areas, particularly trying to get inside the heads of my protagonists.

Something about me: I’ve had a career making serious documentaries, and also like to tell jokes, so my mid-life crisis seems to be about trying to learn comedic narrative screenwriting.

[Taz Chaudry]

Hi Nancy.

[anna harper]

Hello, my name is Anna Harper. I have written one script. I hope to learn enough to create a quality script that sells.

Something unique about me; I have lived and worked in various parts of the world, my native country is the UK. Currently I live in British Columbia, Canada.

[Taz Chaudry]

Hi Anna.

[Justina Mitchell]

Hello, future friends!

My name is Justina Mitchell.

I’ve written four full-length screenplays, one short, and three short stage plays.

One of my scripts won the Virginia Screenwriting Competition in 2019, and another became a finalist in the same competition in 2021. I imagined that producers would seek me out after my winning screenplay, but not even an email did I receive from aloof Hollywood. From this class I hope to learn how to turn my screenplays into catnip for those Hollywood cats and gain the confidence to deliver those screenplays into their paws.

Something unusual about me is that I have shed 120 pounds in the past couple years using the Bright Line Eating program. Oh, and I have a Russian Blue cat who occasionally assists me in my writing.

[Taz Chaudry]

Hi Justina. Meow. I’m a cat lover too.

[Matthew Frendo]

Matthew Frendo

I’ve written 7+ scripts

I hope to enhance my screenwriting and marketing game.

I was a philosophy major in college and that seems to have a big influence in my writing.

[Taz Chaudry]

Hi Matthew.

[Michael Katz]

Hi classmates, ntmu, my name is Michael Katz.

I am beginner level. Though I have taken several writing courses, including McKee and Freeman, and purchased several software programs, including Dramatica and Save The Cat, I have yet to complete an entire feature script((( I have written 1 TV drama spec pilot. I have experience as a television executive, having worked in scripted and reality show development at NBC and FremantleMedia. I’ve had a few reality shows optioned. Now I am a freelance writer, my latest gig as a book editor.

My lofty goals for this class are to complete a commercially viable script, and then sell it shortly thereafter!

From philadelphia, love philly sports, I like sushi and chicken and waffles equally much, we have 2 Australian Labradoodles, and I make enough money to live in LA by trading stocks.

[Taz Chaudry]

Hi Michael Katz.

[Taz Chaudry]

Greetings and Salutations. My name is Taz.

Scripts written: 0 (that would be zero … the beginner’s beginner)

My intention for the class: learn new skills, elevate my writing, and have fun being creative while I learn. I want to experience a level of flow and freedom in my body that allows me to access my imagination without judgement or criticism. I’m looking forward to challenging my ability to think and create quickly (creativity on-demand like an extension of fast write). I’m really here to play while learning AND level up my writing. I have some goals yet the MAIN goal is to show up for myself – fully. I want to complete EVERY assignment, give lots of feedback on the skills we learn (so I can really learn it) and I want to do this the easy way!

I’m a life long learner that loves exploring energy, the mind-body connection, and the realm of the mystic. My recent inquiry into spoon bending was a success – I bent a fork (it was a 3 hour tour). I have an on-going interest in the relationship between the flow of energy and our health (think Quantum Touch, CranialSacral Therapy, Polarity Therapy). I’m an expert hypnotist. Movies themes I like: I’m a bit of a space and time-travel junkie. Oh, and I like to wear hats.

[Añya Booker]

Hello All,

My name is Anya, and I’m thrilled to be in the ProSeries with all of you.

I have written 8 scripts. The sixth one was optioned.

One of my favorite experiences is the joy of inspiration. For instance, when some aspect of character development, a clever scene, compelling dialogue, or script structure just “comes to me”. I want to learn to write faster while making use of those inspired moments as well as the gritty, work of creating every other element needed for my stories to soar. At this point, I’m challenging myself to reach a fully evident level of mastery as a storyteller and clearly realized success as a reoccurring, greenlit writer/director/producer.

I am the mother of a child who could tell time at the age of 2. Another one of my life’s joys is witnessing his mind at play.

[Keya Murthy]

My name is Keya Murthy, I guess my name will show up when I hit “Post”. LOL!

To make it easy for you, call me Kay-ya.
I have written ZERO scripts – so brand new here.

I would love to learn how to write a sellable script and all the art and science of scriptwriting, pitching, working with a producer, etc.

I worked as a tutor of science, maths, language for seven years while I was a student. For sixteen years I worked as a software engineer. Got a degree in physics honors and a master’s in computer science. Lost my job in 2001, went back to school, studied to be a clinical hypnotherapist. Have been working as a clinical hypnotherapist, spiritual life coach, energy medicine practitioner at the Ventura Healing Center for sixteen years.

Have written eleven books so far, and published them on amazon. I love to learn and share.

I write every day.

[Anita Gomez]

Anita’s Introduction

Hi all,

After some tech challenges, I will try to re-introduce myself.

Anita Gomez.

I’ve written 7 scripts, one currently optioned at Hallmark.

I used to work in TV, years ago in the news biz, and later mainly by producing mini-docs and several feature documentaries and doing post-production work.

I am determined 2022 will be the year I sell one of my spec scripts and trust the PROSERIES helps turn that key.

I moved from LA to So Oregon years ago and have worked on many local projects (films, commercials, and client web pieces). Now it’s time for my own work to get out into the world!

I look forward to working with you all.

• This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by  Anita Gomez.
• This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by  Anita Gomez.
• This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by  Anita Gomez.

[Kate Hawkes]

I am wondering – each time we do the 12 Formats are we meant to be working with the original 2 seed ideas? or with 2 of the new ones generated? and for lesson 4 (Thursday) do we do it wth 1 or 2 of them?

Thank you

[Dana Abbott]

Hi Everyone

I just received notice that I forgot to introduce myself to the group. I’m currently enrolled in the 30 Day Script class, too. And I just finished Marketing. So I got a little confused.

I have written 3 scripts. Two years ago and one more recently. I’ve taken a few classes on scripting, but ScreenwritingU has the most intense course structure I’ve even taken. I’m learning more from these courses than any other class or books I’ve written.

I have also written an unpublished novel. And these classes have helped me understand what I was doing wrong with its structure. And I hope to take what I learn in the ProSeries and use it to rewrite my novel and subsequently another script.

[Annamarie Maricle]

My name is Annamarie Maricle.

I’ve written three screenplays (with partners) and started several others that haven’t been finished.

During this course, I plan to improve my writing skills. I also want to improve my ability to write faster so I can complete all of the coursework.

For most of my career, I’ve been an extreme “shadow artist,” as defined by Julia Cameron in “The Artists Way” – someone who supported the work of others while not nurturing my own creative spark. For many years, I worked for nonprofit arts organizations (mostly in theatre) as a fundraiser and grant writer. It’s been a wonderful journey, but my own creative projects usually got pushed aside so I could meet one more deadline… About eight months ago, I started working for a nonprofit that provides programs for neurodiverse adults – we even have a film and media studio (which is why I decided to work there.) Right now, I’m a bit anxious about how I will manage to juggle an intense new job and dive back into writing – but I want to finish the ProSeries.

[Zohar Rom]

Hi, I’m Zohar Rom. I haven’t completed a full-length script. I’ve written, directed, and produced short films.

I hope to learn skills so I can create compelling stories that inspire compassion. I want them to get made and seen.

Something unique about me: I performed on a couple of hip-hop dance teams. (It’s hard for me to believe too.)

[Michael O’Keefe]

Name is Michael, a big ‘hello’ I hope everyone is as amped about the course as I am.

I have written 15 scripts: 12 spec scripts, 3 television pilots.

I look to improve my script writing skills. I have taken two other classes with Hal and they have proven invaluable.

Something unusual about myself: I have spent twenty years working simultaneously in two different industries, business and academia. I’ve been a CFO and an English professor, a Marketing Director and a Human Resources Manager, taught online and owned a securities firm.

I look forward to working and learning from everyone of you.

[Mackenzie Flohr]

Hello, everyone!

My name is Mackenzie Flohr. I’ve written 1 TV pilot, which was adapted from my fantasy novels. My goal is to continue to hone my craft and be able to apply skills I have learned in previous classes taught by Hal, and will learn in this class, to any script I will write in the future.

Fun fact: You will often catch me at comic conventions as a speaker/guest talking about writing and Doctor Who during panels.

[Jon Carlson]

Hi Everyone!!

Sorry that I’m posting this so f**King late, but as usual I’ve bitten off WAY more than I can chew. No worries though… I’ll catch up!

I’m Jon Charles Clayton Carlson or JonCCC for short. I live in the SF Bay Area. I’m a writer/filmmaker & SAG actor. Last year around this time I had a NDE and it was then that I decided to really go after my dream. I’m looking forward to getting to know some of you and reading your work.

Thanks so much!

JonCCC

[Jonathan Terra]

My name is Jonathan Terra.

I’ve written two different versions of a TV series pilot. One reflects a story concept that eventually changed to something quite different.

I want to improve my overall skill-set as a screenwriter who is primarily oriented toward the TV series and limited series format, although screenwriting for film is something I also want to be capable of doing. I also hope to arrive at a place where writing teleplays and screenplays becomes something I am able to do with the level of joy, confidence and competence with which I’ve been able to do other things where I’ve reached a certain level of achievement.

I am a political science Ph.D. who taught undergraduates and graduate students for several years, mostly in comparative politics and regime change. I’ve also worked as a security & strategic communications analyst (most recently for a NATO project aimed at countering “hybrid threats” from Russia), documentary film producer and media commentator (I still publish on security-related topics).

I also held a non-political appointment as a US diplomat in Afghanistan for the better part of two years before it all recently went tragically south. Part of my work there was managing a public awareness campaign aimed at Afghans using the short documentary format for TV and radio (I produced 18 of them). I also did political reporting (i.e., writing “cables” for the Embassy in Kabul and State Department HQ in Washington) and worked on projects supporting the rights of Afghan girls and women. During the part of my diplomatic tour when I was based in Kabul I was also the US Embassy project liaison to the Afghan Ministry of the Hajj & Religious Affairs.

Although I’m originally from Northern California, I’m a dual-national and I’ve been based in Central Europe for most of the past 25 years.

The last quarter century of living and working in unusual environments, combined with my professional, academic and linguistic background, has given me considerable material for storytelling. I hope this course will improve my ability to to this.

(Please note that I am only now beginning the course at the end of January. I hope to catch up soon.)

[Arthur Anderson]

Hey. My name is Arthur.

I’ve written three feature scripts and one TV Pilot. I’ve done uncredited rewrites on three produced feature films and written one episode on a ½ TV series.

I’m taking this course because most of my work is the production end of features and TV shows and I want to improve my writing skill set.

In college, I did stand-up comedy and produced, wrote, and directed comedy commercials for local ad agencies.

[Matthew Iott]

Hello,

Typical of me, I am just now discovering this forum and that we were supposed to introduce ourselves…:/ Anyhooo… Apologies. I’ll be more on the ball here on out.

I’ve written 1 feature length script and one pilot. I am primarily an actor but because that business is so frigging easy, I decided to give scriptwriting a shot. Easy peasy, right? But seriously, I’m looking to become a more skilled writer and develop the skills to go from seed idea/concept/brainstorm to the page. More or less, at this point, I am Jon Snow and I know nothing.

I’ve been lucky to travel the world, have lived in New York, London, Montana and Minnesota as well as my home state of Vermont.

Looking forward to digging in and meeting everyone.

[anna harper]

Hello, Anna Harper here. I live in Agassiz BC Canada at the moment. Various films have been shot here, most recently a Hallmark movie. I don’t think Agassiz will be on the location of choice list this year, as we have been plagued with a series of climate change disasters. Not good for shooting. I have taken a few ScreenwritingU classes, am almost ready to market the first script, and have started on the second, also releasing novel 3 end of February. Hope get to know people in the group who are further along so I can learn from them. Thanks for stopping by.

[Mhmd AbuRayan]

Hi every one, I hope it’s not too late for this.

My name is Mhmd AbuRayan. I’m a screenwriter. Since 2005, I wrote 5 short scripts , 3 features, 1 uncomplete series and 4 documentaries.

During the pandemic, and after many years of being a screenwriter, I get to Hal’s Fridays free calls and I discovered that I’m not that good writer as I’ve been told. Every one of these calls gave me a lot of useful and insightful elements. Now, I’m targeting some of the platforms to turn my series in. So, I am here in Pro series because I believed this is the right way to get every thing done professionally, either inside the writing process or outside with the market.

I grew up in a radical environment. I watched no television, I was forbid of reading novels, and no one told me tales in my childhood; So I’m a self-made person who built his storytelling ability from scratch.